Category: Book Review

Book Review: Sense and Suitability, written by Pepper Basham

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I was given the regency rom-com Sense and Suitability, written by Pepper Basham and narrated by Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman as an audiobook ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.

It’s no secret that I am a huge Jane Austen fan, and that I’ve read a fair share of Jane Austen retellings, so when I saw Sense and Suitability on NetGalley on NetGalley, I knew I just had to request it. I was very happy to be approved, and was quite excited to dive into the audiobook.

The <i>Sense and Suitability</i> audiobook cover. Two people standing in front of the entrance of a house, framed by flowers. They're both leaning against their own door frame.This book is told from two points of view, alternating between our heroine, Emmeline Lockhart, and our hero Simon Reeves. At the beginning of the book we learn that Emmeline expects Simon to ask for her hand in marriage, but at the last minute something happens so that Simon changes his mind, and Emmeline is left with a broken heart. Not only is this a bit of a scandal in their society, but she also carries a big secret that she has to hide, even from not only Simon, but also most of her own family…

I must admit it took me a while to get into this book. Even though I loved the narrators, there was something that didn’t quite sit right with me. Mostly something I couldn’t quite put my finger on… Fortunately this changed after a bit, and I ended up really enjoying it.

I ended up really loving most of the characters, though there were a couple of annoying “villains” (mind you, they were not meant to be anything but). Though it’s clear that the book is in no way written back in the actual regency period (the language is naturally too modern for that), it’s also very much written in the spirit of Jane Austen. I even think that if Jane Austen had lived today, she’d enjoyed this book, and also would have been honoured by the homage paid to her own books in this novel.

For people who enjoy romance with little to no spice, I can reassure you that there’s not any in this book. The most spicy scenes are kisses, the rest is left up to your own imagination.

I found this book to be a fun and heartwarming read in the end, and would advice people not to give uo should you, like me, struggle a bit at the beginning.

Book Review: The Scary Book of Fairy Tales, written by Tim Rayborn

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I got The Scary Book of Fairy Tales, written by Tim Rayborn and narrated by Dennis Kleinman, as an audiobook ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Book cover.
I’m not gonna lie, I loooove fairy tales! I always have. I gobbeled up all sorts as a kid: Asbjørnsens and Moe (of course, they’re Norwegian), The borthers Grimm, H. C. Andersen, 1001 Nights, and whatever I could get my hands on. When I saw The Scary Book of Fairy Tales, written by Tim Rayborn, as a “listen now” on Netgalley, I knew I just had to grab it.

I run audiobooks on at least 1.5 speed, but the narrator, Dennis Kleinman, sounded good from what I could tell. I’m definitively glad it wasn’t AI. I’ve only once tried an audiobook narrated by AI, and I didn’t stand it. It’s clear that this was read by a voice actor, thank goodness!

This is a collection of fairy tales that claims to be the original. When it comes to collected fairy tales, it’s hard to know how they actually were originally, but this is how they were when they were collected. There are also some fairy tales that have been “disneyfied” later, i.e. made more “family friendly”, like H.C. Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. When I was a kid, a lot of the fairy tales I read were not the disneyfied. I remember having this book containing the brothers Grimm’s “Snow White”, and I clearly remember the description of the chopping off toes and heels. Pretty bloody.

I know this might sound strange to many, but I found this book delightful. Some stories were quite familiar to me, but many I had never heard or read before. I especially enjoyed the once from all over the world. This is a book I would highly recommend to all lovers of fairy tales, gruesome stories, and folklore!

Book Review: Motheater, written by Linda H. Codega

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Motheater, written by Linda H. Codega was given to me by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review. I don’t know what I expected when I was given this book, but I was very intrigued by the description. To be honest it being a queer fantasy book was enough to intrigue me, and I was not disappointed!

This story is set in the Appalachian Mountains in the US. We meet Bennie, whose friend passed away, and in her effort to uncover what killed her friend as well as other miners on Kire Mountain, she loses her reputation and her relationship. Then one day she finds a half-drowned white woman in a dirty mine slough, and rescues her because she feels it’s the right thing to do, but also because she feels it may help her in some way. The woman calls herself Motheater, and says she’s a witch, and Bennie feels drawn to this mysterious woman.

This was such a delightful read! I fell in love with the characters. It’s diverse, and deals with important themes like what we’re doing to the planet we live on. I’m so happy I got to this gem!

A Kobo e-reader laying halfway on top of a brown blanket and halfway on top og white sheets. The Kobo shows the cover of the book Motheater.
Photo: Mittens and Sunglasses © 2025

Book Review: Starry Skies Over the Chocolate Pot Café, by Jessica Redland

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December was the month I found a new favourite romance author: Jessica Redland.

Starry Skies Over the Chocolate Pot Café was the second book by Jessica Redland I picked up, and it was such a lovely read.

Publisher’s description:

Everyone is getting into the festive spirit on Castle Street – snow is falling, fairy lights are glistening and Christmas shopping is underway.

But for Tara Porter, owner of thriving cafe, The Chocolate Pot, this is the most difficult time of the year. From the outside, Tara is a successful businesswoman and pillar of the community. Behind closed doors, she is lonely.

