Book Review: Murder at the Mayfair Hotel by CJ Archer

Author: C.J. Archer

Title: Murder at the Mayfair Hotel

Series: Cleopatra Fox #1

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 395

Published: November 30, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

December 1899. After the death of her beloved grandmother, Cleopatra Fox moves into the luxury hotel owned by her estranged uncle in the hopes of putting hardship and loneliness behind her. But the poisoning of a guest on Christmas Eve throws her new life, and the hotel, into chaos. Cleo quickly realizes no one can be trusted, not Scotland Yard and especially not the hotel’s charming assistant manager. With the New Year’s Eve ball approaching fast and the hotel’s reputation hanging by a thread, Cleo must find the killer before the ball, and the hotel itself, are ruined. But catching a murderer proves just as difficult as navigating the hotel’s hierarchy and the peculiarities of her family. Can Cleo find the killer before the new century begins? Or will someone get away with murder?

Review:

I've seen this book everywhere, so I decided to give it a chance when it was free on Amazon. Love me a historical fiction mixed with a good mystery!!!!

Cleo Fox moves into a luxury hotel owned by her estranged uncle in hopes of putting the past behind her. She wants to move forward and reforge these family bonds. However, after the poisoning of a guest on Christmas Eve, her life is turned upside down. No one can be trusted, especially not Scotland Yard. With the New Year's Eve ball fast approaching and the hotel's reputation on the line, Cleo must find out who the killer is. 

The first half of the book had me addicted!  I was glued. The last half? It started dragging a little bit for me. Maybe I was just anxious to find out who the killer was? IDK. I was just ready for the story to wrap up nicely, and we go on our merry way. 

Plus, Cleo is supposed to be this brainiac, but she made a lot of silly mistakes and pointed fingers that made no sense. Maybe she'll tighten up in the next one? Yes, she was a bit sheltered and naive.  Maybe that iswhy she made some obvious errors. 

The last couple of chapters had me glued again. 

We'll see. If I come across book 2 and it is free...maybe. 

I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Audiobook Review: The Hammer of God by Arthur C. Clarke

Author: Arthur C Clarke

Narrator: Jonathan Davis
Title: The Hammer of God

Genre: SciFi
Format: Audiobook
Published: January 1, 1992
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

In the year 2110 technology has cured most of our worries. But even as humankind enters a new golden age, an amateur astronomer points his telescope at just the right corner of the night sky and sees disaster hurtling toward Earth: a chunk of rock that could annihilate civilization. While a few fanatics welcome the apocalyptic destruction as a sign from God, the greatest scientific minds of Earth desperately search for a way to avoid the inevitable. On board the starship Goliath Captain Robert Singh and his crew must race against time to redirect the meteor form its deadly collision course. Suddenly they find themselves on the most important mission in human history--a mission whose success may require the ultimate sacrifice.

Review:

I've heard about this book for years, but never gave it a chance. I decided to finally give it a read.

We are in the year 2110, and technology and AI are the least of our worries. They have cured most of them, but there is a disaster heading straight towards Earth. One huge chunk of rock could annihilate all of civilization. There are some fanatics that welcome it since they see it as an act of God. However, the greatest scientific minds want to stop it. Starship Goliath and its crew race against time to redirect the meteor. 

This was certainly a story to read. It inspired many, many SciFi movies, so it was interesting for sure. 

The pacing was a little slow for such a thriller and high-tension situation. I feel like there was a lot of filler and a lot of deep dives. Don't get me wrong. I like understanding the world and how we got to where we are. However, there was a lot of history lessons that didn't really help the story along. 

The mix of religion was a nice touch, though. It showed that even in the future, there might be some folks trying to stop science and push their religion. 

The ending. Oof.

The narrator did a good job. I liked his voices, and he helped me stay involved with the story during the info-dumping sections. 

Overall, this was a good read. Just be prepared for some serious tech, history, and world info-dumping. The narrator helped me stay involved with the story and made it come to life. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #3

Audiobook Review: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Author: Kendare Blake

Narrator: Amy Landon
Title: Three Dark Crowns

Series: Three Dark Crowns #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: September 20, 2016
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

When kingdom come, there will be one.

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born—three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.

The last queen standing gets the crown.

