Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s Blog, page 44

Safe Internet for Kids – Possibility or an Illusion

I’m no parent, though I hope to be one someday. Ifthings are this complicated today, I shudder thinking how they would get a fewyears later. With technology becoming an integral part of our lives, it’s hightime we find a way to control it rather than let it manipulate us. 

So how do we create a safe space for kids on theinternet? Is it even possible when just about everything is tech-related andinterconnected? All we can do is try and keep trying until we find things thatwork for us. 

Whatever I write here may not be feasible. It couldbe too exhausting to implement. It could border on idealism. I wouldn’t know.Not yet. But I know I will do my best to follow these. And if things stilldon’t work… well, we won’t know until we try. And when push comes to shove, wegot to wing it! 

PC: Hansuan_Fabregas/ Pixabay
Tips to Creating Safe Internet forKids 

Please don’t think I’m telling a parent how tohandle their children (disclaimers have become too important in today’sworld). 

Consider the Bigger Picture 

Creating safe internet for kids is not anindependent aspect. Many factors, like friends, family, education,entertainment, etc., influence the issue. Take a step back to consider thedaily routine. Start where it began. What’s your occupation? If you work fromhome, how does it influence your screen time? 

In nuclear families with working parents, adultsjust don’t have the capacity to handle everything. And if both parents are notactively responsible for bringing up kids, it’s too much pressure on a singleperson. So, start there. Make a list of all issues that directly and indirectlylet the kids have unsupervised access to the internet. 

AAR of Management 

During my MBA years, I learned how authority comeswith accountability and responsibility. Follow this rule at home for adults andkids. Yet again, show that you are also accountable for your actions,especially your social media usage or dependence. Furthermore, how we speak tothem also matters. We hate being patronized, and so do kids. 

Talk, Talk, and Talk 

Kids have always been inquisitive. I remember beinga curious cat myself (and still am). How we handle this curiosity can affecthow they use the internet. Of course, there will always be exceptions. But ifwe can minimize the risk, is it not worth a difficult conversation? 

I don’t believe in shielding kids from the truth orkeeping them from reality. Sure, we don’t want them having nightmares. However,making them aware of how harmful unsupervised internet usage can be isimportant. Talk and let them ask questions. Be truthful. Discuss the dark web.Provide examples. Let them know that the risks outweigh the rewards everysingle time. 

Device-Free Zones 

The dining table, bed, and kitchen can bedevice-free zones (for everyone). Safe internet also includes limiting thechild’s dependence on an electronic device. Switch to books instead. As a booklover, I recommend books instead of online games.

PC: lorivanv/ Pixabay
Say No to Comparison (or FOMO)

Let’s consider it from the child’s perspective. Kidstend to want what their friends have. Even if parents take every precaution tonot compare the child with another, kids will do it themselves. Show them whythis is not a good idea. Take examples and discuss the issue in detail.Emphasize why they don’t need to follow the herd. 

Show, Don’t Tell 

It may sound like a rule for writing, but it appliesto general life just as much. Set an example by not using your phone orbrowsing mindlessly during family times. A parent posting every moment of theirlife on social media could invariably desensitize kids to the dangers ofoversharing with strangers. 

Don’t tell them to not post everything on socialmedia or add strangers as friends. Show it to them through how you manage yourprofiles. Recognize the risks in your usage before instructing them. In short,practice before you preach. 

Final Words 

Some parents of tweens say a neutral tone works thebest. For younger kids, complete attention to the child for a fixed time everyday should help. Kids who know they are loved are more likely to be assertiveand less likely to look for approval from strangers.

Finally, technology does come in handy to an extent.Devices like the Happinetz Safe Internet for Kids Box can help you set up avirtual playground with age-appropriate content and time restrictions. Withmulti-device compatibility, Happinetz can ease your work to a good extent.However, maintain open and two-way communication with your children at alltimes. Happy parenting! 

This post is a part of Happinetz- Safe Internet For Kids. 

A Marriage To Murder For by E.V. Hunter - Book Review

Series: The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries #3 

Publication Date: 07th September 2023

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Cozy Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining but a little slow 

Social media influencer Crystabel Hughes is getting married at Hopgood Hall. The staff and owners are doing their best not to snap at the bridezilla’s extremities. 

However, Alexi can’t help but feel a nagging sensation of something not being right. 

The cheating groom, Giles, is found murdered a night before D-day with the would-be holding the dagger. Alexi and Jack jump into action, knowing they have to solve the case before Hopgood Hall faces the bad press. 

Things aren’t easy with so many secrets, suspects, and Crystabel’s constant need to film everything for her social media popularity. Can the duo find the killer in time? 

The story comes in Alexi and Jack’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I was excited to read book #3 after enjoying #2. This one also has a good load of drama, suspects, secrets, and of course, a murder. 

The setting is the Hopgood Hall again, so naturally, Drew, Cheryl, and Alexi (the owners and investor) are worried about what it would mean to the place’s reputation. Being a scene of crime is hardly good business, though morbid curiosity did bring more guests and profits. 

