*Review* Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates

Genre: Thriller

Published: July 11, 2023

Pages: 389

When Christa joins a tour group heading deep into the snowy expanse of the Rocky Mountains, she's hopeful this will be her chance to put the ghosts of her past to rest. But when a bitterly cold snowstorm sweeps the region, the small group is forced to take shelter in an abandoned hunting cabin. Despite the uncomfortably claustrophobic quarters and rapidly dropping temperature, Christa believes they'll be safe as they wait out the storm.

She couldn't be more wrong.

Deep in the night, their tour guide goes missing...only to be discovered the following morning, his severed head impaled on a tree outside the cabin. Terrified, and completely isolated by the storm, Christa finds herself trapped with eight total strangers. One of them kills for sport...and they're far from finished. As the storm grows more dangerous and the number of survivors dwindles one by one, Christa must decide who she can trust before this frozen mountain becomes her tomb.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This book was one that my son selected from Netgalley for me to request. I'm not sure what his thought process was for his selections, but this was definitely a book I wouldn't have requested myself as I tend to avoid thrillers for the most part, as I often find them predictable. This book was anything but predictable. I was left guessing again and again who the killer might be, and only really figured out it just before the reveal. Once I figured it out, I started thinking about the previous clues and misdirects, and honestly, the killer really thought things through for this one. 

In true horror movie fashion, the group doesn't completely stay together like we all know they should, which is what allows the killer to pick them off as they do. But I could also easily see this book being turned into a movie, especially since it had a bit of a The Shining feeling to it towards the end. I really felt the terror and distrust throughout the story. 

Overall I give this book 3.98 out of 5 stars and am thinking I should let my son pick books for me to read more often. - Katie 

Amazon

Darcy Coates is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen horror and suspense novels.

She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

You can hear about her next book by joining her newsletter: www.darcycoates.com/updates

*Review* Grumpy Lost and Found in Naples by Susan Marie Chapman

 

Genre: Children's 3-7

Published: February 24, 2023

Pages: 44

Grumpy is a very happy and content iguana. He loves his home and his family of friends. On a chilly winter day in Miami Beach, Grumpy makes a decision that changes his life forever. He crawls under a blanket to stay warm and is suddenly taken from all that he knows and loves. Now, he has no idea where he is or how to get back to his home in Flamingo Park. Will help come for Grumpy?

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This is the story of an iguana named Grumpy, who ends up being taken to a park far away from his home while he's curled up in a blanket sleeping. He spends a lot of time asking the local wildlife how to get back to his home, but none of them have ever heard of it because they are not animals that tend to migrate. They have no reason to be familiar with other areas of the world (or the state of Florida as is the case in this story). Finally he's found by his friend who saw him being taken away and followed him (quite the feat since he was in a car, and the friend is a bird), and they decide that they will just have to make this new place their home. 

The illustrations were a little juvenile, looking as if they may have been drawn and colored by a child. And for some reason the story annoyed me. I can't really pinpoint what it was about the story that got under my skin, but I would not want to read this book more than once because of that. And that is honestly probably a me thing, but that is my experience with this book. Overall I give Grumpy Lost and Found in Naples 2.38 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Susan Marie Chapman grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania as the oldest of eight children. She has always had a special connection with animals and children. Today she resides in Miami Beach, Florida, with her two furry babies, Sugar and Cookie.

Susan is the author of six books in the the Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot Adventure series: Grumpy the Iguana, Mr Squirrel Finds a Treasure, Two if by Sea, Grumpy Goes Home for the Holidays, The Wish Box, and Babies on Board (part 1). Susan is also the author of two books about her Pomeranians, Love Sugar & Cookie, and The Day Cookie was Lost.

For more information visit Susan's website: www.SusanMarieChapman.com

*Review* The Raven and the Dove by Kaitlyn Davis

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: March 9, 2020

Pages: 512

Four fates collide in this avian-inspired, epic fantasy retelling of Tristan and Isolde perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Leigh Bardugo!

A princess longing to be free...

On the dawn of her courtship trials, Princess Lyana Aethionus knows she should be focused on winning her perfect mate, yet her thoughts wander to the open sky at the edge of her floating kingdom. One final adventure calls. Upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a raven prince locked in a death match with a dragon.

A bastard aching to belong...

