Srivalli Rekha (Semi-Hiatus)'s Blog, page 3
July 30, 2025
The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction Vol 2 by Tarun K. Saint - Book Review
Series: The Hachette Book ofIndian Detective Fiction
Publication Date: 20th June2025
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.in/Hachette-Book-Indian-Detective-Fiction/dp/935731332X
Genre: Mystery Short StoryAnthology, Multi-Author
3.53 Stars
One Liner: Pretty decent
The second volume of theIndian Detective Fiction has seventeen stories (some are translated works) withdiverse themes, timelines, and topics. It begins with the editor’s note, whichdetails that this volume focuses on police procedurals and historical mysteries.Then, the editor goes on to explain the concepts of both genres by providingbrief insights into the stories from the collection.
The independence era,colonial, and post-colonial rule seem to be recurring themes.
As always, I review each storyin brief as and when I finish reading it and compile it into a review (likethis).
DetectiveKanaicharan and the Missing Ship by Rajarshi Das Bhowmik, Arunava Sinha(Translator) – 3.5 Stars
Not a proper police proceduralas such, but it has a police detective solving a cold case from the time ofBritish rule. It’s an interesting mystery and will be more entertaining if youknow Indian history.
Kama by VikramChandra – 2 Stars
This is a bigger story and apart of the author’s Love and Longing in Bombay collection. Apparently, the MCfrom here (Sartaj) played a prominent role in Sacred Games. As a mystery (sincethat is the book’s theme), the story is pretty weak with ambiguous implicationsand some not-so-subtle hate for a certain group. The story would have workedbetter in the original collection (based on the title). The extended open-doorsex scenes add nothing to the mystery element here. (And before someoverenthusiastic readers call me a prude, I regularly read 4+ spice and have noissues with it as long as it aligns with the plot.)
A Darkling Plainby Giti Chandra – 4 Stars
This is a short and crispstory with a dark enough twist to be a mystery. Though it emphasizes the castestereotypes, the execution is tight and noteworthy. Despite having two first-personPOVs in a short piece, the voices are distinguishable, and the narrative istaut.
All That Glittersby Swati Kaushal – 4 Stars
I think this police proceduralwas written for the screen. It has OTT drama and dialogues worthy of a Hindishow. However, the scenes are super easy to visualize from start to finish. Thestory is entertaining and fast-paced. Technically, it has to be 3.5 stars, butI love the ending, so 4 it is!
The Woman with theSnake Tattoo by Ajay Chowdhury – 4 Stars
Another compact policeprocedural about murder and theft in a jewelry store (the previous story alsodeals with a jewelry store). I like that this balances the personal andprofessional life of the MC very well. The characters are rather pleasing,unlike the ‘disillusioned toxic cop’ drama most authors seem to prefer. Forthat alone, this gets a higher rating.
When Goyenda MetDaroga by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Debaditya Mukhopadhyay (Translator) – 3.5Stars
This is a lighthearted dramawith no real mystery. I think it’s from a detective series. While it works as astandalone and has some cheeky humor, don’t expect anything more. It’s just alittle fun read.
To Be Continued byVish Dhamija – 4 Stars
How did the policeman die? Setin Nainital, the case has to be solved by a newly minted woman CID officernamed Rita. While the case as such is not too complex, the narration (feelslike a blend of news report and omnipresent), though it is in the limited thirdperson, somehow works for the plot.
Sound Motive bySalil Desai – 4 Stars
A rather dramatic story withan OTT character, and luckily, there's an almost efficient police officer incharge of the case. It’s a short one but well-written. The gruesome murder mayseem odd in the setting, but it fits. Whoever gave the title has the sametalent as I do when it comes to naming stories (IYKYK).
The Devil of Delhiby Mahendra Jakhar – 4 Stars
This is a slightly darkerstory with an efficient and determined Phoolan in the lead role. I liked herimmediately, so I enjoyed the story more. Based on the title, you can guessthat it shows the dark side of the city. Don’t worry. It only touches thesurface, which is enough for this plot.
Bravo! What aTheft by Sharatchandra Sarkar, Shampa Roy (Translator) – 3.5 Stars
This is historical fictiondivided into parts narrated by two men. Almost gives Holmes and Watson vibes,but the characters are entirely different. Given the original written date,some of the content feels outdated. But the plotline is timeless.
Ghosts of Partitionby Vaseem Khan – 3.5 Stars
I’ve read another short storyfeaturing the same FMC in another anthology. Comparatively, I liked that onebetter. The title is a spoiler here. There isn’t much of a plot or a mystery.It’s a shorter story, too.
