Tag Archives: #bookreviewer

Reader’s Log 023: Current Read and Difficult Passages

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Differentiating between red herrings and explicit content for shock value or book sales in mystery-thrillers.  

Today, I thought I would share a book I’m currently reading and discuss a little about difficult passages that may be disturbing, or what one may feel is inappropriate. Oftentimes, a reader can come across a scene where they wished they hadn’t read or wish they had just skipped over entirely. But what should one do if they’re reviewing a book for the publisher or author and come across this problem? Should they just give up on the book entirely, or power through it, hoping for the best? Personally, I really think it depends on a few things.

Firstly, it depends on the type of reader you are and what you can handle or not handle. I’ve noticed through the decades the different stages I’ve gone through with reading material. What I will tolerate, what I deemed appropriate or inappropriate. What disturbs me and so forth… Like, is it just for shock value for book sales or does it serve a purpose to drive plot of the story? Does it attest to the character’s human nature and lifestyle? What are the purposes of these scenes?

There can also be that the theme or scene-if you will-upsets one’s psyche on a personal level. One must consider these things when reading physiological thrillers and literature as a whole. If you are a reader who reads widely, even then one can have limits and there is nothing wrong with that; one must use discernment in all things.

I’m currently reviewing an ARC of, “The Last Room on the Left” by Leah Konen at the invite via email from the publishers, and I’ve come across two difficult but brief scenes I could have-in all honestly- done without. It seriously had me pause and considered if I wanted to finish this story or not. The next morning, I reflected more on whether or not to continue with the story. The pause had me ask myself the question whether or not the difficult but brief scenes were a red herring or just shock value. As I read further, I came to the conclusion that they are definitely red herrings. To be honest, the old me would have probably given up on the book entirely. I’m glad I didn’t in this case and I believe the author did a good job with writing these scenes without dragging it out. They serve the right purpose in story-telling, in my opinion.

If you come across scenes when reading books for review, what is the standard you set for yourself, and do you ask or consider the questions I mentioned above?  

Edit: My review for, “The Last Room on the Left” by Leah Konen will be posted on January 4, 2025.

Stephanie

The Last Room on the Left by Leah Konen

Expected publication January 14, 2025 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons – Penguin Random House

Kerry’s life is in shambles: Her husband has left her, her drinking habit has officially become a problem, and though the deadline for her big book deal—the one that was supposed to change everything—is looming, she can’t write a word. When she sees an ad for a caretaker position at a revitalized roadside motel in the Catskills, she jumps at the chance. It’s the perfect getaway to finish her book and start fresh.

But as she hunkers down in a blizzard, she spots something through the window: a pale arm peeking out from a heap of snow. Trapped in the mountains and alone with a dead, frozen body, Kerry must keep her head and make it out before the killer comes for her too. But is the deadly game of cat-and-mouse all in her mind? The body count begs to differ . . .

Book Review: Philadelphia by Paul Kahan

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Philadelphia is the epicenter of our nation’s creation.

My enthusiasm for American history is long standing and it has been a goal of mine to further study the history and development of all fifty states and territories individually, including notable cities and towns. To my delight, the discovery of this book was perfect timing. Learning more about Philadelphia has been high on my list for some time.

Paul Kahan presents the reader with a sweeping narrative of the city’s history beginning with the Lenape tribe who inhabited the land that became Philadelphia all the way through the twenty-first century. Highlighting individuals who made their mark on the city’s history and delves into cultural diversity of the people and explore its uniqueness of what the city offers that makes Philadelphia stand out.  

As I got a few chapters in, I quickly realized that I had only scratched the surface of Philadelphia origins and history. I found myself taking pages of notes and jotting down questions I had regarding several notable people and details I did not previously know. For example: Charles Dickens visited the city. The city is home to the first natural history museum in the United States. Philadelphia remained the world’s leading publishing center and had several subscription libraries. In 1850, Philadelphia was still home to a few enslaved people. The first hospital was in Philadelphia and so on… There are a few people mentioned I’m looking forward to learning more about: Folklorist and Humorist Charles Godfrey Leland, William Hamilton, John Bill Rickets, Cecil B. Moore and Cherelle Parker.

