Sam's Fireside - Cosy Book Reviews & Recommendations

I was instantly transported to a small Japanese mountain village. I went into A Thousand Gates of Prayer, completely blind. I'd read the synopsis a while ago when Michael asked if I'd read it, but I haven't read it since, and seeing as I can't remember what I did half an hour ago, I had no idea what it was about! So I dove straight in, and immediately I knew this going to be a story I loved. It's a beautifully written love story about a young Japanese girl who is finding her way into the adult world and the responsibilities that follow.  It's not just the love that a young girl has for her first romance, it's also the love she has for the village she was born in and grew up in and how she wants it to remain the community space that she knows and loves and that supports her and her family.  I fell in love with the writing, the characters, and the story. Michael Weiss swept me along as Miyuki climbed the mountain to the hot springs every day and I could easily...

I NEED BOOK TWO - NOW PLEASE! I don't even know where to begin this review. Shaedes of Power is easily the best book I have read so far this year - and yes - I read Onyx Storm! All of it, from the world-building, to the sassy friends that are Opal, Dru and Leyanna. The magic, Farris, Edmyn and even the Shadowlands just blew me away. It picked me up, threw me across The Gaylenswood and brought me down somewhere back in the human realm, and I'm still catching my breath! There's love, there's hate, there's death and there's magic. Lots and lots of magic. You can't always control who you fall in love with, even if that means you'll never see the sunlight again (let's be honest, I can't remember the last time I saw it anyway)! The love triangle had me intrigued, and I had no idea it was coming because hey, I don't check out what I'm reading before I read it! Sometimes that's the best way, right? I can't wait to find out how this pans o...

Death is hot - and I don't mean the temperature of hell! Wow - I didn't see any of that coming! Fantasy, romance, and mystery, and a whole host of other stuff all rolled into one book. I honestly didn't know what to expect when Belladonna was chosen as October's read for #bookstabritsbookclub (yes, I know I'm behind with my reviews)!!! I loved it. The mystery and suspense of finding out who the killer was, was addictive, and Signa and Death's relationship was awesome - you'll soon forget that he's not a real person, as they begin to work together to solve the mystery. Parts of this reminded me of The Secret Garden, I think because Blythe is ill in bed, and she reminds me of Colin Craven, weak and not wanting to help themselves! It was also reminiscent of another book that I can't recall, with Thaddeus Kipling - the library ghost, who quite frankly was an awesome dude! He should have a book written all about him! Published as a Young Adult novel, I wo...

I'm so pleased I discovered the Dream Harbor series - if you haven't read it - make this the year you do! OMG this was so cute and so gorgeous and all the things that I'd love a man to do for me - I've been married for 23 years, so that isn't going to happen now! But never mind, it's so sweet, I'll just have to be content living through Hazel and throwing myself into the bookish treasure hunt with her.  I'm not sure about the defacing of books, but I'll forgive it for the sake of the gorgeous story and the gorgeous Noah and the beautiful romance that is inevitable as Hazel and Noah hook-up for the summer, but is it only for the summer...? I liked The Pumpkin Spice Café, but I adored The Cinnamon Bun Book Store. I've read The Christmas Tree Farm too, and I'll post my review for that one soon! Thank you to my Laurie Gilmore friends for including me in the chat and introducing me to her books. About the Book When a secret message turns up hidden...

A rescue centre, jam-packed with animals - what's not to love?! Mr Spock the parrot is back! I first remember him from one of Della's previous books, and he's still as naughty and hilarious as he was then, but now he's moved into the rescue centre and there are lots of people available to teach him new words! Summer Secrets at Duck Pond Cottage is the second in the series about Jade's rescue centre and all the animals that she loves, cares for and rehomes. It's full of cuteness, with puppies, foxes, wedding plans and kids and easily a book that you could devour on a rainy afternoon while you're waiting for the sun to make an appearance (I'm still waiting)! This can be easily read as a standalone book, but I'd recommend reading the first in the series to begin with, just because it's another great read. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Summer Secrets at Duck Pond Cotta...

