3.7 stars (4/10 hearts). I wasn’t at all sure whether this adventure was going after The Librarian’s Ruse. Given the cover I expected fun ambassad3.7 stars (4/10 hearts). I wasn’t at all sure whether this adventure was going after The Librarian’s Ruse. Given the cover I expected fun ambassador activities and politics. Well, the politics were there, but not as I imagined. I can’t say anything about the plot because literally anything is a spoiler, buy let’s just say it was quite unexpected and dramatic, and ends on a huge cliffhanger! I enjoyed meeting Amelia’s family, friends, and town, and there was some good character development. I was very shocked by someone’s character reveal but on the other hand discovered I’d pegged someone else’s rightly, so that was fun. Personally, I do feel like this series is more of episodes in a season than actual novels. I feel like there’s so much potential in this story to flesh it out and spread it over a full novel. However, I enjoyed the story and look forwards to book 3. Also, I found myself really liking the duke, and I hope S. returns because she is a fun character. And as an older sister, I related a lot to Amelia’s feelings of having to fix Leon’s messes for him and the mini lesson she learned spoke to me.
Content: Mild violence & bloodshed; Amelia visits a tavern and someone mistakes her as a lady of the night at first.
A Favourite Quote: “I’m aware that what my brother and I did was wrong—and I am so sorry—but I can’t change the past or undo what was done. All I can do is try to fix my mistakes.” A Favourite Humorous Quote: “I’m not the one who makes mistakes. Leon makes mistakes—a lot of mistakes. And I’m the one who fixes them. That’s how it’s always been—how I thought it always would be. But the one time I make a mistake, I single-handedly manage to bring two countries to the brink of war—”
*I was on the launch team for this book and purchased my own copy. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
4.7 stars (5.10 hearts). This is one of the cutest little Juvenile Fiction fantasies I have ever seen. It reminds me so much of Mother Goose, or some 4.7 stars (5.10 hearts). This is one of the cutest little Juvenile Fiction fantasies I have ever seen. It reminds me so much of Mother Goose, or some other classic nursery tale. Nova is such a sweet girl and the other characters are simple + interesting + delightfully whimsical. The whole bit about the stars is super cute, and really it’s just such an adorable book!! Highly recommend for all children, and older people who need a touch of beautiful whimsy in their lives. :)
A Favourite Quote: Nova took a deep breath. How could she reach the top? Be brave, she told herself. One step at a time.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
3.5 stars (3/10 hearts). I am not the world’s biggest fan of spiders—at least in my proximity. However, I have enjoyed nonfiction books about spiders,3.5 stars (3/10 hearts). I am not the world’s biggest fan of spiders—at least in my proximity. However, I have enjoyed nonfiction books about spiders, who are very interesting little creatures despite their creepy looks; and I appreciated how this book shared a love and respect for them—something rather rare. I also liked how it was a very good allegory of snap reactions following unfortunate events, and consequent mass hatred with no acknowledgment of the victim’s errors.
As far as the actual story went, it’s simple, but it’s well done and I really liked the world building. The characters were interesting and once again well done. Personally I struggle with the resisting-government trope (and it brings back some unpleasant memories concerning the 2020 pandemic) but I definitely appreciated both MC’s POVs and getting to see the tension between them. The book is a little young for me, but I still liked it and I’m going to be offering it to my younger siblings to read....more
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Let’s face it: if any other book had been dealing with blood transfusions, I probably would have DNFed or hated it. Needles ar5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Let’s face it: if any other book had been dealing with blood transfusions, I probably would have DNFed or hated it. Needles are my Waterloo. Nonetheless, Christina Baehr managed to make this book an absolute delight to me. So let’s discuss why.
After Edith’s experiences in Wales, it’s great to see her newfound understanding and sensitivity. She still believes as much as ever in good triumphing over evil and right making might, but she’s also quicker to see and act against injustice and wickedness, even when she stands alone. Her lessons on healing, on letting others help, and on not managing others are powerful. Janushek and Gwendoline are absolute STARS, and Tallantire was AWESOME (can’t wait to see more of him), and I loved seeing Lily again, and Lady Butter Roll (I forget her name) was so sweet and Cousin Stephen + Crispin were so fun and Hanna was a dear—but I miss Father and George and all the other family members!! And Simon, of course… Oh, I mustn’t forget Miss Rivers. She was epic herself.
I LOVED following Edith’s journey through London and the puzzling Worms secrets. I am so eager to see Gwendoline’s medical practice start, and it was so fun to see Edith socializing (under her nom-de-plume). The historical aspects (tax representation for women, prostitution rings, and chemical warfare) are SPLENDID and fit in perfectly with the dragon side of things—that part always blows me away—and Edith exploring her Jewish roots (and forcing Janushek to) are awesome. As I mentioned, I did hate the blood transfusions and bloodletting. I have a particular repugnance/trauma connected to that. But though I had to take a few pauses, personally, nothing was detailed at all and the story whisked me on so quickly and distracted me so well I didn’t have any issues. And I have to mention the self-defence scene. THAT CHAPTER WAS THE BOMB.
Seriously, this book is the best so far. It will be hard to beat, but I’m positive Christina Baehr will produce an absolute smasher of a finale in book 5. I cannot wait.
also WHAT WAS THAT CLIFFHANGER?!?!
