Impossible by Darcy Burke (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

 

Title: Impossible

Author: Darcy Burke

Publication: 18 April 2022

Format: Kindle eBook

Amazon Description

Ada Treadway has been in love before, and it brought nothing but heartache. Still, she retains her cheerful optimism and is fiercely protective of the independence and respect she’s earned as bookkeeper of the Phoenix Club. When the owner enlists her help to organize his friend’s estate ledgers, she’s eager to prove her expertise and her worth. But his friend turns out to be a disagreeable, unpleasant beast, and Ada works to find the warm-hearted gentleman she’s sure lurks beneath.

Maximillian Hunt, the Viscount Warfield doesn’t care if he lives to see tomorrow, and he certainly doesn’t want to recall yesterday. The arrival of the meddlesome and effusively positive woman who will put his accounts in order not only reminds him of the past he’s desperate to forget, she sparks something within him he thought dead. Tempted by a future he never imagined, he must do the impossible: convince her that he’s worth risking her heart a second time.

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

While not my favorite Phoenix Club installment so far, I still absolutely loved Impossible and already have the next on my wishlist (finally more Dougal!!!).

I fell for poor Max instantly in spite of the little we had seen of him previously (if you've read the other books in the series, that is). I have a thing for moody soldiers, after all. 

It's very much a slow burn romance which I appreciate to no end given the tragedies both Max and Ada were dealing with overcoming. Damaged people don't tend to fall easily and, in spite of her perkiness, Ada is in her own ways almost as damaged as Max. In fact, it's the perkiness ... and not nearly enough Evie and Lucien ... that would be to blame for knocking this down to 4 stars.

Well, 4.5 ....

               which will probably be upped to 4.75 after a re-read ....

                                  so I might as well just give it 5 from the get-go.

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Friday 56 (share a blurb from the 56th page or 56% mark) is hosted at Freda's Voice 

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader

The Mad Girls of New York by Maya Rodale (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

 

Title: The Mad Girls of New York

Author: Maya Rodale

Publication: 26 April 2022

Format: Kindle eARC via NetGalley & Berkley

Amazon Description

An exciting novel based on the fearless reporter Nellie Bly, who would stop at nothing to expose injustices against women in early 19th century New York, even at the risk of her own life and freedom.

In 1887 New York City, Nellie Bly has ambitions beyond writing for the ladies pages, but all the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional, respectable and delicate to do the job. But then the New York World challenges her to an assignment she'd be mad to accept and mad to refuse: go undercover as a patient at Blackwell's Island Insane Asylum for Women.

For months, rumors have been swirling about deplorable conditions at Blackwell’s, but no reporter can get in—that is, until Nellie feigns insanity, gets committed and attempts to survive ten days in the madhouse. Inside, she discovers horrors beyond comprehension. It's an investigation that could make her career—if she can get out to tell it before two rival reporters scoop her story.

From USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale comes a rollicking historical adventure series about the outrageous intrigues and bold flirtations of the most famous female reporter—and a groundbreaking rebel—of New York City’s Gilded Age.

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

I was a bit worried about this one, to be honest. I majored in communications and studied Nellie Bly and her writings quite a bit way back when. I was worried that this would end being a bit too much like the Lifetime movie catastrophe "Escaping the Madhouse" ... and not enough like anything that actually happened.

Sure, this is fiction and liberties have definitely been taken when it comes to what we know and what we don't about Bly and the time surrounding the Blackwell's investigation. Characters have been added. Details imagined. When it comes right down to it, though, they were all added and imagined with what appears to be great care and I'm okay with all of it. 

Hell, if I can be okay with Jane Austen time travelling or becoming a vampire, I can be okay with just about any historical tweak ... as long as it's written well. Maya Rodale has definitely written Nellie well and I look forward to reading more. There's a little matter of a 72-day trip around the world that isn't talked about nearly enough ... as well as her novel-writing that is talked about even less.

 

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"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews. 

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

The Turquoise by Anya Seton (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

 

Title: The Turquoise

Author: Anya Seton

Publication: originally 1946 -- Houghton Mifflin

Format: Kindle ebook

Amazon Description

A novel of a girl’s journey from an orphaned childhood in New Mexico to an opulent life in Gilded Age New York, by the author of Avalon.

