Book Review | THE MIDWATCH INSTITUTE FOR WAYWARD GIRLS by Judith Rossell

THE MIDWATCH INSTITUTE FOR WAYWARD GIRLS

BY JUDITH ROSSELL | PUBLICATION: MAY 27, 2025
DIAL BOOKS | GENRE: MIDDLE-GRADE MYSTERY
RATING: ★★★★✬

"A must-read for middle-grade lovers and anyone who believes in the power of learning and compassion."

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For fans of The Swifts and A Series of Unfortunate Events comes the story of a young orphan at the edge of society who finds herself at the center of a city’s secrets.

Maggie Fishbone is not expecting much when she’s sent to the Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways, and Wayward Girls—the last resort after causing a ruckus at the orphanage where she was living. Except . . . the Institute isn’t some dreadful, dreary place like she thought.

Instead it’s full of curious girls training to solve mysteries, fight bad guys, and keep the city safe. In between fencing lessons and discovering all the shortcuts in the building, Maggie finds herself making friends at the Midwatch and finally feeling like she’s home. And when a woman goes missing, Maggie’s off on her first assignment, with each step leading her deeper into the secrets of the city.

With gorgeous black-and-white illustrations and pages of “Useful Things Every Girl Should Know” (like how send messages in morse code and how to shout extremely loudly), The Midwatch is a whimsical, adventure-filled mystery from internationally bestselling author-illustrator Judith Rossell.

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"Holy Mackerel!"

Judith Rossell’s THE MIDWATCH INSTITUTE FOR WAYWARD GIRLS is a delightful, whimsical mystery that wraps adventure, heart, and empowerment into one beautifully illustrated package. It follows Maggie Fishbone—a spirited orphan who finds herself at a school unlike any other.

Sent to the Midwatch Institute after causing a stir at her previous orphanage, Maggie expects gloom and punishment. Instead, she discovers a vibrant world where girls are trained to solve mysteries, defend the city, and grow into their best selves. With fencing lessons, secret passages, and a missing person case to unravel, Maggie’s journey is one of friendship, courage, and self-discovery.

🌟 What Makes This Book Shine:

• A Joyful Adventure: The story is packed with excitement, warmth, and the thrill of discovery.

• Found Family: Maggie’s bond with the other girls is tender and uplifting—a reminder that belonging can be found in unexpected places.

• Gentle Wisdom: The Institute offers a safe space to make mistakes, learn, and be guided with compassion.

• Empowering Message: Knowledge is the greatest weapon—even the smallest, most frightened characters can rise when armed with understanding.

• Charming Extras: The “Useful Things Every Girl Should Know” pages are clever, practical, and full of charm.

• Gorgeous Illustrations: The cover and interior art add depth and whimsy to the reading experience.

This book is a celebration of curiosity, kindness, and courage. It’s a reminder that every child deserves a gentle hand and a safe place to grow. I finished it wanting more—more mysteries, more lessons, more Midwatch.

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About the Author:

Judith Rossell is the multi-award-winning author-illustrator of the bestselling Stella Montgomery series (Withering-by-Sea, Wormwood Mire and Wakestone Hall). Judith has written fifteen books and illustrated more than eighty, including the recent picture books Bogtrotter and Pink!, both written by Margaret Wild. Her work has been published in the US and UK, and translated into more than twenty languages. Before becoming an illustrator, Judith trained as a scientist, and worked for CSIRO, and for a cotton-spinning company. She lives in Melbourne.
Photo from PRH site. No infringement intended.

*Penguin Random House provided the eARC
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BBNYA Book Review | Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys by Benjamin Ryan

MADAME ELDRIDGE’S WAYWARD HOME FOR UNRULY BOYS

5th Place Finalist, BBNYA 2024
BY BENJAMIN RYAN | AUGUST 1, 2023
GENRE: YA FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★✬

“Every chapter pulses with energy, emotion, and intrigue.”

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Deep in the heart of Virginia’s dense backwoods, the Wayward Home for Unruly Boys hides more than just troubled youth. Under Madame Eldridge’s watchful eye, three strict rules govern their behavior

1. What happens here stays here.
2. You must complete all eight steps—no exceptions allowed.
3. Forget your name; you’ll be known only by your problem.

But, there’s one unspoken rule that sends shivers down the boys' never enter the forbidden third-floor bedroom of the boy who vanished, leaving nothing behind but whispers.

When Vandalize and Stealer defy this warning, they uncover a treasure trove of bewitched artifacts, each with a strange and powerful ability. Using these relics, the boys tackle Madame Eldridge’s whimsical—and often bizarre—challenges, only to learn magic always demands its price.

