A LADY'S DESIRE - a desirable read

A Lady's Desire by Lily Maxton

Date read: 10th August 2026

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Regency Romance (F/F) 

Buy link: Amazon 

It can be difficult to find a really good historical romance ft wlw. 

OK, so a few bits are a little dubious on the historical accuracy front, but if fussy ole me can live with it, I'm sure you can. Why? Because it's a decent story which felt right. 

It fits a lot into its limited pages (being a novella). The characters are well-rounded and believable. And, oh, the yearning! I do appreciate a good friends-to-lovers plot.

The steam scene was sufficiently pleasing. 

And I loved the bluestocking science friends.

Huzzah! 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - SOMETHING IN THE WATERS - Ripples of Cosy!

Something in the Waters by Kim M Watt

Date read: 6th August 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Chaos Mystery 

Buy link: Amazon 

I needed a palate cleanser, having read far too many books with tense/dreary settings lately. So, when I realised this was still sitting on my TBR, it was a no-brainer. 

I LOVE the Beaufort Mystery books. They give cute dragons, determined WI, and utter chaos, but with cosiness and cake. 

And this one was super refreshing. No murder, but suspicious activity. And torrential rain which just won't stop. And what's up with all the geese and swans? 

Ahhh...that's better :) 

I hope there's many more of these books to come. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE GOOD WIFE - incredibly good

The Good Wife by Eleanor Porter

Date read: 15th July 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Fiction (journey) 

Buy link: Amazon  

This is the second (and I think concluding) book in this series. And is, imho, even better than the first (my review of The Wheelwright's Daughter is here).

I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I'll just say... Oh, Jacob!!! Oh, Martha!

Try as she might to blend in, Martha was made to stand out. And she attracts trouble like a magnet. But what will she do this time when she's cornered? 

I love the detailed journey in this tale, and the different characters we get to meet, some of whom challenge perceptions. For who is good and who is bad? Indeed, can anyone be trusted? The sights, sounds and smells all leap off the page.

The addition of Talbot in this story was amazing. Such an intriguing character.

More amazing still is knowing a lot of this is hung from the threads of historic truth. But woven with exceptional storytelling. 

This is historical fiction not romance (no HEA). In fact, the ending is a bit odd yet appropriate. 

CAUTION: Does feature child loss, violence and abuse. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE WHEELWRIGHT'S DAUGHTER - spellbinding

The Wheelwright's Daughter by Eleanor Porter

Date read: 4th July 2026

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Fiction (witchy) 

Buy link: Amazon  

Gargh! I didn't realise this wasn't a stand-alone book. So, when I got to the end it was abrupt and surprising. In my defence, the two books aren't linked as a series on the Amazon website.

This story takes place in Elizabethan England. The witch hunts are yet to launch into full swing, but that doesn't hold these folk back. 

I love that it focuses on the peasant villagers. The wealthy manor owners are peripheral yet intrinsic. For all lives are interwoven in Tudor England. 

The priest is suitably zealous and hypocritical. And there are villagers who would use this to their advantage. But will Martha buy into his dark beliefs? 

There are moments of doubt and madness, but also healing. And the very earth reflects this.

The research was clearly immense, but definitely worth it. I fell into this twisted landscape along with Martha. 

A marvellously dark tale of superstition and witch accusation. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - GLASS AND GROUNDWORK - flaming good

Glass & Groundwork by Duckie Mack

Date read: 12th June 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Sweet Crafter Romance (m/m) 

Buy link: Amazon  

Confession: I pre-ordered this book that came out in Nov, but saved it until I needed a comfort read.

The thing I love most about Duckie Mack books is that I know they'll always bring me joy. They're like a hug in a book. And have wonderfully diverse LGBTQIA+ characters. 

Jasper has rigid, old-fashioned parents. But he's desperate to make his craft his career.

Gio is everyone's papa, and is the kindest human. 

Their story involves a fake marriage, but also some references to food insecurity and mean people. But that shouldn't put you off. The whole bunch of featured characters are positive and lovable.

The care and compassion are off the charts.

Overall, there is the sweetness I know to expect from Heartcraft books. I'm only sad that this is the last of the series, but what a wonderful ending. And there are hints of more like it - hooray! 

Frolicsome found family!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - TRIAL BY FURY - Mediums are tricksy

Trial by Fury by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 19th April 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: 1920s Ghost Cosy Mystery 

Buy link: Amazon 

A sleuth who has to solve the murders of the ghosts he sees may not be an obvious comfort read. But it's my comfort read. I seek out Lucas Rathbone books when I need a good read with great writing. 

Poor Lucas - will he ever get a ghost who actually tells him what he needs to know in order to help them? Lady Clementine Rosillo doesn't seem to be that one! And there are several people who wanted her dead; she knew how to rile folk up. 

Tommy is navigating his relationship, and throwing a spanner in the works. Lucas is starting a new job, and upsets his colleague. Does the gang need any more stress? Sure they do!  

This book kept me reading late into the night. 

As expected, this was just the book I was looking for. Ghost Whisperer meets Miss Marple. 

A murder to solve in 1920s London, with an unhelpful ghost and my favourite characters.

A scintillating sleuthy tale.

Always in love and light,

TL

The Witchfinder's Assistant by Ruth Goldstraw

Date read: 11th March 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Murder Mystery (17c Witch hunt)

Buy link: Amazon 

Ahhh, I love this book! 

So, we have Wem in England during the 17th century (& the civil war) as a backdrop. Excellent; a time period not explored enough imho. 

Then we have a dashing hero, John Carne, who has the patience of a saint. Poor man is shunned by his wife, set apart from society, and has been cornered into helping the 'godly man' of a magistrate. 

And then weird dead bodies are found in The Moss - the town is turned upside down as superstition and rumour infect all. 

Can John remain the calm voice of reason? Will anyone listen? 

~ This story starts of suitably slowly. One gets to feel the difficulty of daily life through the pacing as well as the plot. And then you're rewarded with plenty of action towards the end.

All the characters are all well-written, even if some are downright unlovable. There are definitely some you will love to hate! And I don't want to give anything away by naming those I adore.

The character arcs are wonderful. 

The real vibes of the dangers of witch hunts and bigotry are incredible. 

And the historical accuracy is portrayed in such a way as to make you feel like you're inhabiting the book. 

Excellent!

Read this book now if you enjoy murder mysteries and/or historical fiction.

Always in love and light,

TL