srivalli's reviews
1444 reviews

 3.7 Stars

Ophelia has just taken over the family role as a Necromancer after her mother’s death. Less than a few hours later, she realizes their ancestral home is under debt and at risk of being taken from her. Her younger sister, Genevieve, decides to participate in the dangerous Phantasma challenge by entering the Devil Manor. The one who clears the nine levels gets huge prize money. 

Ophelia follows her sister into the manor intending to take her back home. However, there are rules to follow and deals to make before it can happen. When Blackwell, a long-lasting resident of the manor offers help (for a bargain, of course), Ophelia wonders what it would cost her. With the attraction between them getting stronger, there’s a lot more at stake for Ophelia. 

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

Well, I don’t often take big books (anything over 400 pages is a big book). This one combines horror, gothic house, and romance, so I thought, why not? 

I don’t bother with the tags and comparison, so can’t say if this is like the other books or not. I prefer to read a book for what it is. 

This is historical fiction set sometime when women still wore cumbersome corsets while the mode of transport included horse carriages and automobiles. A mention of the timeline would have helped. 

The premise is highly intriguing. The book starts on a high, establishing that this will be a dark read. Not for the squeamish! The main characters seem interesting too. 

Ophelia takes time to get used to. TBH, it’s a miracle she managed to survive so far. Since this is openly discussed by the characters, I can see it is a deliberate character arc (can’t complain). Let’s just say there is a loooot of blood. 

Blackwell is your typical handsome and quirky hero with enough darkness inside. However, he manages to endear himself (faster than the FMC). 

The banter between the two is fun, despite the deadpanning (more on this next). Though the love story is on a fast track, it doesn’t feel that way due to the page count and the multiple interactions between the couple. 

Now, the steam is high here. 4.5+ (or more) and a fully open door. That means we have more than a handful of such scenes, with many in the middle of the book. It messes with the pacing. 

While the beginning is not fast, it is not slow either. The middle, however, drags. The % doesn’t just move between 40 and 70%. After that, it picks up a steady momentum until the end. I wouldn’t mind if a couple of steamy scenes were edited out to tighten the middle. 

I know some dialogue tags have to be reused but some tend to grab my attention more than others and it becomes a nuisance. The characters deadpanned seven times, which even in a 460-page book feels excessive. Unfortunately, the word caught my eye the second time, so I noticed it every damn time after that. The same with insidious which was used seventeen times (yeah, I checked). It’s not a problem if my brain misses the recurring words but it does become an issue when I spot things. Since my book is an uncorrected proof, I hope the final copy is better. 

There’s a bit of mystery but the focus is mainly on steam and the horror house game. Some levels were cool! 

There is an array of characters (other participants and Devils). They do their job to advance the plot and bring a change in the FMC’s arc. 

The FMC’s character development is a bit wobbly but still aligns with the plot. I wish we got to see her in her actual role as a Necromancer. The MMC’s arc doesn’t have much, TBH. Once we feel who he is, nothing really changes (not even the big reveal). 

Anyway, this isn’t a book to read if you want proper character development or an intricate plot. It’s what I call a masala read but with an extra dose of chili. 

Did I enjoy it? Oh, yes! And don’t forget to read the author’s note. 

To summarize, Phantasma is a steamy romance-filled set in a gothic house. It had quite a few triggers and descriptions of gore. However, it is not an intense read or even scary (at least for me). I intend to read the next book in the series. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for a copy of the book. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #Phantasma 

 4 Stars

One Liner: A sweet Christmassy romance 

We are back on the Ever After Street for Christmas. This time, it’s a competition between Franca Andrews (a ballet dancer turned nutcracker maker) and Raphael Dardenne (the owner of magical snow globes). Fran hates Raff and his late grandfather as she thinks their snow globes are fraud and there’s no such thing as finding true love with it. She is determined to expose him and get the shop closed. No way would she let her nutcracker business be evicted from Ever After Street. 

However, presumptions can be incorrect. Franc has some major realization when she needs help, and Raff is the one to provide it. With Christmas magic at work, maybe the two of them will find common ground and something more. 

