Rachel´s Random Resources: Dangerous Decisions by Evie Jacobs

 

Angie is on forced vacation from CIA and is about to enjoy for the first time the pleasure of a peaceful life. But she is far from having such plans, she is actually planning to figure out the circumstances that led to the forced vacation. Fate is playing her games as well as she is having a one night stand with a charming guy he met in a casino who happens to be the son of the person whose fate determined hers. 

An intricated game of decisions and circumstances, with spicy moments and a burgeoning romance. Can a CIA operative take so much at once and still decide with a clear mind?

Dangerous Decisions by Evie Jacobs offers suspense, romance and fast forward action. Exactly one may need to divert from the everyday life. Plus, Jacobs has also a special way of creating humorous effects through language twists that may ´humanize´ the dangerous actions of a CIA agent and her assets.

The Asian-American Angie is a strong character, with some professional unluck and a clear sex appeal, no matter her profession. A risk-taker, she is loyal to her principle and undeterred, and may complement the hesitant Nate, her accidental match.

My only critique is that the cover is not doing too much justice to the book, as it may make you think it´s all about the steam, but it is a little bit more.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Wolf Hunt by Ivailo Petrov

 

This year I continued my journey discovering Bulgarian literature. This time, I had the chance to get my eyes on a translation into German - by Egon Hartmann - of Ivailo Petrov - the German version is Iwailo Petrow, because in German the simple ´v´ is pronounced like a ´f´ thus would have completely change the name sound of Wolf Hunt - Wolfsjagd, according to the German version.

Ivailo died in 2005 and he wrote around 200 novels and short stories. After his death, a literary price was created in his name. Wolfsjagd was published in 1986 and is a collection of stanzas covering two decades of the life of various individuals in families living in a small locality, between the 1940s and 1960s. The presence of wolves, as upfront symbolic as it can be, is haunting the everyday life of the characters, in addition to the changes brought by the intense collectivization and the smashing of old traditions.

Growing up, I was completely unaware of the Bulgarian literature and their struggles. I was always curious about what Hungarian authors are writing, and the ´Yugoslavs´ were a category of interest of their own. No one talked though about Bulgarians and right now I can see that was no reason to not do it. When other neighouring countries, like Romania, where ideologically limited in terms of choice of topics and interpretations, Bulgaria was able to accept, few days before the official end of communism, that the onset of the regime was uprooting old social structures and occurred in a turmoil. 

In Ivailo´s case was not an act of bravery, but an acknowledgment of a reality experienced hence the realistic style of the writing - which I find suited for describing such realities. On the other hand, reading was a bit slower than usual for me, as it took me several months to finish the book.

This chronicle is an important contribution to the communist literature and the East European literature in general. Many Eastern - now former communist - European countries missed the chance to know their literature. It may be a chance right now to open up through translations and literary dialogue. It may build those bridges that were burned by ideology.

Rachel´s Random Resources: Murder at Trafalgar Square by Michelle Salter

 

An unlikely cooperation for finding a murderer and a stolen painting between a bold sufragette and a art lover detective. London during the Great War. An investigation in the underworld, with unforgettable characters and a touch of political mystery.

Murder in Trafalgar Square is part of series built around the duo Coral Fairbanks and Guy Flynn by Michelle Salter. Mysteries set in another century may require not only a great plot and characters, but also a lot of research that is necessary for the authenticity. This is also a point that Salter marked successfully, as it suceeded to create the ambiance, and also the pace and communication proper for those times.

This page turning mystery - cozy in name but alert in the ongoing events - is well written, following the tradition of classical murders so typical for the tradition of English mystery. The interactions between Coral and Guy are evolving as the story advances, and although very different as personalities and social and professional status, they complete each other in unexpected ways.

The book is the first in the series, and I hope to have the chance to meet Coral and Guy any time soon. 

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Corylus Books Blogtour: A Lethal Legacy by Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir translated by Quentin Bates

 

After breakups, inheritances are one of the most prolific source for thriller and crime-related writings. In the first case, the actions are fuelled by revenge. In the second, by greed.

A Lethal Legacy by Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir translated from Icelandic by Quentin Bates and published by Corylus Books, a very dynamic edition house well-represented on my blog, explores how far people may go for the sake of a slice of inheritance. 

