bitsofinkling Mangahas

started following 6 months ago

6 months ago

started following 6 months ago

6 months ago

recommended a book 6 months ago

6 months ago

Annie Fullerman is the typical Victorian heroine—strong-willed, independent, and determined. After the sudden death of her husband, John, she finds herself burdened with his debts, losing most of their possessions, including their house. Fortunately, the home she inherited from her Aunt helps her recover. Annie turns it into a boarding house for income, and under the alias "Sibyl," she works as a psychic offering business and domestic advice. The story is rich in confusion, with multiple characters having motives for murder. Annie develops romantic feelings for Nate Dawson. The romance between them develops gradually, but this slow burn doesn’t alleviate the occasional lulls in the plot. Their first encounter is amusing, as Nate initially mistakes her for someone else’s mistress. Like Annie, Nate has a strong personality, and though there is subtle romantic tension between them, he maintains control of his feelings. At times, I sensed hesitancy in expressing his emotions, hinting at an undisclosed backstory. The pacing of the story is somewhat slow, as Annie, who is not a detective, embarks on her first murder investigation. Despite her inexperience, her sharp mind plays a key role in shifting the case from a suspected suicide to a possible murder. The police have a minimal role and are slow to act, while Nate provides Annie with helpful insights but struggles to accept the idea of suspecting a close family friend. As a lawyer, Nate appears less curious about the case at first. This book is well-suited for fans of Victorian murder mysteries with a female protagonist. While romance is a subplot, it doesn’t dominate the story. Readers should be aware that the book contains occasional profanity. The slower pacing detracted from the overall experience, but the character dynamics and intrigue were engaging.

Maids of Misfortune (A Victorian San Francisco Mystery Book 1)

recommended a book 6 months ago

6 months ago

War Girl Ursula is the first book in the War Girls series by Marion Kummerow. The plot is set in Germany during World War II. This book addresses not only the horrors of war but also highlights the significant role women played during these difficult times. Ursula works as a prison guard overseeing women incarcerated for treason, espionage, or political opposition. Some of these women, although innocent, are unjustly held accountable for crimes they did not intend to commit. Ursula’s empathetic nature makes working in such a place challenging, as showing sympathy could jeopardize her own standing. One of the key elements of the story is the relationship between Ursula and Tom. The romance between Ursula and Tom develops quickly, which can be attributed to the intensity of war and loss. Ursula longs for protection and connection after losing her husband, while Tom is scared and alone, hiding from enemies who would kill him without hesitation. Their attraction is subtle and understated, with Ursula guarding her emotions. Their relationship is based on trust rather than overt expressions of love, and while their time together is brief, it lays the groundwork for deeper feelings. Their story will continue in Together (Book 10). I would also like to provide a preview of the supporting characters, Anna and Lotte, who may appeal to readers. Anna is ambitious and career-driven, aspiring to become a human biologist. Lotte, the youngest at sixteen, has a strong sense of right and wrong and is critical of the Nazi regime, seeing it as a source of terror for the country. Ursula, in particular, resembles Meg March from Little Women, as she dreams of having a husband and children. As a patriotic German, she initially follows the war’s rules, but her beliefs evolve over time, influenced by her sisters and the stories of the prisoners, as well as her feelings for Tom. The book consists of twenty-four chapters and has a solid plot. It’s dramatic, romantic, and filled with a blend of sadness and hope. The suspenseful moments, especially the efforts to keep Tom hidden from the Gestapo, are thrilling. I recommend this book to those interested in historical romance, especially set during World War II. It’s also a great read for those who appreciate strong, inspiring female characters. However, due to occasional profanity and graphic war details, I wouldn’t suggest it for younger audiences.

War Girl Ursula (Volume 1)

started following 6 months ago

6 months ago

recommended a book 6 months ago

6 months ago

Always and Forever is a charming “mail-order-bride” romance novel. The story, as well as the characters, is beautifully crafted, with both protagonists being mature and endearing. Nancy Mitchell and Hal Grayson’s relationship develops at a slow-burn pace, and I found it deeply satisfying each time they shared small, meaningful moments that revealed the growing connection between them. The attraction between them was evident from the moment they first met. However, Hal resists his feelings for a quite understandable reason, while Nancy shows him that they could make a great life together. Hal is facing a difficult situation—his brother has just passed away, and his business is struggling. He had to work twice as hard to keep things afloat. These were the challenges he wanted Nancy to understand. However, Nancy was determined and couldn’t be discouraged. She made efforts to convince Hal that their circumstances wouldn’t hinder them from living a fulfilling life. She turned the house into a home, learned how to cook, and took on the responsibilities of a wife. Although Nancy’s initial motivation to persuade Hal to accept her as his bride was somewhat driven by her own selfish interests, over time, she gradually realized that Hal was the kind of man she truly wanted to spend her life with. She could see that he was a genuinely good person. This heartfelt book paints a vivid picture of the simple life in bygone times. Nancy Mitchell is portrayed as a sweet, determined woman who knows what she wants and is willing to fight for it. Meanwhile, Hal Grayson is a dreamer, a loving son and brother, who, while selfless, holds back when it comes to his own happiness. I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful read.

Always and Forever (The Second Chance Brides Book 1)

started following almost 4 years ago

almost 4 years ago

started following almost 4 years ago

almost 4 years ago

started following and 5 moreabout 4 years ago

about 4 years ago

started following about 4 years ago

about 4 years ago

started following over 4 years ago

over 4 years ago

About me

Reader | Book Reviewer | Horror Buff | I work as an ESL teacher and provide online teacher support. Currently, I teach English as a Second Language to Japanese students. In my free time, I focus on honing my graphic design skills. Additionally, I enjoy drawing and painting with watercolors.