May 2023 Mini Reviews - part 2
Bergman Brothers #6
Published: 13th April 2023 by Penguin
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.
These books have received so much attention on BookTok recently so I was excited to give the latest book in this series a go, and I really liked it! I was slightly worried that coming into it, knowing it follows a whole family and that this concerned the youngest, Sigrid, would mean that I couldn't engage with the story, but that wasn't a problem at all. In fact, I think being introduced to this family from the perspective of the youngest sibling was actually a great way to come into it, as it heightened the overly protective natures of the older siblings and how they really viewed Sigrid as a baby, which is what she is hoping to break free from. Sigrid being autistic felt very important, especially as it allowed Sebastian to show his caring nature towards catering to her needs and making sure she always felt comfortable. I loved the two of them together and how Sebastian became part of this huge family that I can't wait to read more about!
4 stars
To Swoon and to Spar by Martha Waters
The Regency Vows #4
Published: 11th April 2023 by Headline
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.
I have really been in the mood for a Regency Romance recently - I'm not sure if it's because I just finished watching Queen Charlotte or because it's been a topic of conversation in one of my seminars recently - but either way, this definitely satisfied my craving! I had heard of this series, and again, was slightly hesitant to dip in with To Swoon and to Spar because it's the 4th in the series, but it didn't matter at all! I actually think it being about Penvale, the older brother of Diana, was a good dynamic to read about, and I loved the different locations of Cornwall and London. I thought the pace of the slow-burn romance between Jane and Penvale was perfectly timed, and though I found it a bit slow to get into I found myself really wanting to dive back into it towards the end. I'll definitely be going back and reading the first 3 in this series!
and Other Essential Ghosts by Soraya Palmer
Published: 27th April 2023 by Serpent's Tail
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.
If I'm being completely honest, I was drawn into the book by its beautiful cover and its intriguingly long title, but I'm glad that these things drew me in because it was a really interesting book! I love family dynamics, especially between mothers and daughters, and between sisters, so to get both was great, and I think seeing the differences between each of the older sisters with their mum helped to set the tone of the book. I really liked the way magical realism was woven into the childhood tales told to the two daughters, and hwo they struggled with some more spiritual and religious issues as they got older. Although it provided essential context, I did much prefer the more contemporary-set chapters than Beatrice and Nigel's origin story, which was a bit of a shame. I will be keeping my eye out for Palmer's next work.
3 stars
The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
Published: 27th April 2023 by Ultimo Press
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.
I have to say I was drawn in by the great front cover of this, and I do love a good murder-mystery, but unfortunately, while there was a lot I enjoyed about The Woman in the Library, there was a lot I really didn't too. Once I understand the format of the book, of the whole story-within-a-story element, I did really enjoy that part of it, and found myself wanting more of the real-life mystery compared to the fictional book being written inside the story. I did find the writing to be quite clunky at times, especially some of the dialogue, and I couldn't tell if it was an in-joke because of the whole 'Australian author writing American characters' aspect or if there really was just a disconnect. I found Leo creepy from the start and eagerly anticipated finding out his role in the whole thing, but I found the actual murders within the plot of the book to be lacklustre, and the reveal of the killer's identity disappointed me.
3 stars
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