Book Review: The Secret of Sea Pines

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t be talking about the plot too much. However, this novel was a lot of fun. I loved the flashback moments used as context and setup, and the rest of the story was also fast-paced, interesting, and had real stakes.Additionally, the characters were unique. I wish I could have spent more time with Joseph and Pearl, but Charles and Mary were a delightfully quirky couple that I would enjoy seeing in future books. They worked well together, and watching them unravel the mystery was very satisfying. Their adventures, it seems, are only just beginning, and this reader, at least, cannot wait to see what happens next.One thing I really appreciated about this novel was that there were clear stakes. Every antagonistic felt like a real danger, and there were real and dangerous threats to our heroes. People got hurt. I worried that the characters were not going to be okay, and that made the moments of triumph even sweeter.The writing style is easy to follow and not overly complicated. I don’t mind a bit of flowery language, but in this case, it would have felt out of place. The author picked a tone and stuck to it. Overall, the tone of the novel was consistent. It reminded me of an adventure film set in the 40s, and I could not help but imagine the beautiful way it would translate to screen.This is was a solid first adventure in a series that promises to be full of Southern charm and adventure. The biggest downside is that it is so short, but it is the first book in a series, so more adventures are sure to follow!

I give this book 4 out of 5 gold coins.

The Princess and the Paparazzi by Ciara Blume: A delightful modernization of The Prince and the Pauper that follows a barista and a movie star.

The Princess and the Paparazzi by Ciara Blume is the fourth book in her Lit Lovers Series, and is a modern retelling of The Prince and the Pauper. Kenna is a barista who knows exactly what coffee people need. Lorelei is a movie star. Both women are feeling trapped in their respective lives, so, after some prodding from Lorelei, they decide to switch places for a week.

Intrigued by their similar looks, Lorelei and Kenna take a DNA test . The resulrs will arrive at the end of the week, and they will see the results when they switch back. Hijicks ensue, characters will fall in love, and each woman will learn more about herself and the kind of person she wants to be.

Kenna and Lorelei are both interesting characters. Their reasons for switching lives make sense and doesn’t feel contrived. Their growth through the novel also fits their unique personalities. This makes the story more compelling to read, and an enjoyable adventure.

This novel has a couple of (consensual) spicy scenes in it, so be aware of that. But the romantic relationships never overshadow the friendship blooming between Lorelei and Kenna, or the established relationships both characters have. The romances ultimately added to both Kenna and Lorelei’s character growth in a positive way. The love interests are different, and the eventual pairings are perfect.

The ending also had a few fun twists. Blume gave us a satisfying conclusion that felt earned. The pieces all fit together beautifully, and didn’t seem to come out of left field. She planted the seeds and readers got to watch them grow as they read.

Although it is part of a larger series, you can read this as a stand-alone novel. The other novels enhance the experience, and are similar in a lot of ways. This little town of Ephron is a delightfully quirky place with a lot of fun characters.

If you enjoy classic literature with a twist and a little steam, this is certainly a book to check out. It pays homage to nerd culture while also looking at what makes people uniquely themselves. Overall, it was a lot of fun.

I would give this novel 4 out of 5 cameras.

The Self-Sufficient Princess By Sanguine Addams: A fun and witty tale of a princess trying to find her place in the world, and the friends she makes along the way.

Some books try to be funny and to balance references to outside media. Very few books succeed, but The Self-Sufficient Princess by Sanguine Addams is one of them. In many ways, it is modern The Princess Bride, not aashamed to poke fun at fairy tale tropes while being a love-letter to them. The writing style is witty, compelling, and laugh-out-loud hilarious.

The story is more than the wit, however. It is a poignant tale about growing up and finding your place in life. Princess Nightingale, or Gale, lives on her own in a tower. She is learning to take care of herself before she has to officially step into her role as princess.

As her 18th birthday draws closer, the dragon Wrathnarok, also known as Mittens, shows up to protect her, followed closely by multiple suitors. Gale’s life changes drastically. She doesn’t want to get married, and isn’t even sure she wants to be a princess anymore. Now she has to decide, what does she really want, and who is she, really?

