Welcome, book friends!

If you’d prefer to listen to these reviews, you can check out the full episode on The Bookmarks ‘n Blankets Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or listen below.

I’d love to know your thoughts on any of these books if you’ve read them. I invite you to hop over to my Instagram or X (aka Twitter), where you can comment.

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I apologize that I’m incredibly behind with my monthly wrap-up episodes. If you haven’t heard any previous episodes, back in April, hubby and I moved over 1,300 miles, from Ohio to Colorado.

So April was a busy, crazy month, and then in May, we were getting settled in and acclimated to our new home. So while I’ve continued to consume books during this time, I haven’t been creating podcast episodes. I needed to take a break because we went through quite the ordeal during our move. It was NOT easy by any means. In fact, it was the worst move we’ve had so far. (If you’re interested in more personal updates, I’ll be recording that episode soon. So stay tuned.)

In this post, I review the nine adult novels that I read in March.

Here are the stats from March: 

• Total titles read: 35
• Novels: 17
• Graphic Novels: 5
• Picture Books: 13
• NetGalley ARCs: 0
• Genres:
  • Middle Grade: 8
  • Fantasy: 3 (sci-fi, cozy, magical realism)
  • Contemporary Romance: 3
  • Mystery & Thriller: 2
  • Historical Fiction: 1 (also a Christian fiction)
• Formats:
  • Audiobooks: 11
  • Digital ebooks: 24
• Novel Ratings:
  • 5: 5
  • 4: 11 (3 were 3.5)
  • 2: 1
  • DNF: 1 soft
• Marked Off from Lists:
  • #ReadChristianRomance – 1 book

March Reading Wrap-Up

Fantasy Books:

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

My GR Rating: 4 (3.5)
Subgenre: Sci-Fi Fantasy
Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Jeremy Arthur
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GR Description: Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

My Review:

I really enjoy this author’s novels, so when my best friend wanted to do a buddy of this book, I jumped at the chance to read another story by V.E. Schwab. As always, it’s beautifully written. It was highly descriptive and immersive. To note, there is language in it. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job, though his female voices made me laugh because they sounded a bit silly coming from a male narrator. 

I thought this fantasy story felt like a mix of X-Men and the 80s movie, Flatliners. Now, you can take my review with a grain of salt because I’m not a huge fan or reader of sci-fi fantasy or hero/villain stories. I usually do not gravitate toward these types of stories. As much as I enjoyed this author and her writing, the overall story was good, but it was not quite my cup of tea. I thought the plot was interesting but it felt a little flat for me. I would’ve liked a lot more action. It also had a lot of build-up and tension, but then the ending felt anti-climatic. 

While the premise of the story is intriguing, following the rivalry between two former friends turned nemeses, Victor and Eli, the execution feels somewhat uneven. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, which can be disorienting at times and disrupts the flow of the story. Additionally, the pacing can feel uneven, with some sections dragging while others rush by, leaving little time for the reader to fully absorb the events unfolding. I preferred the past storylines and wished it was a linear story, working its way forward. 

The characters themselves, while complex, can be difficult to connect with on a deeper level. Victor and Eli are both driven by their own ambitions, but their motivations can feel shallow and their actions, at times, hard to sympathize with. I had a hard time relating to them and even liking them. Supporting characters, such as Sydney and Serena, also lack depth, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

Furthermore, while the exploration of morality and the nature of power is a central theme of the novel, it can feel heavy-handed at times. Schwab’s commentary on the blurred lines between heroism and villainy often lacks subtlety, making it feel more like a lecture than a nuanced exploration of the subject.

Despite these criticisms, “Vicious” does have its moments of brilliance. Schwab’s prose is engaging, and she creates a vivid and atmospheric world that draws the reader in. The concept of ExtraOrdinary individuals, those with supernatural abilities, is intriguing, and the moral dilemmas they face add depth to the story. There are also themes around friendship, revenge, and redemption, which were interesting to think about. 

Overall, I enjoyed this story but also saw some problems with it. While it offers a thought-provoking exploration of power and morality, its uneven pacing, lack of depth in character development, and heavy-handed themes prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s worth a read for fans of dark fantasy and superhero stories but be prepared for a narrative that doesn’t always live up to its promise.

But I enjoyed it enough to read the second book, and I’ll definitely read more by this author. Recommend this book if the plot sounds interesting to you.

The Tenfold Tenants by E. V. Belknap

My GR Rating: 4 (3.5)
Subgenre: Cozy Fantasy
Format: Digital ebook
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GR Description: Corvinian Hark thought he’d be the next great villain. What he ended up as is a caretaker of magical tenants. This setback was supposed to have been temporary. It has been temporary going on eight years. But things are looking up, or at least he was told things are looking up. If you were to ask Corbin, things mostly keep looking sideways. Because his latest tenant might just be human. It means no more magic in the hallways and keeping skeletons from wandering out of the closet. But mostly it means that if he can’t figure her out, he’ll be out of a job. Which would be rather unfortunate, as it is where he keeps his bed, and all of his stuff, and all of his friends. He’ll just stick her between the vampire and the harpy and hope she doesn’t notice, shall he?

My Review:

This cute, cozy fantasy story was exactly what I needed at the time when I read it. It was magical, endearing, heartfelt, and cozy! It was like a big warm hug to my heart. I didn’t know what to expect when I went into this story but was pleasantly surprised by how attached I got to all the characters. 

One of my all-time favorite book tropes is found family. This is a huge ode to the found family trope, and this book executed it brilliantly. It’s easily one of the best examples of this book trope I’ve come across. Despite the numerous characters introduced, the author skillfully ensures each one remains distinct and memorable, making it easy to connect with them. I even found myself wishing for an audiobook featuring a full cast of narrators to fully bring these characters to life. Their interactions are both humorous and heartfelt, infusing the narrative with charm. Well done!

What truly shines is how they rally together, supporting each other, and ultimately, aiding Corbin, the main character. Their dynamics, complete with typical familial squabbles, make their bond feel incredibly genuine. I found myself craving more scenes of their collective camaraderie. It had me grinning from ear to ear for the majority of the book. 

While the story primarily revolves around supernatural beings with magical abilities or powers, I yearned for a deeper exploration of these fantastical elements. I desired a bit more imagination, especially considering the story’s focus on character development rather than plot progression. Despite this, the narrative retains a captivating sense of magic that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The writing style was easy to read. It took me less than a week to read it. I probably would’ve gotten through it faster if I hadn’t read other books at the same time. The narrative unfolded with excellent pacing, consistently holding my interest. I was continuously intrigued, eagerly anticipating the next development, and curious to learn more about each character. I found myself fully engrossed in both the main storyline and the intricacies of the characters’ lives. Additionally, the captivating cover art initially drew me in, sparking my curiosity about the book’s contents—an indication of the creativity behind its concept.

While the ending may have lacked the anticipated climax, I had to remind myself of the fact that this was a cozy fantasy, characterized by its low stakes and minimal action. Despite my desire for more conflict and excitement, the resolution was still deeply satisfying. Everything neatly fell into place, providing a sense of closure and satisfaction.

Despite my overall enjoyment of this story, there were a few aspects that didn’t resonate with my personal tastes. Firstly, there was a noticeable amount of profanity, which isn’t typically my preference in my literature. Additionally, I felt that the narrative lacked some excitement or intrigue. However, it’s worth noting the story’s strong dedication to progressive ideals, evident in its diverse cast of characters from various backgrounds and sexual orientations. While this emphasis on inclusivity may not be my usual preference, I appreciate the effort to represent a range of voices. There were quite a few queer characters, so this book could be categorized within the LGBT+ category. Furthermore, there was a non-binary character who used they/them pronouns, which proved frustrating to read because grammatically it didn’t read correctly. The story also touched on feminist themes, which, while not always aligning with my beliefs, provided an additional layer to the narrative. Overall, it’s clear that the story reflects contemporary social values, even if it may not entirely resonate with my personal preferences.

