starknits13's review
3.0
Really this is a 3.5, The story is great with a lot of good world building. I really didn't like how the book ended so abruptly. it was almost like the end of a chapter...
cassandragraph's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
andib's review
3.0
If you like a warm, cozy comfort read which focuses on the main character simply getting to know her surroundings, her neighbors, and settling in to a new life, this book may be for you.
I was delighted with the premise: A middle-aged woman just out of a terrible marriage finds out she's to inherit an estate in a picturesque English village, which--as she quickly learns--is inhabited by magical beings (banshee, fae, a vampire, and much more) and for which she will serve as the magistrate of their court. I also liked the authorial voice--the writing style is crisp and strong, and the main character's sense of humor makes her experiences all the more charming.
The "but" for me was the utter lack of any sort of plot. It is a slice-of-life style narrative, but even with that trope, I do expect a few things to happen, for there to be some sense of conflict or goal to be reached. But in this book, at least, none of those things happens--not even with the romance. I don't need so much suspense that I feel stress reading the book, but I do need a little bit of uncertainty, both to spur my interest and to give the character some stakes, something to accomplish (or not) with at least a little struggle. I may check out the second book if I get the chance, to see if the storyline kicks in at some point, but this one left me feeling a bit unfulfilled.
I was delighted with the premise: A middle-aged woman just out of a terrible marriage finds out she's to inherit an estate in a picturesque English village, which--as she quickly learns--is inhabited by magical beings (banshee, fae, a vampire, and much more) and for which she will serve as the magistrate of their court. I also liked the authorial voice--the writing style is crisp and strong, and the main character's sense of humor makes her experiences all the more charming.
The "but" for me was the utter lack of any sort of plot. It is a slice-of-life style narrative, but even with that trope, I do expect a few things to happen, for there to be some sense of conflict or goal to be reached. But in this book, at least, none of those things happens--not even with the romance. I don't need so much suspense that I feel stress reading the book, but I do need a little bit of uncertainty, both to spur my interest and to give the character some stakes, something to accomplish (or not) with at least a little struggle. I may check out the second book if I get the chance, to see if the storyline kicks in at some point, but this one left me feeling a bit unfulfilled.
lcolwill's review
4.0
This series is a light, humorous read. Fantasy with a legal twist. Swear words are minimal. No graphically described sex scenes. At least not yet. I just finished book 2. If you like humorous stories about Fae, vampires and other supernatural creatures without gore or descriptive sex, then this is for you.
mmichellemoore's review
3.0
3.5, a lot of setup, maybe we’ll get some more plot in the second one. It was nice works building
penstarling's review
DNF @ 55% Holy pointlessness, Batman! Literally nothing has happened in this book. There's no plot, no conflict, no tension. The story is just meandering wish fulfillment of moving to magic village in England. And wheee we get to follow a bland and not very likable character to do it.
fabmom52's review
3.0
3.5 I enjoyed this book but to do so you really need to enjoy magic fairies vampires etc. Robin the main character is okay but annoying at times. She’s a little pushy but does bring a group of magical characters together. But I enjoy all the other unique goofy characters and look forward to the next book where she will be magistrate of kingdom of magic. It’s a cozy story.
I don’t feel like it really has done an amazing job portraying her challenges as midlife. I really enjoyed the Elizabeth Hunter Suddenly psychic series where I laughed out look at all the midlife references and could relate to the midlife woes and the mysteries were great.
Even so I am interested enough to see these heartwarming characters in book 2 Midnight Blues.
Elizabeth hunters suddenly psychic
I don’t feel like it really has done an amazing job portraying her challenges as midlife. I really enjoyed the Elizabeth Hunter Suddenly psychic series where I laughed out look at all the midlife references and could relate to the midlife woes and the mysteries were great.
Even so I am interested enough to see these heartwarming characters in book 2 Midnight Blues.
Elizabeth hunters suddenly psychic