Archived Book Reviews

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A cozy collection from The Silver Petticoat Review Archive: here you’ll find select book reviews that have been lovingly retired from past contributors, but preserved in our library for readers and researchers to enjoy. Each snippet highlights the heart of the review, giving you just enough to discover whether the book might be a new favorite.

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BOOK REVIEWS SNIPPETS

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Across the Blue Book Review – Downton Abbey Meets Wilbur Wright in this Edwardian Romance

Review by Brittaney B:

(Disclosure: I received a free copy of Across the Blue from the author to write an honest review.)

Across the Blue is set in the English Edwardian era, in the years prior to WWI. The author, Carrie Turansky, often sets her stories in the Edwardian era, and it is clear that it is an era she has researched well and is familiar with. She paints a picture of the time without getting too bogged down in details that don’t enhance the story.

Despite my disappointments with the character development, I enjoyed reading Across the Blue. It’s a book that is easy to read but does not sacrifice the historical details. I was surprised by how the focus on aviation completely captured my interest.

Not to mention, I feel like I learned quite a bit while also being entertained. The romance between James and Bella developed quietly, respectfully, and true to the time period. Fans of historical fiction should appreciate this book.

Angels at the Gate – Who Do You Love and Who Do You Trust?

Review by Clarissa:

There is a good balance of romance and action in the novel, and without one overpowering the other. Adira has her moments of uncertainty — which of the brothers does she really love? — but the romance is more than a love triangle and provides the story with an emotional depth that isn’t always present. Her world is slightly romanticized overall, but the harshness of the desert isn’t. Adira experiences both joy and pain, and at the close of the novel, the reader will be satisfied with her choices. I would highly recommend this to readers who loved Anita Diamant’s The Red Tent.

Attempting Elizabeth – Fun for Austen Addicts

Review by Mandi:

Attempting Elizabeth by Jessica Grey tells the story of a Kelsey who is unlucky in love and can send her consciousness into the pages of her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice. In between trips into the book, she is dealing with a burgeoning romance with Mark in real life. This story fulfills every Jane Austen fan’s fantasy of being in the pages of her books. Overall, despite some flaws, Attempting Elizabeth was a good read and I recommend it to Austen lovers.

The Bridge Book Review – A Clean YA Love Triangle with a Little Parisian Magic

Review by Brittaney:

In The Bridge, when Meredith Sullivan wins the Beckett Scholarship and is finally able to fulfill her dream of studying in Paris, she is thrilled. But she is less thrilled, however, to discover her class nemesis Pete Russell has also won a place and will be around to torment her all year. Not to mention, she is also sad to leave behind her best friend and secret crush Drew Sutton.

I was absolutely charmed by The Bridge for many reasons, not to mention impressed that this was the author’s debut. While it explores common tropes and themes, it never veers into cliché or predictable territory. I understand that the author is planning a sequel. I am eagerly anticipating the next chapter of Meredith, Pete and Drew’s story.

Camelot’s Blood -The Heartrending Romance of Agravain and Laurel

Review by Mandi:

In Camelot’s Blood by Sarah Zettel, the final book in the Paths to Camelot series, we finally get to see Sir Agravain, the cold and sarcastic brother, lose his heart to Lady Laurel.

Overall, this book was a great ending to the series. The first book is always my favorite, but this one was equally amazing. Lovers of the Arthurian legends will enjoy the emotional journey and dramatic ending to the story. A real happy ending takes love, effort, and sacrifice. Pick up a copy of Camelot’s Blood if you want an epic romance!

The Clockwork Scarab (2013): Steampunk Sleuthing at Its Most Fun

Review by Jessica:

Colleen Gleason’s first novel in her Stoker and Holmes series is fun, good, good fun. The Clockwork Scarab builds a world and a fantastical reality that is playful and engaging. Its two main characters are compelling.

The Clockwork Scarab is set in an alternate Victorian-era London, England, where steam is king, electricity has been banned, Bram Stoker has a vampire-slaying younger sister named Evaline, Sherlock Holmes is real and has a brilliant niece by the name of Alvermina, called Mina for short. These two gifted young women hook up to solve crime – that’s the book in a nutshell.

