Eve Koguce's Blog, page 4

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


“Little Fires Everywhere” was the tv series I planned to watch next after finishing “Big Little Lies”. But right then the lockdowns due to the pandemic started, I began writing in earnest and had to drop the pastime that used to be my favourite for many years. So, when the book deal for “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng landed in my mailbox, I downloaded it.

The book turned out to be exactly my kind of read. I appreciate that the author didn’t cut short on fleshing out the characters. Some might call it ‘tell not show’, but I loved it. The characters – and what a diverse set of them there is in the book! – felt real, even though not always their motivations were crystal clear, which is absolutely fine with me. Words exist to explain things. And it is impossible to explain everything about a character and their past through dialogue in the scenes set in the present. I understand that not everyone likes such a style when some parts of characters’ lives are described as a narrative rather than some bits and pieces of it get thrown between the ‘action.’ Yet, it works for me, and thus, I enjoyed learning about the inhabitants of Shaker Heights, their dark and not-so-dark secrets, the dreams they pursued and the ones they decided to leave behind.

The book draws a wide canvas of life in an upmarket suburb of Cleveland, Ohio – Shaker Heights – focusing on the Richardsons and the Warrens.

The Richardsons are a perfect American family, with a big and beautiful house, two successful parents, and four teenage children. While the Warrens are a single mother Mia and her daughter Pearl. The Warrens become the tenants of the Richardson’s, renting from them a house Mrs Richardson has inherited from her parents. However, the relationship between the two families doesn’t stay within the tenant-owner limits.

I found the dynamics between Mia and the Richardsons’ children especially fascinating. It might seem that the privileged and somewhat spoiled teenagers who live the American dream their parents have created for them would not even see a struggling artist who never stays in one place for long and has to supplement her income by doing low-paid jobs. It also might seem logical that the daughter of the nomadic mother would inevitably become an outsider in the uppity school of a planned community such as Shaker Heights. Yet, it doesn’t happen this way. On the contrary, the rich get drawn to the poor, and the ties that form between them become so strong that it’ll bring tremendous heartbreak to everyone when they are forced to cut them.

At first, the plotline with the teenager crises, such as pining for a boy out of your league and being left alone at the party thrown when the parents are out of town, frustrated me. But then the whole picture came together, and this part clicked into place in the overall narrative.

I didn’t feel that the author forced a certain point of view on the readers. All the characters in the book have their flaws, as well as their share of disappointment. To me, it was compelling that I couldn’t firmly take someone’s side.

Mia, a nomadic artist, certainly followed her heart and creative dreams. Still, even though the Richardsons’ children were drawn to her due to the stark difference she presented with their own mother, was Mia’s choice of lifestyle beneficial for her daughter Pearl? As much as I can relate to Mia’s passion for art, I can’t wholeheartedly support the idea of sacrificing one’s child’s comfortable life because of it. True, Mia had other reasons for not staying in one place for long – her back story is exciting and, like everything else in the book, controversial.

I didn’t feel that the author wanted the readers to condemn Elena Richardson, an ideal Shaker Heights resident, a wife, a mother – a working one at that – who has her life planned. After all, Elena has built a great life for herself and her family. There is no denying that. Only those who haven’t experienced real poverty can declare that a comfortable home, stable, higher-than-average family income, the ability to buy a car for your child’s sixteenth birthday, etc. are not real values. While the real ones are following your dream and staying true to your nature. Perhaps the perspective slightly shifts only if one has gone through a real financial struggle when buying food and paying utility bills become an insurmountable task.

“Little Fires Everywhere” touches upon some controversial topics I found intriguing to explore. It also made me realise my position on some of them differs from the accepted by the mainstream. I recommend this book to those who don’t mind the gradual immersion in the story and appreciate delving deep into the characters’ backstories and motivations.



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Little Fires Everywhere

Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship by Kelly Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I cannot get enough of Kelly Miller ‘Pride and Prejudice’ variations. They are everything a true Jane Austen fan can ask for and more.

So many times after rereading – yet again – one of Jane Austen books, I was left craving for more. More interactions between the characters, more dialogue where they express their feelings and thoughts, more scenes involving the secondary characters. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are among my all-time favourite book characters. I love them probably more than Scarlett and Rhett Butler. Well, who can really love Scarlett? Only Mr. Butler, but, anyway, I digress. I used to feel deprived after finishing an umpteenth ‘Pride and Prejudice’ reread. A friend of mine gifted me an Austen variation, knowing that I am a huge fan, but it was so disappointing that I never picked up another one. Until I became acquainted with Ms. Miller’s work. From the time I read the first book by this author, I was hooked.

“Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship” doesn’t disappoint. It has all the ingredients a Jane Austen admirer wishes to see in her books’ variations. Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy and others feel familiar and the Regency era setting is beautifully portrayed. I love how Kelly Miller balances the plot, mixing the characteristic scenes for that period with twists and turns a modern reader expects to find in a book. A friend once told me that she couldn’t read ‘Pride and Prejudice” since, quoting: ‘Nothing happens there at all.’ Although I ardently disagree with that statement – not discarding her opinion – her words came to my mind in connection with Ms. Miller’s work. A lot happens in her stories! Enough to keep even the most demanding reader turning the pages until the very end.

“Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship” is no exception. Dark family secrets get revealed and passions boil behind the stilted facades of the rich and the powerful of London high society. After one question gets answered, the next one arises, and you just cannot stop reading. I finished the book in three sittings.

I liked seeing more of Mrs Gardiner and Lydia in this variation. Also, the London setting felt like a balm to my soul that has recently begun feeling nostalgic pangs due to not visiting the magnificent capital of Great Britain for too long. Mr. Bennet, although one of my favourites, in this particular variation, shows us the unattractive side of his stubbornness, which usually is considered his endearing trait.

I highly recommend “Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship” by Kelly Miller to all Jane Austen fans and also to those who are curious about the era.



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Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

The White Water by Ellen Khodakivska

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Would you go to a place that is rumoured to test your intentions? The place where you cannot hide who you really are?

Six friends in the enchanting novel “The White Water” by Ellen Khodakivska can’t resist. Some of them have reservations about crossing half of the planet, from Wroclaw City in Poland to the wilderness of Australia. The reason why they were offered to go there in the first place is too strange not to have second thoughts. A mysterious lake amidst a mysterious forest that doesn’t tolerate dishonesty. Travelling is not about risking one’s life. It is about the excitement of seeing new places, tasting new food, and enjoying the comforts of hotels.

Yet, for reasons vastly different, the six friends decide to go to the depths of Australian rainforests and see the magical place with their own eyes. Not every one of them believes there is any magic in it. Even so, they all are equally enthusiastic about their trip. They have no idea what is waiting for them.

Surprises begin the moment friends arrive and are met by the guide who is to take them to the White Water. For some, these surprises threaten to spoil the whole experience. For others, they might make the most incredible dreams come true. The only thing is true for every person in the group of six travellers. Their lives will change forever.

I appreciate the author’s trademark manner of saturating a story with undertones of the characters’ feelings and thoughts. Not all of the people in her books are likeable, and “The White Water” is no exception. But they all are relatable, even if they call to mind some nasty person we encountered sometime in our lives.

This book also makes the readers think about universal concepts, such as the struggle of finding one’s place in life, be it literally a place where one chooses to live or a profession. “The White Water” poses questions which I found exciting to try to answer. Is it possible to build a society where everyone would be content and unwilling to hurt others? What is the right way to react to aggression? Do people change in their core and is it possible to help them – or make them – change? Timeless questions – and probably none of them has only one right answer.

“The White Water” is also a gem for those who like travel stories. I cannot say that I’ve ever ardently dreamt of visiting Australia. But now I do wish to go there, if only for a chance to meet a cassowary.



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The White Water

Meg: Coffee and Dessert in Key West Series Book 1 by Jan Romes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a lovely, feel-good book! I thoroughly enjoyed Meg and Riley’s story from start to finish.

“Meg” by Jan Romes is the first book in the Coffee and Dessert in Key West series. It follows the turbulent time in Meg’s life. Problems seem to attack her from every possible side. Her love life – or more precisely, the lack of it – is disastrous. And something unpleasant is brewing at work. I really appreciated the office scene the author has described masterfully. Once it had been my usual habitat. So, all the intrigue, the uppity attitudes of those in charge, the inability to see a human being behind an employee is something I am familiar with and I read about it with interest.

I liked the sweet love story, and the characters’ depth was an added bonus. Both Meg and Riley have pasts which makes them real. Riley lost his wife, and it has changed him. He isn’t looking for love, but, at the same time, helps others find it. The business venture combining a café with a ‘find love’ position on the menu was his and his wife’s dream. After she passed, Riley pursued it in her honour.

When Meg crosses the threshold of Riley’s establishment she is reluctant to believe she will find more than a cup of excellent coffee and a slice of delicious key lime pie. Still, persuaded by her friends, she agrees to give love another try.

This book has a lot to offer to the readers. The beautiful setting of Key West, with its beaches and trails, quirky and likeable side characters, plot twists you didn’t see coming, and relatable main characters for whose happy-ever-after you begin to wish while reading.