Review:

First book club book of 2026! Weeeeeee!

Here we follow three sisters. All three are queens and equal heirs to the crown, and all are magical. However, there can only be one queen to rule them all. Mirabella is an elemental. Katharine is a poisoner who can ingest poisons. Arsinoe is a naturalist. This will be a fight to the death on the night of the sisters' 16th birthday. 

How cool is this concept? Def royals meets fantasy meets Hunger Games. Loved the idea and the concept. I wouldn't want to live here, but the powers would be lovely. I guess I would just want to be a civilian. I wouldn't make a good queen. 

The execution of the story was...okay. It was so slow and so dry in the beginning. Yes, we are learning about the sisters and the world and the rules, etc. However, it took forever for anything to really happen. Plus, we had a lot of POVs going on. Not just the queens, but a lot of their friends, etc. Sure, I didn't mind getting a glimpse of the world, but I think I would've liked this more if it were just the queens' POVs. 

Also, I did the audio of this. I wonder if I would've appreciated the multiple POVs if I did the ebook/physical book of it. It would've been easier to follow along. There were a couple of times I was confused about who was saying what. I had to rewind a couple of times. Don't get me wrong, the narrator is good! I have listened to her before, but so many POVs and soooo many characters, it is hard to have a different voice for each person. 

OMG, the end. I need to read book 2. Dayum. 

Oh! There was another scene a few pages back that had me audibly gasp! Holy cannoli batman!

Overall, I did enjoy myself while listening to this. I think I would've liked it more if I did a different format and/or if we have less POVs. I do want to read book 2 because things have HEATED up. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #2

- Library Love #3

TMST: Favorite Decade(s)

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

1/27/2026 What's your favorite decade and why? (You do not need to have lived through it!)

I've been bad at joining in on this weekly posting! My goal this year is to try and do one or two a month (at minimum). They are such fun prompts!

I'm a huge history buff and I loved parts of my childhood. But what always stuck in my head was the 1760s, 1770s, and 1780s. The aesthetic is just so...beautiful. It's always been one of my favorite time periods. The looks. The fashion. The colors. It just speaks to me. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Still Mad About You by Liz Maverick

Release date: 08-28-25

Narrators: Luci Christian Bell, Andrew Eiden, Helen Laser

Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher: Audible Originals

Categories: Romance

I like these short audible novellas. But the whole sound effect things throws me at times. I was out skiing and then suddenly there was this sound and I freaked out something was behind me, lol. But yes when you are inside it works well.

Dani and Asher became enemies in High School and now they have to plan a scavenger hunt. But this is a novella they actually talk and reach some common ground. Sometimes High School drama is not the entire world.

They have fun hanging out together and sparks fly. It was cute and short.

Good narration. I am sure I recognize the guy from other audible ones and the woman too. They work well together. And yes cool effects too that bring it to life

Years after being locked in a fierce high school rivalry, Danielle Green and Asher Williams are forced to team up again. The plan their high school reunion in New York. As they set up a citywide treasure hunt for their former classmates, old tensions reignite…along with unexpected sparks.

Dani never forgave Ash for stealing the class presidency more than a decade ago, but she’s determined to keep her cool while stuck together with him during the hot Manhattan summer. Trouble is, Dani isn’t prepared for Ash’s easy charm and thoughtful gestures, and Ash isn’t ready for his secret teenage crush on Dani to return with a vengeance.

As the ice between them melts and grudges fade into the past, Dani and Ash just might discover that the real treasure at the end of the chase was there all along.

Movie Reviews: Billy Madison, Murder Mystery, & Just Go With It

Sometimes I just need some silly and fun Adam Sandler movies in my life! I find myself needing a good movie marathon of his movies to lighten my mood. Weeee!

Simply a classic. One of my faves of his! 5 stars!

 

Had to rewatch this one! Still fun after all this time! 5 stars 

I never seen this one before!!! Not sure how this slipped through the cracks. But yes. Cheesy...unbelievable, but a huge laugh. 4 stars. 

