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ClareR (6256 KP) rated The Castaways in Books
Mar 7, 2021
The Castaways was a tense, riveting read - and not a great advert for one of those smaller passenger planes!
Lori and Erin, sisters, go on holiday to Fiji - a treat paid for by Lori. The night before their flight to a small island, the sisters have a terrible argument and Erin disappears. She doesn’t turn up at the airport for their connecting flight either. So Lori boards the plane and it disappears en route to the island.
Two years later, Erin is still trying to find out where the plane crashed and what exactly happened. She’s a journalist, so has some experience of researching information. When the pilot of the plane suddenly appears and is taken to hospital in Fiji, Erin knows that she has to go and speak to him. He’s the only one that knows what happened to her sister. Her employers pay for her to go, under the proviso that she’ll write an article about it.
What I really liked about this, is that the chapters alternated between Erin going to Fiji to see the pilot, and the flashbacks to Lori, the crash and it’s aftermath. If I’d had the book in front of me instead of just a stave (an instalment) to read each day, I probably would have read it in one sitting. Except that I have to go to work!
And for the record, it’s a good job that I have no intention of flying anywhere anytime soon, because the crash scene is frankly terrifying!
Many thanks to the Pigeonhole for helping me with my NetGalley reading (again!), and to Lucy Clarke for reading along with us.
Lori and Erin, sisters, go on holiday to Fiji - a treat paid for by Lori. The night before their flight to a small island, the sisters have a terrible argument and Erin disappears. She doesn’t turn up at the airport for their connecting flight either. So Lori boards the plane and it disappears en route to the island.
Two years later, Erin is still trying to find out where the plane crashed and what exactly happened. She’s a journalist, so has some experience of researching information. When the pilot of the plane suddenly appears and is taken to hospital in Fiji, Erin knows that she has to go and speak to him. He’s the only one that knows what happened to her sister. Her employers pay for her to go, under the proviso that she’ll write an article about it.
What I really liked about this, is that the chapters alternated between Erin going to Fiji to see the pilot, and the flashbacks to Lori, the crash and it’s aftermath. If I’d had the book in front of me instead of just a stave (an instalment) to read each day, I probably would have read it in one sitting. Except that I have to go to work!
And for the record, it’s a good job that I have no intention of flying anywhere anytime soon, because the crash scene is frankly terrifying!
Many thanks to the Pigeonhole for helping me with my NetGalley reading (again!), and to Lucy Clarke for reading along with us.
ClareR (6256 KP) rated The City of Tears (The Burning Chambers #2) in Books
Feb 6, 2021
The story of Minou and Piet continues, starting with their idyllic lives in Puivert: Minou is the chatelaine, and Piet has returned from fighting for the Huguenot cause. They have two children: Marta, a precocious little girl, and their baby son Jean-Jacques. As a family they decide to travel to Paris for the wedding of the Catholic Marguerite de Valois (the King’s sister) and the Protestant Henri of Navarre (the first Bourbon King of France - and I never know whether to think of the biscuit or the drink whenever I hear the word ‘Bourbon’ 🤷🏼♀️). Their union is hoped to end the religious wars in France.
But of course nothing goes to plan. Cardinal Valentin is there in his role as the Duke of Guise’s confessor, and he’s out for revenge. The St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre tears Minou and Piet’s family apart so that it is forever changed.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that Minou and Piet end up in Amsterdam. In Amsterdam their is a peaceful change in power from Catholic to Protestant. It’s interesting to see how their lives change, and how they are able to live in relative peace and cooperation with their Catholic friends and neighbours. It’s no less exciting than The Burning Chambers though. The family’s adventures take them back to France and in to more danger.
I loved all of the historical detail, and the thoughts and beliefs around religion at this time - and I cannot wait to read the next TWO books in this series! I’m hooked!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for this serialisation - it was outstanding!
But of course nothing goes to plan. Cardinal Valentin is there in his role as the Duke of Guise’s confessor, and he’s out for revenge. The St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre tears Minou and Piet’s family apart so that it is forever changed.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that Minou and Piet end up in Amsterdam. In Amsterdam their is a peaceful change in power from Catholic to Protestant. It’s interesting to see how their lives change, and how they are able to live in relative peace and cooperation with their Catholic friends and neighbours. It’s no less exciting than The Burning Chambers though. The family’s adventures take them back to France and in to more danger.
I loved all of the historical detail, and the thoughts and beliefs around religion at this time - and I cannot wait to read the next TWO books in this series! I’m hooked!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for this serialisation - it was outstanding!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Wedding Date (The Wedding Date #1) in Books
Mar 18, 2021
Cute romance with lots of banter
Alexa Monroe would not usually go on a date with a man she was trapped with in an elevator. But she cannot deny the chemistry she feels with Drew Nichols when they get stuck during a power outage. Drew is about to head to the wedding of his ex, and he asks Alexa to be his date. At the wedding, the pair have a lot of fun, but Drew has to fly back to his job as a pediatric surgeon in LA and Alexa must return to Berkley, where she's the mayor's chief of staff. But they cannot stop thinking about each other, so they start long distance dating. Still, they must overcome Drew's commitment issues and Alexa's own insecurities.
