I do love a cozy mystery and this one is no exception. It has a strong sense of place and a large cast of characters who I found were very distinguished from each other, making it easy to keep everyone straight. Each character felt real and dynamic. Nora Breen is my first main character that was a former nun and I enjoyed the speculation on what challenges someone becoming a member of the public after so many decades would encounter….
Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods 5/5 StarsWhat a fantastic story. Kell Woods must be a sea maid herself to have created such a tale. I don’t love a character who gives and gives and gives, and Luce is mostly that, trying to give everyone around her the benefit of the doubt. But as her story goes on she gets stronger and stronger and finds herself in the end (I don’t consider this a spoiler). The Bretagne setting is…
Despite this trip being my fifth to Paris, it was one of many firsts. The first time in autumn, the first time not doing a bike tour, the first time eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant, first time at the flea market, first time visiting the Musée de Cluny, and firsts at (almost) all of the restaurants, boulangeries, and coffee shops we visited. This trip feels like such a treasure that I don’t want to revisit the memories. I want to…
At the beginning of 2024 I decided to manifest a trip to France for myself. I hadn’t been since March 2019, which was also my last international trip, and after enduring a global pandemic, having a baby, and two moves (one of which was cross-country), I decided it was time. I knew we weren’t ready for an international trip with a three-year-old and I was so so so lucky enough to have a good friend interested in and able to…
We Shall Be Monsters by Alyssa Wees 4/5 StarsA dark magical realism fairy tale, We Shall Be Monsters made me feel that if only I had a forest at the edge of my yard, these creatures would be waiting for me. I liked this story, this world, and I liked that there was adventure as well as deep dark soul searching. I would have liked to see a little more character development and a little more of the protagonists proving…
The third book in The Lost Queen series (no longer a trilogy, woohoo!) was impatiently awaited by me for over a year. I was so happy to get back into this series and world that captivated me so much. The characteristic that sets this third book apart from the first two is what I believe to be its biggest weakness: points-of-view from four different characters. The first book was just Languoreth, the second was Languoreth and Lailoken, and this one…
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…