The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel

 I enjoy historical fiction, especially when it features dual timelines that connect past and present. This book checked my boxes, but the story and the characters weren't engaging for me.

Colette Marceau was taught to be a thief at a young age. The women in her family believe they are descendants of Robin Hood, so they make a practice of stealing from those they deem unworthy and giving the proceeds to a good cause. Beginning in World War II in Paris, young Colette and her mother steal from Nazi sympathizers to support the resistance. Flash forward to 2018, and octogenarian Colette is still practicing her craft, but this time donating to charitable causes. There are subplots galore, among them the hunt for Colette's missing sister.

I liked the idea of the story, but the execution was questionable. There is the moral implication of vigilante justice, and the coincidences were hard to swallow. The writing and pacing are adequate, but I never felt attached to the characters, of which there are many. I finished the book, but it was a struggle. I understand the author has a following and specializes in historical fiction, but based on this book, I don't see the attraction. The book is well-researched, and I think many readers will enjoy the premise--it just wasn't for me. 

2/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 17, 2025.

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The Sirens by Emilia Hart

 

I enjoyed Hart's first book, Weyward, because of its strong female characters and their connection to nature. The Sirens also features both of these themes and a compelling story. I was instantly engaged in the novel and stayed that way throughout.

The story covers three time periods and two sets of women who share an odd malady: their reaction to the ocean. All suffer an affliction when coming in contact with water, yet they are all drawn to the sea.

In 2019, Lucy, a sleepwalker, awakens to herself trying to strangle her ex-lover. She flees to her sister Jess's house on the Australian coast. Upon arriving, Lucy finds the house unlocked, but no Jess. As the days pass, Lucy becomes aware of the disappearance of eight men over the years on a stretch of coast near Jess's house. With her attraction to the ocean increasing, Lucy tries to find Jess and solve the mystery of the disappearances.

Flashback to 1999. Sixteen-year-old Jess is an odd duck in her small town when her art teacher offers to tutor the budding artist. It becomes apparent that his interest is not just in her drawings, and Jess is also attracted to him.

Both Lucy and Jess are vivid dreamers. Unbeknownst to each other, they dream about twin sisters on a prisoner transport ship in the 1800s. Strangely, these sisters also suffer from the same reaction to water as Jess and Lucy.

Hart does an excellent job of tying together each timeline. The writing is terrific, and the pacing and plotting are good. I loved discovering why the four women have a love/hate relationship with the ocean and their relationship with each other. I saw a twist toward the end coming, but for the most part, I was surprised at how the story unfolded. I highly recommend this book. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 1, 2025.

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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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