Reviled son of a dead king, Rafe would do anything for his beloved half-brother, Prince Lysander Taetanus, including posing as him in the upcoming courtship trials. When a dragon interrupts their secret exchange, he orders his studious sibling to run. After suffering a fatal blow, Rafe is saved by a beautiful dove who possesses forbidden magic, just like him.

Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart...

Unknown to the world above, on the foggy sea ten thousand feet below, a young king fights a forgotten war. He believes Lyana is the queen prophesied to save the world, and with the help of his favored spy, hidden deep in the highest ranks of the dove royal house, he will stop at nothing to have her.

Three shocking betrayals. Two star-crossed lovers. One unforgettable journey. If you like fierce heroines, brooding heroes, forbidden romance, and action-packed magical adventures with twists you'll never see coming, don't miss The Raven and the Dove!

I received a copy of this audiobook through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

The world building in this book was amazing. At least the little bit of it that we got to see. The story is told from the perspectives of Lyana and Rafe for the most part, although we did get a few glimpses into the perspectives of others, and Lyana especially has led a very sheltered life, so what she knows of the world just isn't much. But I felt like I got enough snippets of things from other characters to piece together the way this world functions. 

This story centers around the mating ceremony, and the way life partners are chosen for the royals of the bird-people. I appreciated how both the young men and young women were given the same tests of skill and knowledge, and as close to equal chance to choose their partners based on the results of those tests as is humanly possible. Seeing the women being just as valued for traditionally masculine achievements in our world was nice. But we also got to see that not every royal was looking for the "best fighters" valuing intellect over brute strength. It just seemed really well rounded. 

But Lyana and Rafe share a very dangerous secret that informs the decisions she makes during the mating games. As a dove, Lyana is the ultimate prize among the royal females. Every competing male would consider himself lucky to be chosen by her (or her father, as the parents do tend to scheme behind closed doors to make advantageous matches). In the end it is up to the children to follow through with their parents plans, or not. Because sometimes, what our parents think will be best for us, isn't (a fact I'm working very hard to remember when it applies to my own children). 

I don't really want to say too much more for fear of spoilers. I definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series, as I can't wait to see how Lyana and Rafe handle the problems that have landed at their feet at the end of this book. Overall I give The Raven and the Dove 4.298 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. Publishers Weekly has said, "Davis writes with confidence and poise," while USA Today has recommended her work as "must-read romance."

Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found playing fetch with her puppy, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com

Sign up for Kaitlyn's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases, to receive exclusive subscriber bonus content, and more! bit.ly/KaitlynDavisNewsletter

Facebook - Facebook.com/KaitlynDavisBooks/

Instagram - @kaitlyndavisbooks

Twitter - @DavisKaitlyn

*Review* Famous Seaweed Soup by Antoinette Truglio Martin

 

Genre: Children's 5-6 years

Published: May 9, 2023

Pages: 32

Beach days are the best days and Sara loves everything about the beach. Her favorite part is making her Famous Seaweed Soup. Collecting all the ingredients is a tough job but Sara thinks she’s up to the task!
Can she make it all by herself or will a busy family foil her recipe?

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This is basically a modern retelling of The Little Red Hen, about a girl making seaweed soup while her family is at the beach. She spends all day asking her parents to help her gather the ingredients for the soup, but they are always busy with something else, so she has to do it all herself. But as this seaweed soup is not actually cooked, or particularly edible, instead of her keeping it all for herself since no one helped her, she decides that they must eat it, not her. I thought it was a cute twist. 

The illustrations were colorful, perfectly showing the steps of making the famous seaweed soup. And I felt sorry for the little girl in the story every time her parents said they were busy with someone else when she was wanting to play with them (which is super hypocritical of me as a parent because I've definitely been busy with other things when my kids have wanted to play at times too). This is a story that I'd definitely be able to read a few times before I wanted to hide the book from my kids. Overall I give it 4.154 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Antoinette Truglio Martin is a children’s book author, memoirist, and blogger. The memoir, Hug Everyone You Know: A Year of Community, Courage, and Cancer (She Writes Press 2017) chronicles her first year battling breast cancer as a wimpy patient. Becoming America’s Stories (Red Penguin Books), a middle-grade historical fiction series, debuted in 2020. The award-winning three-book series includes The Heart of Bakers and Artists (formally titled Daily Bread), The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers, and The Wishes of Sisters and Strangers. The stories take place in 1911 and follows nine-year-old Lily Taglia, an American-born child of Sicilian immigrants, coming of age in New York City’s Lower East Side tenement while important milestones of American history unfolds.

