A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas 5/5 StarsThis book took the series in a completely different direction than I thought it would go and it is stunning. Beautiful writing, a transporting love story, and only the second book I can remember being so moved by that I think, “yes, this is why I read.” Just read the book. Eleanor of Avignon by Elizabeth DeLozier 4/5 StarsI really enjoyed this book. I love a medieval setting, and…
Bonjour and happy Wednesday! The planning for my most recent trip to France didn’t feel complete until I booked a half-day trip to Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny. I booked through Paris City Vision, a company I have used before so have trust in them. It felt like a lot of information was missing from the tour’s description (how much time will we have to explore? Is there food? Is it a walkable distance to the village?) so I…
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen 5/5 StarsOne of those books that I loved so much I don’t know what to say about it. I read a physical copy in two days which is not easy for me. Can’t wait for book 2!! The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones 4/5 StarsThis book follows Branwen, Gwydion, and Pryderi as they work together in the wild hunt after they realize their ambitions align. I really enjoyed The Wild Huntress,…
I was utterly bewitched by this book! So many things about it stand out to me. There’s a strong sense of place. It feels very “October.” I like that it has a more natural or innate-ability witch aspect than a one that is more focused on spells. I LOVE the chemistry between Kate and Matthew. There’s a lot of mention of recipes, food, and cooking which is right up my alley. We learn about a few different kinds of witches…
Bonjour and happy Wednesday! I leave for France in less than two weeks and I’m here to share a few things I’ve planned for my fifth trip there. This trip will be unique in that I’m going with a friend; no tour group, no husbands, no kids. Aix-en-Provence. We’re taking the train from the CDG airport and will be spending two nights and one-and-a-half days. I’ve never been to Provence and I’m hoping this will kick off planning for a…
Dark Tide: Growing up With Ted Bundy by Edna Cowell Martin & Megan Atkinson 5/5 StarsAt first I was unsure about this one. It seemed more a memoir of Edna’s than anything else, and it is, but the farther into the book you get you realize what a gift this is. Edna is a deeply private person and was not known publicly until the release of this book. We get her full background, and with it, Ted’s background from the…
Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley 3/5 StarsI love most of the book, especially the first half or three quarters or so. It’s such a cozy medieval read and all of the characters are unique and likable. I love the beast speak aspect. But when there was a fight scene or lots of action or even going into detail about the curse or something else really involved I found I difficult to follow. It really took away from the book as…
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer 4/5 StarsThis is such a wonderful book. I love everything about it: the characters, the world, the magic, the realness of everything is so well done. I love the real world and the magical world. Just thinking about it makes me want to read it again. The reason I didn’t give it five stars is that due to the m/m love interest I, personally, was not able to get super invested, but I do…
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell 5/5 StarsDue to my being extremely picky with mysteries/thrillers, I don’t read many of them. This one surpassed my expectations; I absolutely loved it. It went in a direction I wasn’t expecting and kept me engrossed the whole read. A lot of ups and downs and corners and curves. Can’t say much more without giving things away. Highly recommended. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt 5/5 StarsThis book was so great…
A Northern Light in Provence was an absolutely delightful surprise. I was lost in and enchanted by the Provence of this book. I found so many aspects of this book interesting: a glimpse into the life of a translator; what it might be like to live in Greenland (definitely not for me); traveling to Provence and falling in love with life; a taste of the Provençal language; the journey of self-discovery; a book about books. Po, the poet whose book…