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Content Warning: violence, murder, death (including that of a child), bullying, hazing, abortion, misogyny, self-harm, drugs, suicide, depression, parental neglect, parental abuse, drugs.

On a tiny, secluded Irish island, a wedding is being held. As the guests gather, old jealousies rise and once-healed wounds open once more, and in a place so cut off from the rest of the world, it seems as if the rules of society no longer apply. While a storm begins to rage outside, someone is murdered, sending everyone into a frenzy -- and uncovering decades-old secrets...

As a massive fan of mysteries and thrillers, Lucy Foley's books have been on my radar for quite some time. Although it has been quite popular, the reviews have been rather mixed; it seems as if no one merely likes or dislikes this book, but instead loves or hates it. I figured it might be something right up my alley, what with the beautiful, isolated island and the ensemble cast, and as it happens, I was right!

The main gist of this book is a timeless story: everyone gathered together, hiding their own dark secrets and resentments. Of course I must compare it with And Then There Were None, seeing as it follows a similar, classic formula, one that I personally can't get enough of. Combined with an atmosphere that is so vividly rendered it feels as if you, too, are surrounded by Irish mists, bogs and greenery, that's more than enough for me to enjoy this rather wild ride.

All of the characters are wonderfully awful, bordering on detestable, and I loved discovering their personal tragedies, not to mention delighting in their sheer talent at being absolutely despicable. Some of the characters -- namely Hannah and Olivia -- are actually likable and easy to sympathize with, but be warned that the rest of them are all rich, white and insufferable. Julia was another character that I couldn't help but adore, despite her many flaws, and it was a little too fun to dive into her headspace.

The mystery itself is rather basic, but speaking honestly, I didn't mind. If you're like me, and thrillers are your thing, then it gets rather easy to guess who and whydunnit -- there's only so many twists and turns in the world. Although many of the character motivations are simple, it ends up making them more relatable and authentic. There were a few things that surprised me, though, so don't get too sure of your predictions! 

It's a four-star for me, simply because I found the ending a touch disappointing, but the entire journey is so fun (in a miserable, dark kind of way) that I have to recommend it. If you love a dark, stormy night and something reminiscent of Christie, check this lovely book out! 

Book Review: The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley

 

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Thank you to NetGalley and Forever of Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC!

Content Warning: homophobia, misogyny, death.

Philippa York is a certified bluestocking. She spends her time running her book circle, chatting with other ladies of a similar disposition, something she'd like to spend her whole life doing -- but her parents are forcing her to marry a man with a title. The Yorks are well-off, and Philippa's father is in the House of Commons, but without a title, they're limited in their status. On the other hand, there's Tommy Wynchester, who spends her time going on capers with her adopted siblings and disguising herself in various costumes. The Wynchesters are a family who have a passion for righting wrongs, and so when one of the women in Philippa's reading circle is the victim of plagiarism by a man who is not only a fraud but outright villain, it's up to Tommy and Philippa to save the day. There's just one problem: Tommy is hopelessly, desperately in love with Philippa, and hoping to win her heart...

I was so excited to read this Regency romance between two women, and I can tell you in no uncertain words that I was not disappointed. Full of wonderful, captivating historical detail, a fun and clever mystery, and two main characters who will win your heart effortlessly, I cannot believe I'd never even heard of Erica Ridley before! Although I didn't read the first book (which is about Tommy's sister, Chloe), I think I will be reading the rest of the series, as well as probably going back to read Chloe's installment, too!

The romance that flourishes between Tommy and Philippa was enough to make me sigh and smile. Although there's many difficulties on their journey, and countless obstacles, this book is both contagiously fun and moving in its depth of emotion. Although the main pull of this book is the main romance, there's also plenty of other intrigues to be found, and that's something I personally like in my romances -- it makes it feel more fleshed out, and also serves in helping the characters to seem more real. I loved all of Tommy's siblings; the dynamics were well-written, and I loved the fact that they felt so authentic to my own relationship with my sister! 

Like all books in this genre, there's a few misunderstandings between Philippa and Tommy, but they were realistic (given the attitudes of the time) and I found myself able to sympathize with both sides when they fought. They don't go on for an excessively long amount of time, either, which was such a huge relief. Instead of raging at one another, they tried their best to communicate and put themselves in the other's shoes. Not only does that make for good reading, but it made it especially easy to root for their happy ending!

I was a tiny bit surprised, as often romances don't make it into the five-star range for me, but this was truly special. Every aspect of it felt sweet, heartwarming, populated by characters who leapt off the page. There's steam, too, and the tension between Philippa and Tommy will definitely have your heart racing. Tommy in particular was insanely dreamy: pure-hearted, flirtatious, sensitive and brave, all rolled into one. You'll definitely be looking for you own Tommy after this! 