The concerns of the characters come across clearly. Alexi’s internal thoughts and conflict align with her worries and sense of justice. Solving the case is more important for them as their future depends on how well they can minimize the damage to Hopgood Hall’s reputation. 

Though the book is just 270 pages, the pacing is on the slower side. Fortunately, there’s enough movement for the plot to progress. Just that recurring interrogations reduce the narrative pace. 

Similar to book #2, we get a rough backstory in the first chapter so the reader knows the basic information about the main characters and the setting. While this technique works for now, it may feel odd as the series grows. Imagine Alexi thinking about the whole thing in book #10. 

Cosmos does what he likes the best – be the darling of the press and scare the hell out of everyone else. Of course, he loves Alexi and Jack and tolerates little Verity. I like how Jack thinks Cosmos could help sniff out the potential murder. Maybe this huge black cat will have a prime role in one of the upcoming cases. 

The mystery, as such, is intriguing. Crystabel is annoying and hard to empathize with. Her mom, Gloria, is worse, so it’s no wonder the wedding party wants her to be the killer. Yet, Alexi and Jack know they have to be sure. There’s something called conscience and justice, after all. The information is revealed in bits and pieces. The missing link comes in the last part of the book, though we can guess the killer based on other details. 

It was a little hard to track the names Cheryl and Crystabel. The common alphabets in both make it tough to not confuse one with another, especially when both are mentioned in the same scene or conversation. This may not be an issue for other readers. 

I’m not sure why we have this trend of ending a novel a couple of steps before the finish line. While it may work for some books, it doesn’t help when a few questions remained unanswered in a mystery. The subplot will anyway be left open for further development, but all aspects related to the book’s mystery need to be tied up in the same one. 

To summarize, A Marriage To Murder For is an entertaining mystery that deals with issues like parental ambition, manipulation, and, most importantly, how much is too much where social media influencers are concerned. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. 

#AMarriageToMurderFor #NetGalley

Secrets of the Villa Amore by Carol Kirkwood - Book Review

Publication Date: 20th July 2023

Genre: Contemporary Drama, Romance (Multi Timeline) 

2.7 Stars (minority opinion)

One Liner: An easy read 

Carina is marrying her childhood sweetheart, Giorgio, who has secrets of his own and isn’t who he appears to be. Edie is Carina’s friend and bridesmaid. This emerging Hwood actress has secrets she cannot reveal. Phillipa, Carina’s mother, has a happy life but finds things drifting apart. Complications arise when her former lover enters the scene. 

Tom arrives at the location, hired as Carina’s temporary bodyguard. With strange gifts and odd threats, it’s clear something sinister is happing behind the scenes. But what? 

Set on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, the book deals with how the lives of multiple people change over a few days. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of several characters. 

What I Like: 

I mainly requested the book for the setting, and it does full justice to this. Be it Villa Amore, the Amalfi Coast, vineyards, or the Sicilian background, everything comes alive on the page. However, it’s not overly descriptive for the reader to lose interest. 

The pace is amazing. This book has almost 400 pages (384-400), but it is easy to read in a couple of sitting. Even with so much happening, I could breeze through the content without any difficulty. 

The writing style is easy, almost too easy, and highly simplified. While this adds to the pace, it doesn’t evoke enough emotions to connect with the characters. Still, I wanted Giorgio to get his due for being an absolute douchebag, so one character did inspire strong emotions in me. 

A certain small yet highly influential character says, ‘No man is worth losing your self-respect…’ Indeed! (I’d make it gender-neutral, but it fits the context)

The parallels between Phillipa and Carina’s lives are interesting. Though it doesn’t do justice to their ‘intelligence’, it offers a little something to ponder about in a mother-daughter relationship. (Not sure if this was intended, but anyhoo). 

What Could Have Been Better for Me:

Well, a family drama thrives on drama and interesting characters. You gotta have secret keepers, victims, collateral damage, heroes, villains, grey characters, et al. While the book has them all, none of them except that scum Giorgio makes an impact (at least for me). 

The multiple third-person POV works to an extent in providing their thoughts, but the voice shifts repeatedly from one person to another. At the same time, it’s not omnipresent narration either. This makes it hard to connect with the characters. 

The dialogue is nice, but I didn’t like it. The conversations sound off in many places. It’s like the characters are acting their part in a play rather than being themselves on paper. 

The actual story is set in 2005. While books set in the past only recreate a similar setting, this one feels like it was written at the same time but dusted and edited for publishing in 2023. Not sure I can explain it right, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the book is an old manuscript. 

I was hoping Giorgio would face the music for his actions. While he does to a minor extent, the book sadly sweeps a good portion of it under the carpet. Financial fraud is one thing, infidelity and mistreating women is another matter. He isn’t even questioned about it. That is NOT acceptable. 

The main and side characters could have been much better but end up as cardboard cutouts. Also, a major development made me roll my eyes at the FMC. This could have been achieved in better ways. 

To summarize, Secrets of the Villa Amore is an easy and light read despite the complex plot. It’s nothing great or memorable, though. A time pass read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK (Fiction), for the eARC.

Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose by Nancy Springer - Book Review

Series: Enola Holmes #9 

Publication Date: 05th Sep 2023

Genre: YA Historical Cozy Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: A quick entertainer 

*****

May1890 

Elona Holmes is leading a happy life, pursuing her education and investigation without hiding from Sherlock and Mycroft, her older brother. They have managed to find a common ground (where Elona will not be civilized into a gentle society lady). 

One day, Rudyard Kipling (Ruddy) bursts into Enlona’s office only to find that the investigator is a young girl. He leaves in anger and hires Sherlock. Enola, of course, is determined to prove her worth by solving the case before her talented brother. 

Wolcott Balestier, an American writer, vanishes one evening. His sister, Caroline, is distraught. What if the book pirates kidnapped Wolcott? Is the publishing industry ruthless enough to do anything, or is the something else that put him in danger? Where is Wolcott, and can Elona find him before it is too late? 

The prologue and epilogue are in the third person, and the rest of the book is in Elona’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I’ve read the previous two books in the series and enjoyed them. This is no exception, though I wouldn’t recommend beginning the series with this book. The story is more focused on mystery, and it can be hard to understand the dynamics between Enola and Sherlock without reading at least one of the earlier works. 

As YA cozy mystery, the book has a lot of action, where Enola is coming up with innovative ways to investigate (and get into trouble). Of course, she also manages to save herself in most instances. 

With the first-person narrative, Enola also tends to address readers (in parenthesis). Her voice is quirky and funny and suits her energizing personality. We also see glimpses of her vulnerability though she reminds herself that Enola is the inverse of alone (this is a recurring statement and appears at least twice in each book). I do like to see her bond with Sherlock, though given their personalities, we know why it is so hard. 

The setting and the then practices, costumes, etc., are detailed and vivid. Enola is often under disguise and loves to provide information in detail. I love how her corset is a mini-thrift store and has just about everything from a dagger to twine and stationery. This is why our dresses need pockets! 

The mystery, as such, is lighthearted, but enough drama, action, seriousness, and intrigue to keep the readers hooked. There are no last-minute twists or reveals. We can guess the events halfway through the book but still feel curious enough to see if we are right. 

The book has real-life characters – Rudyard Kipling and the Balestier brother-sister duo. The author’s note at the end explains the fact from fiction and her inspiration for using the characters. Oscar Wilde also makes a guest entry, so look out for him. ;) 

I did miss Enola’s other friends, though Harold, the loyal cabbie, is present whenever necessary. There aren’t enough scenes between Enola and Sherlock, though this time, she uses leads provided by him and others to progress in the case. Watson has a teeny role (just one scene). 

The pacing is really good. Despite various descriptions, the book moves at a steady pace. There isn’t any character development, but I wasn’t looking for it, either. 

To summarize, Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose is an interesting and fast-paced historical cozy mystery with a YA heroine. It may not be as engaging as a standalone but should work nevertheless. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Wednesday Books), for the eARC. 

Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology - Book Review

Publication Date: 19th September 2023

Genre: Dark Short Stories, Multi-Author Anthology 

4 Stars 

One Liner: A diverse collection 

Do you think I could ignore a cover and title like that? Not a chance! 

Never Whistle at Night is a collection of twenty-six short stories written by Indigenous authors from the US and Canada. It begins with a foreword setting great expectations about the content but also preparing the readers that the stories don’t have neat endings. This really helped because I’m not a fan of open or vague endings. However, knowing this in advance, I was prepared for it and enjoyed many stories. 

Still, it’s hard to categorize this collection. I assumed the stories would deal with paranormal, supernatural, or horror. But around 40% of the stories don’t deal with any paranormal theme. They are dark but deal with human darkness. Some of these make a strong impact, while a few others don’t. 

As with every anthology, there are hits and misses. Since I read one or two stories a day (it took me a month to finish), the review ended up detailed (longer than expected). I haven’t edited the individual reviews, as I wrote them soon after reading the story. 

Kushtuka by Mathilda Zeller – 4 Stars

What happens when a young Native girl is hired to help and serve at a white man’s party in a remote lodge? Thrown in all types of domination the Natives have to deal with. Kushtuka has to take a stand and save her people, right? So what if there’s collateral damage? The story comes in the first-person POV of the young girl. It is fast-paced, crisp, and chilling. 

White Hills by Rebecca Roanhorse – 3.5 Stars  

A half-Native poor girl does what she should to get the riches and lifestyle she always dreamt of. Marriage to a rich guy sorts many things. But a simple mistake threatens to ruin it all. What will she decide? The story comes in Marissa’s third-person POV. It’s compact with flaws and a reflection of inhumanity. 

Navajos Don’t Wear Elk Teeth by Conley Lyons – 3 Stars

What happens when Joey hooks up with Cam despite the red flags because he didn’t want to feel lonely? This is more of a psychopath story with an indigenous character (than a native mystery element) and is in Joey’s first-person POV. 

Wingless by Marcie R. Rendon – 3.5 Stars

How much is too much when two native kids get abused by their foster ‘parents’? When ‘magic’ doesn’t help, will they take things into their hands? How will it end? The story comes from the first-person POV of an eight-year-old. It is raw, gritty, dark, and hard-hitting. 

