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sophs_mood_reading's reviews
379 reviews
The Burnings by Naomi Kelsey
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I went back to my routes with this one (Elizabethan Era with a witchy premise) and boy did I adore it!
This dual point of view novel centres around two women Margareta, a lady in waiting to the Danish Princess (new Queen of Scotland) and Geillis, an orphaned house maid, learning midwifery and healing. These two women who couldn’t lead more opposing lives, find themselves thrown together into the world of the Scottish North Berwick witch trials and the Earl of Bothwell’s treasonous plots.
Enter secrets, accusations, hidden meetings, plots and conjuring and you have a brilliant historic fiction tale.
The book highlights the plights of woman in the age and how little freedom they had. How easily you can go from friend of the king to a prisoner in the Edinburgh Tolebooth.
The narration was fantastic, Scottish accents that were easily understood and easily distinguishable characters.
Although there are some factual plot points, like many a historical fiction novel, a creative licence was used to fill in historical gaps and help the story flow.
I did find the ending a little to quickly wrapped up and would have preferred a bit more depth, the epilogue was very much like tying up everything quickly with a bow.
This dual point of view novel centres around two women Margareta, a lady in waiting to the Danish Princess (new Queen of Scotland) and Geillis, an orphaned house maid, learning midwifery and healing. These two women who couldn’t lead more opposing lives, find themselves thrown together into the world of the Scottish North Berwick witch trials and the Earl of Bothwell’s treasonous plots.
Enter secrets, accusations, hidden meetings, plots and conjuring and you have a brilliant historic fiction tale.
The book highlights the plights of woman in the age and how little freedom they had. How easily you can go from friend of the king to a prisoner in the Edinburgh Tolebooth.
The narration was fantastic, Scottish accents that were easily understood and easily distinguishable characters.
Although there are some factual plot points, like many a historical fiction novel, a creative licence was used to fill in historical gaps and help the story flow.
I did find the ending a little to quickly wrapped up and would have preferred a bit more depth, the epilogue was very much like tying up everything quickly with a bow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child death, Death, Death of parent, and Murder
The Chocolate Factory by Mary-Lou Stephens
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Historical fiction meets romance, meets mystery, meets female empowerment.
1920’s Tasmania and Cadbury’s is setting up their factory on the banks of the Derwent River. We follow the story of two women, Dorothy a recent war widow, immigrating from the UK, who has worked her way up the ranks of the Firm. Maisie, a Tasmanian girl who needs to find work to support her ailing mother and hopes to keep her bright sister from leaving school.
Both woman are at Cadbury’s to better their life, but little did they know that they soon will be targeted as everyone wants the illusive dairy milk recipe.
This beautiful novel is so much more than a book about making chocolate. The wonderful descriptions easily put you right in Claremont, where you can almost hear the cockatoo’s flying past and smell the eucalyptus mixed with cocoa.
You are quickly invested in the lives of these woman and when threats start creeping in, want to protect them immediately.
Stephen’s has created a great depiction of the changing lives and roles of woman in the post great war era, where there are newly discovered freedoms but still very much restrictions from social expectations and glass ceilings. There is also realistic depictions of the realities of war and the mental health consequences of such brutal events.
I did find Dorothy’s romance to be more bordering on obsession which did make me uncomfortable at the beginning but as the story continued it made more sense and came together beautifully.
A wonderful novel for historic fiction lovers, but make sure you have chocolate on hand when reading as it’s all you will think about.
Thanks you HQ fiction and Mary-Lou Stephen’s for a copy of this book in exchange for and honest review.
1920’s Tasmania and Cadbury’s is setting up their factory on the banks of the Derwent River. We follow the story of two women, Dorothy a recent war widow, immigrating from the UK, who has worked her way up the ranks of the Firm. Maisie, a Tasmanian girl who needs to find work to support her ailing mother and hopes to keep her bright sister from leaving school.
Both woman are at Cadbury’s to better their life, but little did they know that they soon will be targeted as everyone wants the illusive dairy milk recipe.
This beautiful novel is so much more than a book about making chocolate. The wonderful descriptions easily put you right in Claremont, where you can almost hear the cockatoo’s flying past and smell the eucalyptus mixed with cocoa.
You are quickly invested in the lives of these woman and when threats start creeping in, want to protect them immediately.
