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Reviews by Jessica F. (Revere, MA)

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The Witches at the End of the World
by Chelsea Iversen
So much potential; but fell flat (9/1/2023)
This novel had all the potential for a good "witchy" book. Unfortunately, for me it fell flat.

The two main characters (sisters) were unlikeable and whiny. It was somewhat clever how opposite they were and how they sort of changed rolls toward the end. However, it was told to us. As readers, that was unnecessary...we could figure that out on our own.

I would have liked a more accurate historical account. Of course we know witches were burned, but what was really happening in that place during that time?

The settings were accurate and described quite beautifully. I especially enjoyed the feeling of the birchwood where the sisters lived.

The witchy elements were there. I appreciated the spells/charms, the moon and nature, the legacy and lineage of the womanhood/witchery, and the sisterhood bond.

What irritated me most was the overkill of "the witch's itch". Too redundant!
Hotel Cuba: A Novel
by Aaron Hamburger
Historical Fiction: Immigration 1920s (4/18/2023)
I had such hight hopes for this book, as I think the concept was fantastic. Unfortunately, there were too many places throughout the novel where things fell flat.

What I did enjoy was the author's attention to research regarding the time period/locations/circumstances/cultures/etc. I feel he did his due diligence. I learned a lot; especially about Jewish culture.

Unfortunately, I didn't connect to any of the characters. I found Pearl and Freida to be quite annoying and the other characters weren't developed enough. The writing itself felt disjointed in a lot of places....in some places it was in depth with deep descriptions, and in other places there was just a sentence to describe something. The situations that I found interesting seemed to always be cut short; which was frustrating.
Wade in the Water: A Novel
by Nyani Nkrumah
Page Turner (12/17/2022)
This book was remarkable! The characters were well developed with troubled back stories and promising futures.
Ella, a sassy and witty child, coupled with Miss St. James, a woman who is trying to make a wrong, right make quite the duo.
The novel takes you on an emotional roller coaster ~ moments of laughter, sadness, frustration, excitement, fear, and suspense.
This would be an excellent book to discuss at book clubs.
Wade In the Water is a real page turner until the very end!
One's Company: A Novel
by Ashley Hutson
Bizarre...In A Good Way (5/19/2022)
Wow! This was like nothing I have ever read. A completely bizarre story that kept me turning the pages just to see how it would end. I enjoyed the nostalgic feeling of the "Three's Company" vibe. In fact, I watched the show a few times while I was reading the book.

I think readers who enjoy psychology would be interested in this read. There is a lot to unpack here!
I don't think the book is "meaty" enough for a strong book club discussion, but it will definitely satisfy anyone who is a fan of "Three's Company".

Overall, I did enjoy the book - mostly because it was so bizarre!
Daughter of the Reich: A Novel
by Louise Fein
A Different Perspective (4/5/2020)
This novel offered a different perspective on Nazi-Germany. Often times we read about Jews who were persecuted and their suffering in concentration camps. Here we see several perspectives: steadfast Nazis, compassionate by-standers, innocent Jewish people, and the daughter of the Reich who is torn between what her family believes and what her heart believes.

This novel is wonderfully written with rich characters, setting, and the portrayal of deep emotions of all involved. There are enough twists and turns to keep the pages turning. There are many gut-wrenching moments but there are also times of joy and happiness.

Daughter of the Reich would be suitable for book clubs and anyone over 16 years old, as there are some sexual references. Overall, a lovely novel for anyone who enjoys this genre!
The Sun Down Motel
by Simone St. James
Exciting! (11/29/2019)
The Sun Down Motel was an exciting read! I enjoyed both Viv and Carly's characters as the book switched from 1982 to 2017. They were both strong, determined women who were fearless in their quest for the truth. The story was steeped in mystery and suspense. For anyone who enjoys the show, "Stranger Things", I feel like this book is somewhat similar...bouncing into parallel universes. Carly was experiencing the same events and situations as her Aunt Viv 35 years prior. Ghost story, mystery, and crime solving all wrapped into one great package!
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