Content: blood transfusions & iffy scientific experiments (on one occasion done to an nonconsenting, drugged patient); a dangerous moment with a snake; mention of women being unsafe and needing to take self-defence lessons; talk of prostitution rings/s*x trafficking.
*Quotes to come upon reread, because my Kindle malfunctioned and wiped them all…I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
4.5 stars (4/10 hearts). I loved this so much as a kid, purely because of the beautiful hour book and other medieval riches the King and Lady Anne shu4.5 stars (4/10 hearts). I loved this so much as a kid, purely because of the beautiful hour book and other medieval riches the King and Lady Anne shuttled about. I admit I still love that part. The joy of reading about pretty things is mine yet. ;)
Rereading the book as an adult, I might have appreciated it more than as a child! As a writer—and a moody person—I related to poor brother Stephen. Gabriel was a lovely role model, with such excellent attitude and humility. The King and Lady Anne were probably too nice to be real, but they were great additions, and Count Pierre was delightful to foil. The Abbott turned out better than expected. And I love the friendship between Gabriel and Brother Stephen.
With ancestors from Normandy, I loved that setting! The countryside is beautifully described. The plot is well paced, interesting but simple, gripping but slow, taking over a year and ending at Christmas. The style was good, and not too condescending. While the religion is (obviously) Catholic, the faith is presented with surprising neutrality, and I liked very much the emphasis on God’s goodness, love, and provision. The part about Gabriel not daring ask for more yet God giving more than he ever imagined is will worth pondering.
Overall, this is an excellent little children’s book that I quite love!
A Favourite Quote: As the Abbot saw how beautiful it all was, and how different from any other of the Abbey illuminations, he smiled to himself with pleasure. For the Abbot, though he never said a great deal, yet very well knew a good piece of artistic work when he saw it. Instead of merely smiling to himself, however, it would have made Brother Stephen much happier if he had taken the trouble to say aloud some of the nice things he was thinking about the work. A Favourite Beautiful Quote: ...to Gabriel the whole book seemed a marvellous bouquet of all the sweet flowers he had daily gathered from the Norman fields, and that Brother Stephen, by the magic of his art, had made immortal. Indeed the little boy fairly blinked as he looked at the sparkling beauty of those pages where the blossoms were to live on, through the centuries, bright and beautiful and unharmed by wind or rain or the driving snow, that even then was covering up all the bare frost-smitten meadows without. A Favourite Humorous Quote: When he reached the castle, he asked to see Count Pierre, and so was taken into the great hall, where the count received him in a very haughty manner. He became somewhat more polite, however, when he learned that King Louis had sent the messenger to him; though he looked decidedly blank when the latter presented to him a letter....more
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). This was recommended by Saraina Whitney and I decided to drop everything and read it today. Oh, am I glad I did!!
Set in a sub5+ stars (6/10 hearts). This was recommended by Saraina Whitney and I decided to drop everything and read it today. Oh, am I glad I did!!
Set in a suburb of London, it features a sweet little bit of the comedy and tragedy we call life. The writing style is epic (I’ve always said Doyle was a fantastic writer) and I loved seeing Doyle’s writing in the NON mystery genre! And his characters are as odd and charming as in his Sherlock books. The funny little old maids, quasi pitiful with their memories of a land once belonging to them; the impulsive, impressionable Doctor; the noble, hearty old Admiral; and the wild, feminist Mrs. B. Sweet Clara, merry Ida, honourable Henry, and study Charles complete the cast, along with darling Mrs. Admiral.
I actually laughed aloud several times… especially when Clara & Ida carry out their plan to convince the susceptible doctor NOT to marry the widow. Misses Monica and Bertha were also quite the pair. Yet with all the humour there’s also a thought-provoking theme on feminism. While Mrs. B. is clearly an exaggeration and meant to poke sly fun at women who fly off the handle, she does say and is respected for saying several deep, good things to ponder over. I really appreciated seeing that contemporary bit of information.
Overall, this is a mixture of adorable romance, friendship, and family love, a dip into tragedy, and a good dose of hilarity, all ending perfectly. I never knew what to expect and loved every minute of it. It’s a short, typically victorian, and absolutely charming read!
A Favourite Quote: “Do you think that a woman's love is like this sunshade which I carry in my hand, a thing only fitted for the sunshine, and of no use when the winds blow and the clouds gather?” “I would not drag you down, Clara.” “Should I not be dragged down indeed if I left your side at such a time? It is only now that I can be of use to you, help you, sustain you. You have always been so strong, so above me. You are strong still, but then two will be stronger.” A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Six or eight such cottages scattered over a rolling country-side were all the houses to be found there in the days when the century was young. From afar, when the breeze came from the north, the dull, low roar of the great city might be heard, like the breaking of the tide of life, while along the horizon might be seen the dim curtain of smoke, the grim spray which that tide threw up. Gradually, however, as the years passed, the City had thrown out a long brick-feeler here and there, curving, extending, and coalescing, until at last the little cottages had been gripped round by these red tentacles, and had been absorbed to make room for the modern villa. A Favourite Humorous Quote: “The blackguard!” cried the Doctor, “but the police must be hot upon his track.” “I fancy not,” Mrs. Westmacott answered calmly. “As my brother is a particularly tall, thin man, and as the police are looking for a short, fat one, I do not think that it is very probable that they will catch him.”...more
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Every time I think Christina Baehr can’t possibly surprise me, I end up mind blown. I am not exaggerating, these books get bet5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Every time I think Christina Baehr can’t possibly surprise me, I end up mind blown. I am not exaggerating, these books get better and better!