Stephen’s has created a great depiction of the changing lives and roles of woman in the post great war era, where there are newly discovered freedoms but still very much restrictions from social expectations and glass ceilings. There is also realistic depictions of the realities of war and the mental health consequences of such brutal events.
I did find Dorothy’s romance to be more bordering on obsession which did make me uncomfortable at the beginning but as the story continued it made more sense and came together beautifully.
A wonderful novel for historic fiction lovers, but make sure you have chocolate on hand when reading as it’s all you will think about.
Thanks you HQ fiction and Mary-Lou Stephen’s for a copy of this book in exchange for and honest review.
The Maid by Nita Prose
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Molly the maid is proficient to a T. Her role is of the upmost importance to her and she takes great pride in her work. So when she discovers a dead body on her rounds, it makes for a terrible mess to clean up. Thus begins the twists and turns, and shock discoveries for both Molly and the reader.
I really enjoyed this one, at first Mollys neurodivergent traits did trigger some stress as I wanted to jump into the book and show her what was really going on. However, as soon as the action took off I couldn’t put the book down.
I adored the characters of Mr Preston and Charlotte and could have thrown the book across the room when Wilbur’s history was exposed.
A great little mystery with some good tension and twists I didn’t see coming at all. And it was great to see that Molly the maid does see all.
I really enjoyed this one, at first Mollys neurodivergent traits did trigger some stress as I wanted to jump into the book and show her what was really going on. However, as soon as the action took off I couldn’t put the book down.
I adored the characters of Mr Preston and Charlotte and could have thrown the book across the room when Wilbur’s history was exposed.
A great little mystery with some good tension and twists I didn’t see coming at all. And it was great to see that Molly the maid does see all.
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
I originally wondered if it was necessary to read this book in the series as it strays from the main story. However, I read it in tandem with Empire of Storms and I’m so glad I did.
This book not only explores Chaol and Nesryn more but also adds an array of worlds and characters that just give the whole series more depth. I love all the links with the assasins blade that keep popping up as well.
This book not only explores Chaol and Nesryn more but also adds an array of worlds and characters that just give the whole series more depth. I love all the links with the assasins blade that keep popping up as well.
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Another brilliant instalment. I read this alongside Tower of Dawn as a tandem read.
I found this one particularly slow to start. Not sure if it’s because I’m not really gelling with Aelin or that I know we have slow going before SJM turns the action up 300% in the last 1/3 of the book as always.
I did really like Elide’s development in this book and the found family group really being established.
Now just to emotionally prepare for KOA.
I found this one particularly slow to start. Not sure if it’s because I’m not really gelling with Aelin or that I know we have slow going before SJM turns the action up 300% in the last 1/3 of the book as always.
I did really like Elide’s development in this book and the found family group really being established.
Now just to emotionally prepare for KOA.
Shield Maiden by Sharon Emmerichs
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A beautifully written retelling of Beowulf from the perspective of his niece, Fryda.
Fryda journey is that of reclaiming her own life and power against those who would see her silenced. Where her wishes are not just for her self but for those of her people.
The writing quickly immerses you in the landscape of the Swedish clan where you can easily picture story you are being told and understand the world around Fryda and her people. There is not in your face world building her but a picture that easily forms in your mind of this medieval world.
We are also lucky to have not only Fryda’s point of view but those of others in the story which helps to really develop the story and gives you that extra depth to the tale.
Fryda for her headstrong and determined nature does seemed to have lead a blind life to the true going ons of the clan behind the men in power and seems to trust before questioning anyone.
I also loved the added magical, power element that all great viking tales should really have a sprinkling of.
Fryda journey is that of reclaiming her own life and power against those who would see her silenced. Where her wishes are not just for her self but for those of her people.
The writing quickly immerses you in the landscape of the Swedish clan where you can easily picture story you are being told and understand the world around Fryda and her people. There is not in your face world building her but a picture that easily forms in your mind of this medieval world.
We are also lucky to have not only Fryda’s point of view but those of others in the story which helps to really develop the story and gives you that extra depth to the tale.
Fryda for her headstrong and determined nature does seemed to have lead a blind life to the true going ons of the clan behind the men in power and seems to trust before questioning anyone.
I also loved the added magical, power element that all great viking tales should really have a sprinkling of.
The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A mysterious magical society.
A family curse.
Secret worlds.