Currently, Antoinette’s beloved picture book, Famous Seaweed Soup, will be reissued in May 2023 with Purple Butterfly Press. This new edition will feature new illustrations by Penny Weber and updated content.

Antoinette proudly holds an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature from Stony Brook/Southampton University. Be sure to visit her website and blog, Stories Served Around The Table at https://storiesserved.com/. She lives on Long Island with her husband and is surrounded by the sea and the people she loves.

*Review* Woven in Darkness by Lucy Holden

 

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: June 4, 2023

Pages: 498

ZARIA IS A SLAVE WITH ONE DREAM: FREEDOM.

Her brother is lost to a Dark Rip.
Indigold lords have bought her sisters.
And now Zaria has been claimed by Harken, the infamous Savage King.

Harken trusts no-one, not even the immortal Weavers he is sworn to protect. He keeps his Savage Court locked away behind the Woven mists.

Along with his past.

And his heart.

But now Harken’s court is in danger from an old enemy. And whoever is behind the plot seems determined to kill Zaria, making her the most valuable piece in a savage game.

In a bid to expose his enemies, Harken offers Zaria a bargain: play the part of his slave for Astria’s glittering season of Revels, and in return, he will help her win freedom and riches in the Maverick’s Race.

But Zaria has secrets of her own. Secrets that bind her to Harken, body and soul, and show her the past he guards so fiercely.

Telling him the truth means losing her chance at freedom. Concealing it means betraying his trust—and the Savage King doesn’t tolerate betrayal.

But the darkness is coming, and when it does, Zaria’s secrets might be the only thing that can save them all.

I received a copy of this audiobook through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

I felt pretty freakin' lost for large parts of this book, but part of that is because there are a lot of things about her own life that Zaria doesn't know. And since the story is told from her POV, we only get to know things that she knows. Living as a shadow-woven slave in the Seam with no memories of how she even got there puts her at a serious disadvantage, especially among the Indigold lords she finds herself rubbing elbows with after Harken claims her. 

Even though the odds seemed impossibly stacked against her, I couldn't help but cheer for Zaria to achieve all of her goals. She has so much determination, it was unreal. I admire her ability to believe that she'll succeed no matter what. And I could even understand why she kept the secrets she did from Harken. The way she lived didn't breed a whole lot of trust in others. 

It took me a little bit to get accustomed to the narrators accent, so I actually had to slow down the speed of the audiobook from my usual 1.5 to 1 for the first couple of chapters, just until I got used to the accent. I don't recall being annoyed by the opposite gendered voices, but I think I'm mellowing on that front as I listen to more fiction audiobooks. 

I'm a little bit sad that there isn't a sequel to this book out at this time (I'm not sure if there's one coming, but I would 100 percent add it to my shelf). I just want more from this world. Overall I give Woven in Darkness 4.896 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Lucy Holden is a pseudonym used by Paula Constant, author of historical fiction and travel memoir, to write paranormal romance. Paula lives in Broome, a small pearling town in the remote far north west of Australia. She absolutely adores romance of all kinds, and magic in every form. She gets inspired by sitting beneath the full moon on beautiful Cable Beach with a shiraz gin martini, and talks all her books through with her friends at pool book club. You can become an advance reader of all Lucy Holden books at Paula's website, www.paulaconstant.com.

*Review* Let's Go, Puppy! by Holly Rosensweig

 Genre: Children's 1-3

Published: April 1, 2023

Pages: 18

Let's follow Puppy throughout his day! From waking up for mealtime -- “Eat, eat, eat" -- to getting dirty in the yard -- “No, no, no!" -- Puppy's shenanigans provide fun opportunities to introduce early speech sounds, words, and actions. Written by a speech-language pathologist, this playful, interactive story helps enhance early communication development in babies and toddlers. Let's Go, Puppy! promotes babies' ability to recognize and imitate sounds, strengthens their familiarity through the repetition of words, enriches their basic vocabulary, and builds confidence through praise. Tips for caregivers as well as a list of the earliest-developing speech sounds are included. By clicking on "See All Buying Options", you can buy directly from Ninewise Publishing Foundation, a non-profit independent small press,

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This is a very simple story with very repetitive word choice, because it is targeted towards actual babies and small toddlers. It's aim is to help teach these tiny humans words, and I presume the best way to do that is through repetition (I'm not an expert by any means). It is a very fast read (because it's so short and has so few words in it), but that is expected from board books. 

