The Penderwicks

Title: The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
Author: Jeanne Birdsall
Published: March 1, 2007 by Yearling
Format: Paperback, 262 Pages
Genre: Children's Fiction

First Sentence: For a long time after that summer, the four Penderwick sisters still talked of Arundel.

Blurb: The Penderwick sisters busily discover the summertime magic of Arundel estate’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. Best of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, the perfect companion for their adventures. Icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is less pleased with the Penderwicks than Jeffrey, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Is that any fun? For sure the summer will be unforgettable.

My Opinion: I approached The Penderwicks with certain expectations but found it didn’t quite satisfy the itch I was hoping to scratch. The pace felt slow and while the story doesn't specify an exact year, it has a timeless, nostalgic ambiance.

The charm lies in its focus on the Penderwick sisters—Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty—and their summer vacation adventures and relationships. This innocence is appealing, but I found the convenience of their mother’s passing a bit contrived and unnecessary. I don’t believe that the story would read any differently if the mother hadn’t passed soon after Batty’s birth.

The plot tends to be predictable, and the overall tone feels idealized and slightly old-fashioned considering that the book took place, according to the author, in the early 2000’s. Despite these criticisms, there is an undeniable sweetness in the portrayal of the girls, making the narrative heartwarming in its simplicity.

While The Penderwicks didn’t fully meet my expectations, its nostalgic, timeless setting and the charming depiction of sisterly bonds offer a certain appeal. It may not have been the perfect fit for me, but its gentle and sweet nature could still capture the hearts of many readers.

The charm lies in its focus on the Penderwick sisters—Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty—and their summer vacation adventures and relationships. This innocence is appealing, but I found the convenience of their mother’s passing a bit contrived and hard to swallow. I don’t believe that the story would read any differently if the mother hadn’t passed soon after Batty’s birth.

The plot tends to be predictable, and the overall tone feels idealized and slightly old-fashioned considering that the book took place, according to the author, in the early 2000’s. Despite these criticisms, there is an undeniable sweetness in the portrayal of the girls, making the narrative heartwarming in its simplicity.

While The Penderwicks didn’t fully meet my expectations, its nostalgic, timeless setting and the charming depiction of sisterly bonds offer a certain appeal. It may not have been the perfect fit for me, but its gentle and sweet nature could still capture the hearts of many readers.

An Academy for Liars

Title: An Academy for Liars
Author: Alexis Henderson
Published: September 17, 2024 by Ace
Format: Kindle, Hardcover, 464 Pages
Genre: Dark Academia
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

First Sentence: There was something in the bathroom mirrors.

Blurb: Lennon Carter’s life is falling apart.

Then she gets a mysterious phone call inviting her to take the entrance exam for Drayton College, a school of magic hidden in a secret pocket of Savannah. Lennon has been chosen because—like everyone else at the school—she has the innate gift of persuasion, the ability to wield her will like a weapon, using it to control others and, in rare cases, matter itself.

After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her devastating and unsettling power. But despite persuasion’s heavy toll on her body and mind, she is wholly captivated by her studies, by Drayton’s lush, moss-draped campus, and by her brilliant classmates. But even more captivating is her charismatic adviser, Dante, who both intimidates and enthralls her.

As Lennon continues in her studies her control grows, and she starts to uncover more about the secret world she has entered into, including the disquieting history of Drayton College, and the way her mentor’s tragic and violent past intertwines with it. She is increasingly disturbed by what she learns. For it seems that the ultimate test is to embrace absolute power without succumbing to corruption . . . and it's a test she's terrified she is going to fail.

My Opinion: This book is a masterclass in unexpected twists and turns. Just as you think you’ve settled into a rhythm; Henderson throws in a curveball that answers lingering questions while simultaneously setting your mind spinning in new directions.

Set in Drayton College, a hidden private academy located in the secretive 25th ward of Savannah—an area uncharted on any map—the narrative unfolds within this isolated world. The students gathered from around the globe, possess extraordinary talents, the type that fuel the ambitions of powerful figures.

Lennon Carter enters this world in disarray. Fresh from discovering her fiancé in a compromising situation with her best friend during their engagement party, Lennon stumbles upon a mysterious phone booth in an abandoned mall. The call she receives informs her of her acceptance into a college she never applied to, plunging her into the enigmatic Drayton College.

Her advisor, Dante Lowe, becomes a complex figure in her life. Their relationship evolves in the expected way in books of this genre and is further complicated by Dante’s undisclosed past. Drayton College’s motto seems to be that if you excel in persuasion, your past is irrelevant.

