The Summary

1846 in Rhode Island. Merritt Fernsby, a writer who is estranged from his family, is taken aback when he receives the inheritance of a lonely home near Narragansett Bay. Merritt is prepared to make the house his home even though it has been empty for more least a century—until he learns he has no other option. Whimbrel House is not about to let Merritt go, as its doors crash shut and lock behind him. Ever.

For the sake of preserving such buildings' historical and magical significance, Hulda Larkin of the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms has received training in taming such constructions. She is aware of the risks associated with households where children throw tantrums. She suggests that Merritt should turn to Whimbrel House as an ally. She will also need to move in for it to happen.

Despite having augury, a set of magic equipment, and a new staff member who has been schooled in the eerie, Hulda's work still proves to be rather challenging. The inquiry draws her and Merritt closer, but the secrets of the home are more extensive than they had anticipated. Furthermore, something outside is coming for Whimbrel House's enchantments, and it may be much more harmful than what rattles inside. This raises concerns beyond the sentient walls.

My Review

What a creative and unusual story! Perfect for me was this book. It crosses so many genres with grace and ease, from historical fiction to fantasy to mystery and romance, that readers of each can appreciate every word. There are numerous terms that draw you in.

This beautiful, fascinating book tells the history of a haunted house, the man who mistakenly inherits it, and the woman who helps tame it.

The prose may initially appear a bit jumbled and disjointed as the author investigates two absolutely different people in two utterly different locales. However, once the action really begins, you won't want to put it down. The later events will pique your interest.

I appreciate that the MCs' roots are revealed subtly throughout the story rather than all at once at the beginning of the book. Moreover, the characters' pasts are exposed to one another in a more subtly sincere manner than all at once.

Without a doubt, Charlie has built a brilliant system and a wonderful world. I liked figuring out how things worked and seeing how the magic affected every other part of the story. Hulda's augury was thoroughly explained, and it was equally as compelling as the other powers.

In all honesty, this narrative has a lot going on, but I like it. It made the plot seem interesting, so I found it hard to put it down. I was intrigued by the antagonist's plot, and I was pleasantly surprised at how neatly it all came together.

Although I thought it progressed a little slowly at times, I really like this book and would suggest it.

I definitely recommend this book, especially to anyone who has liked or is now looking for a magical language blend of historical fiction and fantasy!

I thank 47North and NetGalley providing an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

The Summary

Take a break, Avery Clark. She needs something to go her way because her photography business isn't working as well as she'd anticipated and because of the constant family drama that doesn't help her anxiety levels from rising.

The Summary

Back in 2009, Vivienne Jones took care of her wounded heart the way any young witch would: with vodka, tearjerking music, bubble baths, and a hex on the awful lover. Vivi is aware that she shouldn't use her magic in this manner, but because she only has a "orchard hayride" fragrance candle available, she isn't concerned that it will give him more than a few bad hair days.

That is, until Rhys Penhallow, a heartbreaker and annoyingly attractive as always, arrives to Graves Glen, Georgia, a descendant of the town's progenitors. A brief journey to refuel the town's ley lines and make a cameo appearance at the yearly fall festival goes horribly wrong. As disaster after disaster befalls Rhys, Vivi comes to the conclusion that maybe her foolish little Ex Hex wasn't so harmless after all.

Suddenly, lethal wind-up toys, an angry ghost, and a talking cat with some fascinating things to say are attacking Graves Glen. To preserve the village and discover a method to end the break up curse before it's too late, Vivi and Rhys must put aside their incredible chemistry and work together.

My Review

Even though I won't remember this book tomorrow, it had the ideal amount of humor, cuteness, and spookiness.

I really wanted to like this second chance romance because the concept is great. Unfortunately, though, it didn't really appeal to me. The plot heavily emphasizes the idea that these two people still love each other after nine years apart, yet it falls flat.

The book started off great, but it dragged a little in the middle and wrapped up way too quickly. I was curious about Rhys and Vivi's earlier years. I didn't find it relevant enough in the past for me to feel any connection today, especially one that lasted nine years.

The plot advanced at a reasonable pace, with some suspense, though not nearly as much as I had hoped for. There were many things I wished were changed or lessened. The author does, however, succeed in creating a beautiful Halloween atmosphere and witch emotions in her descriptions.