This lovely novel comes out on October 26th, and I urge you to give it a go. It's everything you can possibly dream of in a historical lesbian romance, and if you're like me, the addition of a small mystery and taking down  arrogant misogynists will definitely make this a five star for you, too! 

Book Review: Of Trust & Heart by Charlotte Anne Hamilton

 

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Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC!

Content Warning: homophobia, death, misogyny, sexual assault.

Lady Harriet Cunningham knows what she wants, and it isn't to be married to a man she knows she'll never love. During the Great War, Harriet served as a nurse and discovered her attraction and romantic inclination towards women. It's now 1923, and in order to protect her status and reputation, Harriet needs to marry. Spending the season in New York with her playful cousin, Charlie, Harriet's adventure to a gay club goes awry when she meets (and starts to fall for) the beautiful singer, Rosalie Smith. Can Harriet find a way to bring both of her worlds together? And can the relationship between her and Rosalie ever be more than a fling?

When it starts to get chilly outside, I look for two things in my books: something that will either scare me, or something that will fill me with warm, cozy feelings! This sweet romance definitely falls into the second category, and although it's being released on October 18th, this beautiful story of family and love is going to make a perfect Christmas read.

Every day I'm excited by the fact that there are so many great new releases that feature a main romance between two women. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction (which you probably know, if you read this blog or have been on my Goodreads page), and I especially love them when they include diversity -- characters of color, those on the LGBT+ spectrum, you name it! So for me, this was a perfect pick. It's fun to imagine a time when alcohol was illegal, but having a good time was not only expected but encouraged, and I enjoyed the New York (and later Scottish) setting. 

The relationship that develops between Harriet and Rosalie was both sweet and sometimes steamy, and their conversations together usually brought a smile to my face. Her cousin also brings a touch of humor, as well as depth, to Harriet's life. The entirety of Harriet's journey is sweet and heartwarming, the kind of happy story we so often don't get.

 I do have a few nitpicks, though: it's slightly expected in such a short book, but I sometimes felt as if the dynamics were rather underdeveloped. Rosalie was almost without personality, aside from being beautiful, kind and a bit sarcastic. The whole novel suffers from this problem, mainly because the writing does so much telling and so little showing.

Now, in spite of those issues, it didn't stop me from enjoying this book -- or rating it four stars. Sometimes, you just need a book that feels like a big hug, and that's what this provided for me. I also think it's difficult to really flesh a relationship out in such a short format, as I mentioned above, and so I think that's something you have to take into consideration with books like these. This was like watching a historical, lesbian Hallmark movie...something we've never gotten the chance to experience. If you're like me, and that idea sounds way too appealing, you should pick this one up!

I'll be looking into more books by Hamilton, and I highly recommend this novel if you're a fan of any of the listed: lesbians, Christmas, the 1920s, or having a wholesome romantic romp! 

Book Review: Goddess of Limbo by Lea Falls

 

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Thank you to NetGalley and Zauberfalls Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC!

Content Warning: Check the link here at the author's website for a detailed list of triggers.

Balthos and Alames were once a celestial couple, spending their days loving one another and, in Alames's case, reaping souls. But when Balthos -- in an effort to create his twisted idea of a perfect world -- usurps their creators in order to make himself and Alames gods, it causes her soul to shatter into tons of lost splinters. In the new generation, who unwittingly worship Balthos and the monsters he's created, Alames finds hope: there's Alexandra, the "Mad Princess," who wants nothing but the best for her people; Captain Subira Se'azana, an elfish military leader who is thrust into an uncertain future; the insurgent half-elf, half-human Vana; and many others, all who offer both Alames and themselves another chance at life.

I don't read much fantasy. This year, it's come more onto my radar, and I've picked up a few books here and there which have given me a taste for exploring this genre more. When I saw Goddess of Limbo on Netgalley, I was both intrigued and intimidated: it is high fantasy, a sort of alluring mixture of Lord of the Rings combined with newer takes like Game of Thrones, complete with its own world, politics and species. Let me also clarify, though, that unlike many of the books that populate the mainstream of fantasy, it's full of amazing representation which only adds to its wonderful, creative spin!

It isn't easy to make every single point-of-view character interesting, but somehow, Falls does it. They're all fascinating, relatable even in their darkest moments, with distinct narrative voices. It's practically a form of magic in and of itself to be able to pull that off. This is a hefty book, clocking in around 670 pages, and man, is it worth every page. I definitely have my personal favorites -- Subira, Vana, and Sachihiro a few amongst many -- but it doesn't have that horrible feeling of reading a character's chapter with dread, or feeling bored until you're back in a certain story arc. Instead, all of the many subplots are not only original and compelling in their own right, but make perfect sense when put together with the novel as a whole.