Book Review: The Missing Cupcake by Megan D. Wood

Author: Megan D. Wood

Title: The Missing Cupcake

Genre: Short Story, Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 23

Published: June 12, 2025

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Lucy works in marketing but dreams of opening her own bakery in the future. She loves testing recipes, posting her creations online, and sharing her most successful treats with the office staff. So when the caterer drops out of one of the corporate events she’s planning and a colleague volunteers her to supply the dessert—one hundred cupcakes—Lucy feels like she has to accept the challenge.

If she performs well, it could lead to the promotion she’s had her eye on, which should come with a pay raise that will help make her bakery dreams a reality.

But there’s a she has to make those one hundred cupcakes in the tiny kitchen of her one-bedroom, Boston-based apartment, and she has to do it in one night. And of course that one night is her anniversary with Ian.

Ian isn’t typically a planner, and Lucy knows he’s gone out of his way to make this anniversary extra special. But this opportunity could be huge for her—for her future, which she hopes Ian will be part of.

Her decision to spend the night in her kitchen instead of at a romantic dinner for two with Ian seems to put a strain on their relationship just as Lucy starts the daunting task of baking and decorating the cupcakes.

Can Lucy finish and deliver all of the cupcakes in time for the event? More importantly, can she do it and somehow save her relationship with Ian?

Review:

This was a random grab a few weeks ago. The cover was just so cute and I had to know about this missing cupcake. I didn't read the summary before jumping in. 

Lucy wants to own her very own bakery. But that seems like a pipedream until a caterer drops out of her corporate event. And now she has a chance to show her skill! She has to make 100 cupcakes and if she succeeds, she might just get the promotion and pay raise so she can start saving for her bakery. Problem is....she has a small apartment and a small kitchen, and she only has one night to bake these cupcakes. Also....it is her anniversary with Ian. Will she be able to have her cake and eat it, too?

Do I remember what I read? Barely. And mind you...it was only like 23 pages. Everything went by in a blur, and the drama was silly. Why is she even concerned? It's just an anniversary that can be celebrated the next day or whatever. :S

Ian was immature. 

Lucy was an overthinker, and she deserved better. 

Sure, it seems Ian does "justice" by her at the end, but I would be pissed if he used one of the cupcakes. >_> DUDE, I have to make 100 cupcakes. Like wtf man. 

I was hoping for some actual mystery and maybe more romance. The chemistry felt as flat as a pancake. 

Maybe, just maybe, I'm not seeing the full picture with this romance. Maybe we need another short of them after she opens her bakery. 

I'll give this 2 stars because I did like Lucy. She deserves the world and more. Go away, Ian. 

Book Review: Wild Scottish Knight by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Title: Wild Scottish Knight

Series: The Enchanted Highlands #1

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Pages: 316

Published: April 4, 2023

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Opposites attract in this modern-day fairytale when American, Sophie MacKnight, inherits a Scottish castle along with a hot grumpy Scotsman who is tasked with training her to be a magickal knight before the Kelpies wreak havoc on the people of Loren Brae.

The knight was supposed to be a man.

Not me, Sophie MacKnight, a marketing associate from California.

This must be a practical joke that the Scots play on visiting Americans. Because otherwise I’ve inherited a haunted castle in Scotland, along with one irritatingly sexy Scotsman, who would be delighted if I turned tail and ran.

Frankly, I thought I would fly here, sell the heap of bricks, and head back home to a life that I…well, I was comfortable with at the very least. Instead, the people of Loren Brae are in trouble, and it appears that as the new owner of the castle, I’m next in line to reinstate the magickal Order of Caledonia. Which means, first, I have to learn to believe in magick. And secondly, I have to train to become a knight.

And my trainer? None other than Lachlan Campbell, the grumpiest man I’ve ever had the annoyance of meeting. It’s a toss-up who is pricklier, Lachlan, or his kilted Chihuahua, Sir Buster. Not only does Lachlan think that I can’t hack it, but he also resents my claim on his castle.

If only he didn’t look so devastatingly hot in his kilt.

Now, I’m stuck proving myself to him, all while trying to figure out how to help my new friends in Loren Brae.

Sparks fly as our swords meet, and we battle our rising attraction for each other.

Who will win in this (Highland) game of love?

Review:

I adore this author, so I had to check this one out. 

Sophie has inherited a Scottish castle from her beloved uncle. When she arrives, there is alot more than just having a castle to renovate....there are Kelpies out to destroy the village, she is a Knight, she has to learn magic, there are ghosts, and there is a grumpy man who doesn't seem to want her there. 