With all that being said, overall, I had a great time with this book. It’s full of whimsy, coziness, charm, quirkiness, and most importantly, the found family element. It made me laugh, smile, and feel cozy. If you don’t mind the queer and progressive elements, then I definitely recommend this book! If a sequel came out, I would be inclined to pick it up, intrigued to discover the latest endeavors of our beloved characters. This is a debut book by this author and thought she did a fantastic job for a first book! 

The author personally contacted me and invited me to read her book. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your charming story in exchange for an honest review. These are my genuine thoughts and opinions.

At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities by Heather Webber

My GR Rating: 4
Subgenre: Romance with Magical Realism
Format: Audiobook – Narrators: Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis
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GR Description: Ava Dowling is on the run. After the sudden death of her fiancé only a month before their wedding, she closes up her lonely apartment in Vermont to answer a want-ad in Driftwood, Alabama—a town she’s never heard of—to apply for a job she’s never done. But the promised benefits far outweigh the cons, and being a live-in caretaker to a cranky old man in a beachside cottage is the perfect way to hide from the pain of her loss and the realities she doesn’t want to face.

Maggie Laine Brightwood hardly ever sits still. On the surface, she is a bundle of bright energy as she runs Magpie’s, Driftwood’s coffee and curiosity shop. She spends her days matching people to what they are missing—whether that’s the perfect coffee blend or a trinket they didn’t know they needed. Keeping busy is the best way to distract herself from her strained relationship with her aging father, Desmond, and the guilt she feels in hiring a stranger to take care of him instead of doing it herself. She hopes no one can see the sadness lurking under her cheerful exterior, even though it weighs her down like an anchor.

As the season stretches on and tourists come and go from the beach, Ava and Maggie become fast friends, bonding over the magic they find in letting go in order to move on—because sometimes drifting through life will lead you to where you belong.

My Review:

This was a sweet, charming, and clean romance story infused with magical realism. It was a quick and easy read, perfect for cozying up with. There is no strong language or explicit content.

I loved the small-town vibes of this Southern seaside village; it felt incredibly cozy. The quirky town characters brought the place to life, making me laugh with their nosiness and constant meddling in everyone’s personal business. This charming trait only made me love the town more. The beachy elements added a wonderful atmosphere, immersing me completely in this enchanting setting.

The two main female protagonists, Ava and Maggie, were both likable and relatable characters. I found myself rooting for them throughout the story. They each faced physical health challenges along with periods of loss and grief. They are also both dealing with some personal traumas that happened in their pasts. I enjoyed getting to know them both individually and through their friendship dynamic. Additionally, I appreciated how the story addressed mental health issues.

This story blends elements of women’s fiction, romance, and magical realism. The romance aspect is particularly cute and sweet, reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. I found both love interests for Ava and Maggie quite likable. The addition of pets added a humorous touch that I appreciated. If you enjoy second chance romances, this book is definitely worth a read.

However, the magical realism in this story was subtle, almost incidental. I hoped for a greater emphasis on it rather than it feeling like a minor subplot. Throughout most of the book, I almost forgot about this element since it wasn’t integrated into the story frequently enough.

This was my first time reading this author, and I’m glad I chose this book. I look forward to exploring more of her books. Definitely recommend!

Contemporary Romance Books:

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

My GR Rating: 2
Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Julia Whelan
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GR Description: One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn’t see coming…

Nora Stephens’ life is books – she’s read them all – and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away – with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.

If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again – in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow – what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.

My Review:

I tried really hard to like this book, but I think this author is just not for me. Despite the hype surrounding it, I found myself deeply disappointed with the experience. Promising a charming tale of literary love and life’s complexities, it fell short on multiple fronts, leaving me questioning its popularity.

I understand the appeal of this book. It’s well-written, immersive, and rich in detail. I particularly enjoyed the abundance of pop culture references and the cozy atmosphere of the seaside town, although I wish there had been more exploration of that setting. I also enjoyed the sister dynamic between Nora and Libby. 

