The Bookish Island: Female Writer

Showing posts with label Female Writer. Show all posts

11/13/2018

The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth | Book Review #126

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth

Are there spoilers?

No.

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Title: The Killing Jar

Author: Jennifer Bosworth

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Pages: 352

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Published: 2016

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Mystery

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Date Read: October 20 > October 21, 2018

Rating: ★★★★☆

“I try not to think about it, what I did to that boy.”
Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret.
She’s haunted by a violent tragedy she can’t explain. Kenna’s past has kept people—even her own mother—at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. Her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance.
On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she’s capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. That her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something malignant lurking underneath it all. And she begins to suspect that her new family has sinister plans for her…

The Rating:

My Review:

This was one of the books I picked out for this years Spookathon. And I did manage to read it during this readathon.

For me the story was good. It had a great fantasy element. That had bits of horror strung throughout. Which makes this book perfect for the more spookier times of the year. And it's also a female author writing a horror so that adds something to this book.

I was pleasantly surprised by the first three chapters when I read them. It reminded me too much of something that could come out of the X-Men. And I loved that. It was so spooky yet cool at the same time. But as the story continued I did not feel the same by the end.

Yeah, the story was great but the Main Character was such a ball of conflicting thoughts and feelings that I started to hate everything she did or said. And that made it difficult for me to say that this was a 5 star read for me.

I think that the story alone, with its fantasy and horror, and the mix of mythology with the moths, and the feeling that something could go horribly wrong at any moment, made this a 5 out of 5 star book. But whenever the MC couldn't make up her mind about her feeling towards her family or the two boys that were after her (the love triangle was also way too weird because I had a feeling one of them was up to no good the whole time I was reading this book) I began to not like everything that was going on as much. That's why I gave this 4 out of 5 instead of 5 like I would have wanted to.

Like I said on Goodreads:

"But the main character ruined a lot of the story and what it could have been. I see this story being so cool and all but the MC was all over the place with her decisions. Sometimes it just felt like she had two personalities."

Goodreads

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The Bookish Island
Blog | Tumblr | Instagram | Youtube | Goodreads

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11/11/2018

The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel by Alyssa Palombo | Book Review #125

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel: A Story of Sleepy Hollow by Alyssa Palombo

Are there spoilers?

No.
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Disclaimer:
This book was sent to me by the publishing company in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel
Author: Alyssa Palombo

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Pages: 416

Publisher: St. Martins Griffin

Published: 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Retelling, Historical, Fiction

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Date Read: October 3 > October 14, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

When Ichabod Crane arrives in the spooky little village of Sleepy Hollow as the new schoolmaster, Katrina Van Tassel is instantly drawn to him. Through their shared love of books and music, they form a friendship that quickly develops into romance. Ichabod knows that as an itinerant schoolteacher of little social standing, he has nothing to offer the wealthy Katrina – unlike her childhood friend-turned-enemy, Brom Van Brunt, who is the suitor Katrina’s father favors.

But when romance gives way to passion, Ichabod and Katrina embark on a secret love affair, sneaking away into the woods after dark to be together – all while praying they do not catch sight of Sleepy Hollow’s legendary Headless Horseman. That is, until All Hallows’s Eve, when Ichabod suddenly disappears, leaving Katrina alone and in a perilous position.

Enlisting the help of her friend – and rumored witch – Charlotte Jansen, Katrina seeks the truth of Ichabod Crane’s disappearance, investigating the forest around Sleepy Hollow using unconventional – often magical – means. What they find forces Katrina to question everything she once knew, and to wonder if the Headless Horseman is perhaps more than just a story after all. In Alyssa Palombo's The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel nothing is as it seems, and love is a thing even death won't erase.

The Rating:

My Review:

I initially saw this book on Goodreads when they had it up for the giveaway and I quickly applied. And lucky enough I won an arc copy f this book. I just set it aside and in my head, I planed when in October I would read it because I wanted to be in the perfect mood. Since it sounded so good and I also wanted to read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Knowing this story was an adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow I decided to read it before this. Though this story is its own completely different thing.

