Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari

This book has me written all over it! The cover, the title, the summary! I couldn’t wait to check this one out and start reading it! I loved that it was set in post WWI England, though to be honest I missed in the summery that it was set in 1923 when I read it. I spent the first 10-20 pages of the book trying to figure out of it was the Victorian era or post WWI!

At any rate, the setting was great and it had a very ‘adventurer,. explorer, intellectual’ vibe from the very first page and I was eager to see how the story panned out. If you enjoy books with a fiesta female sleuth then you will find a lot to love in Saffron Everleigh! Saffron was fun, relatable, and intelligent and I really liked getting to know her throughout the book.

This is author Kate Khavari’s second book and even though I haven’t read the anything else by her, I would be happy to read another historical fiction by her as this was enjoyable and generally good. If you enjoy a ‘whodunnit’ with intelligent characters and a lovely setting then you don’t want to miss this one! Plus look at that cover y’all! It’s so pretty!

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Night Shift by Alex Finlay

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: The Night Shift by Alex Finlay

I had this book sitting on my TBR shelf forever. While I was on vacation I knew I wanted to read a fast paced thriller/murder mystery but I didn’t really have any idea what I wanted to read or what might fit the bill. But this one kept coming up on my recommended lists in Goodreads and on Audible. Finally I gave in and picked it up on the plane ride down to Salt Lake City.

This book was an absolute perfect fit for me. It was fast paced with short chapters that advanced the plot nicely. I loved the characters and the mystery so overall it was a solid read and a good choice for a vacation read for those that prefer murder over beach reads while on vacation. Author Alex Finlay is a seasoned writer with quite a few well received thrillers under his belt and while this is my first book by him, it will NOT be my last!

I think the biggest thing that appealed to me about this book was the nostalgia factor (the original murders are set in 1999 in a video store) mixed with the now modern day copy cat murder. I knew this would be a book that I could get into quick but also set down if I needed to for something and come back to without feeling lost and that’s exactly what I got. A well written thriller that held my attention but that I could get through quickly.

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Special Feature: Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins

You all should know by now that I am a sucker for book covers with adorable dogs on them! And this book—-that sweet dog lounging on the beach living his best life just GOT ME! I am definitely taking this one on my trip to Cabo this summer but since today is the release day I just couldn’t resist sharing this book with you guys!

I mean don’t we all need more cute pets in our lives?? I know I do! But beyond the adorable dog on the cover lies a story that promises to satisfy your beach read craving! Author Kristan Higgins has penned over 20 books and many of which have made it to the New York Times, USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling lists! So obviously she is a strong and well loved author.

This book promises something for everyone—romance, family dynamics, second chances, and an ending that will leave you happy and satisfied. I am so excited to check it out this summer! Many of the early reviews are raving about this one, rating it at either 4 or 5 stars so this one moved right on up my TBR list for those reasons. It is out now and you can snag a copy for yourselves now! Be sure to get this one added to your TBR list today!

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Special Feature: The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan

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It’s funny how war changes so much about society in unexpected ways. I loved that this book really wanted to tell the story of how war changed life for these three very different war brides. Sewing really used to be such a bonding experience for women not to mention a point of pride. I can remember my my grandma telling me about sewing with her friends and sisters and the pride she took in the fact that she sewed her own wedding dress (in the 1930s!).

In the age of everything including wedding dresses being at the tip of our fingers, it’s pretty amazing to think about women sitting around making their own wedding dresses. One of the reasons that I wanted to feature this book (and will later read) is for this reason! It just sounded so charming and really a way to nightlight a bygone era. I cannot wait to dig into this one a little later this year. It sounds like a wonderful work of historical fiction and one that historical fiction fans won’t want to miss!

When I got married in 2004, I actually had my grandma help me make my wedding veil. It was an experience and item that I will forever cherish. I am so excited to read this book because I understand how meaningful working on a project like this with someone can be. I can’t wait to check this book out. Plus Jennifer Ryan has a couple other successful novels under her belt and I can’t wait to see what magic she weaves with this one!

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Books, Reading

Special Feature and Excerpt: Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery

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If you haven’t figured out by now, I am a HUGE Susan Mallery fan! She has written so many books though and I haven’t been able to read every single one but man does she write some fun books! Her books are always uplifting but full of heart, drama, and romance which makes for wonderful beach reading. But here’s the thing with Mallery—I never feel like I am reading ‘fluff’.

Her books have well written characters with lots to relate to and enjoy. I always feel a solid connection with her characters and the stories have enough to keep me interested and invested in the plot. She is clearly a successful writer for a reason—she knows how to hook people into a good story! I cannot WAIT for this latest book by Mallery. I have it all ready to go on my iPad when I am in Cabo this summer! Nothing like reading a Mallery beach read ON the beach!

Today I have a special treat for all of you with this lovely excerpt from Boardwalk Bookshop. If you are looking for your next beach read this is one you don’t want to miss. The excerpt sounds like it’s going to be right up my alley and another winner for Mallery! Plus I mean, it’s about a bookshop, how can you go wrong with that?!?!

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