Review: Lily's House

Title: Lily’s House
Author: Cassandra Parkin
Publisher: 15th October 2016 by Legend Press
Pages: 304 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: fiction, women's fiction
My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

When Jen goes to her grandmother's house for the last time, she's determined not to dwell on the past. As a child, Jen adored Lily and suspected she might be a witch, but the spell was broken long ago, and now her death means there won't be any reconciliation. Lily's gone, but the enchantments she wove and the secrets she kept still remain. In Lily's house, Jen and her daughter Marianne reluctantly confront the secrets of the past and present—and discover how dangerous we become when we're trying to protect the ones we love.

My Thoughts

Having enjoyed Parkin’s last book, ‘The Beach Hut’, I  was interested to see what her next tale would be like. This book has a little bit of everything – from relationships to domestic violence,  truth and falsehoods, mystery and resolution. I found it a most compelling tale, with relatable characters and a great plot with Parkin, piece by piece, slowly bringing it together to form a fitting conclusion.  

“I didn’t know I still had it in me to be this angry, but this place, this room, it’s faded glamour briefly reawakened by sunshine and the deep clean, has opened the wound again.”

The book begins, with Lily having passed away, leaving her house to her granddaughter, Jen. As the latter begins to sort through her grandmother's possessions, she finds herself puzzling and questioning events - both past and present - that will slowly unlock and reveal so much. This is not an easy thing for Jen to reconcile herself to. I enjoyed the somewhat ‘magical’ element of intuition and premonitions as events unfolded - it lended itself nicely to this tale. Domestic violence is a part of this story and that may be difficult for some, however, it is a crucial element of this plot and handled very well by Parkin.

“I’d like to tell Marianne this is the landscape of my innermost heart, and I could find my way to Lily’s house even if I was dying.”

At times the variance in writing is a little difficult to come to terms with but you become accustomed to it the further in you read. For example: the chapters alternate between past and present and the mobile phone conversations/texts. Slowly and very cleverly, Parkin has you questioning what you think you do and don’t know and the flashbacks and conversations become pertinent and revealing. However, you are never really sure what will come next. Also at times I found the feuding a bit silly, didn’t seem to fit naturally - misunderstandings yes, but tantrums, no.

Lily's House is as enchanting as it is quirky , with a deep rooted tale of unconditional love between a grandmother and granddaughter. To me, Lily  is the star of this book, endearing as she is determined - both in life and in death. Indeed, from beyond the grave she is the guiding light for her granddaughter and great-granddaughter in their time of need, as she foresaw so much and was intent on providing for them in so many ways.

“What a contrast with Lily, mysterious and magical, capable of conjuring wonders.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Review: The Sparrow Sisters by Ellen Herrick

Title: The Sparrow Sisters
Author: Ellen Herrick
Publisher:  William Morrow Paperbacks (September 1, 2015)
ISBN: 9780062386342

Pages: 384 pages

How I Read It: eARC

Genre: women's fiction, magical realism
My Rating: 3 cups

Synopsis:
With echoes of the alchemy of Practical Magic, the lushness of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, and the darkly joyful wickedness of the Witches of East End, Ellen Herrick’s debut novel spins an enchanting love story about a place where magic whispers just beneath the surface and almost anything is possible, if you aren’t afraid to listen

The Sparrow sisters are as tightly woven into the seaside New England town of Granite Point as the wild sweet peas that climb the stone walls along the harbor. Sorrel, Nettie and Patience are as colorful as the beach plums on the dunes and as mysterious as the fog that rolls into town at dusk.

Patience is the town healer and when a new doctor settles into Granite Point he brings with him a mystery so compelling that Patience is drawn to love him, even as she struggles to mend him. But when Patience Sparrow’s herbs and tinctures are believed to be implicated in a local tragedy, Granite Point is consumed by a long-buried fear—and its three hundred year old history resurfaces as a modern day witch-hunt threatens. The plants and flowers, fruit trees and high hedges begin to wither and die, and the entire town begins to fail; fishermen return to the harbor empty-handed, and blight descends on the old elms that line the lanes.

It seems as if Patience and her town are lost until the women of Granite Point band together to save the Sparrow. As they gather, drawing strength from each other, will they be able to turn the tide and return life to Granite Point?

The Sparrow Sisters is a beautiful, haunting, and thoroughly mesmerizing novel that will capture your imagination.

