Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s Blog, page 27

Ghastly Mistake by Byrd Nash - Book Review

Series: Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #6 (Not a Standalone)

Publication Date: 24th April 2024

Genre: Gaslamp Paranormal Mystery, Romance 

3.5 stars (rounded up) 

One Liner: Mixed feelings 

Elinor is accused of a murder she didn’t commit. Someone is out to get rid of her, and she must do everything possible to save herself and find the culprit. Tristan is by her side throughout, but the fight is not easy. The King’s life is at risk, Twyla is missing, and past truths are revealed. Elinor’s world turns upside down as they dig deeper. 

What will it take to save her dear ones and stay alive? 

The story comes in Elinor’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the last book in the series and provides answers to many questions. It cannot and should not read as a standalone. Reviewing the book is hard, as I have to be careful about spoilers for the entire series! 

I was excited to read this, knowing that the stakes would be high. Some of my guesses were right (yippee!), which always makes me happy. 

The tension is well done. Elinor is snapping and losing her calm. Tristan is terrific, of course. Marcus is one of my favorite characters. That kid will go places! Twyla is another favorite, and I would 1000% love a spin-off with her in the lead role. 

The pacing is on the slower side, or so it seems since there’s more planning and waiting. When the action comes, it does deliver to a good extent. I liked some of it but wanted more at other times. That oomph was largely missing this time. 

However, the biggest issue is the misalignment between my expectations and the content in the last quarter. Let’s say that some developments were not appealing. Oh, they perfectly align with the character arcs. But did they have to occur that way? Dunno. 

When I read the last page of the final book in a series, I want to feel satisfied with how things ended. Here, I can’t really say I am. It feels more like we stopped a few pages away from the kind of HEA I like. Of course, it’s a personal thing, so this could be right up your alley. Still, I’ll add that a spin-off is even more necessary in this case. The end has to be on a high note. 

Nevertheless, the book has many good moments and brings everything together nicely. The truth (in various forms) is revealed, and the masks are off. 

To summarize, Ghastly Mistake is the finale of the series and brings together the various threads left loose in the previous books. The setting and paranormal elements seamlessly blend as they do throughout. This may not be how I wanted the series to end, but it is a worthy read. 

My many thanks to the author for eARC. 

The Granddaughter's Irish Secret by Susanne O'Leary - Book Review

Series: Magnolia Manor #2 

Publication Date: 05th June 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Good drama; not enough romance 

Rose Fleury returns to Dingle to the family home, Magnolia Manor. The place is being renovated and converted into residential housing for senior citizens. Nursing heartbreak, Rose hopes to find a fresh start in a place filled with childhood memories and her grandmother Sylvia. 

When Rose realizes that her topaz necklace, a family heirloom is fake, she is worried the news will upset her dear grandmother. Rose begins to dig through the family archives to find out more about the necklace. With help from Noel Quinn, a local lawyer, Rose is determined to solve the mystery. Will this also give her a chance to build a relationship with the handsome lawyer? 

The story comes in Rose’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The book should work as a standalone, though it seems to have elements from the first book (which I didn’t read). It is Lily’s story and also has elements related to the Magnolia Manor. Yet, I could understand the basics without much difficulty. 

Sylvia seems to be a great character, though she doesn’t have much role in this one. Whatever I saw of her is good. The side characters are definitely intriguing, more so than the FMC, which doesn’t work well for her. Henri, Vicky, Noel, etc., manage to make an impression. 

The book is quite short (200+ pages) and has a fast pace. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. The pace keeps the story moving and covers many days at a stretch. However, it doesn’t give the reader a chance to connect with the characters. This made it very hard for me to connect with Rose. I couldn’t get a hang of her. 

I loved the mystery of the necklace and the backstory behind it. I kept guessing where and how it would turn. Moreover, the conclusion for the mystery is also good. Not what I expected, but something I really liked. 

The setting is good, too. We get enough glimpses of the countryside and lush landscape with cliffs, sea, charming sunsets, etc. 