Bjargarlækur it is a place out of nowhere in the Icelandic countryside. Three siblings - one brother and two sisters - lived there peacefully for a long time and nothing seems to bother or trouble them. Then, Brynjólfur is found dead in his bed and the sisters are starting a feud regarding the future of the farm that may go beyond the borders of their family. On the other hand, freelance journalist Alma is convinced that it is more than a natural death to this story and she may follow up some leads with quite surprising results. 

Now, does Bjargarlækur still look innocent to you?

Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir has also a background as journalist, and this can be said in the ways in which built the character of Alma, her professional interests and curiosities. The construction of the book and particularly the psychology of the characters was fascinating. Each behavior has consequences for the others and the story, it reflects and amplifies, part of a puzzle made of fragments of mirror that are recomposing permanently.

The ambiance may feel claustrophobic at times, but the well-paced story may offer some much awaited and deserved escapes.

A Lethal Legacy was just another unique read of Icelandic Noir and I can only keep myself open to the next literary gem waiting for me. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

 

Random Things Tours: A Sword of Gold and Ruin by Anna Smith Spark

 

A place needs to be rebuilt and a mother and her daughters are ready to take the tremendous task. But they are far from being innocent and life exposed them to the least nicest episodes. Kanda is up to the task, but on her own terms. In a cruel world, she is ready to play all her cards against all odds.

A Sword of Gold and Ruin by Anna Smith Spark was a read very much out of my comfort zone, but it kept me focused because indeed, there is a strong fantastic backbone in building up the story, but the main characters do have a timeless strength. 

Atmospheric and built through strong images that amplifies the unknown and the unique ambiance of the book, the book succeeded to have me completely wired. The weight of some scenes is overwhelming emotionally and despite my desire to spend as much time as possible with the book, I had to break my reading spree with breaks that helped me to better make sense of the story as a whole or only some specific episodes. 

The ambiance is very much in sync with the challenges the characters are facing: building up something from nothing, in a very hostile environment and lacking the proper material and physical resources. 

Personally, I liked the ways in which the framework of the epic myth permeates the daily reality. It makes the myth feels real and the daily reality acquire folktale reverberations, although I had to do some extra research for some of the symbols and mythical references.

The book is a sequel of A Sword of Bronze and Ashes but can be also easily read as a stand alone. This was my first ever encounter with this author - I am usually not an active reader of fantastic novels - but I am more than convinced that it will not be the last.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Happy Publication Day: Deep Blue Lies by Gregg Dunnett

Summer must seem so so far away - at least in my corner of the world - but reading may keep the memories and hopes alive. I haven´t seen the beach for over a year and missing it dearly, although my beach definition does not necessarily involve a Greek island. Books however can take me away from the wind and cold, and beggers can´t be choosers. And when this read is about a thriller, I may accept the location for the sake of the story.

Set in the fictional Greek island of Alythos, Deep Blue Lies by Gregg Dunnett which is out on print today, is a story of finding oneself against the background of a terrible secret deeply burried. 

Ava is going through a personal crossroad: she is forced to leave her medical school before being expelled and her only chance is turning back to her mom´s house. Born in Greece but never having known her father, she embarks on a journey aimed at filling up her family story but ending up in the maze of secrets of her mother´s past no one wanted back to light.

The story is relatively slow paced, with thrilling outbursts at the right moment, between long spaces where the characters and the story can develop in all the small details needed for the understanding. This happens from the very first chapter, that introduces the crime whose details may be reiterated on various occasions during the story. 

Add to this the carefree ambiance of the island, and not few outstanding characters, and you have a great mix for an interesting thriller read.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Many thanks to Tracy Fenton from Compulsive Readers for the opportunity of taking part of this virtual event.

Rachel´s Random Resources: The Pumpkin Pact by Charlie Dean

Less than one month ago I was revealing the cover of a book that may be best suited for the fall season. Now, I can share some thoughts about the book itself. 

Andi is ready to challenge her relationship with Drew for the sake of more spice - like in pumpkin spice latte. The encounter with a mysterious attractive stranger that seems to have a lot in common with, can change everything, but is she really ready for the consequence of her acts? 

Love is a game sometimes, and decisions we take in love, can be delusional. We dream for diversity and excitement, but love can call us with a different name. 

The Pumpkin Pact by Charlie Dean is eye opening as beyond the easygoing ambiance and the different shades of golden leaves it makes us think about taking responsibility of other people´s feelings, in love and friendship. It is an enjoyable read, with some spicy moments.

This book is a recommended read if you are looking to slow down for few hours, following some likeable characters and their - sometimes - uninspired decisions. It is a book about taking the right decisions for the wrong reasons, but also about the important role communication plays in relationships. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

I am always very reluctant to read book everyone is talking about hence my stoic patience of waiting few years sometimes more until the echoes of the publicity around certain books is fading. Nothing against being popular and writing popular books, but I feel sometimes that following the trends my own critical judgement may be influenced.

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano had thus to wait around two years until finding its way to my reading list. I am impatient by nature but always taking my time when it comes to ideas and books. Some may just cross paths with in the most possible wrong ways.

Set between 1980s and beginning of 2000s, in Chicago´s Pilsen neighbourhood, it follows the stories of Padavano sisters. A middle class family, crossing the decades of change. The four sisters are setting the stage for the main story developments: Julia is ambitious, Sylvie is bookish and looking for essential experiences, Cecelia is the artist who decided to break the rules of her Catholic upbringing and be a single mother, and Emeline who went even further and is openly gay. Sylvie and Julie break the sisterhood pact falling in love with William, a depressed man growing up in a loveless family.

The values are shifting in this new world and so is the life of the Padavano sisters. Sylvie´s betrayal may separate Julie from her sisters for 25 years. But in this new world, love is stronger than anything and the late reconciliation has the price of a life. 

Personally, I felt attached to the story, but felt at times deceived by the characters. Sylvie is hard to fathom as a human of flesh. The sisters do live in a bubble, with no steady social network. The whole focus is on the sisters and they are self-referential, like the surrounding world stopped to exist while they are breathing. 

By far, the character who is most alive is William, with his own network of friends and complex inner demons. As a lover of basketball, I adored the references to this sport, also from the psychological perspective.

All being said, although Hello Beautiful does have some beautiful parts, it did not feel like a complete story, with characters lacking depth and social relevance. I am left though with a sweet taste of the love for books and written word of some characters and although this may not be my favorite read of the month, it was still worth exploring despite the fact that it took me more than a month to finish it.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Rachel´s Random Resources: My Lie, Your Lie by Paul Clayton

 

I´ve read somewhere that breakups do make one of the most rich subject for a thriller, and either in life or in the novels, a separation may bring not only the eve of a new life but also may stir up not the most friendly feelings. 

This is what happened to the characters in My Lie, Your Lie by Paul Clayton. Patrick was happily married with Barney but the love story ended up suddenly when he was left for a beautiful appearance, Marcella. But besides their love story, the two of them were sharing a couple of dark or very dark secrets. 

And as Patrick decides to follow the way of revenge, it seems there is no way back. Not only in the relationship, which is anyway broke to bits, but to their own integrity as well. Being driven by revenge is like opening up a Pandora´s box without any hope left. 

With dark humour and driving his characters through ridiculous situations, Clayton´s book may teach us a bit more about the perils of hate and revenge. It may not bring the best in humans, but it actually destroys completely the soul. Revenge is not the opposite of love, it´s the warm embrace of pure evil driving humans to the edge of abyss.

I carefully enjoyed this book, especially from the psychological perspective. It does not only teaches us a lesson or two about revenge, but it also warns us about being careful who we may leave behind. One day, it can deadly turn against us. 

In addition to being a successful writer, Paul Clayton is also an international event director, presentation coach and an actor.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: The Daughter of Genoa by Kat Devereaux

There are not too many books featuring the fate of Jews and the anti-fascist resistance during WWII. Hence, my interest in Daughter of Genoa by Kat Devereaux, a writer using Italy as the main setting for her novels. 

Anna Pastorino is the daughter of a Jewish antifascist, who lost almost everything, fighting for survival in 1944 Genoa. As her hiding place is destroyed by the bombing, her only chance is to answer the offer of a Catholic priest that promises to help her. Thus starts a new challenge where she may learn how and who to trust, in a world who seems to have almost lost its humanity.

The complex historical context challenges the characters, especially Anna, to evaluate their decision and reconsider their choices. Navigating the life during times of crisis, they are faced with extraordinary circumstances with dramatic effects on their lives and everyone else they are crossing paths with.