So the time came and I found Sleppy Hollow and read it. But I was slightly disappointed in it. Probably because I found it on Spotify and listened to it. I didn't completely let myself get immersed in it.

The romance part in this was strange to me but I liked it. I was so worried for Katrina (the main character) during the whole story and I wanted her to be cool and for the most part, she was but just not what I expected when I thought of Sleepy Hollow. There was also magic and tarot so I loved those scenes a bunch. Cause I have tarot cards. 😁

Still, the story was amazing on its own. It had fantasy and bits of spooks, and drama, love triangles, and all that good stuff. So even though I was originally going to give this story 4 stars I ended up changing my mind the more I thought about it all. Now I think I it's 5-star material.

Goodreads

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8/06/2018

The Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton | Book Review #124

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
The Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton

Are there spoilers?

No.

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Title: The Quiche of Death

Author: M.C. Beaton

Series: Agatha Raisin #1

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Pages: 272

Publisher: St. Martins Paperback

Published: 2006

Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Cozy Mystery

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Date Read: July 15 > July 17, 2018

Rating: ★★★★☆

Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest: Surely a blue ribbon for the best quiche will make her the toast of the town. But her recipe for social advancement sours when Judge Cummings-Browne not only snubs her entry--but falls over dead! After her quiche's secret ingredient turns out to be poison, she must reveal the unsavory truth…
Agatha has never baked a thing in her life! In fact, she bought her entry ready-made from an upper crust London quicherie. Grating on the nerves of several Carsely residents, she is soon receiving sinister notes. Has her cheating and meddling landed her in hot water, or are the threats related to the suspicious death? It may mean the difference between egg on her face and a coroner's tag on her toe…

The Rating:

My Review:

I got introduced to Agatha Raisin when the series was announced. I don't remember when or where I heard about the show but I saw the photos and I thought it was going to be awesome so I waited till the first book got adapted. and they made a movie first. And when I saw it I fell so in love with Agatha and her friends and that little town so much that I wanted there to be more adaptations. Sure enough, after the movie of the first book came a series that adapted some of the other books. Though I think they weren't adapted in order. And the show was brilliant.

As for The Quiche of Death.

Agatha Raisin has just retired and is moving to the picture perfect cottage of Costwolds. There in the village of Carsely she tries to make friends but fails. And winds up participating in a quiche competition but buys an already made quiche. Then he quiche becomes the potential murder weapon when it winds up next to a crime scene where one of the villagers is found dead.

It was such an easy book to read. With well-written characters and great setting descriptions. The crime was brilliant and if I hadn't already seen the adaptation I wouldn't have known who the killer was until it was revealed. I had nearly forgotten too.

I also want to say that I felt madder at James while reading the book rather than the show. Because he was such an obvious coward when it came to being around Agatha. He didn't want to have her around but he was always around her. He was so confusing.

Goodreads | Book Depository

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8/02/2018

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding | Book Review #122

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

Are there spoilers?

No.

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Title: Bridget Jones' Diary

Author: Helen Fielding

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Pages: 288

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 1999

Genre: Women's Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

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Date Read: July 7 > July 8, 2018

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Meet Bridget Jones—a 30-something Singleton who is certain she would have all the answers if she could:
a. lose 7 pounds
b. stop smoking
c. develop Inner Poise

"123 lbs. (how is it possible to put on 4 pounds in the middle of the night? Could flesh have somehow solidified becoming denser and heavier? Repulsive, horrifying notion), alcohol units 4 (excellent), cigarettes 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow), number of correct lottery numbers 2 (better, but nevertheless useless)..."
Bridget Jones' Diary is the devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud daily chronicle of Bridget's permanent, doomed quest for self-improvement — a year in which she resolves to: reduce the circumference of each thigh by 1.5 inches, visit the gym three times a week not just to buy a sandwich, form a functional relationship with a responsible adult, and learn to program the VCR.
Over the course of the year, Bridget loses a total of 72 pounds but gains a total of 74. She remains, however, optimistic. Through it all, Bridget will have you helpless with laughter, and — like millions of readers the world round — you'll find yourself shouting, "Bridget Jones is me!"

The Rating:

My Review:

Bridget Jones's Diary is cute. I wouldn't say I'm happy that I got to experience this book but I also wouldn't say that I'm glad I read it. It was just not as great as I thought it would be.

I fell in love with the movie so much that I somehow thought I would love the book too. I mean, I don't like to watch movies multiple times because everything is just too fresh in my head but with the movie version of this novel I have probably watched well over ten times if not more.

Colin Firth was amazing and even though I hadn't seen him as official Darcy in the Pride and Prejudice adaptation I loved him as Mark Darcy.

*swoons and fans herself with her fancy hand fan when he's not looking. And tries not to make a fool of herself when he's looking*

As for the rest of the series, I just don't know if I will read the rest or not. I mean, I already own the third book so maybe, maybe not.

Goodreads | Book Depository

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7/30/2018

Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland | Book Review #121

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Are there spoilers?

Yes!
There are spoilers. You have been warned.

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Title: Dear Bridget, I Want You

Author: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

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Pages: 400

Publisher: Ever After Romance

Published: 2017

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult

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Date Read: July 9 > July 10, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

From the New York Times Bestselling authors of Stuck-Up Suit and Mister Moneybags, comes a new, sexy standalone novel.

Dear Bridget,
I'm writing this letter because it's highly doubtful I'll ever garner the courage to say this to your face.
So, here goes.
We're totally wrong for each other. You're the proper single mum with a good head on your shoulders. I'm just the carefree British doctor passing through town and temporarily living in your converted garage until I head back to England.
But here's the thing... for some bloody reason, I can't stop thinking about you in very inappropriate ways.
I want you.
The only reason I'm even admitting all of this to you right now is because I don't believe it's one-sided. I notice your eyes when you look at me, too. And as crass as I appear when we're joking around about sex, my attraction to you is not a joke.
So, what's the purpose of this note? I guess it's a reminder that we're adults, that sex is healthy and natural, and that you can find me just through the door past the kitchen. More specifically, it's to let you know that I'm leaving said door cracked open from now on in case you'd like to visit me in the middle of the night sometime.
No questions asked.
Think about it.
Or don't.
Whatever you choose.
It's doubtful I'll even end up sliding this letter under your door anyway.
--Simon

The Rating:

My Review:

I couldn't find a single thing I hated about this book. But some things did bother me.

I loved that Simon ( out male love interest/lead) was never a shit to Bridget (our female lead).

It was one of the reasons I loved this book. To me, it's so important that a male love interest/ the guy who gets the girl is not a super jealous or controlling asshole. I just don't think that's romantic.

So when we get Simon, this tall, British, blonde hottie who just so happens to be a doctor. A guy who does get jealous but also trusts his girl fully. A guy who wasn't looking for a real girlfriend or wife or a kid (spoilers!) and ended up easily finding himself finding those things without totally rejecting the idea of a family and love. He was perfect with his quirks and ended up being an amazing male love interest and main character.

I felt that Bridget, a widow, a single mother, and a full-time nurse should have had more. I don't know what but just more. She felt like a boring character compared to Simon, at times. Especially since Simon had such a full character arc. He was one person at the beginning and then grew by the end. I didn't think Bridget grew up when I finished reading the book. I would have wished for more for her.

Still, even though I wanted more from Bridget I loved her. She was an amazing mother who was going through so much with the death of her husband even after years because she felt that she wasn't enough of a parent to be both mom and dad to her son.

Now that I wrote that, I'm reminded that I know eveyone is different but she should have been cofident as a mother. Because she would often say that her son wasn't complete because he didn't have a father and I don't believe in that. Most peole are fully funtioning humans with one parent in their lives or none. Yeah, it's harder growing up but it doesn't mean they aren't whole. I just wish she was more confident in her parenting skills.