My main issue is with the romance between Rose and Noel. I just couldn’t feel their chemistry despite enough scenes between the two. Rose’s third-person POV somehow doesn’t give us the depth of her emotions. For a long time, she doesn’t want anything more from him, but then she is suddenly in love? Even afterward, she is tentative? Not convinced! 

To summarize, The Granddaughter's Irish Secret works better as a family drama than a romance. The book should be more enjoyable to fans of the author or those who liked the previous book in the series. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheGranddaughtersIrishSecret

The House at Angel's Beach by Phillipa Nefri Clark - Book Review

Series: Temple River #3 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 30th May 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: A nice family drama 

Ivy Ross left River End a decade ago after her father went behind bars. She vowed not to return and lived in England. However, Ivy had to get back when her younger sister, Jody, called, saying it was time to finalize what they did with their inheritance. The Fairview House was ‘the place’ for all kinds of artists back when life was normal. Ivy wants to sell it, but Jody wants to keep it in the family. She also wants to sort out the differences between the two. 

Ivy is reluctant but does what she can to find out more about the large property they own. It doesn’t help that she sees Leo, the man she loved before the fateful tragedy destroyed their future together. As Ivy digs deeper, she realizes there’s a lot more she doesn’t know. 

The story comes in Ivy’s third-person POV (and the last in a few letters). 

My Thoughts: 

The book is a standalone set in the same place (Rivers End) as the previous two books. While it has a few recurring characters, not knowing them will not affect the reading experience in the least. 

The beginning is a little slow (the pacing improves but the story drags in the middle) as we need the time to understand the dynamics between the sisters and their pasts. Their relationship has a few thorns, but the affection they have for each other is evident. 

We get the story from Ivy’s POV, but can see what she doesn’t and connect the dots she ignores. It’s more of a waiting read to see how and when she will finally get to the truth. However, we don’t know everything, so there’s some intrigue left to keep us going. 

The letters mentioned in the official blurb are opened almost around 40% or later, so the wait was a bit long. Similarly, Leo’s entry also takes time. This is a family drama more than a romance. Not an issue, as such, but given how nice Leo is, he could have had a bigger role in the book.

Most characters are flawed (except Leo). Ivy can be annoying at times, but it aligns with her overall arc as someone who picks flight when faced with danger/ uncomfortable situations. Jody can be annoying, too, but her struggle comes across a bit more clearly (despite the POV belonging to Ivy). There is one character I cannot like or sympathize with. Good that we don’t get direct interaction with them even if their role is crucial. 

The book shows different types of relationships between couples. It is a subtle study of love and loyalties (and misplaced loyalties). What each character does with their relationship when things get complex reflects who they are or who they have become due to the circumstances. Interesting! 

The ending is heartwarming, as it should be for books in this genre. The epilogue has a mini-epilogue in it, which I found rather sweet. It works for my HEA love. 

To summarize, The House at Angel's Beach is an introspective read about family, relationships, second chances, and healing. There are a couple of triggers. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheHouseAtAngelsBeach

***

TW: Infidelity and cheating, alcohol dependence (as a coping mechanism), accident and death

Murder at an English Pub by Alice Castle - Book Review

Series: Sarah Vane Mysteries #1 

Publication Date: 03rd July 2024 

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Interesting mystery; not-so-interesting MC 

Sarah Vane is a 60-something retired GP from London. She moves to the quaint seaside town of Merstairs with her dog, Hamish, looking for a fresh start (and to mourn the death of her husband, Peter). Her best friend Daphne already lives here and is a neighbor. However, what Sarah doesn’t expect is to find a dead body in a trunk among the contents already presented in a hut her friend recently purchased. 

Sarah is determined to solve the case, especially when she finds out that the dead man is Gus, a much-loved local pub owner. Soon, another body is added to the list. As she digs deeper into the cases, she finds secrets and links that connect the two deaths. Can Sarah solve the case before the killer targets her next? 