This book is packed full of information and at times, I felt a few topics or mentions jump from one to the other too quickly without being fleshed out. Personally, I wanted to have a bigger picture of certain elements of history. Though, by reading Kahan’s account, I understand the direction he chose to go with, and nor did my opinions on that score take away from how much I enjoyed reading his narrative. I will say that while this book is educational and excellent, the dense information provided may be slightly overwhelming to readers who are not used to reading such material. I do recommend taking your time with this book. You’ll be glad you did.

As for the information of the history provided in this book, I can only attest to a few of its accuracies on account that I chose to read this book wanting to go more in-depth with the timeline of the city’s growth and to the contribution of culture, architecture, city planning, science, political arena, and government formed through the centuries. Kahan meets all those points, and it is apparent that the research and time that went into writing this account of Philadelphia’s history, ever-growing culture and diversity is quite extensive. I respect Kahan’s intellectual ability to provide readers with this profound selection of work.

I’m delighted to have chosen Kahan’s book to read as I have learned tremendously from its pages, and it has provided me with a comprehensive source for further study and reference. I will be adding a physical copy of this book to my history stacks.

Stephanie

Pub Date Oct 29 2024 by University of Pennsylvania Press

Hardback: 424 pages

For more information about this book and Kahan’s work please visit Kahan’s website HERE or by typing: http://www.paulkahan.com

I obtained an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.  

Reader’s Log 017: A Very Short Story and New ARCs

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Sunday Morning Drive

Yesterday morning, the air was cool, crisp in an autumn sort-of way and I had the urge to go for a Sunday drive. Normally, I would have waited later in the day. Although, morning drives on Sundays means less traffic. Not a walk you ask? Well, that would have been nice but a drive it was. After I drove around near my local favorite spots to drive by, Not ready to go home yet, I pulled in an almost empty parking lot. I parked next to a spot facing a street and a tree for shade. The sun was so bright. While I sat there, I watched cars drive by while reflecting on this coming week’s blog posts. After a few minutes, I cracked my two front side windows just a bit to feel the cool fresh air and as I began to back out of the parking space, I suddenly heard voices. I pressed down on the break and looked behind me and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I was completely stunned. Surely my eyes were playing tricks on me. A man appeared out of nowhere-it seems-and as he walked by, he smiled and waved to me. That wasn’t what what stunned me. The man-for the exception of modern-day clothes and phone in hand-looked exactly like the character, Ragnar Lothbrok in the Viking show. Literally. I kid you not. What are the odds I ask you? So, I made a mad dash home -I drove safely-to write down what I had just experienced. Funny how this happened close to Halloween. Now I’m thinking about catching up on the show because I never finished the seasons. Maybe it was meant to be.

Now let’s talk about books.

Since recently getting back to reviewing books for Publishers on NetGalley, I’ve created a rule that I have to turn in a certain amount of ARC reviews before accepting (Auto Approved) or requesting more. How is the rule going for me and why the rule? Well, I almost obeyed the rule by short of two reviews. Sigh. I know. I’ve got to stop looking at the Dashboard. The rule- I set for myself- is so that I can get through my backlog on the site. I am determined. You might be thinking, “Not determined enough if you’re breaking your rule.” I can’t help but laugh thinking that. Okay, I will do better. I will really try. In my defense, I’m mostly reading on my free time so I’m getting through them in a timely manner.

Would you like to see the books I got? One of the publishers auto-approved for and the other one, I requested. Matter of fact, they approved my request within literally minutes of requesting the book. I don’t believe that has ever happened to me before.

Stephanie

We Are Made of Stars by Rochelle B. Weinstein

Pub Date Feb 25 2025 by

Lake Union Publishing

Description:

Secrets, lies, and second chances are served up beneath the stars at a picturesque mountain getaway in this powerful novel about love and family by the bestselling author of This Is Not How It Ends.