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Meg: Coffee and Dessert in Key West Series Book 1

The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters by Sam Kashner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It was during a trip to neighbouring Lithuania a few years ago that I learnt that Jackie Kennedy Onassis had a sister. One of the places I visited was a castle in small town of Birzai. Reading about its history I found out that it was built for the Radziwills, a prominent Polish-Lithuanian aristocratic family, whose descendant was married to Jackie Kennedy’s sister.

So, when I saw “The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters” by The Fabulous Bouvier SistersSam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger among the books advertised in an email from BookBub, I bought it.

Even though it is an exciting story, I couldn’t get rid of a certain dose of frustration while reading it. Life is unfair, and most of us not only know it but also experienced it first-hand at some point. Still, its unfairness differs depending on, among other factors, which family one is born into. Money alone can’t bring you love ‘till death shall you part’ or a chance to live forever, but wealth undoubtedly makes a lot of things easier to endure.

Jackie and Lee Bouvier were born into the world so far removed from the one we ‘common people’ live in that it makes it really hard to try to understand their struggles. Rich people are still human, so they get sick and die like everyone else. Yet, access to the best medical assistance and the ability to pay for the most expensive treatments do make things easier, both for the sufferer and those who are about to part with their loved ones. I’m not trying to be snarky here. The bitterness comes from a personal experience, which erased any ‘rose-coloured spectacles’ beliefs I might have had regarding ‘money can’t buy you health.’ Well, you can’t buy health, that remains true. Still, there are a lot of things you can pay for to make health-related issues, even terminal ones, less crushing for your mental health. But pardon me, I have digressed.

As I mentioned before in this review, the story is engaging and a page-turner. I guess it simply clashed with the topics I’ve been dwelling on lately and caused the annoyance I couldn’t shake off. What spoilt the reading experience for me further is that despite both women having gone through enough traumatic experiences in their lives, losing the people they loved, including children, I couldn’t find sympathy for them in my heart. I want to believe that those who know me see me as a sympathetic person, for whom empathy is not an empty word. I believe in the healing power of kindness and ‘spreading kindness’ is not simply a catchy social media slogan for me. Still, I must confess, that reading the famous Bouvier sisters’ story, I couldn’t get rid of a petty thought: ‘Yes, they had their share of suffering, but grief is easier to endure watching the world from a luxurious yacht or a penthouse with a view over the New York Central Park.’

Having shared the ugly, I want to add that I recommend this book to everyone who loves biographic fiction and those interested in historical figures. I could never understand the fanatical interest bordering with the insanity that makes people follow their ‘idols’, waiting for their car to pass by on the way to a concert hall, hotel, etc. Or buying the same clothes their ‘idols’ were seen wearing. But I enjoy reading about the fates of those who have made a significant impact on millions of people. If you do too, irrespective of whether you are a fan of the Kennedys or like reading biographies in general, give “The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters” a try. You will not be disappointed.



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When Darkness Falls by Kathleen Harryman




Every artist draws something special from their work. This something is unsurpassed by anything else in the artist’s life, be it a day job, relationships, joy from food or any other basic pleasure that, for non-artists, is the highest point in their lives.

For a killer, the most fulfilling thing is murder. Obliterating another person’s life, watching a victim take the last breath, witnessing the moment when life leaves a body and death takes over – that is the ultimate fulfilment a killer craves. Without it, a killer doesn’t have a reason to live. I find a certain irony in it.

The Yorkshire Slasher doesn’t consider themselves a killer. They think of themselves as an artist. Death, in their eyes, is beautiful and magnetic. A murder scene is a piece of art – an exquisite painting. And their knife is a brush.

“When Darkness Falls” by Kathleen Harryman opens with a blood-chilling, horrifying scene of a brutal murder. The author takes readers on a journey through a maze of a psychopath’s warped mind. We see the act of violence from the killer’s perspective. Through Yorkshire Slasher’s eyes, we watch the victim go through the stages of disbelief, fear, and succumbing first psychologically and then physically to their inevitable demise. The author weaves the tale so masterfully that I actually started to feel the allure and beauty of blood when it leaves the confines of a body. Still, terror and sympathy for the victims remained predominant until the end of the book.

Tracy Bennett lives an unassuming life in York, England. She works in a department store selling make-up. Her colleagues are also her best friends. Her past is tainted by trauma, but it seems she has gotten over it. But is it really so? Or have those events scarred her deeper than anyone could imagine?

