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Verity
Title: Verity
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Published: 2021
Obtained: Barnes & Noble
Lowen is a struggling writer who is hired to complete a famous, but incapacitated, author’s novel series. What she signs on for is more than she bargains for, however. She finds herself in a strange house, with a vacant and debilitated Verity, her husband, Jeremy, and their five year old son. As she begins to dive into the task of finishing the series, she discovers something far more sinister. It’s clear to Lowen that Verity never intended for anyone to read her autobiography, but the confessions are unsettling–particularly those about Verity’s children. Lowen must decide if showing the work to Jeremy, who she is falling for, is the right answer–while wondering if Verity is as harmless as she seems.
I had a hard time setting Verity down. I devoured it in 24 hours. I read somewhere that it was a modern day Rebecca and I definitely picked up on that vibe. But, this was far more disturbing. The tension runs rampant from the very first chapter–which was a huge plus in my book (pun intended). I love a novel that leaves you questioning everything right up until the very end, and Hoover accomplished that with Verity. I really enjoyed how she incorporated the written manuscript within the storyline and the way she made the narrator a little skeptical of what she was seeing since the secret autobiography was certainly taking a toll on her. My only complaints on this book are minor.
This book was intense! I love that about Hoover’s writing. The opening chapter sucked me in right away. And I liked that the pace didn’t stall too much; before I knew it, I felt like I was in the meaty part of the novel where Lowen is settled in that big creepy house haunted by a woman who is still alive. I appreciated that I didn’t know at first if Lowen was reliable or not, and I think there were still times throughout the whole book where you sort of question it as a reader. I had a really difficult time digesting the manuscript confessions. As a mother, it was so much more disturbing and upsetting than a lot of things I’ve read lately. I needed a strong drink to wash parts down.
The way the novel was set up was also super creative. I liked how the manuscript was woven into the rest of the story. At times I was annoyed to be going back to a chapter about Lowen when all I wanted to do was find out what this crazy Verity lady did next; but then, Hoover would reveal her next horrific confession and going back to Lowen and Jeremy was a welcomed breath of fresh air. The ending was done just right, in my opinion. It was ambiguous without leaving loose ends flying around. As a reader, I felt like I had all the necessary information, it was just a matter of deciding which version of events was the truth.
I rate this book a 4.5/5. I loved it, truly. The sex in the manuscript was an overkill–I understand that it was there to exemplify how unbalanced Verity was as a person, but I got really tired of reading about all the ways she could get her husband off. I also felt like the sleepwalking bit was underutilized; I understand that it set up an important scene, but it was underwhelming. Otherwise, I have no criticisms of this book. I suggest sipping on Conundrum, a red blend from California. It’s a strong wine at 14.6% ABV to get you through the disturbing thoughts and confessions of Verity. It’s also one of the better red wines I’ve had lately–full of flavor, potent and smooth. I’m really interested to hear opinions on Verity. Whatever you wind up believing in the end, I hope you enjoy the read!
Rating: 4.5/5
Wine Pairing: 2018 Conundrum, California red blend
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The Devil All the Time
Title: The Devil All the Time
Author: Donald Ray Pollock
Genre: Fiction/Southern Gothic/Thriller
Published: 2011
Obtained: Barnes & Noble (soft cover) Audible (audio version)
The Devil All the Time follows several individuals post World War II from Ohio to West Virginia. The novel includes a troubled war veteran trying to impart his hard-learned lessons to his son, a few twisted preachers with questionable and disgusting ways and a married couple embarking on killing sprees as a form of vacation. This dark and gritty tale explores how far some will go to protect what’s important to them.
Wow. I’m still settling into my feelings after finishing this novel. Gritty seems to be the key word when trying to find a way to describe it. It’s a highly engaging story, although it’s not uplifting. I was completely drawn into the story with its real, complex and often disgusting characters. The writing itself is superb—the plot and the descriptions were detailed and impressive. The themes that run through the story are both relatable and, sometimes, off-putting. I didn’t want to put the book down at night, and yet, I was apprehensive to continue…I constantly felt it couldn’t get darker and I was repeatedly proven wrong.
If you’ve read my reviews before, you know characterization is critical for me as a reader. Let me tell you—these characters seemed so real as I read this book. I could visualize every single person. I didn’t like a majority of them, but I somehow still managed to feel something for them other than dislike—pity, understanding, sadness. Arvin Russell, the young son of the war veteran, is the only character I found myself rooting for; I wanted him to find some kind of hope or happiness at the end. His father did some pretty messed up things, but, I think anyone who has struggled with trauma and loss can see him with some understanding…even if his actions were appalling.
The preachers throughout the story are unsettling. The lengths they go to in order to convince others of their faith, like eating spiders, to using their position to take advantage of the young women and girls in town, are revolting. The married couple on a killing spree are written so well that you can smell their rancid body odors and sweat page after page. Pollock has created complex characters that are grounded in real and violent substance. They felt tangible and terrifying.
The way Pollock weaves these separate stories into one riveting and winding tale is awesome. His imagery is exceptionally vivid; the images of blood and dirt and grime are clear, as are the ripe smells of decay, whiskey and filth. The backwoods altar Arvin’s father makes near their house—a place for prayer and blood sacrifices—is intense. I felt claustrophobic in the stifled church with people packed elbow-to-elbow, watching some rough looking guys plucking guitar and ranting about sin. Pollock’s writing gave me the heebie jeebies, but I wanted more.
I can’t quite put my finger on what is at the core of this novel. There’s the notion that a person ought to protect the ones they love—and avenge them if need be. But, there’s something more than that. The characters in this book go to great lengths to preserve and protect what brings them pleasure—whether it’s their family, their faith, their joy in taking virginities, their joy in hunting and killing or their own greed. I think it’s uncomfortable because the reader doesn’t want to think they could ever do such awful, vile things. But, Arvin and his family (both those who died and those who take him in) are seemingly God-loving people who don’t start out trying to cause harm. But, one uncomfortable truth that is explored here is that just because you don’t go looking to get into trouble, doesn’t mean trouble doesn’t find you. And I think that’s why it was so troublesome as a reader—you don’t want to approve of the revolting things that happen, but you also want some kind of justice to be found.
The Devil All the Time is dark, captivating and riveting. The violence, both physical and emotional, is strewn about the pages as if it is the normal thing in the world. The images, characters and tension will stick with me. Netflix is soon releasing a film based upon this novel, and I am beyond excited. I give The Devil All the Time 5/5 stars. I started out with a white wine, but quickly gave way to a bottle of The Four Graces, a pinot noir; I needed something dark to go with this read. This wine is earthy, dry and gritty; it pairs really well with Pollock’s novel. I highly recommend The Devil All the Time read if you enjoy a good story consisting of complex characters and thrilling content.
Rating: 5/5
Wine Pairing: The Four Graces Pinot Noir 2018
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Where the Crawdads Sing
Title: Where the Crawdads Sing
Author: Delia Owens
Genre: Fiction
Published: 2018
Obtained: Unknown—gifted
*This post contains affiliate links. This means if you clink on the link and purchase, I will receive a commission at no cost to you. My opinions in this post are my own!*
My reading buddy keeping me company Kya, the Marsh Girl, is no stranger to darkness and rumors. She was abandoned alone in the marshlands near a small town in North Carolina; she grew up depending on herself and figuring out life, largely, on her own. She teaches herself about the land, sea, animals and plants. Though timid and shy, she allows in two young men into her life over time. With the presence of these two men, she also allows herself to dream of a life and love she has never known. Then, one day, the unimaginable happens. Will a town of people who judged and shunned Kya support her when the time comes or outcast her as they’ve always done?
I was super impressed by Where the Crawdads Sing. For starters, Delia Owens has created prose in this novel that reads like poetry. She tells a story that unfolds slowly; she writes with a charm that pulls you into Kya’s lonely and beautifully sad world. She has crafted characters that the reader can relate to and some that might disgust one to his/her core. I really enjoyed this novel.
The voice in Where the Crawdads Sing is amazing. Owens writes so beautifully, that at times I didn’t even care that the story was slowpaced; the words were so vivid I was easily swept into Kya’s home and surrounding marsh. I listened to a bit of the audio version of the book because it really does flow rhythmically to the ears. Kya, though uneducated in terms of schooling, is brilliant. She is observant and detailed in her descriptions. The voice matched the character extremely well.
Though the story flows like molasses initially, it eventually picks up steam. I couldn’t wait to pick it back up and dive back into Kya’s marsh and find out what happens next. The characters were well developed—Kya, her father, Tate, Jodie, Chase, Jumpin’, Mabel. I loved the complexity of her feelings towards her family—especially her father and mother; I think Owens captured the confusion and innocence of a child’s outlook on abandonment superbly. While I couldn’t relate directly to some of the hardships that Kya endured, I could relate to her outlook and see her point of view with much clarity.