The illustrations were big and colorful, but with a slightly wispy feeling to them. This is one of those books that as a parent, you will get tired of reading very quickly, but that your children are likely to request over and over again (even if those requests are simply them shoving said book in your face because they can't verbalize that they want you to read it yet). Although I didn't particularly enjoy the story because of it's intended purpose, I give it 4.75 out of 5 stars. 

Amazon

Holly Rosensweig, M.A. CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and educational resource creator with over a decade of experience providing pediatric evaluations and treatment in the private practice setting. She uses a play-based approach to therapy, incorporating books, toys, games, music, and movement into her sessions. Holly loves working on a team with families, teachers, and other professionals to help children progress. She lives in Maryland just outside of Washington, DC, where her two goofy pups keep her very busy!

*Review* The Bodysnatcher and Other Stories by Robert Louis Stevenson

 

Genre: Horror

Published: 1884

Pages: 32

In the Scottish canon to be placed alongside Robert Burns is high praise indeed but it’s a rightful place for one of Scotland’s finest novelists.

Born in 1850 he managed to cram much into his 44 years, travelling widely to France, The United States, Samoa and the South Seas. Of course he is widely feted for his classics Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde, Treasure Island and poetry volumes such as A Child’s Garden Of Verses.

This volume centres on his short stories. They are somewhat dark bringing a chill to the air and a race to the heart.

This comes to you courtesy of Miniature Masterpieces who have an excellent range of quality short stories from the masters of the craft. Do search for Miniature Masterpieces at any digital store for further information.

This audiobook is also duplicated in print as an ebook. Same title, same words. Perhaps a different experience but with Amazon’s whispersync you can pick up and put down on any device. Start on audio, continue in print and any which way after that. This, and these are, Miniature Masterpieces. Join us for the journey.

I received a copy of this audiobook through Audiofile Magazine's summer reading program for teens. This is my honest review. 

I listened to this audiobook while cooking dinner and doing dishes (it was fairly short even though it included several stories) and feel like I really ought to listen to it again. While I remember the list of most of the stories (I think), I feel like my attention was going in enough different directions that I don't really feel like I retained the stories as I prefer to. They largely don't feel like they landed for me. But the idea of doing that doesn't fill me with dread (although that may be partially because the audiobook is so short). 

The stories contained in this collection are very dated, but that's to be expected since the book is over 100 years old. It's possible that that separation is part of why the stories didn't really stick with me after the book was finished though. It's also possible that this is a case where I would have benefited more on a personal level from actively reading the stories rather than listening to them. 

Overall I give The Bodysnatcher and Other Stories 3.68 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, and a leading representative of English literature. He was greatly admired by many authors, including Jorge Luis Borges, Ernest Hemingway, Rudyard Kipling and Vladimir Nabokov.

Most modernist writers dismissed him, however, because he was popular and did not write within their narrow definition of literature. It is only recently that critics have begun to look beyond Stevenson's popularity and allow him a place in the Western canon. 

*Review* Vivienne in Paris by Maria Castellucci Moore

 

Genre: Children's 4-8 years

Published: May 2, 2023

Pages: 38

Winner of the Mom's Choice Award

Vivienne in Paris follows a young Parisian girl on a journey through Paris to find what makes her tick. Join Vivienne as she discovers the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the city that make her feel alive. What better place to explore, observe, and delight in her senses than Paris?

This book tells a story of mindfulness and insight into how the surrounding world can really move you. It unites curiosity, wonder, and marvel to enlighten, surprise, and tickle your deepest spirit. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that bring you the greatest joy.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This is a story about how a young Parisian girl spends her day, at least when she doesn't have school. She goes all over Paris, it seems, although she probably remains in a single arrondissement. She visits her favorite shops and gets some of her favorite treats, and just spends the whole day wondering around this heavily populated city. As an American parent of a teenager and a tweenager, I have a hard time wrapping my head around this being allowed. But as an American who spent several years living in Germany, I recognize that things we would never consider allowing our children to do here in the US, are actually pretty commonplace elsewhere in the world. 

