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The Shopkeeper's Widow
The Shopkeeper's Widow
Izzy James | 2020
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I love the era that this book was set in! The American Revolution was an is a time of difficult decisions and torn loyalties which Izzy James portrays in very well laid out detail. I believe that this book is standalone.

The main characters Delany and Field were very interesting. They made some very hard decisions, and by the end of the book, you could vividly see their growth as a character. I liked Delany’s strength and fortitude through her trials in life (I can only hope to weather life like her!) and Flint really seemed to come to life through the story. I enjoyed Izzy James’ portrayal of what indentured people went through and how some of them overcame their circumstances. Mixed along with the ever-increasing threat of war, I thought this book was very intriguing. I will say that I had a hard time getting into it at first, I think due to the way the characters speak, but after a couple of chapters, I started to enjoy the flow of their words.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the themes presented, the interesting time period, and the well-done characters. I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
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Paul Weller recommended Odessey and Oracle by The Zombies in Music (curated)

 
Odessey and Oracle by The Zombies
Odessey and Oracle by The Zombies
1968 | Rock
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"In my mind it conjures up those crisp autumn days. The first time I ever heard this record wasn't at the time [of release], it was a few years later. They put it out as part of a double album. That was the first time me and my mate [and early Jam member] Steve Brookes heard it. Steve lived near Woking Park and it was autumn time, so I guess that's always been part of it for me in terms of the sensations that it brings up. It's almost like a concept album in sonic terms. Like a suite almost. I went to see them about five or six years ago where they played three nights at Shepherd's Bush Empire - I went to at least two of them - where they played the whole album with the original line-up. That was really special. So many people that I talk to love that record, from all over the world as well. It's amazing that it's taken over 45 years for it to sink in. I like the English melancholic thing to it. It's something that's in the English psyche anyway, innit? Something to do with our appalling weather. It's probably my all-time favourite record. Whenever I've spoken to people who've never heard it I always try and go and buy them a copy."

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Merissa (11953 KP) rated Eira in Books

Aug 5, 2021  
Eira
Eira
Adrian J. Smith | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
EIRA is a standalone novella giving The Snow Queen a FF fairytale retelling.

The descriptions of the national park, the weather, the hut, all those sorts of things were absolutely brilliant. I could see them so clearly in my mind as I read, which is always a good thing.

What I didn't like so much were the main characters themselves, which kinda makes it awkward! I didn't really feel any connection between them, not helped by the long periods of time that slipped them both by without them being in contact.

The other thing was when Kay had been told about the curse. She goes to the library and searches out information on Gwyn, finding out she was a historical figure who just disappeared. Then she makes a connection to fairy tales and decides - with no real proof, just a hunch - that Gwyn is The Snow Queen and she knows how to save her. I love fantasy and paranormal but even I found this to be a stretch of the imagination.

Overall, this was a nice coffee break book that I enjoyed but it is a one-and-done for me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!