I loved very much Anna as a character, as well as her challenges and the ways in which the author is revealing her strength and character features during the many circumstances created by the war situation. The novel maintains a strong historical redline which is very important in understanding the story.

A recommended read for anyone interested in a historical read approached with fine empathy and historical understanding.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: How to Break My Heart by Kat T. Masen

After a kiss back in the young years, Eva and Aston are meant to meet again in Cinnamon Springs, as Eva is helping her friend who happens to be Aston´s sister, preparing her wedding. 

How to Break My Heart by Kat T. Masen is set in a small fictional village and is the first book in a promise of a series with many episodes. For a starter, I really enjoyed the story, although some of the characters - Aston, for instance - were insufferable even. Now a billionaire, arrogant and misogynistic, Aston broke Eva´s heart once. Would she allow him in her life again, troubling the water of her quiet life managing a cute café? The combination between billionaire and small city vibe may be uneven, but billionaire must also have a place of birth, isn´t it?

I´ve started this book with so many ´ifs´ and I kept thinking about various scenarious as the story unfolds. It is a great merit of the story of maintaining some degree of unexpected surprise, although the genre of the book is usually highly predictable. 

Both the plot and the characters are well defined and spicy enough to keep you curious until the end of the story. 

How to Break My Heart is a recommended romantic read if you are looking to enjoy your small place delving into an ´enemies to lovers´ story.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: The Magic of Mr. Mishkins by Samantha Mattocks, illustrated by Gerda Smit

 

No matter how older I get, I cannot refuse myself the magic of reading children books. Age is just a number, therefore, I do not have any limit when it comes to reading. (Also, if you love learning languages, I recommend trying to practice your reading skills with children books; you will thank me later).

Full disclosure, I am not a cat person, but there is something magic about cats, especially cat as characters. The Magic of Mr. Mishkins by Samantha Mattocks, so beautifully illustrated by Gerda Smit, confirmed this assumption. 

The book is part of a series having Mr. Mishkins (I just love this name) as main character, but you can also read it as a stand alone story. His adventures are taking him to an apothecary, meeting Celene, a girl dreaming to dance with a mouse on the moon. Together with his friends, they are learning important life lessons, in the ways in which we, as grown up adults learned once: fighting against our fears, insecurities, but also accepting to give up some of the dreams.

For preschool children or preteens, this book offers a healthy escape in a wold of imagination and funny characters, as they may encounter during their daily school and kindergarten days. Plus, the chance of having Mr. Mishkins as the main guide into life.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: Love, Lies and Family Ties by Florence Keeling

 

Shortly after taking part to the cover reveal event, I couldn´t resist the temptation of starting reading the book as soon as possible. Love, Lies and Family Ties by Florence Keeling promised that kind of reading that both entertains and challenges.

My curiosity was generously rewarded, as the book literally invites you to be part of the characters´ lives and challenges. And what complex challenges they may face, indeed.

Bullied at work and dreaming of becoming a writer, Bea accepts the uneven offer of moving to the countryside for working for a local edition house. But Bloomsdale is far from being a place with the end of the world feeling, as shortly after her arrival, she may meed very unique characters, with intricated histories, rivalries and family ties. 

I liked the ambiance of secrets and mystery, and although I tried to make some guesses myself, I was far from providing the right answer. The local descriptions do contribute to shaping the reality of the place, which plays an important role in shaping the story. 

Sometimes I had difficulties in imagining Bea as a multi-dimensional human, and she was by far not my favorite character, but overall she plays a steady role in the narrative construction.

For an easy and entertaining weekend read, Love, Lies and Familly Ties is a recommended choice. It promises a charming encounter with a place with many secrets and hopes of second chances.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: Sir Louis Curlewy written by Susan Crow illustrated by Clemency Crow

I love books about birds, no matter the birds and the age. There are so many ways to reveal and raise the interest towards natural life, hence my interest for Sir Louis Curlewy, written by Susan Crow and illustrated by Clemency Crow. 

The 24-page long book in verse, illustrated in paiting-like images, may relate to the human realm, but it translated exclusively to the birds ways. In love or in survival, the birds teach us their languages and ways of expression. It makes you feel more interested in what they are actually doing and aiming at, even if you encounter them in a perfectly urban environment. 

