Tag: Magical Realism

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

Review: Secrets of the Chocolate House (Found Things #2) by Paula Brackston

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Review: Secrets of the Chocolate House (Found Things #2) by Paula Brackston

Paula Brackston is a favorite author of mine. I’ve read almost all of her books and with each read, I feel like I walked away satisfied and looking forward to the next book.

She has a deft hand with magical realism and all things ‘witchy’. She is probably most known for her ‘witch’ books of which I have read almost all of them (The Silver Witch, The Midnight Witch etc) as well as a host of other works by her.

After reading the first book in this particular series, I was eager to see what direction this book took! After reading this one, I do think that readers who haven’t read the first book, The Little Shop of Found Things, should definitely read that one first before attempting this one. Continue reading “Review: Secrets of the Chocolate House (Found Things #2) by Paula Brackston” →

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

Review: Midnight at the Tuscany Hotel by James Markert

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: Midnight at the Tuscany Hotel by James Markert

This was a book that I wasn’t really thinking about, until the time for me to start reading it was upon me.

For me, there was nothing that really stood out about it—not the cover, or the title, or even the description. I was beginning to wonder why I agreed to review it, but with a sigh, I had committed to reading it and thus I did.

As soon as I started reading it, I began to let me misconceptions and preconceived notions fall away, as this book indeed had a lot to recommend itself and I think that there will be a number of people that will love this book! Continue reading “Review: Midnight at the Tuscany Hotel by James Markert” →

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

Review: Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

by The Lit Bitch5 Comments on Review: Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

When this book showed up in my inbox for review, I wasn’t entirely sure it was something I wanted to read. It sounded a little sad and on the heavy side so initially I set it to the side as a ‘probably wouldn’t review’ book.

But I wasn’t quite ready to write it off so I waited a few days to see if I might change my mind. The summary kept comping back into my mind and I kept thinking about the beautiful blue cover and interesting plot.

Eventually I decided on saying yes to this one, mostly because it sounded magical and elegant even if it was going to be a heavy, sad, tear jerker. Continue reading “Review: Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah” →

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

Review: Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

by The Lit Bitch3 Comments on Review: Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

I had one experience with Diane Setterfield’s novels and that was Bellman & Black way back in 2013. I wasn’t terribly impressed with the book and I was so sad because I wanted to love it so very badly. I mean it sounded right up my alley and I was reading it as my ‘scary read’ for October so I was even more disappointed in it.

At the time I wanted to read her other novel, The Thirteenth Tale, but I was just so let down that I didn’t want to risk being disappointed again. So flash forward five years…..since reading this Bellman & Black,  I have thought of her other book off and on but just haven’t gotten around to reading it.

Then I was approached to read Once Upon a River and I was actually super excited. By all accounts and descriptions, all of her books should be something that I would love. I was eager to try out another one of her books, especially because I had already heard quite the buzz happening around this book which made me excited. And let’s just say the only regret I have with this book is that I didn’t start it sooner! Continue reading “Review: Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield” →

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

Review: The Little Shop of Found Things (The Little Shop of Found Things #1) by Paula Brackston

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: The Little Shop of Found Things (The Little Shop of Found Things #1) by Paula Brackston

Paula Brackston has been a favorite writer of mine for a while now. I have read almost all of her ‘witch’ novels and I love them! She has such a nice voice in her stories and I love the mixture of magic and realism.

When this book came up for review, I was so excited to read it. I loved the cover and the title so much. It looked like something that I was going to be an instant favorite in my magical realism category.

Xanthe and her mother Flora leave London behind for a fresh start, taking over an antique shop in the historic town of Marlborough. Xanthe has always had an affinity with some of the antiques she finds. When she touches them, she can sense something of the past they come from and the stories they hold. So when she has an intense connection to a beautiful silver chatelaine she has to know more.

It’s while she’s examining the chatelaine that she’s transported back to the seventeenth century. And shortly after, she’s confronted by a ghost who reveals that this is where the antique has its origins. The ghost tasks Xanthe with putting right the injustice in its story to save an innocent girl’s life, or else it’ll cost her Flora’s. Continue reading “Review: The Little Shop of Found Things (The Little Shop of Found Things #1) by Paula Brackston” →