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Close Your Eyes: A Fairy Tale
Close Your Eyes: A Fairy Tale
Chris Tomasini | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Beautiful and haunting

A well written story set in the 1400's, recounted by Samuel, the court jester. Samuel is likeable, fun and it's heartwarming to see him learn a new skill that helps him to follow a dream.

Being a jester has its advantages, not only did it gain him favour with the King, leading to working in the castle but it earned him the trust and confidence of many. With this trust he's able to weave a rich tapestry of stories together, tales of love and hope, hardships and tragedy.

A truly beautiful, heartwarming and haunting read that gives you food for thought.

I would definitely recommend this for the romantic reader, the reader that enjoys a historical background and anyone that is in a book group - it's an absolute must!
  
CO
Children of the Siege (book 1)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
33 of 220
Book
Children of the Siege (Book1)
By Diney Costeloe
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nineteenth-century Paris is in flames, houses ransacked, streets barricaded. Most people are fleeing the ravaged city, but the St Clair family have made a fateful decision – to return to Paris from their house in the country.

As the horrors of the Commune and the ensuring siege engulf the St Clairs, little Helene falls ill and becomes separated from the family. Lost and alone, she must fend for herself on the war-torn streets.

This was a pretty decent read. I love historical fiction, this is set in 19th century France when war is raging as well as civil unrest we follow a family dealing with life and the changes war has brought on them.
  
TN
7
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Substantial characters in a good historical fiction mystery
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I would! It was a great mystery with a hefty set of characters (historical and otherwise) with an underlying theme of political tension playing throughout the plot.

I think that’s what made the book enjoyable, was despite the mystery being the main hook, the political tension and bickering between the patriots and the British was always in the forefront and mentioned when need be as it was central to the story. Every so often you had mention of Abigail’s refusal to drink tea for example, or minor scuffles happening between citizens and the Redcoats.

Despite the tensions however, Abigail puts her ideas and beliefs aside and works alongside the British to solve this mystery. I enjoyed reading her character. She’s strong willed and has a good retort every so often when she needs to speak out, which shocks other characters as it wasn’t considered “proper”. I enjoy Abigail’s unorthodox behavior and it may seem as if she gives an air of an annoying stubborn woman, but it’s because of her personality that things get done no matter whose side you’re on or who you support.

John and Abigail’s relationship was also nice to read. They’re both equals and you can see a subtle quiet strength between them and they compliment each other perfectly. There’s a mutual respect between the two and if they were alive now, they would probably be a political supercouple ;)

The mystery aspect of the book was good and the intrigue is definitely noted. The setting is superbly done and very descriptive. The list of suspects was substantial and revelation of the culprit isn’t much of a surprise but the execution of obtaining the criminal and his background story was excellent to read , and was very satisfying to see the bad guys get their dues. The supporting characters are also well done - although I have to admit, there are just a little too many for me. Even minor characters have their personality and details and although it’s good and makes the world building more detailed and rich, sometimes it’s a bit hard to follow as to who’s who. (Perhaps a section of cast of characters would help in this case - especially when some characters share the same last name)

I’ll be picking up the next book to read. It’s definitely worth looking into for those that love historical fiction mysteries. The tea has been dumped!!! So you have to figure out what sort of chaos is going to happen and what mystery Abigail will solve next.