In 1850, as her mother lay dying and a priest stood by, Santa Fe Cameron was named by her Scottish father after the town in which she had just been born. At seven years old, she would also lose her father.

Shortly thereafter, a Navajo shaman recognized psychic power in the orphan girl, and gave her a turquoise pendant as a keepsake. This turquoise, the Indian symbol of the spirit, will dominate her life—even after she leaves the simple beauty of her native New Mexico to search for happiness in the glamorous New York of the 1870s.

For “Fey,” life is made up of violent contrasts: the rough wagon that brings her East and the scented carriages waiting before her own Fifth Avenue mansion; the glittering world of the Astors and a dreary cell in the Tombs. Filled with color, excitement, and rich period detail, and starring an unforgettable heroine, this is a stirring historical saga from the author of Katherine, Foxfire, and many other novels.

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

I wasn't sure what to expect from Anya Seton. She published twelve novels between 1941 and 1975 and I had no idea who she was until she made a place on my neverending TBR back in December thanks to Amazon offering up her Dragonwyck as a Deal of the Day on my birthday. I still haven't read it, but the monthly mini-challenge for the Alphabet Soup group is birthstones so I knew it had to be when I did a search for "turquoise" on Goodreads and Seton was the first one to pop up. I try not to read too much into reviews (I know, right?), and read that it was "not her best" over and over again. If this wasn't one of Seton's best then I am definitely looking forward to reading her others as I quickly became entranced by Fey and her journey -- personally, spiritually and geographically.

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"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews. 

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (Book Beginnings & Friday56)

Title: Wuthering Heights

Author: Emily Brontë

Publication: originally 1847 -- this edition 15 September 2019

Format: Wordsworth Collector's Editions Hardcover

Goodreads Description

Wuthering Heights is a wild, passionate story of the intense and almost demonic love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, a foundling adopted by Catherine's father. After Mr Earnshaw's death, Heathcliff is bullied and humiliated by Catherine's brother Hindley and wrongly believing that his love for Catherine is not reciprocated, leaves Wuthering Heights, only to return years later as a wealthy and polished man. He proceeds to exact a terrible revenge for his former miseries. The action of the story is chaotic and unremittingly violent, but the accomplished handling of a complex structure, the evocative descriptions of the lonely moorland setting and the poetic grandeur of vision combine to make this unique novel a masterpiece of English literature.

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

It has been close to thirty years since my one and only prior attempt to get through Wuthering Heights unscathed. I know that it was an option on the summer reading list before 12th grade AP English. My mother, of course, had it on her shelves so it was easy for me to grab. 

I seem to recall questioning why it would ever be considered a "classic," placing it back on the shelves mostly unfinished, and moving on to another more palatable and, comparatively, lighthearted option.

Probably Hemingway or Dostoevsky. Sad when those are the lighthearted options.

This is absolutely a love story but in no way is it a romance. The characters are horrid people aside from poor Mr Lockwood. Even Nelly flip-flops from being worthwhile to wanting to smack her with something heavy.

And yet ...

I finally think I get it. 

It's disturbingly real. That is what makes it a classic. 

Will it ever be a "favorite" for me? Probably not, but it will likely stay on my shelves (and not just because I'm currently obsessed with the Wordsworth Collector's Editions).

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As always, Friday 56 (share a blurb from the 56th page or 56% mark) is hosted at Freda's Voice 

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader

Magic, Lies, and Deadly Pies by Misha Popp (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

Title: Magic, Lies, and Deadly Pies

Author: Misha Popp

Publication: 10 May 2022 -- Crooked Lane Books 

Format: Kindle eARC via NetGalley

Amazon Description

The first time Daisy Ellery killed a man with a pie, it was an accident. Now, it’s her calling. Daisy bakes sweet vengeance into her pastries, which she and her dog Zoe deliver to the men who’ve done dirty deeds to the town’s women. But if she can’t solve the one crime that’s not of her own baking, she’ll be out of the pie pan and into the oven.

Parking her Pies Before Guys mobile bakery van outside the local diner, Daisy is informed by Frank, the crusty diner owner, that someone’s been prowling around the van—and not just to inhale the delectable aroma. Already on thin icing with Frank, she finds a letter on her door, threatening to reveal her unsavory secret sideline of pie a la murder.

Blackmail? But who whipped up this half-baked plot to cut a slice out of Daisy’s business? Purple-haired campus do-gooder Melly? Noel, the tender—if flaky—farm boy? Or one of the abusive men who prefer their pie without a deadly scoop of payback?

The upcoming statewide pie contest could be Daisy’s big chance to help wronged women everywhere…if she doesn’t meet a sticky end first. Because Daisy knows the blackmailer won’t stop until her business is in crumbles.

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

I have had this sitting on my NetGalley shelf calling my name since September. I try not to read and review things too far in advance so I've been putting it off and finally devoured it over the past two days. It comes out in just under a month so this would be the perfect time to pre-order. It's .... different. It's not exactly a "cozy mystery" in the traditional sense, though there are definitely elements of coziness and there is, indeed, a mystery. It is, however, very likely to make it onto my favorite reads of the year list and it's only April. It's just that delicious.

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"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews. 

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

I'll Sleep When I've Read... The No-Show by Beth O'Leary

Title: The No-Show

Author: Beth O'Leary

Publication: 12 April 2022

Format: Kindle eArc via NetGalley & Berkley

Amazon Description

Three women who seemingly have nothing in common find that they're involved with the same man in this smart new rom-com by Beth O'Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare.

Siobhan is a quick-tempered life coach with way too much on her plate. Miranda is a tree surgeon used to being treated as just one of the guys on the job. Jane is a soft-spoken volunteer for the local charity shop with zero sense of self-worth.
 
These three women are strangers who have only one thing in common: they’ve all been stood up on the same day, the very worst day to be stood up—Valentine’s Day. And, unbeknownst to them, they’ve all been stood up by the same man.
 
Once they've each forgiven him for standing them up, they are all in serious danger of falling in love with a man who may have not just one or two but three women on the go....
 
Is there more to him than meets the eye? Where was he on Valentine’s Day? And will they each untangle the truth before they all get their hearts broken?

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

I was not expecting to like this book. At the time of the reading I was on vacation. It was supposed to be a wonderful break from life with many hours spent with the one I adore the most in this world (aside from my child). And, of course, thanks to the universe conspiring against me as it so often does, I spent the entire time alone aside from one marvelous hour. He didn't exactly "no-show." Well, he did ... but I at least was given warning that things had happened. A "no-show" is far superior to a "no-call no-show," after all. Those can get a person fired. Or broken up with. Or a book written about them. 

Regardless, it probably wasn't the best of times to try to read this.

But .... it was exactly the perfect time to read this.

I was thinking that it was going to end up being like a more grown-up version of the movie "John Tucker Must Die" in which one guy is caught dating three girls at the same time and they band together to pretty much destroy him. Cute enough teenish cheesy chick-flick with a decent early 2000s cast. 

This was not that.

This was so much more and so much better and I so highly recommend it.

There is more than a fair amount of angst. Sometimes we need angst in our books. Sometimes the angst in the books helps us to get over the angst in our real lives. That is, more or less, what The No-Show did for me -- to some degree, anyway. I was still way angsty after reading it, but more hopeful that it would all work out the way it should. 

A certain man should be very thankful that I grabbed this to be my angsty-read rather than one of my serial killer/psychological thriller/kill-kill-kill books. Even though I thought this would be closer to that with a rom-com twist, I'm glad that I was wrong... and I now have everything Beth O'Leary has written waiting not-so-patiently for me to get through more of my NetGalley shelf. Maybe I should just buy the paperbacks and keep them on hand for future vacation attempts.

If you want to share whatever has kept you up past your bedtime because you just needed one more chapter ... or the entire book ... please comment! My TBR pile is already toppling, but I can always add more.

 

Razzmatazz by Christopher Moore (Book Beginnings & Friday56)

Title: Razzmatazz

Author: Christopher Moore

Publication: 17 May 2022

Format: Kindle eARC via NetGalley & William Morrow

Amazon Description

San Francisco, 1947. Bartender Sammy “Two Toes” Tiffin and the rest of the Cookie’s Coffee Irregulars—a ragtag bunch of working mugs last seen in Noir—are on the hustle: they’re trying to open a driving school; shanghai an abusive Swedish stevedore; get Mable, the local madam, and her girls to a Christmas party at the State Hospital without alerting the overzealous head of the S.F.P.D. vice squad; all while Sammy’s girlfriend, Stilton (a.k.a. the Cheese), and her “Wendy the Welder” gal pals are using their wartime shipbuilding skills on a secret project that might be attracting the attention of some government Men in Black. And, oh yeah, someone is murdering the city’s drag kings and club owner Jimmy Vasco is sure she’s next on the list and wants Sammy to find the killer.

Meanwhile, Eddie “Moo Shoes” Shu has been summoned by his Uncle Ho to help save his opium den from Squid Kid Tang, a vicious gangster who is determined to retrieve a priceless relic: an ancient statue of the powerful Rain Dragon that Ho stole from one of the fighting tongs forty years earlier. And if Eddie blows it, he just might call down the wrath of that powerful magical creature on all of Fog City.

Strap yourselves in for a bit of the old razzmatazz, ladies and gentlemen. It’s Christopher Moore time.

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

Long before I finished Noir I knew that I needed more Sammy and Stilton and Eddie and whatever and whoever else Christopher Moore decides to throw into the mix. As soon as a sequel was announced, I added it to my wishlist. As soon as it was available to pre-sale, I pre-bought. As soon as it hit NetGalley, I hit the request button. As soon as I was approved? I was horribly torn. I've been so anxious about getting my grubby little hands on this .... and I read the first few chapters immediately .... but part of me kind of just wants to toss some teasers out there and wait until the hardcover arrives in just over a month. So that's exactly what I'm going to do. Here's the beginning from the prologue and the 56% from the eARC. In a month maybe we'll do Tuesday.

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As always, Friday 56 (share a blurb from the 56th page or 56% mark) is hosted at Freda's Voice 

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader

The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

 

Title: The Marlow Murder Club

Author: Robert Thorogood

Publication: 7 January 2021 by HQ; 

3 May 2022 by Poisoned Pen Press 

Format: Kindle eARC via NetGalley

Amazon Description

To solve an impossible murder, you need an impossible hero.

Creator of BBC One's hilarious murder mystery series Death in Paradise, Robert Thorogood, has turned the Christie-mystery on its head with a new cozy first in series. Perfect for readers who love Richard Osmond's Thursday Murder Club and An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good, The Marlow Murder Club introduces Judith, a seventy-seven-year-old whiskey drinking, crossword puzzle author living her best life in a dilapidated mansion on the outskirts of Marlow.

Nothing ever happens in Marlow. That is, until Judith hears her neighbor shot while skinny-dipping in the Thames. The local police don't believe her story, so she decides to investigate for herself, and is soon joined in her quest by Suzie, a salt-of-the-earth dog-walker, and Becks, the prim and proper wife of the local vicar.

Together, they are the Marlow Murder Club.

When another body turns up, they realize they have a real-life serial killer on their hands. And the puzzle they set out to solve has become a trap from which they might never escape...

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

I had decided by the end of the first chapter that this was going to become one of my favorite series ... and that I want to be Judith Potts when I grow up. 

I have been a huge Robert Thorogood fan ever since I first stumbled upon Death in Paradise years ago. So far I only have two of the DiP-related books and, I believe, one has yet to be read ... but I'm thinking that will definitely have to change while I wait for Death Comes to Marlow.

Judith, Becks and Suzie are amazing and funny and complex and I greatly look forward to seeing what they get up to next and I highly highly recommend picking this one up -- even if you aren't a woman of "a certain age." The youngest of the trio is in her 40s and they are all written so well that I had to remind myself more than once that they were written by a man. I imagine that the women in Thorogood's life are very pleased to have someone around who "gets it" so well.

 

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"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews. 

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.