This was a hoot. I had a lot of fun with our characters and the situation. Poor Sophie. That is a lot to take on, but she needed this adventure. She was stuck in a life she didn't truly want. 

This was def a "light" fantasy, and I appreciated that. I didn't want to get too deep into the weeds of the magical world. Sure, there are real threats and some fights and dramatic moments, but it was cozy in a way. 

One thing that annoyed me was that I struggled with the chemistry between these two until near the end. Maybe he was too grumpy? I loveeeee grumpy, but maybe he was just too closed off for me to buy it. Maybe they were slightly overshadowed because of the chemistry between two side characters. Their banter was on fire. Can we see them finally fall in love? IDK. I just didn't really feel their chemistry at first. 

Other than that, I had a lot of fun with this story. This felt more like a fantasy chick lit tbh. 

4 stars. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Evergreen by Buck Turner

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Release date: 01-20-26 by Tantor Media

YA Fiction(to review)

A coming of age YA book with heart and turmoil.

Cole moves with his mother and sister to a small town after his dad died in an accident. He does not want to move, or start a new school. But almost at once he befriends a pretty girl next door. One who carries a heavy past.

He meets new friends, and also does something no one dares to do. Goes up the mountain to talk with the hermit who lives there. The scary old man who is said to have killed 3 teenagers. But Cole is a good guy and together with his new friends he tries to find out what happened to those missing teenagers to clear the name of his new chess partner.

There is also faith as his new friend takes him to church and he tries to deal with the questions of could he have saved his dad if he had prayed harder?

And something unexplainable comes in at the end. I can not tell you of it, but there is something mystical in those woods.

Heart, mystery, first love and friendship.

Good narration. He had a good feel of the story and it flowed very well and I felt these different characters.

Cole Mercer is a young man angry at the world...and for good reason. After the sudden loss of his father, Cole's mother moves them hundreds of miles away from all that is familiar to the sleepy town of Evergreen, North Carolina. He struggles to settle in, but navigating difficult classmates is offset by the beautiful girl next door. And he begins to understand there's something different about this small southern town and the forest that surrounds it, which seems to have more of a presence than it should.

Nothing in Evergreen is quite what it seems.

Listeners will fall in love with Evergreen's southern charm and the love story at its center which transcends time.

Book Review: Letters from Father Christmas by JRR Tolkien

Author: JRR Tolkien

Title: Letters from Father Christmas

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Pages: 209

Published: February 15, 2012

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R.Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting and a beautiful coloured drawing or some sketches. The letters were from Father Christmas.

They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how all the reindeer got loose and scattered presents all over the place; how the accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas’s house into the dining-room; how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with the troublesome horde of goblins who lived in the caves beneath the house!

Review:

This is just so wholesome. I wish it had been available near Xmas for me, but there was a long line for this little guy! It came precisely when it meant to, I guess. 

This is a compiled collection of Santa letters Tolkien wrote for his children over a span of many years. How freakin' adorable?

I honestly would love to purchase a physical version of this. Yes, the ebook was fine, but I do not think it did the drawings justice. They looked so cute and fun. Those kids were extremely blessed to have a dad do this for them. 

The stories were fun and creative. What else would you expect from the legend? 

The ending had me holding back tears. It was a lovely way to end the letters. I'm sure he was so upset that his kiddos were too old for the letters. You could sense it. 

I would read this again, but I really want the physical version. 

5 stars. 

Reading Challenges

-  Library Love #2

Audiobook Review: Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce

Author: Kristy Boyce

Narrator: Abigail Reno
Title: Dating and Dragons

Series: Gaming and Romance #2

Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: December 31, 2024
Where I Got It: My shelf (gift)

Summary: 

Quinn Norton is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to making friends. The plan sounds even better when she’s invited into a group that includes Logan Weber, the cute and charming guy she met on her first day of class. But this isn’t your average D&D campaign— this group livestreams their games and enforces strict rules: no phones allowed, and no dating other group members.

