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What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez—Book Review by TBE
Dive into Isabel Ibañez’s What the River Knows, a dazzling blend of Egyptian archaeology, old-world magic, and slow-burn romance set in 1880s Cairo. Discover secrets, danger, and history in this enchanting first installment of the Secrets of the Nile series.
The Memory Dress by Jade Beer—Book Review by Bookish Elf
In her latest novel, The Memory Dress, Jade Beer weaves an intricate tapestry of relationships, memories, and haute couture against the backdrop of Princess Diana’s iconic fashion legacy. This dual-timeline narrative skillfully intertwines the stories of two women: Jayne, a present-day dog walker seeking connection, and Meredith, a talented seamstress whose life becomes entwined with royal fashion history in the late 1980s. Plot and Narrative Structure The story unfolds in parallel timelines, each compelling in its own right. In 2018, we follow Jayne, a deliberately solitary woman who finds herself drawn into the mysterious world of her elderly neighbor, Meredith. […]
The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin—Book Review by TBE
Discover the captivating world of The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin, a historical novel set in wartime Britain. This poignant story explores motherhood, community, and the transformative power of literature during the darkest of times.
Forecast by Aaron Ryan: Alternate Realities and Heroic Choices
Discover Forecast by Aaron Ryan, a groundbreaking novel that blends historical fiction with supernatural elements to explore fate, free will, and the events leading up to 9/11. Read our in-depth review to learn why this book is a must-read.
Hill of Secrets by Galina Vromen—A Journey into History’s Shadow
Hill of Secrets" by Galina Vromen immerses readers in Los Alamos during WWII, exploring themes of secrecy, truth, and moral dilemmas. This powerful debut weaves history with personal struggle as families confront the hidden costs of scientific progress
Time of the Child by Niall Williams - Book Review by Bookish Elf
In Time of the Child, Niall Williams weaves a moving tale of family, faith, and love set in the enchanting Irish village of Faha. Through the eyes of Doctor Jack Troy and his daughter Ronnie, Williams explores the transformative power of love amid unexpected circumstances. A heartfelt holiday read for fans of literary fiction.
Mina's Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa - Journey Through Memories
Explore Yōko Ogawa's "Mina's Matchbox," a poignant coming-of-age story set in 1972 Japan. Join young Tomoko as she navigates family secrets, nostalgia, and the intricate beauty of Ogawa's lyrical prose in this unforgettable Japanese masterpiece.
The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo - Book Review
Delve into The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo, a novel that blends magical realism with historical fiction, exploring family, identity, and inherited powers across generations. Follow the journey of Nena and Marta as they confront the mysteries of "La Vista" and their shared legacy.
Memorials by Richard Chizmar - Where Memory Meets Mystery
Explore the haunting themes of grief and memory in Richard Chizmar’s Memorials. Follow three students on a chilling road trip through Appalachia, where roadside shrines hide more than tragedy. A supernatural thriller that transforms familiar American landscapes into scenes of eerie suspense.
North Woods by Daniel Mason - Where Memory Meets Mystery
In his latest masterwork North Woods, Daniel Mason weaves an intricate narrative that spans centuries within a single patch of New England forest. The novel, structured around the twelve months of the year, presents a mesmerizing exploration of how lives intersect across time, bound together by a shared space that bears witness to their stories. Following his earlier works like The Piano Tuner and the Pulitzer Prize finalist A Registry of My Passage upon the Earth, Mason demonstrates his evolving mastery of historical fiction while venturing boldly into magical realism. The House as History’s Vessel The story begins in June […]
The Secret of the Brighton House by Cathy Hayward - A Review
Explore Cathy Hayward's debut novel, The Secret of the Brighton House, an evocative tale of family secrets, motherhood, and mental health struggles spanning from 1970s Brighton to present-day Berwick-upon-Tweed. Delve into this story's exploration of trauma, resilience, and discovery.
An Age of Winters by Gemma Liviero—Book Review by Bookish Elf
Dive into the chilling world of 17th-century Eisbach in Gemma Liviero's An Age of Winters. A captivating blend of historical thriller and psychological suspense, this novel explores themes of survival, power, and paranoia under the harshest conditions.
The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma - Book Review
Discover the mystical journey of redemption, fate, and war in Chigozie Obioma’s latest novel, The Road to the Country. Set during the Nigerian Civil War, this review delves into a haunting tale that examines the power of brotherhood, prophecy, and the human spirit.
