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

Archer Sullivan

Goodreads review

Storygraph review

Minotaur Books

NetGalley

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 💜

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

Amanda Prowse

Goodreads review

The Storygraph review

Lake Union Publishing

NetGalley

TRIGGER WARNINGS:

Alcohol, alcoholism, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, moderate cursing, pregnancy, and infidelity.

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next audiobook is ...

 Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (audiobook)

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next eARC/ebook is ...

 Ever After by Amanda Prowse (eARC/ebook)

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜

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

Faith Hogan

Goodreads review

The Storygraph review

Aria

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 💜

REVIEW - Walking with Ghosts

 

Walking with Ghosts by Gabriel Byrne (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

This is a beautiful, albeit difficult, memoir to read. It primarily focuses on Gabriel's childhood and young adulthood, with important life experiences in his adulthood sprinkled throughout. 

I knew there was a difference between an autobiography and a memoir. But this link puts it succinctly, "A memoir is a nonfiction narrative in which the author shares their memories from a specific time period or reflects upon a string of themed occurrences throughout their life. An autobiography is a factual and historical account of one’s entire life from beginning to end." The more you know, LINK. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars

 

Writing: 5.0 stars

Gabriel's writing is so poetic, lyrical, and beautiful. This is a very personal, real, and raw memoir - he spills all of his secrets, and it appears to have been cathartic for him. He has a gift for writing and should write more books, seriously. 

There are very few mentions of famous people or name-dropping, so if you are looking for that, this is not the book for you. Additionally, there are many triggers, so please be aware. 

Narration: 5.0 stars

The narration was done by Gabriel, and it was perfection. He read the truly horrific parts with raw emotion and sincerity. 

Character development: 5.0 stars

The main character is Gabriel. 

The secondary characters are Gabriel's friends and family in Ireland, England, and the U.S. 

There are many Catholic priests and nuns, as they were at the heart of the Irish community at the time Gabriel was growing up. Also, some Hollywood hangers-on once Gabriel became a "name".  

The character development was incredible for Gabriel, specifically. The secondary and tertiary characters don't really change or grow much.  

Memorable:  5.0 stars

I was shocked at the ubiquity of alcoholism and depression in Ireland. It seems that the local pub is the heart and soul of the community, like the parish church. 

Entertaining/Educational:  5.0 stars

The abuse by Catholic clergy was horrifying. It included emotional, sexual, and physical abuse, which created shame and humiliation for Gabriel and all of the other boys involved. 

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Perfect - loved the black and white picture.   

 

Book title: 5.0 stars 

On point.  

Highly recommend

California Bookshelf borrow: audiobook

Walking with Ghosts by Gabriel Byrne

6 hours, 57 minutes 

Recorded Books, Inc.

Release date: 1/12/2021

 

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Gabriel Byrne

Goodreads review

The Storygraph review

Recorded Books, Inc

California Bookshelf

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Death, grief, death of parent, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, child-adult relationships, alcoholism, sexual content, cursing, drug use. 

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is ...

 The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan (ebook)

Happy reading, 

Dorothea💜

DNF - These Memories Do Not Belong To Us (eARC/ebook)

 These Memories Do Not Belong to Us by Yiming Ma (eARC/ebook)

I will not be finishing this book. 

This book is set in a dystopian future where every citizen is equipped with a "Mindbank" that controls their memories. China is the victor of a war and now controls the U.S. There is no back story as the book is told in random memory vignettes. 

There was nothing wrong with the book - it just wasn't my type of book and may appeal to others!

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜

July 2025 - Amazon First Reads

Hi, booksbydorothea blog friends!

One of the perks of your Amazon Prime Membership is a FREE monthly Kindle book (and sometimes a short story)! The program is called Amazon First Reads, and you can find out more HERE.

The July email for Amazon First Reads was delivered, July 1st! There is a choice of two free Kindle books out of eight book choices (no short story this month). But, this was an easy month to choose my two picks to read!

My two free Kindle book choices for July 2025 are:

The Fourth Daughter by Lyn Liao Butler (Kindle eARC, ebook)

The Women of Arlinton Hall by Jane Healey (Kindle eARC, ebook)

The first book is a family drama, and the second book is a historical fiction. Please note, dear reader, that neither book is about World War II!

I am excited to read them both! Have you made your choices yet? I'd love to hear which two books you pick! 

Also, "buy" AND download the freebies from Amazon! You can't read a book that hasn't been downloaded! I am going to download them both NOW!

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

booksbydorothea - The Storygraph June 2025 Monthly Recap

Hi, booksbydorothea blog friends!

After using both The Storygraph and Goodreads in tandem for six months, there is no comparison in terms of quality or quantity. You can check out my profile, booksbydorothea, HERE. 

The FREE book statistics are beautiful, creative, and wildly informative. You can also sign up for more comparative statistics with the monthly Plus plan. Currently, the free account works well for me. Click here for the free statistics that I get HERE.

Come on over, please be my "friend" as I really want all of my friends (thank you, Chelsea for joining me!) on The Storygraph, as it is so superior to the "other site"! Click the LINK, which will direct you to the sign-in/sign-up page. 

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