Gale is the kind of heroine that readers can relate to. She is spunky, but she is also just trying to figure things out. Who is she? What does she want in life? These questions are something that all of us have asked ourselves at least once in our life.

Gale’s relationship with her parents is very sweet. They are supportive and caring of their daughter, and give her space and time to discover who she is. This gave the story an additional sweetness and kept it grounded.

Mittens the Dragon is also a fantastic character. She is ancient, protective of her assigned princess, and totally enamored of modern life. She and Gale have their differences, but watching them slowly become real friends was a treat. The suitors are hilariously awful, yet realistic. Most people have met or seen at least one of these guys in action.

The Self-Sufficient Princess allows readers to linger. We learn about Gale and her life, and we get to watch her learn and grow, and maybe, we learn a bit about ourselves along the way.

If you enjoyed Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower by Tasmin Muir or The Princess Bride by William Goldman, this is a book to check out. It’s funny and heartfelt at the same time, and that is a winning combination.

I received a few copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.

I would give this book five out of five pairs of mittens.

Return of the Ark by Erol Bulent Abay: A thrilling mystery that takes readers on a quest to find the lost Ark.

Return of the Ark by Erol Bulent Abay is set in Turkey, originally written in Turkish, and is a compelling mystery. The novel starts out with a murder at a symposium on the Archaeology of Religion.

Eren Dervish is at the symposium to present. Suddenly, he finds himself helping the beautiful Hacer Haran escape the hotel. Hacer is wanted for questioning in the murder of another presenter, Professor Yafes. She is also the finance of Ibrahim Dizdar, who runs the Turkish version of the CIA (called MIT).

As Eren and Hacer race towards Ibrahim, they realize that their pursuers are not the authorities, but someone out to kill them. They also discover that Hacer’s name was on a piece of paper clutched by the dead professor. Hacer and Eren are determined to find the reason for this connection, and the reason that Professor Yafes was killed.

Meanwhile, the world is in an uproar as major religious leaders of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism vanish. This sows discord among the three faiths, who blame each other. When five bombs also go missing and people named after prophets start turning up dead, Ibrahim realizes that there is a connection to the professor’s murder.

The mystery is well-paced, and unfolds in a thrilling way. The reader knows who is the mastermind, but it is still exciting to watch it unfold for the characters. Readers also know that the Ark in the title is Noah’s Ark, but the characters had an interesting path to discovering that fact.

The only issue with this book is that the translation is, at times, a little difficult to understand. The author does quite a bit to cancel this out, with helpful clarifying footnotes, but there are some places where the original Turkish did not translate clearly into English. Despite this, the story is compelling enough and the writing is strong enough that readers can see what the intent is and follow. Just be aware of that going in.

If you like the novels of Dan Brown, Umberto Eco, or novels from other countries, this Turkish novel is certainly one to check out.

I received a copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.

I would give this book 4 out of 5 Arks.

Rosamunde Bott’s Dark River: A compelling tale about self-discovery, humanity, and the impact that one person can make.

Rosamunde Bott’s Dark River is a compelling tale that keeps the reader interested from start to finish. It is a novel of self-acceptance and discovery, tied together by the river Thames.

Julia Bates is the main character of Dark River, and the narrator of the novel. She is unhappy in her current life. Her dream of being an illustrator was squashed by her parents for being impractical, and her career as a secretary is not fulfilling.

She meets a mysterious stranger, Ewen, on the Waterloo Bridge. He offers her a chance to play a quest-based game. Julia is intrigued and agrees.

The quest begins with a series of videos about past events in London. The videos reach back as far as the Stone Age, and are eventually replaced by time travel. As the novel unfolds, Julia learns about the past events that helped shape the present.

Each quest also forces Julia out of her comfort zone. She learns more about herself and the future that she wants, while creating new bonds with some of the people around her.

