Category Archives: Authors

Book Review: Shivers & Thrills by A.C. Harrah (ARC)

Posted on September 29, 2025 | Leave a comment

Shivers & Thrills is a gothic, whimsical read that blends spooky aesthetics and heartfelt storytelling in a wildly fun and original world. A.C. Harrah crafts a playful, offbeat romance filled with oddball creatures, macabre humor, and surprisingly tender moments. While it may not be for everyone, it’s certainly a story that marches to the beat of its own (undead) drum.

At the center of the story is the vampire Vittore, the self-proclaimed “Prince of Thrills,” whose fading ability to frighten humans sets him on a chaotic journey of reinvention. Trying to reclaim his scary edge unravels into something meaningful (and strangely adorable) when he marries an animated corpse with dry humor and a mysterious past.

Love this world created by the author, which is a bit Tim Burton-ish, but the uniqueness is still there with its unpredictability and imagination. I loved that you can really imagine everything, even if what’s happening in the story can get a bit chaotic, lol.

That being said, while the book’s core romance is layered with personal growth and themes of identity, there are some interactions that feel a bit manipulative between the characters, which may be a bit off-putting to some. Another issue I have, despite the wonderful and creative world-building, is the lack of physical description for some of the characters.

Other than that, I think Shivers & Thrills is a positively giddy and awesome read! It is comedy with a heart, exploring love, jealousy, and the desire to be accepted and understood in their own world. If you like monster-filled romances and stories that are silly but sincere, then this one is definitely for you! It is also a good read this Halloween, so watch out for this one!

3.5 out of 5 stars
Publication Date: October 08, 2025

Thanks to NetGalley and A.C. Harrah for the copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

About the Author
A.C. Harrah is the author of “Turning Curse,” a young adult novel about a prince cursed by his best friend into being an animal.

Due to her love of writing, A.C. tends to chain herself to her computer, but when she does sneak out it’s usually to frolic on the beach or see the latest super hero movie. Oh, and travel. She would happily live out of a backpack if it meant exploring the world.

One of her favorite authors is Lewis Carroll.

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Book Review: Norma and the Blue Hour by Chris Delyani (ARC)

Posted on September 28, 2025 | Leave a comment

Norma and the Blue Hour by Chris Delyani is a compelling and tender exploration of family, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel follows Norma, a seasoned fashion designer, reflecting on her past and grappling with her strained relationship with her son, Kevin, after a life-altering car accident.

I think one of the book’s standout elements for me is its rich character development, particularly Norma, who is a no-nonsense protagonist that defies typical aging stereotypes. I adore the bond she has with her sister, which adds an enjoyable touch to the narrative, and their friendships in the story are definitely one of the best parts of the book. The portrayal of Norma and her sister Julie, as older characters, is a refreshing take compared to similar characters in other books.

I really enjoyed and applaud the author’s decision to use multiple points of view, as it adds more layers to the storytelling. It’s not my favorite narrative device when reading a book, but when done right, it really works. It provides us with broader perspectives and a deeper understanding of the complex characters, allowing us to see their motivations clearly. This approach, I think, is one of the strengths of the book, although it may confuse some at first. However, once you get further into the pages, everything starts to make sense.

The “Blue Hour,” which represents transition, reflection, and vulnerability, was beautifully woven throughout the book and added depth to its narrative.

That said, I do have to mention that pacing was my main issue, as it only picks up after several chapters. This is a character-driven story, and the slow build can be a bit frustrating at times. It’s like when you’re watching a telenovela and the producers are trying to throw in a lot of curveballs to stretch the story. The backstory between Norma and Kevin feels underdeveloped for me, leaving gaps in terms of emotional weight in their relationship. I wished the author had explored the aftermath of key events between them more fully.

Overall, I believe Norma and the Blue Hour will resonate with readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven stories because it certainly resonated with me. The themes of forgiveness, family, and remembering the beauty of life itself make it a wonderful read altogether. The book isn’t flawless, but it lingers with me after finishing it. It has heart, and the characters make it an enjoyable and worthwhile read.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Publisher: Solid Oaktown Books
Publication Date: November 13, 2025

Thanks to NetGalley and Solid Oaktown Books for the copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

About the Author
Chris Delyani was born in September 1968 and was raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts. In 1993 he moved to San Francisco to devote himself to writing fiction and has been at it ever since. He now lives in Oakland with his husband, Dan Moore. You Are Here is his second novel; his first is The Love Thing (2009).