The plot itself is difficult to define or describe in only a few sentences; it's part of something much bigger, much more overarching, that I expect will continue over several books. I'm not a big fan of series', to be perfectly honest, but I was so delighted when I realized that this was going to be one. Although, it's so hard to not have a conclusion for everything, and to be left on a semi-cliffhanger -- I want the next one, right now! 

Falls's writing is concise, simple, but also embellished with wonderful descriptions which help to transport you to this fantasy realm. It doesn't matter if you're reading about an orc, human, elf or even a god; it's full of both the hardships we experience here in our own world and the ones unique to Falls's universe. I must also applaud her creativity, particularly when it comes to the religions, politics and forms of magic that she came up with. This has made me a true fantasy fan. 

When a book can take you so effortlessly into its universe, when you anticipate picking it back up and find yourself enthusiastic for every chapter, you know it can't be anything but a five star read. I highly recommend this, and I urge you to look into it if you're interested -- this review and all the summaries in the world can't do it justice. Do yourself a favor, and pick this up when you get the chance!

Book Review: The Song of Everlasting Sorrow by Wang Anyi

 

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Content Warning: death, violence, murder, misogyny, abortion, cancer, suicide.

Born in the '30s, Wang Qiyao is the typical Shanghai girl, lured in by the glamour of the city and doing her best not to be eaten up by it. A remarkable beauty, but emotionally both sensitive and slightly cold, we follow her across the decades as she struggles through the end of the Japanese occupation, the rise of Communism and her own interpersonal dramas. Beset by tragedy, Qiyao finds herself becoming just like the tragic heroines she grew up reading about and watching onscreen...

This book came onto my radar very recently -- I discovered its existence in the same month I ended up reading it. While it wasn't originally on my September reading list, I had some room and decided that I'd take the plunge with this. If you've read my blog before, or even just explored my Goodreads, it's probably pretty obvious that I love historical fiction, particularly when it takes place in another country (or, even better, on another continent entirely). The author herself was a fascinating person, and as soon as you step into the world she's created on the page, it's clear how much she loves Shanghai and the people that live there.

Although Wang Qiyao is our heroine, Shanghai itself serves not only as the backdrop, but as the counterpart to Qiyao's narrative. The first few chapters describe in vivid detail the longtang that Qiyao grows up in, the pigeons who roost in the city, the lives of the people there as they go about their daily routines, and although it immediately transports you into Qiyao's life, it's borderline tedious. For a moment, I thought: is this going to work for me?

I'm glad I stuck with it, because in the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this expansive and almost epic novel. The characterization is not especially powerful, and it was sometimes difficult for me to sympathize with Qiyao (who often came across as distant and cold), but there's something magical about the world that Wang crafts in this story. It's a depiction of the Shanghai of old, in its days of splendor and opulence, and the new Shanghai, which is constantly recreating itself. By the halfway point I liked Qiyao, even if I struggled to understand her motivations, and the other characters populating her circle were equally engaging, mostly because they were so deeply flawed and therefore both relatable and sometimes despicable. 

There's no real plot, but that's not something that bothers me at all; I'm a huge fan of character-driven novels, and I find it rewarding to follow a character over the course of their life. Qiyao experiences many hardships, setbacks and tragedies, lending it the slight taste of a melodrama, which doesn't cheapen the story but instead makes you feel as if you're watching an opera. Keep in mind that this book is very heavy, with only the tiniest glimpses of joy smattered amongst the otherwise bleak landscape that makes up Qiyao's life. 

If you enjoy some of the abovementioned things (such as character-driven stories, very rich descriptions and attention to detail), I highly recommend this sad, sweeping tale that gives the sensation of being swept into the past. 

Book Review: The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo

 

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Content Warning: racism, homophobia, misogyny, abortion, death, murder, alcohol & drug abuse, violence.

We all remember Jordan Baker: the cool, calculating socialite who is a golf champion and spends her time amongst the highest ranks of East Coast society. Jordan is the star of this reimagined novel, but there's a twist -- she's a Vietnamese immigrant, who also happens to be bisexual as well as endowed with certain magic powers. In this wonderfully creative tale, where magic and demons mix with the roaring 1920s, it's Jordan that gets the chance to explain the events that unfolded in Fitzgerald's original. 

Giving this novel five stars is one of the easiest things I've ever done. In spite of the fact that this is technically a retelling of Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, it's one of the most original things I've read in a while, replete with magical realism and a main character who will remain stuck in your mind for a long time after you've finished. It is so good, so gorgeously and expertly written, that I was disappointed when it was over. It isn't very long, but what it manages to pack into the 260 odd pages is nothing short of a writing miracle. 

It didn't totally surprise me, as I had previously read one of Vo's novellas, which was equally as captivating in its high-fantasy setting. This one, imbued with both beauty and an undercurrent of violence, left me utterly speechless. When I realized that this was, in fact, her debut novel, I couldn't believe it. It isn't simply that she excels at creating one of the most powerful narrative voices I've ever read, but the writing itself is full of lyricism, something that could nearly be called poetry. Her descriptions are borderline sensory, as if you are truly touching a piece of silk or feeling cool rain on your skin. Evocative is nearly an understatement. 

As for the characterization, it's nothing short of brilliant. Jordan is fully realized, come to life against the backdrop of flashy parties and paper magic, with a ferocity and spirit that will make  you love her regardless of her flaws. Adept at hiding her vulnerability, she uses coolness, witticisms and sometimes cruelty to disguise the soft heart beneath her exterior. Although she has been in relationships with both men and women before, it isn't until she meets the sweet, Midwestern Nick Carraway that she begins to truly and totally fall in love.

The relationships between the entire cast were complex, multifaceted and beautifully layered. In the original, I struggled to sympathize with any of the characters, so lost in their own world and arrogance, but here you see the true threads of tenderness extending from Nick to Jordan, from Nick to Gatsby, from Daisy to Jordan. For lack of a better term, it feels real. I loved Nick and Jordan's relationship, and I found it not only endearing but touching as well. This time around, the emotions allow you to actually empathize with all of them. Daisy, for one, is much more likable and understandable; even Gatsby is given glimpses of a past humanity.

I must also applaud the representation here. It was exciting to see Jordan as this deep, intellectual woman, who is caught between the expectations of her and her own desires and wants. No one else truly gets her -- she's othered constantly, the only person of color in a room. Her bisexuality is written with perfect casualness, not necessarily a big deal but nonetheless an important part of her. This book not only tackles the original topic of lost love, capitalism and the so-called American Dream, but also gives us important but subtle commentary on racism, homophobia, and misogyny, and how these things are intrinsically tied with those abovementioned themes. 

Highly, highly recommended. If you're at all interested in this fantastic book, please pick it up as soon as you're able! 

Book Review: Last Night at the Telegraph Club

 

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Content Warning: homophobia, racism, xenophobia, miscarriage, underage drinking, family estrangement.

Lily Hu is seventeen years old in 1954. Under the threat of McCarthyism, she tries to go about her "normal" life, all while fearing that her father might be deported because of America's new fear of Chinese Communism, and dealing with feelings she doesn't quite understand. Finding herself drawn to a school outcast, Kathleen Miller, Lily slowly comes to realize that she isn't the only girl in the world that might be different from her marriage- and boy-obsessed friends -- and that there might be a future and community out there for someone like her. 

I think it's fair to say I've become a diehard Malinda Lo fan. I read Ash sometime in 2015, if I remember correctly, when I was only seventeen myself, and it was like a breath of fresh air for me. Not only did it include a wonderful relationship between two girls, but it was also beautifully written, full of lovely lore and mythology. This year I finally got around to reading Huntress as well; they got five and four star reviews from me, respectively, and so you can just imagine my anticipation for this book.

This book is no different. It's gorgeous -- rendered into life by the emotion and connection to the characters, as well as the descriptions which help to transport you into 1950s' San Francisco. Lily was entirely lovable, gentle but never so sweet as to leave you with a toothache. Her feelings are complex, formed both by the time period she lives in and the restraints of heteronormative life, but all the while she strives to make a place for herself. A place where she can be herself.

The characters are so relatable, and you grow so attached to them, that you don't have to be a part of the LGBT+ community, a person of color, or basically similar to Lily in any way to love this book. Although I can never truly "relate" to the racism, xenophobia and fetishization that Lily is forced to deal with, it's easy to put yourself into her shoes and to be not only angry for her, but also to root for her. Let me assure you, you will want Lily (and by extension, Kath) to win. To make her life into what she wants it to be. Lo's capturing of being other, of the sensation of being "the only one", is vivid and heartbreaking. It's the feeling of never fully fitting in; in her Chinese community, her lesbianism sets her apart; in her lesbian community, her race separates her. 

It's only Kath that truly seems to understand her, to put both halves and to see them as a whole. This book does feature a rather prominent romance, but refreshingly enough, that is not the primary motivation behind Lily's story. Instead, this book takes us on a journey of not only acceptance and hardship, but also gives us brief chapters from Lily's mother's point of view as well as her aunt's. Some people were not pleased with these brief intrusions on Lily's narrative, but I personally found them interesting and a wonderful glimpse into the other women in Lily's family. Meanwhile, the romance is tender, sweet, and all-around enjoyable. 

I really, truly cannot recommend this book enough. It's full of wonderful characters, a both heartwarming and heart-wrenching story of the journey of finding yourself, and as an added bonus, full of historical detail and the kind of in-depth research that makes you feel as if you're really living in the past. For me, Lo has done it again. I can only imagine what she'll come out with next, and I can tell you I'll be wanting to get my hands on it as soon as she allows us the privilege of reading it!