Svetlana's Reads and Views

  Name of Book: The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill  Author: Rowenna Miller  ISBN: 9780316378475 Publisher: Redhook  Type of book: Family, midwestern USA, Fae,  bargains, fairy world, domestic abuse, running away, divorce, marriage, farm, 1900s, sisterhood, breaking ceilings  Year it was published: 2023  Summary: "A warm-hearted yet fierce fairy tale."―H. G. Parry In the early 1900s, two sisters must navigate the magic and the dangers of the Fae in this enchanting and cozy historical fantasy about sisterhood and self-discovery. There is no magic on Prospect Hill—or anywhere else, for that matter. But just on the other side of the veil is the world of the Fae. Generations ago, the first farmers on Prospect Hill learned to bargain small trades to make their lives a little easier—a bit of glass to find something lost, a cup of milk for better layers in the chicken coop. Much of that old wisdom was lost as the riverboats gave way to the rail lines and the farmers took work at mil

  Name of Book: The Defiant Heir Author: Melissa Caruso  ISBN: 978-0-316-46690-5 Publisher: Orbit  Part of a Series: Swords and Fire Trilogy (THE TETHERED MAGE is first, THE UNBOUND EMPIRE is last)  Type of book: Fantasy, forest, politics, decisions, magic, volcanoes, war, self struggles, fire, alliances, Italy of 1700s fantasy, secrets, rescue, diplomacy  Year it was published: 2018 Summary: Across the border, the Witch Lords of Vaskandar are preparing for war. But before an invasion can begin, they must call a rare gathering of all seventeen lords to decide a course of action. Lady Amalia Cornaro knows that this Conclave might be her only chance to stifle the growing flames of war, and she is ready to make any sacrifice if it means saving Raverra from destruction. Amalia and Zaira must go behind enemy lines, using every ounce of wit and cunning they have, to sway Vaskandar from war. Or else it will all come down to swords and fire. Characters: Main characters are Amalia, who has real

 The Sunday Post The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here:  Sunday Post Meme #35 School's out for summer It's official: school's out for summer. My son was invited to a b-day party in July and we have begun working on Lego Titanic. (Can I say he's pretty obsessed with doing and finishing it?) He is looking forward to swimming classes, and I made some minor plans on when he will be doing some summer learning work thanks to the things teachers provided. I had a chance to have a good Friday with certain someone although no idea if I'll see that person soon again.  Last Week On The Blog This Week On The Blog New Arrivals At svetlana's reads and views   It's Monday! What Are You Rea

 The Sunday Post The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here:  Sunday Post Meme #34 End of First Grade It's official. This is my son's last week as a first grader. He has another two teeth loose, ones on bottom next to main ones. Surprisingly I got one book, which one can see below. I also have been watching documentaries, namely WWII ones and am wondering why are we so Eurocentric? For example, has anyone in Europe done a documentary about any Chinese dynasties or anything of the kind? Somehow I won't be surprised if the answer is no. Also, aside from either bible or WWII, no documentaries relating to Jews. It's akin to erasing the 5,000 years of history of existence.  Last Week On The Blog

  Name of Book: The Man in the Corduroy Suit  Author: James Wolff  ISBN: 978-1-913394-84-4 Publisher: Bitter Lemon Press  Part of a Series: The Discipline Files (Beside the Syrian Sea and How to Betray Your Country are prequels)  Type of book: England, Norfolk, countryside, spying, secrets, London, hidden motives, 2019, unassuming link, England vs Russia intelligence, hidden lives  Year it was published: 2023 Summary: “A wonderful, artful, absorbing espionage novel.” Adam Brookes, author of Night Heron The story of an internal investigation into the past of a British spy suspected of having been turned by Russian agents.  British intelligence is in a state of panic. Cracks are appearing, or so a run of disciplinary cases would suggest. To cap it all, Willa Karlsson, a retired secret services officer collapses, the victim of what looks like a Russian poisoning. Leonard Flood is ordered to investigate – and quickly. Notorious for his sharp elbows and blunt manner, Leonard’s only objectiv

  Name of Book: The Hand That Feeds You (Que Ganas de no verte nunca mas)  Author: Mercedes Rosende (Tim Gutteridge translator)  ISBN: 978-1-913394-74-5 Publisher: Bitter Lemon Press  Part of a Series: Ursula Lopez Trilogy (CROCODILE TEARS prequel)  Type of book: Uruguay Montevideo, 2018? hostage, mall, corruption, money, relationships, spying, detectives, crimes, mystery, psychological thriller, absurdity  Year it was published: 2023  Summary: The sequel to last year’s much-lauded Crocodile Tears (“Reads like a marvellous mash-up of Anita Brookner and Quentin Tarantino.” The Times ). The attempted robbery of the armored truck in the back streets of Montevideo is a miserable failure.   A lucky break for the intrepid Ursula who manages to snatch all the loot, more hindered than helped by her faint-hearted and reluctant companion Diego. Only now, the wannabe robbers are hot on her heels. As is the police. And a private detective. And Ursula's sister. But Ursula turns out to be enormo

 The Sunday Post The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here:  Sunday Post Meme #33 Loneliness I definitely have been feeling alone. On Saturday we celebrated mother's day by visiting my younger sister and just enjoying each other's company. Other than that, I've been a documentary mood and have been watching quite a few interesting documentaries. On Sunday my son officially became a Wolf of Cub Scouts. I keep hoping for certain books but so far not happening...so yeah.  For the curious, I am proud to say I don't have any friends outside my family, and if one is to ask me why I feel that way, all I will mention is my negative experiences with former friends. Am I lonely? Yes. But I'd rath