
Why We Work
Book
Part of the TED series: Why We Work Why do we work? The question seems so simple. But Professor...

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Murder on Sisters’ Row in Books
Aug 14, 2020
While the book delves into a serious subject, it does it without forcing the details on us, something I appreciated as I read. Instead it does an excellent job of bringing life in 1890’s New York City to life once again and shining the light on another part of society during the time. I love Sarah, Frank, and the rest of the gang. While all the characters shine, there isn’t any movement in the ongoing storylines, so you could jump in here without being too lost. The new characters represent a wide part of society, and they are all brought to life well. The plot kept me engaged. I was a step or two ahead of Sarah and Frank at times, at others I was heading in the wrong direction. Everything comes together for a page turning climax. I’m doing my best to catch up on this series. If you are as behind as I am, you’ll be delighted with this entry in the series.

Legendborn
Book
After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her...

Wild Magic (The Veil Chronicles, #1)
Book
It only takes one to upset the balance of magic. The magical barrier known as the Veil is all...
Lesbian Urban Fantasy Magic

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated City of Fortune in Books
Dec 8, 2022
Obviously, this is more a caper than the typical mysteries I read, and I enjoyed the change of pace. I did feel the plot could have used an additional twist or two and some personal stakes for Elizabeth to truly draw me in, but I still really enjoyed it. And there are a couple of twists, one I didn’t see coming. The characters are strong. Elizabeth and Gideon are great lead characters, and we continue to get to know them well as we see the story unfold from both of their points of view. There are some funny moments that come from the characters including one line that really made me laugh. The 1919 setting is brought to life wonderfully as well. This is a fun addition to a fun series.

Merissa (12969 KP) rated The Curse of Lord Stanstead (The Order of the MUSE #1) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
The Order of the M.U.S.E. is a secret society that you learn about as you go on. They have various members who are capable in various ways. The latest 'recruit' is Cassie, an emergent fire mage who needs help controlling her element. But this is also during the time of the 'mad King George' and it is the Order's job to protect royalty against any who would harm them. Where there is yin, there is yang and although it is only mentioned in passing, you are left with the impression that there is another Order there who seeks to harm, not help.
This is very well written and gives you a good insight on the ton and the rules and regulations that would need to be followed to be part of Polite Society. The plot is smoothly written and moves along at a fair pace, never slumping.
A warm-hearted story with a hint of mystery, a dash of the paranormal and more than a tinge of hot romance. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 28, 2015

Aftermath: Life in the Fallout of the Third Reich, 1945-1955
Book
Germany, 1945: a country in ruins. Cities have been reduced to rubble and more than half of the...
History Non-Fiction Germany World War 2 Politics 20th Century

Murder on Wall Street
Book
Midwife Sarah Brandt Malloy and her detective husband, Frank, must discover who killed a...

ClareR (5906 KP) rated Love Orange in Books
Jan 23, 2023
I can see why Jenny becomes increasingly frustrated with Hank - from his constant references to his Viking heritage, to his Mindfulness - he has little time for her.
Jenny hates her job, and decides to do something meaningful by writing to a prison inmate. She looks forward to receiving his letters that smell of oranges and taste rather too nice when she licks them. To be fair, it seems reasonable to lick an envelope (yes, I know how this sounds!) if it helps her though the daily drudgery and having to put up with in-laws who clearly dislike her.
Jenny’s life may look perfect on the outside, but it’s anything but that.
There’s a rather sizeable reference to the opioid crisis in the US that I found interesting, but what I found MOST interesting was how Jenny appeared to be completely hollowed out by her boring life, the lack of attention and care she gets from her husband and children, and what’s expected of her from society. I’d want to escape her life too.
There’s some seriously dark humour in this, and it does come across as bleak. But I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Yours and Mine: A Serrulata Saga Romance Novella
Book
She told a lie. He confirmed it. Now they’re secretly betrothed against their families’...
Adult Historical Romance Novella