I inadvertently read the fifth book in this series first, so I went back to start at the beginning. I found this one to be very similar to the fifth book, which I liked better, but it was still enjoyable. Book #5 features Alexa's sister, so I knew a lot of the plot of this one, but oh well. I did not care for Drew as much--he was a little irritating with his commitment and anger issues, but he grew on me. The book featured what seems to be Guillory's trademark fun banter and focus on delicious, fun snacks. And she tackles serious issues, such as racism, along with the romance.
Overall, this was a cute read. I liked Alexa a lot and enjoyed escaping into a good romance. This is probably a 3.5-star read, but rounded up because it made me smile.
I inadvertently read the fifth book in this series first, so I went back to start at the beginning. I found this one to be very similar to the fifth book, which I liked better, but it was still enjoyable. Book #5 features Alexa's sister, so I knew a lot of the plot of this one, but oh well. I did not care for Drew as much--he was a little irritating with his commitment and anger issues, but he grew on me. The book featured what seems to be Guillory's trademark fun banter and focus on delicious, fun snacks. And she tackles serious issues, such as racism, along with the romance.
Overall, this was a cute read. I liked Alexa a lot and enjoyed escaping into a good romance. This is probably a 3.5-star read, but rounded up because it made me smile.
Aretha Franklin recommended track You Send Me by Sam Cooke in Soul Heartbreaker by Sam Cooke in Music (curated)
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2615 KP) rated Framed and Frosted in Books
Jun 29, 2021
Murder Causes Fireworks
Emory Martinez is helping her sister cater an elaborate Fourth of July dinner. But the event is proving to be anything but pleasant thanks to the host, who is being obnoxious when he is not being a total jerk – and worse. The evening is supposed to end with the guests enjoying some of Emory’s cupcakes as the fireworks go off, but instead it ends when the host dies. The guests are happy to point suspicion at Sal, the other waiter working the event, but Emory is sure that Sal is innocent. Can she prove it?
I was happy to be able to catch up with Emory. For those reading the series, you’ll be glad to find out that the threads introduced in the early books are expanded on here. If you are new to the series, know that some events from earlier books are spoiled by necessity if you jump in here. We get to see some interesting developments in Emory’s life, and I enjoyed the growth that brought about for her and some other regulars. The mystery itself was strong and kept me engaged the entire time, although I did feel the climax was a bit abrupt. I love the Orange County, California, setting since it is different from so many of the cozies I read. We get ten new recipes at the end of the book, most of them inspired by the dinner that starts the book, although we do get three cupcake recipes. If you are looking for a fun cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this series.
I was happy to be able to catch up with Emory. For those reading the series, you’ll be glad to find out that the threads introduced in the early books are expanded on here. If you are new to the series, know that some events from earlier books are spoiled by necessity if you jump in here. We get to see some interesting developments in Emory’s life, and I enjoyed the growth that brought about for her and some other regulars. The mystery itself was strong and kept me engaged the entire time, although I did feel the climax was a bit abrupt. I love the Orange County, California, setting since it is different from so many of the cozies I read. We get ten new recipes at the end of the book, most of them inspired by the dinner that starts the book, although we do get three cupcake recipes. If you are looking for a fun cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this series.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Wife Who Got A Life in Books
Jul 1, 2021
A hilarious look at the trials of life from a woman who is worrying about looming menopause. From two teenagers who seem to create chaos when in the same room together to an absent husband who just doesn’t listen, Cathy has her work set out with her home life.
We follow Cathy on her journey through one year after her sister gifts her a motivational diary, which Cathy decides to use for her own small targets like deciding who is going to clean her mum and dad’s loo to the far reaching targets like dancing with Hugh Jackman.
Every month she has a book club meeting, where more often than not, only a couple of the members have actually read the book. But they use it as more of a night where they can catch up and chat about their lives.
As a trained accountant, Cathy gave up working when she had her two children but did a little bit for some small local businesses, but that changes when she sees Tony one day (who she regularly meets on her dog walks) and he tells her he is in need for an accountant, she then ends up going to work in a hip, cool building which does her confidence wonders.
The book really did have some funny parts which made me giggle, and some that made me cry. The only reason for the 3 star rating was that I don’t think that I was the intended audience (a bit on the younger side and nowhere near menopause, I hope!) but I could still find the funny side in a lot of her worries and the situations that arise throughout.
We follow Cathy on her journey through one year after her sister gifts her a motivational diary, which Cathy decides to use for her own small targets like deciding who is going to clean her mum and dad’s loo to the far reaching targets like dancing with Hugh Jackman.