It’s all a very satisfying read – engaging, playful, fun.

The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman (2017): Lady Helen, the Demon Slayer of Regency England

Review by Jessica:

Alison Goodman’s Lady Helen series is an impressively well-researched delight. There are so very many rich details from the Regency era that it all feels very much alive. For example, there’s a fantastic scene describing how women bathed in the ocean back in 1812. So, you’re learning as you’re reading, learning about things that you’ve never really thought about before. But it’s really interesting. There’s adventure, intrigue, danger, mysteries, and moral dilemmas. Again, Lady Helen is a great, complex, relatable character. She and Lord Carlston have great forbidden chemistry, so the longing, the gazes, the touches – it’s fabulous romantic tension. And yeah, there’s another suitor, a certain handsome Duke, representing her old world and her old life, but I’m suspicious of him and no fan (-:

You’ll just have to read it for yourself and decide.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein Will Blow Your Mind

Review by Catherine:

(Disclosure: I received a free copy of The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein from the publisher, Penguin Random House. I did not receive any compensation for this post and all opinions are my own.)

From the author of the And I Darken series, The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein unapologetically explores the darker side of the human instinct to survive. Kiersten White’s reimagining of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is flawless. It’s despairing, horrifying, and not a little bit psychotic. It’s fearless in the exploration of the lengths one will go to in order to survive. The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is unfailingly honest as Elizabeth sinks to the lowest of lows.

Darkfever: A SPECTACULAR Fantasy Romance Series To Read Feverishly

Review by Amirah:

Darkfever is the BEST SERIES and YOU NEED TO READ IT NOW!

I love, loved this book series for much more than its romance, even though this romance is going down as one of my favorites! The best part is Mac’s journey from a pink, clueless heroine to a “featherless peacock who grew claws!” The author made it a point to highlight that “pink and blonde” does not mean bimbo. Mac always has a strong sense of self and a high level of sass and spunk, even when she is utterly lost. The book is more about her development as a young adult than anything else, and it’s cheesy to say, but it was relatable to me as a reader, even though she was learning about the Fae world rather than facing her first job or something similar. It’s sort of about how you keep your personality and your knowledge of yourself when everything around you changes and falls apart. And basically, you have to grow, change, and move out of your bubble to survive.

There’s also a simplistic mantra she learns from Barrons: “Fear kills. Hope strengthens.” Even though she was applying it to her life-and-death situations with fantasy creatures, it resonated with me. Reading about her as she tries to resist the waves of supernatural coming her way, then as she adapts to it and finally ends up being fierce and an important player in the fate of the world, was a weekend well spent. I really admire Moning as a writer because her strength lies in how she captured emotion – Mac’s grieving for her sister is as real and as quotable as her love for lip gloss. She was humorous and created a convincing world for readers, in addition to an irresistible romance.

Dorothy Must Die – A Dark Reimagining of a Classic Story

Review by Bailey:

There are numerous clever references to the original series of Oz books. This makes Dorothy Must Die much more enjoyable. Fans of Marissa Meyer’s The Lunar Chronicles and Gregory Maguire’s Wicked series will probably enjoy Dorothy Must Die. If you like darker twists on classic stories, stories where the villains may be the heroes or sequel series, you should check it out.

A Fatal Waltz – Love and Intrigue in Vienna

Review by Catherine:

What is striking about the third novel in Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily series is the intimacy. Romance and mystery are deeply entwined in A Fatal Waltz. This time, the stakes are deeply personal for Emily. As a result, A Fatal Waltz is more character-driven than previous novels.

The plot of A Fatal Waltz does suffer somewhat with so much focus on the characters. Yet, Emily’s voice saves the story, continuously engaging readers. Despite her doubts, Emily continues her search for the truth and proves that there is strength in vulnerability.

Finishing Becca – A Girl Searching for Her Missing Pieces

Review by Clarissa:

Becca’s voice makes this narrative of historical fiction interesting, and Ann Rinaldi brings the details of the American Revolution to life. Unfortunately, some of the secondary characters in Finishing Becca are little more than caricatures, which can be distracting at times.

There is romance between Peggy and John Andre, and later, Benedict Arnold, which might inspire readers to go look up the real story of these historical figures. Becca has a minor romantic storyline, but I won’t reveal with which character!

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: 20 Years of the Boy Who Lived

Review by Jessica:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – and the world it introduced and the series it ignited and the movies it inspired – is a modern-day classic and for good reason. It’s riveting and relatable and fun and funny. J.K. Rowling’s writing is vivid and evocative, with many great characters, fantastic descriptions of the fantastical, not to mention many beautiful, thoughtful and quoteworthy passages on love and truth, on evil and goodness. In this, her first book, readers often compare her to Roald Dahl, which is certainly not a bad thing.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a beautiful book and still a fresh, engaging read twenty years on. And I suspect that it will continue to find new readers in the decades to come.

Hero’s Song – A Fantasy Adventure of Friendship, Magic, and Redemption

Review by Clarissa:

There are brief romantic notes between Collun and Brie, but there is a romantic and folktale-like quality to the novel. This is certainly an adventure story, and a definite page-turner, especially in the second half of the book! Hero’s Song was one of my favorites as teen, and is just as appealing as an adult!

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White is a Gorgeous Read!

Review by Amirah:

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White is described on Goodreads as “Downton Abbey meets Cassandra Clare in this lush, romantic fantasy.” Take a break from this review so you can immediately go and put this book on hold because it is as gorgeous and enjoyable as promised!

A good novel can’t be without a barrage of clever banter, and any book that throws around words like “daft” or “dastardly” regularly is one I’ll be invested in. I will admit that the plot was not intricate or spellbinding, but this book was a standalone and a very good read on a day off. The plot is simplistic yet clear-cut, and the book focuses more on humor, romance, and character development. I honestly preferred it that way; it was nice not to get lost in a world of deep magical fantasy for once.

The Illyrian Adventure, Starring Vesper Holly, Girl Adventurer

Review by Bailey:

Did you ever find yourself wondering what would have happened if Sherlock Holmes and Indiana Jones had adopted and raised a daughter together, with joint custody? What, just me? Okay, well, imagine with me what that little girl would be like. Got her? Now, you have a fairly good mental picture of our intrepid heroine, Miss Vesper Holly.

If you didn’t get a chance to read The Illyrian Adventure in the ’80’s or ’90’s or are just looking for a fun and quick read, I’d recommend giving it a look. Not only is this a book about a strong and intelligent young woman who goes on a fabulous adventure, but Lloyd Alexander’s gift for prose is clearly visible; the man can tell a story.

In Camelot’s Shadow Book Review – Risa and Gawain’s Romantic Story

Review by Mandi:

In Camelot’s Shadow by Sarah Zettel follows the story of Risa of the Morelands as she escapes a terrible fate. Before her birth, her father promised her to an evil sorcerer to save her mother’s life. When she learns of what he has done, she seeks to escape. There, fate puts her in the path of one of Camelot’s greatest knights, Gawain. The two must work together to survive, break curses, and save Camelot from an old threat. All this happens while romance blossoms between the two.

If you want a good Arthurian romance without the tragedy, check out the wonderfully romantic In Camelot’s Shadow.

Ivory and Bone – Can Love Survive in a Prehistoric World?

Review by Clarissa:

When I picked up Ivory and Bone, and it was pitched to me as a prehistoric gender-swapped Pride and Prejudice, it was the prehistoric part that interested me the most. For readers seeking a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, this could be a disappointment. But if readers take this novel as a unique story with hints of Austen, then they will have an enjoyable time! (Seriously, who doesn’t love mammoths, though?)

Overall, this is an intriguing, page-turning novel, and I’ll be interested to see what else Julie has in store for readers! More Kol and Mya (and mammoths!) please!

Jane and the Waterloo Map (2016): Sleuthing in Regency England, Jane Austen-Style

Review by Jessica:

What if Jane Austen had turned her keen eye for observation to solving murders? That is the essential premise of Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen Mystery series, of which Jane and the Waterloo Map is the latest installment, number 13. It’s cozy crime in Regency England with none other than one of the most beloved female writers of all time as the heroine. It’s good stuff.

