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Masking for Trouble (Costume Shop Mystery, #2)
Masking for Trouble (Costume Shop Mystery, #2)
Diane Vallere | 2016 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry
6
7.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I think it would be great to live in a town that loves costume parties and Halloween this much! Margo is such a quirky character – whether she is working in her family’s costume shop or just running errands, she’s always in costume. When a business man interested in developing the small town into something more modern and profitable threatens to run Margo’s shop out of business, she is understandably angry. When she finds his dead body at a Halloween party she wasn’t invited to, she becomes the prime suspect. Rather than trust the police to find the real killer, Margo decides to investigate on her own. This was a unique story, and a perfect read for this time of year.

<i>NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review – all opinions expressed are my own.</i>
  
FF
Finding Fraser
K.C. Dyer | 2015
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was a fun read, even for someone who has never read any of the Outlander series.

The book alternates between chapters telling us the story, and blog posts that Emma writes as she goes along. The blog posts are short and sweet, and sometimes provide a little insight into things that have not yet been fully disclosed in the story.

I did feel that the heroine was a bit naive for 29. I often wanted to yell into the book at her, and to point out how blind she was being, or how ridiculous some of her choices were. Even so, Emma is a likable character, and I couldn’t help but root for her and wish her success in her quest to find love.

NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
  
The Hazel Wood
The Hazel Wood
Melissa Albert | 2017 | Mystery, Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
7.4 (33 Ratings)
Book Rating
Deliciously dark take on fairytales! Creepier than I expected, I almost didn't want to read it after dark lol. And that cover is gorgeous!

I'm a huge fan of anything related to the fair folk so this was right up my alley. As soon as I started reading it I didn't want to put it down, the writing immediately grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. The plot was one of the most unique I've read among the fairytale genre. I adored the Tales of the Hinterland referenced throughout, they were so interesting that I'd love to see them published as a companion to The Hazel Wood.

Fans of books like Holly Black's The Cruel Prince or anyone who likes their fantasy on the darker side will love The Hazel Wood!

**Thanks to Flatiron Books for sending me an advanced review copy! All opinions are my own.**
  
The Merchant’s Daughter
The Merchant’s Daughter
Melanie Dickerson | 2011 | Young Adult (YA)
10
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Set in the Medieval Era, Annabel and Lord Ranulf will steal your heart in this unique story that mirrors the story of Beauty and the Beast. From a nasty "Gaston" to a sweet young boy, and a caring housekeeper...The heart of the story reminds us that it is not our appearance or circumstances that define us...But our heart.

If you have read some (or all) of these books, you know that each novel can stand alone. But ultimately, they all intertwine. You can see the Family Tree on Melanie's website. I highly recommend this story and hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

I purchased a print copy of The Merchant's Daughter. This review is based on the audio version which I borrowed from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
AR
A Rumored Fortune
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A missing fortune? A swoony hero? A dastardly bad guy? You can probably see why I jumped into this book without hesitation. This second book from Joanna Davidson Politano reaches new heights and, dare I say it, even better than her debut novel (which was exceptional).

Set on a beautiful estate with a winery, I learned a lot. Donegan's wisdom and passion are beyond compare. Tressa's determination and longing for love make them the perfect pair! Watching them fight through their internal struggles and overcome so many threats, is inspiring.

Set in England 1866, you will be sucked into the story from the first page. And make sure you pick up a copy of Lady Jayne Disappears while you're at it.

I received a complimentary copy of A Rumored Fortune from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
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Traitor (Maelstrom Chronicles, #2)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book from Entangled Publishing in return for a fair and honest review.

This is a complex and intricate science fiction story with a dash of romance thrown in for good measure. It is the second book in the series although it can be read as a standalone (as I have) and I don't feel that you lose too much by doing so. It also has a considerably large character list for you to keep track of. Traitor is quite a long book so you get a lot of book for your buck.

On the whole, this was an enjoyable read with lots of different opinions, points of view and action spots to keep you interested. It is well-written at a steady pace, building up to the climax. For lovers of Sci-Fi, I can definitely recommend it.

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
This book was so fun :)
I loved all the unique stories and the imaginary British accents in my head (Sigh..). The stories are a mix of mystery, laughter, intrigue, and faith. I truly enjoyed reading this mix of stories; plus I found some new to me authors to read! The characters in each story were engaging and I really didn't want to say goodbye to them. I loved the lessons that the characters learned and thought that they were well thought out and grew as the story progressed.
I definitely recommend reading this book (or books as its 9 different stories) at the next opportunity. I give them a 4 out of 5 stars for the diversity, the creative characters, and for giving me some truly happy smiles.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Great Book !!!

This book was a great start to a new series, I loved the reactions of the characters to the things that happened throughout the book. They were very believable, and they made me want to bake cookies :) .

I thought Myrna was a good character and I loved the play between her and Zeke, I wish it would have been a longer story as I didn't want it to end :)

The only thing that I didn't particularly like was all the bouncing around between the characters, however it was still a great story, and I would definitely recommend adding it to your TBR Pile. I can't wait to read the next book in the series !! I really love Sarah Price's Books :)

I volunteered to read this book from Kingston Books in exchange for my honest feedback, the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Gail Honeyman | 2017 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
8
8.6 (80 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have just finished this. I liked it. Quite a lot. I do tend to judge books by their covers - bad I know. I didn’t think this was “my type of book” before I read it. I thought it was either “chick lit” which I can’t stand or was too literary for me. But I was in a charity shop a few weeks ago and it was 2 paperbacks for £1. I’d chosen 3 when the assistant pointed this out so I grabbed this absentmindedly to make up the numbers.
What a revelation to read something different. I thought the characters were great especially Eleanor and was eager to read on as small snippets of her history were revealed. It is essentially a story about loneliness and was quite poignant at times. I will be revising my opinions and trying out different genres in future.
  
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ClareR (5615 KP) rated Darling Blue in Books

Jul 30, 2018  
Darling Blue
Darling Blue
Tracy Rees | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A little light reading.
Set in the 1920's, the Darling Blue of the title is the main character in this book and follows the lives of not just Blue, but that of her family and friends. Blue's father, on the eve of her 21st birthday party, makes an announcement that Blue will marry the man who sends her a letter that she can fall in love with. She goes on to receive three letters, and some of the novel is about this search for a husband.
Blue also helps to save a woman, Delphine, from drowning in the Thames. She learns that she is in fact escaping an abusive husband. Blue's family take her in and help her. Everything seems perfect until, of course, it isn't.
It's a very bright and breezy book, filled with the hope that everyone must have felt after World War 1, but it all seemed contrived to me. Even the unpleasant 'stuff' seemed glossed over and hurried, and it didn't seem to be taken very seriously. The characters, particularly Blue's father, seemed to have very progressive opinions on certain things. Very modern, late 20th century opinions, in fact. I wonder if a character such as his would really have existed? He seemed to be very understanding of one particular plot twist which involved him and his wife, which I feel that even a man (or anyone else for that matter) today would have really struggled with. And the ending was just far too rushed and 'happily ever after'. It's a shame, because I really enjoyed the only other Tracy Rees book I've read (Amy Snow). I'll probably have to have a look at the other two books she has written between Amy Snow and this one, and see whether this is a blip. I hope so, because Amy Snow really did show promise.
Thanks to The Pigeonhole and to the author for a chance to read along with her.