His literary career began at the age of five (possibly earlier) when he started driving his family crazy by writing in the air with a milk straw. (He’s reasonably sure he would have driven them crazy even if he didn’t write in the air with a milk straw.) Approximately twenty years later, he copied out F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby in longhand just to know what it felt like. Both of these events are detailed in his essay, “The First Straw.”

Chris is a member of The Next Big Writer, a fiction-sharing website where he writes under the pen name “Cecil Roebuck,” a name he randomly pulled from The Great Gatsby.

“Since I don’t want my birthday celebrated, that’s less work for you. That’ll give you more time to do—whatever it is you do around here.” – Andrew, Office Sourpuss, The Love Thing

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Book Review: All the World Beside by Garrard Conley

Posted on May 17, 2024 | Leave a comment

Cana, Massachusetts: a utopian vision of 18th-century Puritan New England. To the outside world, Reverend Nathaniel Whitfield and his family stand as godly pillars of their small-town community, drawing Christians from across the New World into their fold. One such Christian, physician Arthur Lyman, discovers in the minister’s words a love so captivating it transcends language.

As the bond between these two men grows more and more passionate, their families must contend with a tangled web of secrets, lies, and judgments which threaten to destroy them in this world and the next. And when the religious ecstasies of the Great Awakening begin to take hold, igniting a new era of zealotry, Nathaniel and Arthur search for a path out of an impossible situation, imagining a future for themselves which has no name. Their wives and children must do the same, looking beyond the known world for a new kind of wilderness, both physical and spiritual.

***

In the early 1800s, against the backdrop of Puritan New England, where religion held paramount importance, ‘All the World Beside’ unfurls in a society where love between men was condemned as a mortal sin. Religion served as the focal point, shaping and dictating societal norms and values. Within this rigid structure, Rev. Nathaniel Whitfield, the founder of the town of Cana, and Arthur Lyman, a doctor who followed Nathaniel, grapple with their beliefs, questioning doctrines, and ultimately discovering a broader perspective on life beyond the confines of religious dogma.

The author’s clear perspective on exploring themes of faith, family, and love is depicted with remarkable realism in this undeniably well-researched and beautifully written prose. Its narrative does not shy away from portraying the complexity and struggles faced by queer relationships, as seen from the perspectives of those around them. Through these viewpoints, readers gain insight into and understanding of their connection.

I found this aspect of the book to be a brave choice by the author. While I personally would have liked to delve more into the main characters’ points of view, I thoroughly enjoyed these perspectives, which somehow felt more human.

Ultimately, I would give this book a solid five-star rating. It stands as a strong follow-up to the author’s acclaimed autobiography, “Boy Erased.” It offers another brave and intelligent narrative that genuinely compels readers to root for its main and supporting characters. It tells a story of forbidden love, evoking deep emotions and offering a glimpse into the struggles of those caught in its grip. Conley, yet again, was able to present a strong point of view with emotional and poignant lessons in humanity.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published on March 26, 2024 by Riverhead Books

About The Author
Garrard (pronounced without the final ‘r;’ a family oddity) Conley is the author of the memoir, Boy Erased, out from Riverhead (Penguin) May 2016. His work can be found in TIME, VICE, CNN, Buzzfeed Books, Virginia Quarterly Review, and many others. He has received scholarships from the Bread Loaf, Sewanee, and Elizabeth Kostova Foundation Writers’ Conferences and has facilitated craft classes for Catapult, Grub Street, Sackett Street Writers Workshop, and the Fine Arts Works Center in Provincetown. If you are interested in contacting him, you can find information here.

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Book Review: The Lost Letters of Aisling by Cynthia Ellingsen

Posted on April 8, 2024 | Leave a comment

Rainey’s grandmother makes a startling request: Take me home. To Ireland, the country she fled post–World War II. Though they’re inseparably close, Rainey knows few of her grandmother’s secrets. Until they arrive at Aisling—the majestic estate on the southern coast of Ireland where her grandmother was raised—and Rainey discovers a collection of seventy-year-old letters in a trunk.

Dublin, 1945. The Germans surrender, celebrants crowd the streets, and fourteen-year-old Evie meets her best friend, the spirited Harding McGovern. Years on, they are more like sisters when rumors begin that Harding works in the black market trade—a source of wealth that could give her a dream life in America but could also cause great danger. Evie is uncertain of the truth but will stand by Harding, whatever the cost.

As Rainey uses the letters to reunite her grandmother with the past, what unfolds is a never-forgotten story of family, friendship, and love, and the healing that comes from letting go of secrets.

***

“The Lost Letters of Aisling” is a masterfully crafted historical fiction that delves into the intricacies of relationships—be it friendships, family dynamics, or romantic entanglements—layered with elements of mystery and misunderstanding.

One of the highlights of the book for me is the author’s vivid portrayal of Ireland, which immerses readers in the setting and time period, making them feel as though they’re truly experiencing it firsthand.

The seamless blending of past and present narratives, with the povs, adds depth and richness to the storytelling. The parallels drawn between different time periods enhance the overall narrative cohesion.

However, readers should be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster, as the novel is replete with beautifully tragic moments and haunting scenes that will linger long after reading the book.

While the narrative is compelling throughout, I find the ending a bit abrupt. An epilogue tying up loose ends would have provided a more satisfying conclusion to the story, allowing closure and further insight into the characters’ lives / future.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Published on April 1, 2024 by Lake Union Publishing

About the Author
Cynthia Ellingsen is the Amazon Charts bestselling author of the Starlight Cove series. The Lost Letters of Aisling is her tenth novel. A Michigan native, Cynthia has lived in Los Angeles and Chicago. Currently, she lives in Lexington, KY with her family and two sassy but charming Siamese cats.

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Book Review: If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

Posted on April 8, 2024 | Leave a comment

If he had been with me, everything would have been different…

Autumn and Finn used to be inseparable. But then something changed. Or they changed. Now, they do their best to ignore each other.

Autumn has her boyfriend Jamie, and her close-knit group of friends. And Finn has become that boy at school, the one everyone wants to be around.

That still doesn’t stop the way Autumn feels every time she and Finn cross paths, and the growing, nagging thought that maybe things could have been different. Maybe they should be together.

But come August, things will change forever. And as time passes, Autumn will be forced to confront how else life might have been different if they had never parted ways…

***

The book follows a single point of view, which I generally appreciate in stories. It shares a similar sentimental quality to “The Fault in Our Stars,” albeit set in a high school environment. Autumn, like Hazel Grace Lancaster, is a character with whom it’s easy to empathize.

However, the narrative’s occasional jumps in time can be disorienting. The author transitions abruptly from one topic to another without clear indication, which can confuse readers.

Autumn and Finny’s love for each other is evident, but their inability to communicate effectively leads to numerous misunderstandings. This theme of miscommunication permeates the story, adding layers of complexity to their relationship.

The predictability of the tragic ending somewhat dampens the climax for me. From early on, it’s apparent that the story will conclude tragically, leaving readers to ponder not if, but rather who, will meet their demise.

Despite the disjointed writing style, I found myself enjoying the book. Its simplicity belies the intricate emotions and themes it explores. Autumn and Finny serve as poignant reminders that time is fleeting and uncertain, urging us to seize opportunities and embrace courage when faced with life’s challenges.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Published on November 1, 2019 by Sourcebooks Fire

About the Author
Laura Nowlin holds a B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Missouri State University. . In addition to being ambitious writer Laura is also an avid reader who believes that books allow her to live many lives in one lifetime. When she isn’t at home agonizing over her own novels Laura works at the public library where the patrons give her plenty of inspiration for her writing. She lives in St. Louis with her musician husband, neurotic dog, and psychotic cat.

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Book Review: The Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent

Posted on March 25, 2024 | Leave a comment

Ignorant of civilization and cautioned against its evils, nineteen-year-old Wren and her two sisters, Sage and Evie, were raised in off-the-grid isolation in a primitive cabin in upstate New York. When the youngest grows gravely ill, their mother leaves with the child to get help from a nearby town. And they never return.

As months pass, hope vanishes. Supplies are low. Livestock are dying. A brutal winter is bearing down. Then comes the stranger. He claims to be looking for the girls’ mother, and he’s not leaving without them.

To escape, Wren and her sister must break the rule they’ve grown up with: never go beyond the forest.

Past the thicket of dread, they come upon a house on the other side of the pines. This is where Wren and Sage must confront something more chilling than the unknowable. They’ll discover what’s been hidden from them, what they’re running from, and the secrets that have left them in the dark their entire lives.

***

I just finished this book last night, and it’s easily one of the most fulfilling reads I’ve had this year. The ending caught me off guard, yet it left me feeling thoroughly satisfied! The Stillwater Girls is a compelling mystery that delves into the anguish and turmoil of a mother coping with the loss of her child.