Quantum by Nick Medina – 4 Stars

This is like a reverse-case scenario where Native Indian blood is more ‘useful’ than the White man's. But is it really the blood? Blunt, emotionless, and ruthless. The story comes from the third-person POV of Amber. 

Hunger by Phoenix Boudreau – 5 Stars

‘It’ is ravenous for ‘food’ which has become scarce after Other People took over People’s land. However, It finds a vessel and zeros on a People girl who isn’t aware of Its existence. Or… This is fantastic. The story starts slowly but picks up momentum in the second half. The ending dips a little but seems intentional. This is what I wanted when I requested the book. 

Tick Talk by Cherie Dimaline – 4 Stars

Bilson, aka Son, would rather not be ‘Son’ but goes by the name anyway. Years pass by doing this, that, and nothing. Does it take a tick bite to redefine his life? Of course, if he can live long enough. The story comes in Son’s third-person POV and reflects his character arc. It’s more of an introspective piece than anything else. 

The Ones Who Killed Us by Brandon Hobson – 5 Stars

Atvdasdiha! Listen to the ghosts tell the story of the fateful night when those who killed them get their due (yet again). The story comes in first-person plural and is written in long-winded sentences (typically in a ghost’s stream-of-consciousness POV). The writing takes time to get used to, but the atmosphere is spot on. 

Snakes Are Born in the Dark by D. H. Trujillo – 4 Stars

Peter agrees to trek in Four Corners with his cousin Maddie and her boyfriend, Adam. However, things go as planned and turn even more bizarre through the night. Can they survive until the next dawn? The story comes from Peter’s third-person POV. It’s more of a horror story with some gore and weird scenes. Well-written. 

Before I Go by Norris Black – 3.5 Stars

What does Keira find when she goes to visit the site of her fiancé’s death in the middle of nowhere? Told in the FMC’s third-person POV, the story is short, compact, and has the right amount of ‘horror’. I wish it was a little more atmospheric. 

Night in the Chrysalis by Tiffany Morris – 3.5 Stars  

How does Cece’s first night in the new house go? Will she survive to see daylight the next morning? Who is that strange singing woman? The story comes in Cece’s third-person POV. I like haunted house stories. This one delivers to an extent, though I wish it had more drama. 

Behind Colin’s Eyes by Shane Hawk – 4 Stars

A ten-year-old Colin and his dad go hunting. This time, they want to shoot the majestic elk. However, strange events occur, and Colin knows something is very wrong. But what can the poor kid do? The story comes in Colin’s first-person POV and is set in a winter forest. It is descriptive, atmospheric, and creepy (but not too much). 

Heart-Shaped Clock by Kelli Jo Ford – 3.5 Stars

Did he or did he not murder his brother? How much do you trust his version of the story? Written in Joseph’s first-person POV, this is a story of a broken family, a broken child who grew up as a broken man with unhealed issues. The writing has quality and pulls the reader. However, there are no otherworldly elements in this one. 

Scariest. Story. Ever. by Richard Van Camp – 4.5 Stars

The nameless narrator, Uncle Mike’s Nephew, needs the scariest story to win a storytelling competition. He asks Mike to tell him the scariest story shared by Aunt Irina. However, the narrator may get more than what he wanted. Sometimes, it’s a good thing too! This story has elements of dark though it tackles the subject differently. I love the twist and the message (and how it doesn’t sound preachy). 

Human Eaters by Royce K. Young Wolf – 4.5 Stars

Narrated by grandma to her two young grandsons (String Bean and No Filter), the story alters between reminisces and present. The Human Eaters symbolize colonizers and boarding schools. The story is atmospheric and contains a recurring message to not forget one’s roots. 

The Longest Street in the World by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. – 4 Stars

Johnny Junior gets attacked when manning his father’s real estate office. He’s back in action after six weeks and is surprised and exasperated to find Louis bringing a bag of stinky items. The story comes in a relaxed third-person POV. It’s got sharp dark humor with what could possibly be little more-than-human character. By the way, the opening sentence is 103 words! 

Dead Owls by Mona Susan Power – 4.5 Stars

Amy, a preteen, visits her favorite Aunt Phyllis for the holidays. She loves being with her aunt but wonders if the house has ghosts. Of course, the ghosts decide to answer it themselves. The story comes in Amy’s first-person POV. The tone suits the character’s age. The story is rather heart-touching, with bits of dark on the edges. 

The Prepper by Morgan Talty – 4 Stars (for the gripping narration)  

Narrated in the first-person, this is the story of how a young boy prepares to save himself and his mother from the end of the world (2012) and Nὰka. It’s a story of undiagnosed mental illness and what it can do to a person. The story is set in the past, with the MC recounting it from his present perspective. 

Uncle Robert Rides the Lightning by Kate Hart – 4.5 Stars

Told by a narrator in a sort of dispassionate tone, this is the story about the bonding between Robert and Gregory (uncle and nephew but brothers in friendship). It is real yet unreal, emotions barely there but fully present. There’s something in there, tugging the reader’s heart. 