At the Vis Ta Vie inn, Reneé and Jean-Paul De La Rue face the daunting decision to close their beloved home for good.

They’re not the only ones going through a season of change, though. Their guests include three couples in crisis: Hollywood celebs Leo and Penny are spending their silver anniversary together while on the cusp of divorce. Lucy, a practical-minded therapist, and Henry, an astronomer with his head in the stars, are struggling to find common ground. And former lawyer and current stay-at-home mom Sienna and charismatic sports agent Adam look perfect but are hiding rifts of their own. Thrown into the mix are self-absorbed single mother Cassidy and her sullen fifteen-year-old daughter, Rosalie.

The stage is set for a week of betrayals, regrets, and shocking truths that can rend the heart or heal it. Vis Ta Vie—live your life—captures what it means to love through the darkness, and to find the light even after the magic fades.

The Secrets of Good People

by Boo Walker; Peggy Shainberg

Pub Date Mar 18 2025 by

Lake Union Publishing

Description

A whirlwind romance. An impulsive marriage. A Floridian paradise. And a murder among friends in a twisty whodunit by Boo Walker, the bestselling author of The Stars Don’t Lie and An Echo in Time, and coauthor Peggy Shainberg.

On a tiny island off Paradiso, Florida, in 1970, neighbors gather to toast two new arrivals: shy Catherine and her taciturn husband, Dr. Frank Overbrook, who is taking over an old friend’s medical practice. It’s an intimate welcoming for the newlyweds, who have abandoned city life for swaying palms and an ocean breeze. But the morning after is anything but peaceful when Frank is found dead on the beach.

Detective Quentin Jones has his eyes on the island’s residents and the welcome party’s guest list. There’s the retiring doctor and host, as well as his nurse. Volatile marrieds Miriam and her husband, David, constantly at each other’s throats. The Carters, a strangely antisocial young couple. And Sylvie, a blind sculptor to whom Quentin lost his heart years ago.

But which one is a murderer? As the investigation unravels a close-knit group of friends, secrets are exposed—and more than one of them is worth killing for.

The Perfect Ex-Wife

(A Psychological Thriller)

by Winter K. Willis

Pub Date Dec 02 2024 by

Celestial Bear Publishing

Description:

Ramona has spent the last twelve years trying to build the perfect family with her husband and stepdaughter. In their picture-perfect home and neighborhood, she thought she’d finally found the life she always dreamed of. But one thing still haunts her every day: the shadow of her husband’s missing ex-wife. No matter how hard she tries, neither her husband nor stepdaughter can let go of the past.

Ramona has quietly hoped that time would help her replace the memory of the woman who disappeared without a trace. But when the police show up at her doorstep with new evidence, everything changes. As buried secrets resurface, Ramona is forced to confront the truth about the woman who came before her—and just how far she’ll go to protect the perfect life she’s built.

Perfect family. Perfect home. Perfect lie.

For fans of Freida McFadden, Jeneva Rose, Daniel Hurst and John Marrs.

In this gripping domestic thriller, family secrets unravel and Ramona is pulled into a web of mind games and psychological manipulation. Her once-perfect life spirals into a tense, heart-pounding mystery, filled with suspenseful twists and a twisted past that refuses to stay buried. As the truth unfolds, Ramona must confront her worst fears in a mind-bending, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that will leave readers questioning everything they thought they knew.

Writer’s Log 002: Growing as a Book Reviewer

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Last weekend, I spent most of my free time on the screened-back porch reading, sipping on mint green tea, and listening to the birds sing their harmonious song. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the weekend. I was right where I needed to be and the time spent also gave me new reflections on matters of story-telling and writing I’ve been thinking on of late.

For me, I’m finding there needs to be a balance of reading and writing. Maybe it is so for other people. I know I want to be more deliberate with my writing and take more time on fine tuning my thoughts on paper or typing. Like writing book reviews, for example. Writing reviews is an art form and I want to spend more time in developing a more structured, concise and enticing summary of my thoughts on stories. Not all stories I read inspire me to do so or at times, I find myself just wanting to get the job done for whatever reason I’m feeling. Maybe it is because I’m a mood reader? That is not where I want to be in my journey of writing book reviews. Being honest with my struggles on the endeavor and admitting I need to do better at writing reviews is the first step.

I tend to absorb reading books at a fast pace- at times, and I make reviewing goals that quite frankly, aren’t sustaining and that is largely part of the problem. Slowing down would be best, though it can be hard when a story grabs you and swallows you whole. Maybe it is not that part that needs slowing down. Spending more time with writing the review and not rushing is the direction to follow. I’m usually reflecting on a story as I’m reading anyway. Hmm…

It’s funny, I know the ends and outs of writing book reviews and I take notes. Sometimes, I take pages and pages of notes. Alas, oftentimes, I’m not addressing or reflecting all the key questions to ask myself while sitting down to write the review. My goodness, that was hard to openly admit. It is time to step out of the boundaries I’ve been stuck in too often and do something amazing. One has to keep growing as a writer after-all.

Another thought is that authors deserve the reviewers best when it comes to critiquing the their work. Not only that, reviews are for the readers you are writing to and readers should know if they want to read the book or not based on your analysis of the story.

Do you oftentimes have the same struggles when it come to writing book reviews? Do you want to do a better job? Do you want to grow in your craft of writing book reviews or writing in general?

Stephanie

Reader’s Log 004: New ARCs

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Since my reuniting with NetGalley to pick up where I left off with reviewing books and acquiring ARCs, it has gone great thus far. I was surprised to find one of the book reviews I recently turned in has been highlighted by the publishers. I thought perhaps with my long absence, that wouldn’t happen for a while. I was wrong and delightfully so. What a great encouragement to keep at it. I have finally come up with a system to keep up with upcoming book releases to review while working on my backlog. I feel this new system will relieve a lot of undue stress that oftentimes book reviewers put on themselves. I will go more into my system soon that others that have a backlog on NetGalley may want to incorporate. I want to wait a bit longer to share so I know for sure it is working.

Below are two new titles I have recently picked up and can’t wait to read and review them. I love a good thriller and I think these two will be just the ticket.

Stephanie Hopkins  

Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker

Pub Date Feb 11 2025

Book Description:

Propelled on a cross-country chase, devoted parents become desperate fugitives in a heart-racing novel of suspense by the author of Family Money and All He Has Left.

Thirteen years ago, Cole and Lisa Shipley were fostering an infant with hopes of adopting her. Overnight everything was turned upside down, when the child’s mother bled to death on their front doorstep. Her last words: He’s coming here…for her! Save her. Afraid, bewildered, and with a baby in their arms, they fled. The longer they hid, the guiltier they looked.

Now in a small Colorado town under assumed identities, they’ve been seemingly safe. But when a tip exposes them and Cole is framed for another murder, they take it on the run again, barreling across the western US—this time with a confused and resistant teenage girl awakening to a terrifying new reality. In the rearview is the relentless FBI agent who has never given up the hunt. And he’s not the only one.

Every frightening mile brings a family closer to the truth about that fateful night thirteen years ago. And to a killer who’s determined to finish what he started.

The Coldest Case by Tessa Wegert

Pub Date Nov 05 2024

Book Description:

News of a missing Instagram celebrity brings Senior Investigator Shana Merchant to a frozen island community of just eight people. When the visit turns deadly, her hunt for a killer collides with a cold case she’ll never forget . . .

It’s February in the Thousand Islands and, cut off from civilization by endless ice, eight people are overwintering on tiny, remote Running Pine. Six year-rounders, used to the hard work, isolation and freezing temperatures . . . and two newcomers: social-media stars Cary and Sylvie, whose account documenting their year on the island is garnering thousands of followers, and thousands of dollars’ worth of luxury gifts.

The long-term islanders will tell you Running Pine can be perilous – especially for city slickers who’ll do anything to get the perfect shot. So, when Cary doesn’t return from ice fishing one morning, his neighbors fear the worst.

With the clock ticking to find the missing influencer, a police team are dispatched to take the dangerous journey to the island . . . but Sylvie, his frantic partner, will only talk to one person: newlywed Senior Investigator Shana Merchant.

Where is Cary – and what is it that Sylvie’s not sharing? With aspects of the case reminding Shana of an unsolved homicide from her past that haunts her still, she risks her own safety to help. But little does she know that a storm is coming – and if she doesn’t solve both crimes soon, she may become the island’s next victim . . .

The latest taut, thrilling small-town mystery featuring New York State senior investigator Shana Merchant, and set against the beautiful backdrop of the Thousand Islands, is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Ruth Ware.

Reader’s Log 001: Change of Plan

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In the last two previous posts, I discussed new beginnings and a never-ending compilation of books. I had taken a bit of an extended leave in blogging and reviewing books. The blogging part at least was random at best however. My blog post titled, “A Never-Ending Compilation of Books Part I,” is about my long overdue visit to NetGalley. You see, I haven’t reviewed books in a long time. I wasn’t even sure I was ever going to again. I had my reasons but that is no longer relevant.

Deciding not to select, accept or request new books to review until I either went through my backlog to decide if I wanted to catch up on a few or decide if I still wanted to review them  quickly changed! Sigh. It’s a book enthusiast curse me thinks. At least that is my poor attempt of an excuse. Maybe or maybe not. I have an idea. Hear me out please and don’t judge. I know there are a few of you out there that are in the same state of mind (Insert laugh). I got to thinking, perhaps I could accept or requests slowly while working on my backlog. Did I execute that idea? You bet. Shameful-I Know-but in my defense, I requested a few to see what would happen as an experiment thinking there is not a chance on a bookshelf, I would be approved to review them. Well to my utter shock, I was approved for four of them except two! Those still may go through. Maybe. One never knows with NetGalley. It’s a bit of a lottery it seems like at times, except for the publishers that auto-approve you. I’m actually quite surprised I’m still auto-approved by several publishers considering I have been inactive in reviewing for a very long time. Someone is surely smiling down on me and I’m grateful and thankful that I still may have standing in the reviewing books circle or at best a fresh start. Cheering!

Below is a slideshow of the first group of books I’m going to review. This includes books from my backlog. So far, I’ve finish “The Bad Neighbor by Jenifer Ruff” and I’m almost finished reading, “The Resistance Bakery by Siobhan Curham. Off to an excellent start I must say!

Side Bar: I thought it would be fun to start a reader’s log. Something new and a little different.

Stephanie

March: Book Round-Up

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Stephanie Hopkins

Well, in my Books Aplenty: March Reading Forecast post, I discussed ten books I selected to read in March. I was I am hoping to read ten books if other projects didn’t get in the way. Umm…other projects got in the way. In the back of my mind, I knew this would happen. Around March is when I tend to feverishly get the crafting bug! There is so much to be inspired by the spring season. Yup, I got my art on. However, I did read six books and that is pretty darn good considering how much time I spent on art.  

Despite not reading all the books I had projected, I’m quite pleased that I’m still reading an average of one to two books per week. That is the point. To read and keep reading. Also, it really helped me be less indecisive in which book to chose next. There really is something to say about being organized and making a list. -Stephanie Hopkins

Number of pages read in March: 1,998

Lots of book reviews coming up soon! How many books did you read for March? Do share!