I love Edith. She’s so, so relatable. I’m not as smart as she is, nor as good at reading people, but I totally am as naïve and optimistic. Seeing her take a hefty dose of realism and finally fully understanding the wickedness of people—beyond just what she heard as a clergyman’s daughter—was splendid. So was her growing faith. Simon was a brick, as always, and their tiny growing romance THE SWEETEST; I can’t wait to see it blossom. Arthur was despicable, and fascinating; and somehow I hated his father worse. The Welsh maiden, whose name currently escapes me, and the butler, and the schoolteacher too, were my favourites—what intriguing characters! I’d wish to see them again but I think they’d be out of place anywhere else. As for Miss F, she was well worth leaving in Wales, despite all the interest she commands.
The plot was certainly more intense than any of the other books so far. Questions are raised, a few answers given, more puzzle pieces are revealed—all during a forced sojourn in an unknown village buried in the remote, unforgiving mountains where a selfish, self-satisfied theoretician enforces his idea of Utopia. Flying dragons, a rival, hostage negotiations, and thousand-year-old beasts make for plenty of excitement, and the author tackles more deep topics: oppression & minority, politics and sin nature, losing oneself to conformity, and the vulnerability + exploitation of women and children, to name a few.
I enjoyed so many things, like the medieval aesthetic, the symbolism, the dragon love; I appreciated the splendid humour and thought-provoking messages; the ending had me melting and the cliffhanger aghast… it’s absolutely an amazing addition to the series. <3
Content: mentions of women being mistresses & exploited; attempted a*sault to Edith that doesn’t get too far; discussion of the a*sault of a minor ending in pregnancy;
A Favourite Quote: “There are no invisible people here. Everyone has a purpose, everyone is respected. No one is superfluous.” The old woman who had touched my face so tenderly, what would her condition be if she had grown old in a Welsh mining town, I wondered. Or in Ormdale? I felt a flush of guilt—some of the servants at the abbey were growing old, with no comforts to alleviate the inevitable complaints of age. Had I been content not to see them? Was Ormdale full of invisible people? A Favourite Beautiful Quote: How odd, I thought, that Arthur’s good looks made me feel off-balance and slightly ill, but Simon’s made me feel like I was sitting in my own chair at home with a teapot brewing and a good fire warming me. A Favourite Humorous Quote: Goodness, why wouldn’t he find me dull? Quick, I must think of something dull! What was the dullest thing I could think of? Ah! I had it. “Have you ever attended a charity bazaar, sir?” I asked. He looked taken aback. “No, I can’t say I’ve ever had the pleasure…” “It is no pleasure. It is a torment,” I said fervently. I then launched into what I hoped was an interminable description of one of the most tedious afternoons I had ever survived. But somehow it didn’t come out that way. It was rather like that ridiculous book I had read on the train. Nothing of any consequence happens in it, the people and events are tiresome in the extreme, but one never wants it to end. From Arthur’s rapt expression, I was beginning to think I should consider trying my hand at a comic novel next instead of my usual detective fare, when I caught a glimpse of Miss Falconer’s face and began to fear I would not survive the night. (Perhaps a knowledge of common poisons would come in handy, after all.) Faltering, I ended my story rather weakly. “So you see, sir, you haven’t missed anything at all. There’s nothing at all to interest you.”
*Quotes to come. I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Ohh myy heartt, I LOVE THIS! It was a totally random read, picked up for a Gibson Girl Review podcast read which we then didn’5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Ohh myy heartt, I LOVE THIS! It was a totally random read, picked up for a Gibson Girl Review podcast read which we then didn’t do… but I decided to read it anyways, and I am SO glad!! It’s the sweetest thing and SO summery and beachy!
The setting is a little New England island, where both a young man and a young woman arrive expecting there to be no other tourists and insisting on being absolutely alone. You can already see where this is headed. ;) I happen to ADORE island books, and the descriptions just made the place live! I felt like I was right there on that beautiful piece of rock seeing the sea and feeling the breeze. <3 The writing style was right up my alley and I loved it. And I love the whole theme of belong to the island and the place of ancestors. <3
And the characters! Mary was so cute and funny—so serious-minded but so distractible, so sweet and so coy. And John was just a humorous, chivalrous, manly fellow. They were both the quintessential hero and heroine, and I loved it. Their romance was slight enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, and the most cotton-candy love ever… JUST SO CUTE! I love the little comedies and actually laughed at John for being a doctor and never guessing what ailed the baby…
This is a quick, easy read, super fluffy and adorable and old-fashioned, and I just loved it so so much. <3 It’s absolutely delightful....more
I haven’t read much of Elisabeth Grace Foley’s works—unfortunately!—but I’ve read enough to know I’d love this… and I was right! It was the perfect miI haven’t read much of Elisabeth Grace Foley’s works—unfortunately!—but I’ve read enough to know I’d love this… and I was right! It was the perfect mixture of expected and unexpected, humour and spirituality, depth and lightness.