Julia is a compelling character. Anyone who has found themselves in a rut, realizing that they are unhappy in their current lives but unsure how to make a change, will see themselves in Julia’s struggle. Her journey of self-discovery is compelling, and may spark inspiration in readers.

The supporting characters are interesting, especially Alex and Suzie. They are each on their own journey, and these run parallel to Julia’s. Ewen is also a fascinating character, and it was enjoyable figuring out who he really was.

The novel was able to talk about environmental issues in an interesting and compelling way. It shows the impact that people have on their environment, and the difference that one person can make. This aspect did not take away from Julia’s journey, but complemented it well.

Dark River travels through time in an interesting way, and the attention to historical detail is impressive. There is obviously some poetic license taken, but nothing feels out of place. It flows together well, and the use of the river to tie everything together was very clever.

If you enjoy historical fiction, time travel stories, or journeys of self-discovery. Dark River is a novel that is worth your time. It is a compelling story with a relatable main character learning about London’s past and herself, all tied together by the River Thames.

I received a copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery

I would give this book 5 out of 5 river boats.

Book Review: Gothic Revival by Michael Mullin: A gripping psychological thriller with literary references and compelling characters

I received a free copy of this book through Discovery Reedsy in exchange for an honest review.When an invitation for a reunion at a lakeside villa comes from an old friend, it seems like a chance for a group of grad school friends to catch up. Inspired by the house party where Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, they agree to write a ghost story each.

Things are not as they seem, however. The group may match the number of Shelley’s party, but something else might be simmering than just a reunion and writing workshop. Secrets will come out, bonds will be tested, and nothing will be like it was before.

Gothic Revival was a surprise from start to finish. It’s a novel that grabs you by the hand and takes you along for the ride. Like the characters, the reader knows something is going on, but can’t quite figure out what it is. As the novel progresses, readers get just enough information that, by the end, they wonder why they didn’t see the ending coming. But that is the best part of this book. It’s a well-crafted thriller with an ending that makes sense. Looking back, readers see how all the pieces fit together, but it’s not glaringly obvious while reading the story itself.

Since the main characters all have a graduate degree in writing, the setting and main idea, that they’re all writing a ghost story, works beautifully. The literary references are a great touch as well. It makes the story come alive. Some characters have moved away from their writing roots, while others are still very much in that world.

As a result, the characters all react to the reunion in different ways. This makes the story feel more organic. These are real people, with real lives and real problems, thrust into something they don’t fully understand. Readers may not like all the characters, but they root for them. Readers want Chris to publish his sci-fi novels, they want Anne, Fiona, and Lauren to be happy, and they want to hear that Eric is doing well. This raises the stakes and makes the story matter.

If you are a fan of the classic Frankenstein, are interested in the events that lead to Mary Shelley writing it, or just love a good psychological thriller, this is definitely a book to check out.

I received a copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.

I would give this novel 4.5 out of 5 Petrified Percy Shelley Hearts.

Sea Magic by Heidi Mcintyre: A duel-timelines tale of magic, self-acceptance, love, and loss that will leave you spellbound

Sea Magic by Heidi Mcintyre follows Madeline, a modern woman living in the seaside town of Penbrook. She spends her time running her antique business, working with her Aunt Phoebe, and visiting with her friend Chelsea. But after a mysterious box calls to her at an estate sale, she starts having dreams about a young Puritan woman, Maria.

Maria is young, headstrong, and beautiful. When Samuel Bellamy arrives in her town, the two fall deeply in love. Sam is penniless, however, so Maria’s father will not allow them to wed. Sam sets out to seek his fortune, promising to return for Maria.

Madeline watches this tragic love story play out while beginning her own love story with Evan, a handsome and charming history professor who helps her piece together Maria and Sam’s story. The love story between Madeline and Evan is a nice contrast to the story of Maria and Sam. From the very beginning, readers know Maria and Sam will not have a happily ever after, but Madeline and Evan might. Of course, Madeline and Evan have some challenges to overcome, but they don’t feel contrived, like in so many romance novels. They feel real.