For me, personally, this book raise my awareness about different aspects of the wildlife and the ways in which birds´ natural habitat can be maintained because otherwise their ways of communication may be dramatically affected. 

For children -preschool or a bit older - this book may play an even more relevant role, as creating daily habits and concerns related to wildlife and birds´ preservation. This may be a recommended read for science classes.

The book is provided with a QR Code with a Read Aloud Version.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Deutscher Buchpreis: Im Herzen der Katze by Jina Khayyer

On 16 September 2022, Jina Mahsa Amini, an Iranian 22-year old woman of Kurdish origin, was brutally beaten by the so-called ´morality police´ in Tehran. Her fault: not properly covering her hair while visiting relatives in the capital city. Her dead that occurred shortly after following the beatings lead to one of the biggest anti-governmental mass movements since the ´Green Revolution´ in 2009. The whole world put the cat-shaped Iran on the map. Iranian diaspora from all over the world amplified the Woman Life Freedom movement joined by local organisations and individuals concerned about the human rights abuses by the mullah regime. 

Germany has a numerous Iranian diaspora, who came here in different waves, from the last years of the Mohammad Reza Shah regime - the communists - until today. Hence the magnitude of the protests and the reverberations that continue until today, particularly reflected in the literary realm.

Although despite the protests the mullah are still in power and fuelling the unrest in the Middle East and world capital cities, and women in Iran are not yet free, the public opinion in Germany and elsewhere lost the topic from the daily news. Afterwards, the Iranians in exile will rather focus on working and respecting the civility of the countries they are living instead of noisily confronting violently the police and disturbing months in a row their neighbours. 

However, authors of Iranian origin keep writing about the topic and one of the latest books set in Iran and inspired by Mahsa Amini´s death was longlisted for the Deutscher Buchpreis. Im Herzen der Katze - in my own translation, Inside the Heart of the Cat - by Jina Khayyer is for now - my reading through the list is steady by slower as expected - my favorite.

I´ve recently seen a report on NYT about Iran, illustrated with women in chador and basiji-looking men. A farmer from Missouri reading it may be left with the image of a third world fighting with modernity. Just another hasty and superficial assessment based on just another superficial work of journalism. The women of Jina Khayyer´s book are bold, courageous, putting everything at stake, including their own life, for a life in freedom. Especially the young generation. 

There is no creative prose in this book and when it comes to the context, one may read the usual background with details about the near past and the political challenges nowadays, but the story weaved is beautiful. Especially when trying to answer the question regarding ´What does homecountry/Heimat mean ?´

The storyteller herself is not fluent in Persian, grew up in Germany, but her heart beats inside of the cat. Her sister used to have a beautiful life in Paris, however she returned with her husband for love of the country that she barely knew. A feeling shared by many Iranians living or born in exile. Hence, the huge potential a free Iran has as a source of prosperity and stability in the Middle East. Mahsa Amini´s death led to a revolution whose effects we will soon experience in our lives. Until then, enjoying the beauty of writing by Iranian authors in the languages of their countries of adoption.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

An Inside Job by Daniel Silva

This is usually the time of the year to review the latest Daniel Silva book, featuring the fearless painter turned much-feared Mossad executive Gabriel Allon.

With Allon retired, enjoying his family life while working in the restauration company of his wife, Chiara, and watching their twins growing up in Chiara´s hometown Venice, there is less international action ongoing. However, Italy has enough to offer in terms of thriller topics. 

Although I personally was more curious about Israel-related inspiration, but the intricate relationships between the Vatican and the less holy Camorra are not less appealing, I realized in the end. Also, connecting all those dangerous dots with an art topic and a bit of Russian mafia ended up in a perfect thriller. Allon found himself at the heart of the intrigue, involving a lost Leonardo and financial mishaps authored by members of the Papal Curia. 

Silva is knowledgeable in topics related to Catholic Church and this background add meaning to the thriller part. There is no revelation, as the context is relatively known, as per the scandals surrounding the Vatican lately, but it adds credibility to the action. 

I felt at times that the weight is more on the events than on the characters, therefore it may be a bit challenging for someone just getting into the series. 

