Contemporary Reads

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

A Flicker In The Dark | Book Review

A Flicker In The Dark | Stacy Willingham | Book Review

It seems a while since I had last read a good thriller. I think, The Judge’s List it was, back in October. With a lot of emotional, uplifting and ‘goody-goody’ reading off-late, I was ready for an edge-of-your-seat, crisp and fast-paced thriller. So, having prepared myself to be scared, I took my pick with A Flicker In The Dark by Stacy Willingham, another debut novel – fourth for this year already (see links at the end)!

The first thing that I realized about A Flicker In The Dark was that it is a very fluent book. Stacy Willingham’s writing is very easy-to-read and you would find yourself sailing through the pages effortlessly. And it works wonderfully in the book’s favor.

Talking of the plot, this very interesting story is centered around Doctor Chloe Davis, a woman in her thirties, whose father had been convicted of serial killings of 6 girls …

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Black Cake (Charmaine Wilkerson)

Black Cake | Book Review

I recall, on the last day of school I was going about asking my old teachers for their autographs. When I caught my 8th standard teacher unawares, she said “I would really like to write something good for you”. Decades later today, this memory surfaces up so naturally as I read the last bits of Black Cake. This is the feeling I share at this point of time. I really wish to write something good for this book by debut writer Charmaine Wilkerson.

Being a highly anticipated book of 2022, I was expecting it to be a quality read. And, it doesn’t fall short at all. The brilliance of this book stumped me. If one could embrace a story, it is this beautiful story that I would.

Black Cake is a multi-generational story of grit, tradition, inheritance, friendship, memories, racism and secrets. And all interwoven around the most powerful emotion …

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The Maid (Nita Prose)πŸ”°

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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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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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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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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