Madison Reads Books

I really enjoyed this cute Regency Romance. The story was engaging, and the characters and plot managed to feel modern while also remaining mostly historically accurate. I really hope we get more of Thalia's story, as well.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley

This book didn't go the way I thought it would, but overall, it is a good book. Weyward explores the stories of 3 women of different generations and their connection to nature. The book is well-written and the story kept me intrigue  from start to finish.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley 

The Late Mrs. Willoughby is a decent follow up to The Murder of Mr. Wickham. It continues the Agatha Christie style mystery series featuring characters from all of Jane Austen's novels. I do think this book might suffer slightly from being the middle book in a series, but I can't wait for more.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley 

I loved The Secrets of Hartwood Hall. It is a Gothic Mystery that is inspired by, but not based on Jane Eyre. It has all of the intrigue and suspense you would expect from a Gothic Mystery while maintaining some modern sensibilities.  I was truly invested in Margaret's life, and the plot kept me intrigued throughout.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley

I thoroughly enjoyed The Foxfire Book of Appalachian Women. It showcases a diverse assortment of women and their lived experiences while painting a broader picture of Appalachian culture. Alot of our traditions and culture are being lost or replaced, and I really appreciate Foxfire's work in preserving these stories and traditions.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley

Ruined is a cute regency romance graphic novel. The story is the basic marriage of convenience turns to love trope, and the artwork is nice (and slightly NSFW). My only issue was that there was alot of focus on side characters who don't really advance the plot, but I assume this was done to set up a series each focusing on a different couple, in the vein of Bridgerton. All in all, though, this was a cute, quick read of you are a fan of regency romance.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley 

Wildwood Magic was one of my most anticipated reads for this year, and it definitely held up to my expectations. It was just as magical as Wildwood Whispers, and I loved getting a look at the previous generation in Morgan's Gap. As a person who grew up in Southwest VA, I can also say that Willa Reece does an excellent job of capturing small town life and Appalachian culture. As always, I'm hoping there will be more to come.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley 

The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency is a good start to a new Cozy Mystery series. The story is set in Edinburgh in 1911 and the main character Maude and her former lady's maid Diasy run a new detective agency. The characters were relatable and the mystery plots were engaging. I can't wait for more of this series.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley 

Heir of Uncertain Magic is a wonderful follow-up to Charlie N. Holmberg's Keeper of Magical Rooms. All of our favorite Whimbrel House residents are back and being pulled back into a suspenseful magic plot. While this book didn't have as much of the whimsical creepiness of the first book, I still felt right at home with the characters and world. I can't wait for the third book in this series.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley 

Nocturne is a beautifully haunting, dark fairytale that is part Phantom of the Opera and part Hades and Persephone. The story was a little darker than I normally care for, but it drew me in and made me feel immersed in the world.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley

I absolutely loved this fun romcom. Charlie Lucas loves Pride and Prejudice, but is also terrified of ending up like he namesake, Charlotte Lucas. Charlie is down to earth and relatable, and Liam is the perfect book boyfriend. I also liked that Kasey Stockton references Pride and Prejudice, without making this a retelling.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley

I found Comet Madness to be a very interesting read. Rather than focusing on the scientific response, it focuses on the societal effect of news coverage of the the 1910 appearance of Harleys Comet. I found Goodrich's writing to be both interesting and informative.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley

Of Manners and Murder is an exciting and well-written historical mystery. The main character, Violet, is likeable and intelligent and I really enjoyed the concept of her aunt dropping the advice column in her lap indefinitely. The narrator for the audio version also did and excellent job. I can't wait for more of this series.  * I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley

This book was my perfect combination of fantasy, historical, mysterious, and just a hint of romance. I really liked the academic approach to Fae lore as well and the way Emily and Wendell's personalities play off of each other. I can't wait for more of this series.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley

It's always a little iffy when a new writer takes over an existing series, but R.W. Green has done an excellent job matching M.C. Beaton's writing style and keeping the characters true to themselves. Death of a Traitor is just as intriguing and mysterious as the previous books in the Hamish Macbeth series, and I can't wait for more.  *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley

The Jane Austen Remedy by Ruth Wilson is a cross between a memoir and literary criticism. While I found this book to be thought provoking, it was also a very slow read. It functions as a memoir, but it is also very dense and academic.  * I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley 

An A-Z of Jane Austen is a collection of 26 short essays about Jane Austen's works based around a word starting with each letter of the alphabet. I enjoyed this book, but it definitely has more of an academic tone. Overall, I found this to be very informative. *I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley

The Nine: Origins has so many of the things I love in books. There is a well thought out system of magic, a secret society, an intriguing mystery, and some Dark Academia vibes. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the rest of the series. * I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley 

I absolutely love Katherine Cowley's Mary Bennet series, and I think this may be the best book in the series. This book was exciting from the beginning, but also dealt with emotional issues in a very compelling way. I have my fingers crossed for a spin-off series focusing on Kitty. 

I really liked Mistakes Were Made. I loved Meryl Wilsner's first book, Something to Talk About, so I was super excited to read this as soon as I saw it. Unlike Something to Talk About, which was an extreme slow burn, this book was very spicy from the beginning. I feel like the age gap was handled in a way that it is taboo and creates tension in the relationship without being creepy, which I was a little worried about before reading it. Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, even if I did have an existential crisis in the middle when I realised I'm closer in age to the mom Erin than to college senior Cassie. * I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley