Tag: historical fiction

Mini-Reviews: Practical, Listeners, Broken

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Fiona Hill, The Practical Heart

Gillian Spencer has just taken a job as companion to the two daughters of a viscount. Because the viscount is deeply in debt, Gillian must get the daughters married as soon as possible—preferably to rich men. But even with the help of the viscount’s handsome nephew, Miles Lawrence, she finds that her task is harder than she thought. After really enjoying The Country Gentleman, I was excited to try more by Fiona Hill, but I must say this book was a bit disappointing. It’s so short (only 139 pages in my e-book copy) that there’s really no time for character development. The romance between Gillian and Miles is barely sketched in, and the other characters are just there for hijinks and comic relief. I did still enjoy the writing style, particularly the viscount’s ornate way of speaking, but otherwise this one is just okay. I bought a whole Hill anthology for $2.99, though, so I will certainly try more of her work.

Maggie Stiefvater, The Listeners

June Hudson is the general manager of the luxurious Avallon Hotel in the mountains of West Virginia, where the mysterious sweetwater has kept the hotel prosperous. The U.S. has just entered World War II, and the government calls upon the Avallon to host a large group of Axis diplomats, both to keep them out of mischief and to show the enemy how prisoners should be treated. June is deeply conflicted about this assignment but resolves to treat the Nazis like any other guests. Eventually, however, both June and the Avallon reach a breaking point that will change the course of June’s life. I’m a huge fan of Maggie Stiefvater’s writing, so I was incredibly excited for her adult debut, and overall I was not disappointed. The story is based on true WWII events, and it’s a great backdrop for June’s character arc, as every decision becomes a compromise among competing priorities. The fantasy elements felt a bit unnecessary to me, but they also didn’t detract from the story. There’s a wonderful romance as well, so overall, I’d definitely recommend this one to fans of WWII-era historical fiction.

Tana French, Broken Harbor

Detective Mick “Scorcher” Kennedy has the top solve rate on the Dublin Murder Squad, which he attributes to his hard work and emotional detachment. But when he’s assigned to a high-profile case—an entire family murdered in their home—he finds himself becoming more and more personally invested as he and his rookie partner investigate. I think Tana French is a really good writer, and even though I wasn’t particularly interested in Scorcher’s story when I started this book, she soon made me empathize with him. The book’s central question also resonates: How much control do we really have over our own lives? But it’s so slow, diving deep into the minutiae of police procedure, and ultimately it took me a long time to read because I found it very put-downable. I do still want to continue with the series, but it’ll probably be a while before I pick up the next book.

Mini-Reviews: Masque, Library, Heartbeat

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Stella Riley, Masque of Deceptions

Daniel, Viscount Reculver, has recently inherited his father’s title, along with a mountain of debt he didn’t know about. To make ends meet, he’s begun selling some of his family’s valuables. When Anna Hawthorne of Hawthorne’s porcelain manufactory hears this news, she’s determined to buy back the set of scent bottles that the late viscount had purchased from Hawthorne’s over the years. But when she meets the handsome and charming Daniel, she’s tempted to make a different offer entirely. As Daniel contemplates her surprising proposal, he begins to see Anna in a new light. This is the second book in Stella Riley’s new series, after The Shadow Earl, and I liked it more than its predecessor. Both Anna and Daniel are very sympathetic characters, and their slow journey from awkwardness to love is delightful. Of course Daniel’s close friends, at least two of whom are sequel bait, make a few appearances, but the focus is largely on the central romance. There are not one but two villains, which gets a bit tiresome, but luckily they don’t overwhelm the story. I’m hoping the next book in this series comes out soon, as I’m definitely excited to read it!

