This past month I was able to break my Kindle in at the beach and I’m obsessed! I’m still very much a physical book gal, but there is something so wonderful about this lightweight device holding so many of my books and me being able to take it everywhere. I’ve found that I also read faster on the Kindle than I do with most physical books. Reading at night has also been a game changer, although it’s not helping much with me staying up into all hours of the night in order to “read just one more chapter”.
A Familiar Stranger by A. R. Torre 3 / 5 stars
A quick psychological thriller that I sped through! Lilian is leading a double life- one as a obituary writer with an alcohol problem and a husband and a loving son at home and another life a calendar saleswoman who begins to has a fling/affair with a mystery man named David. To be honest, I wasn’t a big fan of our main character as she’s very problematic and causes a lot of her own issues-however, there weren’t many likable characters in this novel. There’s quite the plot twist towards the end that I wasn’t expecting- took me by complete surprise, I had to reread a page or two to make sure I had all the right information. Torre’s writing style made this messy plot a lot of fun to read-she just knows what she’s doing with these domestic thrillers. Looking to pick up more from this author soon!
Weyward by Emilia Hart 3.5 / 5 stars
Three different generations of women who are all bound together by one common thing: Weyward. Altha from the 1600’s who is on trial for witchcraft, Violet from the 1940’s who is living through the war time and struggling to learn how to become a proper lady, and Kate from present day who is fleeing from her abusive boyfriend. These three women have a similar storyline- all trying to escape their situations with awful men who do awful things. The underlining tone of this book is based around these three women, who are all connected by namesake, find their power from within themselves and nature to overcome different forms of the patriarchy. A historical fiction that I really did enjoy. I was shocked to learn that this was this author’s debut novel! The writing was very atmospheric and I grew to really care for our three main characters. One aspect I particularly loved was the other female relationships these ladies had with other characters throughout their lives. The only thing that bothered me about this book was the slow first half. I also think I would’ve enjoyed this more in the fall as well as I’m very much a seasonal reader- great for all the spooky/witchy vibes!