Lennon's first year is fraught with chaotic challenges, not just academically but personally, as she learns to navigate the intense and often brutal environment of Drayton. The book does not shy away from violence, highlighting the struggle of the students as they come to terms with their innate abilities and the explosive emotions that accompany them.

One of the book’s most captivating aspects is its unpredictability. The middle may have felt a bit slow at times, but that was only to prepare you for the ending which delivers a punch that leaves a lasting impact.

An Academy for Liars stands out as one of my top reads of the year for its intensity and the memorable twists that keep me holding my breath.

Though it’s listed as a standalone, the world Henderson has created is ripe with potential for a sequel.

The Bookshop of Hidden Dreams

Title: The Bookshop of Hidden Dreams
Author: Karen Hawkins
Published: August 27, 2024 by Gallery Books
Format: Kindle, 384 Pages
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Dove Pond #4

First Paragraph: Tay Dove returned to Dove Point early one frosty February evening. She didn’t go straight home, though. Instead, she headed for her special place: Rose’s bookstore.

Blurb: When an antique tin of love letters is found hidden in her family home, noted historian Tay Dove rushes home to Dove Pond to investigate. Tay is still reeling from a romantic betrayal, so she’s relieved to refocus her energies on her latest a biography of her great-great-grandmother Sarafina, a star reporter who began her career in Dove Pond in the late 19th century before abruptly leaving town.

Tay believes the letters could be the key in solving what happened, but they only add to her questions—especially when they reveal a forbidden love affair with William Day, a wild youth who took part in a notorious train robbery. Some answers might be found in eighty-year-old Rose Day’s bookshop, which doubles as a town archive, but Rose is curiously resistant to give Tay access. Just when Tay thinks she’s reached a dead end, she finds an unlikely ally in Rose’s grandson, Luke, a fellow puzzle lover. Together, they set out to uncover what really happened all those years ago…and find the truth behind a love story that could be more precious than gold.

My Opinion: Having followed this series since the debut novel, The Book Charmer, I've found myself consistently drawn to the Dove sisters, their unique abilities, and the charming town they call home. There's magic in how Karen Hawkins crafts her characters and their world that keeps me returning for more.

In this installment, Taylor “Tay” Dove, reeling from a one-sided relationship with Richard, which has left her wary and in need of personal growth, has returned home. She is determined to spend the next month, or so, immersed in the tin of letters discovered in the family home. With her Dove ability, she aims to uncover more about her ancestor, Sarafina Dove.

Meanwhile, Luke Day has put his career in cybersecurity aside to return home and adopt his niece following the imprisonment of her mother. He is also there to support his grandmother despite Rose's reluctance to admit it. The slow-burn romance between Tay and Luke is charming, with Luke struggling with his feelings and Tay working through her insecurities brought on by Richard's betrayal.

I particularly enjoyed the little puzzle with the anagram—it added an engaging twist to the story. However, I did find the middle part of the book to drag a bit, and the ending felt somewhat rushed. Despite this, the novel is a fun and clean read, perfect for those who prefer more sweetness than spice in their stories.

Casket Case

Title: Casket Case
Author: Lauren Evans
Published: September 10, 2024 by Dell
Format: Kindle, Paperback 398 Pages
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

First Sentence: “Thank you for calling Death,” a perky voice announced trough the car’s speakers.

Blurb: Nora thought she was finished with Rabbittown, Alabama, for good. But an unexpected tragedy turned her life upside down, and she's found herself back in her tiny hometown running the family casket business.

There aren't exactly a lot of prospects for a single woman in her thirties in a place like Rabbittown. Until Nora Clanton's ordinary, casket-selling day is interrupted by a handsome stranger wandering into her shop and asking for directions--as well as a date.

Garrett Bishop seems like the ideal guy. He's thoughtful, he's kind, and he has a lucrative job as a logistics coordinator, for which he seems to have a passion. She's not totally sure what "logistics" entails, but she knows it means long hours, lots of travel, and urgent calls in the middle of the night.

When a few of Rabbittown's residents suddenly pass away--a heart attack here, a car crash there--and Garrett is spotted at the scenes of, well, all of the deaths, his frustratingly vague job description starts to become increasingly . . . suspicious. What is it that Garrett actually does for a living?

He's a logistics coordinator for Death.

When Nora discovers the truth, she is unable to reconcile the wonderful man she knows with the unthinkably cruel job he loves. Will she ever be able to understand how he can do what he does, or will she have to lay her best chance at love to rest?