Quinn is willing to accept the rules, even if it makes Logan off-limits. And she quickly learns that doing so won’t be a problem, since Logan goes from charismatic to insufferable as soon as she agrees to join. As their bickering—and bantering—intensifies inside and outside the game, Quinn can’t help wondering: Is Logan’s infuriating behavior a smokescreen for hidden feelings? Quinn is risking it all, and the twenty-sided dice are rolling!

Review:

I was given this as a giftie because I had really loved book 1. It was so fun.

Here we have Quinn and Logan. Quinn is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to starting this new life with new friends. This sounds like a perfect plan when she notices that Logan is part of the group. He was nothing but smiles and kindness on her first day. This group has special and strict rules since they live stream their sessions: no phones and no dating other group members. She quickly learns the no-dating rule won't be a problem since Logan went from charming to insufferable as soon as he finds out she is joining the group. As their bickering and bantering intensify, Quinn can't help but wonder....is Logan's jerk behavior a smokescreen to hidden feelings? Would it be worth Quinn finding out?

This can be read as a standalone. This doesn't really tie into the other book. Different group and different school. There are some cameos, but you can read this one without the other one. Bummer, but oh well. 

This was very sweet, and I loved everyone. I especially loved Quinn's granny. She was hilarious and fun! She had me in stitches. I want to be her when I grow up!!!!!

Quinn was sweet. The girl needs some therapy, though. Her last group of friends was TOXIC with a capital T. 

Logan, once you see past the asshole-ness, is very sweet as well. Very charming. No wonder he plays a bard so well. 

There were a couple of little plot "twists" that were added. Sure, I get WHY...drama baby, drama...but it just bogged down the story a bit for my liking. I do not think it was necessary to add more fuel to the angst and pining for these two. Gah. Poor Quinn.

The narrator did a good job. All her teen boy voices were very similar, so you really have to focus and listen. But other than that - I liked her. She did well. 

In the end, I enjoyed this a lot. A nice new group of teens finding love in D&D and finding love at the table. The "live streaming" was a nice element. I hope we see them in the next book. Even a cameo would be nice. 

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #1

Book Review: At First Spite by Olivia Dade

Author: Olivia Dade

Title: At First Spite

Series: Harlot's Bay #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 400

Published: February 13, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

When Athena Greydon’s fiancé ends their engagement, she has no choice but to move into the Spite House she recklessly bought him as a wedding gift. Which is a problem, for several reasons: The house, originally built as a brick middle finger to the neighbors, is only ten feet wide. Her ex’s home is literally attached to hers. And Dr. Matthew Vine the Freaking Third—AKA the uptight, judgy jerk who convinced his younger brother to leave her—is living on her other side, only a four-foot alley away.

If she has to see Matthew every time she looks out her windows, she might as well have some fun with the situation. By, say, playing erotic audiobooks at top volume with those windows open. A woman living in a Spite House is basically obligated to get petty payback however she can, right?

Unfortunately, loathing Matthew proves more difficult than anticipated. He helps her move. He listens. And he’s kind of…hot? Dammit.

Matthew may not regret ending his brother's engagement, but he does regret what the breakup has done to Athena. He'll help her however he can. If that means finding her work, fine. If that means enduring nightly steamy story hours, so be it. And if that means watching Athena through their windows a bit too often and caring about her a bit too much…well, nothing can come of it. She’ll never forgive him. Even if she did, how could he ever tell his beloved younger brother the truth—that Matthew wants the very same woman he encouraged Johnny to leave?

Review:

Randomly stumbled upon this on Amazon while looking for something else. This sounded cute, and I love the cover. 

Here we follow Athena, who thought she had it all, but her fiancé leaves her at the instance of his brother. Now she is stuck with a tiny house squeezed in between theirs. If she is stuck with her ex-brother-in-law, she might as well have fun by messing with him. Matthew doesn't regret ending his brother's engagement, but he does feel terrible for Athena. But it was for the best. He will do what he can to help Athena, even if that means helping her find work, enduring her audiobooks, and seeing her too much. 

This was absolutely ridiculous, and the premise was chaotic at the best of times. BUT I had fun reading it. 

The dialogue was cheesy, but it was amusing. 

The characters were wild, and Athena was too much sometimes, but they were adorable. 

I had a lot of fun with this, but the ending? Ugh. He should've groveled and begged and pleaded. Athena is far too kind. 

