Some books are entertaining in the moment, but you don't really remember them months later. Others, such as this one, are so powerful that you will remember them for years. The story is tragically sad, but also a wise commentary about the prison system, from an author who has volunteered in one for many years. This is not always an easy read, but there is a sense of hope and bright moments. I loved it. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 5/5 stars

This is written by the talented historical fiction writer Mandy Robotham. The book is set in London during the 1960's, in the era of the cold war. Maggie's husband was killed and as a widow and mother of a teenager, Maggie has taken a job as a 'watcher' with MI5. A chance encounter with a Russian spy, leads her on a dangerous mission to discover the reason behind her husband's death. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. I quite enjoyed it. 4/5

I never know what I will get when I pick up a book by this author, but experience tells me I will love it, and this one is no exception. This book is about romantic love, the love for a child and the love of science & space. Set in the 1980's around the Space Shuttle Program, it also clearly demonstrates the sacrifices astronauts must make, particularly the first women in the program. I really enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 4.5/5

Backman is one of my favorite authors and this book did not let me down. This is a tender story about friendship that has moments of wonderful humor and heartbreaking sadness. It is set in 2 time periods, present day and 25 years earlier - when 4 teenagers became friends and made sure the one that was a talented artist got noticed. The story moved slowly at times, but it always moved me. I really enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 4.5/5

This is the 4th book in the 'Hayley Chill' series, and I recommend starting with the first (“Deep State“) which I thought was the best. The others, however, are all still very entertaining and this one, while a little more gruesome, was still an exciting read. It is set in Hawaii and involves a plot to affect a Supreme Court ruling by having two judges killed, using those who are charged with protecting them by threatening their loved ones. 4/5

This is set in 1937 Bombay (Mumbai) and Europe. It follows the story of a nurse whose British father abandoned her and her Indian mother and the conflict this has caused is one of the themes of the book. The author did a great job of capturing the atmosphere in India & Europe at the time. I enjoyed it, but the last half of the book seemed to lack that 'something' that would have taken it from good to great. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4/5

This is a fascinating look at how animals perceive the world around them, using senses. Some of these are those we share as humans, but many are specific to some animal groups, such as echolocation and sensing magnetic fields. While it is a science book, the author's sense of humour comes through and lightens the overall feel of the book. While I won't remember all the details, my respect for the diversity of life has grown immensely. 4/5 stars!

This is a story about the pressures society puts on women and difficulty of being both successful at work and as a parent. When offered a pill to eliminate the guilt Maya feels as she is pulled in two directions, she takes it...but of course life is not that simple. A thriller element is introduced as Maya has gone missing, but the story is about so much more. I really enjoyed this story. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5 stars

This is the 1st time I have panned a book & it hurts me to do it. The author tried something different & I found it to be just too much work to follow. Perhaps a preamble explaining the concept would have helped. I also found the various endings frustrating & while clever, not satisfying. I am a huge fan of Anthony Horowitz (which this has been compared to), but his books, while also quite different, are easy to follow. Thanks to Edelweiss+. 2.5/5

This was a wonderfully fun rom com. I appreciated that while it made fun of the tropes in the genre, it did not resort to the typical 'misunderstanding' conflict towards the end. The characters lives were realistically complicated, with the complexities of family responsibilities well represented. In addition, the Alaska setting was a treat. I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital advance reading copy. 4/5 stars

This story is set in 2 time periods and is told from many POVs. The historical part is inspired by some real-life conflicts between Vietnamese refugees and the KKK that occurred in Texas in 1981. I found the book to be entertaining, and a worthy read but wanted to connect more with the characters in the present-day setting. Unfortunately, there were simple too many of them, thus diluting their stories. Thank you to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 3.5/5

This thriller has one of my favourite set ups...the locked room. There are a lot of characters and POVs and the author did a great job of differentiating most of them. I also found the story entertaining. Unfortunately, it didn‘t quite hold together as much as I would have liked. It was the reveal at the end that seemed to be lacking a little for me, although the last couple of lines were great. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 3.5/5

This novella is both science fiction and a cozy mystery (complete with a yarn shop) and it looks like it is the start of a new series. It was an enjoyable read, but I found it a bit confusing at times and had to really think about the plot and the parameters of life on the ship. I did love the premise though and look forward to more from the main character, so I will be happy to give the next one a chance. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 3.5/5