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

 My Thoughts:  

The fourth book in the series can be read as a standalone. It has an enemies-to-lovers trope where two business owners and artisans fight to retain their spot on Ever After Street. 

As always, the characters are layered and flawed, making it easy to empathize with them or want to cheer for them. They are in their late 30s, with enough issues in the past. 

I love how the author creates such perfect book boyfriends. Raff is warm, kind-hearted, compassionate, talented, and cheerful. His relationship with his family is beautiful but not perfect. He has an unwanted burden on his shoulders and doesn’t know how to deal with it. 

Franc is a disillusioned and cynical character who slowly reconnects with her soft side. Her argument does feel immature but not unrealistic (it makes sense given her childhood). She is a good person and willing to admit her mistakes. Her arc is encouraging and reassuring. 

The ‘enmity’ doesn’t last long. Things start to thaw rather early in the book but I like it since we see the natural progress of their relationship (something the author excels in writing). I absolutely love how their interactions change both of them for the better but gradually. 

Do I have to repeat how the author writes the best hugs? Makes me go awww every single time! 

There is a sort of third-act breakup but more of a resigned move than due to miscommunication or a fight). Think of it as a short lull where they take a deep breath and resume the story. The ending is, of course, hopeful and heartwarming. 

We also get the background details about the processing of making a wooden nutcracker. The details are woven into the plot and presented in different scenes to enhance the narrative. The ideas for future projects (nutcrackers and snowglobes) are so cool! 

Ever After Street is a magical place, but with some ‘strict’ owners who tend to cause some or other issues for the shop owners. Well, we need conflict and some of their concerns are legit, so no complaints. 

The side characters this time are mainly Raff’s family and a couple of shop owners. Sofia (7yo) is such a doll! Adorable. 

To summarize, Christmas Ever After is a heartwarming and festive addition to the series. The pacing is slow (there’s some repetition in the first half). Settle down with the book and a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy the story of finding love and rediscovering the magic of Christmas. 

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

 3.5 Stars

Shreya Ved, an investigator in the commission probing on match-fixing in the MCL (Mega Cricket League) is found dead with her head bashed. The commission was almost done with the investigation which would put many top names in hot water. 

With an increasing number of suspects each passing hour, Inspector Vichare and Constable Lobo need to find the killer. Russi Batliwala is a one-eyed retired umpire with years of experience on the cricket field. Detection is his latest obsession and thankfully, he has the brain for it. Russi offers his help to the police to find the killer. 

Soon, it’s a game off the field where the stakes are too high and the players are not limited to cricketers. Can the trio of investigators solve the crime? 

The story comes in the third-person omnipresent POV. 

I’m a crazy fan of cozy mysteries, though most of the books I read and read (past and present) are set in other countries. Needless to say, I was excited to see this available. 

Cricket is a huge thing in India (yet another colonial hangover but at least it makes money), so for a mystery set around the game was bound it to be entertaining. 

What I love is the lack of caste and religion nonsense in this one. We have a diverse cast with characters from different backgrounds. However, there’s no drama about their identity. The focus is on what they do. Such a relief! 

The book starts slowly and takes a few pages to establish the characters and the premise. Then, it picks up a steady pace until the end (somehow the last chapter felt a bit stretchy). 

Set in Mumbai, it uses the local lingo and a liberal dose of Hindi terms/ phrases/ idioms/ etc. Some of them went over my head since I’m not that familiar with it (been a while since I watched CID so lost touch with the language). No idea if the local details (places and distances) are 100% accurate. The author lived in Mumbai for many years, so that’s there. 

The mystery offers enough twists to keep the reader engaged. However, it does follow a known template which made it easy to guess the culprit. Also, the last reveal is typical of the genre (thankfully with dialogues to break the monologue). You will enjoy the book more if you are new to this genre. 

The conversations could have been better though. As I said, the dialogue aims for a quirky and light tone, which is common in cozies. However, on the whole, nothing stands out and makes an impact. There’s an attempt in the last chapter to give some social commentary which also doesn’t make a mark. (Thankfully, it’s a short chapter, so I wasn’t bored) 

The main characters – Russi, Vichare, and Lobo were quite entertaining. Each of them has a distinct yet stereotypical personality. Still, it works in a standalone. (Now, if this would become a series, there needs to be more character development) 

Another plus point is that the police duo is easy to like. It’s actually refreshing to read about an average but honest overweight police officer wanting to do his duty and admitting that he needs help. 