The story itself is engaging. I loved the strength of the main character as she not only figures out life, but also creates success for herself. I enjoyed the graceful way the story develops and how it, somewhere, shifts to being more urgent and heavy. While the ending wasn’t necessarily shocking, it was suiting to the story. Not to mention, there was one detail I did not see coming that sort of made me go back and reread some scenes with the new perspective I found in the ending. Overall, it was a fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I give Where the Crawdads Sing a 4.5/5. The story was engaging and well written. My only complaint was how slow the momentum was at first. I recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good story—there wasn’t as much mystery as I was anticipating, but in the end, I didn’t care. I enjoyed Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc with the book. It was a zesty, citrusy, earthy white wine that mingled nicely with the nature and setting of the book. The flavors of the wine unfold as do the layers of Kya. A good read deserves a good glass of wine, I say!
Rating: 4.5/5
Wine Pairing: Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2018
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The Split
Title: The Split
Author: Sharon Bolton
Genre: Mystery/Psychological Thriller
Published: 2020
Obtained: Amazon
*This post contains affiliate links. This means if you clink on the link and purchase, I will receive a commission at no cost to you. My opinions in this post are my own!*
Felicity Lloyd is living in fear of her ex-husband, Freddie. She is so afraid that she pursues a job opportunity that takes her from Cambridge to South Georgia, a remote island in the southern Atlantic Ocean. Her doctor, Joe Grant, senses that she is hiding or repressing some pertinent information regarding her past (and her ex), and is eager to help. Will Joe and his detective mother, Delilah, be able to reach Felicity in the frozen Antarctic island before Freddie?
Sharon Bolton does it again! The Split is another thrilling masterpiece crafted with a deliciously woven plot, convincing characters and consistent tension. Bolton kept me turning the pages, even when I was sleep deprived and up at all hours with the baby. With every chapter I was swept up into Felicity’s confusing and eerie world.
Bolton’s storytelling is what I love most about her novels. She pulls you into an adventure that is never quite what you think it is—full of twists, surprises and mounting tension. I love that she plays with perspectives. The Split does this well; Bolton tells the story from the viewpoints of Felicity, Joe and Freddie. You see the mystery from different angles with little bits of new information at every chapter. I know nothing of the island of South Georgia, but I can tell you that I was able to see it in detail with her descriptions. The frozen and ice-cold landscapes add to the pressure of the mystery.
Bolton’s ability to craft well-rounded, convincing and complex characters is another one of my favorite things about her writing. She has perfected the art of not revealing too much too soon about her characters. Instead, she peels them back like an onion…layer by layer as you get deeper into the novel. This strategy helps build up to those famous twists Bolton is known for in her stories. I love that every time I think I definitely have a character figured out, I’m hit with a curveball. As a reader, it keeps me on the edge of my oversized armchair.
The tension throughout The Split is insane. Bolton even weaves it into the side plot. She creates suspense without gory horror—which is what draws me to her writing. The novel flows with the right amount of anticipation page after page. Bolton slowly reveals the past of her characters in order to help the reader speculate the ending—but, the ending is never quite what the reader expects.
I give The Split a 5 out of 5 for being a damn good story. The characters are robust, as usual. The story itself is well-crafted and written with the right amount of suspense. This was another Bolton thriller of which I could find no faults. I recommend sipping on Primal Roots Red Blend as you read this novel; it’s a dark blend that pairs well with the complexity of the story and the characters. It’s smooth with rich flavors. The 13.5% alcohol content may also keep up with your racing heartbeat as it thunders along with this engaging and spine-tingling story. Overall, It’s a great (affordable) wine to pair with a great story!
Rating: 5/5
Wine Pairing: Primal Roots Red Blend 2016
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Girl, Wash Your Face
Author: Rachel Hollis
Genre: Self-Help/ Christian Literature
Published: 2018
Obtained: Target
Author and Founder/CEO of Chic Media, Rachel Hollis, uncovers the lies that women tell themselves—the lies that hold them back from their dreams and goals. With humor and honesty, she then spends each chapter sharing her personal story of how she once believed each lie and her personal strategies to overcome them.