Arsenic and theShepherd by Nev March – 4 Stars
Another historical policeprocedural, but set during the British Raj. It’s a simple case… until it isnot. I like how it ends. The concluding sentence hits the bullseye. 4 starsjust for that.
Sudden Appearancesby Anuradha Kumar – 3.5 Stars
A historical mystery about aghost that wants her story to be written. It has Rudyard Kipling as one of themain side characters. It’s of moderate length and takes some time to set thestage for the mystery. A bit of humor, too. We’ve dealt with the plot before,but the story has an appeal.
A ConvenientCorpse by Madhulika Liddle – 4 Stars
Set in historical Delhi, Ithink during the British rule, where the Islamic rulers also had power. I likethe sleuth in this one. The plot has been done and dusted a few times. Thesetting and the characters make it interesting.
The Diva’s LastBow by Arjun Raj Gaind – 3 Stars
Not a bad story! It iswell-written. Just that the plot has been reused many times, and I could sniffit the moment the death occurred. The title is suggestive too (who knew so manyauthors are like me, lol). Oh, this is historical detective fiction.
Murder in theMonsoons by Shashi Warrier – 4 Stars
This is another historicalstory set a year before Independence. However, the mystery is focused on afamily in a little village in Tamil Nadu. It’s a cold case, too. What standsout here is not the event but the reactions to it and how things changedafterward. Something that will leave you thinking for a while.
A Scandal inPunjab by Avtar Singh – 1.5 Stars
Sadly, this is the weakeststory in the collection. It felt more like an extract than a proper story. Eventhe mystery was very lukewarm and uninteresting. Was it included because it wasset during the Partition/ Independence era? I zoned out so many times whenreading it and had to spend 30 minutes on a handful of pages.
The last story is followed byauthor bios, where you can find a few titles they’d written and look them up toadd more books to your TBR.
To summarize, The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction Vol 2 is anenjoyable collection of detective mysteries primarily from the historicalfiction and police procedural subgenres. As with most anthologies, it has somegreat and not-so-great stories. What you like depends on your preferences.
My thanks to Blogchatter andHachette India for a copy of the book. This review is voluntary and contains myhonest opinions.
July 28, 2025
Third Time Lucky by Aimee Brown - Book Review - Blog Tour
Publication Date: 22nd July2025
Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/ThirdTimeLuckySocial
Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221981291-third-time-lucky
Genre: Contemporary Romance
3.5 Stars
One Liner: An escapist readwith some laughs and sweet moments
Book Blurb: Could a blast fromthe past be the secret ingredient to their future?
Asher Wright has spent hiscareer creating and concocting the perfect dishes and is about to open his veryown restaurant. Life is good. His love life, however, is far from cooking! Hehasn’t thought about Lucy Gray in years – not since they both graduated,reeling from the shocking loss of her then-boyfriend and his best friend Kris,who tragically died at 18. So when he witnesses the breakdown of her wedding inall its humiliating glory - old wounds and long-buried emotions resurface.
As Lucy lands a right hook onher soon-to-be ex-fiancée in front of their entire wedding party, she has amoment of realization... Love is not on the menu for her! Fate, however, hasother plans... A chance twist of events lands Asher as the private chef forLucy’s spirited grandmother, Mitzi, and what begins as awkward encounters inMitzi’s Portland mansion soon evolves into a simmering connection she neverexpected.
As Asher and Lucy work throughtheir past, they discover a bond that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
***
My Thoughts:The story comes in Lucy andAsher’s first-person POVs.
At the beginning, there’s ashort note/ dedication where the author says you get two stories (HEAs) for theprice of one. Like a typical middle-class Indian, I was excited for this oneplus one offer.
We are right away introducedto the main characters and get a brief gist of their past connection. Most ofthis is done well. We are supposed to cringe at the primary side character,which happens easily, lol.
The FMC and MMC get twochapters each before a switch in POV. While this is helpful, it was rather hardto distinguish between their voices. They sounded very much alike – nervous,tensed, worried, and stressed.
I appreciate an MMC who lookstall, handsome, et al, and has loads of tattoos that give him a rugged andalpha vibe, but is actually a softie, nervous wreck with an overthinking brain.He is the opposite of cocky. It’s quite refreshing to read such a character. Iwould have liked it better if his voice were distinguishable from the FMCs.
The connection between themain characters is sweet. Despite all the overthinking, they can communicatewell enough. However, the lack of conflict makes it a bit dull compared to theOTTness of the other couple.
Moreover, the secondary couple(the free HEA) gets almost equal space, which puts the main couple at adisadvantage. Though you can clearly see that the MCs have a healthier dynamic,the drama in the secondary track takes over the stage. This can be a hit or amiss. I like how it contrasted their love stories. From a writer’s perspective,I can see why readers love drama and angst. Easy and sweet romance just doesn’thit the same way, though it has more green flags!
Mitzi is my favoritecharacter. She is a loving, caring, assertive, lively, quirky, and adorablegrandmother. The risk of having such a fab side character is that the FMC getseasily shadowed. Since the secondary female character is also more sparkly thanthe FMC, it causes some issues with the interest levels.
Despite having manylaugh-out-loud moments, the book touches upon serious themes like death,dysfunctional families, infidelity, cheating, trust issues, etc. Still, none ofthese are deep. They aren’t meant to be.
The author’s note at the endis heartfelt.
To summarize, Third Time Luckyis a lighthearted read with some funny and serious moments. It’s pure escapistfiction with characters you can root for.
Thank you, Rachel’s RandomResources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and containsmy honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
***
About the Author –Aimee Brown
Aimee Brown is a writer ofromantic comedies set in Portland, Oregon. She writes closed-door romance (NOsex scenes, light kissing) with humor and crude language. She spends much ofher time writing, raising three kids (who are all nearly grown now),binge-watching shows on Netflix, and obsessively cleaning and redecorating herhouse. She's fluent in sarcasm and has been known to utter profanities likeshe's competing for a medal.
Aimee grew up in Oregon but isnow a transplant living in cold Montana with her husband of twenty+ years, twoof three children, and far too many pets. She is a lot older than she looks,and yes, that is a tattoo across her chest.
Follow the Author:
Facebook: @authoraimeebrown
Instagram: @authoraimeeb
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AimeeBrownNews
Bookbub Profile: @AimeeBrown
***
This has been a stop on the#ThirdTimeLucky blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources).Thanks for stopping by!
July 25, 2025
The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia - Book Review
Publication Date: 15th July 2025
Genre: Urban Fantasy
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Atmospheric, though predictable
1990s
Nana Alba’s stories always talked about the witches. Great-granddaughter Minerva spent her life listening to them. It’s no surprise that Minerva chose to graduate in the history of horror literature and is researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, a horror author not known by many.
When she finds out that the author’s novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by a true story, Minerva is curious. Turns out, Trembley was a student at the same university and became obsessed with her roommate, only to disappear under mysterious circumstances.
Soon, Minerva finds out common elements in Trembley’s life and her Nana Alba’s stories about the 1900s in Mexico. Looks like the same situation is repeating with her. Can Minerva figure out the next step?
The story comes in three timelines (1998-Minerva, 1908-Alba, and 1934-Beatrice). Minerva and Alba’s POVs are in the third person, and Beatrice’s is in the first person.
My Thoughts:I read only Gods of Jade and Shadow by the author and enjoyed the atmospheric settings in it. This book promises something good, and it does to a good extent. Don’t expect it to be a mystery or a thriller despite the vibes. It is slow-burn atmospheric horror (of sorts).
The book is divided into three timelines with three women narrators. Two of them are proper historical, while Minerva’s track is in 1998. Still, the setting gives a nice ‘oldish’ vibe. I like that Minerva and Alba’s tracks have 13 chapters each, and Beatrice’s (Betty) has 7. This evens out the story and sorts it into neat sections.
The timelines are in alternate chapters with clear headings and numbers. Very easy for readers to follow each track without confusion.
The pacing is quite slow in the first half. It takes a lot of time to establish the setting and the characters. Of course, right away, we know how things are likely to go. I didn’t feel any attempt to hide it or mislead the readers, so I’m guessing it was a deliberate move.
The mention of the actual witches (type of witches, to be specific) comes rather late. Until then, it’s all hints and vibes. Even afterward, there isn’t much info about them. I could have done with a creepy story or two, like the couple of ones we get in the earliest timeline.
The main characters are well-defined and are what they seem. There’s no unwanted romance in Minerva’s timeline, which I appreciate. It doesn’t suit her character arc. Though I’m not sure what to think of the Conrad guy.
The book is informative too, in the sense that I learned a bit about Mexican beliefs as well as life on the university campus as a student-cum-employee.
The ending is just right, filling the gaps as required and retaining the sense of fear and caution. That said, I would have enjoyed this much more if the dangerous elements/ scenes were a bit more. The horror quotient could have been upped by a level or two.
To summarize, The Bewitching is an atmospheric slow burn that can give you chills. While some elements could have been better, the narration flows well and can keep you interested from start to finish.
Thank you, NetGalley and Del Rey(Inklore), for the eARC.
#NetGalley #TheBewitching
July 23, 2025
Berserk by Tejaswi Priyadarshi - Book Review
Publication Date: 10th March 2025
Genre: Drama, Pulp Horror
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Fast-paced!
Ramakrishna, a humble teacher, marries his feisty student Nazm. However, their love story is doomed when Nazm is murdered on their wedding night. A desperate Ramakrishna partners with someone called the Coffee Man, whose ruthless methods seem to create more trouble. Can Ramakrishna find justice for Nazm, or will this association with the Coffee Man destroy his soul?
The story comes in the first-person POV of different characters.
My Thoughts:I’ve read the author’s previous book and knew what to expect in terms of gore. I’d say this one probably has less graphic content, but don’t take my word for it. I could be wrong.
The best part of the book is its pacing. After the initial setup (the first two chapters), the book steadily gains momentum and keeps going. I read it in one sitting since I didn’t want to break the flow. It’s easy enough since the book has fewer than 210 pages.
Things get squeamish from the very beginning. You can identify your tolerance level after the first chapter. It’ll only get more graphic from there on.
Since it has multiple first-person POVs, I’d recommend using the chapter titles as clues. I’m sure they were intended to be the same since they worked perfectly as trackers.
A disadvantage of fast-paced narration is the lack of proper character development or emotional connection. Things happen way too soon for the readers to get used to the idea. This distances us from the events. I’d have preferred for the central ‘love track’ to be explored in detail since everything sort of hinges on it. Given the nature of the relationship, it could have benefited from some space to unfurl a little more organically.
That said, the book still explores the dark side of humans. It presents how a person can slip and spiral into the abyss and what it does to them and the people around them. This aligns with the characters’ voices and their justifications as they move beyond any chance of redemption.
You can guess how the plot will go after the first reveal. That’s exactly what happens. This may not work for some readers since it dampens the excitement. However, I prefer things to follow a pattern (and I like being right), rather than have random twists for the sake of it.
The book is mainly set in two cities, with a couple of scenes in a village. The settings are used just right. They create a good feel of the local culture and vibe without distracting from the plot.
And yes, Berserk is a more suitable title for the story than ‘We’. The goldfish on the cover smartly represents the characters.
To summarize, Berserk is a fast-paced pulp horror drama about the dangerous side of humans and what it could do if unleashed without restraint. Despite the flaws, the book is entertaining, that is, if you are squeamish about blood.
It always makes me happy when the acknowledgement section names my friends!
My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
July 22, 2025
See the Stars by Eleanor Ray - Book Review - Blog Tour
Publication Date: 10th July2025
Purchase Link: https://geni.us/SeetheStars
Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228885851-see-the-stars
Genre: Women’s Fiction
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming!
Book Blurb: Do you ever feelthat life isn't going to plan?
When Alice Thoringtoncollapses in the street after a particularly hellish day at work, she mustfinally admit to herself that her outwardly happy life - steady relationship,well-paid job, beautiful flat in the city - isn't everything she'd hoped itwould be. Burnt out by long hours and living a life that doesn't fulfil herdreams, Alice returns home to Yorkshire.
Her childhood home bringscomplicated family dynamics, a rediscovery of her passion for stargazing, andtwo new friends: Berti, a boy who finds it easier to count the stars thaninteract with people, and Matt, her brother's best friend and Alice's teenagecrush. With each of them facing their own struggles, can the stars that meantso much to Alice in her past help them to find their way in the present?
Filled with heart and warmth,this uplifting novel reminds us all that we need the darkness if we want to seethe stars.
***
My Thoughts:The story comes in Alice’sthird-person POV.
This is the second book I readin the same month dealing with burnout in a 30-something career woman. The restof the plots are vastly different, and both books have handled it well.
The main reason I got the bookwas because of the stars. If my plans had gone the way I wanted them to, Iwould have been an astrophysicist. I love space and all things up there in thevast, wide universe. The book does justice to the topic without making it soundlike a science show.
The narrative shifts betweenthe past and present. The past comes in installments with the year clearlymarked. Though it may seem like you have to calculate the age, there’s no needto do it every time. Once is enough. You can track it from there.
This is a book where almostevery character is flawed. They are not evil or villainous. They are justpeople with flaws, and those who thought it was the right thing at that time. Ilike that the fiancé is not made to be a bad guy. No need to demean himunnecessarily, right?
The characters are not thatdeep, but they aren’t shallow either. While we could have gotten moreinformation (especially about Matt), the story works fine with what we know.
It is not romance. It ispurely women’s fiction with just a bit of ‘love’ that doesn’t dominate thecentral plot, not even at the end.
The book also touches onacademia and politics, among other topics, especially when you are a woman inSTEM. I’m sure you can guess what I’m implying!
Bertie, the 13-year-old, is myfavorite. The kid is super smart (but no social cues),which makes him a refreshingly honest buddy as those around him try to bepolite and say the right things.
To summarize, See the Stars isa heartwarming and introspective read about life, relationships, passion, anddoing what makes one happy (while also bringing an income).
Thank you, Rachel’s RandomResources and Piatkus, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains myhonest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
***
About the Author –Eleanor Ray
Eleanor Ray is the author ofthe highly acclaimed novels Everything is Beautiful and The Art of Belonging.She has an MA in English Literature from Edinburgh University and had a careerin financial marketing before turning to writing. She lives in London with herhusband and three young children.
See the Stars, her new novel,is about reclaiming our dreams and was inspired by her own career change. Herson’s passion for space fuelled her research, and together they visited sciencemuseums, planetariums, and observatories around the world. She is currentlywriting her next novel.
Follow the Author:
Instagram: @eleanorraybooks
Facebook: @eleanorraybooks
TikTok: @eleanorraybooks
X: @eleanorraybooks
***
This has been a stop on the#SeeTheStars blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources).Thanks for stopping by!
July 19, 2025
The Case of the Body on the Orient Express by Kelly Oliver - Book Review - Blog Tour
Series: The Detection Club #2
Publication Date: 14thJuly 2025
Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/CaseBodyOrientExpress
Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227744805-the-case-of-the-body-on-the-orient-express
Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Nice!
Book Blurb:
Paris, 1928: Agatha Christie and fellow writer Dorothy L Sayersboard the Orient Express, bound for Constantinople. Christie in particular islooking forward to a break from recent dispiriting events in both her work andprivate life – the finalisation of her divorce from her philanderous husbandArchie, and the miserly reception of her latest book.
But before the duocan settle in to enjoy the luxuries of their first-class journey, their journeyis derailed when a fellow guest drops dead during the dinner service. And asthe last person to speak to the victim, Dorothy finds herself a prime suspectin his murder.
As the trainhurtles East, Sayers’ resourceful assistant Eliza and her friend Theo mustnavigate a maze of suspects. But with each passing mile, the stakes rise, andwhen another body is discovered, their search to find the killer before theyreach their destination becomes increasingly complicated.
Can Eliza and Theostay one step ahead, crack the mystery and clear Dorothy’s name? Or will thisbe one journey too far for the amateur sleuths?
***
My Thoughts:The story comes inthird-person POVs of Eliza and Theo.
This is the second book in thenew series, which has real-life characters and fictional ones. While themystery is standalone, I think reading the previous book would help establishthe base for character interactions.
The book takes a time leap,which I did not expect, especially since the previous one ended on acliffhanger. Moreover, that element seems to have been brushed aside with justa little mention! Maybe it will be taken up in the coming books.
It’s a small book, so I couldfinish it in a single sitting. The mystery is cozy but with some high stakes,as international criminals and MI5 seem to be involved. There are enough twiststo keep you hooked.
Dorothy and Agatha are good atwhat they do, though we must remember that the book belongs to Eliza, who is abit too competent and a one-woman show. While I love competent heroines, I likethem better when they are sensible. Eliza seems to be multitalented, with theonly character flaw being too forceful and an utter lack of ability to see thatTheo loves her when the guy is pretty much holding a banner you could see fromthe moon!
In theory, I like the contrastbetween Eliza and Theo’s characters. He is the softer one, someone who faintsat the sight of blood and is a struggling writer. He has a good brain butspends much time thinking about Eliza. After a point, I wanted him to stop itand focus on himself.
The setting of the OrientExpress and other places is well done. The descriptions are just enough tovisualize the details without slowing down the plot.
Don’t skip the author’s noteat the end. It’s informative. I like how the author was extra careful and addeda large spoiler tag with the note. She discusses a few important events in thebook based on real incidents.
To summarize, The Case of theBody on the Orient Express is a decent continuation of the series and works asa light read between intense works. I’m hopeful it’ll get better, so let’s waitand see what happens next.
Thank you, Rachel’s RandomResources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary andcontains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
***
About the Author –Kelly Oliver
Kelly Oliver is theaward-winning, bestselling author of three mysteries series: The Jessica JamesMysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, and the historical cozies The FionaFigg Mysteries, set in WW1. She is also the Distinguished Professor ofPhilosophy at Vanderbilt University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Follow the Author:
Facebook: @KellyOliverAuthor
Twitter: @KellyOliverBook
Instagram: @kellyoliverbooks
Newsletter Sign Up:https://bit.ly/KellyOlivernews
Bookbub profile:@KellyOliverBook
***
This has been a stop on the#TheCaseOfTheBodyOnTheOrientExpress blog tour by Rachel's RandomResources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!
July 16, 2025
The Village Cafe in the Loire by Gillian Harvey - Book Review
Publication Date: 12th July 2025
Genre: Women’s Fiction
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming and hopeful
Becky Thorne cannot afford to stop or slow down. Who cares about burnout when she has to climb up the ladder while handling her mother’s meddling? However, when she is signed off and asked to get some rest, Becky doesn’t know what to do. She learns about the café she inherited from her great-aunt and flies to France.
Becky’s plan is clear. Sell the café. But the tenant is not willing to budge. She flies to France for a show, but the trip brings forth a visit to the past, a meeting with the handsome tenant, and interactions with the villagers. Maybe it’s time for Becky to sit and think about what she wants.
The story comes in Becky’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:This is proper women’s fiction with a sprinkling of romance. The book is about finding oneself, prioritizing relationships over jobs, and not being afraid to do something different.
The FMC is flawed and realistic. She can be annoying, which is exactly how she should be. This is the story of her character growth. At the same time, there’s nothing too deep or complex about it.
The tone and quick pacing work well to make this a light yet heartwarming read. If you want philosophical explorations, this is not for you. But if you want feel-good fiction with characters who realize some valuable lessons, pick this up.
Amber is my favorite character. She is such a wonderful bestie! I felt sad for her quite a few times, seeing how the FMC takes her for granted and acts selfishly. Still, it aligns with the arc and is done realistically. Can’t complain!
The side characters (including the love interest) are okay. He is a decent guy, one who is not afraid to hold a mirror or tell the truth to the FMC. Still, he is compassionate and kind.
Since romance is not the central plot, there isn’t enough development or connection for readers to root for. So, when it happens, it feels formulaic rather than organic.
The book discusses the pressure of corporate culture, security vs. freedom, success vs. happiness, etc., and whether one should come at the cost of the other. It makes valid points about how a person can choose to take risks only when they have financial security to cushion them. After all, you have to pay the bills every month, like it or not!
To summarize, The Village Cafe in the Loire is a heartwarming book well suited for a weekend read or when you want something thoughtful yet light. It’s a small book and can be completed in a couple of hours.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC.
#NetGalley #TheVillageCafeInTheLoire
July 14, 2025
The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam by Megan Bannen - Book Review
Series: Hart and Mercy #3
Publication Date: 08th July 2025
Genre: Fantasy Romance
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Had some fun moments!
Rosie Fox, the immortal demigod, had been patrolling Tanria for decades, but there are only so many times she can die and be born again before the newness wears off! When it happens yet again in a portal, the portal’s inventor, a grumpy Dr Adam Lee, arrives to repair the damage.
However, the portal breakdown and the duo ends up stuck in the Mist by a thorny plant. With nothing much to do, Rosie realizes that their personal histories are tangled. Maybe they can find a way to fix the issues while also ensuring they don’t end up stuck in the Mist forever.
The story comes in Rosie’s third-person POV (mostly).
My Thoughts:I was rather excited to read this one since Rosie is a demigod and all that. Of course, I hoped for the Ducker & Zeddie subplot too, since I was rooting for them from the first.
There’s a time leap between the previous books and this one. It makes sense once you delve a little into the story.
The FMC is a tall, curvy, and loud character, an immortal demigod who is more than a century and a half old but with the personality of someone in their twenties. I like her quirkiness, though it sometimes feels forced. The repetition about 'soft intimates' did get boring.
The MMC is a short, composed, and efficient inventor with an interesting backstory. This reveal was my favorite part of the book. And it was well-written.
The last quarter is the strongest, where quite a few adventures take place. The setting and the old gods come alive in this section. Compared to this, the rest of it feels a little bland despite the sprinkling of OOT humor and a heavy dose of profanity.
For those eager to know about Duckers and Z, yes, they have a subplot. It could have been better, though! Two very important developments happen off-page since the book is from the FMC’s POV, and she is not present during those events. This diluted the impact. I was looking forward to their scenes.
We meet the dragons again! The scenes with the pink dragons that chirp like birds and sneeze sparkling goo are always a treat. Can I ride a dragon, too, please?
Meeting the side characters again is one reason I like the standalone series. They have tiny roles, enough to make series readers happy, but not enough to confuse someone picking the book at random.
The romance is where things get a bit off. It is both insta-love and slow-burn. I appreciate the theme chosen – height differences in couples, where the woman is much taller than her guy (the FMC is 6’5”). You can see this on the cover too!
