Contemporary Reads

Reviews & recommendations of contemporary books.
Literary Fiction, Thrillers, Feel Good Books, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction & more…

26 January 2022 | Wednesday · 4:10 PM

The Maid (Nita Prose)🔰

The Maid | Book Review

Winner: All Time Endearing Books

An out and out entertainer. That is how I would describe The Maid by debut author Nita Prose. One of the most anticipated books of 2022, The Maid does not disappoint on any account and emerges as an outright winner. It possibly is the best way to start your “reading year” with this enjoyable and easy read with elements of suspense, thrill, humor and above all, friendship.

Beautiful Characterization

“Molly The Maid”, a sure shot contender for the character of the year! Nita Prose does a swell job in weaving such a beautiful and unique character, so unlike any other I have read thus far. A character who takes things too literally, whose every action follows the rule meticulously. Molly does everything in the “right” manner. She comes across as irritatingly formal & cordial and cannot make small talk. For instance, she would …

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19 January 2022 | Wednesday · 4:55 PM

Malibu Rising | Book Review

Malibu Rising | Book Review

A riveting tale of love, betrayal, sacrifice & bonding. Malibu Rising is a compelling read that shines with a solid storyline. A crisp & stunning narration by Taylor Jenkins Reid catapults this beautiful book to the top reads of the year. One of those books you are not sure what you liked so much about it. Yet, something about it just makes it close to your heart.

Malibu Rising is the story of the Riva siblings – Nina, Jay, Hud & Kit. They have a famous father, Mick, weak in character – with numerous women & one night stands in his life. He abandons them & June (their mother) early in their lives. June single handedly raises not only her 3 children, but also Mick’s son from another woman.

The instant love for the abandoned child, the grit with which she raises the 4 kids and her ever lasting hope …

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12 January 2022 | Wednesday · 5:44 PM

Lost Property (Helen Paris) | Book Review

Lost Property - Helen Paris | Book Review

A Lost Property office where people come looking for their lost belongings while some other considerate ones painstakingly to deposit something they found. The premise interested me instantly and promised to be a lovable read. And to start with, it kept up to the promise. It made for an interesting read to see the items people lost, how they were tagged and deposited in the Lost Property with smallest distinguishing descriptions making all the difference as to whether or not it shall get reunited with it’s owner, how each of these things may mean much more to it’s owner. And the joy when someone comes looking for it and is rewarded with the reunion. Albeit, not always so.

It is quite fascinating to read how this office works and how the lost items go through various stages – being tagged in, awaiting claim, moved to the pit of unclaimed items …

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5 January 2022 | Wednesday · 3:40 PM

One Hundred Years Of Lenni And Margot | Book Review

One Hundred Years Of Lenni And Margot | Book Review

An emotional, endearing & inspiring tale of an unexpected yet extraordinary friendship. This debut novel by Marianne Cronin boasts of a most unique & magnetic plot that draws you towards it instantly. I am in awe of the author to have had such a beautiful imagination and putting it into words laced with some quirky wit, humor and emotion all throughout this lovable book.

One Hundred Years Of Lenni And Margot is the story of 17 year old Lenni who is terminally ill and living in what they called the “May Ward” of the hospital and 83 year old Margot from the next ward who is fighting a serious heart condition. As fate would have it, they bump into each other unexpectedly and strike an instant bond of ever lasting friendship.

As Lenni And Margot attend the Art classes in the newly set Rose Room, they discover they have together …

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23 December 2021 | Thursday · 5:51 PM

The Village Inn Of Secret Dreams | Book Review

The Village Inn Of Secret Dreams | Book Review

An unsuspecting character landing in Cranbridge for a brief time but finding love, family, friends, occupation and a purpose in life that makes him it’s own forever. This has been the theme of the first two books of the Riverside Lane Series of books. And the third in sequence, The Village Inn Of Secret Dreams, follows this same pattern to the hilt.

This time on, it is Belle Clarke – the barmaid of The Black Swan Inn – and Pete – Josh’s brother – who are at the center of the story and end up accepting their love for each other. And after the rescue of the Cranbridge Store and the Cranbridge Times in the first two editions, they are up against the uphill task of saving the Black Swan Inn this time. The book continues to emphasize the same aspects – utilization of local resources, developing a community feeling, …

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11 December 2021 | Saturday · 12:06 PM

The Last Bookshop In London (Madeline Martin)

The Last Bookshop In London | Book Review

A riveting story with an enriching & soulful feel. The Last Bookshop In London by Madeline Martin is the most beautiful book I have read this year and stands tall to be one of my all time favorites.

Set amidst World War 2 with London bearing the brunt of incessant bombing by the Nazi Germany, what they call the Blitz, The Last Bookshop In London is a heart wrenching story of the young Grace who has lost her mother to illness, and being unwanted in her own home ever since her uncle comes in with his family, she moves to London with her best friend Viv to her mom’s friend Mrs. Weatherford. While the two had always dreamt of living the big city life of London, never had they anticipated they would be doing so amidst the fury of the war. The story is beautifully carved with emotions, turmoil, strength, …

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