This book was not for me; I did not enjoy the time I spent in the protagonist's head. See my review of JUNE BABY by Shannon Garvey at schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/05/revi...

The book is entertaining in that it has humour, tension, and heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes. It does need more focus however. See my review of THE CALAMITY CLUB by Kathryn Stockett: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/05/revi...

Insightful and well-written, Douglas Stuart’s books always provide an immersive experience that leaves the reader changed. See my review of JOHN OF JOHN: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/05/revi...

Women’s roles in the Vietnam War and their struggles once home deserve to be highlighted, but this novel opts for cheesy romances and an unrealistic but happy resolution. See my review of THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/04/revi...

Readers (like me) who enjoyed the author’s previous novel, The Good Women of Safe Harbour, will also like this one. See my review of THE BRINK OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL by Bobbi French: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/04/revi...

People who enjoy intense, unsettling reads will love this book. See my review of INTO THE DARK by Ørjan Karlsson from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/04/revi...

This is the first of a new series, known as Arctic Mysteries, set in northern Norway. Character development is strong. I'm off to read the next book. See my review of INTO THIN AIR by Ørjan Karlsson from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/04/revi...

This book is a mix of drama, mystery and comedy and a great read. See my review of THE NOVICE OF HOLLOWAY HALL by Wayne Johnston: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/04/revi...

This novel features the 16th-century Holy/Mad Maid of Kent who claimed to have received divine revelations that predicted future events. See my review of THE LOST BOOK OF ELIZABETH BARTON by Jennifer N. Brown: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/04/revi...

This novel, written in Russian and first published 30 years ago, is now available in English. It focuses on the Nenets, Indigenous people living in Siberia in the Russian Arctic. See my review of WHITE MOSS by Anna Nerkagi: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/04/revi...

Higashino is known for complexity in his novels: convoluted plots, nuanced characters, and complex moral choices. See my review of GUILT by Keigo Higashino: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/04/revi...

Catherine is the narrator in this retelling which I enjoyed much more than the original. See my review of CATHERINE: A RETELLING OF WUTHERING HEIGHTS by Essie Fox from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/04/revi...

A Canadian doctoral candidate studying Ancient Greek literature pieces together fragments of an unknown epic poem about the Trojan War from the point of view of an ordinary foot soldier. See my review of SON OF NOBODY by Yann Martel: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/03/revi...

Dedicated fans of the series might enjoy the book, but I found it predictable and tedious, lacking the originality of the first book. See my review of THE MAID'S SECRET by Nita Prose: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/03/revi...

I enjoy fiction with strong female characters, but I don’t find the two women in this novel admirable. See my review of DAUGHTER OF EGYPT by Marie Benedict: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/03/revi...

I recommend the book with a caution: readers must be prepared to invest time, not only because the book is lengthy but because it is dense and so requires concentration. See my review of THE LONELINESS OF SONIA AND SUNNY by Kiran Desai: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/03/revi...

This is the second Norwegian police procedural in the Cold Case Quartet. I was not as impressed as I was with The Katharina Code, but I will still continue reading the series. See my review of THE CABIN by Jørn Lier Horst: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/03/revi...

This is not a fast-paced, action-packed, twisty thriller, but a cerebral, character-driven police procedural. It's the first of the Cold Case Quartet featuring the wonderful William Wisting. See my review of THE KATHARINA CODE by Jørn Lier Horst: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/03/revi...

I was recently introduced to the author’s Isles of Scilly series which I enjoyed so thought I’d listen to the first book in her series featuring Alice Quentin. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment. See my review of CROSSBONES YARD by Kate Rhodes: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/03/revi...

This book, narrated by a ghost, will appeal to readers who like an emotional story with both heart-breaking and heartwarming moments. See my review of THE SPIRIT OF SCATARIE by Lesley Crewe: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/03/revi...

This is a rivetingly beautiful book which I think will haunt me for some time. See my review of MULE BOY by Andrew Krivak: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/03/revi...

The book touches on some important issues; I just wish the execution were more polished. See my review of DANDELION by Jamie Chai Yun Liew: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/02/revi...

This is not a bad book and it will certainly leave readers questioning, but there are some elements that feel contrived. See my review of HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER by Rebecca Philipson: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/02/revi...