The pacing is slow, as it is in this series. However, combined with the repetition, it doesn’t have the same impact as the first book. The setting also doesn’t stand out any longer until the last quarter, when it comes alive.
There’s an epilogue of sorts, which is good. The book has many moments. I would be lying if I said I didn’t laugh. I did! I laughed, chuckled, and snorted many times, even when I rolled my eyes.
To summarize, The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam is a slow-paced but entertaining read. While the book has some flaws, it should still leave you with a smile. Rounded up the rating as I enjoyed it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK (Orbit), for the eARC.
#NetGalley #TheUndercuttingOfRosieAndAdam
July 12, 2025
Annapurna's Bounty: Indian Food Legends Retold by Veena Gokhale - Book Review
Publication Date: 01st July 2025
Genre: Short Story Anthology, Food
2.5 Stars
One Liner: Sadly, nope!
This is a collection of stories that explore food invarious forms. It combines stories from Indian history, real, mythological, andfictional, where food plays a role in the plot. Some stories are set in thecontemporary period.
My Thoughts:Annapurna is the Goddess of Food and Nourishment, anavatar of Goddess Parvati (Shiva’s consort). We have a shloka we recitethanking Annapurna for providing us with food before the start of every meal.
With food and Indian stories mentioned in the blurb,I knew I had to read this collection. The blurb ends with the sentence, ‘Expertlyblending ancient and modern, mystic and mundane, East and West, thesedelectable tales will banish negativity, to entertain and inspire in equalmeasure.’
Well, how can I resist something that banishesnegativity and promises to entertain? I should have resisted!
The title is Hindu, the tagline says Indian Food:Legends Retold. However, the book leans heavily towards the invaders. Why haveso many invaders when there are enough legends about food in Hinduism? And forstories that have Hindu characters, it’s all about giving free gyan. A typicalcolonial framework, and I’m sick of it.
The book starts with an author’s note about theinspiration and theme for the book. Even that didn’t prepare me for thecontents.
As I prefer to do with anthologies, I rated eachstory after reading it and edited it at the end for typos. This collection hasten stories, each followed by a vegetarian recipe mentioned in it. Of course, Iwon’t disclose the names of the recipes shared.
I like that each story starts with the characterlist.
Land of Milk and Sugar – 3.5 Stars
This is about the Zoroastrians who fled to Indiawhen their country was invaded by the Arabs. If you know this story, you wouldhave guessed the central plot based on the title. Here, it has a proper arc anda storyteller sharing the details with the reader. While the story isemotional, the narrative style could have been stronger.
Parvati Bai and the Bandits – 3 Stars
What does Parvati Bai do when she hears the news ofthe fearsome bandits attacking her village? This is a story of ‘thinkingoutside the box’ that also touches a bit upon human emotions. I wish it were awee bit longer.
The Emperor Who Loved Mangoes – 2.5Stars
As you can guess, this story is about Akbar andBirbal. I enjoyed many of these tales as comics, TV shows, etc., so I knew whatto expect. However, the narration was disappointing. I just didn’t feel thevibe. The dialogue felt mechanical and bland.
If you want a lighthearted version of Akbar andBirbal, see if you can find the episodes of Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal, which aired on Big Magic a few years ago.
Three Grains of Mustard – 3.5 Stars
This is the story of a mother’s grief. A differentversion of the story was used in a Telugu movie, so I figured out the plotsoon. Once again, the narration feels surface-level for what could have been anintense story. Still, it manages to stir some emotions in the reader.
Annapurna’s Soup Kitchen – 1.5 Stars
Oh, boy! This should have been my favorite story inthe book, but the result was the opposite. This is one about Parvati and heravatar, Annapurna. It is presented as a story-in-story, something a mother readsto her child. Now, would a children’s story (not even MG) mention lovemaking,even if it is between gods? I don’t think so.
Moreover, the Kichadi mentioned here is a modernversion. Kichadi is a satvik dish, meaning it doesn’t have onion and garlic. Itis also a softer dish, comfort food cooked when someone is ill or recovering.You don’t dump a whole lot of spices into it. The idea of Kichadi is to feed aperson something substantial but easy to digest.
Interlude
Not rating this as it provides some snippets aboutthe word ‘curry’ and such, some of which are taken from Wikipedia. *eye roll*
Do the Right Thing – 2.5 Stars
A typical story about a caste and a Sikh guruenlightening a Hindu about being a good human, yada yada. Something the Westwill love. I’d have liked it better if there had been some nuance or propercharacter development instead of a bland recital.