I have been enjoying this series immensely and this novella (#3.5 in the series) is no exception. The combination of mystery, historical fiction, time travel and the hint of romance meets all my wants for a fun read. This one had Mallory taking the lead in a case and had her meeting up with Charles Dickens. I highly recommend starting with the first in the series “A Rip Through Time“. 4.25/5 stars

I had high hopes for this one as I enjoy this author, but it never quite met my expectations. While I enjoyed it, the overwhelming number of characters meant that with some exceptions, it was hard to differentiate among them. I think the author captured the time and place well and I did learn something, but I wanted more. It is still, however, a worthy read, but perhaps not as good as her previous works. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 3.25/5

This author always manages to both entertain and educate me, which is the reason I enjoy historical fiction. This book deals with Vietnam vets in Canada and the effect deinstitutionalizing those with mental health issues had on vets suffering from PTSD. Set in Toronto and Vietnam, the story includes romance and an unlikely female friendship, where both women experience a ‘coming of age‘. I really enjoyed it. Thank to NetGalley for the ARC. 4.25/5

This is described as “The Light Between Oceans meets The Snow Child “ and that is a perfect description of the overall feel of this poignant book. Set in a small Scottish fishing village in the early 1900s, it is a story of hardship, secrets, grief, guilt and love. I enjoyed both the characters and the setting but especially the depiction of how secrets & misunderstandings can destroy lives. Thank to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5 stars

Once again, this author has wowed me with a wonderful romantic comedy that has humour, heart and a little spice. While it is predictable (it is a rom com after all), except for an adorable eight-year-old, it doesn't resort to the usual gimmicks you often see in the genre. Instead, this story about loss and grief and learning to live again has a wonderful depth, realistic characters and life lessons. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4.5/5

This is a magical story about motherhood, loss, grief and yearning all ensconced in a tale about a fantasy book. To make it even more delightful, there is humour and romance as well. I loved it. It reminded me a little of the writing of Kate Morton, with a touch of the enchantment of Jess Kidd's works. More about The Great Smog can be found in Mandy Robotham's historical fiction “A Dangerous Game“. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.5/5

This is a heartbreaking tale of lost love, tragic loss and sacrifice. My heart broke for Beth, and I thought the author did a wonderful job of capturing her turmoil and grief, both about her loss and her predicament. I also enjoyed the beautifully depicted farm setting. While there is a sense of mystery in the story, it is not in the truest sense either a mystery or a thriller but is more a family drama. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4.25/5

This is a wonderful tale set on an isolated island between Australia and the Antarctic. It is there that a father and his 3 children work to save the seeds in a seed vault that climate change is destroying. This is a beautifully told story of family secrets, grief, tragedy and love. The environment and wildlife are also lovingly depicted. I loved the characters and the story, and it will stay with me. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC 4.75/5

This is the 3rd book in the 'Molly the Maid' series, and it is better to start with the first one, “The Maid“. In this one we get to read Gran‘s diary and learn the story of her life. The mystery in this one (in the present time) involves a Faberge egg stolen during an auction at the hotel. This is a light, humorous mystery series with a touch of romance, perfect for a little escape. I really enjoy them. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 4.25/5

I really enjoyed this one. The story has mystery and thriller vibes, with a couple of love stories thrown in as well. It is told from two points of view, Camilla (whose husband took people hostage) and Niall (the hostage negotiator). The lives of both changed that day. There were a couple of slow bits and a few weak plot moments, but it was fun and kept me entertained. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.25/5

This novella is saccharinely sweet, and yet it was an enjoyable read. The 'mystery' is totally predictable, but the Christmas setting was fun. There were multiple subtle references to the O Henry tale of “The Gift of the Magi“, which added to the lessons about the true meaning of Christmas. This short story works, because it is short. Enjoy it with a cup of cocoa next Christmas. 3.5/5

I found this to be a clever tale of white male privilege and an attempt to overcome it in the theatre world. As a former bookseller, I have experienced people (males and even the mothers of boys) reject a book recommendation because the author was female. Others have rejected books for their children because the person on the cover (a person of colour) looked nothing like their kid. The book is a thought provoking read and I enjoyed it. 4/5 stars.