How have I not read an Emily Henry book before?!  This is my first venture into Emily's stories, and it won't be my last. I especially loved listening to the audiobook and was drawn into the friends lives, hook, line and sinker. The story flits between when the friends all first met, the following years, and the present day. It was great to hear how they all got together, and of course what they're all doing now.  Emily writes about the importance of friendship, but also how people can and do drift apart as life continues for them all in different directions and the difficulties that can occur whilst trying to maintain the relationships. I liked Harriet, but I loved Wyn, he's insecure and constantly putting himself down, together they make a magical couple - if only they could see that.  I can't relate to meeting up with old friends once a year, because a) I'm not in touch with any friends from my dim and distant past and b) I can't think of anything worse h...

Loved it! I've enjoyed all Mari Jane's books, but this one has just become my favourite. If you like a good rom-com then you need to read this series! Harmony and James are an incredible couple - well, not a couple at the beginning, but you'll soon work out where it's going! There wasn't a thing I didn't enjoy about this book. Tim was adorable, Saskia was hilarious, James was a sweetie and Harmony just didn't want to upset anyone. There was heartbreak and some difficult decisions to be made, but with the love and support from friends (and sometimes family), everything in Love & Misdirection slots nicely into place as the story progresses. Mari Jane Law intertwines several difficult subjects into the storyline, and it works well as we get to know all the new characters, as well as catch up with old friends. I laughed out loud at parts and my heart was breaking in others, but I loved it a lot.  Each of Mari Jane's books can be read as a standalone, b...

Hope sleeps in a hearse - but this is a romantic comedy though, so don't be alarmed!  The storyline of a Catholic priest, (who doesn't want to be a Catholic priest any more), and his new life, as a sacramental photographer is hilarious, as he tries to wend his way through life 'on the outside'. His naivety, and the sheltered life he's led, away from the real world, make for an unconventional read. But who wouldn't want to meet the future love of their life in a cupboard?!!! It would be a funny story to tell the grandkids.  If you enjoy the miscommunication trope, then this is definitely a book for you. I think every relationship in here lacks communication at one point or another, and many a time I wanted to bang their heads together! However, as expected, everything has its 'happy ever after', and I dare you to try not to laugh out loud, at least a few times, as you're reading.  I found this to be a quirky and fun book in the next in Mari Jane Law...

The Color Purple is one of the most amazing, heart-breaking, and powerful novels I have ever listened to. Chosen as February's book for our #classiclitbookclub, I did start to read the physical book, but the language was difficult, and I soon opted for the audiobook version, read by the author. This is the way I would 100% recommend anyone who isn't au fait with the African American vernacular English, broach the novel, as it will make a lot more sense and adds to the authenticity of the entire story.  I especially loved the strength and tenacity of the female characters, as they grew in age, and confidence, eventually standing up to their male counterparts and becoming forces to be reckoned with, in their own right.  The entire book is written as letters, initially from Celie to God and then from the sisters, Celie to Nettie and vice versa. I cannot express how much I enjoyed listening to this, and I will definitely be revisiting it, and I will probably be giving the physica...

It isn't very often that I re-read a book, however when the opportunity arose for me to read the next two books which Mari Jane Law has written, I just had to go back and re-read her first book which I remembered absolutely loving! Love & Pollination is brilliant. The story is funny, the characters are hilarious, Perdita is quirky and adorable, and in her own, neurodivergent way she creates a whole new set of words for human reproduction, including 'pollination' for pregnancy! I'm sorry Mari Jane Law, but the 'uprooting' reference reminded me of the mandrakes in Professor Sprout's greenhouse - probably not the image you were going for! With a lot of miscommunication, and men who just don't listen, a few busybody villagers and an adorable interfering aunt, if you're in the mood for an uplifting comedy with a massive dose of romance, then I highly recommend this one. I can't wait to start the next book. Thank you to Mari Jane Law and Rachel...

I'm so pleased I agreed to read and review a copy of Christopher Null's latest book, The Cul-de-Sac. It only took me a couple of days to read and was a complete page-turner. The story was told from multiple points of view, I think it was primarily six, with the odd contribution from a few others. I know some people find these complicated, but I love them, once I get to know who people are and how they fit into the story.  The majority of the characters have a backstory, some of them we find out about and others are just as much a mystery at the end, as well as at the beginning. I think this is what made the book so entertaining for me. All the characters are so very, very different, with one common denominator....they all pretty much keep themselves to themselves within their cul-de-sac...to a degree. I hope to goodness that there is at least one more book to follow and that this cliffhanger ending isn't the last we see of these quirky neighbours and their hidden secrets.  ...