With a lifetime of secrets weighing on her shoulders, she has retreated from all friends, family and romance, and shut her real self away from the world. Afterall, if you don’t let them in, they can’t hurt you. She’s learnt that the hard way.

But as the weight of her past becomes heavier and an unexpected new neighbour moves onto the street – threatening the future of her cafe – Tara begins to realise that maybe it’s time to finally let people back in and confront her history. It could just change her life forever…

On a table there's a Kobo showing the cover of "starry skies over the chocolate pot cafe". On the same table there's a big cup of oat latte and a plate with vegan blueberry pie and soy cream.
Photo: Mittens and Sunglasses © 2024

Even though I didn’t have any traumatic events sourrounding Christmas, I could sort of relate to Tara. It hasn’t been my favourite time of year for a long time. And I think it can be a tough time for many, for different reasons. The fact the author brings in mental health as an important part of the story, really added to it. It’s not “just another romance book”.

The first Jessica Redland book I read was Christmas at the Cat Café, and it should not come as a surprise that there were a few cats in that one. Starry Skies Over the Chocolate Pot Café also had a four legged family member, namely the gigant house bunny Hercules. I must admit I really wanted to give this bunny a big cuddle! I love bunnies, and actually had one when I was in my teens. His name was Black Beauty, or Blackie for short. I think these fury family members really adds a little extra love in the books!

Since then, I have read a third book by the author, and two paperbacks are on their way to me in the mail. I also have my Kobo, so… Yeah. Will definitely continue reading more books by Jessica Redland for sure!

Perfect read for Samhain!

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A little while ago, I was given «The Last Witch in Edinburgh», written by, Marielle Thompson by NetGalley for an honest review, and I finished reading it this morning.

A hand holding an e-reader showing the book The Last Witch in Edinburgh. In the background is a rock covered in red leaves.
Photo: Mittens and Sunglasses © 2024

This story is set in alternative Edinburgh in 1824. Nellie Duncan lives with her drunk of a father, and a little brother she’s trying to take care of. Her mother passed away while giving birth, and she’s lost her post as a maid in a rich family’s home after the man of the house couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The lady of the house blames Nellie, and doesn’t just make her leave her post, but also makes sure Nellie doesn’t get a post anywhere else.

She then finds the Rae Women’s Apothecary, where women can come for teas and potions for their problems. It doesn’t take long before Nellie too works at the shop, and is taught the Cailleach.

Being a woman is a dangerous thing, though, and they live in fear that they can be the next victim of the gallows, hanged for witchcraft. Despite of this, Nellie embrace her newfound community, and also develops feelings for the strong and fierce Jean.

Nellie soon learns that the Cailleach has an ancient enemy. A diety that wants to strip the Cailleach for all the power, and wipe out all her witches, and create a world full of patriarchal violence and destruction.

This is a very feminist story, and I must advice you to check out the trigger warnings for it should you need them. I absolutely loved it, and I would love to read more from this author at some point.

Book Review: To Shape a Dragon’s Breath, written by Moniquill Blackgoose

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To Shape a Dragon’s Breath, written by Moniquill Blackgoose, was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review. This is the first book in the Nampeshiweisit series, and was first published in May 2023.

A Kobo e-reader being held in a hand over a wooden balcony floor. A hint of a black dress with small green flowers. On the e-reader is the cover of the book To Shape a Dragon's Breath.
Photo: Mittens and Sunglasses © 2024

Anequs lives on the island Masquapaug, a remote island where the Anglish conquerors of her land seldom visits. One day she finds a dragon egg. The egg hatches, and the baby dragon bonds with Anequs, and she becomes a Nampeshiweisits (someone who has a special relationship with a dragon). Her people are delighted, as it has been a very long time since the had any dragons or Nampeshiweisits.

Unfortunately, the Anglish has a very different idea of how dragons should be kept and how dragoneers should be schooled, and Anequs is sent to the mainland to attend a school to learn how to shape a dragon’s breath and become a dragoneers.

It is not easy for Anequs to attend an Anglish school. She knows that if she doesn’t manage to meet the Anglish’s requirements, her dragon will be killed. She is determined to learn what she needs to be able to keep her dragon alive.

I absolutely loved this book. Anequs is a strong character, and I fell in love with her. The language was absolutely beautiful, and I adored how lyrical and poetic it was.

I think the book’s themes are important, like basic human rights. In the Anglish world we see things that can easily be taken for granted in a modern Nordic country, like the right to be LGBTQIAP+, being illegal. Just to mention one thing. Things that are still relevant in many parts of the world today. Also, it touches on how we as white Europeans have treated indigenous people. Not just in North America, but also here in Europe.

For me it was a bonus that I am familiar with Nordic myths and lore, as I recognised it in the book. That being said, it is absolutely not a requirement to know them.

It should be noted that To Shape a Dragon’s Breath comes with a few trigger warnings. If you need them, make sure to check them out.