Another huge part of the story is self-acceptance. Madeline has always shut down the part of her that might be magical. Throughout the novel, she learns to embrace that side of herself, and even opens her heart up to new people. Madeline’s growth is refreshing to watch. She has very real reasons for denying this part of herself, and her embracing it is a slow process, like in reality.

The other major part of Sea Magic is,of course, the magic. Madeline can sense who should own specific antiques, and certain pieces call to her. Magic is a thread woven throughout the novel, and though using it is crucial to Madeline’s journey, it never feels overwhelming.

The two stories are woven together beautifully and the themes don’t overpower the story. Having Madeline as our point of view character keeps Maria’s story a mystery, which unfolds for the reader aling with Madeline. This, along with Madeline’s own emotional journey in the present, make this story compelling and impossible to put down.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, magical realism, and enjoy a sprinkle of steam, Sea Magic is a book that you should check out. Hopefully, we get a sequel soon!

I received an ARC of this book through Reedsy Discovery.

I would give Sea Magic 5 out of 5 pirate ships.

The Archaeologist and the Spinster By Angela Johnson: A clean romance with tons of heart, compelling characters, and believable conflicts.

Phineas Fernley has dreamed his whole life of being an archaeologist. Finally, his dream is coming true and he is in his way to the Valley of the Kings. When he finds a fellow Englishman who is in charge of a dig, he feels like he is finally on his way. But the life of an archaeologist is not as glamorous or exciting as Phineas thought. Plus, his host has a spinster daughter who is not as old or plain as Phineas had assumed.

Adelia Winthrop followed her widowed father to Egypt, and is desperate to return home to England. When Phineas arrives, she is sure her father has found her a husband. She quickly realizes she is wrong, but finds herself drawn to Phineas.

One thing that was prominent in this novel was the idea that dreams can change. This theme is relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with changing dreams. This is something that many people have to go through, and seeing this struggle play out in the story is refreshing.

In one way, this book was difficult to read. Adelia is treated pretty horribly by her father and brother. Her insecurities are understandable, and so are her reactions to different events. This does not not make it any less uncomfortable to read, however.

Despite that, it is a romance and therefore you get to watch Phineas and Adelia fall in love slowly. They are both awkward in different ways. Adelia can’t flirt and Phineas is determined to be a traveling archaeologist. Their gradual romance is adorable.

The Archaeologist and the Spinster deals with grief, betrayal, the importance of knowing about the culture you’re living in, and the ethics of archaeology. Although the field has drastically changed today, at the time the novel is set, archaeology was more like tomb raiding. The Egyptian characters bring this up several times.

You don’t need to have read the other books in the Fernley Family Series to understand the plot of this novel, but it does add some context to Phineas’ life. Hopefully, other adventures with the Fernley Family are coming soon!If you are a fan of clean romance, period dramas, or archaeology in fiction, The Archaeologist and the Spinster is a book to check out.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 camels.

I received a copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.

Jerry R.M.’s The Prince Who Fell in Love With the Dragon-A thrilling adventure with humor, magic, and the politics of a fascinating fantasy world

In Jerry R.M.’s The Prince Who Fell in Love With the Dragon, readers follow Prince Omhet. Omhet is the youngest of four brothers in the remote kingdom of Glacier, and sees himself as the disappointing one.

One hundred years ago in the kingdom of Andebeck, a dragon massacred the royal family and stole the princess. Now, Andebeck has called on the other royals to join them in fighting the dragon and discovering what happened to the lost princess. Plus, whoever kills the dragon will become the new King of Andebeck.

Omhet volunteers to go, as a way to prove himself to his family and to himself. When he arrives in Andebeck for training, he learns that nothing is as it seems. Not the other royals, his guardians, or the dragon itself.

Overall, The Prince Who Fell in Love With the Dragon is a ton of fun. Even though readers can easily guess the twist, it is an enjoyable ride to get there. Jerry R.M. does not overwhelm readers with information, but slowly teases it out in a satisfying way. Because the novel is told from Omhet’s point of view, readers only know what Omhet knows.