My Thoughts:

"For a second he was almost frightened. Not by Patience exactly but by this place where sisters sensed each other in the dark, this town that believed a young woman could keep them well with nothing but her garden: an ordinary place where flowers bloomed long past the first frost and people sniffed the air to guess what Patience Sparrow might be feeling before they checked the weather."

I'm a fan of magical realism and Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen is a particular favorite of mine, so the description for The Sparrow Sisters immediately piqued my interest. I dug in eagerly, and whilst it was entertaining and I did like this book, I didn't quite love it.

The premise is interesting, but some of the execution just doesn't deliver. Although there are some wonderful descriptions, the writing overall lacks some of the lyrical quality and charm found in SAA's work. This tale is also considerably darker, with more sadness and tragedy to be found as it unfolds, and there are some inconsistencies in the magical abilities.

Even so, there are several compelling themes explored here which make it a worthy read - small town dynamics, science vs. the mystical, conventional medicine vs. folk healing, the dangers of gossip, public opinion and mob mentality. I also particularly enjoyed the relationships between the Sparrow sisters themselves and even more so the 'sisterhood' of the women of the entire town as this story resolved.

The ending hints that there may be more Sparrow books to come, possibly dealing with the other two sisters, and I would be most willing to give those a read. These characters interested me enough to continue on with their story, and hopefully it will only get better as it goes along.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Tamer of Horses by Amalia Carosella

Title: Tamer of Horses
Author: Amalia Carosella
Publisher:  Thorskona Books (October 3, 2016)
ISBN: 9781535240499

Pages: 375 pages

How I Read It: eARC

Genre: historical fiction, fantasy, mythology, romance
My Rating: 4 cups 

Synopsis:
More than two decades before the events of Helen of Sparta...

Abandoned as a baby, Hippodamia would have died of exposure on the mountain had it not been for Centaurus. The king of the centaurs saved her, raised her as his own, and in exchange asks for only one thing: she must marry the future king of the Lapiths, Pirithous, son of Zeus, and forge a lasting peace between their peoples by giving him an heir. It would be a fine match if Pirithous weren’t more pirate than king and insufferably conceited, besides. But Hippodamia can hardly refuse to marry him without betraying every hope her people have for peace.

After the death of Dia, queen of the Lapiths, tensions are running high. The oaths and promises protecting the Lapith people from the Myrmidons have lapsed, and the last thing Pirithous needs is to begin his kingship by making new enemies. But not everyone wants peace on the mountain. There are those among the centaurs who feel it comes at too high a price, and Peleus, King of the Myrmidons, lusts for the lush valley of the Lapiths and the horses that graze within it. Pirithous needs a strong queen at his side, and Hippodamia will certainly be that—if he can win her loyalties.

But no matter their differences, neither Hippodamia nor Pirithous expected their wedding banquet to be the first battle in a war.

My Thoughts:

"Her dark hair was crowned with a wreath of white wildflowers, but even so, she had not lost the stray bits of leaf and stick, the disarray a reminder of her upbringing. A wild creature, born of the mountain and the wood, only waiting to be tamed by her king."

I loved Carosella’s previous two books, Helen of Sparta and By Helen’s Hand, so snapping up the ARC of Tamer of Horses as soon as it became available was a total no-brainer for me. The first two books reimagined the well-known tale of Helen and the lead up to the Trojan War, complete with the author's own unique twist upon the story. Taking place some 25 years prior, Tamer serves as a prequel to those books but can easily be read as a stand alone as well.

Although most everyone is familiar with the story of Helen, this book tells the story of one of the somewhat lesser known side characters of the Helen books, King Pirithous of the Lapiths, and his Centaur–raised bride Hippodamia. As an extra treat for readers of the previous books, King Theseus of Athens is once again present and plays a significant part in this story, and we also get to meet his first wife Antiope, the Amazon Queen.

Carosella’s writing is immersive and exceptionally readable. Her knowledge of Bronze Age Greece and Greek mythology is obvious and she does a marvelous job interpreting and fleshing out the classic myths and filling in any gaps that exist in those tales. Her characters are engaging and she truly brings the time period to life. I did feel there was a bit too much sexual/romantic angst at the beginning of this book, which slowed things down somewhat, but once the war with the Centaurs began the story picked up steam quickly, and I was completely engaged from that point on.