Sundays by David Heska Wanbli Weiden – 4 Stars (for the ending)

Narrated by a 50+ Tom (Thomas), we see how his wife’s death triggers his childhood trauma of being abused by Father R when he was being civilized in a church-run school. How Tom comes to terms forms the rest of the story. It’s amazing how one can do anything to heathen and kafirs with little to no consequences. 4 Stars (for the ending) 

Eulogy for a Brother, Resurrected by Carson Faust – 3.5 Stars

Callum is shot to death and leaves behind his grieving sister and half-brother. Told in the first-person, we learn about a dysfunctional family, a ‘god-fearing’ small town, and the sister’s desire to revive her dead brother. The beginning feels ordinary but ends on a different level. My only grouse is that the voice sounds like a man (in fact, I thought the narrator was Callum’s brother and not sister until she was addressed as Della). 

Night Moves by Andrea L. Rogers – 3.5 Stars

Walt is an Indian boy stationed in Germany in 1968. What happens one night when Walt, Carl (half-German, half-Black), Christ, and JohnBoy miss their last train to the army base and have to walk through the woods? Told in Walt’s third-person POV, the story tries to blend the paranormal with the real. It succeeds to an extent. 

Capgras by Tommy Orange – 3 Stars

Tom (Thomas Bline) and his family (wife and son) fly to Paris for his author interviews. Tom’s book has been translated into French, and he is supposed to be excited about it. Told in Tom’s first-person narration, the story blends his past, his drinking problem, and how translations tend to change the core contents by aligning it with the translators’ perspectives. 

The Scientist’s Horror Story by Darcie Little Badger – 4 Stars

Three researchers, Bets, Anders, and Harmoni, spend their evenings telling scary campfire stories while attending a conference. Anders starts, and Bets tells the next one. However, ‘scary’ could mean a lot of things, including reality. This has two stories in story format and ends with a (helpless) reminder of how brutal real life can be. 

Collections by Amber Blaeser-Wardzala – 4.5 Stars 

Oh, boy! Megis is exhausted but has to attend the party hosted by Professor Smith to get into her good books for a recommendation letter. However, the decorations in the professor’s house freak her out. The story comes in Megis’ first-person POV. This is a strange tale, dark yet not too dark or gory. Scary but different. It could also be seen as a metaphor for the world’s obsession to play savior and demand undying gratitude.  

Limbs by Waubgeshig Rice – 4 Stars 

Makwa is a guide to a white businessman who wants to destroy the land for business. What happens when Makwa protests? Told in Makwa’s third-person POV, the story has a sense of foreboding throughout. It gets quite graphic at one point, which seems intentional. However, the climax is over too soon to make the impact it should. 

To summarize, Never Whistle at Night has strong indigenous themes and deals with colonization, displacement, supernatural, and human darkness in various forms. It cannot be read at once. Spread it over a few days to let each story register in the mind. Also, quite a lot of triggers in this one, so proceed with caution. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Vintage, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #NeverWhistleatNight

***

P.S.: Every story is followed by a short author’s bio. I added a whole bunch of books to my TBR, thanks to this anthology. 

Change of Plans by Dylan Newton - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st August 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

3.3 Stars 

One Liner: Got its moments but exhausting 

Chef Bryce Weatherford, aka Beamer, is at her wits end caring for her three nieces. When her brother and sister-in-law die in a sudden road accident, Bryce becomes the guardian to June (12), Cecily (8), and Adeline (5). Juggling her career and a new family is not easy, especially when the kids make things triply challenging for her. 

Ryker Matthews is a Marine back home after an injury that left him with severe PTSD and an amputated leg. He is running a vehicle restoration business and tries to survive one day at a time. 

A chance meeting in a supermarket brings Bryce and Ryker together. But can they have a stable relationship with so many complications? What are their priorities, and how can the duo fight for what they want? 

The story comes in Bryce and Ryker’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

I’m glad I didn’t read the blurb before starting the book. The first line states, “In this charming romantic comedy…”. Unfortunately, the contents cannot be categorized as a rom-com. While there are itsy bitsy pieces of humorous dialogues (if you like adult-ish humor), those aren’t enough by any means. 

Byrce and Ryker have a lot going on in their lives. However, I like that they at least try to make it work. I’ve been learning that sometimes, the right time may never come, and we got to take a chance when it occurs. This aspect is well-presented in the book. 

Ryker’s disability was the main reason I picked this book. From what little I know, it has been handled well with enough information about the physical, medical, and psychological aspects. His PTSD is also shown. 

Ryker is a problem solver, and Bryce has enough of them. Though it does seem like an imbalanced relationship, it’s not. Bryce handles a major crisis on her own, which proves that she doesn’t have to depend on Ryker (after all, she had been handling things before they met). While I like this point, I don’t like how it was achieved. 

I am not a fan of the miscommunication trope (not anymore). Also, all those scenes where only the important conversations are interrupted get too much. I got annoyed by the plot device halfway through, so the rest was super irritating. Using the same device throughout the book isn’t a bright idea. 

Furthermore, for a book that claims to be a rom-com, there’s too much non-humorous drama. Bryce doesn’t have to be a super mom, but she could get at least some things right. It’s no fun reading all those mishaps one after another. This is hardly a daily soap with a thousand episodes where the FMC goes through all possible traumas!  

With most of the time spent on dealing with one crisis or another and making enough money, there’s almost no time for the family to bond. I wish there were some positive moments too. 

Now, the nieces. Addie and Cecily are adorable in their own ways. Their pain comes across clearly. But June’s character wasn’t handled well. She is supposed to be a grieving and resentful tween. However, for the majority of the book, she sounds like a privileged brat who likes to deliberately hurt others. I’m sure that’s not the intention, but that’s how she sounds. Also, there’s no conversation about her feelings and not even realization. It’s Not Okay for grieving people to hurt others just because they are hurting. 

The grandparents serve their purpose to add more weight to our FMC’s shoulders. It feels like the universe is conspiring to trouble the poor heroine. Ugh, exhausting! And towards the end, the issues get happily resolved. At least, there’s an epilogue (0.3 stars extra for the same). 

To summarize, Change of Plans is a decent read with loads of drama, some romance, and a teeny bit of comedy. Read it like contemporary fiction, and you may enjoy it more. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #ChangeofPlans

***

P.S.: The book is the third and final one in a series but is standalone. There’s no need to read the previous two before picking up this one. Steam: 2-ish. 

Through the Snow Globe by Annie Rains - Book Review

Publication Date: 22nd August 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Romance, Time Loop (Groundhog Day)

4 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming 

Diana Merriam is exhausted. Her fiancé Linus has been hit by a car three weeks before Christmas and is in a coma. She may be good at her job as a physical therapist, but the promotion seems elusive. Her relationship with her best friend, Rochelle, is strained. Nothing seems to be going Diana’s way. 

When she finds a snow globe in Linus’ wardrobe, she knows it is his Christmas gift to her. A night before Christmas, Diana wishes for another chance to do better. This changes the course of her life, putting her in an endless time loop. Each time Diana has to re-live the same horrible day, she sees things she missed before. What does the universe want Diana to realize? Can she find what she needs? Will Christmas bring a miracle for her? 

The story comes from Diana’s third-person POV. 

What I Like:

A book with a time loop needs to have an engaging plot, as the same day will be repeated multiple times. This one handles the concept well. Every repeat is similar yet different. The conversations that sound similar and robotic are intentional to show Diana’s thought process. 

Linus is a super adorable guy. There’s very little fault in him, which doesn’t make Diana look good at times, but he is who he is. He comes from an emotionally healthy family, and it shows. 

Rochelle has a good presence, though she could have had a deeper character arc. Still, she does well within the limitations. The other characters, like Maria and Addy, have a realistic portrayal and are relatable. 

Little Dustin is a good addition, and his presence is revealed in bits and pieces. He is a sweet little kid who deserves a happy family to love him. I wouldn’t have minded more of him. 

The small-town setting doesn’t really come alive in this one. However, I like how the weather changes (incidentally, it doesn’t snow in Snow Haven) are used in the time loop, almost like foreshadowing. 

I think Diana’s character is done well for the majority of the book. I’ve noticed some reviews not liking her. But that is the point of the plot. Diana thinks she is professional, polite, efficient, and independent. She is always compact and has her walls up because that’s the only way she knows to live. She doesn’t realize it comes across as cold and unemotional instead of as someone always in control of themselves. The time loop is for her to understand this difference and know she can be confident yet friendly with others. 

In one of the repeats, Diana gets angry and frustrated. This is a great addition as it aptly shows her emotional state. This anger stems from helplessness and is justified from her POV. 

And we have an epilogue. The epilogue is sweet but just right and ends the book on a happy note. Snow Haven is beautiful again, and why not? 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

With stories that need to show tangible changes in a character, the process has to be seamless and relatable. While the book achieves this to a certain point, it feels jerky at a crucial moment. The shift in Diana’s thought process has to be more detailed and emotional. Her breakdown scene could have been repeated if necessary. 

There’s a character, William (Diana’s co-worker), mentioned multiple times but has zero presence in the book. At least with Diana’a grandma Denny and estranged mom, we know why they are needed and how they shaped her life. But poor William is a boogeyman (scapegoat), and not having him anywhere in the book throughout feels like a disservice. At least make him say hello to someone. 

I’m all for happy endings. I sure don’t need ‘realistic’ endings in Christmas books with second chances. However, things here are a little too sweet, and with Diana’s change not coming as strongly as it should, the sweetness feels excessive. A more controlled approach might have worked better (at least for me). Also, even Diana isn’t aware of certain developments, so the whole thing feels a bit strange too. 

To summarize, Through the Snow Globe is a heartwarming story of second chances, understanding one’s priorities, and learning to express emotions healthily. 

This is a clean romance.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Canelo, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #ThroughtheSnowGlobe

Foul Play at Seal Bay by Judy Leigh - Book Review

Series: Morwenna Mutton Mystery #1

Publication Date: 07th August 2023

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: A decent start to a new cozy mystery series 

***

Set in a sleepy small town, the book introduces Morwenna Mutton, a sexagenarian librarian and wild swimming enthusiast. She loves cycling to work and enjoys spending time with her 80+ mother, 28yo daughter, and 5yo granddaughter. 

When a local businessman Alex, who wants to buy her family Tea Room is found dead, Morwenna knows she needs to go sleuthing and solve the case. After all, DI Rick Tremayne doesn’t seem to know how to handle it effectively. Can Morwenna find the killer, or will she end up as one of the victims? 

The story comes from Morwenna’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I love cozy mysteries and enjoyed a couple of the author’s other books before, so this seemed a great choice to add to my list. While the book isn’t fab, it does have some merits and might grow into a better series. 

Morwenna is a gusty 60+ woman with silvery wild hair and colorful dresses. She cycles her way through the village and hills, even if the upward journey is getting harder. After all, nothing like cycling and wild swimming to stay fit. Her family comes first, and we see it throughout the book. 

I love the concept of wild swimming and wasn’t aware it was a thing. Swimming in cold sea/ ocean waters once a week is sure to revitalize the senses (apparently, it also has other health benefits). This aspect is seamlessly woven into the plot and Morwenna’s arc. 

The setting is broodingly beautiful while presenting the harsh realities of not having enough business during the off-season. After all, it’s not easy to survive in the cold winters without enough money from the business. 

The Mutton ladies (Lamorna, Morwenna, and Tamsin) have different personalities yet common traits. Of course, Elowen, Tamsin’s daughter (5+ yo), has the best of all three. That girl is smart, outspoken, and determined. She’s the cutest addition in the book with Oggy, her invisible dog, and Oggy Two, her purple plush toy. 

Raun, Morwenna’s ex-husband, a fisherman, is a sweet guy. Can the two find a way to sort out their issues, or will they remain polite friends? I love that he does a lot of cooking in the book and takes care of his family even though they no longer live together. 

The central mystery was decent, if not great. The criminal is easy to identify with all the clues provided, and I’m glad we don’t have any unexpected twists. There are a couple of things left to explain but nothing major. 

The side characters are interesting, even if a bit stereotypical. The DI is pretty much useless, but PC Jane has a sound mind. I wish she gets more space in the subsequent books. I also like the other inspector who arrives in the last quarter. He should definitely be a recurring character. Not that I’d mind DI Rick being put in place by the Mutton ladies. 

There’s a side track with a lady ghost in the library where Morwenna works morning shifts. Is it really a ghost or a living being? The reveal is predictable but still fun. 

There are a few Cornish words (bewty, bleddy, derckly, etc.). They were easy enough to guess (with explanations for others). I like how it brought a native touch to the dialogue. 

The book has a couple of action scenes too. Morwenna sure shows she can deal with some physical attacks, though I hope she doesn’t have too many injuries through the series.  

To summarize, Foul Play at Seal Bay is a medium-paced cozy mystery plus family drama set in a Cornish village. While the book has much to offer, the spark is missing (the reason for not rounding it to 4 stars). However, the series has potential, and I’ll read the second book to see how it goes. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #FoulPlayatSealBay

Positively, Penelope by Pepper D. Basham - Book Review

Series: Skymar #2 

Publication Date: 01st August 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Sweet and heartwarming (with some OTT elements) 

Penelope Edgewood is more than a ray of sunshine. She’s the entire summer sun minus the sweaty heat. Positively keeps her going, though Penelope is no stranger to pain and heartbreak. Penelope has work cut out for her when she joins The Darling House, an old theatre on the island of Skymar. She is supposed to revive the theatre’s presence as a marketing intern. 

Of course, Penelope being who she is, takes up more than her job. She decides the Grays (owners of the theatre) could do with some help; at least, grumpy Matt Gray and his dotty Iris need her sunshine. Someone is trying to cause trouble, so it’s up to her to sort everything out and maybe choose the right man to love in the process. 

The story comes in emails and chat messages between different characters and third-person POV. 

What I Like:

Though it is the second book in the series, it works as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book and had no issues understanding the character arcs or backstory. I could be missing some extra, but it doesn’t directly impact the plot. I got a clear picture of Izzy, Luke (easily my favorite), Penelope, and Josephine from their conversations. 

Iris (7yo) is an absolute darling. This little girl with two dimples has a good presence in the book (though she doesn’t get many dialogues due to the chosen format). Still, I enjoyed the scenes with her. 

The theatre’s scenes are cool. Despite not having much description, it’s easy to visualize the interiors and the characters’ love for the place. The fictional location is just as beautiful, with lakes, hills, flower valleys, waterfalls, and cute shops. 

There’s a lot of baking in this one. Muffins, cookies, chocolate éclairs, strawberry tarts… you name it, we’ll probably find it here. Penelope is a great baker, which does work in her favor.

Despite the excess glitter, Penelope is a sweet FMC. She has many good traits and shows decent growth throughout the book. Given her age (23-24), she does act like a teen sometimes but displays emotional maturity when necessary. Her professional skills are noteworthy (maybe even better). 

Matt is grumpy but not rude or excessively annoying. I was rooting for him from the beginning, and the gradual change in his character is well done. Even the dynamics between Penelope and Matt are enjoyable. There’s steady progress, which makes their relationship grow from being employee-employer to friends and something more, seem realistic and unhurried. 

The book deals with grief in different forms. While Penelope celebrates her loved ones to express her grief, Matt goes into a shell, Grandpa Gray becomes a recluse, and Alec… you’ll have to read to find out. The themes are handled sensitively without feeling excessive or bland. ‘Faith’ is also just right (minimum, which is how I like it). 

What Could Have Been Better for Me:

The first quarter or more of the book is in an epistolary form with lengthy emails and messages between Penelope, Izzy, Luke, Josephine, and a few other characters. Then we suddenly have a third-person narration. Soon, the emails are fewer, and there’s an increase in direct narration. The count further reduces towards the end. In short, we have an uneven narrative device throughout the book. I wish it was streamlined. 

The first quarter is super slow because of the various emails (with PS, PPS, PPS, and goPPPPS) that talk about everything and nothing at once. Let’s say it was interesting for a while and then got annoying. I liked it better once the third-person POV became a regular feature. 

I’m not a fan of movies or musicals. Fortunately, I knew quite many references in the book, but it still feels a little too much (this won’t be an issue for most readers). I understand that’s Penelope’s character, but she is so much more than silly OTT antics. Her actual depth comes out in regular scenes. 

Too much of anything is bad, and so is excess sunshine. This has a triple sunshine vs. grumpy trope, which does feel irritating at times. More so, if you, like me, are not going to be categorized as ‘sunshine’ in real life. (NGL, Genelia did this better in the Bommarillu movie)

The book is just too long. It could have been 80 pages shorter and still delivered the same story with the same impact.  

To summarize, Positively, Penelope is a sweet and Hallmarkish romance with loads of positivity, musical references, and happy vibes. I did enjoy this book, though I have high hopes for Luke’s story (loved him in this one). Can’t wait to read it! 

This is a clean romance with some kissing in the last quarter.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley # PositivelyPenelope

***

P.S: What on earth is baby yoga? Just give your little ones a good oil bath for an hour every day. That’s all the ‘yoga’ a three-month baby needs. 

Murder at the Inn by Katie Gayle - Book Review

Series: Julia Bird Mysteries #4

Publication Date: 03rd August 2023

Genre: Contemporary Cozy Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining 

Julia Bird and her friends from Berrywick decide to take part in the local quiz competition. The Agatha Quizteam soon starts to win, thanks to the team members with diverse talents. Local DI Hayley Gibson and Constable Lillian Carson are in another team with equally talented members. 

However, an accident puts Hayley in bed with a broken leg, and Lillian is stabbed to death a week later. Superintendent Grave from the regional office takes over the investigation, focusing on Lillian’s professional life. There seem to be a few suspects, even if none of them might be the killer. With a few strange events occurring in the village, Julia wonders if they got it all wrong. 

It’s time for Julia and Hayley (with some help) to connect the dots and find the killer before more lives are at risk. 

The story comes from Julia’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

Though this is book #4 in the series, it can be read as a standalone, as there is enough backstory for the subplots. The book balanced between mystery and subplots to set the stage for the next one. 

Jake, the adorable chocolate lab, is now an adolescent pup but just as naughty and excited for food. He becomes friends with Julia’s bossiest chicken, Henny Penny, which leads to some funny moments in her house.

There’s a little more of Hayley in this book, though she is on leave due to a broken leg. We see a bit of her personal life too. I love Hayley’s energy and how her restlessness and helplessness are portrayed when she is not in a position to solve Lillian’s death. Lillian is her friend and colleague, which makes it even harder for her to sit and do nothing. 

Jim, the journalist, makes an appearance, too, and does his bit with Julia in digging up certain information. Sean has a relatively lesser presence, but he wasn’t necessary anyway, so it works well for the plot. 

The book artfully tackles the topic of older women and relationships. Societal expectations, assumptions, and how Julia, despite being a smart and good-looking woman, is almost invisible to the common public due to her age (she is around 60). 

We also see how Julia’s character changes from being a city person to a villager with a kitchen garden, chicken coop, part-time job, and countless activities. Her journey from someone who disliked cooking to someone who enjoys trying new recipes occurs steadily. 

The mystery has a couple of tracks. One is the arsonist Lillian is trying to nab. The other is Lillian’s murder. Then there seem to be break-ins in a couple of houses. There could possibly be an ex-convict out for revenge. Are all these events related? What’s happening in Berrywick? 

I could, as usual, connect the dots. But then Julia and others have lives to lead (how annoying), which delayed the mystery (not really, the book is fast-paced). Finally, they do what they should do and solve the case. Tada! There’s a wee bit of action, though the focus is more on introspection of the crimes and the reasons behind them. 

The personal tracks have some interesting developments. Julia sure has a few occasions to look forward to in the coming book. I’m curious to see how that will go (coz there’s bound to be another murder). 

To summarize, Murder at the Inn is a solid continuation of the series and a good entertainer. I enjoyed the mystery and Jake’s antics. Pick it up if you want a lighthearted read with the right touch of emotions and introspection. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #MurderattheInn