To summarize, A Murder is Fixed is a worthy debut mystery blending cricket, politics, drama, murder, and a bunch of suspects who stand to gain from the murder. It’s an easy read though not a memorable one. 

Thank you, Blogchatter and HarperCollins India, for a copy of the book. This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 4.5 Stars

Aww… such a cuddly, cozy, cutesy book! 

This is the fifth book in the Maddie and Mabel series and works as a standalone. I missed a couple of books (sad, I know) so I was delighted when my friend pointed out the latest was available on NetGalley. 

Since the book releases in mid-Nov, it is winter-themed with snow as the central plot. Of course, the core of the book and the series is sisterhood and the warm relationship between Maddie and Mabel. 

Each page has around 10-25 words in short and neat sentences. They tell the story in the simplest terms for kids to understand. 

The illustrations are super adorable and align with the content on each page. The artwork is whimsical and cozy; be it the matching onesies, the plush bunny toys, or the bunny footwear around the house. The colors are pastels (softer) but still stand out against the white background. 

The story is divided into neat little chapters where the sisters take up a different activity in each one. The book ends with three short discussions encouraging kiddos to discuss the types of snow and how they can connect to the story (characters). 

To summarize, Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow is a delightful and lovely little book about winter, sisterly bonding, and being kind to each other. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Kind World Publishing and Consulting, LLC, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MaddieandMabelReadyforSnow 

 3 Stars

Iliad is a young woman who loves books. She is a snatchword, a person who can snatch words from paper/ stories and make them come alive as images (think of historical-style holograph). She is happy in the library where she works but is delighted to get an invite from the Queen of Esmeria to be her personal storyteller. 

However, this commoner also gets a marriage proposal from a mysterious member of the royal family. Iliad goes to the capital to meet the queen and find out who her suitor is. For a girl used to simple life and bookish fantasies, the life and rules of the royals are overwhelming and exhausting. Of course, what’s a trip to the capital without getting involved in some royal coup? 

The story comes in Iliad’s third-person POV with random bits from Lord Tarlyn’s POV (third). 

This is a translation of a French book, L'Arrache-mots, first published in 2019. No idea about the original language but the translation (by Madeline S. White) seems to be decent. The sentence flow is poetic and whimsical where it should be and normal at the other places. 

It’s a short book (200-odd pages), which means the world-building is not elaborate. There’s enough information to imagine the setting but no real explanation of what, why, and how. It didn’t bother me much as I could go with the flow. 

Iliad’s family is large, so they take up some space but have bare minimum roles (except for a couple). I wish there was more character development.  

Iliad is a typical bookish character – wishy-washy, living in a fantasy world, temperamental, naïve, etc. She is not always easy to empathize with due to her random reactions. Also, she is supposed to be 24 but reads more like a 17-18 year old. 

The MMC doesn’t enter until after 30% and is your grumpy, brooding but good guy (think of the Beast) with secrets, et al. His arc could have been great if he got enough space to prove himself. 

Grandma Cassandra (Iliad’s granny) is a fun character initially, though she does feel stereotypical after a point. The same complaint applies to all characters. I did like the King and Virginia more than everyone else. 

Despite having adult-aged characters, the book is aimed at the younger audience. This doesn’t allow for a detailed plot (though some YA books are quite elaborate). While it is good for the pacing, everything remains surface-level. 

There are quite a few snippets from classics that have clear footnotes (I read footnotes together at the end), though skipping the notes shouldn’t make any difference. The chosen snippet does the job well. 

To summarize, The Storyteller's Tale has an interesting premise and string bare bones but needs more development to reach its full potential. Right now, it’s a nice little palate cleanser to pick up between heavy reads. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Rivka Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheStorytellersTale 

 4 Stars

One Liner: Heartwarming and sweet
 

Libby Jacobs just lost her job as a flight attendant. She doesn’t miss the job but worries about having enough money to support herself and her father. Can she turn her chocolate-making hobby into a living? But for that, she needs a kitchen big enough to accommodate her work. 

Ethan had been running away from family and relationships since he saw his parents’ marriage fail. The recent love stories in Cranfield may have warmed him a little but his first instinct is to up and leave. However, he needs to make better decisions if he wants more from life. 

With Christmas challenges looming overhead, Libby and Ethan need to sort a lot more than their careers. They have a shared past that went sour. Can they find a way forward? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Libby and Ethan. 

I’ve been waiting for Libby and Ethan’s story since I read the first book in the series. It makes sense to wait until the end to write theirs. They needed to let go of a lot to move on. 

The book covers autumn and winter (starts sometime in August and the main story ends at the end of Jan). 

The focus is not just on the couple but their families and the community as well. The MMC had to learn to step up and take responsibility, while the FMC had to learn to ask for help when she needed it. I could understand Libby’s determination to do everything on her own. 

Despite being a cozy read, it covers themes like broken families, secrets, health concerns, lost jobs, career risks, and second chances. The MMC has much learning to do, mainly about himself and getting rid of the toxicity dumped on him by his mother. 

The side characters are, as always, quite involved in the plot and play an active role. Paddington is back too, showing his silent furry support whenever necessary. 

The setting is, of course, beautiful. I think this series covered the lovely village in all major seasons. I could relocate there maybe… if it existed and someone sponsored a ticket. ;) 

The pacing is steady and keeps the story moving. I like how all relationships come under the spotlight. It’s not just about Libby and Ethan realizing they are meant to be. It is also about mending their relationships with their family and allowing their people to provide support when necessary. 

Dodgy Del also has a bigger role this time. I won’t say what he does. It’s for you to find out! 

To summarize, Winter Magic on Railway Lane is a beautiful conclusion to the series and a satisfying read if want a cozy read. While the book works as a standalone, those who read the series can see the growth of the main characters. 

I look forward to the author's next series. 

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

#NetGalley 

 2 Stars

One Liner: Works more like an index 

So, the blurb says that the book is a collection of beautiful images and fascinating tales about fairies from various lands and cultures. 

Hardly surprising that I requested it right away. I love reading about fairies and mythical creatures (good, bad, and ugly). When I saw the long list in the table of contents, I was delighted. Given the page count and the extensive work involved, I knew it wouldn't be in-depth. I don’t need it to cover everything. 

However, the content is really sparse. Moreover, the focus is more on pop culture usage or appearance of the creatures than their original tales. 

Each fairy gets this - One para about the creature. A short snippet (3-5 lines) about where it was used in fiction, origin in one line, presence in popular culture and an illustration/ photo, and a quote by the authors, actors, etc., about fairies. 

That’s it. Rinse and repeat for all of them. 

While the list is lengthy and includes flower and plant fairies, tinker bell, ariel (not mermaid Shakespeare’s from Tempest), fairies from folklore, leprechauns, and even plant devas and yakshas from Hinduism, it doesn’t do anything else much. 

We at least get a visual representation of the said fairy – sometimes a painting, some pencil sketches, and some pictures (photographs). I didn’t mind the lack of consistency as it seems that they picked the best possible option available on the internet. However, I did very much mind the lack of detail. The ‘tales’ are not even tales, TBH. I’d find more content on online blogs (and I did too). 

I’m not annoyed (just disappointed) since I got the ARC for free but I don’t think people would be too happy if they paid for it and found barely any useful information. 

To summarize, Fairies is an index of the mythical creatures that broadly come up under the tag of the term fairies. It might work as a starting point (to find a fairy or see if it is what you want) but does nothing beyond that. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Amber Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #Fairies 

 3.7 Stars

Twelve-year-old Charlie (Charlotte) moves to Florida with her dad and hates that she has to leave their little New York home. The Winklevoss Manor might be huge but is filled with dirt, unwanted items, and ghosts. Soon, Charlie finds out the house is cursed as well. 

Ada, Arthur, and Gruff are three ghosts living in the Manor (and not by choice). They are stuck inside for stealing a dead man’s diamond which is still somewhere in the house. 