Sulari Gentill, The Woman in the Library

Four strangers are sitting at the same table in the reading room of the Boston Public Library, when they hear a woman scream. At the time nobody knows what’s happened, but news reports later reveal that the woman was murdered. The four strangers, who began talking to each other after hearing the scream, quickly become friends and speculate on who could have killed the woman—but things get complicated when it comes out that one of them has a violent past. I was intrigued by the premise of this book and imagined it would be a variation of the locked-room whodunnit, perhaps with a side of “unbreakable” alibi. Instead, very little time is actually spent on the woman in the library, as the book becomes more of a thriller, with plenty of “shocking” but repetitive revelations and a couple more violent deaths. As a thriller, it was…fine. The unmasking of the murderer fell flat, and then everything ended very abruptly. Overall, I just found it a bit lackluster, and I wouldn’t particularly recommend it.

Cara Bastone, Just a Heartbeat Away

Sebastian Dorner, grieving the sudden death of his wife, is shocked and ashamed when his son Matty’s preschool teacher, Via DeRosa, gently tells him that Matty shows signs of neglect. Seb vows to do better, and two years later, he and Matty are in much better shape. Seb is volunteering at Matty’s new school, where Via just happens to be the new guidance counselor. A mutual attraction builds between them, but Seb is 42 while Via is 27 and has a boyfriend. Will these obstacles prevent their romance? Ultimately, of course, the answer is no, but getting there is a delicious, achingly slow burn. I loved this book’s nuanced portrayal of grief and strong characterization, even of the minor players. Much as I adored Seb and Via together, some of my favorite scenes in the book were between Seb and his mother-in-law, who have a complicated relationship. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and am eager to continue with the series. Highly recommended if you don’t mind some heavier elements in your romance.

Mini-Reviews: Love, Stranger, Pen

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Katherine Center, The Love Haters

Katie is a video producer at a struggling company that’s about to make some layoffs. So when her superior assigns her a job filming a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West, she jumps at the chance—even though she knows nothing about the Coast Guard and can’t even swim. Things get even trickier when she meets her subject, Hutch, who is kind and patient and staggeringly handsome. But both Katie and Hutch will have to overcome some baggage if they want to embrace the possibility of love. I like Katherine Center’s books and devoured this one in a single sitting. It’s funny and charming and romantic, but it also delves into some deeper issues, most notably Katie’s struggles with body image. Frankly, I’m torn on how the book handles that particular element…I did sympathize with Katie at times, but (although the book never reveals her size or weight) it’s clear that she is not a fat person. And as a fat person myself, I sometimes felt annoyed by the book’s simplistic message of body positivity. But apart from that issue, I did like this novel a lot and would recommend it to rom-com fans.

Edith Layton, To Wed a Stranger

Lady Annabelle Wylde is the reigning beauty of London society, but after several years of pursuing and being rejected by various men, her reputation has taken some hits. Now she’s nearing 30 and decides it’s time to marry. Her new husband is Miles Croft, Viscount Pelham, who is reasonably wealthy and handsome and has the right social status. Neither of them loves the other, though they hope that love might grow. But when Annabelle falls ill and loses her looks, a romance seems less likely than ever. This is my first experience with Edith Layton, but it won’t be my last because I really enjoyed this book! I love a marriage of convenience, and I thought both Annabelle and Miles had realistic thoughts and feelings about their situation. I also liked Annabelle’s growth as she slowly realizes that her worth isn’t determined by her looks. This book is part of a series, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, it’s made me curious to try out a few of the earlier installments. I’d definitely recommend this one to fans of the genre; it’s one of the better Regencies I’ve read lately.

Megan Whalen Turner, Moira’s Pen

I’m a huge fan of the Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner, so I was excited to pick up this collection of stories and other short works that are set in the same world. Some of the stories have been previously published in various editions of the series novels, while others are new. The book also contains some essays by the author sharing her inspiration for various places, items, and characters. I generally liked this collection, though it’s nowhere near as compelling or emotionally rich as the main series. It’s been a few years since I read the novels, so I didn’t remember who some of the supporting characters were; I think I’d have enjoyed the stories more if the main series were fresh in my mind. Still, it was nice to spend a little more time in this world, and the completist in me is glad to own this book. I’d only recommend it to those who love the series, though – if you haven’t read any of the main novels, you’ll have no idea what’s going on!

