The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman is a lovely blend of contemporary women's fiction and historical fiction with a smidge of magical realism.
What’s The Matchmaker’s Gift about? The Matchmaker’s Gift introduces us to Sara, who immigrates to NYC in the early 1900s and uses her matchmaking gift to support her family. However, Sara's attempts to help couples find happiness brings trouble to those she loves most. This is partly...
Tartlets, prepare yourself for ALL the things with In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King. I could not put down this novel that blends historical fiction, fantasy, Greek and Roman mythology, Gothic horror, and so much more into an amazing read.
What’s In the Garden of Monsters about?
In the Garden of Monsters follows Julia, a 1940s art model who takes a job posing as the goddess Persephone for famed artist Salvador Dali. Julia, Dali,...
Tartlets, I’m a bit confused about my thoughts on The Cloisters.
When I first finished reading this suspense novel that combines medieval art history, dark academia, and astrology, I really liked it. Then, after talking with a few people, I realized that I didn't like this book as much as I think I did.
You know how when you’re dating someone new and you think they're awesome? Then, that person meets your friends, and they all throw you...
Many thanks to those of you (there were many!) who told me to read The Bear and the Nightingale. Extra special thanks goes to those who pointed out that I should do so during wintertime. You were spot on about this.
What’s The Bear and the Nightingale about?
The Bear and the Nightingale beautifully weaves together historical fiction and fantasy, truth and fable, new religion and old world magic. There are princes and peasants, house elves...
I hated Hamlet, the famous play by William Shakespeare. But, I adored HamNet, the novel by Maggie O’Farrell.
This work of historical fiction has been on my TBR list for a little while, but because of the title, I was reluctant to dive in. Luckily, a friend reassured me that the novel Hamnet has very little to do with Hamlet, and then told me I should read it because it’s wonderful.
My friend was right.
What’s Hamnet about?
Hamnet’s...
I tried reading the second book in the Sparrow Sister series a few years ago. I only made it a few pages into Book #2 -- The Forbidden Garden -- before putting it aside. It was mainly because I just couldn't get into the story or keep the characters straight.
Now, I know why. I was supposed to read The Sparrow Sisters first.
Whoops.
What's The Sparrow Sisters about?
The Sparrow Sisters by Ellen Herrick unfolds slowly. It eases you...
Yes, this is the first book review I've posted in quite awhile. And, yes, I'm reviewing a book titled The Winter Sea even though it's springtime. I'm just wacky like that.
Hello, Tartlets! It's been a hot minute. (An update about that will go up later this week.) Sorry it's taken me so darn long to find my way back to this space. But, I'm here and ready to resume discussing all things books, recipes, and writing with my lovely...
Christmas Charms came into my life right when I needed it the most.
The different types of Christmas books
I was sifting through the library stacks for a holiday book that would make me feel “Christmassy.” A book where, like, the biggest problems are getting all the children’s toys wrapped in time, or making sure the Christmas cookies aren’t pulled from the oven too early.
My search for the perfect Christmas read taught me that a...
Tartlets, it’s Two-fer Tuesday!
The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine and The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice are set in the same enchanting world of Moonbright, Maine, so I thought it'd be fun to do a dual book review today.
Never judge a book (completely) by its cover
LOOK AT THESE BOOK COVERS. And these titles!
With the fall season in full swing, how can you resist something with “pumpkin” or “spice” in the title? Obviously, I couldn't,...
I'm just going to come out and say it. **deep breath** A Discovery of Witches is Twilight for adults. **cringes** And y'know what? I liked Twilight better. **ducks as A Discovery of Witches fans throw things at her**
I feel like I've read A Discovery of Witches before... C’mon, people! I can't be the first person to draw parallels between Deborah Harkness’ series and the wildly popular vampire books by Stephenie Meyer. SO MUCH...