All-in-all, I did enjoy this chaotic story. It was fun, and the characters were endearing, even though I think Athena needed to make Matthew earn her back. Grrr!

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

-  Reading Romance Challenge #1 (necktie)

Blodeuedd's Mondays: The Ritual by Adam Nevill

Format: 432 pages, Paperback

Published: February 14, 2012 by St. Martin’s Griffin

Horror/borrowed

Ok, I admit, I am not really a horror fan because I get scared, I have nightmares. I also do not want it bloody. But this book was so good! And really scary.

The first half is about 4 friends hiking through the Swedish wilderness. Two are out of shape and has had accidents so they decide to take what they believe is a shortcut through the woods.

Oh those woods were scary. I like when it is that creepy feeling that you never see anything, but something is out there. Something dangerous. And then they find creepy things. That intense uncomfortable feeling is growing.

But then after half the book the mood shifted, it was still good, but not as scary. Now it was more real and weird. I did prefer the first scary part, as the second part was never scary....I mean the threat of death is constant, but you would have to read it to see.

Great scary book

When four old University friends set off into the Scandinavian wilderness of the Arctic Circle, they aim to briefly escape the problems of their lives and reconnect with one another. But when Luke, the only man still single and living a precarious existence, finds he has little left in common with his well-heeled friends, tensions rise. With limited experience between them, a shortcut meant to ease their hike turns into a nightmare scenario that could cost them their lives. Lost, hungry, and surrounded by forest untouched for millennia, Luke figures things couldn't possibly get any worse.

But then they stumble across an old habitation. Ancient artifacts decorate the walls and there are bones scattered upon the dry floors. The residue of old rites and pagan sacrifice for something that still exists in the forest. Something responsible for the bestial presence that follows their every step. As the four friends stagger in the direction of salvation, they learn that death doesn't come easy among these ancient trees…

Book Review: The Christmas Stocking by Fern Michaels

Author: Fern Michaels

Title: The Christmas Stocking

Genre: Chick Lit, Short story, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 85

Published: October 27, 2020

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors’ center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has his own ideas about saving the farm his father has neglected. Neither wants to give up, but when attraction turns to romance, they just might have to give in . . .

Review:

Whoops. Meant to type this review a couple of days ago....whoopsies. We'll see how much I remember. 

A nice short story set during Christmas. Amy is determined to raise money for a new seniors' center. She wants to do this by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm from her childhood. Trouble walks in when Gus has his own ideas about saving the farm. It belongs to his family, and his father has neglected it. Neither wants to give up, but something is brewing in the air between them. 

Honestly...I started this before the New Year and right before Christmas, but it fell away, and I forgot about it. And then I got the reminder that the book was due back soon. Eeek. Thank goodness this is a short story!

This was entertaining enough. I like this author, so I thought this would be lovely for the holidays. However, the story and characters felt...overplayed. Maybe I read too many Xmas books lately. Maybe the author just needs more time with the story and the characters to flesh it out a bit? Maybe I am a Grinch with the holidays being over?

So yeaaaaaa....eh. Not bad by any means, it just felt boring. Nothing took me by surprise. 

2 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #1 

Book Review: Marmee by Sarah Miller

Author: Sarah Miller

Title: Marmee

Genre: Historical Fiction, Retelling

Format: paperback

Pages: 423

Published: October 4, 2022

Where I got It: My shelf (An Xmas gift)

Summary: 

In 1861, war is raging in the South, but in Concord, Massachusetts, Margaret March has her own battles to fight. With her husband serving as an army chaplain, the comfort and security of Margaret's four daughters-- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy--now rest on her shoulders alone. Money is tight and every month, her husband sends less and less of his salary with no explanation. Worst of all, Margaret harbors the secret that these financial hardships are largely her fault, thanks to a disastrous mistake made over a decade ago which wiped out her family's fortune and snatched away her daughters' chances for the education they deserve.

Yet even with all that weighs upon her, Margaret longs to do more--for the war effort, for the poor, for the cause of abolition, and most of all, for her daughters. Living by her watchwords, "Hope and keep busy," she fills her days with humdrum charity work to keep her worries at bay. All of that is interrupted when Margaret receives a telegram from the War Department, summoning her to her husband's bedside in Washington, D.C. While she is away, her daughter Beth falls dangerously ill, forcing Margaret to confront the possibility that the price of her own generosity toward others may be her daughter's life.

