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The Sanatorium
7.5
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Book
You won’t want to leave...until you can’t. Half-hidden by forest and overshadowed by...
Suspense Gothic Contemporary Switzerland
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Sugar Money in Books
Oct 16, 2021
168 of 250
Book
Sugar Money
By Jane Harris
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Martinique, 1765, and brothers Emile and Lucien are charged by their French master, Father Cleophas, with a mission. They must return to Grenada, the island they once called home, and smuggle back the 42 slaves claimed by English invaders at the hospital plantation in Fort Royal. While Lucien, barely in his teens, sees the trip as a great adventure, the older and worldlier Emile has no illusions about the dangers they will face. But with no choice other than to obey Cleophas - and sensing the possibility, however remote, of finding his first love Celeste - he sets out with his brother on this 'reckless venture'.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book if I’m totally honest. It was an adjustment at first and I started to enjoy it then I kinda lost my way with it. The relationship between the brothers is endearing and develops so nicely. The subject was heartbreaking and overwhelming but seemed well written (I’m no expert). There was just something that just couldn’t keep me interested and it took 6 days to read so not me.
Book
Sugar Money
By Jane Harris
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Martinique, 1765, and brothers Emile and Lucien are charged by their French master, Father Cleophas, with a mission. They must return to Grenada, the island they once called home, and smuggle back the 42 slaves claimed by English invaders at the hospital plantation in Fort Royal. While Lucien, barely in his teens, sees the trip as a great adventure, the older and worldlier Emile has no illusions about the dangers they will face. But with no choice other than to obey Cleophas - and sensing the possibility, however remote, of finding his first love Celeste - he sets out with his brother on this 'reckless venture'.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book if I’m totally honest. It was an adjustment at first and I started to enjoy it then I kinda lost my way with it. The relationship between the brothers is endearing and develops so nicely. The subject was heartbreaking and overwhelming but seemed well written (I’m no expert). There was just something that just couldn’t keep me interested and it took 6 days to read so not me.
ClareR (6238 KP) rated The House of Odysseus in Books
Nov 19, 2024
Penelope is still fending off her unwanted suitors, thanks to the rules of Greek hospitality. The men are drinking the cellars dry and eating as much as they want, whenever they want, and still expecting Penelope to choose one of them. They all think Odysseus is dead.
Matters are only made more complicated by the arrival of Elektra and her brother Orestes, King of the Mycenae - and he isn’t doing at all well after his mothers murder. Then Menelaus turns up for a ‘visit’.
Really, Penelope is being sorely tested, but she’s canny enough to cope with whatever the fates decide to throw at her.
I enjoyed reading everything from Aphrodite’s point of view - at least you can’t accuse her of favouritism. These gods don’t seem to appreciate that humans have feelings too.
Claire North’s women in this story (Penelope, Elektra and Helen especially) is what makes it special. It’s clear that all three have been through a lot at the hands of men - yet they keep going.
I’m currently the third and final instalment from my local library. I know how it all ends, but I can’t wait to read Claire North’s version (no spoiler: it’s not disappointing me at all so far!).
Matters are only made more complicated by the arrival of Elektra and her brother Orestes, King of the Mycenae - and he isn’t doing at all well after his mothers murder. Then Menelaus turns up for a ‘visit’.
Really, Penelope is being sorely tested, but she’s canny enough to cope with whatever the fates decide to throw at her.
I enjoyed reading everything from Aphrodite’s point of view - at least you can’t accuse her of favouritism. These gods don’t seem to appreciate that humans have feelings too.
Claire North’s women in this story (Penelope, Elektra and Helen especially) is what makes it special. It’s clear that all three have been through a lot at the hands of men - yet they keep going.
I’m currently the third and final instalment from my local library. I know how it all ends, but I can’t wait to read Claire North’s version (no spoiler: it’s not disappointing me at all so far!).
Bandy
Book
Isaac’s only friend is a passenger pigeon named Bandy. He deludes himself in believing the bird...
Young Adult Adventure Historical Fiction
On a Sword's Edge (William the Bold #1)
Book
Scotland. 1263. The scent of rain mingles with the smoke of campfires as word spreads: the Norse are...
Scottish Medieval Historical Fiction
Cleopatra
8.0
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Book
From the international bestselling author comes an unmissable new untelling of the life of one of...
Historical fiction
ClareR (6238 KP) rated Black Thorn in Books
May 22, 2024
I found Black Thorn on my kindle, downloaded last year from NetGalley and forgotten (I’m sorry). So in recompense and quite a lot of guilt, I bought the audiobook. I’m very glad I did. Imogen Church does a great job of reading this rather disturbing story from Agnes Gale’s point of view. She’s the adult daughter of one of the men responsible for the building and sale of the houses in an exclusive development on the Cornish cliffs.
Just weeks after moving in, six people, including children, are dead. All the remaining inhabitants are told to leave their homes as they’re deemed unsafe, and the whole development is cordoned off. Agnes is sure there’s more to it, so she decides to investigate.
There’s a really unnerving atmosphere to this story, probably made more so coming from Agnes’ point of view. She’s autistic, and even though she’s adamant that something isn’t right, she’s largely ignored because of her autism. The insights into Agnes’ personality and her inner thoughts were sensitively handled and realistic, I thought.
All of the characters were really well developed: Errol, Agnes’ friend; Christie her brother; and Trevor her fathers business partner, especially.
This was a thoroughly good listen, and I’m so glad that I (eventually) found it!
Just weeks after moving in, six people, including children, are dead. All the remaining inhabitants are told to leave their homes as they’re deemed unsafe, and the whole development is cordoned off. Agnes is sure there’s more to it, so she decides to investigate.
There’s a really unnerving atmosphere to this story, probably made more so coming from Agnes’ point of view. She’s autistic, and even though she’s adamant that something isn’t right, she’s largely ignored because of her autism. The insights into Agnes’ personality and her inner thoughts were sensitively handled and realistic, I thought.
All of the characters were really well developed: Errol, Agnes’ friend; Christie her brother; and Trevor her fathers business partner, especially.
This was a thoroughly good listen, and I’m so glad that I (eventually) found it!
Debbiereadsbook (1764 KP) rated Extraction Play (Leather and Lattes #2) in Books
Nov 15, 2024 (Updated Nov 15, 2024)
I was gifted my copy of this book.
Eva is Micah's sister, we met her and Pixie in book one, Immersion Play. It's not necessary to read that book, but it will give you a better picture of this group of people, and of what Micah went through. It has some relevance here.
I really enjoyed this, but I couldn't quite love it.
Why?? I dunno, but I love McIntyre's work, you know I do, I've followed her from the very beginning. My only reasoning would be, it's not you, its me.
I have some stuff going on in my personal life that is affecting my reading enjoyment.
I liked that both Eva and Pixie got a say. I liked the super smexy scenes which are at times, MORE than just Pixie and Eva.
I loved that the chemistry between these two was powerful and stays strong, even if Picie might lose her best friend and Eva might lose her brother.
I love that we catch up with all the guys from Whipped and some things are laid out for book 3.
I'm sorry I couldn't love it!
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Eva is Micah's sister, we met her and Pixie in book one, Immersion Play. It's not necessary to read that book, but it will give you a better picture of this group of people, and of what Micah went through. It has some relevance here.
I really enjoyed this, but I couldn't quite love it.
Why?? I dunno, but I love McIntyre's work, you know I do, I've followed her from the very beginning. My only reasoning would be, it's not you, its me.
I have some stuff going on in my personal life that is affecting my reading enjoyment.
I liked that both Eva and Pixie got a say. I liked the super smexy scenes which are at times, MORE than just Pixie and Eva.
I loved that the chemistry between these two was powerful and stays strong, even if Picie might lose her best friend and Eva might lose her brother.
I love that we catch up with all the guys from Whipped and some things are laid out for book 3.
I'm sorry I couldn't love it!
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated Murder at Glenloch Hill in Books
Nov 27, 2024 (Updated Nov 27, 2024)
Golf Clubbed to Death
It’s been six months since Stella and Lyndy have found a dead body, and they have enjoyed the break. But that is about to change when they travel to Scotland. The trip has two purposes – Stella gets to meet some distant cousins, and Ludy’s soon to be brother-in-law is playing in the nearby Open Championship. However, when they arrive, they find a weird tension they can’t figure out. Then, there’s an accusation from a maid. Finally, Stella finds a dead body, and Lyndy finds himself the prime suspect. Can they figure out what is happening?
It was great to be back with these characters once again. I really have come to love the regulars, so I missed those who weren’t here. But we saw more growth in those who did come along for the trip. The new characters were great as well. The mystery slowed down a time or two, but never for long, and the final third really grabbed me as I headed toward the logical climax. As always, the time period came to life. Those looking for a series with character they will love need to pick up these books. Those who are already fans will enjoy this entry.
It was great to be back with these characters once again. I really have come to love the regulars, so I missed those who weren’t here. But we saw more growth in those who did come along for the trip. The new characters were great as well. The mystery slowed down a time or two, but never for long, and the final third really grabbed me as I headed toward the logical climax. As always, the time period came to life. Those looking for a series with character they will love need to pick up these books. Those who are already fans will enjoy this entry.