After so many books in the series, it is normal to have some installments a bit slower and less brilliant than the others, but I keep wondering for how many years it will continue. Personally, I am very much getting used to my August Daniel Silva fix, year after year.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Rachel´s Random Resources: Death at the School of Translators by Esther Knight

 

Toledo, 1193. Rebecca DeToledo, a courageous wealthy Jewish heiress is set to solve a mystery involving the murder off a Jewish spy working for Queen Eleanor of Aquitane. An adventure unheard of, given the historical times it happens and the complex circumstances of Toledo´s social and economic elites. Together with John of Hampstead, a disillusioned crusader, she will navigate this complex maze during even more complicated times.

Death at the School of Translators by Esther Knight surprised me by the choice of characters and historical period. I haven´t read a historical mystery set so far in time for a long time and given my reserves towards historical fiction in general, I really enjoyed it. Given my early academic interests in the Middle Ages, this book served as a reminder of how resourceful is this historical period, even if we are eons distance from it. 

I couldn´t put the book down, curious to find out the next step and revelation. The book has the right pace for a historical mystery, allowing enough space for introducing time-bounded details. I only wish there are many more such novels, because the topics are definitely unlimited.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: The Reinvention of Lottie Potts by K.L.Crear

Lottie used to have a quiet peaceful life and all looked just perfect. Perfect for her. But life never leave us alone, especially when we commit the mortal sin of taking life for granted. The ´evil eye´ is always watching you carefully. 

In her case, the challenge had a name and blonde hair and she fancied Lottie´s husband. Or he fancied her. Or other way round...Who started doesn´t matter, as Lottie is challenged to completely turn her life upside down and reinvent herself. And, as usual, such a transformative journey may change her - not only her appearance, but everything about her - for good. Lottie, she was able to push her limits far away. But what about the others?

I am ready to read any kind of book with such topics, because not only I went there done that, but I believe that we can change ourselves to our better versions. The Reinvention of Lottie Potts by K.L.Crear throws a realistic view of what does it mean and what can happen, avoiding idealisations and romanticizing the process. In addition to that, Lottie herself is very relatable and strong and never abandons the sense of humour. Until the end of the story, you may want her to be your friend.

A recommended read if you know how hard is reinvening yourself, over and over again. Each they own way, but at least you´ve been warned.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Deutscher Buchpreis: Russische Spezialitäten by Dmitrij Kapitelman

With humour and elegance, Dmitrij Kapitelman is sharing in Russische Spezialtäten - in my own translation, Russian delicacies - family stories, on the background of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Covid crisis.

The store - Magazin (магазин) - managed by the storyteller´s (sharing the same name with the author´s) parents in Leipzig, delivering the classical menu of former Soviet delicacies - from kvas to pelmeni, Plombir ice and matrioshkas -  is living its last days of glory. Once a unique meeting point of gourmet nostalgics united by the commonality of culinary experiences expressed into Russian, nowadays it experienced the other competitors and the lack of appeal among the newest generation growing up in a different, post-Soviet world.

With the story of the Magazin over, he is visiting Ukraine during the war. Although I laughed to tears reading the first part dedicated to interactions and culinary memories that are so relatable especially if you had the chance more than once to pay visits to Russian delicacies stores around Germany and observe just for few minutes the people, the second part upgrades the quality of the topic with a different, more dramatic accent.

The trip to Ukraine during the war disclosed the intersections of the many identities beyond the national idealization, the limitations and shaking grounds based on which identities developed or dissociated. It starts with his own family, but the experience is also personal, as it questions and assesses, particularly through language, the identity constructions.

I loved the direct style and the family-based approach and the life between many (linguistic and geographical) worlds. Although not sure it will make it to the short list of the Deutscher Buchpreis, it is nevertheless a good addition to the topic, from a Jewish-Russian-Ukrainian-German perspective.

Rating: 3 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Rachel´s Random Resources: Wheels of Destruction: Death in Petra by Gina Cheyne

Haven´t been to Petra yet, but I can imagine this city as the perfect setting for a crime novel. Wheels of Destruction: Death in Petra by Gina Cheyne is following into Agatha Christie´s footsteps with an adventurous book where crime meets travel.

Sandy is bored to tears by her 9 to 5 job and dreams about imaginary worlds. But her life is about to change soon. An aspiring writer, she had the chance to leave England for the first time, joining a bizarre cast of characters traveling there as part of Wheelchair Warriors Holidays. And this is just the beginning of a lineup of challenging events that may include murder, botched hostage taking, police investigations...and many more - like the skilled minds of SeeMs Detective Agency playing a big role in solving the crime and finding the villain. 

