Pirate Hunters by Robert Kurson

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship by Robert Kurson
Author: Robert Kurson
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: History, Memoirs, Pirates
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I’ve had a bit of a thing about pirates since I saw Pirates of the Caribbean. I mean, who wouldn’t after Captain Jack Sparrow? There’s also something incredibly fun about the idea of the Caribbean (definitely on my bucket list to visit). Thus, reading a real life tale of pirates and the modern day race to find them? Yeah, I was pretty much sold on this from the beginning. And, luckily for me, Kurson is able to write about this in such a fantastic way that I honestly couldn’t put this book down.

Kurson is able to tell a number of stories throughout this memoir. Firstly, there’s the tale of John Bannister, the pirate who took on the Royal Navy and won. He’s the pirate that the John’s of the future are searching for (there’s a few John’s in this story). Kurson manages to tell his story and make you want to find his ship, the Golden Fleece, just as much as everyone else in this tale.

Then there’s the modern John’s. Both men are pioneers in the diving and salvage business. Their stories alone would make a good read I must admit. Both men went through som incredible experiences and have the stubbornness to pursue the holy grail of ocean treasure hunters. They’re definitely fairly stubborn and a lot admirable. Another set of stories of men who are determined and desire their freedom (which is ultimately what Bannister was hunting for).

Alongside these many stories of incredible men, there’s the journey to try and find (and identify) a pirate ship. I knew next to nothing about real life pirates before reading this novel. And now, I feel so damn educated. Everything I saw a family member throughout reading this, I word vomited all over them, I was just so keen to share everything that I learnt while reading this. Definitely one I am keeping on my shelves.

<- Twas the Nightshift Before ChristmasSmoky the Brave ->

Image source: Wikipedia

On Shelf by Alexia Arthurs

Book Review, ,
Overview
How to Love a Jamaican by Alexia Arthurs

Title: On Shelf
Author: Alexia Arthurs
In: How to Love a Jamaican (Alexia Arthurs)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Picador
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This Alexia Arthurs short story focuses on a marriage of convenience. And not the cute ones that result in finding happily ever after. Rather, it’s what I’m sure is far more common, and marriage that is about companionship and convenience. Not one that is about passion.

I like that although this is a marriage of comfort, it’s ultimately about the children. The narrator’s voice is focused on that beautiful positive and outcome. It makes sense and left me with a bit of a smile on my face at the end of the day.

I enjoyed this different perspective into marriage. It’s not one I often come across in my reading. It also fascinates me the idea of what is it that makes someone settle for less than their ideal.

<- How to Love a JamaicanWe Eat Our Daughters ->

Image source: Goodreads

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Bronte
Series: Word Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just)
My Bookshelves: Classics
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 1847

Thoughts

I really, really wanted to like this. I mean, I know that it’s one of those classics that a lot of people love. But, alas, it just wasn’t meant to be. Maybe there is something about little bit too dark about the Bronte sisters for me… I’m not sure. Maybe because I keep hearing that their work is a romance. And, honestly, it’s early not.

I think one of the things that put me on the back foot was the total acceptance of the abuse that the lead character was experiencing from the very get go. I understand that that’s totally normal for the time, but it doesn’t mean that I was comfortable reading about it. And, honestly, I had to just skim through this after that became so damn obvious. There’s enough darkness in the world, I don’t want to read about it too much.

My overall conclusion after reading this is that I probably need to just stop trying with the Bronte sisters. I think Jane eyre is supposed to be the gentlest of them, and I still couldn’t stomach it…

<- The Romantic PoetsWuthering Heights ->

Image source: Abebooks

Island of the Lost by Joan Druett

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Island of the Lost
Author: Joan Druett
Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just)
My Bookshelves: Biographies, History, Oceans
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2007

Thoughts

This was an incredibly well researched book. It was even well written, a little dry, but not overbearingly so. It stated the facts and gave you a bit of a personality insight into each of the key players without taking too many liberties.

This book really wasn’t my thing. Partly because although it was great that it didn’t take liberties, I actually wanted a little more drama to the story. There was nothing to inspire me to keep reading.

And then there’s the fact that I actually have zero interest in maritime history. So, maybe not the best book for me to try and read in hindsight, but still 1uite interesting.

<- The Happiest RefugeeBeyond the Wand ->

Image source: Booktopia

Chemotherapy by Kat Richardson

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Chemotherapy
Author: Kat Richardson
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This short story had a completely unexpected turn. It was quite dark and filled with death and crime (expected), but with a much, much, much darker ending than I expected. Like, actually kind of horrifying. Although that could just be because it hit some of my sensitive points.

