📖 Book Review #14: The Scald Crow (Beyond the Faerie Rath Book 1) by Hanna Park

Fourteen reviews — and I’m starting to feel like this little reading project has properly settled into something consistent. It’s become a nice way to reflect on what I’ve read, and I’m enjoying looking back at the range of books I’ve picked up along the way.

The Scald Crow was an interesting shift in tone for me. It leans into folklore and atmosphere rather than straightforward plot, and from quite early on there’s a sense that the story is more about what’s beneath the surface than what’s immediately visible.

The story follows Calla Sweet, who travels to Ireland after an unexpected inheritance. I found her to be a relatable main character — not because she has all the answers, but because she very much doesn’t. She feels uncertain, slightly out of place, and often guided more by instinct than understanding, which made her easy to connect with as things around her began to shift.

As the story develops, there’s a gradual widening of scope. What begins as something quite personal starts to feel larger and more layered, with hints of folklore, history, and hidden connections coming into play. The pacing is steady rather than fast, allowing the story to build its atmosphere and reveal things in its own time.

One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the sense of place. The Irish setting is woven into the story in a way that feels natural and immersive, and it adds a quiet weight to everything that happens. There’s a feeling that the landscape itself holds memory, which works particularly well alongside the more mysterious elements of the plot.

The book blends contemporary fiction with folklore and romance, but it’s the atmosphere that stands out most. There’s a subtle tension running through it — not overwhelming, but enough to keep you curious about where things are heading.

It isn’t a fast-paced read, but rather one that unfolds gradually, layering detail and meaning as it goes. By the end, it feels less like a complete story and more like the beginning of something larger.

Overall, I found it an immersive and atmospheric read.

I’d give The Scald Crow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.

If you enjoy:

Folklore woven into modern settings
Atmospheric, character-driven stories
Romance with a hint of mystery
Stories that build slowly rather than rush

…then this could be a book worth picking up.

Fourteen reviews now — and still very much enjoying the journey.

Universal Buy Link
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I began my writing career in the pre-dawn of a winter morning while my husband snored like a train. We could call my husband the catalyst. If it weren’t for him, I would never have gone to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee, feed the cat, and sit on the loveseat in front of the fire. It was there, in those moments of wondrous quiet, that I did something I had never thought possible. I opened my laptop, and while the coffee went cold, I wrote a story. My husband had no idea that these sojourns to the loveseat in front of the fire would become a daily occurrence, that writing would become an obsession, but the cat knew. She knows everything.

I write stories that make you laugh, make you cry, and make you love. Thank you, friends, for reading!

In the beginning, there was an empty page.

I am a writer who lives in Muskoka, Canada, with a husband who snores, a hungry cat, and an almost perfect canine––he’s an adorable little shit.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.hannapark.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannaparkwrites/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanna.park.1485537

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/hanna-park

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21418698.Hanna_Park

Victoria 📚

📖 Book Review #13: The Vermilion Sea by Megan Chance

Thirteen reviews — I must admit I’m rather proud that this little blogging project is still going strong. When I first started writing about the books I’ve read, I thought it might last a few posts at most, but it’s become a lovely part of my reading routine.

The Vermilion Sea was an interesting change of scenery for me. The story takes place largely aboard a ship on a scientific expedition in the 1920s, which immediately caught my attention. There’s something about stories set at sea that always adds an extra sense of mystery — perhaps because once you’re out on the water, there’s nowhere else to go.

At the centre of the story is Billie McKennan, a marine biologist who is determined to prove herself in a field where women are often overlooked. I found her to be an engaging main character. She’s intelligent, curious, and quietly determined, which made it easy to root for her as the story unfolded.

As the voyage progresses, tensions begin to grow among the passengers and crew. There are secrets, hidden motives, and discoveries that begin to challenge what the characters think they understand about the world around them. The confined setting of the ship gives the story a slightly claustrophobic feeling, which works very well for the mystery.