Not for the Faint of Heart by Lex Croucher - Book Review
Explore "Not for the Faint of Heart" by Lex Croucher, a bold YA fantasy retelling of Robin Hood. This feminist, queer twist on a classic legend dives into themes of legacy, identity, and justice, featuring complex characters and a slow-burn romance set in a vividly reimagined Sherwood Forest.
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman: Bold take on Arthurian legend
Lev Grossman’s The Bright Sword dives into the lives of those left behind after Arthur’s fall, crafting a powerful tale of lost legends and the struggles to rebuild a fractured Britain. Discover a fresh, thought-provoking take on the enduring legacy of Camelot’s last knights.
For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga - Magic, Power, and Romance
Discover For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga, a Pakistani-inspired YA fantasy debut that masterfully weaves revenge, djinn magic, and complex relationships. Varga explores the depths of vengeance and humanity against a backdrop of political intrigue and cultural richness, creating an unforgettable fantasy journey.
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due - Ghosts of History
Dive into The Reformatory by Tananarive Due, a gripping blend of supernatural horror and historical fiction. Follow young Robbie Stephens Jr.'s haunting journey at a reform school in 1950s Florida, where ghosts of the past reveal profound truths of systemic injustice
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell - Book Review
Dive into the haunting world of The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell, a Gothic horror that intertwines psychological suspense with supernatural elements. This review explores the novel's complex narrative, eerie atmosphere, and timeless themes, making it a must-read for fans of Gothic literature.
This Motherless Land by Nikki May - unpacking identity & belonging
Dive into This Motherless Land by Nikki May, a profound tale of cultural identity, family loyalty, and the impact of maternal loss. Through the lives of cousins Funke and Liv, the novel unfolds across continents, bridging cultural divides with compelling emotional depth.
Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo - Magic, Heritage, and Identity
In the tapestry of contemporary literature, few threads shimmer with the iridescent quality of magical realism quite like those woven through Dominican-American storytelling. Elizabeth Acevedo’s adult fiction debut, “Family Lore,” joins this rich tradition, braiding together the supernatural and the mundane in a story that explores the complex lives of the women in the Marte family. The Heart of the Story At the center of this multigenerational narrative lies Flor Marte, a woman blessed (or perhaps cursed) with the ability to predict death to the day. When she announces her desire to hold a living wake – a celebration of […]
Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly - Book Review by Bookish Elf
Vanessa Kelly's "Murder in Highbury" is a Jane Austen-inspired mystery that transforms Emma Knightley into an astute amateur detective. Explore the intricacies of Regency society, a cleverly constructed plot, and an engaging new twist on a beloved classic.
Much Ado About Margaret by Madeleine Roux - Book Review
'Much Ado About Margaret' by Madeleine Roux is a Regency romance novel blending Shakespearean influence, literary ambition, and societal challenges in 1817 England. Discover the story of Margaret Arden as she navigates love, family, and her passion for writing
Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers - Tale of confinement & freedom
Discover Clare Chambers' 'Shy Creatures,' a novel set in 1960s Britain that explores the themes of confinement, trauma, and redemption through the lens of art therapy and human connection. Read the full review to uncover how the characters navigate the complexities of institutional care and forbidden love.
Women's Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery - A Vivid Portrait of 1960s NY
Explore the lives of mid-century women in Women's Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery, a richly layered historical novel set in 1960s New York. Delving into themes of gender, class, and belonging, this novel paints a vivid portrait of life in a women's residential hotel, offering a nuanced and compelling look at the characters who call it home."
None Left to Tell by Noelle W. Ihli - Unraveling America’s Dark Past
Discover the haunting historical thriller 'None Left to Tell' by Noelle W. Ihli, which uncovers the horrors of the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857. With a gripping narrative and complex characters, this novel takes readers on a journey through faith, revenge, and the dark corners of American history.
The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh - Book Review
Discover 'The Pythagorean' by Alexander Morpheigh, a novel that blends time travel, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. Follow Theodore's journey from modern Athens to ancient Greece as he explores consciousness, reality, and personal growth in this mind-bending adventure.
Strange Beasts by Susan J Morris - A Haunting Gothic Debut
Explore Susan J. Morris's debut novel, 'Strange Beasts,' a gothic fantasy set in Belle Époque Paris. Follow Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty as they unravel mysteries, confront monsters, and explore themes of monstrosity and legacy in a world where science and superstition collide.
Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins—Book Review
"Speak to Me of Home" by Jeanine Cummins is a poignant multigenerational saga exploring identity, belonging, and the complex notion of home. Spanning from 1960s Puerto Rico to present-day America, this novel delves into the immigrant experience, cultural displacement, and the enduring quest for self.