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Meet Me In Another Life
Meet Me In Another Life
Catriona Silvey | 2021 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book is so beautifully written and so different from anything that I have read in the past couple of years. It kept me engrossed the whole way through and while I wanted to know what happened, I didn’t particularly want the book to end.
We follow Thora and Santi as they meet in Cologne time and time again. Each chapter changes who we follow as the main character which makes it quite different. But although they’re either different ages or have lived a different life they still come back to each other like they are drawn to each other. The world around them changes and the relationships they have change, but they always find each other: whether that’s as father and daughter, friends or lovers.
At first, it was just like they were in a different universe each time and it was a different set of choices that were played out that shaped who they became. But as the book went on it became obvious that that wasn’t the explanation the author was going for. As they continue, they begin to remember things from their past lives and try to work out why they are so drawn to each other. The end of the book was a twist that I didn’t see coming, I had such hopes for them both and teared up a little bit during the last few pages.
The writing was beautiful and the way that Catriona Silvey wove the stories and the different possibilities between the two characters was so amazing to read. I think it will be a book that sticks with me for a long time.
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2466 KP) rated Dark Horse in Books

May 4, 2022 (Updated May 4, 2022)  
Dark Horse
Dark Horse
Gregg Hurwitz | 2022 | Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Always Bet on Orphan X
Evan Smoak’s latest client is giving him pause. Evan prefers to help the innocent who have gotten in over their heads. The call he’s taken is from Aragon Urrea, the kingpin of a major drug operation in South Texas. Evan initially hangs up on Aragon, but decides to help him because of his request. Aragon’s daughter was kidnapped from her eighteenth birthday party by a rival drug cartel, and Aragon needs someone to get her back without starting a drug war. It isn’t long before Evan realizes just how bad the rival gang is. But can he find a way to fulfill his mission without compromising who he is trying to become?

Yes, this book does address the cliffhanger ending from the last book, but it spends a couple of chapters setting up this book before it gets into that. I’ll admit, I struggled to get into the book. The beginning was a little slow. It was using that time to make the new characters complex enough that we could root for Evan to succeed. It worked, because once that was established, I was hooked and raced through the book to see how Evan would overcome overwhelming odds this time. The violence went a bit further than I felt it needed to, even for this series. Evan continues to evolve as a character, and I love watching him struggle to overcome his training. While not as dramatic as the last book’s cliffhanger, we are definitely left wanting to know what is going to happen to Evan next. Fans of the series will be rewarded if they stick with the book.
  
I would give this 3.5 stars but round it up to 4. While an Offer From A Gentleman has not been my favourite of the Bridgerton books I’ve read so far, it still has the ease of reading that the rest of the series has, meaning that I read it in a day again!
Benedict’s story is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story, with Sophie being the daughter of an Earl who dies suddenly and her stepmother moves her into a life of servitude. In fact, the whole book gave reminded me of the film Ever After with some of the actions and situations that Sophie found herself in.
When I first started reading and realised that it was going to be a retelling of Cinderella, I thought that I would get bored very quickly and was doubtful that I would enjoy the book at all. But I was most definitely wrong. Although Benedict definitely didn’t act like a gentleman for a lot of the book, I was glad when he realised that he had been wrong and apologised to Sophie. I also realise that by todays standards he may not have been acting like a gentleman, but back in 1817 when the majority of the book is set, that is exactly how they acted and they were very much focused on not marrying out of their class.
I flew through this, mainly because of the ease of reading Julia Quinn’s writing and also her ability to make you want to know what happens to her characters. I’m looking forward to moving onto the 4th instalment!
  
The Secret of Drulea Cottage (Betwixt the Sea and Shore #1)
The Secret of Drulea Cottage (Betwixt the Sea and Shore #1)
Claire Kohler | 2021 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SECRET OF DRULEA COTTAGE is the first book in the Betwixt the Sea and the Shore series and we arrive in Everton, a small town in Orkney, also known as the Orkney Islands, which is an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland.

Briony is the village midwife but that is the only time she is wanted. She is the illegitimate daughter of Bethany, who was also illegitimate. The villagers shun her and expect her to follow in her mother's footsteps. Briony is used to it and tries to keep out of their way, although she enjoys spending time with Adaira, her only friend. Her life changes when two men enter it.

The beginning of this story was a slow burn, gently leading you in with old terms and descriptions of Briony's life. It really gets going once Santiago and Niall turn up. Both men have a powerful effect on Briony, but with secrets galore, she has no idea just who or what they are.

This was a fascinating story of the Selkies, with some Portuguese political intrigue thrown in for good measure. The characters are well-described and fit neatly in their boxes. You immediately know who the good guys are, and who are the big bad, even if you don't know why.

A great start to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

** 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!
Aug 20, 2021