Additionally, the book is also touching upon the hardships of travel in a wheelchair, a topic not often approached in literary realm.

With many twists and change of situation, Death in Petra made me very curious about the end, and kept me busy trying to figure out what the next episodes will involve. There is so much going on and so many hidden personality threats revealed that I couldn´t put the book down easily.

The book is engaging and eventful and the cover has also a very good choice of colours and images.

I can only wish to have the chance to explore more adventures featuring SeeMs Detective Agency as I enjoyed their methods and investigative ways.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: The Word Is Love by Florence Keeling

A romance set in a picturesque sitting, The Word is Love by Florence Keeling is a feel-good novel with characters in love with horses. I may confess that there are not too many books featuring those beautiful creatures, therefore I was more than pleased to discover the life of those characters.

I had the pleasure to be part of a cover reveal event dedicated to this book and I couldn´t wait to read the book by myself. The main character, Lucy Greenfield is a successful business owner in the British countryside. More successful in her carriage business than in love, she is happy with her lot and the support of her business partner, Max. As a handsome customer enters her life, Max is challenged to get involved and protect her, but this may lead to him sharing his feelings for Lucy.

I got very much involved in the reactions of the characters and their decision-making challenges. The relationship between Lucy and Max had a potential from the very beginning, therefore couldn´t stop betting what will really happen to them in the end, if ever.

The Word Is Love is a cosy page turning story to remember, with that hint of old romance that suits so well such a gorgeous landscape.

As for this author, stay tunned for another book by her, soon on the blog. I am reading the book right now and I cannot wait to share my thoughts.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Shattered by Hanif Kureishi

When one is suddenly faced with a dramatic, health-related event, there is nothing else to do but swim against the waves of dispair. If you are a writer, you turn your experience into a memoir trying to make sense into the destiny chaos.

Following an accident due to the low pressure in 2022, Kureishi, a writer and screenplayer, ended up in a wheelchair, mostly unable to use his hands and largely relying on medical assistance in the daily life. From Rome - where the accident took place - to London where he currently lives, he had to learn to live again, but in a life he never wanted or dreamed of. Shattered is the story of how he processed the event and how he re-enachted his wife after this episode. 

Faced with the life cruelty, one can either give up or think about how to end it as fast as possible, or keep on living while de-coding the experience through words. From his hospital bed, with the help of his sons, he is sharing his struggle, getting used with a disabled life, sharing his own story.

The writing is descriptive and realistic, without giving fake hopes, just displaying the life as it is now, lacking any physical independence, nevertheless maintaining his freedom of mind. 

Anyone having forced to adapt to a new physical reality, even only a short time, may resonate with his thoughts. It helps by rationalizing the context and explaining everything in full honesty. 

I personally loved the writing, and especially the very human side of it, the thoughts about his situation´s impact on other people lives, particularly his children and his life partner. The human empathy and the understanding of his situation embrace the story into a hollow of kindness. But it is also the full acknowledgement of a cruel reality.

We, as readers, we are grateful for his unaltered gift.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Cover Reveal: The Pumpkin Pact by Charlie Dean

Autumn entered today officially the European world, and although I love summer, I do always have kind memories of fall. As the days are getting shorter, I do enjoy spending some more time indoors reading and writing, which does happen less during the summer when I am usually spending as much time as possible on the road or exploring new activities with friends.

My TBR-list is, as usual, very long, and I do have some reviews coming up in the next weeks. One of them, The Pumpkin Pact by Charlie Dean, a book about miscommunication, relationships under questions and betting on love. 

The cover tells a bit of what to expect: some autumn feelings, and as the season is changing - the shades of yellow and orange are telling - so feelings and relationships may be put on trial, reconsidered and reframed. This is what happened to Andi and Drew. Andi felt that her relationship with Drew reached its potential and it´s trying to challenge Drew´s feelings. A mysterious stranger she met may add those spices back into the relationship, but playing with feelings may be a dangerous game.

I felt attracted by the cover and its gentle hints about what to expect. As for the story, stay tunned for a full review on my blog, soon!

Many thanks to Rachel for the kind opportunity of being part of this tour! PS: And happy anniversary to this hard working blog tour organiser and book lover!