Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
REVIEW - The Amalfi Curse (ebook)
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is my first book by Sarah Penner. It had an intriguing premise with a dual timeline of Italian sea witches (streghe de mare) in 1821 and a contemporary nautical archaeologist in Positano, Italy.
You had me at witches! Italian witches! Italian sea witches!
Unfortunately, I liked this book, but I didn't love it.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing is good, descriptive, and uneven at times.
I felt like the 1821 timeline could have been elevated with more authentic language to the time and region by including more Italian phrases and dialogue. It felt too contemporary for me.
Character development: 4.0 stars
The main characters are Mari (sea witch - 1821) and Haven (archaeologist - contemporary time).
The secondary characters are Holmes (a good-hearted sailor), Matteo and Massimo (evil shipowners), and the other sea witches in Positano during the 1821 time frame.
The tertiary characters Enzo (Haven's dive friend), Mal (Haven's good friend), and Savina (Enzo's eccentric mother) are in the contemporary time.
There were just so many characters that were integral to the plot, yet they weren't developed enough. The most developed (and interesting) characters were Mari and Holmes, and they were great!
Storyline: 4.0 stars
The 1821 storyline is Mari and the other witches protecting Positano from pirates, thus the "Almafi Curse". Mari was a fascinating character who could have had the entire book about her.
The contemporary time is about Haven, who is researching and diving to determine how shipwrecks stack upon themselves. This work, along with Haven's character being a bit boring, didn't resonate with me.
The location was the Amalfi Coast, primarily in Positano, Italy.
Memorable/Informative: 3.5 stars
I had heard the term strega (witch in Italian), but streghe de mare (sea witches in Italian) and stregheria (archaic for witchcraft in Italian) were completely new terms for me. I loved learning a bit of Italian as a bonus.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 4.0 stars
I'm torn on it!
Definite recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
333 pages
Park Row
Release date: 4/29/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Sexual assault, kidnapping, murder, witchcraft, gun violence, death, death of a parent, grief, medical content, blood, pregnancy, and moderate cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Nothing More of This Land (audiobook)
Nothing More of This Land by Joseph Lee (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is my first book by journalist Joseph Lee, who can write! This was an introspective and explorative search to find out what being Indigenous means to him. It was a personal quest that took him all over the world.
However, what was most personal to me is that Joseph is also half Cantonese (like my daughter), Japanese, and Aquinnah Wampanoag. The American dream!?!
This book is a fascinating, enlightening, and convicting book. Colonialism versus indigenous sovereignty is a heavy and difficult topic, but Joseph makes it understandable and relatable. We must do more for our indigenous peoples, but I fear that things will only get worse with the sweeping cuts of this administration.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Joseph writes beautifully and from the heart. He is a gifted journalist and writer. I eagerly look forward to his next book!
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was not done by Joseph, which I prefer. However, Shaun Taylor-Corbett (I’Pyooksisstiiko’om) of the Blackfeet Nation narrated. Shaun is a professional artist and did an amazing job narrating.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are the indigenous people around the world. From Joseph's own tribe to indigenous peoples in Sweden, Alaska, and Okinawa, to many others.
The secondary characters are Joseph, his family, and his tribe.
The tertiary character is Joseph's indigenous identity.
There are many characters throughout the memoir, including all of the indigenous peoples, his large group of Aquinnah Wampanoag cousins, and everyone he meets along the way in this journey of discovery.
The character development was fantastic for Joseph and the indigenous peoples in the book. As he learns about his indigenous identity, so does the reader. Powerful!
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Where I live, there is a parcel of stolen indigenous land that was purchased by the Shonshone-Gabrielino tribe. It has been amazing to learn from the tribe and see the land returning to its former glory. But, of course, racism, entitlement, and colonialism have continued to raise their ugly heads.
Sadly, I have learned from Joseph's book that this continual struggle with colonialism is common for indigenous people everywhere around the world.
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
This memoir made me look at the history of indigenous people in a more nuanced way. There are so many layers to unwrap, including colonialism, sovereignty, tribal politics, the recovery of stolen land, and so much more.