I’m finally back! I struggled to finish books without falling asleep every five minutes during my pregnancy…and the exhaustion only grew after giving birth to my son. I have been sleep deprived and run down, but I am finally feeling myself again and ready to explore some new reads. Let me start by saying that this book is not of a genre that’s typically in my wheelhouse. However, I picked this read because I’ve heard good things about Rachel Hollis and I was genuinely curious about what nuggets of wisdom she had to offer; it also looked like a book that would be easy to pick up and set down—which was appealing as a new mom.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Girl, Wash Your Face. Often, when I have attempted self-help books or non-fiction books that read as advice, I get annoyed or bored when I sense that I can’t relate or if the author is preaching too aggressively. While I rolled my eyes here and there, I overall found the writing humorous and easy-paced. I felt that Hollis wrote with a good intention to be applicable and relatable to a variety of women. I don’t, however, think she managed to be quite as accessible as she attempted.
The book is set up so that each chapter is titled after a common lie that women tend to tell themselves; Hollis then spends that chapter debunking those myths and offering some simple advice on what helped her overcome those lies. I could relate to some idea or story in most chapters; Unfotunately, I also consistently found unrelatable aspects. I found comfort in the chapters related to parenting—being a new mom, I’ve found my life has turned into a sort of emotional rollercoaster that’s flying off the rails. Knowing that I am far from the first woman to experience these things is comforting. Hearing someone else say the words that I am often too overwhelmed to say aloud is refreshing and reassuring.
I enjoy hearing other people’s strategies to success. I like sponging up tidbits of how other people deal with and overcome hurdles. I appreciated Hollis’ way of offering insight to what worked for her without shoving it down the reader’s throat. While she was attempting to blend a concoction of understanding and encouragement, these words sometimes came off entitled and predictable.
Therefore, my criticism of this book lies in some of the cliché topics and the author’s occasional tone deaf tendencies. Some of the messages are common—for instance, the message that there’s no right way to be a mom and that it’s okay to stay home or work. And although this isn’t an original message, I didn’t necessarily hate hearing it again…it simply wasn’t anything super new or groundbreaking as a reader. Hollis borderlines on being tone deaf more than once. While I’m a big advocate of not comparing our problems, I did feel irritated with her “problems” and goals to which I just couldn’t relate. For instance, her goal to buy a designer bag—I can’t relate to dropping a grand on a hand bag and calling it the proudest moment of my life. I’m not trying to be judgmental because I can appreciate that everyone is motivated differently, but I had a hard time digesting some of what she was putting down. And, I think that irritation I felt is what holds this book back from being applicable to women everywhere; there is something to be respected in sharing one’s truth, but some of Hollis’s issues read as “first world” problems to which not everyone will relate.
I enjoyed some aspects of this book; even if overused, a range of the advice and words were inspirational. It takes courage to lay your truths on the table for anyone to read. My motivation to work on me, which had been lying dormant since my pregnancy, began to creep back towards the surface as I made my way through this book. I feel an urge to find that balance between my role as an individual and my role as a parent. Other aspects of the book, however, were out-of-touch and slightly trite. I give Girl, Wash Your Face a 2.5/5. It was an easy read and it passed the time with an upbeat feel; on the other hand, it wasn’t all it was hyped up to be.
I recommend Butter Chardonnay to sip on while you read this book. It’s flavorful, crisp and strong. Occasionally, Hollis said some things that I needed to hear and it was invigorating—much like the strong citrus and oak tones of the wine. But I also needed something potent to swallow down some of the more contradicting parts…like when she describes how poorly her husband treated her at first, but then later states they’ve been best friends since the start (friends don’t treat each other that way). I think a very specific type of reader will enjoy this book—but if you’re looking for some quick inspiration, you can probably find the same messages on a Pinterest board. I’m glad I branched out, but it wasn’t my favorite, in the end. The wine, however, is amazing and I highly recommend grabbing a bottle to enjoy chilled!
P.S. I definitely just ordered 3 bottles for my wine fridge.
