Two Dogs and a Book

A Storm of Infinite Beauty  by  Julianne MacLean My rating:  3 of 5 stars A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY by Julianne MacLean left me with mixed feelings. While the premise of Scarlett Fontaine's mysterious life and the connection to Gwen Hollingsworth promised intrigue, the execution fell short. The dual timelines, spanning from Valdez, Alaska in 1963 to Nova Scotia in 2017, lacked a seamless transition, leaving me more captivated by the historical narrative. The portrayal of Gwen and Peter's relationship felt awkward, particularly in discussing Gwen's past with Eric. The narrative, resembling women's fiction, could have thrived as a focused exploration of the Valdez earthquake, bypassing the disjointed present-day plot. Despite its shortcomings, Maclean's descriptive prose crafts vivid settings, from a lush vineyard to a rustic Alaska lodge, making it a worthwhile read for those seeking a scenic journey with a touch of family mystery. ✏ Favourite quote: "I mean, w...

Public Anchovy #1  by  Mindy Quigley My rating:  4 of 5 stars In PUBLIC ANCHOVY #1 by Mindy Quigley, the delightful chaos of Geneva Bay's Deep Dish Mystery series unfolds in a Wisconsin pizzeria, blending suspense with humor. As pizza chef Delilah O'Leary navigates the challenges of winter slow season and a promising romance with detective Calvin Capone, a murder crashes a Prohibition-themed fundraiser. The story takes an unexpected turn, trapping Delilah, Capone, and her staff in a mansion for a thrilling game of cat and mouse with a desperate killer. Quigley's narrative mastery keeps readers guessing, and even with prior series knowledge recommended, the book stands as a gripping standalone. Returning to Delilah's world, I found the unpredictable mystery, coupled with the entertaining cat antics, a perfect blend of suspense and humor. ✏ Favourite quote: "It's not a weakness to feel things," I said. #bookstadog #poodlesofinstagram #doodlesofinstagram #fur...

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Days of Christmas  by  Scott McKowen My rating:  5 of 5 stars MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME by illustrator Scott McKowen is a fantastic and clever rendition of the classic holiday song "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The artist injects a delightful Canadian flavor into the traditional European carol, creating gorgeous and apt illustrations for each verse. The book is a visual feast, and I appreciated the meticulous attention to detail in the whimsical scratchboard illustrations. Having stumbled upon this gem, I'm thrilled to make it a part of our family's Christmas tradition. The joy I found in the pages ensures that revisiting these beautiful illustrations will become a cherished yearly ritual. McKowen's art breathes new life into a timeless song, making this book a perfect gift, not just for the holiday season, but for any occasion that calls for enchanting artistry. #bookstadog #poodlesofinstagram #doodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsof...

Blue Christmas  by  Mary Kay Andrews My rating:  3 of 5 stars BLUE CHRISTMAS by Mary Kay Andrews, the third in a series, unfolds in the festive chaos of Weezie Foley's vintage shop. As a newcomer to the series, I sensed a lack of depth due to my unfamiliarity with the characters from the first two books. Despite its simplicity, the novel offers a cozy, basic Christmas tale. Weezie's quirky world, filled with antiques and a penchant for holiday cheer, is marred by misadventures—stolen items, a disastrous dinner, and the unexplained aversion of her boyfriend, Daniel, to Christmas. The narrative's simplicity may appeal to those seeking an uncomplicated festive read, though I felt a slight disconnect without the foundation of the preceding books. ✏ Favourite quote: “Never, ever ask a former clergyman to say the blessing over a holiday dinner. Not if you like your dinner warm, anyway." #bookstadog #poodlesofinstagram #doodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstag...

This Spells Love  by  Kate Robb My rating:  4 of 5 stars THIS SPELLS LOVE by Kate Robb is a delightful journey into the mystical realms of love and self-discovery. Gemma's post-breakup woes take an unexpected turn when a whimsical love-cleansing spell catapults her into an alternate reality. Robb's narrative is a seamless blend of romance and mystique, offering a unique twist on the friends-to-lovers trope. Gemma's character is both relatable and endearing, navigating newfound emotions and challenges with humor and grace. The familial dynamics, especially the eccentric aunt and supportive sister, add layers of hilarity to the narrative. The Canadian setting is a charming backdrop, enriching the story with a touch of authenticity. I appreciated the engaging banter between Gemma and Dax, highlighting their chemistry and the shy-hot dynamic that unfolds. The exploration of time travel and the internal conflict faced by Gemma make for a captivating and well-paced storyline. O...

Normal Rules Don't Apply: Stories  by  Kate Atkinson My rating:  3 of 5 stars NORMAL RULES DON'T APPLY by Kate Atkinson is a collection of eleven interconnected stories. Each tale offers a twist, blurring the lines between genres—from fairy tales and science fiction to stories of love, royalty, murder, and mayhem. The book lives up to its name, leaving readers often questioning, 'What did I just read?' Despite not being a fan of short stories, I found myself captivated by Atkinson's superb writing, infused with humor and a diverse array of compelling characters. The unreal scenarios are offset by the characters' genuine depth, making this an engaging, humorous, and sometimes unsettling read. ✏ Favourite quote: “Hello, Boy," Franklin said. He liked dogs, they were uncomplicated. "I'm a girl, actually," the dog said. #bookstadog #poodlesofinstagram #doodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlo...