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katietotallybooked's reviews
765 reviews
A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mary Lawson is such a wonderful author. I love how her writing is both simple and succinct, while also being stylistically complex and rich. There are parts that really hit me emotionally, even though they were phrased so simply. This book pulled on my heart strings. I deeply cared for Elizabeth and Clara's characters and I empathized with each of them as they navigated their challenges. It is a unique and delightful experience to read a book set in a small Northern Ontario town as a Ontarian. I don't often get that kind of a reading experience. I am happy that I can introduce the Beacock Book Club to Mary Lawson. I remember when I first read Crow Lake in high school. It is a novel that has stuck with me for 18+ years. I don't know if A Town Called Solace will do the same, but I really enjoyed it.
From Novelist:
Genre: Relationship fiction; Historical fiction; Canadian fiction
Themes: Chosen family; Life in small towns
Storyline: Multiple perspectives
Characterization: Authentic
Mood: Reflective; Bittersweet
Style: Stylistically complex; Character-driven
From Novelist:
Genre: Relationship fiction; Historical fiction; Canadian fiction
Themes: Chosen family; Life in small towns
Storyline: Multiple perspectives
Characterization: Authentic
Mood: Reflective; Bittersweet
Style: Stylistically complex; Character-driven
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility and Sexual assault
Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
From Novelist:
Themes:
Home again, life in small towns, coping with death, family gatherings
Storyline:
Intricately plotted
Mood:
Suspenseful
Style:
Atmospheric
This book reminded me so much of her backlist title The Perfect Stranger from 2017. The writing, the setting, and the mood/style were very similar to me. I liked this one but I also found it hard to follow at times and I wasn't that shocked by any of the plot developments. However I really felt connected to Hazel and I could empathize with her throughout the novel. It was interesting to me how the weather played a role as a minor character. It felt very symbolic of how Hazel was trying to not drown in her past and the secrets that are unraveling.
An enjoyable read that Megan Miranda fans should certainly pick up!
Themes:
Home again, life in small towns, coping with death, family gatherings
Storyline:
Intricately plotted
Mood:
Suspenseful
Style:
Atmospheric
This book reminded me so much of her backlist title The Perfect Stranger from 2017. The writing, the setting, and the mood/style were very similar to me. I liked this one but I also found it hard to follow at times and I wasn't that shocked by any of the plot developments. However I really felt connected to Hazel and I could empathize with her throughout the novel. It was interesting to me how the weather played a role as a minor character. It felt very symbolic of how Hazel was trying to not drown in her past and the secrets that are unraveling.
An enjoyable read that Megan Miranda fans should certainly pick up!
The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
My first pick for my library branch’s adult book club was The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake. As a historical fiction novel set in Victorian-era England I figured it was a safe bet to start with. I love historical fiction and based on some of the books the Book Club has read in the past, I thought it would be still in the comfort zone of the members. I was right! We all enjoyed it and gave it a rating ranging from 3-4 stars.
I had no idea until after I finished reading the book that Audrey Blake is a pseudonym for two authors - Jaima Fixsen and Regina Sirois. I could not tell this was the case at all from the writing. The book had a great flow with richly-detailed writing and evocative storytelling. Nora Beady is a strong, intelligent, and powerful character to read about. I felt connected to her journey throughout the novel. There were parts of the story that really gripped me and I was compelled to keep reading. However, the writing lacked some of the emotion that I connect with most in my favourite historical fiction novels is reflected in my lower rating. I don’t feel drawn at this time to pick up more of Audrey Blake’s novels either - not even the sequel to this one which is very telling to me in regards to my enjoyment level of the book.
All in all it was still an interesting read and it was very eye-opening about the medical field in 1845 England. I am not surprised at all by the dynamic between men and women that was portrayed. I can only hope that we have made meaningful strides towards change in the 181 years since.
I recommend this book to historical fiction readers who enjoy Victorian era novels and have an interest in medical science, history, and novels with strong female protagonists.
I had no idea until after I finished reading the book that Audrey Blake is a pseudonym for two authors - Jaima Fixsen and Regina Sirois. I could not tell this was the case at all from the writing. The book had a great flow with richly-detailed writing and evocative storytelling. Nora Beady is a strong, intelligent, and powerful character to read about. I felt connected to her journey throughout the novel. There were parts of the story that really gripped me and I was compelled to keep reading. However, the writing lacked some of the emotion that I connect with most in my favourite historical fiction novels is reflected in my lower rating. I don’t feel drawn at this time to pick up more of Audrey Blake’s novels either - not even the sequel to this one which is very telling to me in regards to my enjoyment level of the book.