I have recently been reading books by indigenous authors to learn, understand, and be a better ally. Unfortunately, I did not grasp the extent of the horrors endured by the indigenous people in California until I took a college course in California history.
Of course, I did the obligatory 4th-grade "Mission Project" and learned the whitewashed history at the local mission. Thankfully, my daughter learned the truth about the slavery that the indigenous people endured under the mission system. We must continue to educate about history in the right way!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Beautiful.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent.
Highly recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Nothing More of This Land by Joseph Lee
7 hours, 43 minutes
Simon & Schuster Audio
Release date: 7/15/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Violence, racism, colonialism, genocide, murder
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, July 26, 2025
REVIEW - The Man in the Stone Cottage (eARC/ebook)
The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the first book by Stephanie that I have read. It was beautiful, lovely, and so very Brontë. I read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights a very long time ago - it may be time to reread them.
If you loved the writing of the Brontë sisters, I think this love letter to them is just perfection and a must-read.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing is beautiful, descriptive, and just so lovely. Such a well-researched book, filled with incredible and lyrical prose.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are the three living Brontë sisters: Charlotte, Emily, and Anne.
The secondary characters are Patrick (the Brontë sisters' father and town minister) and Branwell (the Brontë sisters' brother).
The tertiary characters are people in the local vicinity of the town, the church community, people in the publishing world, friends, and family of the Brontës.
The character development was strong. Of course, they all lived, loved, and died almost 175 years ago. It had to be speculative, but it was so beautifully and lovingly done.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline includes a short prologue in 1831, and the main storyline is only ten years from Summer 1843 to Winter 1853. The story begins with the family living in near poverty in the run-down parsonage before the Brontë sisters' books were published under pseudonyms.
The locations were Haworth, Yorkshire, England; London, England; and Edinburgh, Scotland.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
Since I read the Brontë sisters so long ago and before the Internet, I had no idea about how difficult their lives were. Their lives were filled with so much constant and intense grief.
The Brontë family endured so much, including tuberculosis (or consumption as it was called). This caused me to reflect on what I had learned in John Green's fantastic book, Everything is Tuberculosis. There is much to be learned from both books!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 4.5 stars
Not perfect, but perfectly fine!
Highly recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell
277 pages
Regal House Publishing
FUTURE release date: 9/16/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, drug use, death, death of a parent, grief, medical content, blood, mental health issues, sexual situations, pregnancy, and moderate cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
2025 Reading Goal is MET!! Storygraph AND Goodreads!
Storygraph
Goodreads
Yes, I have met my goal of 101 books (audiobooks, ebooks, eARCS, and print books)!! Yeah me!
Next year in January, I will add a "Pages Goal" and an "Hours Goal" to Storygraph. Since this is not something that Goodreads does, I will need some statistical data from Storygraph! One more reason to love Storygraph!!
Let's see how much more reading I can fit in and how many more wonderful books I can find. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
My next audiobook is ...
Nothing More of This Land by Joseph Lee (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Care and Feeding (audiobook)
Care and Feeding by Laurie Woolever (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This audiobook was good, but not great, for the first one-third or so. But, then it dissolved into a repetitive mess about her addictions, including graphic drug, alcohol, and sexual promiscuity.
Since this book was presented as a candid and funny memoir, there is a big disconnect between the marketing and the actual audiobook itself. It was a horrifying and scary descent into the darkness of the restaurant world.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.0 stars
Writing: 3.5 stars
Laurie writes well, but this book did not showcase her skills well. This book was circular and repetitive in its storytelling. It was the same drug, alcohol, and sex filled stories over and over. It really became tiresome and boring.
Narration: 3.0 stars
The narration was done by Laurie, but it was so slow and lifeless. It really didn't have the emotion that I would expect in a memoir.
Character development: 3.0 stars
The main characters are Laurie and her poor life choices.
The secondary characters are Mario Batali and Tony Bourdain.
The tertiary characters are Alex (her husband) and Eli (her son). Notice that her work came before her family.
There are many characters throughout the memoir, from culinary school, the literary/publishing scene, and her friends and family.