Vengeful gods.
Untrustworthy friends and surprising allies.
A young girl trying to find her mother and end the suffering.
This was a beautifully written novel which sucked you into a magical, mysterious world. Prepare for love, treachery, twists and turns.
Read if you enjoy books such as A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy and the night circus.
A family curse.
Secret worlds.
Vengeful gods.
Untrustworthy friends and surprising allies.
A young girl trying to find her mother and end the suffering.
This was a beautifully written novel which sucked you into a magical, mysterious world. Prepare for love, treachery, twists and turns.
Read if you enjoy books such as A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy and the night circus.
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Calla is without a job, boyfriend and is flying to Alaska to see her estranged father after she’s discovered he has been diagnosed with cancer. But the awkwardness of 12 years silence also has to compete with remote living, bugs, lack of access to her creature comforts and a grumpy yeti Alaskan pilot who keeps showing up everywhere.
I am so glad I was told to read this! I was always hesitant as I don’t see myself as a general romance reader but this book just may have convinced me I was wrong.
The banter between Jonah and Calla is fantastic and yes yay romance but this book had so much more. There was a beautiful story about coming to peace with life decisions, the beauty in the simple life and really digging into what is important.
This book made me laugh, cry and a really think about some things. I would happily read it again and again just to revisit the world of Bangor Alaska.
I am so glad I was told to read this! I was always hesitant as I don’t see myself as a general romance reader but this book just may have convinced me I was wrong.
The banter between Jonah and Calla is fantastic and yes yay romance but this book had so much more. There was a beautiful story about coming to peace with life decisions, the beauty in the simple life and really digging into what is important.
This book made me laugh, cry and a really think about some things. I would happily read it again and again just to revisit the world of Bangor Alaska.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Death of parent
Moderate: Abandonment
The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman
adventurous
emotional
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Twin spinster sisters in regency London, living a relatively free life with a good income and no responsibilities. So what else is there to do then to rescue the suffering woman and children of London. Here we have Augusta (the ring leader/heroine) and Julia (the protector/sensible sister) saving kidnapped children, suffering wives and abandoned sisters.
The novel is really more like three seperate novellas in a series, following the sisters through three different “rescues” while an overriding story follows through all three.
I really enjoyed the relationship of Gus and Julia, especially their conversations that seem to occur through a series of looks and facial expressions. There is also a bit of a romance brewing however it sticks to regency era proprieties so don’t expect spice.
There were some tangents regarding illness and the lack of medical advancement and very much a focus on the disadvantages of women in the era, specifically in controlling their own life and how the patriarchy failed them in all stations of wealth and status.
I think I would have preferred if there was more detail with the book focusing on one case rather than three separate cases, as it did feel like we were coasting through tales rather than really getting into the story.
Overall a fun read for those who are fans of regency era novels with strong willed, female saviours.
Enemies to Lovers by Portia MacIntosh, Portia MacIntosh
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
Lara and Sonny are rival entertainment journalists whose main aim in life seems to be to sabotage and one up each other to find the best showbiz scoop. Following a public press event mishap their bosses send them away together to an exclusive couples therapy retreat to get the ultimate scoop on tv’s hottest couple.
What could go wrong, undercover reporting with your enemy pretending to be in love on a tropical island.
This was a fun rom-com with a unique setting. There was some good banter between Lara and Sonny and the therapists at Eden retreat were hilariously crazy and the things the couples had to do made for some decent entertainment. You could see this easily playing out as a tv show.
I did find the relationship a little forced and felt we missed pages of them getting closer or even talking to each other. The other guests at the retreat were also very one dimensional characters.
This was an easy read, and made me wish I could book a tropical holiday (however I would pass on the ‘quinoa surprise’).
Thank you Boldworld Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What could go wrong, undercover reporting with your enemy pretending to be in love on a tropical island.
This was a fun rom-com with a unique setting. There was some good banter between Lara and Sonny and the therapists at Eden retreat were hilariously crazy and the things the couples had to do made for some decent entertainment. You could see this easily playing out as a tv show.
I did find the relationship a little forced and felt we missed pages of them getting closer or even talking to each other. The other guests at the retreat were also very one dimensional characters.
This was an easy read, and made me wish I could book a tropical holiday (however I would pass on the ‘quinoa surprise’).
Thank you Boldworld Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.