It was still enjoyable, as I mentioned. An enjoyable and calming read.

If you're looking for a fall witchy romance, The Ex Hex is perfect, but if you're hoping for a thrilling witch adventure, I don't think this book has much to offer.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

The Summary

A young widow discovers that miracles truly do arrive in the most unexpected packages in the snow-covered hills of Virginia. The short story first appeared in the anthology Simple Gifts.

My Review

This little story was enjoyable to read. It is a must-read for fans of Jude Deveraux, especially those who adore the legendary Taggert family. This book is suitable for everyone and can be read alone. But it will carry an unique delight for those who have read prior works regarding the Taggerts.

I decided to check out the Taggert family's other books after reading this delightfully beautiful story. Mac and Karen are two great characters. They love each other's company, are intelligent and witty, and hold similar ideals. Ms. Deveraux employs strong male and female characters with clever and spirited dialogue.

The world setting had a fairy tale like quality, but the plot was realistic and humorous. Also, it was sensual without being vulgar. An entertaining read that has a hint of festive spirit throughout.

Just a gentle reminder that if for some reason you find it inconceivable that two people can fall truly and deeply in love within a matter of days, then this story is not for you. I would strongly recommend this if you like stories with happy endings and you can accept that not everything is achievable just because it's unusual.

A wonderful selection of books for your upcoming Christmas reading. It was a relaxing break from my regular routine.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

The Summary

Aven Norgaard is persuaded to leave her home in Norway after the untimely loss of her husband in order to work as a housekeeper in the untamed Appalachian hills. When she gets there, she discovers herself in the house of her late husband's cousins, a trio of brothers who own a three hundred acre farm and produce hard cider for a living. Aven has hope to start a new life in this close-knit family even though he is a foreigner in a strange nation.

Her modest attractiveness, however, shatters the brothers' closeness. Aven is caught in the midst, unsure of where to show her affection or whether to give it to the younger two who are fighting for her hand. Haakon is fearless and enthusiastic, but Thor has the greatest effect on her. Thor has a sobering strength despite being deaf, mute, and dependant on alcohol to deal with his silent suffering.

The divide between Thor and Haakon widens as autumn ushers in the apple harvest, and Aven must make a decision that could endanger lives. Will a family be torn apart by two brothers' desire for her peaceful spirit? Can she find a soft home in this far-off, hostile, and strange world?

Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a harrowing story of struggle and redemption that paints a picture of grace in a world where the damaged can find new life through the healing mercy of love.

My Review

After reading one of Joanne Bischof's earlier books, The Gold in These Hills, I immediately picked up this one, and wow, what a fantastic novel by this author.

In terms of beauty, Sons of Blackbird Mountain met my expectations. Even if it lacks action, it is unquestionably captivating and emotive. The way deaf culture and sign language were presented was incredibly unique and fascinating. Although it's challenging to talk about alcoholism, Bischof did so with amazing grace and unflinching honesty. A intriguing and accurate depiction of the racial tensions of the time was also included.

As always, the writing is exquisite and beautiful. Her conversation and descriptions are consistently on point. This lovely story has so rich depth. As precisely as she can, the author interweaves layers of familial conflict, domestic abuse, alcohol, bigotry, and greed, along with even more skillfully woven elements of faith, forgiveness, and strength. They were breathtakingly beautiful and motivational.

The lovable group will break your heart before they can also mend it because they all have actual weaknesses. No spoilers here. Bischof's characters have won you over with their incredible intricacy and reality before you even reach the end of chapter two.

The scenery is rich and easy to see in one's mind. I don't mind that the historical setting isn't extremely compelling. The narrative moves forward at a great clip. All I can say is absolute praise.

A fictitious novel explores the views of a deaf brother and a traveling young woman, whose presence permanently changes the lives of three brothers. Historical fiction fans should absolutely read it!

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

The Summary

Rachel Kramer, who has grown more skeptical of her father's genetic studies, decides that this trip to Germany with him in the summer of 1939 will be her last. But all changes when Rachel receives a mysterious letter from her estranged pal asking for assistance. Kristine Schlick, a married SS officer, thinks that her husband considers their deaf daughter Amelie as a stain on his Aryan heritage as she perceives the dark tides turning.

The swastikas that hang like ebony spiders from every government building in Berlin are as threatening as Schlick, who Rachel once courted. She worries that the information in her father's papers may reveal what Hitler had in mind for people it deemed "unworthy of life," such as Amelie. She takes a chance by looking through his classified papers, but all she finds are startling revelations about her own past and a family she has never met.

Now that the SS are after her, Rachel turns to Jason Young, an unorthodox ally who is a motivated, disarming American journalist and who introduces her to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a contentious theologian, and the resistance. Rachel is forced into hiding, and as she and Jason walk a fine line, risking their lives and requesting that others do the same for folks they barely know but grow to love, their every ideal is tested.

My Review

I must say, this is really a moving tale. I learn something new every time I read a book with a World War II backdrop. I like learning about a conflict from all perspectives, and this book did not disappoint.

This harrowing and painful book gave me a thorough grasp of eugenics and its relevance in Hitler's Nazi Germany. The author was able to successfully bring to life a particularly horrific era in history through vivid descriptions, apparent historical study, and the inclusion of actual people who participated in World War II.

The story may have gotten off to a slow start. I was a little lost for a time because I didn't know what to expect before starting the book. I was shocked at how beautifully it all fit together, though, when it began to make sense. That was probably a good thing because it enabled me to finish what I had started reading. Everything takes place at the perfect time.

I also adored how the characters genuinely did have weaknesses. When the Hitler regime was established, many of them were forced to face the convictions they had formed as kids. Many people had to go past their obstacles, beliefs, and worries.

Keeping track of all the characters in this novel might be difficult. However, the plot is incredibly well-written and everything works together seamlessly. In the book's end, she discloses which characters were created but were influenced by actual persons who lived at that period and which ones were entirely fictional.

This book also covers a wide range of war-related subjects, making it a fantastic resource for learning more about the atrocities that took place at that time. Sadly, this book has ugly things as well to conflict, mystery, romance, and a lot of faith.

Reading this book is not a waste of time, and it is a great historical reminder. Sincere to the core, I'm ecstatic to have discovered this book.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

The Summary

Mail-order bride Juniper Cohen was greeted when she arrived in Kenworthy, California by the pounding of the gold mine, the raucousness of its prospectors, and her biggest surprise of all: the affection of the nice man who was waiting for her. However, when the mine turns out to be unprofitable and Juniper's husband disappears, doubt and disappointment are as common as the settlers escaping this shrinking boomtown.

Juniper writes a number of letters to her husband as winter approaches, but she worries that she might be waiting for a ghost or, worse yet, an outlaw. She and her little daughter must rely on the goodness of a few benevolent survivors to survive, including the one who can solve the riddle of her husband's absence.

A century later, Johnny Sutherland devotes himself to raising his child and renovating a century-old abandoned farmhouse in California's San Jacinto Mountains in an effort to escape the pain of his failed marriage. He discovers the letters Juniper penned to her Dearest John while probing into its mysteries and is moved by the scribbled accounts bearing his name. A modern-day romance takes place in the same mountains where a love tale that changed history previously took place after Johnny, having learned that truth and courage go hand in hand, dares to love once more.

My Review

A historical romance novel that alternates between the early 1900s and the present. Unlike earlier stories of the same genre, we don't have two people of the same gender living parallel lives.

The writing is beautiful and in-depth. I don't know what I was hoping for. However, both eras of this story are heartbreaking.

The narrative is vivid without being excessively sophisticated, making it easy to get lost in the world-building. I could see every detail so clearly in my head! Furthermore, the blending of the past and present is expertly done.

There are so many interesting people in this book. They were fantastic, just like all the other things they symbolized and added to the narrative.

I had thought there would be a greater focus on romance, but I was wrong. There were two married couples in the historical setting and one couple in the contemporary setting, and the connection was more open-ended than I had anticipated.

The setting for the plot didn't have a lot going on. Outlaws and explosives didn't show up. Instead, this book has a very laid-back attitude, with a strong emphasis on the protagonists and their exploits while still acknowledging the difficulties of life.

Even though it was a difficult and frequently painful journey to read about, the author skillfully brought everything to a close, and as I turned the last page, I felt hopeful.

Despite the fact that it was my first book by this author, I won't be stopping there. It is a wonderful tale that, while giving the reader a satisfactory resolution and addressing actual sorrow with compassion and sincerity, primarily gives them hope for their own life.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.