Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Marigolds for Malice

Marigolds for Malice has many of the same charms as the first two books, but in this one it seems to come off a little more forced or formulaic. It’s still a cozy and charming mystery with feel-good vibes, cute characters, and a sprinkle of magic, but I didn’t find the case or the stakes quite as high here for Elliana. I think probably most of the problem lies in that the love interest is back, and he seems very… lukewarm. Like, it actually occurred to me that the characters could amicably part ways, and I’d be totally fine with it. Still, though, after reading a few gritty thrillers, this one was a pleasant listen, and I’d still recommend to fans of the first two.

⭐⭐⭐½

C’mon, Ritter, you need to step up your game.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Nightshade for Warning

Nightshade for Warning basically has most of what made the first entry in the series so charming- cute town, fun characters, interesting light paranormal aspects. Once again, Elliana is forced to help solve another mystery that hits a little too close to home for comfort, and overall I just found this to be a relaxing, enjoyable read – another cozy mystery that plays on the olfactory senses and a subtle type of magic.

However, in book 2, the love interest is pretty much out of the picture, so I missed the sweet romance from the first book. So, maybe not quite as good as book 1, but would still definitely recommend to readers of the first entry.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Aw it’s just so cozy!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Daisies for Innocence

Okay, I really liked this one, and I cannot believe this book isn’t more popular! This is one of those books, I didn’t know I was looking for, and now I need more of them. Like immediately.

Daisies for Innocence follows an aromatherapist as she navigates her flourishing (pun intended) business and life in a small town post-divorce. Which all gets more complicated when her employee and ex-husband’s girlfriend ends up dead on her doorstep.

This book has HUGE cozy mystery vibes, with a mystical feel added thanks to Ellie’s heightened powers of scent & emotion. The olfactory sensation of this book made this such a unique read, and Ellie was an easy character to connect with. Add to that a sweet, budding romance, and this one totally hits the spot.

If you’re looking for a fun, sweet, quick read for the holidays, Definitely check this one out. The audiobook was wonderfully narrated as well, and I can’t wait to listen to the sequels!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book works perfectly as a stand-alone, but I’m so glad there are two sequels to dive into (and I totally already have them on hold at the library!)

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett follows an octogenarian who has had ENOUGH of life. Largely cut off from the world, and very much unimpressed with it, she’s ready to take matters into her own hands when she gets 10-year-old Rose as a neighbor… and new BFF. Their relationship and banter absolutely made this book, and overall I found their narrative to be a very relaxing, wholesome story about life in your last decades, the choices we make, and redemption.

Interspersed with their story, we also get Eudora’s montage of memories of what her life has been like – from her childhood in the midst of WWII London through the present day. And honestly, that was… kind of a downer. While it makes you totally get why Eudora has cut herself off from the world, there were choices she made that were a bit frustrating, and honestly I wish she had at least some happy memories interspersed in there to balance it out and really make her life more “brilliant” rather than depressing.

But that aside, I found this a quick, refreshing read, and really enjoyed Eudora’s proper and unapologetic take on things, especially in contrast to those around her. Recommended for those looking for a thoughtful but fun reflection on life, death, and our connections to those around us.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cheers to the privilege of getting old, my friends. Not to brag, but I think I’m going to make a fabulous unapologetic old woman. 😂

Thanks for reading!