Wednesday, January 17, 2024

*Review* The Devil's Glove by Lucretia Grindle

 

Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: May 1, 2023
Pages: 482


Northern New England, summer, 1688.
Salem started here.

A suspicious death. A rumor of war. Whispers of witchcraft.

Perched on the brink of disaster, Resolve Hammond and her mother, Deliverance, struggle to survive in their isolated coastal village. They're known as healers taught by the local tribes - and suspected of witchcraft by the local villagers.

Their precarious existence becomes even more chaotic when summoned to tend to a poisoned woman. As they uncover a web of dark secrets, rumors of war engulf the village, forcing the Hammonds to choose between loyalty to their native friends or the increasingly terrified settler community.

As Resolve is plagued by strange dreams, she questions everything she thought she knew - about her family, her closest friend, and even herself. If the truth comes to light, the repercussions will be felt far beyond the confines of this small settlement.

Based on meticulous research and inspired by the true story of the fear and suspicion that led to the Salem Witchcraft Trials, THE DEVIL'S GLOVE is a tale of betrayal, loyalty, and the power of secrets. Will Resolve be able to uncover the truth before the town tears itself apart, or will she become the next victim of the village's dark and mysterious past?



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

I have a horrible habit of going into books blind, judging them solely on their covers and titles. Because I enjoy books in pretty much every genre, this works passably well for me, but it means I never really know what to expect from the books I pick up, and sometimes the covers and titles mislead me. That was definitely the case with this book, as I was expecting something more horror themed. 

Now, there were definitely some horrifying events that occurred throughout the course of this story, and some heavy mystical elements at play as well. And once I got past my initial disappointment about the actual genre of the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt immersed in the tale, as if I was in the village with Resolve and her mother. Trying to walk the line between helping the villagers and not being accused of being a witch and put to death. I spent a fair portion of the book angry about the Puritan ideals because it felt like they were oppressing me too. 

Overall I give The Devil's Glove 4.137 out of 5 stars, and definitely recommend it for anyone with even a passing interest in the Salem Witch Trial period of American history. - Katie 




Lucretia Grindle grew up and went to school and university in England and the United States. After a brief career in journalism, she worked for The United States Equestrian Team organizing ‘kids and ponies,’ and for the Canadian Equestrian Team. For ten years, she produced and owned Three Day Event horses that competed at The World Games, The European Games and the Atlanta Olympics. In 1997, she packed a five mule train across 250 miles of what is now Grasslands National Park on the Saskatchewan/Montana border tracing the history of her mother’s family who descend from both the Sitting Bull Sioux and the first officers of the Canadian Mounties.

Returning to graduate school as a ‘mature student’, Lucretia completed an MA in Biography and Non-Fiction at The University of East Anglia where her work, FIREFLIES, won the Lorna Sage Prize. Specializing in the 19th century Canadian West, the Plains Tribes, and American Indigenous and Women’s History, she is currently finishing her PhD dissertation at The University of Maine.

Lucretia is the author of the psychological thrillers, THE NIGHTSPINNERS, shortlisted for the Steel Dagger Award, and THE FACES of ANGELS, one of BBC FrontRow’s six best books of the year, shortlisted for the Edgar Award. Her historical fiction includes, THE VILLA TRISTE, a novel of the Italian Partisans in World War II, a finalist for the Gold Dagger Award, and THE LOST DAUGHTER, a fictionalized account of the Aldo Moro kidnapping. She has been fortunate enough to be awarded fellowships at The Hedgebrook Foundation, The Hawthornden Foundation, The Hambidge Foundation, The American Academy in Paris, and to be the Writer in Residence at The Wallace Stegner Foundation. A television drama based on her research and journey across Grasslands is currently in development. THE DEVIL’S GLOVE and the concluding books of THE SALEM TRILOGY are drawn from her research at The University of Maine where Lucretia is grateful to have been a fellow at the Canadian American Foundation. She and her husband, David Lutyens, live in Shropshire.

Sunday, November 5, 2023

*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 




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 




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 




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

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

*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 




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 




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. 




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!