However, there were several aspects that didn’t sit well with me. Firstly, I found the excessive use of foul and vulgar language quite off-putting. In my opinion, such language isn’t necessary in romance novels. Additionally, as someone who prefers clean, closed-door romances, I didn’t care for the explicit content, which I would consider R-rated. Furthermore, there were progressive and feminist comments that I personally don’t prefer to encounter in my reading material.

I found the plot to be incredibly dull and boring. Although I enjoyed the audiobook narrator, who is one of my favorites, I ended up speeding through it just to reach the lackluster and predictable ending. It felt like nothing significant happened throughout the entire length of the book. In my opinion, the story could have been much shorter given its content.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Charlie and Nora fell flat for me. Their supposed “rivalry” didn’t seem substantial enough to justify labeling them as enemies. Additionally, the slow burn romance aspect left me feeling bored over time. I was craving more build-up and tension between them, as it felt too much like insta-love, a romance trope that I personally dislike. Their feelings for each other developed too quickly and effortlessly, which didn’t resonate with me.

While I understand that Emily Henry is praised for her witty banter, which many readers love, I did enjoy the quick, clever dialogue up to a certain extent. However, it eventually started to feel overdone and became repetitive and tiresome. The banter began to seem unrealistic because people don’t constantly exchange witty remarks around the clock. It lost its charm when it felt like every interaction was forced into being clever rather than natural.

I found the main characters, Nora and Charlie, unappealing. They came across as cold, cynical, overly guarded, and emotionally closed-off. I was hoping for more mature conversations between them to deepen their connection and make their journey to becoming a couple more enjoyable. However, there were too few meaningful conversations that allowed them to truly understand each other and develop genuine intimacy.

I realize I’m in the minority regarding this author, but her stories just don’t resonate with me. After this experience, I don’t think I’ll be picking up any more of her books. I wouldn’t recommend them. There are plenty of other romance books out there that I find much more compelling.

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

My GR Rating: 4
Format: Audiobook – Narrators: Ron McLarty and January LaVoy
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GR Description: Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together – how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII, and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can’t possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that define their marriage.

A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward — even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans — a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy it first.

Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

My Review:

Although I’ve seen almost all of Nicholas Sparks’ movie adaptations, I had yet to read any of his books. I decided it was time to change that. I picked up The Longest Ride because I hadn’t seen the movie yet and noticed it was streaming online. I wanted to read the book first before watching the movie.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a tender, heartwarming, and deeply moving novel that beautifully intertwines two love stories set in different times. This book captivated me from the very first page and kept me engrossed until the end. There is no language and no spice, which I appreciated since I prefer clean, closed-door romances. 

The story follows two couples whose lives unexpectedly converge. Ira Levinson, an elderly man, finds himself trapped in his car after a serious accident. As he struggles to stay conscious, he reflects on his long, enduring love with his late wife, Ruth. Their love story is profoundly touching, filled with moments of joy, sorrow, and unwavering commitment.

Parallel to Ira’s narrative is the budding romance between Sophia Danko, a college student recovering from a broken heart, and Luke Collins, a handsome cowboy with a dangerous secret. Sparks expertly weaves these two narratives together, creating a rich tapestry of love, loss, and the challenges that come with both.

One of the best things about The Longest Ride is how deep the characters are. Ira’s memories of his life with Ruth are touching and really bring their enduring love to life. Meanwhile, Sophia and Luke’s relationship is new and exciting but also full of the typical challenges and uncertainties young couples face.

The narrative flows smoothly, with just the right balance of drama and romance, keeping the reader emotionally invested throughout. The themes explored in this story—love, sacrifice, and the impact of the past on the present—are universal and timeless. Sparks reminds us that true love is not just about the moments of bliss but also about weathering the storms together, making sacrifices, and cherishing every moment.

I also loved watching the movie adaptation. It’s right up there with The Notebook as my favorite. There were some differences from the book, but overall, I had a fantastic time watching it. The North Carolina setting was stunning on screen, and it added to the charm of the story. Getting to know both couples through the movie was a delightful experience.

Highly recommend both the book and the movie. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker

My GR Rating: 4
Format: Digital ebook
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GR Description: After one too many whiskeys, fledgling screenwriter Cara Kennedy takes a page out of someone else’s script when she gets caught up in the Irish tradition of women proposing on Leap Day. She thought she might have dreamt everything until she woke the next morning with a hot guy in her bed and a tin foil ring on her finger. Her flight is in four hours, her clothes are all over the room, and she has the most important meeting of her career in exactly two days—and on top of everything else, her husband has a dog who thinks Cara is a perfect surrogate mother, despite the fact that she has never been much of an animal lover…

Deciding to work things out stateside, Finn and her new fur baby accompany her to LA, where Finn spends his days going on auditions and his nights charming his new bride, leaving Cara to wonder whether this is real love, or if Finn is another aspiring actor just after her Hollywood connections? With limited time on his tourist visa, will Finn be able to convince Cara that she’s the right girl for him, or will time run out on their Hollywood ending?

My Review:

I stumbled upon this book quite randomly. With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, I was on the lookout for stories set in Ireland or themed around the holiday. That’s when this adorable romcom appeared on my library app, catching my eye. I decided to dive in, and to my delight, I found myself thoroughly enjoying every page. This was my introduction to the author’s work, and it certainly won’t be my last. Cara and Finn’s journey was such a joyous ride, and I’m eager to explore more of this author’s stories in the future.

The book includes some mild language, but overall, it’s a clean romance novel. While there is extensive discussion and contemplation about intimacy, as well as a few fade-to-black scenes depicting the act itself, there are no explicit on-page descriptions. The story features a handful of tender kissing scenes. As someone who enjoys clean, closed-door romances, I welcomed the absence of explicit content. Additionally, the book touches on feminist themes without feeling overly politically charged.

This story is a delightful romp through the unexpected twists and turns of fate, wrapped in a charming love story that celebrates the magic of serendipity. I wish I had the audiobook so I could hear Finn’s Irish accent. 

Cara emerges as a highly relatable character in the story. She exudes independence and ambition, yet harbors insecurities and moments of self-doubt. Her fondness for romcoms and her comparison to Bridget Jones, a favorite movie of mine, instantly endeared her to me. However, there were occasions where her behavior towards Finn struck me as somewhat immature. Despite being 27, she occasionally displayed teenage-like infatuation and flirtation with her love interest. Nonetheless, Cara remained a compelling character whom I found myself consistently rooting for throughout the story.

Finn proved to be a likable main male protagonist with a laid-back demeanor and a go-with-the-flow attitude. While he came across as a nice guy, I found myself wishing we had delved deeper into his character to uncover more about him.

The romance between Cara and Finn was undeniably cute and sweet. While I hoped for a bit more chemistry between them, I still appreciated witnessing their journey of getting to know each other. That said, I found the ending to be somewhat hurried and slightly unrealistic, although it did manage to provide a satisfying conclusion.

Ultimately, this book is a feel-good read that reminds us to embrace life’s surprises and cherish the moments that defy our expectations. It’s a celebration of love, fate, and the courage it takes to leap into the unknown. Ann Marie Walker has crafted a gem of a novel that sparkles with warmth and optimism—a perfect escape for anyone in search of a heartwarming, sweet story.

Definitely recommend! I look forward to reading more from this author.

Mystery & Thriller Books:

Whalefall by Daniel Kraus

My GR Rating: 4 (3.5)
Subgenre: Horror
Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Kirby Heyborne
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GR Description: Jay Gardiner has given himself a fool’s errand—to find the remains of his deceased father in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Monastery Beach. He knows it’s a long shot, but Jay feels it’s the only way for him to lift the weight of guilt he has carried since his dad’s death by suicide the previous year.

The dive begins well enough, but the sudden appearance of a giant squid puts Jay in very real jeopardy, made infinitely worse by the arrival of a sperm whale looking to feed. Suddenly, Jay is caught in the squid’s tentacles and drawn into the whale’s mouth where he is pulled into the first of its four stomachs. He quickly realizes he has only one hour before his oxygen tanks run out—one hour to defeat his demons and escape the belly of a whale.

My Review:

What a unique, wild ride! Despite its flaws, I was thoroughly entertained and eagerly anticipated how it would conclude.

I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator’s performance highly enjoyable. Having heard him before, I knew what to expect and appreciated his dramatic and almost theatrical delivery. It’s clear he relishes performing these stories, as he made the narrative incredibly intense and engrossing.

This story alternates between past and present timelines and includes some language. I liked the short chapters, which made it easy to read/listen through. The writing has beautiful, descriptive prose that creates an immersive experience. While the stream-of-consciousness style was intriguing initially, it became somewhat repetitive, particularly in the middle section.

This story centers around Jay, whose father died by suicide at sea after being diagnosed with cancer, though his body was never found. Jay continues to search for his father’s remains in the ocean, despite it being several years since the tragic event. The present-day timeline coincides with our time, marked by COVID, which subtly influences the narrative. This detail might not be understood by future readers unfamiliar with the pandemic, and in my opinion, it could have been omitted from the story altogether.

Half of this book delves into Jay’s complex relationship with his father, characterized by estrangement and unresolved issues. Through extensive backstory and flashbacks, we unravel the tumultuous dynamics between them. Jay’s father exerted considerable pressure on him during his upbringing, showing little sensitivity to Jay’s emotions and often being rough. Their relationship remained unreconciled before his father’s death, leaving Jay with deep-seated “daddy issues” that are explored while he faces his own challenges. This part of the book resonated with me for its poignant messages on letting go and forgiveness. I appreciated the exploration of grief and the intricate dynamics within the father-son relationship.

The horror unfolds as Jay finds himself inside the belly of a whale, a remarkably unique setting I’ve never encountered before in literature. While some details were a bit gross and unsettling, they were not overly graphic. The writing effectively conveys the sensation of being trapped and suffocated within the confines of the mammal, creating an intensely immersive experience. As Jay’s oxygen supply dwindles, he begins to experience symptoms of oxygen deprivation. During this ordeal, he hears his father’s voice, which helps him cling to life and recall crucial memories that aid his escape efforts. While the plausibility of the situation may be questioned at times, I chose to suspend disbelief and thoroughly enjoyed the journey the story took me on.

The middle was a bit tedious and boring, and overall, I felt the story was a little too long for what it was about. I also didn’t like the abrupt ending. It felt rushed, and I wished there was another chapter or epilogue to feel more satisfied with the ending. I wanted to see people’s reactions to his ordeal, like family, friends, media, etc. 

The middle dragged on and felt rather dull, and in general, I found the story to be longer than necessary for its content. The ending was also disappointing; it felt hurried and abrupt. I would have preferred an additional chapter or epilogue to provide a more satisfying conclusion. I wanted to witness the reactions of Jay’s family, friends, and the media to his harrowing experience.

But overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It offers ample opportunities for self-reflection and speculation as you delve into its narrative, making it both highly entertaining and deeply intriguing. Definitely recommend!

Murder at the Blarney Bash by Darci Hannah

My GR Rating: 4
Subgenre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Amy Melissa Bentley
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GR Description: Follow the aroma of shamrock sugar cookies to the Beacon Bakeshop, a lighthouse on the shores of Lake Michigan where amateur sleuth Lindsey Bakewell is busy preparing for Beacon Harbor’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities – with a little help from her adorable Newfoundland, Wellington, of course!

Lindsey is baking up a storm—shamrock sugar cookies, Guinness chocolate cupcakes, Irish soda bread—for the well-timed grand opening of the Irish import gift shop, the Blarney Stone, owned by her boyfriend’s uncle, Finnigan O’Connor, recently relocated from the Emerald Isle.

