Book Review - The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan

 

 

Bridget Bishop was accused of being a witch and was hanged for her crimes. Two hundreds years later, her legacy lives through two different lines. One woman is using her power to try to help women in need. The other woman is using her power to get more power and prestige by whatever means necessary.

Annis is a young woman in Gilded Age New York who finds herself caught in between a family feud.  Annis realized that she doesn't want to be a pawn and in the middle of feud. She decides she would use her own power for what she wants. Annis will have to find her own power without succumbing to the siren call of darkness.

The novel started off well and was very interesting. However, around the halfway part of the novel, I felt like the story was dragging on for a bit and felt boring. The novel had a slow burn and there wasn't much story wise. The book was filled with tons of historical details, details about horses, strong female leads, and bits of spells. If you like reading a cozy novel about two witches, then this would be your type of read.

Book Review - The Midwife's Dilemma by Delia Parr

Photo Credit - Amazon

Midwife Martha Cade has finally decided that when Mayor Thomas Dillion returns in February, she will marry him. With everything else in her life spinning out of control, Martha feels this is the only thing she has control over. Her daughter, Victoria, is besotted with the town's younger doctor. Martha feels that she is ready to settle down and pass on her role as a midwife to someone younger.

The Pennsylvania town has grown in size and population. It has become an important hub for agricultural and economic needs. There are plans of canal allowing the town to be connected with the outside world. With everything changing, Martha will need to decide how she will spend the rest of her life.

I have read the first book of the series but, didn't realize this was the third book. Unfortunately, while each book can be read as standalone, I felt like I was missing portions of the story because I didn't read the second novel. I felt like the novel dragged and most of the time, Martha was spent debating her marriage proposal or about her horse. I also had a hard time understanding why Martha couldn't get married and continue being a midwife. I understand that she will eventually need to retire but, the constant pushing by Thomas to get his way seemed like drummed drama for an otherwise boring book.  I didn't also understand why there was a need for her to be a midwife and if she didn't want to do it, why not say she is no longer a midwife? Perhaps, I am looking at her struggle through a modern lens. I also didn't understand why Martha was stubborn and did things that she didn't like other people doing. I liked the first novel in the series but, this one was quite disappointing.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart

Photo Credit - Amazon

Darcie and Walter Goodwin decide to join the local Shaker village when a new cholera epidemic hits their area. The Shaker village seems to be immune to the disease and once, the threat passes, the Goodwins will leave the community. During a routine trip into town, Walter is killed in a riverboat accident.

Darcie is devastated by the news and but, she has nowhere else to go. She has no family and money along with being pregnant with a child. The Shaker community is celibate people who believe in marital relationships to be sinful.  Darcie feels isolated and alone because of her pregnancy. However, when Darcie crosses path with Flynn Keller and his daughter, will Darcie be able to find her path to happiness?

This was the first novel I ever read about the Shaker community. I thought some of their ideas were a bit "strange" especially, the procreation portion and referring to our parents as "sister" or "brother". However, I also like many of their ideas, such as, providing a haven for everyone, being an inclusive community, and ensuring everyone having a role to play. I liked all the characters except for one of the characters, who tried to murder someone and nothing happened to her. I liked that each of the characters was flawed but, found someone else or a community to help bring out the best of themselves.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**