Rating: 2.5/5
Wine Pairing: Butter Chardonnay 2018
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The Next Person You Meet in Heaven
Title: The Next Person You Meet in Heaven
Author: Mitch Albom
Genre: Fiction/Psychological Fiction
Published: 2018
Obtained: Amazon
In The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Albom’s prequel to this novel, we met Eddie. Eddie was an elderly war veteran who died saving a child at a pier; Albom took the reader along on Eddie’s journey to Heaven where he met five people who helped him understand his purpose in life. In the sequel, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven, we are introduced to the child Eddie saved, Annie. Annie’s life was forever changed by the accident on the pier that took Eddie’s life; after tragedy strikes again, Annie ventures to heaven to meet her own five individuals who help her find the meaning of her time on Earth. Full of emotional and profound life lessons, we learn that all lives are connected and that each life is significant.
This is the sequel to The Five People You Meet in Heaven—which is one of my favorite books of all time. Albom’s second installment does not disappoint. The opening of The Next Person You Meet in Heaven was much more difficult for me to get through. Eddie’s death in the first novel was horrible, but he was also an elderly man who died trying to protect a child. In this book, we read about Annie, the little girl Eddie saved at the pier. Annie is a young newlywed; as the premise of the story is about her journey through heaven, it was hard to read the opening chapters that counted down her final hours. Perhaps being near Annie’s age and also recently married, I found her storyline comparable (in some ways) to my own life and, therefore, found it more difficult to digest.
Similar to its predecessor, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven follows a similar plot with the main character, Annie, meeting five people in heaven who help her understand her purpose in life. I think what readers will find immediately intriguing is the underlying theme of the novel—that each person serves a purpose on Earth, even if we don’t understand it until after our life is over. It’s one of the great questions of the world, isn’t it? We’re constantly trying to figure out our life’s meaning…trying to determine if everything happens for a reason or if we’re all just drifting about aimlessly. As someone who was not raised religiously, I can say that The Five People You Meet in Heaven gave me hope and inspired a way of thinking about the afterlife and the time I have left in the world. The Next Person You Meet in Heaven builds upon this vision; while I find I wanted more from the story (more depth from the various characters’ teachings) I also found comfort in the lessons and tales.
Albom has a way with storytelling. The Next Person You Meet in Heaven is full of beautiful prose and moving dialogue. This novel isn’t long and didn’t take me much time to read—with the exception of having to re-fill my wine glass and tissue stash every other page. Albom weaves together not only the lives of those in this book, but those from the previous novel, as well. The idea that we are all connected is strongly rooted in this novel. Albom writes in a tactful, imaginative and beautifully simplistic way…a way that forced me, as a reader, to look into my own life with a more open and optimistic mind. As I was reading, I found myself thinking of all the time I (and those around me) have wasted holding onto grudges or being angry when it is, ultimately, so much more rewarding to let all that go. This book is a strong reminder that our lives here are short and we’re better off spending this time finding ways to be happy rather than to hold on to those things that fill us with anger, fear and doubt. Perhaps more importantly, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven serves as a reminder to hold on to those you love and to make it known how you feel as often and sincerely as possible…for we never know when our time will end.
When I was in college earning my degree in English Literature, I took a senior class that concentrated on the concept of “grace.” I was unfamiliar with this topic. As I said before, I wasn’t raised religiously one way or another, and was woefully ignorant on the subject. We read texts and wrote papers all about different theological ideas of grace. It was because of this class that I learned to expand my reading genres. As someone who can remain fairly objective when reading and talking about religious topics, I absolutely love this idea of heaven that Albom has created. Some people may say this book is corny or that it reads like a fluffy Hallmark channel film…full of lessons of love and what we can learn from heartache and tragedy. But, that makes no difference to me. His vivid storytelling brings me comfort and a sense of hope…hope for what lies ahead and comfort that my loved ones who are gone are waiting somewhere where they are at peace, full of the exhilarating and fulfilling emotions they cherished in life. Albom creates this world without agenda of cramming it down the reader’s throat, but with an air of one showing the reader a glimpse of a possible answer to one of our greatest questions: What happens after we die?
I recommend this novel (along with The Five People You Meet in Heaven) to anyone who enjoys a real tear-jerker with a feel-good message. My initial complaint was that there wasn’t enough backstory to the main character, Annie, and her husband, Paulo; but, as the story continues, Albom reveals more about their relationship and history in a poignant style. My only other criticism is that it was much too short! I wanted the book to last longer and I found myself taking more breaks between chapters to expand my reading time. On the other hand, I appreciate Albom’s ability to pack such a powerful and compelling story into such a small book. I gave this book 5/5 stars—I just can’t help it! I love it! The vivid and emotional braiding of characters and storylines was far more memorable than any flaws that may exist in the novel. I reserve my 5 star rating for books that I find stellar and impeccable, and The Next Person You Meet in Heaven fits the glove. I recommend pairing Albom’s novel with a pinot grigio; I sipped (or gulped between heavy sobs) Dark Horse Pinot Grigio while reading. I took a break from red wine for this read as I wanted something refreshing to help digest some of the more emotionally-saturated parts of the story. This wine is crisp and airy and pairs well with the delicate and peaceful feel of Albom’s heaven.
Rating: 5/5
Wine: Dark Horse Pinot Grigio
Snag your own copy: Amazon or Barnes&Noble
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A Secret History of Witches
Title: A Secret History of Witches
Author: Louisa Morgan
Genre: Fiction/Occult Fiction
Published: 2017
Obtained: Barnes & Noble
Spanning five generations, A Secret History of Witches is a tale of witchcraft that is passed down from mother to daughter through the Orchiére family. Beginning in early 19th century in Brittany, the story begins with Grandmére Ursule and her sacrifice for her lineage. Her female descendents continue practicing the craft, with the magic coming to each woman in unique ways. As the world evolves and changes, so changes each generation of witch…and so changes the craft.
I had high hopes for this novel. I selected it as my first fall read, and, quite frankly, the cover is what initially hooked me. Unfortunately, the novel did not live up to my expectations. I found the plot repetitive, a majority of the characters underwhelming and the story itself anti-climatic. Louisa Morgan has a beautiful knack for prose and the seeds of a potentially great story.
Each of the main female characters has their own story within the novel. Therefore, the reader does not experience the entire story within one realm of characters. Each of the women’s stories—Nanette, Ursule, Irene, Morwen and Veronica—seem to follow very similar patterns…at least up until the last daughter, Veronica. It’s a redundant pattern that had me disappointed—for most of these strong, powerful females continually use their magic to hook a man OR use one in order to get pregnant. With such a set up of women where the matriarchy is crucial and capable, they easily bend to the patriarchal ways. Of course, I understand that Morgan is including actual history in regards to how society ran with gender roles, but I was so hoping for something more substantial. I will say that I enjoyed Veronica’s story the most out of all the women, for she uses her craft to help fight the war and to make the world a better place. For me, Veronica is the most astounding female character in the book, for she uses her powers effectively with very little thought for herself. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just the plot that was repetitive, but the themes, as well. Every section reminds the reader that men are oppressive beings who hate what they fear—powerful women.
A majority of the characters were not fulfilling for me as a reader. Immediately, I was drawn to Grandmére Ursele for her strength and mystery. However, as the stories continues, the characters range from dull to frustrating to repulsive (again, with the exception of Veronica). Irene is the worst, in terms of personality. She’s manipulative, selfish and ungrateful. But, I would also argue that it is her story where the book begins to become more tolerable. Irene’s story is unique as she is so vastly different from any of the women in the Orchiére clan up to that point. Due to her repulsive personality, I was able to empathize with her daughter Morwen and the decisions she makes in regards to the craft. However, her story feels cut-short before tumbling into Veronica’s tale. I would like to note that Veronica’s book made me happy that I decided to see the novel to the end.
Morgan’s writing is beautiful in regards to the prose and the turn of phrases. She uses vivid imagery when setting the scene and nailed down personalities to a point. I was hoping for a little more of that descriptive composition when it came to the scenes involving magic…I mean, I was looking for a bewitching, whimsical book here! For me, in the end, it came off a little disenchanting. I truly believe the idea and potential were there for a phenomenal story. In the end, I think the novel’s weakness lies in the redundant cycling of the tales, themes and character choices. I enjoyed the tenderness between various characters, the love and loyalty that flowed through the generations of the women and the ferocity of Veronica’s character. I recommend this book for those that enjoy pretty prose and a hint of fantasy. Overall, I give this book 2/5 stars.
Though I was sick for the second half of the novel and primarily stuck to hot tea, I enjoyed Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon while reading the first half of A Secret History of Witches. This wine has earthy undertones of berries, coffee and toasted oak which, for me, paired well with the earthy, rustic tones of the novel. The characters are typically dabbling in potions or mixing simples that reminded me of the flavors of this wine.
Rating: 2/5
Wine: Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon
Snag your own copy of A Secret History of Witches: Barnes & Noble or Amazon
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