What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere. The combination of the ocean setting, the historical time period, and the underlying sense that something unusual may be happening kept me turning the pages.

The book blends historical fiction with elements of suspense and a touch of the unknown. It’s not a fast-paced thriller, but rather a story that gradually builds tension as the characters — and the reader — begin to realise that this voyage may not go according to plan.

Overall, I found it an engaging and slightly eerie read.

I’d give The Vermilion Sea ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.

If you enjoy:

• Historical fiction set in unusual locations

• Stories at sea

• Strong, determined female characters

• Mysteries with an atmospheric edge

…then this could be a book worth picking up.

Thirteen reviews now — and I’m still very happily working my way through my reading pile.

Victoria 📚 

📖 Book Review #12: The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker

Twelve reviews! When I made my New Year’s resolution to start blogging about the books I read, I never quite imagined I’d reach a dozen so quickly. I’m really enjoying keeping track of what I’ve read and thinking about each book a little more deeply.

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven was a bit of a change from the sort of books I normally reach for. I tend to read family dramas or mysteries, but this one leans much more towards fantasy, with elements of legend, magic and medieval adventure.

The story follows Issylte, a young woman whose life changes dramatically when her father remarries and the balance of power in the kingdom shifts. Suddenly she finds herself in danger and must leave the safety she once knew behind. As she navigates this new and uncertain world, she begins to discover her own resilience and abilities.

Alongside her journey is Tristan, a knight whose life is shaped by loyalty, duty and the conflicts of the time. As the story unfolds, their paths slowly begin to intertwine, bringing together romance, danger and destiny.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the sense of atmosphere. The forests, castles and coastal landscapes are described vividly, and there’s a strong feeling of folklore running through the story. It has that slightly magical, almost fairy-tale quality that suits the setting very well.

Because fantasy isn’t my usual genre, it did take me a little time to settle into the world and remember all the different characters and elements. But once I became familiar with it, I found myself enjoying the adventure and the developing story.

The romantic thread running through the book also adds warmth to the narrative, and readers who enjoy a blend of fantasy and romance will likely appreciate that aspect.

Overall, I’d give The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5. It was an enjoyable read and a nice reminder that stepping outside your usual reading habits can be rewarding.

If you enjoy:

• Fantasy inspired by legend and folklore

• Medieval settings with castles and forests

• Romantic fantasy

• Adventure with a touch of magic

…then this could be well worth adding to your reading list.

Twelve books reviewed — and I’m still happily working my way through my reading pile.

Universal Buy Link 
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Read with #KindleUnlimited

Jennifer Ivy Walker is an award-winning author of medieval Celtic, Nordic, and paranormal romance, as well as contemporary romance, historical fantasy, and WWII romantic suspense.

A former high school teacher and college professor of French with an MA in French literature, her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, including Celtic myths and legends, Norse mythology, Viking sagas, and Nordic lore.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://jenniferivywalker.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferivywalkerauthor

Twitter / X: https://x.com/bohemienneivy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferIvyWalker

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jenniferivywalker.bsky.social

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-ivy-walker

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/bohemienneivy

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-Ivy-Walker/author/B0B91R2MJZ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22671046.Jennifer_Ivy_Walker

Victoria 📚

📖 Book Review #11: The Glass House by Eve Chase

Eleven reviews — I’m starting to realise that blogging about books is almost as enjoyable as reading them!

The Glass House is another novel by Eve Chase, and by now I think it’s fair to say I’ve developed a real fondness for her style of storytelling. She seems particularly good at weaving together family secrets, intriguing houses, and stories that move between the past and present.

This one centres around Foxcote Manor, a large country house where something strange and tragic happened decades earlier. When a group of children once discovered a body in the woods nearby, it left questions that were never fully answered. Years later, the story returns to the house as long-hidden secrets begin to surface.

Once again, the setting plays a huge part in the story. The manor house, the woods, and the slightly isolated feeling of the countryside create an atmosphere that feels both beautiful and a little unsettling. I do seem to be drawn to books with mysterious houses!