The character development was okay for Laurie. But we never got into why she abused herself with drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Memorable: 3.0 stars
I could have been happy not reading this memoir except for two things. It confirmed that Mario Batali was a tool like I expected. Tony Bourdain was a wonderful human, and someone I would have enjoyed eating Los Angeles street food with.
Entertaining/Educational: 3.0 stars
This memoir made me look at restaurants in a totally different way, and not necessarily a good way.
Book cover: 3.5 stars
Okay.
Book title: 2.0 stars
This was not about Care and Feeding at all.
Lukewarm recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Care and Feeding by Laurie Woolever
12 hours, 45 minutes
HarperAudio
Release date: 3/11/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic alcohol use, drug use, sexual content, and cursing; death of an animal, death of a parent, suicide, mental illness, alcoholism, pregnancy, abortion, infidelity, eating disorder
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, July 21, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Girl in the Green Dress (eARC/ebook)
The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the first book by Mariah that I have read. Unfortunately, this book didn't hit the mark for me. I actually almost gave it up on two occasions, but I wanted to find out what happened to the characters.
It was a slow slogging book with many real-life characters that I didn't like, including most of the characters. I didn't like the writing or writers, the Jazz Era, or much of anything from the 1920s. I'm really at a loss as to why I chose to read this book.
There are many notable characters, but other than the Fitzgeralds, I didn't know who they were. I had to research them all through the Author's Note.
Side note - this is my one hundred book of the year!
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing is good, but so very descriptive. Normally, most writing is not descriptive enough for me, but Mariah is very descriptive. The overly descriptive passages and flashbacks really bogged this book down.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters are Morris Markey (newspaper reporter), Zelda Fitzgerald (yes, her), and Joseph Bowne Elwell (bridge coach).
The secondary characters are writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Dorothy Parker, to socialites like Leonora Hughes and Selma Lewisohn.
The tertiary characters include police, attorneys, politicians, neighbors, reporters, editors, service workers, and many others. An enormous cast of characters really slowed this book.
The character development was adequate - it wasn't weak, but it wasn't strong either.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The storyline is the discovery of a body in a locked house (both inside and outside) in 1920s NYC. Then, utter chaos ensues and a new mystery genre is born.
There is also another short timeline in 1950, Virginia, at the beginning and ending of the book.
The location was New York City and the surrounding areas.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
I had no idea how depraved and excessive New York City was in the "Roaring Twenties". Wowza!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 3.5 stars
The title is a bit misleading.
Recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks
336 pages
Minotaur Books
FUTURE release date: 9/2/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, murder, medical content, gun violence, death, violence, sexual harassment, war, mental health issues, and moderate cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Storygraph Audiobook Giveaway Winner!
YES!! My first win from Storygraph!
There are lots of giveaways at Storygraph - you can check them out HERE! While you're signing up for Storygraph and checking out the giveaways, don't forget to become my friend!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, July 18, 2025
REVIEW - The First Gentlemen (ebook)
The First Gentlemen by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the third collaboration by Bill Clinton and James Patterson. I have read all three books, but this one is not the strongest (I think the second book was the best, by far).
I liked this book, but didn't love it. It was a fast and easy read; however, I figured out the mystery about one-third of the way through the book.
A huge pet peeve is the huge amount of white space in this book. It could have been consolidated so much better.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 3.5 stars
The writing is meh. I assume that President Clinton wrote most of the legal and president-adjacent material, which is the most interesting part of the series to me. James probably wrote the plot outline with President Clinton doing the heavy lifting.
I have felt that James' books have deteriorated in quality of writing for the past fifteen years or so. Most especially, once he started writing with partners.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters are Maddy (the President), Cole (the First Gentleman), and Burton (the President's Chief of Staff). The three have been friends since they were undergrads at Dartmouth over twenty years ago.
The secondary characters are Garrett and Brea (a lawyer-journalist writing team) and Suzanne (a murdered woman).
The tertiary characters include various attorneys, mobsters, police, FBI, coworkers, family, and friends of the main and secondary characters. There are a lot of characters, which is to be expected in a procedural crime mystery.
The character development was adequate - it wasn't weak, but it wasn't strong either.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The storyline is the discovery of Suzanne's body and the police and prosecution's case against the suspected killer. The plot goes in multiple directions, which helped me figure out the mystery.
