Till Death Do Us Part by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

The premise of this book sounded promising, and although I didn't know what the tag "Women's Fiction" meant, it didn't say "Romance," so I thought I was safe. Nope. I think women's fiction is another way of saying this is a romance story. I'm not fond of romance, but based on the popularity of authors specializing in this genre, I think I'm a minority. That was one of the reasons I was disappointed in this book, but just one.

After a whirlwind courtship, Josh and June quickly marry, much to the dismay of those closest to them. Wedded bliss quickly turns to horror when Josh is presumed drowned on their honeymoon. Flash forward ten years to 2022: June is now engaged to Kyle, and while photographing engagement pictures, she sure spots Josh in a crowd. Once June spotted him, she seemed to see him everywhere, including on a winery website in Napa, California. Could he still be alive?

The story then shifts to a winery in Napa in 1999. Bev discovers her husband has cheated on her. She struggles with his unfaithfulness, but not wanting to harm the reputation of their winery, she tries to overcome her feeling of betrayal.

I don't want to spoil the plot, and I've never discussed an ending, so I won't go into details, but I will say I found it hard to swallow. There are twists galore, and even though I wasn't invested in either June or Bev, I kept reading to see what would happen. I love wine, but I got tired of the explanations of the ins and outs of wine-making. I'd say this book was not my cup of tea, but saying it's not my glass of wine is more appropriate.

2/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is August 13, 2024. 

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Weyward by Emilia Hart

This book seemed to be everywhere I looked. It was hyped so much, that I knew I had to read it to see why everyone was so enthralled. Well, I think I figured it out but I can't say I agree with most of the opinions about this book.

This is a family saga of strong women whose connection with nature lends them the name witches. In 1619, Altha is on trial accused of using her powers as a witch to cause the death of a local farmer. Fast forward to 1942: Violet is being virtually held hostage by her father and the strict society that governs her life. She yearns for a scientific education and the freedom her brother has but her father, saying he doesn't want her to be like her long-dead mother, shuts her away at their estate. In 2019, Kate is trapped in an abusive marriage in London when she receives word that her great-aunt Violet has died and left a rural cottage to her--just what she needs to start a new life.

That is how we meet the three women whose lives are alternately laid out in this story; they are connected by blood and the secrets they possess. I usually like stories that follow a family through generations, and this is no exception. I think the way the characters evolved as they realized their powers is good; the writing is excellent; the pacing and plotting are good. What I don't like is the portrayal of almost every male in the book: domineering and abusive--few kind men supported these women. I know there are women trapped in abusive relationships but this verged on the ridiculous. 3.5 stars.

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