The illustrations had a soft, wispy feeling to them and did a wonderful job of showing all the places that Vivienne visits on her day wondering around her neighborhood. This is a book that I'd probably be okay reading a few times when requested without getting annoyed. Overall I give this book 4.165 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four children, María strives to bring passion and enthusiasm to all her endeavors. A lover of all things European, María has found great passion through her travels to Paris, Italy, Spain, and South America. Her affection for winemaking, foreign languages, the arts, ballroom dancing, and traveling has given María a unique and grateful perspective on life. Her love for her family and helping others through charitable giving has enabled María to thoughtfully curate purposeful life adventures.

María Castellucci Moore earned her bachelor of arts degree in finance from Dominican University on a tennis scholarship, and later pursued studying at New York University and the London School of Economics with a focus on global affairs. In 2016, with her siblings, María founded Castellucci Napa Family, a luxury wine and real estate brand. María runs her wine label and a family real estate development company in the greater Bay Area. She is a board member of the San Francisco Opera Guild and is enthusiastic about building opportunity and community through the arts.

María resides in Saint Helena, California, with her husband and four young children. She enjoys writing; traveling; attending the opera, ballet, and symphony; flower arranging; winemaking; ballroom dancing; and playing tennis and the piano.

*Review* The House of Lincoln by Nancy Horan

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Published: June 6, 2023

Pages: 346

Rich with historical detail, The House of Lincoln is an insightful account of Lincoln's transformative vision for democracy as observed through the eyes of a young immigrant who arrives in Lincoln's home of Springfield, Illinois from Madeira, Portugal.

Showing intelligence beyond society's expectations, fourteen-year-old Ana Ferreira is offered a job in the Lincoln household assisting Mary Lincoln with their boys and with the hosting duties borne by the wife of a rising political star. Ana bears witness to the evolution of Lincoln's views on equality and the Union and observes in full complexity the psyche and pain of his bold, polarizing wife, Mary. Yet, alongside her dearest friend in the Black community, Ana confronts the racial prejudice her friend encounters daily as she watches the inner workings of the Underground Railroad, and directly experiences how slavery contradicts the promise of freedom in her adopted country.

Culminating in an account of the little-known Springfield race riot of 1908, The House of Lincoln takes readers on a journey through the historic changes that reshaped America and continue to reverberate today.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

I think every kid in America knows that Lincoln is famous for freeing the slaves, the Emancipation Proclamation ranking up there with Jefferson's Declaration of Independence in noteworthy American documents. This story delves into the behind the scenes of Lincoln's rise to the White House, through the eyes of an immigrant girl who worked for his family. Relaying her backstory to explain how she came to her position in the Lincoln's household, but also what led to her personal political views took a while, which had left me wondering how much of the story could possibly relate to Lincoln. As it turns out, in this story, he was more of a background character. While his life and actions were a driving force for the narrative being portrayed, we didn't really see a whole lot of him as a person. 

Although I'm not an expert on life in Illinois leading up to the Civil War, this felt authentic. I felt like I was a witness to transportation on the Underground Railroad, as if I were being turned away from a department store as a child with my friend, whose skin tone is darker than my own, questioning if my father would be in danger from slave catchers even though we came to America as free people, because when he works in the sun, his skin darkens considerably. I was that solidly ensconced in Ana's shoes. 

I found it interesting getting this seemingly personal glimpse into life in America in the time leading up to Lincoln's election, and even the aftermath of the Civil War and the racial unrest that followed. As a mayonnaise melanated individual, these are experiences that myself and my family are pretty removed from, so this perspective was different and educational for me. 

Overall I give The House of Lincoln 3.978 out of 5 stars, because while I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I was a bit disappointed that Lincoln didn't play a more central role in it. - Katie 

Amazon

Nancy Horan is the New York Times bestselling author of Loving Frank and Under the Wide and Starry Sky. Loving Frank remained on the NYT list for over a year, has been translated into sixteen languages and received the 2009 Prize for Historical Fiction. A native Midwesterner, Horan was a teacher and journalist before turning to fiction. She lived for 25 years in Oak Park, Illinois, where she raised her two sons, and she now lives with her husband on an island in Puget Sound.