Mini-Reviews: Messenger, Crazy, Gothic

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Susanna Kearsley, The King’s Messenger

It’s 1613, and King James I sits on the throne of England. His son, Prince Henry, has recently died, and rumors suggest that he was poisoned. To investigate (or possibly to set up a scapegoat), the king sends one of his messengers, Andrew Logan, to arrest the prince’s mentor and close companion, Sir David Moray. Traveling with Andrew are a scrivener and his daughter, Phoebe Westaway, who will record any statements made by Sir David. Andrew and Phoebe have a contentious history, but their proximity on this journey leads to very different feelings. Meanwhile, their perspective on Sir David also begins to change. Susanna Kearsley is a top-notch writer of historical fiction, and while I don’t know much about this time period, her depiction feels believable and authentic. I found the present-day adventure and romance more interesting than Sir David’s history with the prince, which is interspersed in the narrative via flashbacks. But overall, I really liked this one, though A Desperate Fortune remains my favorite Kearsley novel.

Annie Darling, Crazy in Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop

Nina, who works with her two BFFs at a bookstore specializing in romantic fiction, prides herself on being unconventional, from her vintage-pinup-girl style to her sleeves of tattoos. Her romantic ideal is Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Noah, a consultant who’s evaluating the bookstore’s finances, couldn’t be farther from Nina’s usual type—yet she feels a surprising attraction to him. But as they get to know each other, they discover an unpleasant shared history that may drive them apart. I remember enjoying the previous book in this series, True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop, but this one didn’t do much for me. I think it’s because I can’t really relate to Nina at all (again, her romantic ideal is Heathcliff). The book also feels pretty dated in its approach to friendships and relationships, despite being published in 2018—it seems a bit like a Bridget Jones’s Diary copycat. Overall, not a horrible book, but not one I’d recommend either.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Mexican Gothic

It’s 1950, and Noemí Taboada is a glamorous socialite in Mexico City. But when she receives a disturbing letter from her cousin Catalina, who has recently married and moved to her husband’s remote mountaintop estate, she decides to visit and find out what’s going on. Noemí is repulsed by the decaying estate and its hostile inhabitants. She’s also alarmed by Catalina’s seeming insanity, and becomes even more so when she too starts having strange dreams. She eventually uncovers a complex and horrific history that’s holding her cousin captive—and is now attempting to ensnare her as well. I’ve enjoyed every Moreno-Garcia book I’ve read so far, and this is no exception, though it’s way closer to horror than I normally go! It’s definitely not for the faint of heart—there’s violence (including sexual violence), body horror, and all manner of creepy goings-on. But I really liked this take on the gothic genre and how it explores power dynamics, particularly conquerors vs. conquered and men vs. women. I also loved Noemí as a heroine; she’s got quite a bit more intelligence and spunk than some of her predecessors in this genre. It’s not quite my kind of book, but if this premise interests you, I’d highly recommend it!

Mini-Reviews: Beautiful, Winterlight, Impetuous

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Emily Henry, Great Big Beautiful Life

Alice Scott is an entertainment journalist who’s trying to level up her career. So she’s thrilled when she gets the chance to interview Margaret Ives, a reclusive former “tabloid princess” who was the child of a media dynasty and the wife of a famous rockstar. If the interview goes well, Alice might get to write Margaret’s biography. But there’s another journalist in the running, Hayden Anderson, who’s won a Pulitzer and isn’t happy about having Alice as his competition. As Alice uncovers the secrets of Margaret’s past, she falls for Hayden in the present. I’ve enjoyed every Henry novel that I’ve read, and I think this one might be my favorite. The romance between Alice and Hayden, while lovely, actually gets somewhat short shrift because a lot of the book delves into Margaret’s family history. Some might find the divided focus distracting, but I was genuinely invested in every story. The novel is about love (both romantic and familial), grief, loneliness, art, and the things we regret. I liked it a lot and look forward to the next Emily Henry book.