Since we spend time in Omhet’s head, this helps make him a more relatable character. He has a desire to do what is right and to make his kingdom proud. Knowing his motivations, even when Omhet is being impulsive, readers can understand why he is making his choices. As the story goes on, readers get to watch as Omhet grows and learns. This all makes the story more compelling.

Readers are transported to a magical land made up of Twelve Territories (five kingdoms and seven courts). The world-building is interesting and the kingdoms that we spend time in are fairly well-developed. Since this is the first novel in a series, hopefully more places in the world will fleshed out as the series continues.

A map would also be a very useful addition, because the world feels so big. It would be nice to see it, and get a better idea of how the different regions interact.

A thread running through the book is the political intrigue. The different kingdoms are trying to find allies while training. There are secrets, loyalties, bullies, and betrayal. This adds stakes in addition to the looming threat of the dragon. It also causes the reader to wonder who, if anyone, can be trusted.

There are some trigger warnings in this novel for assault, self-destruction, gore, bullying, death by dragonfire, and some foul language. However, nothing feels unnecessary to the overall plot. In addition, the author handled it all tastefully.

While The Prince Who Fell in Love With the Dragon does touch on these dark topics, there are other aspects present. The story also has a focus on overcoming trauma and doing the right thing. Jerry R.M. balances out the darkness with humor, romance, mystery, and interesting characters. This prevents the tragic aspects from becoming overwhelming.

This is a series that is worth reading. It is a solid start to a story that is clearly building for at least one more book. If you enjoy fantasy adventures with transformations, a gentle love story, magic, some fantasy politics, or all of the above, this is a novel to check out.

I received a copy of this novel from Reedsy Discovery.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Dragons🐉

Book Review: An Unsuitable Pursuit

RATING: Four out of Five Broadswords

An Unsuitable Pursuit is the sequel to The Swordmaster’s Daughter by Terri Green. This review has spoilers for The Swordmaster’s Daughter. Picking up after the events of the first book, this novel follows Lucinda Evans, who is dealing with the fallout of the last book. She continues to teach the Sisters of the Sword and train to be a midwife with her grandmother.

Lucinda is also trapped in her agreement to spy for Lord Colin Cavendish, the Scottish spy master. He is also the man standing between her and her true love, his nephew Robert McCrae. He has a new assignment for her, one that goes against all her instincts.

To save her country and loved ones, she agrees, becoming entagled with a handsome and charming Spanish Ambassador. With the aid of some familar Sisters, she discovers something more sinister than she could have ever imagined.

Like the previous book, there is amazing attention to detail when it comes to the style of sword and swordfighting techniques. The author has also managed yet again to walk that line between having characters who are likeable and relatable in a historical setting, and having characters who are historically accurate. The story is, therefore, easy to fall into and very engaging.

Lucinda, for all her rebellious ways, feels like a character from this time period. Her relationships also feel real and authentic, as do the consequences she faces. The Sisters also get more time to shine as we spend more time with them all. They all feel real. Readers can emphasize with them and their struggles.

The mystery that Lucinda and the Sisters stumble upon was a delight. As a reader, you may pick it up before the characters do, but the mystery unfolds in a way that is still gripping to read. As Lucinda puts the pieces together, so do you, and there were still plenty of surprises along the way.

Lucinda is very different from the character we first encountered, but she is still herself. All the changes in her character are a result of something she encountered in the last book, either trauma, learning more about the injustices around her, or falling in love.

The situations she finds herself in are more adult, but so is she. Readers watched her grow and learn through the first book, and now we see her pick up where we left off. Her situation is dangerous, and the stakes are high. This is all reflected in the action.

There is some adult content in this novel, but it occurs between two consenting adults. There are also some moments that might be triggering to some readers. Like with the previous book in the series, however, the author handles everything tastefully.

If you like historical fiction mysteries with a compelling romance, and enjoyed the first book, this is definitely a book to check out. Hopefully, more books about Lucinda, Robbie, and the Sisters are coming soon!

I received a copy of this book through Reedsy Discover.