Book #82:
The Old Girls’ Network by Judith Leigh (340 pages). This novel is set in a small village in Somerset, England and features two elderly sisters, Pauline and Barbara, who experience a forced reunion after decades of estrangement. This is a cute novel about the vagaries of quaint village life and how to have a second love/life even in one’s later years. The writing style is a bit basic here, and Barbara is SUPER annoying as a character (whiny, grumpy for no reason) but I found myself wanting to continue reading, if only for the (sweet) resolution and wrap up of all of the narrative threads. Decent library book. 3 stars.
Book #83:
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune (Length: 420 pages). I like this author’s writing style, so I was excited pick up this sweet friends to lovers romance primarily set on Vancouver Island. Two childhood best friends, Frankie and George, go on Frankie’s cancelled honeymoon after she was left at the altar. I enjoyed the buildup of chemistry here, as well as the author’s flashbacks to their childhoods and their friendship. The setting is an entirely separate character almost and I enjoyed the various adventures that George had set up for Frankie. This is a believable friends to lovers tale (but for the tattoos–NO WAY WOULD THAT HAPPEN). 4 solid stars from me.
Book #84:
The Witch by Freida McFadden (Length: 382 pages). I listened to this one, which is the only way I consume this author’s work–if you know you know. I picked this one up because a reviewer I trust really enjoyed it. There are two timelines here: present day and 1692. The author contrasts the modern-day Julia who returns to her grandmother’s estate when she needs help as she’s aging and Caroline, the original owner of the estate who was accused of witchcraft. Julia believes the estate is haunted given some creepy goings on, and those parts are fun to listen to. The character of Caroline is a bit annoying as she was just NOT SMART and recognizing when she was being played. Overall, however, this is a fun listen and is better written than most by this author. 3.5 stars from me.
