Books Read:
The Treasure of the Lake by H. Rider Haggard (1926) 4/5 stars
This posthumously published tale is another fun African adventure narrated by the reluctant hero, Allan Quatermain. Some views and opinions are dated, of course, but otherwise it's a good yarn -- even if it will remind the reader of Haggard's 1887 novel She.
Ties of Legacy by Melanie Cellier (2025) 4/5 stars
Kingdoms of Legacy, book 1.5
This is a charming no-spice romantic fantasy about Elliot, whose life is bound to a brass candlestick -- if he gets separated from it, he will weaken and eventually die. By accident, he becomes additionally linked to Avery, a pretty, spunky travelling merchant. Working together, they seek for a solution to Elliot's affliction.
This is part of "Tethered Hearts", a multi-author series of (supposedly) stand-alone novels with a similar theme. Unfortunately, not having read any of Cellier's other books from the "Kingdoms of Legacy" series, I struggled to fully understand this fictional world at first. Once I got it sorted out, and accepted that there were bits I just wasn't going to comprehend fully, I enjoyed the story immensely. I will most likely read more by this author, in particular the series mentioned.
Ties of Starlight
by Celeste Baxendell (2025) 5/5/ stars
It's hard to explain the plot without spoiling it, so I will simply say that it's a no-spice romantic fantasy about an Elf King and a half-human woman, marrying to fulfil an important ritual for the aid of their race. The plot and world-building are fantastic, and I was drawn in immediately, genuinely concerned for the characters, and could hardly put the book down. (I read it in less than twenty-four hours.) The writing is solid, and the book presents a strong positive message in addition. I look forward to reading more by this author. (This is part of the "Tethered Hearts" series as well.)
Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall by PJ Fitzsimmons (2024) 4/5 stars
Teddy Quillfeather Mysteries, book 1
Teddy, a young flapper, is at a house party when a valuable necklace is stolen. Being something of master of the heist herself, she determines to find the culprit, while avoiding marriage proposals, swilling cocktails, and entertaining a penguin. This is an intelligent, twisty, laugh-out-loud non-murder mystery which is just as well-written and entertaining as those featuring her cousin, the author's other main character, Anty Boisjoly.
Ties of Deception by Alice Ivinya (2025) 4/5 stars
This is a well-written, no-spice fantasy about a newborn and naive grace, a god of death, an evil plan, and layer after layer of deceit. The plot is twisty, complicated, and engrossing with characters I genuinely cared about and liked. The world is so complex that the author was forced to do a large info dump twice, but I did understand the need for it and appreciated the scope and depth. I found part of the conclusion unsatisfying, but overall, the book was thoroughly enjoyable. (This is part of the "Tethered Hearts" series as well.)
Mrs. Bradley mysteries, book one
Psychoanalyst Mrs. Bradley is visiting friends when a murder occurs, so, using her professional observational skills, she works to discover the culprit. I really enjoyed this engaging and well-written mystery, despite the sometimes obvious answers. It was fun, a little bizarre, and had a great ending. I will definitely read more of the series, because I need to know more about Mrs. Bradley.
Ties of Bargains by Tara Grayce (2025) 4/5 stars
In this no-spice romantic fantasy, Val, a fae mercenary is tasked with delivering her human "package", Harmen, to the Court of Queen Mab -- never imagining that the trip would become both complicated and life-changing. It takes place in Grayce's existing fairy universe, The Court of Midsummer Mayhem; I had never read any books in that series, but had no problems understanding the world or situations. I loved Val and Harm, their backstories, and the character growth they experienced. Harmen comes from a Dutch-inspired culture, which was unusual and nicely done. The plot is both gripping and fun, and I enjoyed it immensely. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. (This is part of the "Tethered Hearts" series as well.)
The Mystery of a Butcher's Shop by Gladys Mitchell (1929) 4/5 stars
Mrs. Bradley mysteries, book two
This is another twisty and engaging (if gruesome) mystery featuring Mrs. Bradley -- and another great ending, as well. Mrs. Bradley is an intriguing character and I look forward to reading more.
Ties of Death by Constance Lopez (2025) 4/5 stars
The king of the Gryphon Rider Clan has been cursed with a death magic that threatens all around him. The only solution he can find is to kidnap and marry his childhood friend whose peaceful magic balances his. I read this no-spice fantasy in less than two days and enjoyed it immensely. It is immediately attention-grabbing, and stays engaging throughout with a plot full of action, conflict, and romance. The slow reveal of the true inner selves of the characters is nicely done, and the world is interesting and well-built. I will definitely read more by this author. (This is part of the "Tethered Hearts" series as well.)
Audiobooks Completed:
Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior by Catherine Hanley (2019) 3/5 stars
This biography of the Medieval almost-Queen-of-England was interesting, if dry at times, but Hanley makes many suppositions based on what she believes she knows of Matilda's personality, weakening the credibility of the information.
This biography of the Medieval almost-Queen-of-England was interesting, if dry at times, but Hanley makes many suppositions based on what she believes she knows of Matilda's personality, weakening the credibility of the information.
Daughters of Chivalry: The Forgotten Children of King Edward Longshanks by Kelcey Wilson-Lee (2019) 3/5 stars
I'm giving this a generous three stars because it was obvious that the author was passionate about sharing the lives of these five women, and the verifiable information was truly interesting. However, the lack of direct sources available resulted in a superfluity of words and phrases such as "might have", "probably", "suggests", "almost certainly", and "likely", forcing the reader to wade through the suppositions to find the facts. I understand the difficulty of writing about people less documented, and I do appreciate the author's purpose. However, with all the thoughts and feelings the author assumes based on circumstances and personality, this book would have worked better as historical fiction.
Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne (1872) 4/5 stars
This is one of my favorite adventure stories, and I enjoyed this reread a good deal. It's dated and biased, of course, but it's still a fun, humorous, and engaging tale.
Did Not Finish:
Shady Hollow by Juneau Black
This is a cozy mystery taking place in a town of anthropomorphic animals -- what's not to love? Apparently, for me, a lot.
Henrietta Maria: The Warrior Queen Who Divided a Nation by Leanda de Lisle
For a biography, it was quite vulgar and not at all to my taste. I listened for just over an hour, hoping the factual information would be worth the unappealing bits, but finally had to give up.
Streams of Gold, Rivers of Blood: The Rise and Fall of Byzantium, 955 AD to the First Crusade by Anthony Kaldellis
I was lost in a sea of names, places, and Greek terms.