This is my first introduction to the series, and even though it’s the latest and there are allusions to earlier cases and people, the book can still be read as a standalone piece. And I, for one, will now be working my way backward through the series.

Kiss Me Hard Before You Go- A Feel Good ’70s Romance

Review by Mandi:

Kiss Me Hard Before You Go by Shannon McCrimmon is a heartwarming romance set in the 1970s. I really haven’t read much fiction set during the ’70s and was happy I settled on this book. The story follows Evie Barnes and her father living on a dairy farm in rural South Carolina. Each summer her father loans out his land to the traveling fair. Evie dreads it because it means more work and noise for her. But this year things change when she gets acquainted with Finch Mills, a lifelong carny. Evie begins to explore love and what is really important in life.

Overall, this book is a romance lover’s dream. Check it out if you want a good story with a happy ending.

Lady of Devices by Shelley Adina

Review by Elinor:

Lady of Devices by Shelley Adina is a self-described steampunk adventure novel. It is the first in an ongoing series set in an alternative Victorian London where the rich are split into two groups. There are the Bloods, who value breeding above all, and the Wits, who are more concerned with intelligence and science. While not advertised as YA, Lady of Devices can certainly fit into that category.

With a protagonist worth rooting for, a fun world to explore, and an enjoyable journey, it’s the perfect feel-good book to curl up with on a rainy day.

A Madness So Discreet – Is Madness Not What It Seems?

Review by Clarissa:

Madness has many layers in this beautifully written historical fiction novel. The story begins in Boston, where Grace Mae has been deposited into an asylum, pregnant with child. Grace does not speak to anyone, in order to keep her thoughts, and keen, almost photographic memories, about how she ended up at the asylum at bay. But her mind is sharp, watching the other patients and staff within the confines of the building. The staff is cruel to their patients, treating them as less than human.

Miss Darcy’s Beaux Review: A Tale Bringing Austen’s Worlds Together

Review by Mandi:

Eliza Shearer’s Missy Darcy’s Beaux takes a few supporting characters from our favorite Austen novels and gives them a voice. She brings back characters from Mansfield Park and Persuasion into the life of Pride and Prejudice’s Georgiana Darcy. The novel is in true Austen style and has all the elements of a Regency romance.

The ending felt a tad rushed. One minute there is a love declaration, the next there is a marriage and epilogue. A bit more transition would make it more romantic.  Despite my feelings on the rush, the story keeps Austen’s romantic sensibilities alive.

The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow Book Review

Review by Elizabeth:

Do you like Mr Selfridge and The Paradise?  Do you like to read about young people having adventures and solving crimes?  Do the words “clockwork sparrow” intrigue you?  If so, this could be the book for you!

In Britain, this book is being marketed as middle-grade, but it’s perfectly enjoyable for YA and for adult readers.   It has a fast pace with plenty of twists and turns, and functions properly as a crime novel.  Even if older readers can work out most of the clues ahead of Sophie, there is still an element of the unexpected.  It is also clear that Sophie and Lil are the driving force of the team and the boys are their side-kicks.  They are adventurous heroines to be enjoyed.

Neptune’s Tears – A Sci-Fi Adventure of Two Star-Crossed Lovers

Review by Clarissa:

Set in the year 2218, Neptune’s Tears is a look at what makes people human. Is it sympathy for others? An appreciation of life? Or something else? Neptune’s Tears is a fast read, and is a good start for readers who want to dip their toes into YA sci-fi without becoming overwhelmed.

Nobody’s Secret — A Fun Historical Mystery about Emily Dickinson!

Review by Clarissa:

Emily Dickinson is a well-known poet and has had every aspect of her quiet life chronicled in print and sprinkled throughout pop culture. In Nobody’s Secret, Michaela MacColl uses Emily Dickinson’s “I’m Nobody! Who are you?” poem as the basis for an intriguing plot that follows a fifteen-year-old Emily as she discovers a mystery in her town of Amherst.

Nobody’s Secret is a fun mystery, with twists and turns that kept me wanting more. As with The Revelation of Louisa May, MacColl strikes a good balance between historical fiction and romance and stays true to the real life persona of Emily Dickinson. For a short novel, the plot moves quickly, and my only objection is that there are quite a few characters of which to keep track. With a sensational ending (one that I didn’t see coming!), Nobody’s Secret is a great book to curl up with on a rainy day.

A Peculiar Courtship Book Review – An Engaging Romantic Mystery!

Review by Catherine:

I received a free copy of A Peculiar Courtship from the author, Laura Beers, to write an honest review on The Silver Petticoat Review. 

A Peculiar Courtship is a charming read! I love the extra mettle Beers gives her female characters to include minor characters (Lucy!!). The story flows effortlessly between the romance and mystery. The conspiracy has more detail and intricacy. As a result, it ends with a perfect set-up for the third installment. I look forward to what comes next for the Beckett family!

The Queen of England: Coronation: Steampunk, Royalty, and Romance!

Review by Mandi:

(I received a free copy to write an honest review on The Silver Petticoat Review.)

The Queen of England: Coronation by Courtney Brandt is a thrilling adventure set in a steampunk version of England. The story takes place after the New World Order kills Queen Victoria, her family, and much of the British government.

From there, a young woman and scientist, Juliette, prepares to take the throne and save England.

Bottom line: I recommend this book if you love Victorian romance, steampunk, and old legends. The Queen of England: Coronation does not disappoint! And as this is part of a trilogy, I look forward to future installments.

The Rabbit Back Literature Society Book Review

Review by Elizabeth:

I enjoyed The Rabbit Back Literature Society very much. It is one of those books that is easy to read, but has a lot of hidden depths and symbolism that will probably take several re-readings to fully grasp. It takes place in a small Finnish town, where culture is dominated by Creatureville, a children’s book series written by a local author, and the literature society she founded with nine gifted children, now successful authors. Ella, a language and literature teacher, has come back to the town to live with her mother and her father, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. During a school exam, she discovers a copy of Crime and Punishment in which the story has been changed. This leads her from one mystery to another, as she tries to uncover the truth about the literature society and the author, Laura White.

I would describe the book as more magic realism than fantasy, as many of the strange occurrences are never fully explained. This may be a little frustrating to regular fantasy readers. But one of the main themes of the book is, “How reliable is memory?” (especially childhood memory).  “How can you be sure what really happened? Does reality depend on our perception?” And – without giving away spoilers – the ending makes you completely re-evaluate the whole story. In many ways, it is quite a similar book to Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and I think people who enjoyed that book would enjoy this too.

The Revelation of Louisa May – Where Historical Fiction and Romance Collide

Review by Clarissa:

In The Revelation of Louisa May, Michaela MacColl has taken an event from Louisa May Alcott’s life and fictionalized one summer in a teen Louisa’s life. Bringing in other real-life characters, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, and weaving together true facts and pieces from Alcott’s work, MacColl presents a fresh story with a hint of romance that will deeply interest readers of historical fiction.

 As mentioned previously, for readers of Little Women, they will be entertained with the influences MacColl has taken from the novel. Each chapter begins with a quote from Alcott’s work and has a connection to what happens in the pages that follow. Louisa May Alcott and her family are interesting character studies, and the teen Louisa in this novel is extremely likable and rather plucky! MacColl captures the overall tone of novels written in Alcott’s time, but with enough modernity so as to not bore readers unfamiliar with Alcott’s work. A very useful author’s note and further reading page are provided for readers who want to read more about Louisa May and her work.

The Scarlet Trilogy Book Review: A Bold, Romantic Re-Telling of Robin Hood

Review by Catherine:

Fans of the heroic outlaw, Robin Hood, are sure to love this bold re-telling of one of the most Romantic tales from English folklore. Author A.C. Gaughen takes a classic story and replaces one of the Merry Men with a woman. The result is a fabulous, nerve-wracking tale of adventure, royal intrigue, and romance.

The Serpent’s Shadow – A Phenomenal Fantasy Spin on a Classic Fairy Tale

Review by Clarissa:

What I enjoyed about this novel is that though this has elements of the Snow White fairy tale, the story is self-contained enough that readers may not even see the Snow White influence (which is exactly what happened to me upon my first reading!). For readers who want more novels with a similar feel, Lackey’s Elemental Masters series has a variety of novels, all based off of familiar fairy-tales.

Starlight’s Edge – Love at the Edge of the Universe

Review by Clarissa:

Starlight’s Edge, even though it’s a sequel, could be read as a standalone. There were some sci-fi tropes — the world of New Earth is almost antiseptic in its overall feel — but Zee’s empathy helps the reader maneuver around this. The romance is toned down a bit less in this sequel since the stakes are different than in Neptune’s Tears. There are many tender moments between Zee and David that shine through this novel, and with the cliffhanger from the previous novel, it enticed me enough to read on about what would happen between them.

To Get to You – An Indie Novel with Heart About Second Chances

Review by Rissi:

The page count is short, but the story has a purpose and is worth reading, especially for those of us who like a story with its primary goal of mending relationships rather than the cliché of stripping them apart before the inevitable happy ending.

Grab a map, some road-trip snacks, and a playlist or two, then be prepared to get lost (only in the best sense of the word) with Riley and Company. It’s my hope that you’ll be glad you did.

To Love a Spy Book Review – An Appealing Regency Romance

Review by Catherine:

(I received a free copy of  To Love a Spy from the author, Laura Beers, to write an honest review on The Silver Petticoat Review.)

In the third installment of her romantic regency spy series, Laura Beers delivers what is arguably her best story yet. Beers deftly balances romance and mystery while adding depth to her characters. To Love a Spy moves neatly between Adrien’s mission and his and Kate’s budding romance. Furthermore, Kate’s story and identity do not get lost in the mix. As a result, Beers moves her story forward fluidly without sacrificing plot or character development.

However, I must point out, that it is in Kate’s story Beers truly shines. Beers gives due consideration to the trauma of Kate’s past. But, she does not drown Kate in it. Instead, it is very much two steps forward, one step back. Moreover, Kate’s story blends beautifully with Adrien’s. For Kate is not the only one with demons. These personal struggles and triumphs also compliment a well-paced mystery. Indeed, the political intrigue of To Love a Spy is my favorite story line of The Beckett Files series.

Velvet Undercover by Teri Brown – A Captivating YA WWI Spy Novel

Review by Rissi:

If you like a simple, easy-to-read novel (offered as a compliment) sunk in intrigue and rich in historical setting, you might find Velvet Undercover a pleasant way to enjoy the weekend. It’s emotionally fulfilling not to mention inspires us to read this one by the “just one more page” adage. If you like historical fiction that stays on the softer end of the genre yet fits nicely in the box of its European places, Velvet Undercover is a lovely read.

The Weight of Feathers – How Heavy is the Cost of Love?

Review by Clarissa:

Anna-Marie McLemore’s world in The Weight of Feathers is written so beautifully that it’s tragic that such a place does not exist—or if it does, it’s secretly hidden away, revealed only to those worthy. Lace and Cluck are worthy of this special world; they are born of two families, both similar, though one has a connection to water and the other to the sky.

The White Garden: A Novel of Virginia Woolf (2009): An Intertextual Treasure Hunt Into Woolf’s World

Review by Jessica:

The kernel question of Stephanie Barron’s novel The White Garden is what if Virginia Woolf did not drown herself in the River Ouse in March 1941, as is the recorded history? Since it took three weeks to find her body, what if – in that intermediary time between apparent suicide and body recovery – she had lived, she had thought, she had planned, she had written.

It’s an intriguing premise that leads to an outright treasure hunt, a plot not dissimilar to A.S. Byatt’s Possession or Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code or, heck, that 80s classic and a personal favorite, The Goonies. There is always something rather appealing about a treasure hunt, and a literary one at that.

I must admit that it all just gets a bit too much for this reader. Despite the interesting premise, despite the book’s readability – and it is indeed readable and was certainly not a waste of my time – and despite the characters’ likeability, the treasure hunt sort of failed for me.

You end up with a shrug, a bored sigh and a whatever, unfortunately. I did so want to really enjoy this book. Sigh.

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