The locations were New Hampshire, Dartmouth, and Washington, D.C.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
It really made me realize that politics is a "dog-eat-dog" proposition and how back-door deals make things run in Washington, D.C.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
I don't understand who it is or what it is about.
Book title: 4.0 stars
There was much more to the story - it wasn't just about the First Gentlemen.
Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The First Gentlemen by Bill Clinton and James Patterson
474 pages
Little, Brown and Company
Release date: 6/2/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, gun violence, murder, death, car accident, violence, rape, and strong cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
My next ebook is ...
The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (ebook)
I am also reading an eARC/ebook. However, since this is a library book with a borrowing time limit, I will finish this book first!
Happy reading,
Dorothea💜
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Review - Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight (audiobook)
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is a beautifully written memoir about a horrific time in Africa. It was difficult to absorb and understand, so I listened to it slowly, so I could "try" to understand it. But, honestly, I don't understand it all.
I don't understand the recent colonialism in Africa (or anywhere, actually), the subjugation and discrimination against the African Blacks, and the civil wars with the white minority fighting to retain their power.
Additionally, I wouldn't say that I enjoyed this memoir, but it was an enlightening and important book to read.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Alexandra writes beautifully about the good, bad, and ugly during her childhood in multiple countries in Africa.
This was written in first person, so it was shocking to know and understand that a child experienced these horrific, tragic, and violent events. It was exceedingly graphic, at times.
Also, this was not a linear memoir so it can be a little confusing at times.
Narration: 4.5 stars
The narration was done by Lisette Lecat, who did a fantastic job with the various voices and accents. However, I prefer that the author narrate their own memoir.
Character development: 4.5 stars
The main character is Alexandra (Bobo).
The secondary characters are Alexandra's parents, Tim and Nicola, and her sister Vanessa.
There are many characters throughout the memoir, but they are all the same stereotypical individuals transplanted in different places. That is how they seemed to me, honestly.
The character development was incredible for Alexandra as she is shocked and surprised by so much throughout the book. Alexandra's parents and sister are developed, but they are not the focus of the book.
I must be honest and state for the record that I despised Alexandra's parents as well as the other white colonizers.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
I was shocked at the entitlement and superiority of the white colonists, in general. This memoir was set during the 1970s/80s, which is somewhat recent.
There was a comment by the mother, Nicola, that asked why there isn't a white country for whites in Africa. That was and is the core of the problems in Africa - everyone wants their piece.
Entertaining/Educational: 4.5 stars
This memoir made me realize how much has been taken from Africa and the individual governments by the colonizers, but little is given back to the native peoples. It is a very uneven and abusive set of relationships.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect - loved the black and white picture.
Book title: 5.0 stars
On point.
Definite recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller
10 hours, 11 minutes
Recorded Books, Inc.
Release date: 12/1/2001
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic blood, gore, and violence, death of an animal, death, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness, alcohol, alcoholism, colonialism, racism, xenophobia, cursing, pregnancy, loss of a child
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Witch's Orchard (eARC/ebook)
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is Archer's debut novel! What a great start to a long writing career. This novel is a love letter to the small towns, families, and life in the Appalachians.
This is a multi-genre novel that includes contemporary fiction, storytelling, mystery, and Appalachian folklore, with a sprinkle of romance for good measure.
I thought multiple times that I figured out the plot twist and solved the mystery - I was wrong over and over again! I really love the main character, Annie Gore, and would love a series about her, please, Archer!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing is strong. It flowed like a mystery novel with choppy endings and cut-outs, which is to be expected in this genre.
However, at times, Archer hit her poetic stride with beautiful writing with her exquisite storytelling. I would love for her to expand upon this in her next book, even if it is another mystery. I love beautiful words with storytelling!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Annie (a private investigator), AJ (a local police deputy), and Max (the client from Appalachian North Carolina).
The secondary characters are Jessica, Olivia, and Molly (missing girls whom Annie is hired to find), Shiloh (the town baker and Annie's friend), and Susan (the town psychic and herbalist).