As Carosella states in the author’s note: “To be frank, I couldn’t imagine Pirithous taking just any woman as his wife. She had to have been exceptional and unique. Exceptional enough that decades later, he would accept nothing less than a daughter of Zeus for his second wife…” And, indeed, the author has succeeded in creating a strong and interesting female lead in Hippodamia. She is fierce, wild and stubborn yet loyal and honorable, and I found myself rooting for her in spite of her flaws.

Theseus is a favorite of mine from the Helen books, and experiencing his relationship with his Amazon wife was a definite highlight here. Antiope is a fabulous character in her own right, and I would love to see a future book entirely devoted to their story. In the meantime, I eagerly look forward to any and all new releases from this author. I am most certainly a fan and will pick them up without hesitation!

"She was queen. The only woman Pirithous thought worthy of the role. The only woman he trusted to rule in his place. She was his queen. And she must fight."

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Diabolic by S. J. Kincaid

Title: The Diabolic

Author: S. J. Kincaid

Publisher: 1 November 2016 by Simon and Schuster (Australia)

Pages: 416 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy, Teens & YA, Dystopia

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for.

Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.

When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia—a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.

As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity truer than what she encounters from most humans. Amidst all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life—and the empire.

My Thoughts

“I had only two goals going forward: to fool people into thinking I was Sidonia, and of course, to try not to die.”

If you are looking for a good dystopian mix of action and political manoeuvering, then this is the book for you. For all its cut throat (literally!) barbarism, there is indeed another side to this story concerning all of humanity, friendship and love. With an amazing cast of characters, this tale of friendship and love versus family and politics will keep your attention.

The beginning is a little slow but the pace certainly does increase the further you get into the story. In fairness, there is a vast world to create for the reader, and to do it justice, this took time. The various planets/worlds are detailed and interesting with strains of other tales (Star Wars etc) seemingly apparent, as senators and rebels scheme against their autocratic rulers. There is a lot to take in, but the author does a great job in the creation of these worlds and how they function. As a type of ‘cat and mouse’ game ensues, you will be absorbed by the political plotting and how humanity - and Diabolics - will fair.

As some have claimed, there is a ‘Game of Thrones’ feel about some of the political jousts as planets/families jostling for recognition and power. Lots of plotting, corruption and backstabbing (literally!) take place in this struggle for dominance. There are simply loads of plot twists and turns, passion and betrayal that will keep you guessing right up to the end.

Another point I had issues with was the romance and some friendships - they did not ring true for me. It seemed at times clinical and distant, the raw emotion was stated but not felt (by me). However, this can be overlooked as this is a most worthy sci-fi saga that you will enjoy. The story and worlds are compelling and even if you are not a fantasy/sci fi/dystopian reader, there is a deeper tale of the future of humanity and what it is to be not only human, but alive.

“I’d accepted for so long that I wasn’t a real person, and I never would have questioned it but for the pain I felt now. How could a creature that wasn’t real experience the depth of anguish I’d experienced.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Review: The Locksmith's Daughter

Title: The Locksmith’s Daughter
Author: Karen Brooks
Publisher: 19th September 2016 by  Harlequin Australia, MIRA
Pages: 510 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical/general fiction, Tudor
My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

In a world where no one can be trusted and secrets are currency, one woman stands without fear.

Mallory Bright is the only daughter of London’s master locksmith. For her there is no lock too elaborate, no secret too well kept. Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster and protector of Queen Elizabeth – the last of the Tudor monarchs – and her realm, is quick to realise Mallory’s talent and draws her into his world of intrigue, danger and deception. With her by his side, no scheme in England or abroad is safe from discovery; no plot secure.

But Mallory’s loyalty wavers when she witnesses the execution of three Jesuit priests, a punishment that doesn’t fit their crime. When Mallory discovers the identity of a Catholic spy and a conspiracy that threatens the kingdom, she has to make a choice – between her country and her heart.

Mallory, however, carries her own dark secrets and is about to learn those being kept from her – secrets that could destroy those she loves.

Once Sir Francis’s greatest asset, Mallory is fast becoming his worst threat … and everyone knows there’s only one way Sir Francis deals with those.

My Thoughts

WOW! What a story! I am a lover of historical fiction and this is gripping reading. ‘The Locksmith's Daughter’ is a first-person narrative and straight away you are drawn into this turbulent Tudor period. The story is most engaging with factual detail, action, drama and romance all perfectly melded together.