This book is a worthwhile read. It sheds light on women’s rights (or lack thereof) in the 1960s, on the conditions in reformatories, and on the treatment (or lack thereof) of mental illness. See my review of LIBERTY STREET by Heather Marshall: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/02/revi...

The prose is engaging, but there are too many tangential stories. Though entertaining in parts, the plot’s arc is predictable and the ending too neat. See my review of MORE THAN ENOUGH by Anna Quindlen: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/02/revi...

This is an emotionally exhausting psychological drama about domestic abuse. See my review of ADRIFT by Will Dean: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/02/revi...

I very much enjoyed this book. It has beautiful prose, engaging characters, and thematic depth. See my review of KIN by Tayari Jones: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/02/revi...

The novel’s examination of emotional abuse is commendable. See my review of HARRIET HATES LEMONADE by Kim McCollum: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/02/revi...

This novella, a translation from Estonian, is an examination of the emotional aftermath of a woman’s escaping a toxic relationship. See my review of THE CUT LINE by Carolina Pihelgas: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/02/revi...

The last of a very good trilogy. See my review of THE HOPE by Paul E. Hardisty from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

The book highlights the effects of trauma, racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and xenophobia. See my review of MISSING SAM by Thrity Umrigar: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

The author claims this is his last book. I hope it's not, but if it is, it's a good one to mark the end of his career. See my review of DEPARTURE(S) by Julian Barnes: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

The book is sometimes an uncomfortable read because the reader knows things cannot end well, but it is very thought-provoking and so I have to recommend it. See my review of GOOD GUYS by Sharon Bala: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

I’m afraid this slow-paced novel about spiritual quests was not for me. See my review of EVELYN IN TRANSIT by David Guterson: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

This novel, set in 1869 on both sides of the India-Tibet border, follows two explorers venturing into the Forbidden Kingdom. See my review of THE LAST OF EARTH by Deepa Anappara: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

I highly recommend this book. Its fluid writing style, complex characterization, thematic depth, and the tension maintained throughout ensure a great reading experience. See my review of #ScarsOfSilence by Jo Gustawsson from @orendabooks.bsky.social : schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

This book relies on the trope of “a storm is coming” in both a literal and figurative sense. See my review of THE STORM by Rachel Hawkins: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

Anyone who grew up reading Nancy Drew novels will enjoy this book. It’s witty and entertaining but also possesses some thematic depth. See my review of THE NANCYS AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING NECKLACE by R.W.R. McDonald from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

My year-end list of best books always includes several titles from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/scha...

It was a great day of reading. See my Best of 2025 list: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/scha...

The book is about the implications of one’s decisions and about domestic abuse and its long-term effects on family members. See my review of THE NAMES by Florence Knapp: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

This is the eighth Cormoran Strike novel. As the series continues, my enjoyment of the books is lessening. I’m not sure how much longer I will continue. Perhaps I’ll just stream Strike. See my review of THE HALLMARKED MAN by Robert Galbraith: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

The author excels at creating the tediousness of dissatisfied people living isolated lives. But for me, the book was often a tedious read. See my review of THE LAND IN WINTER by Andrew Miller: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

This is more a novella than a novel, yet it has so much in it. I can understand why it has been applauded so widely. See my review of SEASCRAPER by Benjamin Wood: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

I recommend the book but advise that readers set aside considerable time to read it; it deserves to be read slowly and to be given careful thought. See my review of FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

The novel has an original premise, but its execution is unimaginative. See my review of NOT QUITE DEAD YET by Holly Jackson: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

I especially liked the characterization, the occasional touches of humour, and the cultural elements. See my review of CURSED DAUGHTERS by Oyinkan Braithwaite: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

The novel depicts teen girls very realistically. See my review of NEEDLE LAKE by Justine Champine: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

The book offers insight into Christianity in medieval times: mysticism, beguines, and anchorites. Unfortunately, the pace is slow so it is sometimes difficult to maintain interest. See my review of CANTICLE by Janet Rich Edwards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

Readers who have read previous books by this author will find much that is familiar, but what impresses me is his deep understanding of the human condition and human behaviour. See my review of SONGS OF LOVE ON A DECEMBER NIGHT by David Adams Richards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...