HIRAETH NOSTALGIC FOR A FAR AWAY HOME by Reethi Malli | Book review

Book review:

"HIRAETH: NOSTALGIC FOR A FAR AWAY HOME" is a story of hope in times of adversity and a reminiscence of a distant place called home . It's a story about love, loss, sacrifices, desires and longing. 

The story revolves around David , Emel ,Tashi and Barbara. The story begins when David and Emel~ a sufficiently happy couple plans a trip and from thereon, Emel goes missing.  David is searching his wife Emel ,who suddenly goes missing. Tashi is his pen friend and Barbara is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. Tashi comes up to be his support during his tough times.

 He is naturally and elaborately confused, mislead and unable to find out what he should do to find traces of his missing wife. He is heartbroken eventually and is seen to delve into depression. How will David handle his wife's abrupt departure? What or who is the reason behind this?

The author has meticulously weaved the characters and their bonding with each other. Narration is lucid and the plot is vividly depicted. Language is beginner friendly.

Overall, The story is binding and fast-paced. We find emotional breakdowns, societal pressures, friendships, support and steps people can take to find a rightful place. The book is filled with ups and downs. If you are into emotional books, this is a book you can pick up.

Forever Cover Reveal

 Synopsis:

You are cordially invited.

The Moore family requests the pleasure of your company on a starry harvest night, rich with tales of passion, magic, and love. 

Our beloved Filipino American family hosts a gathering at Hacienda Luz this autumn for another grand celebration – Vida and Rafa’s long-anticipated wedding. As promises of fidelity and infinity fill the air, ten couples live and relive intimate stories that attest to the true meaning of happily ever after. 

Acclaimed and bestselling Filipino American authors – Aurora Paige, Elle Cruz, June Gray, Kaye Rockwell, Liz Durano, Maan Gabriel, Maida Malby, Mia Hopkins, Sarah Smith, and Tif Marcelo – bring you Forevermore, a romance collection celebrating love everlasting.

~ * ~

Forevermore, A Romance Anthology is a collection of new and never-been-published stories by the authors that brought you Pasko Na, My Love, A Holiday Romance Anthology and from exciting voices in Filipino American Romantic Fiction. Lola Naty is back along with her sprawling multicultural family, friends from all over the world, and a gatecrasher or two.

 

• Moments In The Vineyard by Aurora Paige
• The Memory of You by Elle Cruz
• Double Exposure by June Gray
• Maybe This Time by Kaye Rockwell
• Stay With Me by Liz Durano
• Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye by Maan Gabriel
• Now That I Have You by Maida Malby
• Moonlight Serenade by Mia Hopkins
• The Stand-In by Sarah Smith
• Win Your Love by Tif Marcelo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/166408218-forevermore

The Girl in the House by Harshvardhan Rao | Book review

Book review:

"The Girl in the House" is a hair-raising psychological thriller, that takes the reader deep into the world of parapsychology, occult practices and spirits. The deep mystery behind the haunted house and the girl keeps you hooked up from the start till the end.

 The story revolves around Aditi, a young and charming girl who decides to make her career in journalism. She decides to put forth her story on a haunted house.  Ravi and Ratan join her in the project . Ravi is the photographer who likes Aditi. These three begin their project. That's when Ravi and Ratan start noticing a change in Aditi's behavior. They wanted to know whether it was just her mood swings or whatsoever, or was it someone behind this play?

The author's writing style is engaging and evocative, effectively building tension and creating an atmosphere of unease. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing readers to visualize the chilling events as they unfold.

Overall, "The Girl in the House" is a gripping and hair-raising psychological thriller that delves into the realms of parapsychology, occult practices, and the supernatural. Do grab your copy if you like thriller books.
 

A Forest of Stolen Memories by Callie Thomas | Book review

Book review:

"A Forest of Stolen Memories" by Callie Thomas has a unique heroine, a villain in love, romance, betrayal, and danger.

Roselyn’s memories are gone. She doesn’t know who she is, who the man standing with her is, doesn’t remember her family or any of the faces in the church she’s standing in. In a panic, she rushes out to find answers and comes across a man near the edge of the forest. She begs for his help and follows him into the forest. There’s magic all around her and she eventually has her memories returned to her. She must return to her fiancé so she can find her sister and save the kingdom, but at what cost?

 It was fun to follow Rose’s journey and her conflicting emotions as she finds herself in many unexpected situations. The author creates dynamic dialogue between the characters and makes the story really come alive.This story kept me wondering and engaged all the way through the storyline. Narration is done in lucid manner.