The story comes in Sarah’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

You already know my love for cozies, so I won’t repeat it. ;) 

The premise and the beginning are fun. We meet a newly widowed Sarah who moves from London to a seaside small town. She brings her judgmental attitude along with her, which adds a realistic touch to her character but also annoys the readers at times. 

The setting is beautiful! I love the changing weather, the vast blue sea, the clear skies when the sun shines, and the near-constant breeze that turns windy in a blink. There are enough shops and eateries, too! 

The best part of the book is the pets (and their names). Sarah has a Scottie called Hamish. Daphne has a massive orange cat called Mephisto (wish it had a bigger role), and another character has a Chihuahua called… Tinkerbell! 

 The mystery is actually decent, but it’s hard to like it much due to Sarah’s sleuthing abilities (or the lack of them). Wasn’t a fan of her, so I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted. 

There are several side characters. Most of them seem to be colorful, even if their reactions and words seem off. Or maybe the MC’s POV makes them appear that way. 

Moreover, the repeated comments about Daphne’s ‘eccentricity’ got boring. I get it already! Also, as a supposed best friend, does it seem like the MC takes more than she gives? In this book, yes! It might change in the subsequent books. Can’t say. 

The actual reason for sleuthing wasn’t great, nor was the book’s ending. Let’s say that as much as I love mysteries, I do want my living space to be peaceful. I’d rather have other kinds of excitement. 

To summarize, Murder at an English Pub will appeal to some readers, though I can’t say whom. It’s not a bad book by any means. If you prefer judgemental MCs, you might enjoy this more than I did. 

Cozy mysteries are the author’s genre, so can’t say if this was a variation that didn’t come out as planned or if something else. I hope the series gets better as it progresses. I’ll have to say goodbye here. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderatanEnglishPub

Come Fly With Me by Helen Rolfe - Book Review

Series: The Skylarks #1

Publication Date: 22nd May 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction  

4 Stars 

One Liner: A heartwarming story of second chances 

Maya is a pilot with the Whistlestop River Air Ambulance team. It was her childhood dream of becoming a pilot and working for an important cause. She finds satisfaction at her job even if her personal life is messy, no thanks to a controlling ex, a disapproving father, or a son stuck between two parents. 

Noah had a great life in London until his world crashed with his sister’s death. He became the guardian of his niece, baby Eva, and has no idea how to be a parent. The shift to Dorset is his attempt to bring up a child while doing what he loves – being an emergency specialist paramedic.

Maya and Noah are on the same team. They seem to like each other a lot. But can they hope for a second chance at happiness with so much baggage weighing them down? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Maya and Noah. 

My Thoughts: 

I’ve been waiting to read the author’s book for a long time. Starting a new series seemed like a great idea. 

While the cover is adorable and lighthearted, the book is a little heavy with many tough themes like a controlling ex, the loss of a sibling, new parental responsibilities, etc. Of course, some sweet and humorous moments provide some relief. 

This is what we’d call women’s fiction with romance as a side plot. The focus is more on the characters and how they overcome the various issues in their lives. They are also flawed, which makes it easy to understand their fears, vulnerabilities, and decisions. 

Most of the side characters are good; some are more memorable than others. Some of them will go on to have books of their own, so what we get here is enough for now. There are a couple of nasty ones as well.

The narration starts slowly but picks up pace after the first quarter. We need this time to settle into the story. The dual POV also helps see the situations on both sides. The connection between the characters is gradual, even if the attraction is a bit instant. This works well for the plot. 

I loved the scenes detailing the air ambulance and how the teams operate. It was fascinating to read about it. The hardships and troubles are also shown, like negotiating bad weather conditions, fake emergency calls, lack of landing space, etc. 

The storyline is predictable but it goes with the genre, so no complaints. Eva is a cutesy little doll (who can be super cranky too). Though she is just a baby, we cannot imagine the book without her. Can’t wait to see her grow up as the series progresses. 

To summarize, Come Fly With Me is a lovely book about second chances, resilience, healing, moving on, and finding the strength to do the right thing. I’ll be reading more by the author for sure. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #ComeFlyWithMe

The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror by R David Fulcher - Book Review - Book Tour

Publication Date: 19th August 2023

Genre: Horror Short Story Anthology 

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/pumpkinking  

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/171681743-the-pumpkin-king-and-other-tales-of-terror 

Age Range: Thisis an adult book but would be suitable for mature older teens who are familiarwith the psychological horror genre.

Trigger Warnings:Violence, murder, familial death, disturbing situations throughout

3.45 stars 

One Liner: A decent collection 

Book Blurb 

The Pumpkin Kingand Other Tales of Terror represents twenty of R. David Fulcher’s best horrorstories. Unlike slasher books, these stories create an eerie atmosphere ofdread, letting the reader’s own imagination fill in the terrifying details. Inthe tradition of psychological horror and dark fantasy, they hint at sinisterthings lurking in the shadows without fully bringing them to light.

***

My Thoughts: 

I enjoy reading short story collections, so whenthis horror anthology was available, I wanted to give it a try. The horrorlevels are moderate and belong to the atmospheric category rather than outrightgore. Of course, there are a few gory elements but not so much to make a readeruncomfortable (unless you have zero tolerance for horror). 

The book starts with a eulogy to Poe in a shortpoem. As I tend to do with anthologies, I’ve written my impressions of thestories soon after I read each one. 

Marienburg Castle: Whathappens when the survivors of the WWII American Army try to take shelter in anabandoned place? Nothing good for sure! Well, the story is atmospheric butlacks the punch. 3.5 stars 

The Pumpkin King: Ohhh…this is creepy! No detailed gore but enough for us to imagine. Wouldn’t mind ifit was longer, but works as it is. 4.2 stars 

Heavenly Strains: Anotherchilly, creepy, and atmospheric tale. It deals with parental death and grief,which turn into something else. Many unanswered questions, too! 3 stars 

A Matter of Taste: Aslightly longer story that follows the well-known trope of wishes and fallenangels. There’s a twist that I expected; a pretty average read. 3 stars 

My Days With Mahalia: Adiary entry of a WWII soldier about an aircraft B-17 named Mahalia. 2.5stars 

A Night Out With Mr. Bones: Morelike a twisty thriller/ suspense. A bit predictable. 3 stars 

Merry Are We of the Lake: Now,this is good! Atmospheric. Starts slow but ups the stakes gradually and ends ona high. 4.2 stars 

The Night Fighter: Whathappens when a mysterious man steals a fighter plane to take it on a nightride? Is it a mission? If yes, what? Another atmospheric tale with a couple oftwists. 3.5 stars. 

Pumpkin Seed Spit: Amiddle-grade horror set during Halloween. Creepy and dark for the age group butworks well for the adults, too. 3.5 stars 

A Night for Animals: Thisis nice. Yeah, it has some chills, but the overall vibe is ‘nice’. 3.5stars 

The Man Next Door: Oh,this is good! A detailed story with a twist at the end. Atmospheric. Not goryor scary. 4 stars 

Extra! Extra!: Whathappens when a bored journalist gets a frantic call? Well, this has the chills,though it leaves many questions unanswered. 3 stars 

The Flight Dummy: Interesting!I’m now sure the author loves planes. A creepy, scary story with an openending. 3 stars 

For the Children: Oh!A detailed story with a surprise twist at the end. 4 stars 

The Watcher’s Web: Whathappens when a robber goes on a heist? Who does he encounter? The story buildsand ups the pace as it progresses. Just the right amount of horror and terror.Well done! 4 stars 

Dreaming, The Copper City: Asci-fi horror about a man on the Moon and what happens when he finds a piece ofmeteor. I think we lost each other somewhere in the last section. 2.5stars 

The Huntress: Oh,this is good. A short and entertaining piece. Predictable ending, of course,but well-written. 4 stars 

The Faerie Lights: Anothershort piece. Good premise but needs to be longer to create a stronger impact. 3stars 

The October Man: Woo!This is so good. The right touch of creepy and horror with a twisted ending.The best of the lot. 4.5 stars 

As you can see, most of the stories fall around theaverage line, with some above and below it. The writing is easy to read. Somepieces are on the slower side, though none are boring as such. 

To summarize, The Pumpkin King and Other Tales ofTerror is a decent collection with diverse topics and themes (aircraft is arecurring element). Anthologies are subjective, so try it based on yourpreferences. 

My thanks to Coffee and Thorn and the author ofeARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about thebook. 

***

About the Author – R David Fulcher

R. DAVID FULCHER is an author of horror, sciencefiction, fantasy, and poetry. Major literary influences include H.P. Lovecraft,Dean Koontz, Edgar Allen Poe, Fritz Lieber, and Stephen King. Fulcher’s firstnovel, a historical drama set in World War II, Trains to Nowhere, and hissecond novel, a collection of fantasy and science fiction short stories, BloodSpiders and Dark Moon, are both available from authorhouse.com and  Amazon.

FULCHER’S work has appeared in numerous small presspublications including Lovecraft’s Mystery Magazine, Black Satellite, TheMartian Wave, Burning Sky, Shadowlands, Twilight Showcase, Heliocentric Net,Gateways, Weird Times, Freaky Frights and the anthologies Dimensions and SilkenRopes. Fulcher’s work can also be found in the DPP collection Halloween Party2019, available at Amazon and at the DPP online store. A passion for thewritten word has also inspired Fulcher to edit and publish the literary magazine,Samsara,(samsaramagazine.net), which has showcased writers and poets for over adecade. Fulcher resides in Ashburn, Virginia, with his wife Lisa, and theirrambunctious cats.

Find more at rdavidfulcher.com 

***

This has been a pitstop on the blog tour by Coffee and Thorn (Instagram).Thank you for stopping by!  

One Tuesday, Early by Annalisa Crawford - Book Review

Publication Date: 14th May 2024

Genre: Psychological Thriller

3.5 stars (rounded up) 

One Liner: Great effort but misses the mark 

It's early morning, 6.05 AM, when Lexi finds herself home, alone with absolutely no one anywhere around. She is stuck in time and has to find a way out. But what happened to her? 

Finn, Lexi’s partner, doesn’t remember much about the previous night. He realizes Lexi is not home. She vanished. Where is Lexi? What happened? As Finn goes deeper into depression and swims back to the surface, years pass by. Lexi is still not found. 

Can the two ever unite? 

The story comes in Finn’s third-person POV and Lexi’s second-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

After enjoying the author’s short stories, I was excited to read a longer piece by her. This thriller is of the right length, neither too long nor too short. 

It’s a bit hard to review this as there’s a risk of revealing a spoiler. 

The narration is on the slower side but doesn’t drag. Finn’s chapters are faster, given the POV and the events. Time is erratic, so you have to pay attention. It goes slowly at first and then jumps years. 

Lexi’s POV is tricky. I love the attempt at doing something different (it’s a brave decision). However, the results didn’t entirely work for me. I enjoyed the first couple of chapters but couldn't connect with it. The repetition doesn’t help, either. Removing a couple of these chapters and expanding on the main narrative might have helped. Reworking the chapters to provide more details about Lexi and removing some of the repetition would also have helped. 

I also like the reveal, though we can guess it from the beginning. There’s no attempt to hide the details from the readers or throw in an unbelievable twist. The twist is subtle but well done. 100% marks for this. It also brings a sense of freshness to the tried-and-tested plotline.

The atmosphere is terrific. This is something I expect from the author’s work by default. She is great with darkish and foggy settings, the kind where anything can happen. 

A few other elements aren’t convincing. I have many doubts about these aspects but cannot reveal them. I wish those got more attention as they are important in a thriller. This would have been easily 4+ stars otherwise. 