Here are the titles I’ve read for March and the review post dates:

A New York Secret (Daughters of New York Book 1) by Ella Carey – -My book review HERE

The Turncoat’s Widow by Mally Becker – Book review on April 1st

Finding Napoleon by Margaret Rodenbery -Book review on April 5th

The Family Plot by Megan Collins – Book review on August 12th

The Silent Girl by Kelly Heard- Book review on April 9th

The Necklace by Matt Witten – Book review on September 6th

Be sure to check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art gallery here at Layered Pages! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

Book Review: The Princess Spy: The True Story of World War II Spy Aline Griffith, Countess of Romanones by Larry Loftis

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Published February 9th 2021 by Atria Books

When Aline Griffith was born in a quiet suburban New York hamlet, no one had any idea that she would go on to live “a life of glamour and danger that Ingrid Bergman only played at in Notorious” (Time). As the US enters the Second World War, the young college graduate is desperate to aid in the war effort, but no one is interested in a bright-eyed young woman whose only career experience is modeling clothes.

Aline’s life changes when, at a dinner party, she meets a man named Frank Ryan and reveals how desperately she wants to do her part for her country. Within a few weeks, he helps her join the Office of Strategic Services—forerunner of the CIA. With a code name and expert training under her belt, she is sent to Spain to be a coder, but is soon given the additional assignment of infiltrating the upper echelons of society, mingling with high-ranking officials, diplomats, and titled Europeans, any of whom could be an enemy agent. Against this glamorous backdrop of galas and dinner parties, she recruits sub-agents and engages in deep-cover espionage to counter Nazi tactics in Madrid.

Even after marrying the Count of Romanones, one of the wealthiest men in Spain, Aline secretly continues her covert activities, being given special assignments when abroad that would benefit from her impeccable pedigree and social connections.

Filled with twists, romance, and plenty of white-knuckled adventures fit for a James Bond film, The Princess Spy brings to vivid life the dazzling adventures of a remarkable American woman who risked everything to serve her country.

My thoughts:

I’ve read a lot of World War II stories but I must say, The Princess Spy is the first book I’ve read, that really delves into the espionage world. The research alone that went into this book is impressive! I obtained a physical copy and enjoyed marking lots of details I want to go back and read and do a bit of my own research. I also enjoyed the images throughout the book. That was a nice touch and really helped bring it all to reality.

I don’t think I’ve paid attention to just how many different government agencies had spies in Europe during World War II until reading about it in these pages. Absoultuly fascinating and absorbing. I found it all incredible, really, because I’m still trying to wrap my head around the ins and outs of how it all worked. Could anyone? That said, Loftis does a marvelous job with drawing you in and gives you an understanding how much of it operated.

I’m impressed with Loftis taking on this project and telling Aline’s role during the war. Too often, throughout our history, women’s roles were largely ignored. She lived an astonishing life, and went from your average American girl to being a spy, and becoming friends with and related to the elitist society. I was amazed with how many people she knew and her, “schedule,” to say the least. The energy she had, I’m sure, is part of what made her a great spy. What a brave woman.

I immensely enjoyed reading about her friendship with Juanito Belmonte. He was a Spaniard and a wealthy Matader-Bullfighter who spotted Aline when she first arrived to Madrid and sought her out.

Before reading about Bullfighting in this book, I was turned off by the sport-if you will. Well, I’ve changed my mind and found the details of Bullfighting to being an art and intriguing.

Be sure to read the epilogue and notes at the back of the book. You’ll get more insight into the people Loftis wrote about and what he had left out.

A must read!

Stephanie Hopkins

My thanks to Artria Books for providing me with an ARC.

Book Review: The Sign of the Gallows (A Lucy Campion Mysteries, #5) by Susanna Calkins

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About the book:

London, 1667. On her way to a new market to peddle her True Accounts and Strange News, printer’s apprentice Lucy Campion quickly regrets her decision to take the northwestern road. Dark and desolate, the path leads her to the crossroads – and to the old hanging tree. She doesn’t believe in ghosts, but she’s not sure ghosts don’t believe in her. But before she even reaches the crossroads, she’s knocked off her feet by two men in a hurry. What were they running from? To her dismay, she soon discovers for herself: there, dangling from the tree, is the body of a man. Did he commit self-murder, or is there something darker afoot? The more Lucy learns, the more determined she is to uncover the truth. But this time, even the help and protection of magistrate’s son Adam, and steadfast Constable Duncan, may not be enough to keep her safe from harm . . .