Like some of her other novels, the story moves between different time periods and perspectives. At times I had to concentrate to keep track of who was who, but the pieces gradually fell into place, which I always find satisfying.

What I enjoyed most was how the mystery unfolded slowly. Rather than relying on huge dramatic twists, the book reveals its secrets carefully, allowing the emotional side of the story to develop alongside the suspense.

If I’m honest, there were a few moments where I felt the pacing dipped slightly, but the writing kept me interested and the atmosphere carried the story through.

Overall, I’d give The Glass House ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.

If you enjoy:

• Old houses with hidden histories

• Dual timelines

• Family secrets

• Atmospheric, slow-burning mysteries

…then this is very likely one you’d enjoy as well.

Eleven books reviewed now — and I’m still happily working through my ever-growing reading pile.

Victoria 📚

📖 Book Review #10: An Ideal Husband by Erica James

 

Ten reviews! I honestly didn’t know at the start of the year whether I would keep this up, but here we are — double figures feels like a little milestone.

An Ideal Husband is much more in the realm of domestic drama, which I do tend to enjoy. The story explores what happens when a long marriage is shaken by unexpected revelations. On the surface, everything appears stable and comfortable — but, of course, appearances can be deceiving.

What I liked about this book was how relatable it felt. It looks at long-term relationships, loyalty, compromise and the quiet assumptions we make about the people we love. It isn’t about dramatic crime or shocking twists, but about emotional truths and the complicated nature of marriage.

The characters felt believable to me — flawed, sometimes frustrating, but recognisably human. I found myself sympathising with different people at different times, which I think is always a good sign. Rarely is anyone entirely right or entirely wrong in situations like these.

The pacing is steady rather than fast. It’s the sort of book you settle into rather than race through. There were moments where I wished things would move along a little quicker, but I also appreciated the space given to the emotional development.

It made me reflect on how well we ever truly know another person, even after years together. That quiet questioning stayed with me once I’d finished.

Overall, I’d give An Ideal Husband ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5. A thoughtful, engaging read that focuses more on feelings than fireworks.

If you enjoy:

• Relationship-driven stories

• Family and marital drama

• Emotional, character-led novels

• Gentle but thought-provoking reads

…then this might suit you very well.

Ten books reviewed — I think I can officially say this New Year’s resolution is sticking!

Victoria 📚

📖 Book Review #9: Day One by Abigail Dean

Nine reviews! I’m genuinely surprised at how much I’m enjoying keeping track of my reading like this. It’s making me think more carefully about what I’ve read rather than just moving straight on to the next book.

Day One is quite a powerful and unsettling read. It opens in the aftermath of a tragic school shooting in a small village. The story doesn’t focus on the event itself in a sensational way, but rather on the ripple effects — the shock, grief and suspicion that spread through the community in the days and months afterwards.

This is not an easy read, and I think it’s important to say that. The subject matter is heavy, and at times it felt uncomfortable — but deliberately so. The author explores how people react to trauma, how blame is assigned (rightly or wrongly), and how fragile a sense of safety can be.

What I found most interesting was the shifting perspectives. The novel moves between different characters, and you start to see how one event can look completely different depending on who is telling the story. It made me think about how quick we can be to judge when we don’t have all the facts.

It isn’t a fast-paced thriller in the traditional sense. It’s more psychological and reflective. There is tension, but it comes from uncertainty and emotion rather than dramatic action.

At times I did feel emotionally drained reading it — I had to put it down once or twice and come back to it. But that’s not necessarily a criticism. It simply means it had an impact.

Overall, I’d give Day One ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5. It’s thoughtful, disturbing, and very well written — just not a light read.

If you enjoy:

• Psychological drama

• Multiple perspectives

• Stories about communities under strain

• Books that tackle difficult themes

…then this may be worth considering (with the right frame of mind).

Nine books reviewed — nearly into double figures!