The tertiary characters are the missing girls' parents and families, the townspeople, neighbors, and friends.
The character development was strong. I really understood the well-developed back story for the main and secondary characters.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline focuses on finding the three missing girls by Annie, who is hired by Max (Molly's brother). The small town where this occurs is very similar to where Annie grew up. Annie comes to town, pokes the hornet's nest, and all hell breaks loose.
The location was primarily fictional, Quartz Creek, North Carolina.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
It is heartbreaking that little towns, like the fictional Quartz Creek, are dying out as people leave them for jobs and lives elsewhere. We are losing our Americana traditions.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
It was a little creepy and weird, but it was exactly the point.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
Strong recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan
304 pages
Minotaur Books
FUTURE release date: 8/12/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, drug use, drug production, murder, kidnapping, violence, gun use, death of a parent, grief, medical content, moderate cursing, pregnancy, and infidelity.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, July 7, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Ever After (eARC/ebook)
Ever After by Amanda Prowse (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love Amanda's books because they are based on real-life family situations, from new love to loss of love and everything else in between. Most of Amanda's books are contemporary fiction or women's fiction, but she has also written two very personal non-fiction books.
I have read over twenty books written by Amanda and will continue to read them as long as she is willing to write them! What a great symbiosis.
This book was another lovely, perfect, and palate-cleanser for the chaos in the world!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Amanda wrote this book beautifully, descriptively, and thoughtfully. There were many sensitive issues covered, but she handled them with grace and sensitivity.
Plus, Amanda always throws in a few author words that I don't know, but not in a pretentious way. I always love learning new vocabulary.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Enya (a widow and Aiden's mother), Aiden (Enya's son and Holly and Iris's friend), Holly (Aiden's neighbor friend), and Iris (Aiden's "airplane friend" - read the book to understand this reference).
The secondary characters are Jenny (Enya's BFF and neighbor), Angela (Enya's sister), and Jonathan (Enya's deceased husband).
The tertiary characters are the other neighbors, friends, and family of the main characters (as well as the secondary characters). primary and secondary characters, and lots of "throw-away" characters.
The character development was strong, as always. The main characters grow, develop, and learn together.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline focuses on Enya's grief over the loss of her husband, Jonathan, while trying to keep everyone else together, putting her needs last. Aiden travels to Italy for a work trip, and everything changes for everyone during the three weeks that he is gone.
The locations were Essex and Bath, England, and Portugal.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This book is about serendipity. You never know who or how you will meet a person who will become special in your life!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Lovely!
Highly recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Ever After by Amanda Prowse
412 pages
Late Union Publishing
FUTURE release date: 8/12/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, moderate cursing, pregnancy, and infidelity.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, July 6, 2025
My next audiobook is ...
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, July 5, 2025
REVIEW - The Women at Ocean's End
The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the sixth book by Faith Hogan that I have read. I have a one-word summation of them all - LOVELY!
I love that this book was based on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland. Apparently, there are many uninhabited and inhabited islands, so adding to my bucket list!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Faith writes so beautifully. It is so descriptive that I can picture it all in my mind while I am reading it! That is the best writing for any reader!
Character development: 4.5 stars
The main characters are Constance and Dotty (best friends), Heather (Dotty's daughter), and Ros (park ranger).
The secondary characters are Maggie (Constance's mother), as well as Norman and Sylvie (Dotty's parents).
The tertiary characters are all the various people, including friends and family, primarily on the fictional Pin Hill Island. It is a large cast of characters!
The character development was strong. I just always want more. Most especially about the secondary characters.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline is told in two main storylines with a lot of overlapping of different times, also told in flashbacks. But, basically, Constance and Dotty are best friends. Constance and her mom move to Pin Hill Island, and Dotty and her mom join the move. Time continues to pass until secrets are revealed and discovered.
The locations were fictional Pin Hill Island, Dublin, and London.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
It was wonderful to learn about the islands off the coast of Western Island.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Faith ALWAYS has beautiful covers!
Book title: 4.5 stars
There appears to be confusion as to the correct title on various book sites. Either one is perfect!
Strong Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan
401 pages
Aria
Release date: 6/5/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, death of an animal, and mild cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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