11 Sep

Posted at 21:20h in Reviews by

Journey Through the Heart of America: A Review of New York: The Novel by Edward Rutherfurd As a book blogger and a long-time admirer of historical fiction, New York: The Novel by Edward Rutherfurd gripped my curiosity from the moment I stumbled upon it. The promise of tracing the long, storied legacy of one of the world’s greatest cities through the eyes of its inhabitants—both real and fictional—felt like an invitation to walk alongside history itself. Spanning centuries, New York offers a vivid portrayal of the city from its...

09 Sep

Posted at 17:11h in Reviews by

*Chasing Mysteries and Baking Dreams: A Review of Murder on the Books**** There's something utterly enchanting about a cozy mystery that intertwines the love of books with the thrill of solving crimes—it's like sipping a warm cup of coffee in a well-loved café while unraveling a good yarn. That’s precisely the charm that Murder on the Books, the first installment in T.C. LoTempio’s new Cozy Bookshop Mystery series, offers, and frankly, I couldn’t resist its allure. The story follows C.J. Barrett, a.k.a. Charley James, a bestselling author who has...

08 Sep

Posted at 03:08h in Reviews by

A Cozy Whodunit Experience: Review of The Red House Mystery As a lifelong fan of mysteries and the charm of British literature, stumbling upon The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne felt like unearthing a hidden gem. Known to many as the beloved creator of Winnie-the-Pooh, I was intrigued to see how Milne’s whimsical touch would translate to the world of detective fiction. Let me tell you, it was a delightful experience that kept me gripped from the very first chapter. Set in a picturesque country house, the story introduces...

05 Sep

Posted at 20:56h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Story Within: My Journey with Lisa Cron’s Story Genius If there’s a book that has quietly revolutionized my writing process, it’s certainly Lisa Cron’s Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel. The title alone offers a potent promise, hinting at the horrors of investing years into a manuscript only to find it lacking direction or heart. I’ve been there—many writers have—and the fear of the endless rewrite looms large. Discovering Story Genius felt serendipitous, almost like finding a...

04 Sep

Posted at 16:57h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Book of Lost Hours by Hayley What drew me in about The Book of Lost Hours was the curious title and the promise of time concepts intertwined with a profound emotional journey. Hayley, a debut author, takes us on a ride through not just the intricacies of time but the very fabric of love, loss, and courage. As soon as I started reading, I felt as if I had stumbled upon a lyrical treasure—one that would both enchant and shatter me, and boy, did it deliver!...

02 Sep

Posted at 16:53h in Reviews by

A Recipe for Intrigue: My Thoughts on The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine When I first stumbled upon The Dead Husband Cookbook, I was lured in by the tantalizing promise of a culinary mystery layered with dark humor—a blend that reminded me of the deliciously macabre Sweeney Todd. The seat at the edge of my kitchen table was soon claimed by the wittily twisted story of Maria Capello, a celebrity chef whose appetizing empire is shadowed by her husband's thirty-year-old disappearance. With each turn of the page, I...

01 Sep

Posted at 23:08h in Reviews by

Exploring the Surreal Layers of Indelicacy by Amina Cain When I first stumbled upon Indelicacy by Amina Cain, I was drawn in by its captivating premise: a maid navigating the complexities of wealth, art, and female friendship in a sparkly yet confining world. With its intriguing title and Cain’s reputation for crafting evocative narratives, I couldn't resist diving in. What I discovered was a surreal experience that felt more like drifting through a dream than reading a conventional story. The protagonist, Vitória, reflects our multifaceted relationship with identity, wealth, and...

30 Aug

Posted at 20:57h in Reviews by

Review: Libby Lost and Found by Rebecca Stead – A Journey of Loss, Connection, and Unfinished Conversations When I stumbled upon Libby Lost and Found, a newly released title from the acclaimed author Rebecca Stead, I was instantly drawn in by the cover—soft hues that promised a heartwarming tale. However, as someone who often seeks closure and complete narratives in stories about relationships and emotional growth, I found myself navigating a much more complex terrain than I expected. This 2.5-star read left me pondering the depths of connection and...

26 Aug

Posted at 11:37h in Reviews by

Delving into Narrative Craft: A Review of Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway As a lifelong reader and occasional writer, Janet Burroway's Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft immediately piqued my interest. The promise of a comprehensive guide that many creative writing programs across the U.S. embrace felt like the literary equivalent of finding a treasure map. I’m not just looking to dabble; I want to hone my craft! Little did I know, this book would both inspire and challenge my perceptions about writing, especially in today’s literary landscape. At...

24 Aug

Posted at 01:54h in Reviews by

Book Review: Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft by Janet Burroway As a budding writer constantly on the hunt for guidance, Janet Burroway's Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft piqued my interest for its reputation as a staple in the creative writing world. This updated tenth edition, part of the Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing series, promised not just the foundational principles of narrative craft but a fresh perspective, complete with new prompts and contemporary examples. Little did I know, this book would not only...