Kristen Britain, Winterlight

After the events of Firebrand, Karigan is still dealing with trauma and constantly hearing the voice of her torturer, Nyssa, in her head. But she doesn’t have time to dwell on this because Second Empire has officially begun war with Sacoridia, capturing a strategically important castle in the mountains. Karigan and the other Riders are sent to help, but they must also contend with Darrow Raiders, evil wraiths, Eletians with a hidden agenda, and the looming threat of Mornhavon the Black. It took me forever to get through this 835-page tome, and honestly I’m not sure it was worth it. I did like seeing Karigan back among the other Green Riders, and it feels like progress is finally being made on some of the series-long arcs. But it’s still too long, some of the side plots feel uninteresting and inconsequential, and I just don’t care much about this series anymore. I’ll still read the new one that’s coming out this fall, but I hope it ties up some of the main storylines, because I’ll almost certainly be quitting the series after that.

Stephanie Laurens, Impetuous Innocent

Georgiana Hartley has just returned to England after living abroad for several years, only to find her odious cousin Charles living in her family’s ancestral home. When Charles makes unwanted advances, Georgiana runs away and begs her nearest neighbor—Dominic, a viscount—for help. Dominic escorts her to his sister in London but thinks little more of the matter at first. But as he sees Georgiana thriving in London society, surrounded by suitors, he finds himself attracted to her. Meanwhile, Georgiana is head over heels for Dominic but can’t believe he would be seriously interested in her. This book has its good points; it’s steamless, it’s reasonably well written, and though it’s nowhere near Heyer quality, some plot points and characters are vaguely reminiscent of her. But Georgiana and Dominic are incredibly frustrating! Why they fall for each other is a mystery, as they spend hardly any time together until they’re already “in love.” They seem incapable of rational communication and are kept apart by a series of increasingly stupid misunderstandings. So, unfortunately, this one is definitely not a keeper for me.

Mini-Reviews: Dream, Fake, Shadow

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Kristen Britain, The Dream Gatherer

This book is a collection of two short stories and one novella that Britain wrote to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Green Rider’s publication. The stories aren’t part of the Green Rider series per se, but they’re set in the same world and include some characters from the series. The book also contains some illustrations by Britain and a foreword from her friend and fellow fantasy writer Julie Czerneda. To me, this collection is nothing special, with the two short stories especially being quite forgettable. It feels like an attempt to pacify fans who’d gotten impatient of waiting three-plus years for each new book. I haven’t felt that same impatience, as I didn’t start the series till last year and am not a hugely invested fan. So I was neither excited nor disappointed; this volume is fine, but it’s unnecessary filler that does nothing to move the series forward. I was happy to have a little break from the usual 800-page tomes, though!

Charlotte Stein, My Big Fat Fake Marriage

Connie’s never had much luck with men, and the seemingly nice ones always turn out to be the biggest jerks. So she’s deeply suspicious of her neighbor, Henry Samuel Beckett, who appears to be the kindest person on the planet. Turns out, Beck does have a secret: He’s single, but because of a coworker’s bullying, he’s invented a fake marriage. And when he needs to prove his story, Connie volunteers to pose as his wife. Having enjoyed Stein’s When Grumpy Met Sunshine, I was eager to read this one, which features Mabel’s BFF. I really liked both Connie and Beck, both of whom have been constantly devalued by most of the people in their lives. As a result, they’re deeply insecure, and they have trouble standing up for themselves—but immediately leap to defend each other. There’s no plot to speak of, just enough scaffolding to get them to the fake marriage/only one bed premise. There’s also a lot of steam, which I’m not a fan of, but it’s par for the course with Stein. Overall, I did enjoy this one but would recommend looking at an online sample to see whether the writing style works for you.