Dakota Clothesline - 1900s Dakotas 4.5 stars. This was one of the unexpected stories! To be honest, I’m not a fan of marriage-of-convenience, but this was well done (reminiscent of Love Comes Softly). Jonas was awesome, and I really liked Charlotte, and the classic winter blizzard was a great touch! Very The Long Winter-ish.
Once in her life she had known the experience of strong emotions, had known what it was to thrill, to be eager and passionate and vitally alive; but that was all in the past and it wouldn’t happen again. She had folded all that up and laid it away like an old garment, and found she could go on living and breathing and being content without it.
The Heiress & the Horse-Trade – 1890s New Mexico 5 stars. Ah, this was more along the lines of the Foley stories I know and love! It was pure delight from start to finish. Such sarcasm! Such humour! Cornelia was a hoot and I loved seeing Thad and the other guys scrambling after her brains. And Glendy Burke was the perfect accidental sidekick. ;) But my favourite part was this:
“[They] found the captive outlaw sitting in the Summerfields’ kitchen, not the man he once was. Thad was sitting astride a chair with the shotgun leveled over the back of it at his prisoner, but it had less to do with that and more to do with the fact that he had been studied intensely for the better part of an hour by three small children crowded together on a bench on the other side of the kitchen table, an experience that few men come through unchanged.”
TRUTH.
Sheep Need a Shepherd – 1900s Montana 5+ stars. Another unexpected, and another one I really, really loved! A pastor-shepherd going against a neighbourhood of ornery cowboys, one being very influential and very bullying in his ways. Donald was SPLENDID—so authentic, so human, and so temperate. Marguerite was the perfect helpmeet for him. I admired Mrs. Glenn immensely, and in the end couldn’t help liking Henry and Terry… I had no idea how this would end and I was hooked by the story, but also touched by the message. Excellently done.
”I’ve got to simply be who I am, in church and outside it. If anybody expects me to adapt my preaching for ‘wild Westerners’—whatever that means—they’ll have to be disappointed. That’s one thing I never want to find myself doing, Marguerite: trying to tweak or tamper with the message in order to ingratiate or impress anyone. If there’s one thing I’ve been convinced of—maybe believed more strongly than anything else, ever since I first felt called to preach—it’s just that one thing: the gospel is sufficient. If I ever tried to preach in any way apart from that, I wouldn’t be any good for anything.”
Professor Pruitt’s Circulating Concert Company – 1890s, somewhere in the middle West 5+ stars. YUSSSSS, pure comedy!!! This reminded me of the Goldwater Ridge duology for some reason. I. loved. it. I don’t even know what to say besides that it was just plain hilarious. Poor Joe… he really had one wild ride. Just read this, okay? It was side-splitting. I have no other words…
I don’t think it quite fair to blame the sheriff for anything that happened, because when you’re out looking for bank robbers and you come upon a man stuffing greenbacks into a gunnysack by the handfuls, it’s only natural you stop and ask him how he came by them. The Professor didn’t take that kindly. He insisted that the money was his own life savings, the money he’d put by a little at a time after each show[.] The trouble was, without his teeth in and when excited he was hard to understand, and the sheriff not knowing the speech as well as the Company did he was more than suspicious.… It was Mrs. Pruitt who saved the situation. She didn’t bother trying to argue with the sheriff; she just hurried off to get something from the red wagon and came back and tugged at the Professor’s arm until she got his attention and told him to put his teeth in, and practically forced them into his mouth herself. The Professor’s diction suddenly came clear (one of the possemen almost fell over with surprise), and he made the speech about his life savings over again without being interrupted, and wound up by saying he was going to put them away in the wagon now and would everybody who didn’t belong to the Company please go away. “But a bank’s been robbed,” said the sheriff. “What’s that to me?” said the Professor. “I didn’t do it.” The sheriff explained to him how circumstantial evidence happened to even the most respectable people (Tim agreed with him heartily about that)[.]The Professor said that he wouldn’t have his wife and daughter going back to town in chains, and the sheriff said testily that he had no intention of putting chains on any lady. Mrs. Pruitt explained what Jasper meant was that no member of the Circulating Concert Company had ever been arrested (though she couldn’t speak for what had happened to a couple performers who’d quit suddenly after they had left[.].
Lark’s Nest – 1860s Texas 5 stars. Of all the sweet, heart-tugging, soul-touching stories… The reality in this story almost brought me to tears. It can be so hard to keep life—and the home—pretty and try to instil manners and culture into one’s children and/or younger siblings. I related to Alice so much and she was such a great character. The message here was just amazing.
...it dawned upon Alice that one reason, at least, why she missed the pretty things of their old house was because to her those things had spelled home. She wanted the boys to have that same sense of home and belonging she had had as a child, and her striving to add the little touches that enriched life to the plain log house in the Texas brush was part of her trying to make it for them. Home was meant to be more than a roof to sleep under in the intervals of laboring for your bread—it was a place that fed you, taught you, strengthened you, welcomed you with open arms—a place you wanted to be. It was the thing you labored for.