The Fisherman and the Sorceress – 2.5Stars
What happens when an unlucky fisherman gets helpfrom a woman performing black magic to turn the tide for the better? NGL, thisone had a heck of a premise and could have been so darn atmospheric. But,sadly, it is not. I’m not sure why the focus shifted from the main character toa side character.
Chef William and Captain Tyrant – 2Stars
Well, based on the title, you can guess it is aboutthe British Colonizers in India. The beginning was quite interesting. But whenit ended, I couldn’t figure out what the story’s purpose or intent was. Whatwas I supposed to take from it?
The Cries of Animals – 2 Stars
This story features Krishna and his cousin, someoneI haven’t read about until now. I do know about the famous Ambalappuzha SreeKrishna Temple, where paal payasam is offered as prasad to Krishna. Though I’mnot from Kerala, I know that in the South, we don’t use Basmati rice forprasadam. We use locally-grown rice (each state has its own type of rice, somehave more than one).
The Travels of Sanbusak – 2 Stars
This doesn’t even seem like an Indian story. Theauthor’s note at the end says it’s a fictional piece. Maybe they should havekept it for another book. I zoned out a few times despite all the drama in theplot. Go figure!
To summarize, Annapurna's Bounty, while providingsome interesting recipes, doesn’t meet expectations. The book (recipes)might appeal to the target audience, though the dry narrative style doesn’t dothe stories any favor.
Thank you, NetGalley and Dundurn Press, for theeARC.
#NetGalley #AnnapurnasBounty
July 8, 2025
The Magic of Provence by Alison Roberts - Book Review - Blog Tour
Series: A Year in France #3
Publication Date: 05th July 2025
Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/TheMagicOfProvence
Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219279423-the-magic-of-provence
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Hopeful
Book Blurb: Sometimes facing your fears can be the start of something wonderful
Fiona Gilchristhas spent years running from her demons. But deciding to take back control, shepacks up her life and makes the trip to Provence to be reunited with hersisters. And almost instantly, there is something about La Maisonette which ishealing and Fi knows she’s ready for a chance to start again.
When anopportunity arises to work alongside vet Christophe Brabant, Fi, althoughhesitant cannot resist saying yes. Because immersing herself in what she lovesis the ultimate distraction. And while Christophe may be utterly charming, he’salso committed to his job so Fi knows she’s in safe hands. Yet, what starts asa blossoming friendship quickly turns to something deeper. Because for thefirst time in her life, Fi begins to feel relaxed and completely at ease. Couldit be that Christophe’s heart is more like hers than she realises? Or has sheallowed him to penetrate the boundaries she always considered unbreachable?
Coming to Francetook a leap of faith, but in doing so it has allowed these two damaged souls achance to find each other while Provence works its magic…
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My Thoughts:The story comes in the third-person POV of differentcharacters.
This is the last book in the series, so it reads morelike women’s fiction than a full-length romance. The ‘father’ track runs inparallel with Fiona’s story. Since I read the previous books, I knew what toexpect from this.
However, it would be incorrect to call it ‘a dreamy,escapist romance…’. The book has triggers for sexual assault, parentalabandonment, and more. Though there are no descriptive scenes, the mood is heavierthan what one would expect.
That aside, the book highlights the importance offamily support, understanding, love, and friendships. It talks of secondchances in life and how one’s worth doesn’t depend on what happened to them.
Given the MCs’ professions, animals, especiallydonkeys, play a major role in the book. There’s a cute new addition to thedonkey family! So adorable!
The setting, once again, is the best part of the book.This time, we explore the nearby forest, the special old train, Menton (apicturesque town), etc. It’s always wonderful to go on such virtual tours.
The romance is indeed mellow, which suitswhat the characters need. And… there’s no third-act breakup! I was dreading oneas it wouldn’t be suited to the story, so you can imagine how happy I was whenit didn’t happen. Yay!
We meet little Theo and two other kiddos and theirparents (the two couples from the previous books). They have substantial roles,so it would be better to start the series from the first if you want awholesome experience.
There’s an epilogue that rounds up the book and theseries satisfactorily.
To summarize, The Magic of Provence is a hopeful readabout second chances, family, friendships, and love. You’ll enjoy it even moreif you like donkeys.
Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources andBoldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honestopinion about the book.
#NetGalley
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About the Author – Alison Roberts
Alison Roberts is the author of over one hundredromance novels with Mills and Boon, and now writes romance and escapist fictionfor Boldwood.
Follow the Author:
Twitter: @RobertsAli54060
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AlisonRobertsNews
Bookbub Profile: @rosi3
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This has been a stop on the #TheMagicOfProvence blogtour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources).Thanks for stopping by!