Every month she has a book club meeting, where more often than not, only a couple of the members have actually read the book. But they use it as more of a night where they can catch up and chat about their lives.
As a trained accountant, Cathy gave up working when she had her two children but did a little bit for some small local businesses, but that changes when she sees Tony one day (who she regularly meets on her dog walks) and he tells her he is in need for an accountant, she then ends up going to work in a hip, cool building which does her confidence wonders.
The book really did have some funny parts which made me giggle, and some that made me cry. The only reason for the 3 star rating was that I don’t think that I was the intended audience (a bit on the younger side and nowhere near menopause, I hope!) but I could still find the funny side in a lot of her worries and the situations that arise throughout.
Jarvis Cocker recommended The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd in Music (curated)
Kathleen Hanna recommended Annie by Charles Strouse in Music (curated)
She's the One Who Thinks Too Much is the first book in the War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters series and we are introduced to a family of nine - two parents and seven sisters (obviously).
Ryalgar is the eldest of the seven and has helped her father on their farm until she becomes a Prince's 'girlfriend' and later mistress. The situation is so that he has to get married for political reasons and both him and his wife-to-be keep their current partners too. Of course, this will change but this is how it is for now. Add into that the threat of a Mongol invasion and you get an intricately woven story that gives great descriptions of both the time and (imaginary) place with the plans and defences they have to work with.
This fantasy is about the sisters and the situations they find themselves in. The romance takes a definite second place. The world-building is excellent, providing a clear insight into how the characters fit into the world. Each sister is brought into the story carefully and methodically whilst still leaving plenty to come in their own books.
The ending did feel quite abrupt even though I knew this would be an ongoing story. I look forward to it continuing in Coral's book and have no hesitation in recommending this for all who enjoy a historical fantasy.
* 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!
Ryalgar is the eldest of the seven and has helped her father on their farm until she becomes a Prince's 'girlfriend' and later mistress. The situation is so that he has to get married for political reasons and both him and his wife-to-be keep their current partners too. Of course, this will change but this is how it is for now. Add into that the threat of a Mongol invasion and you get an intricately woven story that gives great descriptions of both the time and (imaginary) place with the plans and defences they have to work with.
This fantasy is about the sisters and the situations they find themselves in. The romance takes a definite second place. The world-building is excellent, providing a clear insight into how the characters fit into the world. Each sister is brought into the story carefully and methodically whilst still leaving plenty to come in their own books.
The ending did feel quite abrupt even though I knew this would be an ongoing story. I look forward to it continuing in Coral's book and have no hesitation in recommending this for all who enjoy a historical fantasy.
* 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!
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Sleeper 13 in Books
Sep 23, 2019
All action no character
An action packed book that just wasn’t for me. I can imagine enjoying this as a film with non stop action scenes and childhood flashbacks but as a book it just failed to engage me.
Sleeper 13 follows the character of Aydin who as a young boy is placed in “The Farm.” Trained to be an elite Jihadi fighter his world is turned upside down again with the realisation that those who have trained him are responsible for the death of his sister. Plunging head on into a hell for leather revenge tale we follow Aydin around the world while getting a glimpse into his world growing up. Meanwhile Aydin and his fellow jihadi brothers cell is being tracked down by the secret service and in particular Rachael who will not let red tape get in her way.
I really wasn’t engaged by either Aydin or Rachael. Aydin managed a full 180 in a very quick time with very little covering him having any kind of crisis of conscience and for an elite Jihadi we spent a lot of time covering why he was the least skilled. Rachael meanwhile seems way too eager to break rules and go against direct orders at the drop of the hat, how she ever progressed in any organisation with such little discipline made little sense to me. For all the action I just didn’t feel invested.
It’s not often I don’t fly through a book when I’m on holiday but this one I found I struggled to keep picking back up. Interesting concept just not for me.
Sleeper 13 follows the character of Aydin who as a young boy is placed in “The Farm.” Trained to be an elite Jihadi fighter his world is turned upside down again with the realisation that those who have trained him are responsible for the death of his sister. Plunging head on into a hell for leather revenge tale we follow Aydin around the world while getting a glimpse into his world growing up. Meanwhile Aydin and his fellow jihadi brothers cell is being tracked down by the secret service and in particular Rachael who will not let red tape get in her way.
I really wasn’t engaged by either Aydin or Rachael. Aydin managed a full 180 in a very quick time with very little covering him having any kind of crisis of conscience and for an elite Jihadi we spent a lot of time covering why he was the least skilled. Rachael meanwhile seems way too eager to break rules and go against direct orders at the drop of the hat, how she ever progressed in any organisation with such little discipline made little sense to me. For all the action I just didn’t feel invested.
It’s not often I don’t fly through a book when I’m on holiday but this one I found I struggled to keep picking back up. Interesting concept just not for me.