Victoria 📚

📖 Book Review #8: Felicia’s Favourites by William Boyd

 

Eight reviews — I’m amazed at myself for keeping this up! This latest read felt a little different again, which I’m starting to think is good for me. It’s nice not to get stuck in one genre.

Felicia’s Favourites is a quieter, more character-focused novel. It centres around Felicia, a woman whose life hasn’t quite turned out as she might once have imagined. When she begins looking back over her past — the choices she made, the relationships she had, the opportunities she let slip — the story becomes a gentle exploration of regret, memory and self-understanding.

I found this one less about plot and more about reflection. There aren’t huge dramatic twists or shocking revelations. Instead, it unfolds slowly, almost like you’re sitting with Felicia as she tells you her story over a cup of tea.

At first, I wasn’t entirely sure where it was heading. I kept waiting for something big to happen. But as I settled into it, I began to appreciate the subtlety. It’s very observant about human nature — the small misunderstandings and quiet turning points that can shape an entire life.

The writing is elegant but not showy, and I found myself highlighting a few lines that really struck me. It’s one of those books that makes you think about your own life a little more deeply — the “what ifs” and the roads not taken.

If I’m honest, it won’t be for everyone. Readers who prefer fast-moving plots might find it too slow. But if you enjoy thoughtful, character-led stories, there’s something rather lovely about it.

Overall, I’d give Felicia’s Favourites ⭐⭐⭐½ out of 5.

If you enjoy:

• Character-driven fiction

• Reflective, slower-paced novels

• Themes of memory and regret

• Thoughtful observations about life

…then this may well be one to add to your list.

Eight books reviewed — I do feel rather proud of this little project now.

Victoria 📚

📖 Book Review #7: Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben

Seven reviews! I’m quite enjoying seeing the little list grow — it’s rather satisfying.

Nobody’s Fool was a bit of a departure for me. I don’t always pick up fast-paced crime thrillers, but I’ve heard so much about Harlan Coben over the years that I felt it was time to try one.

This story follows Sami Kierce, a man whose life was turned upside down years ago when he woke up covered in blood with no memory of the night before. He fled, terrified he’d done something terrible. Fast forward to the present day, and the past he’s tried to outrun begins to catch up with him in a very unexpected way.

From the very beginning, this book moves quickly. There are twists, secrets, and revelations coming thick and fast. I found myself racing through chapters, especially in the second half, because I simply had to know what really happened all those years ago.

What stood out to me most was the idea of memory — how reliable it is, and whether we can ever truly trust our own version of events. That psychological uncertainty added depth to what might otherwise have been a straightforward thriller.

I will say, at times the plot felt quite complicated, with lots of strands weaving together. I had to pay attention! But that complexity is probably part of what makes it so gripping.

This isn’t a gentle, atmospheric mystery like some of the books I naturally lean towards. It’s punchier, more dramatic, and full of surprises. And while it’s slightly outside my usual comfort zone, I did enjoy the ride.

Overall, I’d give Nobody’s Fool ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.

If you enjoy:

• Fast-paced thrillers

• Plenty of twists

• Cold cases resurfacing

• Stories about buried secrets

…then this would definitely keep you entertained.

Seven reviews in — and I’m still loving this new chapter.

Victoria 📚

📖 Book Review #6: Homecoming by Kate Morton

Six reviews in — I’m starting to feel as though this little blog is becoming a proper habit now, which was exactly the plan when I made my New Year’s resolution.

Homecoming felt very much like a return to the sort of book I naturally gravitate towards: layered, character-driven, and steeped in secrets from the past.

The novel moves between two timelines — one set in 1959 in Australia, where a shocking tragedy takes place on Christmas Eve, and the present day, where a journalist begins to investigate what really happened. I do enjoy a dual timeline when it’s done well, and Kate Morton handles it beautifully. The transitions felt smooth, and each strand was equally compelling.

The mystery at the heart of the story is intriguing from the start. A family is found dead by a creek, with only a baby surviving. It’s the sort of opening that immediately makes you ask questions. But rather than rushing towards answers, the story unfolds patiently, revealing secrets layer by layer.