“When Darkness Falls” isn’t for the faint-hearted. It doesn’t paint a slightly disturbing picture of a romanticised murderer with a noble heart and a principle code. The story is a harsh account of how a psychopath sees life and acts in it. A psychopath doesn’t have mercy. They don’t see other people as living beings with dreams, families, aspirations for the future. For them, people are vessels carrying the key to the moments of ultimate pleasure to which psychopaths consider themselves entitled. After reading this book, I realised that the differences between ‘common’ people and psychopaths are much wider than we believe. Psychopaths can’t stop in pursuing their dark desires because they are confident the world owes them their satisfaction. While regular people, with all the sections in their brain active and functioning,When Darkness Falls besides sympathy and the ability to love and care about others, have a kind of stop lever. This stop lever automatically gets pressed when we want something we know isn’t right or can hurt others.

The ending was intriguing, and I’ll definitely read the next book in the series.



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The Bloody Shoe Affair: A daring and thrilling adventure with the jailer's daughter by Joy York

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Two teenage girls in rural Mississippi set out on the adventure of finding out who has committed the most horrendous crime. Well, one of them is determined to uncover the truth, dragging the other one – often reluctant to follow, especially down to the basement of the old prison dungeon, at night – after her.

“The Bloody Shoe Affair” by Joy York introduces to the reader Lily and Christi, two fourteen-year-old cousins who couldn’t be more different. Lily is ‘I-get-what-I-want-from-everyone’ person. She pulls shy Christi into her misdemeanours, and usually gets away with them while Christi often ends up in an awkward situation. And yet, when Lily spills out the mysterious event she has just witnessed the moment Christi arrives for a visit, not letting her cousin have even a glass of water, let alone a proper lunch, Christi can’t resist the allure of unravelling the grim secret.

In this book, the fleur of the American South is mixed with the county jail’s routine, but the girls’ coming-of-age angst about love and boys with a murder investigation. I was totally captivated.

Lily lives in a jail. Not in a cell obviously, but since her father is a county jailer, her family resides in a house adjacent to the prison. The connection between the buildings is really intimate. You can get to the jail part simply by walking through Lily’s living room. Proper precaution measures are put in place of course, yet even a thick metal door is a feeble comfort if behind it people who committed crimes are permanently housed.

I won’t tell more not to spoil you the pleasure. The only thing I’ll say is that when Christi imagined this trip to Roselyn, Mississippi, to attend the 50th wedding anniversary of her grandparents, she wasn’t expecting what whirlwind of events – dangerous ones too! – she would be pulled in. Well, traipsing around the old prison dungeons used in the old times for who knows what hideous purposes isn’t something one plans to do in summer, right?

Not an ardent fan of books with teenage protagonists or murder mysteries, I was pulled into the story in “The Bloody Shoe Affair” and it was hard to put the book down. The unique and refreshing setting, with a list of delicious dishes typical for the region thrown in here and there, and the unfolding investigation where I couldn’t guess whodunit until the very last pages turned this book into a real bookish treat for me. I highly recommend it to genre lovers and those who aren’t into coming-of-age or murder mystery stories alike. I’m looking forward to reading book two of the series.



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The Bloody Shoe Affair: A daring and thrilling adventure with the jailer's daughter

Chasing Dreams on Oak Tree Lane by R.A. Hutchins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Dreams are beautiful. They add taste to our lives. But is it worth it to pursue them at all costs?

Meg and Josh have different answers to this question. Life has taught them a few harsh lessons, but they both have their own reasons not to give up. It might seem they are similar, but it’s their attitude to chasing dreams that makes them polar opposites.

Meg has just dived head-first into her dream. She moved to Lower Oakley, the town that's keeping all her cherished childhood memories. She believes that opening her art shop here will make her happy and chase away the demons of her past.

Josh has learned the hard way that dreams can lead to a disaster that cannot be undone. He has no other choice than to live with the consequences of her wife’s reckless chase after her dreams. For him, following one’s dream is almost taboo. Yet, having denied himself to chase his own dream, he is determined to give his little daughter all the opportunities to follow hers.

Meg and Josh meet at the worst possible moment when falling in love and starting a new relationship are the last things on their minds. Besides, Meg’s determination to fulfil her dream is a huge stop sign for Josh. He thinks that such obsession can’t lead to anything good.

“Chasing Dreams on Oak Tree LaneChasing Dreams on Oak Tree Lane” by R.A. Hutchins is a heart-warming story of two people overcoming the prejudices their life lessons have led them to adopt.

Having read other romance novels by this author, I was eager to read more. I’ve come to appreciate R.A. Hutchins’s ability to wrap the reader in the knot of emotions of the characters and feel what they’re going through.

I recommend this book to all romance book lovers who appreciate reading about people who, despite struggling with all kinds of trauma, keep the light of hope in their hearts.