To summarize, One Tuesday, Early is a brave attempt to present a known story in a different manner. It could have been better, but it does offer an enjoyable reading experience. 

My thanks to BookSirens and the author for eARC. 

Freya’s Gold by Fiona Longmuir - Book Review

Publication Date: 06th June 2024

Genre: Middle Grade Adventure 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: Wonderful! 

The seaside town of Edge flourishes in summer and goes into hibernation in winter. It is interesting legends about pirates, secret caves, and hidden treasures. A twelve-year-old Freya lives with her Granny Kate and runs a B&B in the town. She has a routine life and enjoys spending time with her best friend, Lin. Then, a mysterious stranger arrives that winter. 

Soon, Freya has to face her fears or lose everything she holds dear. When it seems that the hidden treasure could be the only solution, Freya has to embark on an adventure to find it. But does the treasure even exist, or is she going on a wild goose chase? 

The story comes in Freya’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I’m always ready for an adventure with the kids. The cover has many elements related to the plot and offers an exciting glimpse into what lies ahead. 

I like Freya’s characterization. Most kids in this genre tend to be brave (reckless) and jump into action without much thought. She is the opposite. She has many fears and struggles to even talk in front of a small crowd. This adds a layer to the narrative. I could empathize with her panic while urging her to give it a shot. The whole arc is kept quite realistic, which is a big plus. 

Lin is a wonderful best friend! She is vibrant, fun, and understanding. Some side characters are well-defined, even if they are not detailed. It works well since the story is fast-paced and moves steadily. 

The adventure has its share of risks, fears, danger, and panic. Yet, the kids do their best to overcome their fears and do what they can (the alternative isn’t good, after all!). There’s one worrying part with an injury (no details about how it was dealt with) that made me want to know more.

And there’s an instance where two friends fight. Quite common, obviously. However, only one of them apologizes when both are rude. That feels wrong. The other one also had to apologize for their behavior.

The setting is well done with a lighthouse, small-town charm, chilly winter winds, rain, and a generous hint of danger. There’s a nod to diversity too! I’m not surprised to find an Indian since our people do go to the remotest of places and live there. ;) 

To summarize, Freya’s Gold is a fast-paced adventure filled with emotions, vulnerabilities, and kids trying to fight for the good. You can easily finish it in a single sitting.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #FreyasGold

The Secret Life of a Lady by Darcy McGuire - Book Review

Publication Date: 14th June 2024 

Genre: Regency Romance (Spy Mystery)

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Works better as a romance 

Lady Hannah Simmons prefers to blend into the background and likes being a wallflower as it keeps her secret identity safe. She is a trained assassin of Queen Victoria and takes up several dangerous missions. Hannah also has many weapons on her most of the time. 

 Private Investigator to the Prime Minister and ex-war hero, Duke Robert Killian, knows he is a damaged man with a lot of weight on his shoulders. However, his latest job brings him face-to-face with Hannah (who seems to be in the same case). The spark between them is instant, but they need to get the heart of the case before things get complicated. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Hannah and Robert Killian. 

My Thoughts: 

This is primarily a romance with a bit of mystery and danger thrown in. Since I knew that’s how it would be, I enjoyed the book for what it offered. 

The books deals with themes like PTSD, past secrets, missing and dead people, etc. Despite the darkness of the subject, there’s enough light in the book to make it an easy and breezy read. 

The main characters have their pasts, which allows them to be much more than their looks. I quite liked how this is balanced and aligned with the genre’s specifications. 

Naturally, there is lust at first sight and a good dose of steam (almost 4, so be warned). It flows well with the narration and continues to keep the % moving (very important). At the same time, the pacing doesn’t make the characters feel distant. I think that’s because the filler content is kept to a minimum. 

The side characters come in varied colors and temperaments. This mix allows readers to easily track who is who and what role they play in the overall plot. 

However, the mystery element is super weak. I was expecting this, so I went with the flow. There’s some action towards the end, but if you read it solely for the thriller elements, you’ll be disappointed. 

