These are the Advance Reader Copies I read that release this month. Read on to see my verdicts on each of them! Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the copies in exchange for an honest review.
The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart
Verdict: DNF at 25%
I was just never in the mood to pick this up. The premise was interesting, but I found myself caring less and less and the story progressed. I think the main issue is that the two timelines bogged each other down. We spent so much time on each that neither one could take off and get interesting.
I do enjoy many books with a slow start but this was too slow.
At Least You Have Your Health by Madi Sinha
Verdict: Not my cup of tea, may be yours
I laughed at situations, and I identified with the experience of being a working mom. Overall I just didn’t like it.
This book was interesting and I appreciated its keen examination on alternate medicine and class and race. Perfect for readers of “Such a Fun Age” and “Big Little Lies” or of the podcast “Maintenance Phase.”
Some of the characters and scenes were over the top, almost unbelievable. Almost all characters except maybe were extremely unlikeable, although they were all multi-faceted and very complex.
I did appreciate how everything wrapped up, including the medical mysteries. The ending was the strongest part of the book.
I think a Content Warning regarding traumatic birth would be wise, there are some pretty intense scenes in this book.
Fool Me Once by Ashley Winstead
Verdict: Not for me, others might enjoy!
| Usually books that feature some sort of infidelity are a no-go for me. I made an exception for this one because it’s the main character (who’s also the narrator) who cheated five years ago, deeply regrets her choice and part of her character growth is understanding why she made those terrible choices. It was a compelling story, but readers should be warned that the cheating does not stop there. Almost every character deals with infidelity in some way. Lee herself is deeply critical of anyone who cheats, which is probably comes from a place of self-loathing and regret. The politics aspect of the plot was the weakest. It dragged down the romance and when it wasn’t confusing, it was downright unbelievable. I could not suspend my disbelief enough. I was especially annoyed at the big reveal (surprise surprise, more infidelity!) that was brushed off without consequence. |
To Marry and to Meddle by Martha Waters
Verdict: Best Waters book yet!
Loved this one. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the main character, Emily – she might be one of my favorite Historical Romance characters ever. She’s sweet and caring and she learns to stand up for herself without losing her caring nature. Julian, her love interest, was also great. He had a perfect blend of moodiness without being cruel.
This is a marriage of convivence regency romance with easy, fun banter. And a cute, evil kitten!
God of Neverland by Gama Ray Martinez
Verdict: DNF at 31%
I was really excited about the premise of this book. I love Peter Pan retellings and Peter Pan adjacent stories. However, this one fell flat for me for a few reasons. Most notably was the pacing. It was much too fast; at only 15% or so, so much had happened. There was hardly any time to process and regroup, let alone get to know the characters. We do finally get that for a moment when Michael visits Wendy. (I actually think that point would have been a much stronger opening to the book.)
I felt like there was too much dialogue. This is part of what I mean when it needed to be slowed down. I needed more description, more backstory.
Overall, it felt like reading a script of a video game or TV show. I can see other readers really enjoying this book, but it simply wasn’t for me.
The Mad Girls of New York by Maya Rodale
An interesting read. My main critique I have is the marketing. Although illustrated covers can be used for all sorts of genres and age groups, I really think this novel would have been served by a more traditional historical fiction or literary fiction cover. That would match the tone much more – this is about an undercover investigator in an insane asylum.
This one is dark and intense. There are plenty of hopeful moments, but the content is dismal, as is fitting the story. that tries to bring light to systems of oppression in this time period. A content warning would have been very appreciated.
The prose was mediocre. The writing would describe appalling conditions and situations and then tell the reader how terrible they were. I wish the author trusted the audience to recognize how bad the madhouse was on their own instead of being told.
The romance is quite secondary; I can see this being a long, slow burn over the series. Overall I enjoyed it, although I have no idea whether the mental illness representation could be considered accurate or effective.
The No-Show by Beth O’Leary
Wow! What a book. This complex story is something I’d trust with few other authors. One man involved with the same woman? Tough sell.
But I loved it! I was unsettled and curious the whole time; there’s a big mystery component to this novel. (Which is why I’d suggest going in blind.) I did not know what to make of this story until the end, when everything came together.
This isn’t exactly a cozy, feel-good book in the same way that O’Leary’s other works have been, but it has a poignancy all its own. I think this book has a lot to say about how people enter, stay, and leave our lives.
Each woman was so distinct and interesting; I honestly loved them all and I never got them confused.
I enjoyed this book but I can see this being one that doesn’t work for some people. Definitely unlike anything else I’ve ever read.
Meg Loves Words 