Stella Riley, The Shadow Earl

Christian, the earl of Hazelmere, vanished three years ago on his Grand Tour. Now he’s suddenly reappeared in London, but he won’t disclose what happened to him while he was missing. He’s also not quite the same gentle, carefree young man he once was—a fact that dismays Sophie, who was informally betrothed to him before he disappeared. Will Christian heal from his traumatic experiences enough to find happiness with Sophie? I really like Stella Riley’s novels; you’re always going to get good writing, likable leads, and a historical setting that’s not just window dressing. But this book lacks any sort of dramatic tension. We learn what happened to Christian early on, and the bulk of the “plot” is he and his friends seeking revenge. I kept waiting for a surprising revelation or twist, but none came. The novel does, however, provide tons of sequel bait; there are at least six or seven supporting characters who could have their own books. Of course, I will read those sequels if/when they materialize! But I still prefer Riley’s Rockliffe books.

Mini-Reviews: Ticket, Fatally, Inconvenient

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Freya Sampson, The Lost Ticket

In 1962, twentysomething Frank met a girl on a London bus, and that single encounter changed his life. Unfortunately, he lost the phone number she gave him, and he never saw her again. Sixty years later, Libby has just arrived in London after simultaneously losing her job and her boyfriend. When she meets Frank (on the bus, of course), she’s fascinated by his story and decides to help him find the girl from the bus—posting flyers, placing newspaper ads, inventing a Twitter hashtag, etc. In the course of the search, Libby grows in unexpected ways as she discovers a new purpose and perhaps a new romance. This is a gentle, bittersweet novel about community and the positive ways people can influence each other. There are a lot of tender, effective moments, and Libby is a realistically complex character. Some aspects of the plot, like the romance and Libby’s conflict with her family, get short shrift. But overall, this is a pleasant, escapist, not too saccharine read.

Ande Pliego, You Are Fatally Invited

Six mystery authors are invited to a writers’ retreat at the home of reclusive best-selling author J.R. Alastor. Alastor is a pen name, and no one knows the author’s true identity, but the guests are all eager to meet their host. They don’t know that Mila, the event coordinator acting as Alastor’s proxy, has a grudge against one of them and is planning murder as her revenge. But when someone turns up dead—and it’s not the murder Mila had planned—she and the guests must team up to find the killer(s?) in their midst. This novel is heavily influenced by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, with a dash of the Clue board game thrown in. As such, I was sold on the premise, and ultimately I enjoyed the book. It’s a little gory, and some of the logistical plot elements didn’t quite make sense (but maybe that’s my fault, as I was racing to the end and might have missed some details). But I liked the ending, and I’m pleased with myself for figuring out Alastor’s identity. Recommended if the premise appeals to you.

Loretta Chase, My Inconvenient Duke

Lady Alice Ancaster has decided it’s time to marry. Her brother constantly engages in reckless behavior that could get him killed, and his heir is a terrible cousin who would make Alice’s life miserable. Unfortunately, she’s already in love with the wrong man: Giles, duke of Blackwood, one of her brother’s best friends and partners in crime. Giles has loved Alice for years but knows she’s far too good for him, and he’d rather sow wild oats with his friends than settle down to marriage and respectability. When circumstances push them together, however, their attraction threatens to overcome their better judgment. Much as I love Loretta Chase, I found this book a little disappointing. It’s the third in a series, and the first two books hinted at problems in Alice and Giles’s marriage, which I assumed this book would explore. Instead, this is more of a prequel, starting well before their marriage and the events of books 1 and 2. The story is entertaining and well told, but it’s not the story I was hoping for. It’s still a Chase novel, which means there’s still a lot to enjoy (I do love me some pining, and there’s plenty of it here!), but this one won’t be a keeper for me.