Overall, the book is a lovely story with lots of fairy tale vibes, mystery, and romance! I am thankful to @booksirens for providing me the book in return of an honest review.

 

The Third Party by Vithika Agarwal | Book review

Book review:

"The Third Party" by Vithika Agarwal explores the kind of love which is complex and not traditional. It explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the pursuit of personal happiness, evoking a range of emotions that resonate long after the final pages.Each page is a sensory delight, transporting readers to a world where the symphony of nature blends seamlessly with the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture.

The book revolves around Sara, who is happily married to Rahul and is blessed with a loving daughter. Everything changes when Sara meets Samar – her daughter’s class teacher. Sara is attracted to him in a way which cannot be explained. She tries her best to control herself and her feelings, but she cannot. She falls for Samar, who is also married. This affair leads Sara to many difficult situations where she needs to find answers. She finds it difficult to decide what is right and what is wrong. Is it bad if she has feelings for more than one person? These are not easy questions but Sara needs to make up her mind. She does not know that she is in for a surprise when Rahul tells her about his feelings. Sara finds herself in a very tricky situation and she will have to battle this alone. Will Sara find the answers? 

 The author has skilfully woven an intricate tale with relatable characters who are facing moral dilemmas and are in search of love and happiness. Her writing is evocative and thought-provoking, immersing readers in Sara's emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas.  It is a poignant exploration of the human capacity to love and the conflicts that arise when societal expectations clash with personal desires.

Overall, the book is a evocative , thought provoking and engrossing read. The skillful storytelling, relatable characters, and insightful exploration of personal growth make this book a compelling read.

My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez | Book review

Book review:

This is a captivating, fascinating story of two very opposite people. It is a touching multicultural love story about a chance meeting that is predestined for Simon and Tessa. 

When Tessa Talman first meets Simon Fremont, not only is she attracted to him, she's intrigued by how different their lives are. He's a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded.  Tessa begins to write a few notes on her boarding pass about the hot guy in the aisle seat. She is in town for a book signing and a few functions with fans. When the plane lands, he gets her bag down and hands it to her, but not before slipping his business card inside.

The adventures of Simon and Tessa goes on for several years, meeting at various places around the world. She encourages him to do things he would never consider doing, like jumping from a cliff into the water below. She finds herself a bit more organized, by picking up after herself. After each trip they say good-bye until the next time. Simon calls her his “Goodbye Girl.”

Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon.

Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways she never imagined. It is intriguing to read how their life takes twists and turns and how they mange it all.

Gomez deals with the topic delicately, skimming the actual events, leaving us with the character's emotions and the aftermath. I found it really interesting how the timeline of the book skipped ahead after the event, revealing that the characters are still reeling from the event though their lives have moved forward. 

 Overall," My Goodbye Girl" is about embracing all that life has to offer, the beautiful and the painful. There’s love, loss, friendship, and the true meaning of family - and it is wrought with emotion. Highly recommend this one if you’re looking for an emotional read! I am thankful to @breysbooktours and the author to provide me the book in return of an honest review.

Wunderland by Scarlett Se Leva | Book review

Book review:

"Wunderland" is a taut, heart-wrenching, second-chance romance, Seductive, dramatic, and intense!  it's a standalone contemporary romantic suspense, friends to lovers and second chance romance.

Simone and Ryan parted ways when they were kids only to be reunited when they were teenagers. Ryan needed a tutor and Simone agreed to be his tutor till their feelings became more than just friends.  Ryan did not give up on Simone no matter where life took them. He knew he wanted her and kept her in his heart.

When the past resurfaces, bringing along its dark secrets, Simone retreats. Consumed by past hurt and longing, she makes the heart-wrenching decision for them to part ways. Will the darkness ever vanish? What if she could do it all over? Would she make the same decisions? How many chances do you get to rewrite your wrongs? How many shots does one get with their true love?

Scarlett Se Leva did a phenomenal job in executing this book! I was pulled into the story from the very first page! The characters are brokenhearted, impulsive, and stubborn. And the plot is a push-pull tale of life, love, attraction, emotion, desire, angst, trust, familial dynamics, and smouldering chemistry.

Overall, Wunderland is a tender, charming, steamy debut by Scarlett Se Leva . It is a fun quick read. I am thankful to @breysbooktours and the author for providing me the book in return of an honest review.