The little girl in this is just so damn adorable. But honestly, all I could think about when I finished this was how scared the child is going to be. It was totally heartbreaking. There was so much emotional connection in this story, and it was very difficult to not feel kind of sad at her story.

I honestly thought that this story was about a murder and would be a bit if a whodunit. But, as mentioned earlier, it was filled with unexpected twists and turns. So, ultimately it was about something entirely different. And I just loved that fact…

<- ChatterThe End is Never Pretty ->

Image source: Amazon

Chatter by Gary Phillips

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Chatter
Author: Gary Phillips
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This short story was pure dialogue. Which makes sense, considering the fact that the title of it is literally Chatter. I mean, the whole thing read like chatter. And it was chaos, pure and simple. Considering it’s a short story in a collection about murder and mayhem, that was seriously apt.

This short story was rambling and chaotic, but really fun. Although, admittedly, it was so rambling that I’m not 100% sure of what was happening throughout. Still, that lack of understanding was kind of fun and is part of the reason I’d like to reread this story.

Even with my lack of understanding, I found this story to be wonderfully dark and twisty. Seriously enjoyable.

<- SerenityChemotherapy ->

Image source: Amazon

Blue Christmas by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Blue Christmas
Author: Erin McCarthy
In: Unwrapped (Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman & Kate Angell)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

I always love a good romance by Erin McCarthy. They’re always light, cute and just an incredibly easy read. This novella was no different. But with a lovely Christmas twist. I do love that the female was the grouchy, Christmas hater too. With a very happy and cheerful male lead instead.

I don’t always love the idea of a grouchy grinch lead. But something about Blue’s sass won me over from the very beginning. She was just pessimistic enough to be interesting, but not so much that I found her overbearing stereotypical and painful. Likewise, Christian was incredibly and almost painfully cheerful, but not quite over that line that made you want to smack him one. After all, pretty much no one is that damn happy.

Although I totally guessed how this novella would end, it still took a few extra twists that I didn’t quite expect. Plus, I loved that although this was a bit of an insta-love tale, it didn’t end with a declaration of love. Rather it was a declaration of intent and trying to make their relationship work. Far more tenable and realistic in my view.

<- UnwrappedSanta in a Kilt ->

Image source: Amazon

The Blind Date Diaries by Brenda St John Brown

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Blind Date Diaries
Author: Brenda St John Brown
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I downloaded this book on the suggestion of one of my favourite authors, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect. But it was most definitely a pleasant surprise. I mean, i actually seriously enjoyed this story. It was easy, light and fun. Very cute and just all round enjoyable.

I like how Jake and Angelina are at constant loggerheads from the beginning, all because of one simple misunderstanding. And a whole bunch of insecurities. It’s a great reminder of how first impressions always stick with us and are hard to change, no matter how incorrect they are. That, and sometimes jumping to assumptions is a huge mistake that could potentially cost you your future happiness.

It was kind of fun to live vicariously through Angelina on her blind dates. I’ve never actually been on a date, and have no dating horror stories, so I’m always love reading about the joys and pitfalls of this. Plus, the whole set up just gave this novel such a beautiful romcom vibe. That, and the fact that you are constantly questioning whether Jake’s mother knew of his feelings or not…

The Blind Date Diaries is a fantastic novel that transported me to a fun and easy world where love triumphs overall. It was funny and sassy, with enough heartfelt moments in it that your heart gets entangled. I absolutely adored the adorableness of this story and can’t wait to read more tales of romance and love from Brenda St John Brown.

<- More Brenda St John BrownMaid in England ->

Image source: Goodreads

Unwrapped by Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman & Kate Angell

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Unwrapped
Author: Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman & Kate Angell
In: Unwrapped (Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman & Kate Angell)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology, eBook
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This was a fantastic anthology of cutsie Christmas romances. All three novellas were fun and adorable, incredibly fun and ridiculously yummy. I loved the winter feeling of each of the stories and the imagery of snow falling around.

Each of these novellas were fun and light, with just enough drama to make them interesting. Plus, each and every one had a great little happy ending. One that left me with a happy smile on my face.

What a great collection of authors, old and new. I love a good Christmas romance, and the length of these novellas made it perfect to read just before bed without keeping me up too late.

<- Snow AngelBlue Christmas ->

Image source: Amazon

Reading Update

List

I’ve been a bit delayed scheduling the new reviews, and even with my reading I’ve been a bit behind. Mostly because I’m still full-time parenting, but I’ve added working part time to my plate. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. But it does make some of the other extra-curriculars difficult.

Graphic novels

Series

Standalones – Novels

Standalones – Short stories