My Opinion: Nora, a 30-something owner of a casket store in the small town of Rabbittown, Alabama, finds herself unwittingly entangled in a whirlwind romance with Garrett, the Director of Logistics for Death.

The relationship between Nora and Garrett progresses at a rapid pace, making it feel problematic and unconvincing. The lack of development and depth in their relationship is a significant drawback.

The book suffers from noticeable editing oversights. For instance, in one chapter, Nora explicitly states her dislike for tomato sauce. Yet, two chapters later, she is seen making pizza with “pizza sauce.” Isn’t pizza sauce essentially tomato sauce? This and additional inconsistencies disrupt the reading experience and raise questions about the editorial process.

A quarter of the way through, the book’s tone feels reminiscent of a high school drama. While it might be categorized as women’s fiction, the writing and plot development lack the sophistication expected from a well-crafted story in this genre.

One of the few redeeming qualities of the book is its occasional sprinkling of humor which adds a touch of wit to an otherwise lackluster narrative.

The epilogue introduces a surprising twist related to family history. There was a hint of this midway through the book, but it is abruptly sprung on Nora in the literal last pages, leaving the reader feeling blindsided and unsatisfied.

“Casket Case” had the potential to be an engaging read, but it falls short due to its pacing, inconsistent character development, and editing issues. If it weren’t for the rare moments of humor, this would have been a definite DNF for me.

Hard to Kill

Title: Hard to Kill
Author: James Patterson, Mike Lupica
Published: July 29, 2024 by Little, Brown and Company
Format: Hardcover,page 384 Pages
Genre: Legal Thriller
Series: Jane Smith #2

First Sentence: Jimmy Cunniff calls to tell me to get dressed we’re taking a ride.

Blurb: Attorney Jane Smith is mounting an impossible criminal defense.

Her client, Rob Jacobson, is the unluckiest of the unlucky. No sooner is he accused of killing a family of three in the Hamptons than a second family is gunned down.

It’s not double jeopardy. It’s not double murder. It’s double triple homicide.

Jane’s career has spanned from NYPD beat cop to Hamptons courtroom. She’s tough to beat. She’s even tougher to kill.

My Opinion: Reading this book felt like a never-ending journey without a clear point.

The storyline meandered through a series of crimes without offering more than housecleaning. From the start, the narrative is filled with monotony – the crime that kicks the book off, cancer, more death, more cancer, more death. Then, the last chapter of Oh, look, the person behind it all.

A key point for readers is that the first and second books in this series are direct continuations of one another and should ideally be read back-to-back due to their tight narrative connection. The year-long gap between publications only adds to the confusion.

I also struggled to distinguish this series from James Comey’s Nora Carlton series. Since both narratives are similar, keeping them separate was challenging.

Hard to Kill reminded me of when you flip through a magazine, eager to skip the ads and get to the content. Instead, it meandered through detailed descriptions of New York locations, name-dropping brands, and venues, while the plot remained thin and vague. The numerous characters and their intricate connections became overwhelming, almost requiring a notebook to keep track.

This book reads more like a filler than a gripping thriller. Patterson originally intended the series to be a trilogy but vaguely promised the continuation of the series if the sales remained high. Unless book three comes out of the gates strong, I can’t see a need to go much further.

Ultimately, Hard to Kill fell short of its potential. The constant diversions and fillers made it a tedious read rather than engaging with a compelling story. Given the rambling nature and overwhelming cast of characters, I’d recommend giving this one a pass.

The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love

Title: The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love
Author: India Holton
Published: July 23, 2024 by Berkley
Format: Kindle, Paperback 384 Pages
Genre: Historical Fantasy Rom-Com
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Love's Academic #1

First Sentence: It was a fine day for birding.

Blurb: Rival ornithologists hunt through England for a rare magical bird in this historical-fantasy rom-com reminiscent of Indiana Jones but with manners, tea, and helicopter parasols.

Beth Pickering is on the verge of finally capturing the rare deathwhistler bird when Professor Devon Lockley swoops in, capturing both her bird and her imagination like a villain. Albeit a handsome and charming villain, but that's beside the point. As someone highly educated in the ruthless discipline of ornithology, Beth knows trouble when she sees it, and she is determined to keep her distance from Devon.

For his part, Devon has never been more smitten than when he first set eyes on Professor Beth Pickering. She's so pretty, so polite, so capable of bringing down a fiery, deadly bird using only her wits. In other words, an angel. Devon understands he must not get close to her, however, since they're professional rivals.