The beginning of this one feels like a 'friend to lover' rom com, until a woman ends up dead. It is not, however, a rom-com or even really a mystery, but more of a feminist coming-of-age story...even though the main character is in her thirties. She is a troubled woman who hates her job and worries about her biological clock and her mother. I did find it very entertaining but found the ending a little rushed. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4/5

This is a brilliant debut novel about family, secrets, love, and ultimately forgiveness. While there is a murder that is central to the plot, and some legal drama, I do not feel it read as a mystery or thriller. Instead, it was a beautifully told story of families facing tragedies and trying to survive. It is both sad and thought provoking and I really enjoyed it. Thank you to both Edelweiss+ and NetGalley for the digital ARCs. 4.5/5

After reading “The Queens of Crime“ in which Sayer is a main character, I felt I should read one of her books. Perhaps I should not have started with her first as I expected more. I think part of my issue was the dated upper crust ways of talking, that was sometimes difficult to understand. I have read that the series gets better, so perhaps I will try another one. The mystery itself in this one was quite clever and certainly unique. 3.25/5

This is a debut that features an archeologist who travels through time to save the world's treasures. Much of the action is in 535 CE Constantinople as he tries to rescue an ancient menorah. I enjoyed it, but I would have preferred less action, less characters and more dialogue. I do recommend it, however, for fans of action-packed historical fiction that are okay with a bit of science fiction as well. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 3.5/4

This is the 8th book in the Eddie Flynn legal thriller series. Normally I like to read a series in order, but so far reading a couple out of order has worked out. I really enjoyed them and look forward to reading the rest of the books. This one has a complicated plot, but one that comes together nicely by the end. I enjoyed the complex characters and the 'shades of grey' they present. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4/5 stars

This is the 10th book in the Orphan X series, and I recommend they be read in order. In this one Evan is conflicted by the actions of his oldest friend and weapons supplier, Tommy. Meanwhile Tommy is called upon to help the son of an old friend. It is an action packed, violent and entertaining story that includes issues of morality and lots soul searching by the main characters including Joey, Evan's ward. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4.25/5

I loved this story! It had a great combination of action, humour, romance and an adorable 'child' character. It also had the wonderful messages of love and acceptance that Klune is known for. While the plot is not an original idea, it is nevertheless still fresh and entertaining. The book is a re-release, and I hope the renewed interest in it prompts someone into developing it as a movie. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 5/5 stars!

This is a mystery set in 1931 and features 5 real female mystery writers as characters, including Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, who narrates the story. When the group are dismissed as not up to snuff at a detective writers club for simply being female, they decide to solve a real mystery. This was a fun story, and I really enjoyed it, as will I think anyone who loves the classic mysteries of that era. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 4/5

This is an over-the-top story about some over-the-top women in a reality show. All the drama, jealousies, name calling, fighting etc. you expect from this setting are here. It is surprisingly entertaining at first, but once someone is killed the story seems to fall apart somewhat and the plotting is all over the place. While it was a fun look at behind the scenes of a reality show, it is not a great mystery. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 3/5

This was a very entertaining psychological thriller about Rosie, a heart transplant recipient, who is obsessed with the donor's husband. The despair some feel after being dumped and their deep desire to find someone else is central to the plot. The book reads a bit like a rom-com until about midway, at which point there is a surprising twist and the thriller aspects become obvious. I really enjoyed the book. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4/5!

I would rate this a pick with caution as this is one I would only recommend to the literary reader. It is told from multiple POVs and jumps back and forth through time, often changing to brand new characters. I found it to be very confusing (I wanted a family tree) and it really should be read more than once. That said, the writing is beautiful and very thought provoking, and each chapter held my interest, but I admit I wanted more. 3.5/5 stars.

Strout tells stories the way my husband says I tell stories (we both wander and interrupt ourselves) and yet I could never hope to speak as beautifully as she writes. Her books find meaning in the simple things and as a reader I feel like a fly on the wall in people's homes. Strout's books illustrate that everyone has a story worth telling. I recommend starting at the beginning of the series to really enjoy these wonderful tales. 4/5 stars

This is a beautifully written and weirdly wonderful story. The Alaska setting plays a large part in this tale that feels like an adult fairy tale. There is love, both romantic and parental, coming of age and the adventure of living in an isolated location. I really enjoyed the characters, Birdie's searching for her place, Arthur's struggles and especially Emaleen's young wisdom and imagination. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4.25/5!