My thoughts:

Seventeenth Century, London was a calamity to say the least! With the century brought the Great fire of London, the plague and co-conspirators plotting to blow up the Houses of Parliament including the King. My word, I’d say that in itself is brutal enough. However, there are other dark forces at work.

Author Susanna Calkins brings the century to life through her Campion series of murder, mayhem and intrigue. Lucy, finds herself in the center of another murder investigation and the search for the murderer reveals that there are darker forces at work.

Lucy is an apprentice-of sorts for a printer and bookseller, Master Aubrey. While all his staff are important to his business, I find Lucy to be the most spirited and undoubtedly clever at telling stories and selling book. I believe Aubrey know Lucy’s value and its why I think he gives her a pass quite to bit to aid in the investigation.  She is quite the social warrior and truly cares for people.

I’m really pleased with the support system Lucy’s has among her friends and formal employees, the Hardgraves. I admire the Hargraves respect and affection they have for Lucy despite their class distinction. What lively, caring and intelligent people.

Banner and painting by Stephanie Hopkins

Every single character in the story is fascinating and fun to read about, even the villains. Calkins does a marvelous job in showing the reasons people act on things due to their own situations in life. Regardless if we agree with them or not, its important to know the reasons. The human mind is an extortionary and often times, dark place. We can learn much from it.   

The investigation in the murder at the crossroads had lots of great twist and turns and it was an enjoyable read and one feels caught in trying to figure out who done it right along Lucy and the others.

The two men she ran into before making her way to the crossroads are something else. While their actions are suspicious at best, their grievance is understandable as the story unfolds.

I appreciate the story-line of Aubrey’s print shop and the reading material he sells. It has inspired me to look further into how books were printed during the 17th century.

I started this series at book four because I agreed to review it and find myself wanting to go back and read the first book and on…Despite that, I believe from the two books I’ve read, they are good stand-alone stories.

Calkins is a creative and imaginative story-teller and she weaves a story marvelously at a wonderful pace that keeps you engrossed. -Stephanie Hopkins

I obtained a galley copy from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.

Review: A Death Along the River Fleet (Lucy Campion Mysteries #4) by Susanna Calkins

January: Book Round-Up

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This year’s reading started off with a bang! I got through ten books and that is a current record for me. It has been a long time since I’ve read that many in a month. This is encouraging since my goal is to read 100 books this year. Who knows? I might surpass that goal. My original goal was to read a book a week but I knew I could read more than that with the great selection of books that are coming out and what novels I have on my shelf at home.

I am also making a point to read books that I would normally not pick up. Two of the books are young adults’ books. I must confess, I didn’t enjoy them as much as I thought I would. The story-telling just wasn’t to my taste and I struggled to stay focused. Having said that, I’m not giving up the genre. My daughter has a few on her shelf that I want to give a go at.

Today I’m sharing the books I read this month. Two of them where audio books I listened to through YouTube. Three of the books I’ve read before and I’ve read them more than four times! There will be four books reviews in total. My review for, The Garden of Spite and The Signs of the Gallows will be posted next week.

Last but not least, Robert Frost’s Selected Poems, which I adore. If you want to practice writing poetry, read Frost and other poets. Reading Poetry teaches language, ideas and meaning. Writing poetry allows us to explore the world that reaches beyond the limitations of our senses. There is a whole other world out there that poetry gives us.  One can say that about reading it as well. The subject of poetry is an endless delight of wonders. -Stephanie Hopkins

Images may be subjected to copyright. In order to use art images or any content on Layered Pages platform, please ask permission from Stephanie Hopkins

Coming up tomorrow at Layered Pages: Image of the Month and Poetry!

By the Water’s Edge Art Work by Stephanie Hopkins