Invisible, As Music

– by Caren J. Werlinger

 

What can I say about Caren J. Werlinger‘s latest book, “Invisible, as Music,” eh? Gosh, Werlinger can really squeeze your heart, pull your heartstrings, with her stories, can’t she? After reading “Bittersweet Garden” and “When The Stars Sang,” I knew Werlinger would give me yet another thought-provoking, heart-gripping, gut-wrenching story about the human condition – the wonders, fragility, strength, power, vulnerability of it – in her own unique voice, which, I must say, always carries a certain spiritual undertone. And, I was not wrong because “Invisible, as Music” was absolutely captivating from start to finish, with some memorable moments I’d not soon forget!

Firstly, the title. Not knowing its origin, I was immediately intrigued because…music. Anything about music always perks my curiosity. And to add the word “invisible” to it… I don’t know but it immediately gave me this feeling of mystique. Invisible, as music… It’s so lyrically poetic. ‘Nuff said.

The Long Shot

– by A.L. Brooks

 

When I heard that A. L. Brooks was going to release a book about women’s professional golf, I was intrigued even though I have zero knowledge about the sport except if you wanna count my Wii experience with it! Well, at least I was familiar with a few golf terms, i.e. birdie, par, bogey, fairway, the usual basics. Anyway, “The Long Shot” was a delightful read for me. I never read any golf-related lesbian romance before this so it was a delightful as much as an educational read for me. As usual, Brooks crafted a compelling age-gap, slow-burn love story with the professional golf environment as the backdrop.

Moonlight Avenue

– by Gerri Hill

YES! Gerri Hill‘s crime/mystery/thriller bug is back in full force with her latest, “Moonlight Avenue!” I KNEW it!! Haven’t had THIS much fun since her Hunter, Ross & Sullivan and Johnston & Riley serials!! Read it in one swift sitting! I especially LOVED this latest one, which certainly could turn into a series if the ending (and a certain third MC in the book for that matter!) were any indication, which I’m dead chuffed by the sheer possibility of it!

The reason why “Moonlight Avenue” is now my favourite crime/mystery story and series (if it’s expanded into one, that is!) of Hill’s as opposed to her other serials of the same genre comes in threefold:

Second Chances

– by A.E. Radley

 

Another GEM from A.E. Radley! “Second Chances” is a resounding MUST-READ! I couldn’t put it down. I made a mistake (or maybe not depending on how one looks at it!) of starting my read whilst I was knee-deep in work bollocks. Alas, I was so engrossed in the book and the story, my day job was summarily abandoned, if only for a few hours. Oh, sod it! I was singularly focussed on Rosie, Alice and Hannah!

This story wasn’t a typical age-gap romance. Not at all. And this superbly crafted and weaved story is testament to that. I’ve never read anything like it at all, not under the age-gap romance trope. In fact, this story transcended age. It’s just a number, innit? Read it and judge for yourself.  I must admit the effects of exploring and experiencing the story about a young single mother doing her absolute best to provide for her 5-year-old gifted child whilst trying to make ends meet and a very observant and eager primary school (Year 1) teacher trying to help provide the best possible ways to foster the child’s astonishingly high level of intelligence way beyond her age, have made a mark in my mind. A truly marvellous story written and told with reverberating effect. One with a lasting, memorable impression that I won’t ever forget. Thank you, Ms. Radley!

Breaking Down Her Walls

– by Erin Zak

I didn’t think I would be reading this book, “Breaking Down Her Walls” by Erin Zak until I read Rachael Byrne‘s review posted on Les Rêveur that piqued me interest. Not having had any experience with this author or her books, I dug in without any expectations, really. Am I glad I did because the first act itself hooked me right in!

First off, I have to mention that the style in which Zak utilised was something I’d only experienced once before (if me memory serves me right!) or let’s just say, a rarity in me reading history – third-person in present tense. Me reckons it’s not a common style authors use. In fact, the only time (if I remember correctly!) I came across it whilst reading, I remember it being very jarring for me that I noticed it immediately. I had to really get used to it. Fortunately the storytelling and the writing was solid so I didn’t mind it one bit. THIS book, however, I must say, I didn’t even notice it until my realisation hit after I finished because Zak somehow infused the style with such smoothness in the word flow that I read it like it was in any other usual style of writing! 

As The Crow Flies

– by Karen F. Williams

After seeing a highly recommended post from a member on The Lesbian Review Book Club, and a resounding shout-out from a mate from Twitter (cheers, Amy!) about Karen F. Williams‘ latest ghostly/paranormal book, “As The Crow Flies,” obviously I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to experience it meself. So glad I did because being a huge fan of ghost stories (albeit well-written ones are few and far between, at least in me reading experience), I really wanted to sink me teeth into one that would give me the shivers or ghostly chills (like, me all-time favourites, Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” or Henry James’ “The Turn of the Screw” and Yvonne Heidt’s “The Sisters of Spirits” trilogy). After reading this, I can attest to the fact that “As The Crow Flies” was a proper ghost story, a fantastically written one that not only succeeded in giving me the ghostly-feel chilling factor (AND, strangely, I must add, a feeling of peace and tranquillity which me all-time favourites didn’t!), but also presenting me with something to ponder. And that is saying something because in the horror/paranormal/ghostly genre, I’m not easily satisfied, see.

Firstly, having not had any experience with Williams’ writing or storytelling, I went in without any preconceived ideas or expectations about her style. I must say, from the start, I was taken by how she expressed herself in words! So utterly literary, I was drawn to the rhythm and flow of her expressions in richly formulated form! It was pure literary artistry.