The book begins by introducing us to Wren and her sisters, Sage and Evie, depicting the difficult circumstances they endure. In the following chapters, we meet Nicolette, a socialite whose marriage is on the verge of collapse. The narrative alternates between Wren’s and Nicolette’s experiences, eventually weaving their lives together in an unforeseen manner.

It’s an excellent story with unexpected twists and turns that keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat. However, some of the foreshadowing made certain revelations feel predictable instead of surprising. Nevertheless, it’s a quick read, albeit with a few moments that may seem way over the top. Overall, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable book.

As I’ve said at the beginning, the ending took me by surprise, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. If you’re a fan of mysteries with satisfying conclusions, this is the book for you.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Published on April 9, 2019 by Thomas & Mercer

About the Author
Washington Post and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Minka Kent is a graduate of Iowa State University and the author of The Memory Watcher, The Perfect Roommate, The Thinnest Air, The Stillwater Girls, When I Was You, Unmissing, The Silent Woman, and Gone Again (2023). Her debut psychological suspense, The Memory Watcher, hit #9 in the Kindle store and landed on the Amazon Most Sold chart. Her follow-up, The Thinnest Air, was a Washington Post bestseller five weeks in a row and reached #1 in the Kindle store. Her work has been featured in People Magazine and The New York Post.

Minka also writes contemporary romance as Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Winter Renshaw.

She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Want to hear about sales and new releases? Visit http://www.minkakent.com/subscribe/

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Book Review: The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

Posted on March 23, 2024 | Leave a comment

“Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian in Florida, is shelving books when her eyes lock on a photograph in the New York Times. She freezes; it’s an image of a book she hasn’t seen in more than sixty years—a book she recognizes as The Book of Lost Names.

The accompanying article discusses the looting of libraries by the Nazis across Europe during World War II—an experience Eva remembers well—and the search to reunite people with the texts taken from them so long ago. The book in the photograph, an eighteenth-century religious text thought to have been taken from France in the waning days of the war, is one of the most fascinating cases. Now housed in Berlin’s Zentral- und Landesbibliothek library, it appears to contain some sort of code, but researchers don’t know where it came from—or what the code means. Only Eva holds the answer, but does she have the strength to revisit old memories?“

***

I knew WWII stories could be emotional, but I didn’t expect this one to hit me here and there. The way the story jumps between past and present really grabs you and makes you think. This book examines the people who fought back and helped each other during the tumultuous and tragic war in Europe.

It is, in a way, a very romanticized depiction of WWII; it feels contrived, even. I found the main character, Eva, to be very polarizing. The romantic aspect felt out of place, and at times, I found myself rolling my eyes because of it. Also, Eva’s mother was just impossible; Oh, I was livid! The villain in the story was quite predictable, but the author was able to place the reveal at the right moment.

Yes, it has a few loopholes, but surprisingly, it was a very quick read for me. I loved that even though the chapters were short, the story was still very engaging. I found the author’s spin on the sensitive topic of the Holocaust interesting and quite curious. While I didn’t connect with it as much, I truly appreciate this perspective.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Published on July 21, 2020 by Gallery Books

About the Author
Kristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling, USA Today bestselling, and #1 international bestselling author of The Paris Daughter, The Forest of Vanishing Stars, The Book of Lost Names, and a dozen other novels that have been translated into more than 30 languages and are sold all over the world.

A former reporter for PEOPLE magazine, Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz.

Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Columbus, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.

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Book Review: The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris by Daisy Wood

Posted on March 21, 2024 | Leave a comment

In this captivating tale set against the backdrop of wartime and present-day Paris, the author crafts a narrative that seamlessly weaves together the lives of Jacques, a charming bookshop owner during WWII, and Juliette, a woman embarking on a journey of self-discovery amidst her family’s past. Through Jacques’ experiences with the German occupation and Juliette’s quest to unearth her familial roots, it will take the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. 

As someone deeply interested in WWII history, particularly the Holocaust, stories like these always leave me with a sense of melancholy yet a renewed appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit

The author’s portrayal of wartime Europe evokes different emotions from me from heartwarming moments to soul-crushing realities. The rapid and drastic changes brought about by the Nazi invasion shed light on the complexities of human relationships during such tumultuous times, where trust becomes a scarce commodity even among loved ones.