Cook Book Review: Crock Pot Essentials 101 Recipes to Make with Your Slow Cooker, written by Anne Schaeffer

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I had just bought a CrockPot Express second hand, and I was browsing through Netgalley’s offers on “read it now” cookbooks for slow cookers. It didn’t take long before I found the book Crock Pot Essentials 101 Recipes to Make with Your Slow Cooker, by Anne Schaeffer, and decided to give it a go. This is clearly not a vegan cookbook, but I thought that there might be recipes I could “veganise”. As I’ve mentioned before, I mainly use cookbooks for inspiration, and I thought that I could at least learn something about how to use my new device.

A tablet laying flat on top of a shawl, showing a tablet with the cover of the cookbook.
Photo: Mittens and Sunglasses © 2023

The beginning of the book started with how to calculate measurements. Fair enough, but not something I care too much about on a day to day basis. There were also a couple of pages on food safety, but after skimming through, I quickly saw it mainly concerned meat (yet another reason for eating plants?).

The book is really quite organised. It has sections for different recipes. It even has one for “meals for two”, which I thought was quite neat. The first section of the book is the section for soups and stews, which I think is a good choice. The slow cooker is perfect for these kinds of recipes! Also, in-between the main recipes there are recipes called “Delicious Due”, that contains recipes with side dishes or similar that goes well with the main dish.

There are a few recipes that are marked “vegetarian”, but I found at least one recipe that was marked incorrectly: It was a chicken soup recipe. I think this must have been a glitch, though, and I hope that this is corrected in the final version of the book. There was also supposed to be an index at the end of the book, but that seems not to have been included in this ARC.

A picture illustrating a chicken soup recipe being labelled as "vegetarian".
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup being marked as “vegetarian”.

I found quite a few recipes I think can be easily veganised, or that inspire me to make something vegan that similar. This book worked well, even for me who have never used a slow cooker before in my life.

Cook Book Review: Vegan Vietnamese – Vibrant Plant-Based Recipes to Enjoy Every Day, written by Helen Le

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The cover of a cookbook. I can’t deny it: I’m a sucker for vegan Vietnamese food. Actually, one of my favourite take-away restaurants is Eat Happy Vegan here in Oslo, Norway. When Netgalley offered the cookbook Vegan Vietnamese – Vibrant Plant-Based Recipes to Enjoy Every Day, written by Helen Le, to review, I was not hard to ask. I had no knowledge of Helen Le before seeing the book on Netgalley, and had no knowledge of who she was or what she did.

I quickly learned that Helen Le is the creator of a popular Vietnamese cooking channel on YouTube called Helen’s Recipes. So before even looking at the recipes I wanted to check out her channel. It turned out that her channel is not at all vegan, and she’s not a vegan herself. This normally turns me a bit sceptical towards someone’s cookbook, but I decided to check it out with an open mind.

I use cookbooks mainly for inspiration, and hardly ever follow recipes. Though the book was nice enough looking, I never felt like any of the recipes pushed me to cook anything. I kept thinking “I should probably find a recipe and make something like it”, but I never did. Also, in my opinion, it was quite clear that it was made by a meat eater. It had lots of potential, but for me it didn’t make the right fit. I’m sure others, especially meat eaters looking into cutting down on their meat, will find it helpful. It for sure has it’s audience, I’m unfortunately not among them.

Book Review: The Weaver and the Witch King, written by Genevieve Gornichec

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Earlier this year I read The Witch’s Heart, written by Genevieve Gornichec,and fell head over heels in love with it. When I was asked if I wanted an ARC, of course I was all «Yes, please!» I was quite excited when it arrived, to say the least. The book is published today, 25 July 2023.

The book The Weaver and the Witch King leaning against the trunk of a tree
Photo: Mittens and Sunglasses © 2023

The Weaver and the Witch King is historical fantasy, and it’s based on the Viking age in Norway with a (heavy) sprinkle of magic. The two main characters are Oddny, a quiet woman who lives a peaceful life devoted to healing others, and Gunnhild, the witch who ran away as child because she wanted to learn magic and who want power. They have know each other since childhood, and they were very young when they took a blood oath.

One day Viking raiders attack Oddny’s family’s farm. They kill her mother, Yrsa, and kidnaps her sister, Signy. Oddny barely escapes, just saved by a bird who attacks her kidnapper. The bird is no other than Gunnhild in bird’s form. True to her childhood oath to Oddny and Signy, she and Oddny sets out on a journey in the hopes to save the kidnapped sister.

As a Norwegian, it’s always interesting to see if an author is able to do our proud history justice, and I must say I think Gornichec absolutely does so. There’s clear that she’s done her research. An example of this is the story about King Harald, who was madly in love with Gyda and wanted to marry her. She said that she would only do so if Harald could collect all of Norway into one kingdom. He set out to do this, and never cut his hair nor beard before he was done, and Gyda accepted the offer of marriage. This is mentioned in the book, as well as the fact he was known to bed women wherever he went. (Which resulted in most Norwegians being a descendant of King Harald, yours truly included).

You can’t help but fall in love with the characters of the book, even though they’re far from perfect. They seem very realistic and human.

I think the book is very well written, and I absolutely loved reading the story, and am hoping Genevieve Gornichec will not stop writing books based on the Vikings and their myths.