Big Aspen – 1940s Wyoming 5 stars. Boy, I loved this. You don’t often get to see WWII Westerns, and the PTSD angle was superbly handled. Also, I loved the part about taking back the ranch and realizing Dan had grown up, and letting him be a man… and how Rex’s handicap didn’t break him as much as he thought. So many deep thoughts here. (Contains mild language)
As they turned their glances crossed. It was a new look from Dan: head up, eyes clear and direct, as if he too had just had a fight and won it. And Rex understood. Far from being disappointed in his brother’s weakness, for a moment Dan had been able to feel himself the strongest man in the situation, had helped to see it through, and had grown almost visibly in confidence with that feeling.
The Smoking Iron – 1880s New Mexico 5 stars. A cowboy whodunit, with plenty of humour but not a comedy. I admit I struggled to keep up with the explanation and final reveal—I’m not a cowgirl and got dreadfully mixed up about what was happening. But despite all that I hugely enjoyed the adventure, and the characters. Owen was my favourite, reminding me as he did of one of my favourite fictional sheriffs ever, Larry from the 1949 “Cover Up,” one of my favourite films (also a mystery!); but I also really liked and respected Dell, and Milt + Bud were a great team.
“Dwight Harrington, St. Louis upperclassman and his Uncle Tom’s millstone-about-the-neck during his summer vacations, was the only man in that roundup camp ignorant enough about cattle to overlook one important thing[.]” “Jupiter!” said Bud Cramer. “It’s ‘Eureka’ he’s after,” said McCreath. “I think I’m following you now. Go on.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). I have put off this review for weeks because I dreaded having to put into words how much I enjoyed it. I was so scared it woul5+ stars (6/10 hearts). I have put off this review for weeks because I dreaded having to put into words how much I enjoyed it. I was so scared it wouldn’t be quite as good as book 1, but it took up the torch and continued in unbroken amazingness.
Where do we start? The characters, I suppose. I love how everyone is such a great continuation of themselves. It’s wonderful to see Edith build confidence and Gwendoline heal and Simon take control. They’re all three finding themselves, and it’s wonderful. Helen was not who I expected her to be and I ended up almost mourning over her; but I love, LOVE, L-O-V-E Janushek. (I have a thing for Polish/Slavic guys, apparently??) He’s fantastic and I cannot wait to know more about him.
As in book two, the mysteries are slowly revealed… more and more is being built on, and it’s whetting my appetite so much!!! There’s the usual excellent humour and the sweet family scenes and a splendid plot, just similar enough to book 1 to be satisfying. The tiny thread of romance is super cute and I love all the historical connections happening as Edith discovers more about herself, the dragons, and the dale. The relatableness, the mock Gothic feels, and the everyday life interwoven with danger and questioning is epic.
But my favourite thing is the themes. Christina Baehr really goes in for the kill here as she tackles parental/hereditary trauma and social injustice. There’s Gwendoline struggling to let go of the dark habits and beliefs ingrained in her by her father, and battling social prejudices as a woman seeking to become a doctor; there’s Simon, whose parent stifles him to make up for the trauma she herself endured at the hands of her husband; there’s Janushek, who faces racism and social ostracism because of his jewish roots, his foreign origin, and his physical scars; and finally, there’s Pip, born of the master of the house assaulting a young, pretty maid, and who with his mother receives neither aid nor acknowledgement—all very real and very terrible yet common and disregarded happenings.
I love how Edith takes consciousness of all these evils and sets out to battle them, even if alone and unsupported. I love how she starts understanding the people of the dale and ministering to them, accepting her role as a protector and keeper. Her backbone is developing, and she’s got such a good mixture of respect and fearlessness.
The story ends on a cliffhanger as the first one did, but I didn’t need that to make me eager for book 3!
A Favourite Quote: “Courage is love defying fear. And that’s what those girls need…. Just keep being Edith, and take them along with you sometimes. What you are doing here—being a friend to Gwendolyn and Simon, and heaven knows what else you’ve taken on in this place—is courageous. And they will see it, if you let them.” A Favourite Beautiful Quote: But they remained faithful, keeping watch; keeping England’s dragons secret and safe. And the world around them changed, and people were ashamed to think that their grandparents had ever believed in dragons. A Favourite Humorous Quote: But it had colourful scales instead of fur, small useless wings halfway down its body, and (or so it seemed to me) an expression of simmering fury. I had schooled myself not to stare at it, lest I annoy it further, but today I thought it looked if possible even more sour-tempered—no doubt as a result of its involuntary ablutions.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). When I first heard of this (through Lindsey from Books For Christian Girls), I was hooked. Cozy, nonmagical fantasy with drago5+ stars (6/10 hearts). When I first heard of this (through Lindsey from Books For Christian Girls), I was hooked. Cozy, nonmagical fantasy with dragons? Sounds great. But I quickly discovered it was even better than I expected.
Excellent humour? check. 1800s English historical setting? Mystery without spook or second-hand embarrassment? check. Strong family circle? check. Great writing style, similar to 1900s classics? check. Good message? check. Living characters? check, check, checkety check check.
All right, my favourite thing was Edith. We’re about the same age… and I’m also a pastor’s daughter… and I also write… and I write mysteries… and I’m homeschooled… and I love history… and I love frogs… okay, that last bit doesn’t have much to do with the story BUT I think Edith would like frogs if she tried it. I don’t think there’s that much difference between a dragon and a frog, when it comes to their feel. Anyways, I loved Edith. I related to her a lot, and she was such a solid MC—sensible, realistic, flawed, honest, strong, but not anti-men (well, by the end at least). Her character arc was so well done. (And I, too, find that “my rambles always turn out best when there is someone to tell me when I’m going the wrong way.”)