When a competition to become Birder of the Year by capturing an endangered caladrius bird is announced, Beth and Devon are forced to team up to have any chance of winning. Now keeping their distance becomes a question of one bed or two. But they must take the risk, because fowl play is afoot, and they can't trust anyone else—for all may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology.

My Opinion: *A delightful oddity of a book. It took me nearly halfway through to fully wrap my head around the multiple layers, but once I did, it was a fun ride! Imagine a mash-up of historical fiction, fantasy, and rom-com, with characters that feel like a quirky blend of Veronica Speedwell and Stoker, or Emily Wilde and Wendell Bambleby.

Takes place in late 19th century England, two rival and celebrated ornithologists, Beth Pickering and Devon Lockley, are on a wild and hilarious quest for a magical bird. Lockley is charming and handsome, sure, but also a total rival. Beth, being the genius she is, decides to keep her distance. Devon, however, is completely smitten by Beth’s brilliance and beauty. But, professional rivals, right? They can’t get too close… or can they?

There is now a new competition to capture the endangered caladrius bird. Beth and Devon are forced to team up, and suddenly, keeping their distance isn’t so easy. One bed or two? Decisions, decisions. But with "fowl" play afoot, they have no choice but to trust each other. And let me tell you, the humor and spice in this enemies-to-lovers tale are just perfect.

I had a real “duh” moment when I finally got the secondary meaning of the book’s title, or at least what I think it is. Sometimes I can be so dense! But once I did, it added a whole new layer to the story, especially with the publicists acting as puppet masters. Despite my initial confusion, I ended up loving this book. And yes, I will continue with the series. We’ll meet new characters in the next installment, one of whom is already introduced in The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love. A crossover series? Count me in!

Reading Between the Lies

Title: Reading Between the Lies
Author: Lynn Cahoon
Published: August 6, 2024 by Kensington
Format: Kindle, Paperback 201 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Survivors' Book Club Mystery #4

First Sentence: Rarity Cole loved date night.

Blurb: Bookshop owner Rarity Cole is living her best life after surviving cancer—hosting book clubs, classes, and parties at her store, The Next Chapter, and giving back to her community in Sedona, Arizona. But an awkward outing to an art gallery is about to add a dark slant to the picture . . .

Rarity is grateful for many things and people in her new life, including her friend Shirley, who is helping to provide backpacks and supplies for kids going back to school. But Shirley needs a big favor. With her husband in a memory-care home, she wants to attend an art opening with a male friend but fears local gossip. She asks Rarity, her friend Sam, and their boyfriends to come along as cover. It would be fun if not for the fact that the two couples are barely speaking…

The evening proceeds without any social disasters. But the featured artist—who struck Rarity as more of a spoiled playboy—is later found dead with an arrow in his back. Any lingering tensions must be set aside so the amateur sleuths can find an archer who may have taken the idea of pointed criticism a bit too literally. (GoodReads)

My Opinion: Reading Between the Lies by Lynn Cahoon left me feeling quite disappointed. I’m unsure if my tastes have evolved or if Cahoon’s writing has declined, but her recent books, including this one, haven’t resonated with me. The story feels more like a rough draft, filled with disjointed ideas and tangents, rather than a polished narrative with engaging characters and a plausible plot.

Given that Cahoon has published over 40 books and is an award-winning author, I expected much more. Unfortunately, I only made it halfway through Reading Between the Lies before resorting to skimming the rest. By the end, I was indifferent to the plot, the characters, and the setting.

I think I’ve reached my limit with this series. However, I plan to give her Tourist Trap series one more chance before deciding whether Lynn Cahoon remains on my TBR list. Here’s hoping for a return to the engaging storytelling that initially drew me to her work.

Shades of Mercy

Title: Shades of Mercy
Author: Bruce Borgos
Published: July 16, 2024 by Minotaur Books
Format: Kindle, Hardcover 352 Pages
Genre: Police Procedural
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Porter Beck #2

First Sentence: At 92,000 feet, the Vulture suddenly developed a mind of its own.

Blurb: Porter Beck is the sheriff in the high desert of Nevada, doing the same lawman's job his father once did now that he's returned home after decades away. With his twelve person department, they cover a large area that is usually very quiet, but not of late. One childhood friend is the latest to succumb to a new wave of particularly strong illegal opioids, another childhood friend—now an enormously successful rancher—is targeted by a military drone, hacked and commandeered by an unknown source. The hacker is apparently local—local enough to call out Beck by name—and that means they are Beck's problem.