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Clear and Convincing Evidence by H.C. Helfand

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Just like the unfamiliar world of titles pulled me into Abby Fischer’s life in the first book of the Arcadia Chronicles, the controversy of the work of the public defender’s mental health unit captured my attention in the sequel.

In book one, “Fee Simple Conditional”, Abby navigates through the maze of land records in “Dependable Title” office, run by an eccentric boss, surrounded by no less eccentric colleagues. Seemingly the most boring job in the world – going through heaps of books and papers, faded with time listing which land plots and property belonged to whom – turns out to be a life-changer for Abby. Who could have thought that you could find love searching the titles?

Book two “Clear and Convincing Evidence” lulls the reader with the descriptions of Abby’s family bliss only to make a plunge into the icy water.

It is by pure coincidence that Abby’s first experience as a lawyer happens to be at the public defender’s mental health unit. Almost until her graduation from law school, she wasn’t even sure she wanted to pursue a legal career. Not in her wildest dreams could Abby imagine being a knight in shining armour for the mentally challenged patients of a crumbling psychiatric hospital. If you think surprises end here and you’ll keep reading about sad cases where a public defender’s loss actually means a victory for a client, you couldn’t be more wrong. A bombshell hits when Abby and her husband David expect it the least. And what an uplifting, heart-wrenching, unpredictable turn their established and calm life is about to take!

What I truly appreciate about this series is the way H.C. Helfand has managed to portray Abby. The author doesn’t draw a picture of someone perfect, standardly so if you will, with a shy nature, big generous heart, but still widely likeable since she behaves according to the rules accepted in society. In truth, these rules apply only to book/movie/tv series characters. For some reason, probably to widen the audience, main characters are all ‘made’ similar. Abby isn’t like that. I think I wouldn’t like her if I met her. She does have a big, generous heart, but she is also reserved and rather ‘dry’, so what lies beneath that cold façade not many people would bother to uncover. Yet, in the books, the author shows the readers who Abby really is. Her honesty, her ability to stay true to her principles, and her strength. It might seem she is unable to love deeply, but, with her immersive writing, H.C. Helfand leads the reader to realise the real depth of Abby’s love for her husband and her family.

"But that was life, wasn’t it? He had learned the lesson many times over—treasure the good, overcome the bad." Abby’s husband David has seen the good and the bad aplenty in his life. He loves Abby and sees in her what others don’t see – and that is probably the sign of true love. Again, not the one promoted by mass media. It isn’t perfect or cloudless. It is like life itself according to David and H.C. Helfand – when you consciously and subconsciously treasure the good in someone, overcoming the bad together.

“Clear and Convincing Evidence” by H.C. Helfand is a wonderful story, blending the mundane and the extraordinary in the most satisfactory way. It kept me turning the pages, for I simply had to know what was in store for Abby and David. And now, I’m looking forward to the next book.



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Clear and Convincing Evidence

Eclipse by Kat Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


‘For the love of all that’s fanged and holy’, I confess that I’m totally addicted to the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series by Kat Kinney. It is my comfort read, and I can’t get enough of it. I’m sad that with the next instalment after ‘Eclipse’, the Caldwell brothers’ saga will be over. Still, I’m looking forward to reading the finale of the series, which, I’m sure, will be truly epic.

Roman and August are so very similar but, at the same time, different. With them, you can’t say if it’s the case when opposites attract or if their sameness pulls them towards each other. Both are gifted in computer technologies. Both are kind of black sheep – although for completely different reasons – in their families. Both are tormented by the hardships life has been putting them through since their childhoods. It may seem that their falling in love meant that the higher justice stepped into the picture. Alas, August broke the bond, even knowing that in the shapeshifter world, it binds werewolves for life. Yet, his love for Rowan proved to be stronger than the ancient rules. Believing that by doing the unthinkable he is saving the woman he loves, he makes the decision for both of them. Can Rowan forgive him if the truth comes to light?

“Eclipse”, book six of the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series by Kat Kinney is more than a paranormal romance (be prepared for sizzling hot scenes!). It is full of political intrigue, clashes for power between humans, shapeshifters, and vampires, and action.

One of my favourite parts of Kat Kinney’s books is how mouthwateringly she describes food. As someone who doesn’t deny that delicious food is one of the greatest pleasures in life, I appreciate the author not skipping the description of Texas-style barbeque with more than grilled ribs on offer.

As I mentioned earlier in this review, I’ll be sad to say goodbye to the Caldwell brothers when next year the final book of the series ‘Taken’ lands on my Kindle – yes, I’ve already pre-ordered it – and I won’t be able to stop myself from devouring it in two or three sittings.



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Eclipse