But I loved the other characters too! Gwen was such a dear, and Drake was a real gentleman, and Violet + Una + George were fantastic supporting characters, and Mother & Father were just delightful. I love absent-minded studious male characters (they’re such a hoot) but I LOVED that father was quite able to be sensible and present and Fatherly and protective and wise. (The recurring cup of tea was *kiss fist*). And saintly, wise mothers are my favourite every time. Also, Pilot is a darling, and Rivers was the PERFECT villain.
And I loved the plot. It reminded me of Amanda Kastner’s Questless series, actually… that same time of feel, like Victorian England reimagined to include dragons—real, nonmagical, little pet dragons. (And the occasional real, nonmagical, venomous wyvern). Dragons are real creatures, and the author is very specific to say the story is NOT magical and the dragons are totally normal, as they were back in medieval days. The antidote is also nonmagical and just a matter of genetics, which was super cool. I love how the mysteries were slowly revealed… the pacing was epic! And personally, I loved that the suspense was so fully tempered with humour.
I loved the sensible gothic abbey setting (it’s a thing, I promise!) and how Edith handled the history and past of the place but also looked to the future and broke the generational trauma of the place. The whole thread about sacrifice was amazingly done. The spiritual aspect was subtle, but deep. I love how bookish it was and Edith & Drake constantly dragging up classics. I loved the ridiculousness tempered with seriousness—such a great balance, and well displayed in the whole part of Edith thinking she was dying. It was hilarious but had such a deep message.
Honestly, I’m not sure what to say! This story scratched a bookish itch I didn’t even know I had. I am so hooked to this series and absolutely cannot wait to read the next book. I NEED TO MEET MRS. DRAKE. And I also need Edith to confess her writing. ...more
3.5 stars (3/10 hearts). I am a big fan of retellings, so I was definitely interested in this minotaur retelling! I liked how it kept original element3.5 stars (3/10 hearts). I am a big fan of retellings, so I was definitely interested in this minotaur retelling! I liked how it kept original elements while totally redoing the story at the same time, which isn’t as easy to do as it looks. I haven’t read much sci-fi (if any) but this was interesting and well explained, and the story was surprisingly deep. I really like how it brought out a message of duty/responsibility and personal morality. A good, clean adventure for younger readers but with plenty to offer older readers as well....more
3.7 stars (4/10 hearts). I am a sucker for fantasy stories including royalty/nobility, and that was my favourite part of the book, perhaps. I love the3.7 stars (4/10 hearts). I am a sucker for fantasy stories including royalty/nobility, and that was my favourite part of the book, perhaps. I love the palace feels. I also really enjoyed the complex world building and history… and I love when a lower-class position person finds themself (through no lie, etc, of their own) in a high class position and goes on and on about the beauty that surrounds them. ;)
Lia was a nice girl, and I related to her anxiety (especially over her brother), her desire for justice, and her shortness. ;P Leon, on the other hand, made me S-O. M-A-D. I hope he’s headed for a good 180º because boy… The emperor was a great guy though, and I liked Sir Fern and the dowager empress, and Duke Whatsisname was an amusing little “villain.” (The stick duel scene made me chuckle!)
I feel like the writing could be a bit stronger—or maybe I was just expecting this to be for an older audience, i.e. late teens instead of early teens?—and because I thought this book was longer than it was I was taken aback at first at how quickly things were happening; but like I said, I enjoyed the plot and setting—and didn’t get too anxious over Lia & Leon!—and the romance is cute. I love the influx of librarians in novels right now and I would love to see Lia’s librarian background show up more. I’m curious to see the story develop in the sequel!
Content: mild, undetailed violence.
A Favourite Quote: Could I continue to support Leon if he was determined to pull himself down and me along with him? A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Thoughts of how wrong this could go flitted about in my mind like poisonous butterflies. A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Perhaps sticks are not the most ideal weapons for, well…anything…” “Why do you think we, as a society, switched to swords?”...more
5+ stars (8/10 hearts). Okay, so I have wanted to read Anna Rose Johnson ever since her first book was released. I’ve heard so much praise of her, and5+ stars (8/10 hearts). Okay, so I have wanted to read Anna Rose Johnson ever since her first book was released. I’ve heard so much praise of her, and this book justified all my hopes. It even exceed my hopes. It was absolutely delightful.
A 1912 Michigan lighthouse on a tiny island—what can be more enchanting? I adore Lake Superior, and I was thrilled to visit it again in this book. The descriptions of Gichigami are splendid, and fully brought the location to life with all its many moods. And although the island is tiny, its tenants make it a most wonderful stopping place.
The Martins are such a lovely little family. Mr. Martin and Mrs. Martin are some of the very best fictional parents I’ve ever had the honour to meet. They were so sweet and understanding, firm when necessary but so very loving! They almost never disappointed me—which is so rare, because when kids get in trouble in books I have so much difficult with the parents because they’re usually so NOT understanding! Maureen started off by rubbing me wrong (yikes, are ALL of us oldest sisters that poky??) but she mellowed out into an amazing big sister. Hazel stayed irritating for so long but ended up darling, and Ansel is the most typical boy, and you can’t help but love him despite everything. As for little Forest, he was an absolute doll and a gentleman, and my favourite in the whole book. The whole family was just so precious and perfectly imperfect! So realistic!