What I particularly loved was the sense of place. Even though much of it is set in Australia — very different from my corner of the South of England — it felt vivid and immersive. The contrast between the dry, rural setting of the past and the modern-day investigation added depth.

This isn’t a fast-paced thriller. It’s slower, more reflective, and focused on family, identity, and how the past echoes through generations. There were moments when I had to concentrate to keep track of the different characters, especially in the historical sections, but I never felt lost — just aware that it’s a book that asks for your attention.

If I’m being honest, it is quite long, and I did wonder at one point whether it could have been slightly shorter. But by the end, I appreciated the detail. It felt like a fully realised story rather than something rushed.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Homecoming. It’s thoughtful, atmospheric, and emotionally satisfying.

I’m giving it ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ out of 5 (my first half-star!).

If you enjoy:

• Dual timelines

• Historical family mysteries

• Slow-burn storytelling

• Rich, detailed settings

…then this is definitely one to consider.

Six books reviewed — I’m so glad I decided to start this little blogging adventure.

Victoria 📚

 

📖 Book Review #5: Don’t Believe A Word by Susan Lewis

Five reviews! I honestly didn’t know if I’d keep this up when I started in January, but I’m really enjoying putting my thoughts down after finishing a book.

Don’t Believe A Word is another suspenseful read, but this one feels much more rooted in family and relationships — which probably explains why it appealed to me.

The story centres around a woman whose teenage daughter suddenly disappears after becoming involved with a mysterious older man. What follows is every parent’s worst nightmare: confusion, fear, and the creeping realisation that perhaps you didn’t know your child as well as you thought.

I found this one particularly unsettling because it feels so plausible. There’s nothing far-fetched or overly dramatic about it — the danger feels frighteningly real. It explores themes of trust, manipulation, and how easily someone vulnerable can be drawn into something unhealthy.

What I appreciated most was the emotional side of the story. Yes, there’s tension and mystery, but at its heart it’s about a mother desperate to protect her child. That emotional thread kept me invested even during the quieter moments.

There were parts where I wanted the truth to come out faster — I’m noticing I do get a little impatient when secrets are stretched out! — but in hindsight, the gradual unfolding added to the suspense.

I also liked that it made me think about how we present ourselves online and how much we really know about the people our children (or even we ourselves) interact with. It feels very relevant to modern life.

Overall, I found this gripping and thought-provoking. Not a flashy thriller full of huge twists, but a steady, unsettling story that lingers.

I’d give Don’t Believe A Word ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.

If you enjoy:

• Domestic suspense

• Family-focused dramas

• Realistic, modern dilemmas

• Stories that make you slightly uneasy

…then this would be worth picking up.

Five books reviewed and counting — I’m rather pleased with myself!

Victoria 📚 

📖 Book Review #4: The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

 

For my fourth review, I seem to be continuing with a slightly more suspenseful theme! After enjoying One Perfect Couple, I decided to try another book by Ruth Ware — and The Woman in Cabin 10 certainly kept me on edge.

The story follows a travel journalist, Lo Blacklock, who is invited on a luxury cruise to write about the experience. It all sounds glamorous and exciting — until she believes she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard from the cabin next door. The problem? According to everyone else on board, no one is missing.

I found the setting absolutely brilliant. A cruise ship in the middle of the North Sea is such a perfect backdrop for a thriller. There’s something very unsettling about being trapped at sea with nowhere to go. The sense of claustrophobia really builds as the story unfolds.

What I liked most was the feeling of uncertainty. You’re constantly questioning what Lo saw, what she thinks she saw, and whether she can trust her own judgement. That psychological element made it more than just a straightforward mystery.

I will say that at times I found Lo a slightly frustrating character — she makes some decisions that had me shaking my head! But at the same time, her anxiety and vulnerability made her feel realistic. She isn’t a perfect, fearless heroine, which actually adds to the tension.