This was an entertaining read, despite finding some of the behaviour by the characters to be somewhat unrealistic. I was surprised to find it described as a thriller, as I would say it is more a character driven tale of best friends, manipulation and romance. I particularly enjoyed the early friendship years. The book within a book and multiple POVs worked well and there were some nice humorous moments. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4/5 stars

This is the 4th book in the Erin McCabe mystery series and I recommend starting with the 1st one, “By Way of Sorrow“. These are legal thrillers featuring a trans woman lawyer, Erin, & her law partner (a black male). This case deals with racist & homophobic police and a murder. The story also follows Erin in her personal life. I have really enjoyed all of these books, the mysteries are good and the various morality issues are covered well. 4/5 !

This is a strange tale of a young girl who has been sent away by her mom to stay safe during a war and is now on her own. Together with a 'talking' goose, they roam the country. It is a book that is quirky, tragic, humorous, feminist and thought provoking. I enjoyed it, but did find it a bit odd for my tastes, although I suspect it really needs to be read more than once. It is for the literary reader or those who like something different. 3.5/5

J T Klune is, to me, the Fredrik Backman of fantasy. Like Backman, his stories are entertaining & sometimes humorous but woven through them are important life lessons about love & acceptance, right & wrong and the power of nurture. As I turned the last page of this book (at 3 am) I knew I had read a great novel and although I was happy to finish it (I did have to sleep), I was sad to leave this wonderful cast of characters. I loved this book. 5/5

This is a mystery thriller set in Toronto. Dame learned a lot from her PI dad and when she finds herself being evicted she pretends to offer his services to the landlord in order to stay. Her dad has had a stroke, so she will be doing the work. The story has some great characters and the mystery plotting is well done. There is romance, humour, some violence, arson and city hall shenanigans. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more. 4.5/5!

This is a memoir about a young man who is not finding satisfaction with his job and on a whim buys a very rundown off grid cabin. We follow his adventures as he upgrades the place on a very limited budget and with no previous skills to draw on. Along the way he learns more about life and what he wants out of it. Thanks to both NetGalley and Edelweiss+ for the digital ARCs. I really enjoyed it as it was light & funny, but still a worthy read. 4/5

This is a sequel to “The Hidden Storyteller“ and “The Berlin Girl“ and while not absolutlely necessary, I do think it would be better reading them in the correct sequence. I always enjoy this author and was not disappointed. Not only was it a great historical thriller (Nazi hunting), I learned something new (London's 1952 Great Smog). I really hope to see these wonderful characters again. Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4.5/5 stars!

Genova always manages to educate as she entertains and she succeeds in doing that once again with this novel. This time she tackles 'bipolar disorder'. Told from the POV of a young woman suffering with it, the book reads at a different pace, depending on whether she is manic, depressed or steady and thus captures the feeling somewhat for the reader. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I enjoyed it and came away entertained and more knowledgeable. 4/5

This is a wonderful debut novel. It is an historical fiction inspired author's grandparents lives and is set in China in the late 1800's. It is a sad and in some ways tragic telling of the restricted lives led by women at that time, but it is not without hope. I would have given it a full five stars, but the ending felt a little rushed. I did still really love the story. and wait for more from this author. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 4.5/5

I did not realize this was a sequel, so found myself finding it hard to follow at the beginning. Once I got further into the story and sorted out the characters, I really enjoyed it. It is a telling of the mythological tale of Troy, but told from the point of view of the women. In spite of being a darkly violent and tragic tale, the strength of the women and their sisterhood made for a great read. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4/5 stars

This was a romcom with enough depth to make it feel like a slightly more serious book than many in the genre. Of course, true to the genre, there was a lot of humor and a modicum of spice. It follows Emma who has just completed a year of sobriety and is ready to move on with her life. She soon realizes that even sober, life can be hard. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I really enjoyed it, as it was light but did not feel like fluff. 4/5 stars

This was a powerful fictional adventure story about a pair of estranged sisters who are mountain climbers. There is sibling drama, romance, intense thrills and tears. It is told in two timelines (before the estrangement and the present) and from two POVs (both sisters). The writing felt as if it was a true story and I really enjoyed it even without climbing knowledge, finding it hard to put it down. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.5/5