*Review* Toad-Ally Steam by Pocahontas Carter

 

Genre: Children's 3-7

Published: July 5, 2023

Pages: 33

The tale follows six adventurous little frogs on a journey to D.C. to pursue their dreams of becoming human and working in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Along the way, they encounter various challenges but ultimately discover that their identity and abilities as frogs hold great value and importance and that they love themselves just as they are. The story reminds us that embracing our unique qualities and talents is essential rather than trying to be something we're not. TOAD-ALLY STEAM will inspire and delight readers of all ages.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This wasn't much of a story, but rather just a large group of toads that talk about the things in the STEAM field that interest them and that they'd like to study and become experts in. Even though it's not really a story, it does seem like a pretty good way to get kids interested in the STEAM fields, or even just to encourage them to explore what does interest them. 

The illustrations were bold and bright, showing the different areas of interest of the toads throughout. As this wasn't much of a story, I'd probably struggle with reading it multiple times, although if my children were showing particular interest in some of the fields, that might change my feelings on the matter. Overall I give this book 3.78 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Pocahontas Carter is a glam-ma and a mother of four. She is a woman of color with plenty of life lessons to use as a pathway towards the nurturing, growing and expansion of little traveling minds. Traveling minds can take you places, and Pocahontas Carter invites you, the reader, to travel with her into a world where her creative thoughts turn into words on paper. She is a DC native, attended John Burroughs Elementary and Taft Junior High. A graduate of McKinley Tech Senior High School (“Go –Trainers!”), she writes in a rhyming fashion with colorful illustrations and promotes empowerment through children’s literature.

*Review* Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall

 

Genre: Historical Fantasy/LGBTQ+

Published: June 6, 2023

Pages: 400

It is the year 1814, and life for a young lady of good breeding has many difficulties. There are balls to attend, fashions to follow, marriages to consider, and, of course, the tiny complication of existing in a world swarming with fairy spirits, interfering deities, and actual straight-up sorcerers.

Miss Maelys Mitchelmore finds her entry into high society hindered by an irritating curse. It begins innocuously enough with her dress slowly unmaking itself over the course of an evening at a high-profile ball, a scandal she narrowly manages to escape.

However, as the curse progresses to more fatal proportions, Miss Mitchelmore must seek out aid, even if that means mixing with undesirable company. And there are few less desirable than Lady Georgiana Landrake—a brooding, alluring young woman sardonically nicknamed “the Duke of Annadale”—who may or may not have murdered her own father and brothers to inherit their fortune. If one is to believe the gossip, she might be some kind of malign enchantress. Then again, a malign enchantress might be exactly what Miss Mitchelmore needs.

With the Duke’s help, Miss Mitchelmore delves into a world of angry gods and vindictive magic, keen to unmask the perpetrator of these otherworldly attacks. But Miss Mitchelmore’s reputation is not the only thing at risk in spending time with her new ally. For the reputed witch has her own secrets that may prove dangerous to Miss Mitchelmore’s heart—not to mention her life.

Or perhaps you're all just nostalgic for the staggering social inequality.

"But don't worry," added Miss Bickle eagerly, "when you are murdered, I have simply hundreds of plans for vengeance."

"You cannot simply replace a love affair for the ages with...with paid companionship."

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

When I started reading this book, I didn't realize it was a sapphic romance because one, I basically never read book blurbs before reading books, and two, although I requested the book because of the gorgeous cover, I didn't look at it that closely to really notice the two characters entwined at the top. So it was a pleasant surprise for me when I really got into the story in June (when I read the book) to realize it was a perfect read for Pride month. 

The narrator of this tale is a hoot. Although I found myself getting annoyed with some of the ways he made sure we the readers knew he was keeping himself well hidden. Like I'm not really sure all the form changes were really necessary for him to observe the characters, but he did, so we got to hear about it. He really came across as a person who wants more attention that they're getting, without wanting to draw attention to themself. 

My favorite character in this tale was Miss Bickle. She has some serious Luna Lovegood vibes about her in the best way possible. She's a real ride or die for Miss Mitchelmore, in spite of the obvious danger. She's just honestly the kind of friend everyone should have. 

There were so many quotable lines in this tale, that it was a wee bit difficult for me to narrow down my favorites. There were so many times I found myself giggling over the narrator's or one of the character's lines, making this book just a real joy to read. 

Overall I give Mortal Follies 4.875 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Alexis Hall has Bette Davis eyes.

Website: http://www.quicunquevult.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/quicunquevult

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quicunquevult/

Newsletter: http://www.quicunquevult.com/contact