This was definitely a fast read for me. I kept wanting to find out the truth, and there were enough twists to keep me guessing. It’s more of a traditional thriller than some of the slower, more atmospheric books I usually lean towards, but I enjoyed the change of pace.

Overall, I’d give The Woman in Cabin 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.

If you like:

• Locked-room style mysteries

• Isolated settings

• Unreliable narrators

• Plenty of suspense

…then this is well worth adding to your list.

Four reviews in now — I’m quite proud of myself for sticking to my New Year’s resolution!

Victoria 📚

Book Review: One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

 

For my third review, I thought I’d mention that I do tend to pick up quite a few of the Richard and Judy Book Club selections. I’ve found over the years that they’re usually reliable page-turners, and One Perfect Couple certainly fits that description.

This one is very different from the family dramas and old-house mysteries I often gravitate towards. Instead, it’s set on a remote tropical island where a group of couples are filming a reality television show. What could possibly go wrong? (Quite a lot, as it turns out.)

The premise immediately hooked me. There’s something about being stranded in an isolated location that always creates tension. When things begin to unravel — both in the relationships and in their physical surroundings — the atmosphere becomes increasingly claustrophobic and unsettling.

I found the idea of “perfect” couples being tested under pressure really interesting. It raises questions about how well we ever truly know another person, and what happens when carefully presented versions of ourselves start to slip.

This was definitely more fast-paced than my previous reads. I found myself saying “just one more chapter” several times, particularly once the situation on the island becomes more dangerous. It has that slightly addictive quality that makes it hard to put down.

That said, I did feel at times that some of the characters blurred together for me in the beginning, simply because there are quite a few of them. Once the story narrowed its focus, though, I became much more invested.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. It’s tense, dramatic, and feels very modern in its themes of reality television and curated public images. It’s perhaps not as emotionally reflective as some of the books I usually choose, but it was an entertaining and gripping change of pace.

I’d give One Perfect Couple ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.

If you enjoy:

• Remote island settings

• Reality TV drama

• Psychological tension

• Twisty, fast-moving plots

…then this would be well worth picking up — and another solid choice from the Richard and Judy list.

Three reviews in now — I’m starting to feel like a proper blogger!

Victoria 📚

Book Review of The Midnight Hour by Eve Chase

Hi everyone! This is only my second book review, so I’m still getting the hang of putting all my thoughts into words — but I really wanted to write about The Midnight Hour because it stayed with me after I finished it.

First of all, the atmosphere in this book is brilliant. The story is set in an old house called Applecote Manor, and it feels almost magical but also slightly eerie. The author describes the house and the surrounding woodland so vividly that I could properly picture it. I love books where the setting feels important to the story, and this one definitely does.

The novel moves between two timelines — one set in the 1950s and one in the present day. At the beginning I was a little bit confused (I sometimes struggle when books switch time periods), but after a few chapters it became much clearer. I actually ended up really enjoying seeing how the past and present were connected. It made the mystery feel more layered.

There’s a disappearance in the past that affects everything that happens later on, and I liked how the secrets were revealed gradually rather than all at once. It kept me turning the pages because I genuinely wanted to know what had happened. I wouldn’t describe it as a fast-paced thriller — it’s more of a slow-burn mystery with lots of family drama and emotion.

The characters felt very real to me, especially the women in the story. They all had their own challenges and flaws, and I liked how the book explored themes of family, belonging, and how the past can shape your future. Some parts were quite sad, but in a thoughtful way rather than overly dramatic.

If I’m being honest, there were moments where the pacing felt a bit slow, and I found myself wishing something dramatic would happen sooner. But at the same time, I think that slower build is what makes the story feel rich and atmospheric.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Midnight Hour. If you like:

• Old houses with secrets

• Dual timelines

• Family mysteries

• Atmospheric, slightly gothic vibes

…then I think this would be right up your street.

I’d give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.

Thanks so much for reading — I’m still new to reviewing, but I really enjoyed sharing my thoughts on this one!