Charlie, struggling to settle in a place and dealing with bullies, tries to find the diamond. Selling it would allow them to move back to NY. However, things are hardly that simple. 

The story comes from Charlie’s first-person POV and third-person POVs of the ghosts (Ada, Arthur, and Guff). 

This is a fast-paced book that combines many elements like ghosts, greed, bullying, loss, regret, mourning, etc. I think it would have benefitted from some illustrations of the interiors of the house, the diamond, Charlie, and a couple of important scenes. 

Charlie is a flawed character with typical thoughts and actions of a pre-teen. She is not easy to like but we also cannot help but feel sad for her. Her arc is quite decent and realistic. 

The father is present but doesn’t really make an impact (this seems to be a common element in MG books). Surprisingly, another older character does better despite having only four scenes or so.  

The chapters alternate between the MC’s POV (present) and the ghosts’ POVs (present and past) which provide the backstory and their thoughts about the current developments. 

While Ada and Arthur are easy enough to read, Guff is exactly the kind of ghost you want to avoid. His antics induce laughs and frowns. An annoying ghost but very much true to the character. 

The mystery isn’t that well-developed but should work for the kids. A few reveals come together in the climax. I’d have it if these were spaced out a little more. 

The difficulties of relocating to a new place, making new friends, being guilty, etc., are well done. The bullying track is decent too but we don’t have a definite ending. In fact, the ending is not neatly tied up and leaves space for interpretation or a sequel (not sure we need one but let’s see). 

Florida is known for being a vibrant setting. However, since the MC hates the place, we don’t get much of the good stuff. 

The ghostly aspects and the explanations are well done. I enjoyed these details (and would have liked to know more about the whys and hows of the curse). 

To summarize, The Curse of the Dead Man's Diamond is a quick entertainer with ghosts, a secret diamond, and a girl determined to go back to her home no matter what. It’s a decent read but doesn’t exactly stand out (the cover and title are fab though). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Children's (Delacorte Press), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheCurseOfTheDeadMansDiamond 

 

 3.7 Stars

Charlie Sparrow’s family has owned the Chanterelle Cottage for six generations in the small-town Owl’s Hollow. She and her moms form the trio of witches in the town. The shop is her everything but they are struggling to keep it afloat. Still, her parents don’t want to make Charlie a business partner. 

The arrival of Sterling Fitzgerald aka Fitz complicates things. Fitz is a mage and has opened a magecraft store, Maven Enterprises. He comes from money, which makes him Charlie’s enemy. How will a spell shop survive when mages are around? 

 However, neither can deny the attraction between them. Moreover, someone has been causing trouble with strange supernatural events affecting the whole town. It’s up to Charlie and Fitz to sort out the issue and find a common ground for their businesses and hearts. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Charlie. 

That’s such a cute cover, right? I knew I had to read this one (and lucked out this time). 

A big yay to Charlie’s moms Alice (Mama) and Ruby (Mim). They are the definition of opposites attract and form a beautiful team (with a few parental flaws, of course). 

The side characters like Elinor, Bonnie, and Tandy are well-etched. While they start as stereotypical, we see the characters have more depth to them. The LBGT rep is cool and seamless. I also like how the white characters are mentioned as white (as opposed to assuming that anyone whose skin tone is not described is automatically white). Love this. 

The setting is lovely as it should be in small-town books. Since this one is 400+ pages, there’s enough space for world-building in terms of location and magic. Both are deftly handled with enough explanations woven into the plot. The magical world combines quite a few elements (runes, elemental magic, crystals, spellwork, nature witchcraft, scrying, etc.) 

Fitz is actually a sweet person. I admit there were many instances I liked him more than Charlie (more on this next). He is caring, loving, kind, talented, and a good businessman. He knows how to run a business, which is important if one wants to become a business partner. It helps that he also has enough trauma in his past. 