I’ve been to Paris twice before, yet the vivid portrayals in the book have given me a better understanding of the city’s history. I cannot wait to return to Paris once more, and visit the locations depicted in the book from a fresh perspective!

I thought the book delivered a poignant and strong story that reflected the power of literature and the resilience of the human spirit. It prompts reflection on our world’s current socio-political climate, urging us readers to confront the lingering specter of Nazism. With themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, Daisy Wood has crafted a heartfelt tale about love, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and the importance of family. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published on October 27, 2022 by Avon

About the Author
Daisy Wood worked in children’s publishing for some years before leaving to concentrate on her own writing. Having written several books for children and young adults under the name of Jennie Walters (including the popular ‘Swallowcliffe Hall’ series), she turned to writing fiction for adults when her children grew up and left home. Her mother was a child during the second world war, and it’s a period which has always fascinated her. ‘The Clockmaker’s Wife’, ‘The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris’ and ‘The Royal Librarian’ are all set during those tumultuous times. Happiest rootling about the London Library under the pretext of research, Daisy divides her time between London and Dorset, and can often be seen chasing a rescue pointer through various city parks with a Frenchie and sometimes her son’s Basset hound in tow.

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Book Review: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

Posted on March 15, 2024 | Leave a comment

Ellie Mack, a beloved and seemingly perfect teenage daughter, vanished suddenly, leaving her mother Laurel shattered. Ten years later, Laurel’s life remains in pieces as she grapples with Ellie’s disappearance and the collapse of her marriage. A chance encounter with Floyd, a charming man, leads to a surprising romance, but it’s his daughter, Poppy, who stirs Laurel’s heartache anew with her uncanny resemblance to Ellie. As Laurel delves into unanswered questions about Ellie’s fate, doubts about Floyd and his connection to her daughter intensify, reigniting her desperate search for the truth.

***

A good friend recommended this one, saying it was a must-read. Honestly, the first half of the book was a bit of a drag for me, but the second half was full of jaw-dropping twists with an absolutely satisfying conclusion.

The central character is Laurel, but the book also features multiple POVs, which I usually do not like in a book, but it works here. I can feel Laura’s emotions—the harrowing sadness and deeply poignant events in the past and present of each character—some of whom I empathized with deeply, while others I despised. At times, the weight of the story became so heavy that I needed to take a breather.

What I loved most about the book, though, was how the author kept me guessing until the very end. As someone who grew attached to Laurel and was rooting for her, I was relieved that she got some closure (sorry, spoiler alert!).

While the storyline wasn’t entirely groundbreaking, the author was very good in developing her characters and the unexpected twists, even the obvious ones, were executed flawlessly. This being my first encounter with Lisa Jewell’s work, I’m very much eager to explore more of her writing.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Published on July 27, 2027 by Atria Books

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Book Review: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

Posted on March 13, 2024 | Leave a comment

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See offers a mesmerizing portrayal of Tan Yunxian’s remarkable journey from a compliant spouse to a defiant healer, defying societal constraints to pursue her medical calling. The narrative artfully navigates Yunxian’s evolution, painting a poignant picture of her personal development amidst the backdrop of a male-dominated Chinese society that affords women little to no rights.

The novel provides a compelling historical perspective, delving into the intricacies of traditions such as foot binding, concubinage, and familial hierarchies, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by women. The vivid depiction of these practices, particularly the distressing details surrounding foot binding, was a bit disturbing to say the least. See’s descriptive prowess brings to life the opulent palaces and intricate attire of the era, enriching the reader’s immersion in the setting.

Central to the narrative is the exploration of women’s roles within familial and social structures, underscored by the strength of their friendships.

The characters are skilfully crafted, with Lady Tan emerging as a beacon of courage and innovation, while Meiling, the compassionate midwife, adds depth to the storyline. Despite occasional pacing issues, the novel resonates with the profound significance of relationships and the unwavering support of female camaraderie in the face of adversity.

Overall, I thought Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a beautifully rendered testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of female solidarity, making it a wonderful read for fans of historical fiction.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Published on June 6, 2023 by Scribner

About the Author
Lisa See is the New York Times bestselling author of The Island of Sea Women, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, China Dolls, and Dreams of Joy, which debuted at #1. She is also the author of On Gold Mountain, which tells the story of her Chinese American family’s settlement in Los Angeles. See was the recipient of the Golden Spike Award from the Chinese Historical Association of Southern California and the Historymaker’s Award from the Chinese American Museum. She was also named National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women.

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