The romance between Simon and Bridget was great. we get to see them as strangers havig an interesting and embarazing meet cute, to later on finding out he is the same guy and is moving in to her sare bedroom. Something that bothered me as I read it cause she has a kid. Who doesnt meet the guy who's moving in with her and only sees him when his stuff is already there and he is there in his room. Still, this isn't a thriller and he wasn't a murderer, or worse. He's great, a little, too forwards but great. Not only was he great with Bridget's son but he ended up being amazing with him.

And can we talk about the scandalous plot twist around the end? How Bridget's dead husband was actually cheating on her because she wanted kids and would only have scheduled sex with her. What an ass. Then he has an American Gods death scene (watch American Gods if you are curious). Death by blowjob from the mistress.

What!!

Love it tho. Mostly cause it reminded me of that. And the nerve of the mistress trying to take Simon too. Seriously!

*rolls eyes and flashes her my well manicured middle finger as I drive off in my convertible, big sunglasses on*

In total, I am happy with this book and would totally recommend it. And I would so read it again, not anytime soon but after a couple of months when I have forgotten what has happened.

You can also tell how much I liked this book from how long the review is. Sometimes I just don't know what to say but for some reason, this review is good and long. Figures.

Goodreads | Book Depository

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7/29/2018

Wait With Me by Amy Daws | Book Review #120

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Wait With Me by Amy Daws

Are there spoilers?

A few ones may have escaped me.

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Title: Wait With Me

Author: Amy Daws

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Pages: 302

Publisher: Stars Hollow Publishing

Published: 2018

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult

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Date Read: May 28, 2018

Rating: ★★★✩✩

When romance novelist Kate Smith suddenly gets writer's block as she's beginning the final installment of her international bestselling erotic Bed 'n Breakfast series, she'll do pretty much anything to get her groove back.
Like sneak into a Tire Depot waiting room because her words flow there just like complimentary coffee-smooth, sweet, and scorchingly hot.
She manages to fly under the radar until the rugged and charming mechanic, Miles Hudson, notices the quirky redhead slinking in and out of the employees only entrance.
But she's way too intriguing to blow the whistle on.
Doing a test-drive of her new book idea sounds like a much better option.

The Rating:

My Review:

Wait With Me was so good. Not great but good.

I loved the main character in this book, Kate. She is a writer having some trouble getting inspiration. Wheather it was because of the little fact that she still lived with her ex and he's not the best guy ever to her, or that she just isn't getting inspired. At the same time her car breaks down (I actually don't remember if that's what happened) and she meets the waiting room and finds inspiration at Tire Depot. (was it a tire store??)

Then she finds ways of constantly going there without being found out just to use that room and write her novel and that's how she meets Miles. Miles is one of the mechanics there. And the two instantly connect.

I don't like Miles 100%. It's more like 25%. Maybe more, maybe less. His character and personality just didn't seem right to me. He was too controlling and jealous for my taste.

*shrugs and mouths idk*

Besides Miles, there were also other parts that I didn't like. For me, at times it just sounded a bit boring and at others, it felt like too much was happening.

😕

Goodreads

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The Bookish Island

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7/22/2018

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell | Book Review #118

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Are there spoilers?

No.

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Title: Fangirl

Author: Rainbow Rowell

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Pages: 438

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Published: 2013

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Date Read: July 8, 2018

Rating: ★★★★☆

A coming-of-age tale of fanfiction, family and first love
CATH IS A SIMON SNOW FAN. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan... But for Cath, being a fan is her life--and she's really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving.
Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fanfiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.
Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go. She doesn't want to.
Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cath that she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend; a fiction-writing professor who thinks fanfiction is the end of the civilized world; a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words...and she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone
For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

The Rating:

My Review:

I enjoyed reading Landlines by Rainbow Rowell and since a lot of people talk such good things about Fangirl I knew I would like that too. And now that I have read it I am happy to report I that I do like Fangirl. Not as much as thought I would but still.

I can't remember much about the book because a lot of things have been going on in my personal life lately but I do remember liking the part where Cath describes how she feels her heartstrings tugging in her stomach. I appreciated that because I feel it in my gut too. Especially when I watch a romantic movie or a sad scene or when I read a good book and the main couple isn't doing so well.

I didn't think much about Cath and Levis relationship. Except that they were realistic and sweet together. I couldn't help but root for them. I liked that Cath read to him and he would believe everything she told him. That he wasn't bothered by Cath fanfictions and actually liked listening to her stories.

Now I can happily read Carry On.

Goodreads | Book Depository

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7/20/2018

Broken Dolls by Sarah Flint | Book Review #117

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Broken Dolls by Sarah Flint

Are there spoilers?

No.

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Disclaimer: This book was sent to me from the publishing company through NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Broken Dolls

Author: Sarah Flint

Series: DC Charlotte Stafford #4

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Pages: ?

Publisher: Aria

Published: August 7, 2018

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adult Fiction

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Date Read: June 28, 2018

Rating: ★★★

The all NEW heart-stopping, un-put-downable serial killer thriller from the bestselling author of Mummy's Favourite. Perfect for the fans of Angela Marsons.

A baby lies abandoned amongst the rubbish; her tiny face as white as alabaster, her body as stiff as a miniature doll. A young prostitute lies beaten, her figure lying like a mannequin on the frozen concrete, her blood spilt, her life ebbing away.

As DC 'Charlie' Stafford and her boss DI Hunter struggle to identify the victim from the violator their hunt brings them to the crack houses of Lambeth, littered with damaged people, their lives scarred by tragedy and violence, most broken beyond repair. As further lives hang in the balance Charlie must empower the weak to speak out against those who seek to cause harm.

But can a broken doll ever truly be mended; or will the wounds of the past, fashion the events of the future?

The Rating:

My Review:

While I haven't read the other books in this series I can honestly say that this book was something else. It started strong which is always a good sign for what's ahead. And the ending really made me question what I thought was happening in the story. I thought I understood what was happening but when I read the ending I had to rethink everything.

So Broken Dolls is an exciting thriller with good twists and turns. That left me in deep thought about what just happened at the end of the book.

Goodreads

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7/13/2018

Shug by Jenny Han | Book Review #116

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Shug by Jenny Han

Are there spoilers?

No.

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Title: Shug

Author: Jenny Han

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Pages: 248

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2006

Genre: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Contemporary

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Date Read: July 6, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

SHUG is clever and brave and true (on the inside, anyway). And she's about to become your new best friend.
Annemarie Wilcox, or Shug as her family calls her, is beginning to think there's nothing worse than being twelve. She's too tall, too freckled, and way too flat-chested. Shug is sure that there's not one good or amazing thing about her. And now she has to start junior high, where the friends she counts most dear aren't acting so dear anymore -- especially Mark, the boy she's known her whole life through. Life is growing up all around her, and all Shug wants is for things to be like they used to be. How is a person supposed to prepare for what happens tomorrow when there's just no figuring out today?

The Rating:

My Review:

This story had everything. From problems at home to boy problems to school problems.
And right in the middle was Annemarie. A 12-year-old who had just begun junior high. She came across puberty, and first crushes, and the knowledge that her parents might not be as close as they once were. And with her big sister not being around as much, and her two close friends both having their own stuff to deal with, she gets to go through most of that on her own.

Annemarie was brilliant in every way. Smart, sassy, and didn't let the boys mess with her. Which only made me wish I had a friend like her when I was that age.

I cried. Like I cried, cried. It wasn't pretty either. But I also fell in love with this book.

It was such a sweet and easy to read book that was a perfect in-between to read after having been reading a few strong Mystery/Thrillers. I loved that it was a quick read and that it had such a good story. Making me think about another book that made me feel that way. Flipped. And like Flipped, This has to be a movie. Because that would be so cooooool!