And then there’s their new member, a sensitive, imaginative orphan named Selena Lucy Landry (but she goes by Lucy). Little Lucy had her flaws, but she worked so hard to overcome them in the end, and she had so much heart and meant so well! She was exquisitely written. She was very realistic, she was perfectly written as a child, she reminded me of Anne Shirley more than any other fictional character I’ve ever come across�� often “imaginative” characters are just frustrating and shallow but Lucy was real. And seriously, she was SO well done. Her mental narration was EXCELLENT.
The plot was fairly simple—Lucy had to get her new family to love her, the new family had to prove they were worthy light keepers, and Lucy had to find the lost treasure to prove to her Papa that she remembered him. (I forgot to mention how much I love Lucy’s parents, but especially her Papa!) The three things were woven so well together and flowed so naturally! I love the final dénouement—it fits JUST RIGHT and wraps everything up SO perfectly. And right up to there, the story is exciting and gentle and funny and sweet, the perfect combination of everything that makes an enjoyable, unforgettable book.
I don’t like modern books—but I LOVE this one. It’s so old-timey and adorable! It reminds me of all the lovely old books I love, like the Five Little Peppers and The Railway Children and the Bastables and others. It made me think of Edith Nesbit and Louisa May Alcott and Lucy Maud Montgomery and the wonderful authors of the past. As someone reared on classics and madly in love with them, who reads them endlessly, I was thrilled to find such a similar book. I can’t say enough praise for this darling new novel. Anna Rose Johnson is a new #1 favourite author of mine.
A Favourite Quote: “I was afraid to get in that boat, but—but sometimes when things are as bad as I think they’ll be, I get more courage than I would otherwise.” A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Ansel deposited the egg ever so carefully in Lucy’s hand. A sense of awe overtook her, and she wondered how God could ever have dreamt up so many things—luscious brown eyes; spotted eggs both beautiful and nutritious; smiles like Forrest’s and his mother’s. A Favourite Humorous Quote: “I believe,” she said, slowly, “that we were fighting the British.” “When?” This was a stumper. […] “The War of Independence,” said Lucy, sounding far more confident than she truly felt inside. “On . . . the Lakes.” […] “The Great Lakes? You’re thinking of the War of 1812.” […] Lucy’s face burned hotter than the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. (One of few historical incidents she could ever remember, since it had a charming ditty that went along with it, about a cow kicking over a lantern. The War of 1812 had no snappy lyrics.) “I think,” said Lucy, quickly turning into the Elderly Queen, complete with pince-nez and haughty manner, “that you ought to keep your nose in your own affairs and stop interfering.” “As long as I’m the proud son of a lighthouse keeper, I’ll keep interfering,” said Ansel cheerfully. “This is our tower.” The Queen felt her crown begin to slip off.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
3.5 stars (3/10 hearts). This gothic tale appeals to me… at least the beginning thereof. It’s sad and solemn—the story of a soul who could have been s3.5 stars (3/10 hearts). This gothic tale appeals to me… at least the beginning thereof. It’s sad and solemn—the story of a soul who could have been so much more but was tied down by hatred and finally succumbed to it… yet there is a thread of redemption too, only I wish it was stronger! I love the message of the minister’s storyline, though the romance is too fast and too melodramatic for my liking. It’s not one of Montgomery’s dark, wild tales, but it’s definitely more serious and thought-provoking. ...more
5+ stars (8/10 hearts). I’ve wanted to read this for years… and it fully justified my hopes. It reminded me of Enemy Brothers and The Reb & the5+ stars (8/10 hearts). I’ve wanted to read this for years… and it fully justified my hopes. It reminded me of Enemy Brothers and The Reb & the Redcoats… and I loved that SO much.
There was Toby, so conscientious, so trusting, so wise… and so boyish. Father and Mother, the heroes; Uncle Ingram, the merry, warm-hearted, understanding uncle despite his flaws; Grandfather Timon, whom you just couldn’t hate, and Grandfather Fazackerley, who was much less amiable; Hester and the servants, with their good and bad points; Uncle Bill and Fight and the others; and the children—so real and so loveable, right down to little miss Violet Yellow and her runaway tongue.
Of course I loved the splendid writing and the exciting plot; but perhaps my favourite thing was the message of unquestioning obedience in the face of pressure and pain and the disobedience of others, as well as understanding and love. I loved the quiet study of father-son relationships, the understated theme of what morality really is, and the open-ended finish that’s so satisfying despite its lack of finality…
I hope I can read and enjoy this again many times ♥️...more
5+ stars (10/10 hearts). How do I even begin this review? I put it off for days fearing that I could not properly explain how beautiful it is. I can o5+ stars (10/10 hearts). How do I even begin this review? I put it off for days fearing that I could not properly explain how beautiful it is. I can only do my best and hope that you too will be able to pick up this gem and love it.
First off, the setting. WWII England. It was amazing. It was 100% England and just a beautiful story of life—as normal as possible—during WWII. The characters were so English and they TALKED like Britishers (or Scots, if they happened to be Scottish). This book was published in 1943 and so is contemporary to the author’s time... which is just so cool.
Next, the characters. Ohh... what can I say? I loved them. Bumbling, kind-hearted Ginger & his friends; sarcastic, kindly Jim; blunt, tactless Porgy; calm, loving Euphemia; gentle, steady Thomas; quiet, hard-working Mortimer; eccentric, humorous Jakob... and best of all, Tony and Dym. I loved Tony. He was so independent and yet so dependant. I loved his relationship with Dym, with Euphemia, with Thomas, with Jim. And Dym. Oh, Dym. What can I say of Dym? He was perfect, and yet... he *was* perfect. He couldn’t be other than perfect—perfectly. He was so calm, so loving, so dependable, so sacrificing, so wise, so tender... I have never been so deeply touched by a character before—and I’ve been reading books all my life, and love countless characters.
The plot was perfect. Intriguing, but calm. Slow-paced enough to dwell on characters and personality and life and hearts changing. I loved the scene in the church, Dym’s speech on the war, the conversation between Jim and Tony at the end, the way Tony’s talk changed to show his heart’s change, the banter and humour between Euphemia and Tony (that time when he tells her he thought she was a bomb... xD). I loved all the reflection. The descriptions of the countryside. I cannot think of anything I disliked, except I half think Dym should have rowed Tony for the desk incident... I would have enjoyed seeing that!
This book is my #1 favourite novel. I have no higher praise. I love it as I loved no other book before. As soon as I finished it I wanted to reread it. And I did—at least, I reread my favourite parts over and over. Tony and Dym in the train. Ginger and the other midshipmen bantering. Dym chasing Tony into the wynd. Dym saving Tony from the bomb. Dym warning Tony of his nine lives. Tony realizing Dym’s flying is dangerous and all the reflections that provokes. Tony coming back the last time and Dym holding him tight. And that’s not all. I loved almost every scene in this book. I reread it about two months after the first reading, and I fell in love all over again. I cannot express how much I loved the beauty, the humour, the characters, the writing style... all of this book. I can only attempt to, and hope that you will love it too.
A Favourite Quote: “But why doesn’t He stop the war?[”] “Perhaps it’s because He has made us men, Max, not dolls that can’t lift a finger of their own accord. But I don’t really know; I’m not in the Operations Room, you see. All I do know is that the world has a Chief who was victorious when the powers of darkness struck at Him with everything they had. He has the plans today. The darkness won’t last forever. There’s a splendor beyond.” A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Nein,” Tony answered, with a resolute shake of his head. “Sprechen Sie deutsch, bitte. Sie Arlen bier nicht englisch sprechen. That means,” he explained kindly, “speak German, please; you are not allowed to speak English here.” Not allowed! Euphemia looked down at the little figure swallowed up in a pair of James’ pyjamas, which she had not yet had time to cut down for him. Her lips twitched into a smile. “Ick kann nick doytch sprich,” she said brightly. “Hier ist medicine vrom Herr Doctor. Das ist the best ick kann do, Max. Ick hopen you understandt.”...more
4 stars. For some reason, I avoided this book for literally almost a decade. Somehow I thought my second-hand embarrassment would be high, and I was t4 stars. For some reason, I avoided this book for literally almost a decade. Somehow I thought my second-hand embarrassment would be high, and I was too scared to try it. I finally did, and I’m so confused as to why I was so scared. It’s quite simple and straightforward, actually.
I’m familiar with Pandora’s myth, though only a children’s adaptation, so I really enjoyed the author’s note at the end. She did a great job with this retelling, weaving in the original characters and some great lessons. I also really like how the feel of the story matches the cover perfectly.
Like I said, it’s a very simple story with a straightforward plot and a small cast. I like These—once I got over wanting to punch him, a.k.a like 50% of the book—and I quite liked his brother. Andora actually didn’t bug me. She was quite shallow at first, but it was more a product of her surroundings than anything and I enjoyed seeing her blossom. Rome was more of a curveball… specially his ending… and I HATED Andora’s parents (literally, WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?! You know how people ask you to spotlight your favourite fictional parents and the best fictional parental figures to be held up for esteem? Well, these guys should be held up as the exact opposite. UGH. They made me so, so disgusted and mad.) I liked Heather and her family, though.
And then the plot. I was quite confused for most of it—exactly as Andora was—and couldn’t figure out what was going on, though I did pick up on the retelling threads. But everything came together nicely and was revealed well, and I love how the “pandora’s box” fit in. The Christian message was very small and subtle, but good.
Mostly, I liked how easy a read this was. None of the characters were too complex, the plot wasn’t too crazy, the writing was simple—it was a quick, calm read, despite the subject matter, and I really appreciated that.
Content: Andora is thrust into a forced marriage; there’s a couple of mentions of she & Theos sharing a bed & room, but absolutely no details or even any scenes that wouldn’t be normal and expected—it’s well handled.
A Favourite Quote: Even if she failed, she would feel better for trying her best. A Favourite Humorous Quote: She found a clump of feathers, carefully sewn together, and assumed it was meant for sweeping. When that proved ineffective on dirt floor, she tried dusting with it instead. Being much more effective, she busied herself dusting every surface in the room. I don’t see how much good that did since the dust is on the floor instead of the shelves. But she felt productive nonetheless....more
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