Mini-Reviews: Shaman, Feast, Earl

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Lois McMaster Bujold, Penric and the Shaman

Four years after making the acquaintance of the demon Desdemona, sorcerer Penric has become a divine in the Bastard’s order. In that capacity, he is asked to participate in the hunt for a runaway shaman who’s responsible for the death of a young nobleman. His partner, the in-world equivalent of a police officer, distrusts all sorcerers and isn’t impressed by Pen’s youth and affability. But as they work together, they come to understand one another better—and realize that the shaman also isn’t quite what he seems. This novella has a lot of world-building that I found a bit hard to follow, even though I’ve read The Hallowed Hunt, which introduced the concept of shamans in this world. There’s also not much conflict; all the major players are well-intentioned and willing to collaborate to solve their problems. But I did enjoy the story and liked seeing Pen impress those who initially underestimated him. I’m excited to continue this series!

Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

I just got back from my first trip to Paris and thought this would be the perfect book to read while I was there! It’s Hemingway’s fictionalized account of his life in Paris in the 1920s with his first wife, Hadley. He talks about his favorite cafés, his writing process, his affinity for gambling and skiing, and his many friends and acquaintances in the Parisian literary world, such as Gertrude Stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald. I wouldn’t say I’m a huge Hemingway fan, but I do admire his writing style, and there are plenty of wonderfully evocative turns of phrase in this book. I think it’s a bit uneven—which is fair, as it was incomplete when he died and published posthumously—and I’m not sure I’ll ever want to reread it. I think it’s a bit too inside-baseball unless you’re intimately familiar with Hemingway and all the people he describes. Still, it’s reminded me that I would like to read more of Hemingway’s fiction.

Caroline Linden, An Earl Like You

Hugh Deveraux has just inherited an earldom, and with it a mountain of debt that his father had kept secret. With a widowed mother and two sisters to support, he needs money fast. He tries to recover his fortunes at the gaming tables, where he receives an unusual proposal: Rich merchant Edward Cross wants his daughter, Eliza, to marry an aristocrat. If Hugh is willing to be the bridegroom, Cross will pay all his debts and give Eliza a hefty dowry. Hugh is reluctant at first, but when he meets the warm and down-to-earth Eliza, he decides to go through with the marriage. But what will happen when Eliza discovers that her handsome suitor is only after her money? I quite enjoyed this variation on the marriage-of-convenience plot, where only one partner knows it’s a marriage of convenience. Hugh’s deception is appalling, especially because the kind and trusting Eliza thinks it’s a love match, and the book treats this conflict with the gravity it deserves while still making Hugh a likable and redeemable character. I liked this one and may try more from the author.

Mini-Reviews: Rake, Wildwood, Mistake

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Eva Leigh, My Fake Rake

Lady Grace Wyatt and Sebastian Holloway have been friends for years, as both are socially awkward, scientifically minded nerds. Grace is infatuated with another scientist, but he sees her only as a colleague. So she and Sebastian concoct a plan: He’ll become a stylish, sought-after rake, then publicly flirt with Grace to make her crush jealous. But their plan goes awry when Grace and Sebastian find themselves wildly attracted to each other. I wanted to like this book – it seemed like a silly but fun gender-flipped take on the makeover trope (he takes off his glasses and is suddenly hot!) – but the execution fell flat. The hero and heroine are both anachronistically progressive (at one point, the hero refuses tobacco because it would be culturally appropriating Native American rituals), and their scientific interests try but fail to substitute for actual personalities. Ultimately, the book just wasn’t well-written or fun enough to compensate for these issues, and I don’t plan to try more by Leigh.

Juliet Marillier, Wildwood Dancing

Jena and her four sisters have a happy life as the daughters of a loving and prosperous merchant. Moreover, every full moon they’re able to visit the Other Kingdom, where they dance till dawn at the fairy court. But things change when Jena’s father travels south for his health, leaving the girls virtually alone. Jena’s sister Tati falls in love with a mysterious denizen of the Other Kingdom, and her cousin Cezar tries to take control of her father’s estate and business. Can Jena and her frog companion, Gogu, right these wrongs before it’s too late? I adored this book when I first read it and still liked it a lot this time around. Marillier’s prose is magical, and she creates a believable and immersive world. I really liked the incorporation of fairy tales and folklore, not just “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” but also “The Frog Prince” and vampire legends. I also appreciated the moral complexity of the book’s villain, Cezar, despite the intended YA audience. I prefer Marillier’s adult work, but this is still a very good read.

Sarah Mayberry, Her Best Worst Mistake

Martin is a conservative, buttoned-up corporate lawyer. Violet is a free spirit who wears scandalous outfits and likes breaking the rules. They’ve disliked each other for years but have had to get along because Martin was dating Violet’s best friend, Elizabeth. But when Elizabeth suddenly dumps Martin, Violet feels sorry for him and reaches out – only to discover a shocking sexual chemistry between them. But could that chemistry be the beginning of something more? This is a novella (about 150 pages) that manages to pack in quite a bit of backstory for the two main characters, setting up their opposites-attract dynamic and the conflicts that initially keep them apart. I liked both Martin and Violet and found their journey to love believable, if a bit sudden. There are several steamy scenes near the beginning, but the overall romance is surprisingly sweet. Recommended if you like the premise.

Mini-Reviews: Remember, Mortal, Bomb

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Mary Balogh, Remember When

Clarissa Ware, the dowager countess of Ravenswood, is taking stock of her life. She’s nearly 50, her husband has been dead for several years, and her children are grown. Now she wants to discover who she is apart from her role as society wife and mother. To that end, she rekindles her friendship with village carpenter Matthew Taylor, who was her neighbor and best friend growing up. But any relationship between them will cause gossip; should they get together despite the possible cost to their reputations? This is a gentle, peaceful installment of the Ravenswood series. The conflict is practically nonexistent, and many of the scenes feel repetitive, as both Clarissa and Matthew spend a lot of time reflecting on whether they should be together. There are also the obligatory updates on Clarissa’s many children and family members, which I found a bit tedious. Overall, it was a decent enough read, but so far this series hasn’t grabbed me…though I am excited for Stephanie’s book now, and I hope it’s coming soon!

Genevieve Cogman, The Mortal Word

World-hopping, book-stealing Librarian Irene Winters has just been given her most high-stakes assignment yet. A secret peace treaty between dragons and Fae is in the works, mediated by the neutral Library—but one of the dragon negotiators has just been murdered. Irene and Vale are summoned to the scene of the crime, a version of Belle Époque Paris, where they must solve the murder and prevent negotiations from breaking down. But do the powers that be really want the truth to come out? This is another fun, page-turning installment of the Invisible Library series; it might even be my favorite so far. Most of the major series characters (Kai, Lord Silver, etc.) are on the scene and get some good page time. The romantic subplot takes a significant step forward. Plus, I always enjoy a good murder mystery! So yeah, I liked this one and am excited to continue with book 6.

Lissa Evans, Small Bomb at Dimperley

World War II has just ended, and Valentine Vere-Thissett is leaving the army to return to Dimperley manor, which he’s just inherited (along with a title) from his older brother, who died in the war. Valentine doesn’t particularly want the responsibility, especially since Dimperley is falling apart. Fortunately, Zena Baxter, who came to Dimperley in a group of pregnant women who were evacuated from London during the war, has an idea that might save the estate. But not everyone is ready to embrace her plan. I loved this slice-of-life novel and its realistic depiction of postwar changes, but the characters are what really make the novel shine. Every single one is treated humanely and feels like a real person. There’s also plenty of quiet humor and an understated romance that I loved. All in all, an incredibly satisfying reading experience. I’m so glad I saw pamelad’s review on LibraryThing and decided to buy the book from a UK store (since it hasn’t been published in the US)—totally worth it!