The writing is comprehensive and most compelling. My one slight problem (and removal of just half a star), is that at times it was long winded. I wanted to move on with the action and wanted more of what was happening; however, you cannot deny that is was very well researched - steeped in detail, rich in facts. So much so, that some scenes are very confronting and graphic with how people were treated in the infamous Tower of London.

“It was even easier to commit atrocities when they were enacted in the name of justice; when you believed you were working for the good of the realm, for the security of the sovereign and your people. It was easy when you didn’t see the consequences and others performed the retribution for you. It was easy to be ruthless when you ceased to think of those convicted as human, and saw them as enemies.”

You will make strong connections with many characters, as you lose yourself in Elizabethan England and the fascinating world of locks and spies! What the lead character Mallory endured, will indeed confront you, but nothing will stop you from turning those pages. The array of secondary players are just as inviting - from her father Gideon, friend Caleb, to the infallible Lord Nathaniel - just to name a few.

“I was my father’s daughter. When I was with Papa, the hours became a solace, the workshop a refuge from the vexation my mere presence aroused in my mother.”

I feel that Brooks has perfectly portrayed the frightening Tudor England, in her settings and descriptions. There are subtle twists and turns, to downright cry out loud moments! With a fabulous female protagonist set against (or with?) the Queen’s own spymaster, Walsingham, you will quickly get caught up in this gripping espionage thriller.

“I want us to find the lock so we may open this chest of Catholic worms.’ He stared at me. ‘Who better to help us find the right lock than a locksmith’s daughter?”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Review: Beyond the Orchard

Title: Beyond The Orchard

Author: Anna Romer

Publisher: 1 November 2016 by Simon and Schuster

Pages: 464 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, romance, mystery

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

A haunting story of yearning, love and betrayal from the bestselling author of Thornwood House

Lucy Briar has arrived home in turmoil after years overseas. She’s met her fiancé in London and has her life mapped out, but something is holding her back.

Hoping to ground herself and find answers, Lucy settles into once familiar routines. But old tortured feelings flood Lucy’s existence when her beloved father, Ron, is hospitalised and Morgan – the man who drove her away all those years ago – seeks her out.

Worse, Ron implores Lucy to visit Bitterwood Estate, the crumbling historic family guesthouse now left to him. He needs Lucy to find something– an old photograph album, the very thing that drove Ron and his father apart.

Lucy has her own painful memories of Bitterwood, darkness that has plagued her dreams since she was young. But as Lucy searches for the album, the house begins to give up its ghosts and she is driven to put them to rest.

And there, held tightly between the house, the orchard and the soaring cliffs, Lucy uncovers a long-hidden secret that shattered a family’s bond and kept a frightened young girl in its thrall ... and Lucy discovers just how fierce the lonely heart can be.

My Thoughts

This is Anna Romer’s third book and I couldn’t wait to read it. I am happy to say that the high standard she set from the very beginning of her literary career has continued. What an amazing author she is proving to be, with this instalment cementing her in the upper echelon of Australian writers.

“Drinking in the night air, he blinked to clear his eyes, clutching her to him, wishing he could turn back time, wishing . . . but no; he would not let his mind revisit what he had done.”

I was hooked from the first page as she deftly wove a superior tale of secrets that seamlessly went from past to present. That takes skill. For you see this is a historical mystery with a touch of romance of the very highest calibre. A story that will draw you in and keep you glued to the very end.

“Through the orchard I went, following the torch beam along the path and down the slope to the dank clearing.”

Beyond the Orchard is yet another atmospheric tale of past tragedies, betrayal, love and of secrets. There is such great depth and character to both the players and plot. At its heart it is a mystery and you are the passenger, as Romer deftly moves the puzzle pieces around the board, with revelations slowly unfolding. It’s so engaging and authentic with snapshots from three past generation, all woven together to a fulfilling conclusion.

“Instinct told me that the developed photos –along with the other items –were all pieces of a much larger puzzle.”

Romer can now be called a master of contemporary and historical family stories with her latest, Beyond the Orchard, up there with her previous two novels. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book. Much like the main character, as a reader you will be ....

“... drawn into a vortex where past and present existed simultaneously. It made me giddy, made my pulse thunder in my ears, made my skin damp with anticipation. Made me ever more determined to find the explanation.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release