Beck's investigation leads him to Mercy Vaughn, the one known hacker in the area. The problem is that she's a teenager, locked up with no computer access at the secure juvenile detention center. But there's something Mercy that doesn't sit quite right with Beck. But when Mercy disappears, Beck understands that she's in danger and time is running out for all of them.

My Opinion: Shades of Mercy by Bruce Borgos is a must-read that will captivate you from the very first page. Borgos, an author who truly deserves more recognition, has crafted a story that is both gripping and unforgettable.

The novel centers on Sheriff Porter Beck, a determined lawman facing the challenges of a degenerative illness. His unwavering resolve and straightforward approach are truly admirable. Beck’s sister, with her courage and determination, adds another layer of depth to the story. The community’s steadfast support for their sheriff, always ready to lend a hand, is both touching and integral to the plot.

The book features several graphic and intense scenes, but they are essential to the storyline and never feel gratuitous. Borgos strikes a perfect balance, incorporating just enough technology to intrigue without overwhelming the reader.

One of the most thrilling aspects is the raging fire that threatens the team. This, combined with the presence of some dubious characters, creates a tense and suspenseful atmosphere as they work to rescue those in over their heads.

I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book, The Blue Horse, expected in the summer of 2025. If it’s anything like Shades of Mercy, it promises to be another enthralling read.

Book Lovers

Title: Book Lovers
Author: Emily Henry
Published: May 3, 2022 by Berkley
Format: Hardcover, 377 Pages
Genre: Romance

First Sentence: When books are your life—or in my case, your job— you get pretty good at guessing where a story is going.

Blurb: Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.

If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.

My Opinion: I absolutely loved the banter in the early part of Book Lovers. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Nora and Charlie was engaging and filled with witty exchanges that kept me hooked. However, when the storyline shifted to focus more on family drama, I found myself losing interest. The transition from the sharp, humorous interactions to the more serious family issues felt jarring.

As expected, the book concluded with a happily ever after, but I found the last quarter of the book to be slow and somewhat uninteresting. The pacing seemed to drag, and the resolution felt predictable.

I know that romance books are not typically my genre, but I keep trying them in hopes that one day, I’ll find one that truly resonates with me. Despite my mixed feelings about Book Lovers, I appreciate the effort to blend romance with deeper themes, even if it didn’t quite hit the mark for me this time.

Murder at the White Palace

Title: Murder at the White Palace
Author: Allison Montclair
Published: July 30, 2024 by Minotaur Books
Format: Kindle, Hardcover 320 Pages
Genre: Historical Mystery
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery #6

First Sentence: “I’ve just had the most wonderful idea!” said Gwen.

Blurb: In post-WWII London, the matchmakers of The Right Sort Marriage Bureau are involved in yet another murder.In the immediate post-war days of London, two unlikely partners have undertaken an even more unlikely, if necessary, business venture—The Right Sort Marriage Bureau. The two partners are Miss Iris Sparks, a woman with a dangerous—and never discussed—past in British intelligence and Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge, a genteel war widow with a young son entangled in a complicated aristocratic family. Looking to throw a New Year’s Eve soiree for their clients, Sparks and Bainbridge scout an empty building—only to find a body contained in the walls. What they initially assume is a victim of the recent Blitz is uncovered instead to be a murder victim—stabbed several times.To make matters worse, the owner of the building is Sparks’ beau, Archie Spelling, who has ties to a variety of enterprises on the right and wrong sides of the law, and the main investigator for the police is her ex-fiancée. Gwen, too, is dealing with her own complicated love life, as she tentatively steps back into the dating pool for the first time since her husband’s death. Murder is not something they want to add to their plates, but the murderer may be closer to home than is comfortable, and they must do all they can to protect their clients, their business and themselves.

My Opinion: This was my least favorite of all the Sparks & Bainbridge books. The “whodunit” part was, I’m not going to say obvious, but it was close. I missed the witty banter that usually characterizes the series. Sparks suddenly becoming all soft and mushy was a turn-off for me. I enjoyed her strength and no-nonsense approach to life, so seeing her get gushy didn’t appeal to me at all.

However, I did enjoy that Bainbridge has grown a backbone. She was able to keep her cool and play a player without the reader being two steps ahead. This development in her character was refreshing and added a new layer to the story.

Yes, I will read the next book, but I certainly hope that Sparks gets her edge back. I miss the sharp, resilient character she used to be.