A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd (★★★☆☆)
Audiobook • Library • Historical Romance • 2024
Short synopsis: Reimagining Romeo & Juliet as not a tragedy, but as two people who fell in love, got married, and had a brood of children, A Daughter of Fair Verona starts with a murder. At the betrothal ball for their oldest daughter, Rosie, to a duke who is much older than her and has three wives who have met unfortunate ends, the duke ends up dead. Who killed him? And could they be after Rosie, too?
This is was my final audiobook of 2024 when I wanted something quick and light-hearted at the end of December. And this book definitely delivered in that department! I loved the voice in this novel; Rosie was smart and funny and yes, the dialogue did not stay true to the time period but I had to just go along with it. There were many times I laughed while listening along, which is not something I generally do when reading! However, all that said, I found the plot to be quite lackluster. The author is clearly setting this up to be a trilogy, but it meant that the book as a whole felt unfinished and the ending abrupt. I probably won’t continue reading the series; it wasn’t compelling enough for me.
The Fall Back Plan by Melanie Jacobson (★★★☆☆)
E-Book • Owned (Amazon) • Contemporary Romance • 2023
Short synopsis: Jolie left the small town Harvest Hollow ten years ago for the big city. She returns to take over the beloved bar in town and runs into her high school nemesis, Lucas, nearly immediately. And not only has the bad boy turned good, as in the Sheriff of Harvest Hollow, but he’s also hotter than ever.
If you love a chaste, simple romance, then this book is for you. If you want something spicy and exciting, then steer clear. This novel was a little too sweet for me and it didn’t have the level of character development that I want in my romances. As a character, Jolie wasn’t believable. For one, she seemed a bit immature and basically moved back to Harvest Hollow to get back at someone in her life, and that just felt like a crazy thing to do. There were parts of this novel I liked (I always love a small-town setting and I enjoyed the fall-like vibes) but mostly it was a miss for me. Also, I really need authors/publishers to stop labeling romances as “rom/coms” when there is no comedy to speak of! There was nothing funny in this novel; it was actually pretty serious. Gah.
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (★★★★☆)
Print • Library • Thriller • 2024
Short synopsis: Ellie Black has returned. After missing for two years, she is found disheveled in the woods but won’t say a word about what happened to her or where she’s been.
This was a great thriller, but trigger warnings abound. This book was very dark with some grim themes. As a highly sensitive person, it was hard for me to handle at times but I powered through because the story was so compelling. The story alternates between the present day as Ellie returns and the past when Ellie disappeared. The present timeline is voiced by both Ellie and the detective who is trying to figure out what happened to her. The detective drove me crazy and I think that was the point. So, good job, Emiko Jean. I wanted to shake this detective so many times! Anyway, this is a propulsive thriller and a solid 4-star read to start my 2025 reading year!
What are you reading?
Lisa’s Yarns
I’m reading the covenant of water right now. It’s a doorstop of a book at over 700 pages but something that I’ve wanted to read since it came out. I figured this was the week to dive into it since I’ll be resting as much as possible. I’m really enjoying it so far. I also read and loved the return of Ellie Black. There were definitely some very dark themes in it though.
Stephany
I saw that you were reading that and I thought it was so smart to pick up a long book like that during your recovery! I hope you’re still enjoying it.
NGS
I’m listening to Gone with the Wind and I’m about halfway through the 50 hour audiobook. Look, I know that the book is problematic, but what a masterpiece of writing. It’s now my entire personality. I’m also reading a book that was on some top ten lists at the end of the year and I’m finding it meh, but that’s okay because I have Scarlett and the Civil War and that’s going to sustain me.
Stephany
Gahhh… you’re making me want to try Gone with the Wind! I have been hesitant because of how problematic it is, but it feels like one of those books I *should* try even still. I’ll add it to my list of potential options!
Nicole MacPherson
I’m reading a very light and fun book called Don’t Forget To Write. It’s very cute, about a Jewish girl in 1960 who goes to live with her matchmaker great-aunt. Capers ensue!
Stephany
Oh, that sounds amazing! I’m going to add that to my TBR right now.
J
I’m calling you out on that second one because it sounds like you kind of hated it but you still gave it 3 stars. I recently came across my mom’s report card from Berkeley, and she was a National Scholar and VERY SMART and had a lot of C’s. Back before Vietnam, a C was a good grade. It’s just when the draft started taking students with lower grades that you had to have a B or an A. SO, you are the example of grade inflation. You gave this book a completely acceptable passing grade, but you would not recommend it.
Now I need to go rethink my life (and my book reviews) because I suspect I have been doing the exact same thing.
Stephany
I actually gave that 2.5 stars but I haven’t figured out how to do half-stars on these posts, so I just round up, usually. And there were some good parts of that novel – I think it would be a good book for certain romance readers, and usually I’ll give a book 3 stars even if it didn’t totally work for me but I think it would be good for others.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
Oh the last one sounds interesting. I rarely read thrillers but in fall/winter I do. I may have to snatch this one up.
Currently I am reading a thriller (?) based in St. Petersburg, Florida about a pilot. I read almost all books of this author who has previously written time travel and sci-fi novels and is now tipping his tows into thrillers and pilot stories (series name Archangel Aviation). It’s a solid read even if not my favorite by hime (Nathan/Nate van Coops)
Stephany
Ooh, I need to read that thriller since it takes place where I live! That’ll be a fun connection.