A stunning portrait of the paragon of virtue known as Marmee, a wife left behind, a mother pushed to the brink, a woman with secrets.

Review:

I started this book in December but I had to put it on the backburner. It was just so sad and I didn't need sad during the holidays. Buuuut I picked it back up and it is the first book of 2026.

I hate being lazy, but I'm feeling super meh today, so we'll divide and conquer this review. 

The Good

- I loved reading Marmee's POV. It was nice reading her feelings. 

- It was sad, but still enjoyable. 

- The author did a great job capturing the vibe of the original book and bringing it to her version. I think the author would approve. 

- Such a beautiful tale. 

The Bad and the Ugly

- You will need a Kleenex because you will cry. Not necessarily a bad thing, but just a nice word of warning. 

- The ending....you can't leave us like this. Will there be a book 2???????

Conclusion

Overall, I did enjoy this a lot. The ending...ugh. You can't just leave us like this. We need another book!!!!

I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: To Be Loved By You by Debbie Burns

Rescue Me, Book 6

By: Debbie Burns

Narrated by: Stina Nielsen

Series: Rescue Me, Book 6

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Release date: 01-13-26 by Tantor Media

Contemporary romance/to review

This was a cute romance with lots of rescue animals.

Jeremy has some trauma of his own, and because of that he has a therapy program for at risk kids.

Ava is a yoga teacher/realtor who he meets at a dog wash event. She has a short marriage behind her, but she at least is open.

They meet again at her dog yoga. They get friendly. He has an adorable dog, he wants to foster more dogs. There are rescue kittens. So many cute animals. Of course they have to fall in love when caring for so many animals.

The drama is the hurts of his past and if he can get over that.

Happily ever after with animals. Cute story. Good narration that made you follow along

Jeremy Washington couldn't be happier running his own therapy program for at-risk teens. Between weekend service projects and hanging out with his faithful rescue dog, Rolo, Jeremy doesn't have time to date--which is fine with him considering the mess his early marriage turned out to be. The only thing he needs now is a new project for the kids in his program, and the High Grove Animal Shelter has the perfect opportunity--a group of dogs and puppies needing foster care.

At the rescue site, Jeremy meets Ava Graham, a yoga teacher looking to expand her practice. Jeremy thinks the kids would really benefit from learning yoga, and Ava's the perfect person to help--maybe too perfect. Ava's beautiful, talented, and funny--and she has the biggest heart Jeremy has seen in a long time. But can Ava convince him that mixing business and pleasure could be the key to rescuing his heart?

2026 Reading Challenges

Another year and more books! I'm cutting a couple of challenges for 2026, so I can go heavy on a couple of the others. Let's gooooo!

Goodreads -  Read 144 books

Romance Reading Bingo - Supreme Ruler of Bingo level! Full sheet again baby! Also, I would love to get a bingo before spring ;) 

2026 Library Love Challenge - Library Addict - 48 books

2026#Audiobook Challenge - Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

Best of the Year...BC Awards

Welcome to the BC Awards!!! We will be showcasing our favorites from the year!

Best Movie:

Blodeuedd's pick......KPop Demon Hunters (2025)

Carole's pick.......Nuremberg (2025)

Top 3 Binged TV Shows (no order):

Carole's pick............The Daily Show, Ghosts, & Downton Abbey

Blodeuedd's pick............The Lady's Companion, Ghosts, & High Potential

Best Book Re-Read:

Blodeuedd's pick.....Written in Red, Murder of Crows, & Vision in Silver

Carole's pick......Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Best Book Cover:

Carole's pick......

Blodeuedd's pick.....

Best Audiobook:

Blodeuedd's pick...........A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong

Carole's pick.......Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Best Physical Book (ebook, paperback, hardcover): 

Carole's pick.....Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh

Blodeuedd's pick........A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

Notable Mentions: 

Blodeuedd's pick......Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, One Dark Window, & The Housemaid

Carole's pick......A Rip Through Time & The Collected Regrets of Clover

And that is the end of the BC Awards. We are pumped to see what 2026 has in store for us!!