All in all it was still an interesting read and it was very eye-opening about the medical field in 1845 England. I am not surprised at all by the dynamic between men and women that was portrayed. I can only hope that we have made meaningful strides towards change in the 181 years since.
I recommend this book to historical fiction readers who enjoy Victorian era novels and have an interest in medical science, history, and novels with strong female protagonists.
The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham
adventurous
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Genevieve Graham has done it again. Here is another 5 star historical fiction novel that brings Canadian history to life in an engaging and insightful way.
This is a gripping World War II novel about two sisters, Dot and Dash, who join the war effort, one as a codebreaker and the other as a pilot, and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Both are likeable and authentic characters. I was moved by both of their stories and experiences. The writing was excellent as Genevieve Graham brings a great narrative to her exploration of Canadian history. It was so well paced and there was a very strong sense of place in her storytelling. I could imagine myself in all of the settings featured in the novel, from Ontario to the East Coast to overseas in England & France. The mood while reading is haunting and moving, and it is very bittersweet. There was definitely some shock value and some tugging on my heart strings during this reading experience!
I appreciated the detailed reading notes at the end of this novel where she cited her sources and shared more of the history behind her novel. My favourite way to learn about history is through historical fiction based on true events.
Genevieve Graham will continue to be an auto-read author for me. Highly recommend!
This is a gripping World War II novel about two sisters, Dot and Dash, who join the war effort, one as a codebreaker and the other as a pilot, and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Both are likeable and authentic characters. I was moved by both of their stories and experiences. The writing was excellent as Genevieve Graham brings a great narrative to her exploration of Canadian history. It was so well paced and there was a very strong sense of place in her storytelling. I could imagine myself in all of the settings featured in the novel, from Ontario to the East Coast to overseas in England & France. The mood while reading is haunting and moving, and it is very bittersweet. There was definitely some shock value and some tugging on my heart strings during this reading experience!
I appreciated the detailed reading notes at the end of this novel where she cited her sources and shared more of the history behind her novel. My favourite way to learn about history is through historical fiction based on true events.
Genevieve Graham will continue to be an auto-read author for me. Highly recommend!
Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore
From Novelist:
Themes: Ensemble Casts
Storyline: Intricately plotted
Style: Witty; Well-crafted dialogue; Atmospheric
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It felt refreshing to pick up a lighthearted fiction focused on family relationships and set during the summer on an island beach town. It was a way to keep summer going as we navigated the last few weeks of August here with a brief cool spell that felt very much like September weather.
Of course I enjoyed the mother-daughter relationship between Amy & Sam the most. This is one of my favourite relationships to explore in fiction. I could have done with a bit more depth here, but that isn't always to be expected from this author's books as they fare on the lighter side in terms of emotion and drama.
I enjoyed the witty written dialogue and the ensemble of characters and perspectives that we were offered as readers. There is a strong sense of place with this book, and there is no better place to set a book in my opinion than in summertime in a touristy small town.
Read if you like:
Of course I enjoyed the mother-daughter relationship between Amy & Sam the most. This is one of my favourite relationships to explore in fiction. I could have done with a bit more depth here, but that isn't always to be expected from this author's books as they fare on the lighter side in terms of emotion and drama.
I enjoyed the witty written dialogue and the ensemble of characters and perspectives that we were offered as readers. There is a strong sense of place with this book, and there is no better place to set a book in my opinion than in summertime in a touristy small town.
Read if you like:
- books by Elin Hildebrand or Susan Wiggs
- light-hearted relationship fiction
- atmospheric novels with a strong sense of place
From Novelist:
Themes: Ensemble Casts
Storyline: Intricately plotted
Style: Witty; Well-crafted dialogue; Atmospheric
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
This book felt slow, confusing, and boring to me. Usually I love magical realism but this one didn't catch. I went into it very blind as I didn't even read the book jacket and that was not helpful!
The only reason I didn't DNF it is because it was for a book club.
I don't think this book will stay in my memory for long.
From Novelist
Themes: Close quarters, second chance romance
Mood: Inspiring
Quote:
The only reason I didn't DNF it is because it was for a book club.
I don't think this book will stay in my memory for long.
From Novelist
Themes: Close quarters, second chance romance
Mood: Inspiring
Quote:
Love looked like a man who had coffee ready for me in the mornings even though he preferred tea, and remembered exactly how I took it. Love ate my sugary spaghetti, and held an umbrella over my head when it rained, and apologized when he knew he was wrong. Love was inquisitive, and mindful, and somewhere beneath the grumpy exterior-sweet. Love was tricking yourself into doing something you didn't want to do, because you loved the person who did.
Love was a bunch of small things that added up to bigger things. Love was feeling valued. And accepted.
Just the way you were.
It was never feeling too much, or not enough, even though often you were both, because Love loved you anyway. Not in spite of it, but because of it.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
I liked it but I know it's a forgettable light read. It also took me a long time to read because there was about a week in July where I didn't want to pick it up at all. This is definitely a summer romance so I am glad I read it in this season.
I appreciated the themes of grief and anxiety. I also could related to Fern in being a motherless-daughter. I didn't feel too connected to the characters but I hope Will and Fern live in fictional bliss!
From Novelist:
Themes: Coping with death, Together again
Storyline: Intricately plotted
Mood: Feel-good, moving
Style: Witty, Evocative, Fast-paced
I appreciated the themes of grief and anxiety. I also could related to Fern in being a motherless-daughter. I didn't feel too connected to the characters but I hope Will and Fern live in fictional bliss!
From Novelist:
Themes: Coping with death, Together again
Storyline: Intricately plotted
Mood: Feel-good, moving
Style: Witty, Evocative, Fast-paced
The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is a story of unforgettable love set in an assisted-living facility that will move you.
The main characters were all very well developed. It was moving, evocative, emotional and captivating. I was engaged from start to finish.
It is impressive when a book can be charming and uplifting, while also sad and devastating to read. Stories centered around characters experience Alzheimer's are always harder to read as they can be so heartbreaking. This one also discusses grief, and I appreciated how the author explored childhood grief through the character of Clemintine, Eve's daughter.
It is probably my favourite Sally Hepworth novel to date and I wish they still wrote books like this!
The main characters were all very well developed. It was moving, evocative, emotional and captivating. I was engaged from start to finish.
It is impressive when a book can be charming and uplifting, while also sad and devastating to read. Stories centered around characters experience Alzheimer's are always harder to read as they can be so heartbreaking. This one also discusses grief, and I appreciated how the author explored childhood grief through the character of Clemintine, Eve's daughter.
It is probably my favourite Sally Hepworth novel to date and I wish they still wrote books like this!
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
After finishing the book right at the end of my daughter's naptime, my first thought was “That was so wierd. What did I just read?”. I wasn't even sure if I had liked it or enjoyed it or not.
Now, after letting it marinate for about 24 hours, and listening to the author interview in the Modern Mrs. Darcy book club, I can say that the book was actually pretty clever and unique. It was unlike anything I'd ever read before, and it really does make you think. This endless supply of husbands from Lauren's attic can sound like a great idea, but it could also lead to decision overwhelm and this need to find the “perfect” husband, when in reality any one is a perfectly good choice and “maybe there isn't a single best path forward that she has to find”.
I could relate to the thrill of getting to see all of the options, and being excited by the newness of a relationship. Wouldn't it be fun to do over the time spent learning the new things about a man that you find out in those first years of dating?
This book was clever, witty and thought provoking. The author takes a unique concept, adds a sprinkle of magical realism, and writes a story that has you spinning through life's options for you. You can quickly see the numerous paths that one might potentially go on, based on the trajectory of their decision making.
I'll certainly stay tuned to this author and what she does next.
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thoughts:
After finishing the book right at the end of my daughter's naptime, my first thought was “That was so wierd. What did I just read?”. I wasn't even sure if I had liked it or enjoyed it or not.
Now, after letting it marinate for about 24 hours, and listening to the author interview in the Modern Mrs. Darcy book club, I can say that the book was actually pretty clever and unique. It was unlike anything I'd ever read before, and it really does make you think. This endless supply of husbands from Lauren's attic can sound like a great idea, but it could also lead to decision overwhelm and this need to find the “perfect” husband, when in reality any one is a perfectly good choice and “maybe there isn't a single best path forward that she has to find”.
I could relate to the thrill of getting to see all of the options, and being excited by the newness of a relationship. Wouldn't it be fun to do over the time spent learning the new things about a man that you find out in those first years of dating?
This book was clever, witty and thought provoking. The author takes a unique concept, adds a sprinkle of magical realism, and writes a story that has you spinning through life's options for you. You can quickly see the numerous paths that one might potentially go on, based on the trajectory of their decision making.
I'll certainly stay tuned to this author and what she does next.
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5