There’s potential in the book and the characters. This is likely the first book in the series, as there are a few loose ends (and no epilogue!). I hope Drake gets the next book. That man needs to heal ASAP. 

To summarize, The Secret Life of a Lady is a steamy romance with some intrigue to spice things up. Read it as a romance to enjoy it more. I would definitely pick up the next book (whenever it is available).  

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheSecretLifeofaLady

One Long Weekend by Shari Low - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 01st May 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction 

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/OneLongWeekendsocial

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203098329-one-long-weekend

 4 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming! 

Book Blurb:

When all seems lost, hope remains...

Val Murray has mislaid her most precious mementos ofthe people she’s loved and lost. Can her family, the wonders of technology, anda little divine intervention somehow mend her shattered heart?

Sophie Smith had to take a rain check on a marriageproposal. Will her bid to turn back the clock lead her to her greatest love oryet another heartbreak?

Alice McLean stood by her husband, Larry, when ascandal cost them everything. When he hits the headlines again, Alice has anopportunity to leave – but can she find the strength to finally walk away?

Rory Brookes was forced to turn his back on hisparents to save his career and marriage. Now, he’s lost his job and wife on thesame day. Is it too late to make amends with the one person who never let himdown?

Three days. Four broken hearts. Just oneweekend to make them whole again.

My Thoughts: 

The story comes in Val’sfirst-person POV, and the third-person POV of Sophie, Alice, andRory. The book follows the same template as the author’sprevious works. The story takes place on a weekend when seemingly unrelatedcharacters come together and help each other. 

This one is a little different as the content ismore personal to the author. We have a note at the beginning and another at theend to explain certain things. Moreover, we also have a list of main characterswith brief descriptions about them. It is quite helpful in tracking who iswho. 

The individual POVs of the main characters allow thereader to understand their backstories and actions. Each of them is facing abattle and finds support in different ways. Rory’s POV was reallyhelpful and enhanced the narrative. 

The story is on the heavier side and deals withthemes like mourning, grief, parental death, domestic abuse, failedrelationships, etc. It can be overwhelming if the reader has faced somethingsimilar in real life. However, the pacing is steady and keeps the storymoving. 

We know how a book in this genre would end, butI much enjoyed the journey, watching the characters step out of theircomfort zones, making tough decisions, and being kind to others. Naturally, youwill also find a few lucky coincidences, but that’s done well too. 

There is some infodump, which isokay I don’t need a book to show me everything. The details areenough to get the picture. 

There are references to characters from other books(it is set in the same location and has the same Glasgow Hospital).It won’t affect your reading experience even if you don’t know thecharacters. 

To Summarize, One Long Weekend is a heartwarmingstory with warm characters. It can be read in a couple of sittings. 

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources andBoldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honestopinion about the book. 

***

Author Bio – Shari Low 

In January 2021, Shari Low celebrated 20 years asa bestselling novelist. In that time, she has published over 25books, including A Life Without You, The Story Of Our Life, Temptation Street,My One Month Marriage, One Day In Summer, and her non-fiction collection ofparenthood memories, Because Mummy Said So.

In late 2020, her first novel, What If? (originallypublished in 2001) was updated and re-released and became a best seller. InJanuary 2021, the sequel, What Now? was released and joined What If? onthe best-seller charts. 

In real life, once upon a time, she met a guy, gotengaged after a week, and twenty-something years later, she lives near Glasgowwith her husband and a labradoodle. Her two teenagers have now lefthome, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video callschecking if they're eating well and keeping up to date with theirlaundry. 

For all the latest news, follow the author onher socials. 

Social Media Links – 

Website: www.sharilow.com 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sharilowbooks

X (Twitter):  https://twitter.com/sharilow

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sharilowbooks/

Newsletter Sign Up:  https://bit.ly/ShariLownews

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shari-low

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This has been a stop on the #OneLongWeekend blogtour conducted by Rachel's Random Resources. (@rararesources)Thanks for stopping by!