But it’s Uncle Finn himself who seems full of blarney when he gleefully reveals a pot of real gold he claims he stole from an actual leprechaun. And Finn’s fortune takes a turn for the worse when he’s arrested for the bludgeoning of a small unidentified man dressed as a leprechaun—the murder weapon alleged to be his now-missing shillelagh.

Eccentric Uncle Finn may enjoy believing he’s outwitted a leprechaun, but he would never be so deluded as to clobber one with his walking stick. Now Lindsey will need more than the luck of the Irish to seize a golden opportunity to catch the real killer…

My Review:

The fifth installment of this cozy mystery series was incredibly enjoyable! I read it around St. Patrick’s Day, making it the perfect holiday read. I listened to the audiobook and absolutely love the narrator. She does an amazing job with all the different voices, and in this story, we’re introduced to two new characters with delightful Irish accents. I loved it!

Per usual with these books, the murder mystery takes a while to unfold, around 25-30% into the story. I don’t mind the slow pacing because it allows for great character interactions and sets up what’s to come. I love this small, cozy seaside town and all its residents. Many familiar faces return, and we meet new ones too. The food descriptions and recipes are another highlight—they always make my mouth water.

The murder mystery was engaging, and as usual, I didn’t figure out the killer until the characters in the book did. There was enough action and investigation to keep me interested throughout. This is another fun mystery filled with twists, turns, and surprises.

However, I didn’t care for Kennedy, Lindsey’s best friend, in this book. She returns with a new boyfriend, leading to awkward encounters with her ex-boyfriend, who remains friends with Lindsey and Rory. I found Kennedy’s behavior rude and annoying at times. She acted selfishly and became obnoxious, bringing more drama into the story. This strained her friendship with Lindsey, making some parts feel uncomfortable. Although things eventually work out, it often felt a bit off-putting.

Overall, I loved returning to this cozy seaside town with all its quirky characters. The murder mystery was fun to solve, and the story had plenty of heartfelt and humorous moments.

While you can read this book as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order for a more enjoyable experience. I hope Darci Hannah continues this cozy mystery series—it’s my favorite one so far. I definitely look forward to another book if there is one coming. Definitely recommended!

Historical Fiction Book:

Fairest of Heart (Texas Ever After Book #1) by Karen Witemeyer

My GR Rating: 5
Subgenres: Christian Romance | Fairytale Retelling
Format: Digital ebook
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GR Description: Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters–and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

My Review:

I absolutely loved this sweet, clean romance. There is no language and no spice. 

I believe the author did a fantastic job retelling the classic Snow White fairytale, setting it in 1800s Texas. The connections between the stories were clear, capturing the essence of the original while offering a fresh perspective that I truly enjoyed. The settings were incredibly atmospheric, exuding a strong Western vibe. I also loved the Southern charm of the characters.

As a Christian romance, this book is heavy in faith elements. At times, it felt almost overwhelming, but I became so invested in the story that I adjusted to it. I appreciated how the characters relied on God and the Bible to navigate their challenges, seeking His guidance for strength and courage. The book includes numerous Bible verses, making it ideal for annotation and highlighting.

My favorite characters were the seven older gentlemen, or drovers (aka the seven dwarfs), who lived on the Diamond D ranch. Each had a quirky, sweet, and charming personality, making it fun to guess which fairytale dwarf they represented. I loved their dynamics, especially when they met and took in Penelope. They quickly grew fond of her, caring for her as if she were their own. It was heartwarming to see these men rally behind her, becoming like adopted grandfathers who wanted to protect and keep her safe. It was truly sweet!

I also really liked Penelope and Titus. They were easy characters to root for, and their romance was both cute and swoony. I enjoyed watching them fall for each other and seeing their walls come down. Both had dark pasts to overcome and trust issues to work through, learning to trust in God, themselves, and each other.

I loved how easy this book was to read. It was incredibly immersive, drawing me in from the very beginning. I found it hard to put down because I constantly wanted to know what would happen next. As a fan of fairytale retellings, I enjoyed seeing how various aspects were reimagined. This one does not disappoint! It’s quite unique and engaging.

I’m excited to continue in this series. Highly recommend!!