Charlie is not a bad character; just immature and idiotic. Since we get the book from her POV, her voice needs to be good and it is to an extent (I’ll say that I liked the author’s narration more than Charlie’s POV, if it makes sense). The voice is cheeky (which I credit the author and not the character). While it is interesting to have a flawed FMC, there were quite a few instances when she got annoying. The FMC’s actions (some of her interactions with the love interest) don’t make her cute. If Fitz did that, we’d be calling him a red flag and a toxic man. (

Imagine judging the guy from the start and calling him a judgmental ass while he is actually trying to do something for you after you hurt him. Not good, Charlie.  

) 

Since this is not a mystery book, the characters don’t see what’s right in front of their eyes, nor do they connect the dots until the mess becomes a bigger mess. I expected that, so wasn’t disappointed. 

There is a third-act breakup which comes early in the last quarter and extends until the end. Moreover, there is no epilogue. Why? When I read 400+ pages, why can’t have at least a 2-page epilogue? I need to know some details. Grr! 

Before I forget, I have to applaud the ease with which we have the Celtic cross (Tarot) spread presented in the first 10% of the book. Can I get a free reading too, please? 

To summarize, The Cottage Around the Corner is a cozy witchy romance with an interesting magic system and a good setting. I’d have liked it if the FMC was a little more mature, but I did love the author’s voice and the MMC. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Ballantine | Dell), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheCottageAroundTheCorner 

 4 Stars

One minute Joy Blackwood was excited about spending the rest of their retirement life with her husband Yves. The next instant, he suffered a heart attack and passed away. However, his dying confession about having a daughter breaks Joy’s heart. Not knowing what to do, Joy decides to take the painting Yves left for Robyn and hand it over personally to the girl in Ballycove (Ireland). 

However, meeting Robyn brings out the protective instincts in Joy. The introverted girl is trying to keep her bookshop afloat and pining after a guy who sees her as a friend. As Joy becomes a part of Robyn’s circle, she wonders what the truth will do to them. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Joy, Robyn, and Fern. 

The blurb and the cover make it clear that this is a heartwarming and uplifting story about women who bond with each other despite the conditions. The book delivers on what it promises. 

The story begins with Yven’s retirement, the reveal, and his death. So, straight away, we get into the main plot. Similarly, we also get the other POVs to tell us about the present and a certain incident in the past that changed everything. I like this approach we can focus on what the characters do from here on. 

Joy, Fern, and Robyn are the three main characters. Robyn is in her early twenties and easily the sweetest girl you’ll find. Her character growth is beautiful to read. From being an introvert in love with a childhood friend to becoming a confident bookseller and learning to set boundaries, I enjoyed reading her arc the most. 

Joy is a kind person, way too kind most of the time because she has a good heart. One character says, ‘You are a class act, Joy’. That sums up her arc. I wouldn’t have minded if she had a bit of a mean streak but she doesn’t. 

Fern feels more realistic in her reactions. She is flawed, which I liked, given how the other two are super sweet. She balances out the emotion well. 

Albie is easily my favorite. He is such a wonderful side character who actually plays a vital role without seeming to. This ninety-year-old is full of life, charm, and wonderful nuggets of wisdom he shares with others. And, how can I not mention his old tortoise, Dolly Patron? 

The setting is beautiful with its cloudy weather, spacious bookshop, beach, and cute streets. Typical small-town charm. (Here, I have to mention that I first thought the book was set in Australia based on the cover. For Irish settings, my mind needs looming dark clouds or a moody sky, lol). 

I wish the ages of the characters weren’t so confusing to track. Robyn’s was easy to calculate but the other two were complicated. I’m still not sure if I got it right. 

Though the book is just 304 pages, the pacing is on the slower side, especially in the first half. Once we settle into the plot, the narrative gets better but doesn’t pick up speed. However, this pace works for the plot, so can’t complain. 

I was surprised when a new subplot was introduced so late in the book but must admit that it worked well. It was necessary not just for a certain shift but also to establish the contrast between the two characters. 

The ending is obviously happy and hopeful. Though there is no real romance, there is a wee bit of it to make the ending sweeter. It could feel a bit too sweet for some. 

To summarize, The Bookshop Ladies is a heartwarming story about finding family, forgiveness, moving on, self-worth, and second chances. It’ll make me a nice and cozy read on cold afternoons. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Aria & Aries (Aria), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheBookshopLadies