A Novel

by Paige Crutcher

Book Category: Romance-312 pages

About the book:

The following is from the publisher and NetGalley:

Doreen MacKinnon is doomed to die of a broken heart – if she can’t break the centuries old curse placed on her family.

Three hundred years ago, Ambrose MacDonald, a powerful male witch, fell in love with a MacKinnon. And when the MacKinnon witches forbade him from seeing his love, by secretly hiding her away, he retaliated by cursing the family and its future generations to never find love. But it wasn’t without a cost. Now, Ambrose is imprisoned by those same witches, trapped in a tempest and doomed to outlive everyone he has ever loved.

But Doreen isn’t like the other MacKinnon witches. As the 13th generation of the MacKinnon line, Doreen is one of the most powerful witches in centuries… and one of the loneliest. So when she discovers where Ambrose has been trapped, she releases him to help her break the curse, once and for all. Ambrose agrees to help, but with his own motive: vengeance. He plans to use her as bait to enact his revenge on her family.

Together, they enter a series of trials, which take them to a castle in Scotland, off a cliff, and into a world beyond their wildest dreams. As they work together, sparks start to fly, but soon Doreen must choose how far she is willing to go to break the curse, and what she’s willing to sacrifice.

Paige Crutcher’s A Circle of Uncommon Witches is a story of adventure, romance, and destiny, that asks: is true love worth the cost?

My thoughts:

This book is not my usual sort of book. I’ve read very few stories about witches but nonetheless very much enjoyed this title. The author creates memorable characters, a well-crafted world, and an interesting and exciting plot. It is the kind of story that one reads waiting for a happy ending and resolution. Read this one to see how it all turns out.

Recommended to readers who enjoy romance, magic, a bit of fantasy and a fun story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-St. Martins Griffin for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 February 2025

From the Publisher

No Strangers Here

A Riveting Dark Irish Mystery

by Carlene O’Connor

#NoStrangersHere #NetGalley

No Strangers Here is the first entry in a new series by Carlene O’Connor. It is the start of some titles by this author that move away from the cozy genre.

Dimpna is a vet who left Dingle (where she grew up) a number of years ago. During the time she was away, Dimpna raised a son from whom she has kept a very big secret, married but found that scandal surrounded her husband, and was left struggling. She decided to return to Dingle, where a man had been murdered, her parents were suspects, it wasn’t clear if an old friend could be trusted, and more.

The body is found with a message. Does it mean what Dimpna thinks it might? How deeply will she be drawn into events and what will it be like to see an old friend with police connections as well as interact with the detective on the case? As can be guessed by this description a lot goes on in these pages.

I enjoyed this book. I will look forward to the next in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 October 2022

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for No Strangers Here

“This solid series launch from O’Connor takes a more somber approach to crime solving than her Irish Village mysteries…O’Connor adds plot twists that many won’t anticipate. Judicious use of Irishisms (“I swear to ye”) adds color. Readers will eagerly await what happens next in County Kerry.”
—Publishers Weekly
 
“Exciting, convoluted, and rich with compelling characters, this is the best of O’Connor’s Irish mysteries to date.” —Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW
 
“Known for her cozies, O’Connor moves into darker territory here. For fans of Louise Penny.”
—Library Journal

NOTE: A free sneak peek is available on Amazon.

Ever since Daphne DuMaurier wrote Rebecca, readers have enjoyed stories set in atmospheric mansions and their environs. That is the case here in a story that takes place in North Carolina. The mansion was the home of an extremely rich woman whose first name was Ruby.

Ruby had quite a history. When she was young, Ruby got lost in the woods and was taken by a family who had lost their own child. Her wealthy parents searched for her and eventually Ruby made it home. Were the events really as described? Readers may wonder as they turn the pages.

Ruby went on to marry four times. All of Ruby’s husbands seem to have come to bad ends. Was Ruby responsible?

Ruby adopted a child. Why did she adopt Cam? Are there any secrets here? Again, readers will wonder as they turn the pages.

Around Ruby and Cam there are many other characters. These include Ruby’s jealous sister, with whom she never got along, and her sister‘s children, among others. All have their parts to play.

For his part, Cam wanted a normal life, even though he could live the life of a very rich person. Instead, Cam isan English teacher who lives in Colorado with his wife, Jools. When Cam and Jools decide to go to North Carolina, events are set in motion.

I enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful and engaging. I liked how the narrative took different forms, including letters, newspaper reports, etc.

Those looking for a page turning read, look no further. The Heiress will entertain you.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 09 January 2024

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/03/books/review/books-state-capitals.html

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/05/books/winter-books-quiz.html

Your One-Stop Source for Mastering English Grammar

by Susan Thurman

I think it is true that this may well be “The Only Grammar Book You’ll Ever Need.” It is absolutely jam packed with information and examples.

This is a title that can be used as a reference when needed or browsed in, simply because it is interesting. There are lots of opportunities to test one’s knowledge.

There are sections on parts of speech, sentence structure, verbs, pronouns, punctuation and how to write. All are worth a look.

Those who want to write clearly and correctly will find much that is useful in these pages. Whether it is emails, blog posts, academic papers, reviews, or letters, correct grammar can help the writer to be respected.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Adams Media for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 March 2025

I recently listened to this audio book and recommend it highly. It is historical fiction set in the aftermath of WWII and tells the story of those affected by the war and the return to civilian life. It is a different war but those who enjoyed Kristin Hannah’s novel, The Women, may well enjoy this one too.

Tilly Galloway grew up poor in Sydney. Her father was a dedicated longshoreman and union man who did backbreaking work and also suffered the effects of a dock strike. Tilly married her Archie who went off to war not more than six months after they wed. Tilly also has a sister who is married as the story begins and has three rambunctious sons.

During the war, Tilly worked at a newspaper. She lived with another woman, Mary, whose husband had also gone to war. One other significant character (and there are many deserving of the reader/listener’s time) is Cooper, a war correspondent.

What happened to all of these folks? Readers will want to know.

The inhumane acts of war are a background to the story. How people coped with varying degrees of resilience is also continuously portrayed.

This book was one in which I found myself highly engaged. The narrator created different voices and told the story well.

Highly recommended to those who love historical fiction.

 #ADeadlyWalkinDevon #NetGalley

Here is the first entry in a promising new cozy series. The protagonist, is Rick who goes by the nickname Chase; he is a retired detective whose partner died not long ago. Chase continues to miss him.

Chase has made plans to go on a walking tour in England. Also on the tour is his very good friend Billie, a retired librarian. They are two in a group of travelers. The most obnoxious of these has been threatened and indeed is murdered.

This is not a locked room but there is the concept of a contained group of people who come together. Who had the strongest motive? Will Chase be drawn in the solve the murder? Of course! The fun is in watching how things go.

I enjoyed getting to know Chase and Billie. I did indeed find the victim to be obnoxious and I enjoyed my virtual trip to England. Recommended for cozy fans who like their mysteries with some armchair travel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 March 2024

A Novel

by C.L. Miller

I enjoyed this author’s first traditional mystery. She knows her antiques and how to tell a good story. Now, the Lockwood Antique Hunters (Freya and Auntie Carole) are back and on the high seas. How did they get there?

Well, a painting has been taken from a maritime museum and (worse), there has been a murder. From here the intrepid duo take a cruise where they discover many stolen artworks/antiquities, and a mastermind. Will they set the (art) world to rights? Readers know the answer; the enjoyment is in getting there.

Recommended to those who enjoy traditional mysteries, antiques and armchair travel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 18 February 2025

The first book in this series:

https://joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php?post_type=post&jetpack-copy=52775

From the Publisher

This is the first, but will not be the last, book that I read by this author. Her novels are now being published by the wonderful Poisoned Pen Press, a great place to find new authors and series.
The Rowland Sinclair mysteries take place in the 30s and Rowly reminds me of that great thirties sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey. He is an artist who is surrounded by his communist leading friends including the lovely Edna, a sculptress. This novel picks up where the prior one ended with the group escaping from Germany at a time when the Nazis were rising and brutal. They come to England where they try to alert the government to upcoming perils and to solve the mystery of an upper class man who is found dead. Subsidiary figures abound including H.G. Wells and Evelyn Waugh.
I truly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to fans of historical mysteries. I look forward to reading more. Thanks for this one, Poisoned Press and NetGalley.

Note:  I will now try to add author’s names to the titles of the posts in order to make the site easier to search.