Amidst the chaos, Fibbsy stumbles upon a peculiar object that sends him hurtling back in time, revealing an unfathomable truth about Madame Eldridge, the eerie town, and the missing boy’s fate. But who will trust the words of a liar?

Bound by the house’s darkest mysteries, Fibbsy, Defiance, Slob, and Secret form an unlikely friendship as they race to unveil the shrouded secrets surrounding the Wayward Home. Together, they confront their deepest fears, uncovering that the real magic lies in facing their own personal demons—and each other.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

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Benjamin Ryan’s MADAME ELDRIDGE’S WAYWARD HOME FOR UNRULY BOYS is a masterfully woven tale that blends mystery, magic, and emotional growth into a story that’s as quirky as it is profound.

Set in a secluded summer boarding school deep in Virginia’s woods, the novel introduces readers to a cast of troubled boys—each stripped of their real names and renamed after their flaws. Through a series of whimsical and often bizarre challenges, they must confront their personal demons, forge unlikely friendships, and uncover the secrets hidden within the house’s haunted walls. What makes this story shine is its:

• 🌟 Brilliant pacing: Clues are revealed at just the right moments, keeping the mystery alive without ever feeling forced.
• 💫 Inventive magic system: Each enchanted object reflects the boys’ inner struggles, making their growth feel earned and meaningful.
• ❤️ Emotional depth: Themes of trust, friendship, and self-acceptance are explored with nuance and heart.
• 👗 Vivid descriptions: Madame Eldridge’s wardrobe alone deserves its own spotlight—every entrance she makes is unforgettable.
• 🔍 Compelling mystery: From the very first page, readers are invited to solve the puzzle alongside the boys, with satisfying answers and tantalizing new questions by the end.

There are no slow moments in this book. Every chapter pulses with energy, emotion, and intrigue. I was completely immersed in the world Benjamin Ryan created—and I’m already counting the days until the sequel.

A must-read for fans of magical realism, character-driven stories, and mysteries with heart. I can’t wait to return to the Wayward Home.

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[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

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About the Author:

Once upon a time, there was a military brat named Benjamin Ryan, who traveled the world and embraced every unique experience he encountered. Being the new kid in town wasn’t always easy, and as he struggled with weight issues, he also had to deal with the hardships of teasing, male friendship, and acceptance. But, he was determined to find his place in the world and used his love for writing to create adventures that would transport him to a different world, where he could see things from a new perspective. Through his writing, Benjamin Ryan discovered his authentic self and found a way to inspire others. Armed with degrees in Art History, Education and World Religions, he became a New York City public Special Ed teacher, where he uses whimsy, creativity, and acceptance to inspire the youth of tomorrow. And thus, Benjamin Ryan was born—an author that embraces the power of storytelling to inspire and create change. With a deep understanding of the struggles that come with being different, Benjamin Ryan creates content that speaks to the heart and soul of their audience. He is active on twitter in the writing community (@BRClothwrites), hosting writing prompts, engaging with life’s unique perspectives, and inspiring others to create their truths.

*Book copy courtesy of the blog tour host, The Write Reads,
in exchange for this honest review.
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Book Review | HELEN'S JUDGEMENT by Susan C. Wilson

HELEN'S JUDGEMENT

BY SUSAN C. WILSON | PUBLICATION: MARCH 25, 2025
NEEM TREE PRESS | GENRE: ADULT FICTION
RATING: ★★★✬

“Lyrical and deliberate—a myth seen through
a modern lens.”

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She’s the most scapegoated heroine in Greek mythology, but there’s never just one side to any story. This new framing uncovers the complexities of Helen of Troy—a woman tormented by the blame placed on her by others, and tortured by her own guilt.

We all blamed Helen.

Haunted by her decision to leave her child behind when she fled her unhappy marriage, Helen seeks to build a new life in Troy with her lover, Paris. She yearns to recreate the childhood family she lost when she married Menelaus, but her outraged husband vows to regain her by force, at the head of a vast army.

Facing hostility from all sides, Helen must decide where her loyalty—and her safety—lies.-NTP

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Two Voices, One Reckoning: Rewriting the Myth of Helen
The House of Atreus #2

In HELEN'S JUDGEMENT, Susan C. Wilson offers a striking reimagining of Greek myth, casting Helen of Troy in a light rarely afforded to her—one of depth, complexity, and painful reckoning. Gone is the passive beauty; in her place stands a woman navigating guilt, desire, and the crushing weight of legacy.

Told through the alternating voices of Helen and Achilles, the novel brings dual insight into both Trojan and Achaean worlds. This dual perspective not only amplifies the emotional depth of each character but also reframes familiar mythological events through a lens of empathy and introspection. Achilles, often painted as the archetypal warrior, is here shown reckoning with legacy and vulnerability—echoing Helen’s own journey of self-definition.

Wilson explores several rich and emotionally charged themes that reframe the myth of Helen of Troy through a deeply human lens. Here are the key ones that stand out:

• Guilt and Blame: Helen is portrayed as the most scapegoated heroine in Greek mythology. The novel delves into how she internalizes the blame placed on her by others and wrestles with her own guilt over choices like leaving her child behind.
• Autonomy and Agency: Rather than being a passive figure, Helen is shown making difficult decisions about her future, her safety, and her loyalties. The story emphasizes her struggle to assert control over her life in a world that constantly tries to define her.
• Reputation and Heroic Shame: Drawing from classical concepts, the book explores how characters like Helen and Achilles are driven by the need to preserve their honor and reputation, even when it conflicts with personal happiness.
• Family and Loss: Helen’s yearning to recreate the family she lost—especially after her unhappy marriage to Menelaus—is a recurring emotional thread. Her relationship with Paris is shaped by this desire for belonging and healing.
• Dual Perspectives: Achilles’ narration offers a complementary layer, reframing war as not just a battle of men but a crucible of grief and reputation.
• War and Consequence: The backdrop of the Trojan War serves as a constant reminder of how personal choices can ripple outward into epic consequences. Helen’s story is not just about love or betrayal—it’s about the cost of being a symbol in someone else’s narrative.

Wilson’s prose is lyrical and deliberate, mirroring classical storytelling while diving deep into psychological terrain. The pacing, though measured, suits the reflective nature of both narrators and encourages thoughtful engagement rather than hurried consumption.

This isn’t just a myth retelling—it’s a philosophical inquiry into who gets to tell their story and at what cost. By giving Helen and Achilles a voice, Wilson redefines how we see their legacies. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy literary fiction, feminist perspectives, and myth seen through a modern lens.

CLYTEMNESTRA'S BIND
The House of Atreus #1

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About the Author:

Susan C Wilson has a degree in journalism from Napier University and a diploma in classical studies from the Open University. She has worked in such environments as the Scottish Courts and the Scottish Parliament. As a writer she loves to explore what makes us human: the eternal motivations, desires and instincts that cross time and place. She also aims to make ancient stories resonate with a modern audience, through historical fiction and contemporary retellings. Her debut novel, The House of Atreus: Clytemnestra’s Bind was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Competition 2019 and  published by Neem Tree Press in June 2023. This is the first of an epic trilogy and explores the Greek myth of Queen Clytemnestra from a feminist perspective.
Photo from NTP site, no infringement intended.

*Neem Tree Press provided the eARC, via Netgalley,
in exchange for this unbiased review.
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Book Review | THE OTHERWHERE POST by Emily J. Taylor

THE OTHERWHERE POST

BY EMILY J. TAYLOR | PUBLICATION: February 25, 2025
G.P. PUTNAM'S SON | GENRE: YA FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★

"Deliver this book to anyone who loves magic with bite, a heroine with scars, and romance that ignites through ink."

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A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick

The New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique returns with another glittering dark fantasy about a deadly mystery that spans worlds and a teenage girl who must risk everything to uncover the truth.

Seven years ago, Maeve Abenthy lost her world, her father, even her name. Desperate to escape the stain of her father’s crimes, she lives under a fake name, never staying in one place long enough to put down roots.

Then she receives a mysterious letter with four impossible words Your father was innocent.

To uncover the truth, she poses as an apprentice for the Otherwhere Post, where she’ll be trained in the art of scriptomancy—the dangerous magic that allows couriers to enchant letters and deliver them to other worlds. But looking into her father’s past draws more attention than she’d planned.

Her secretive, infuriatingly handsome mentor knows she’s lying about her identity, and time is running out to convince him to trust her. Worse, she begins to receive threatening letters, warning her to drop her investigation—or else. For Maeve to unravel the mystery of what happened seven years ago, she may have to forfeit her life.- PRH

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Deliveries. Lies. Magic. Love.

Emily J. Taylor's THE OTHERWHERE POST brings a masterfully layered story that deserves far more hype—and it's not too late to shout about it.

🌌 Worldbuilding & Magic

• Taylor conjures a universe brimming with intrigue: courier doors to other worlds, scribing magic that pulses with ash and intent, and letters that carry as much danger as they do hope.


• The magic system isn’t entirely new—but it’s brilliantly twisted. Between poisoned Aldervine vines and ink-infused portals, Taylor redefines arcane craft with delicious creativity.

💔 Maeve: A Hero Who Never Pretended

• Maeve’s journey is far from idealized. She’s carved from hardship, not heroism. She's not the chosen one wrapped in prophecy; she’s the one who fights despite trembling fingers and an empty pocket. A girl with nothing but scraps, secrets, and that relentless spark that refuses to go out.


• She lies. She schemes. She nearly dies—more than once. But what makes her unforgettable is her fierce heart. Her loyalty to the few who earn it is absolute.


• Her vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s defiance. She feels deeply and still charges forward.

❤️ Romance & Relationships

• Enter Tristan—the dream boyfriend with ink-stained fingers and a soul full of warmth. Smart, tender, just the right amount of steamy. Their slow burn simmers beneath danger and decoding, until it explodes with emotional and magical resonance.


• The side characters sparkle with depth and wit, giving Maeve reasons to fight beyond herself—and proving that chosen family may be the most powerful spell of all.

Scribbled in ink, sealed with love—THE OTHERWHERE POST delivers danger, desire, and devotion on every page.

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About the Author:

Emily J. Taylor was born and raised in California and has since refused to stay put. She’s lived in four states and on two continents, all of which have conveniently given her an endless amount of story fodder. She currently works as a creative director in Minneapolis, where she spends the long winters dreaming up glittering worlds to spin into dark tales. Follow her @emilycanwrite, or find her at emilyjtaylorauthor.com.
Photo from PRH site, no infringement intended.

*Penguin Random House provided the eARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.
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Book Review | I BET YOU’D LOOK GOOD IN A COFFIN by Katy Brent

I BET YOU’D LOOK GOOD IN A COFFIN

BY KATY BRENT | PUBLICATION: APRIL 29, 2025
HQ DIGITAL | GENRE: WOMEN FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

“A family that slays together, stays together”
—that’s not just a line. It’s a vibe.

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Our favourite anti-heroine, Kitty Collins, is back! Expect more wit, sass, and, of course, murder…

My name is Kitty Collins and I'm a serial killer.

I don't want to kill. It's just so hard to resist. Some men really, really deserve it.

Men like Blaze Bundy, an anonymous influencer spreading misogyny online. He's making it very hard for me to control my murderous urges.

Meanwhile I'm in the South of France to watch my mother marry a man I've never met. I should be drinking cocktails and focusing on my tan, not plotting a murder.

But a woman's work is never done. Surely one more teensy little kill wouldn't hurt, would it?

Fans of How to Kill Your Family and Bad Sisters will love this wickedly witty novel from the author of How to Kill Men and Get Away With It and The Murder After the Night Before.

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Justice Served Cold (and in Couture)
Kitty Collins, Book 2

Let me start with this: murder-sobriety is apparently a thing. And somehow, in Katy Brent’s fierce, blood-splashed world, it makes perfect, razor-sharp sense.

Book two in the Kitty Collins series doesn’t just raise the stakes—it arms them with stilettos and sends them marching into the night. Kitty joins Angry Women Anonymous, a group of rage-fueled, justice-starved women who’ve been victimized and are sick of turning the other cheek. It’s not therapy. It’s a powder keg. And Kitty? She’s the match.

The plot is absurd in all the right ways—think Fleabag meets Dexter on a very bad hair day. It’s British dark humor at its finest: twisted, fast-paced, and just grounded enough to make you squirm. It’s like if Batman was an influencer with a killer wardrobe and a moral compass that spins like a lazy Susan. Think vigilante justice, but make it fashion.

What really hit me is how this book flips the murder-mystery genre on its head. As someone who adores traditional mysteries (hi, Alex Cross, Sebastian St. Cyr), Kitty is everything I’m not supposed to root for—and yet I do. Wildly. She’s not your polished detective. She’s your revenge fantasy in designer boots. She’s chaotic, unapologetic, and terrifyingly effective. She doesn’t solve crimes. She finishes them.

The murders? Unapologetically graphic. Weirdly satisfying. And somehow laced with the kind of warped empowerment that makes you question your own moral compass. Which is… unsettling. And brilliant.

Katy Brent’s writing is unrelenting in the best way. Her pacing is surgical, her dialogue could cut diamonds, and her sense of justice is as warped as it is strangely cathartic. You’re not just reading a thriller—you’re reading a manifesto in lip gloss and blood splatter.

And when the laughter fades and the blood dries, the true wound is somewhere quieter—where love meets consequence, and neither walks away unscathed.

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About the Author:
KATY BRENT is a freelance journalist and has been in the industry for over fifteen years. She started work in women’s magazines back in 2005. In 2006, Katy won a PTA award for New Journalist of the Year. More recently she has focused on television journalism. Writing a book has always been her dream and lockdown finally gave the time she kept using as an excuse for not doing it.

*HarperCollinsCA provided the ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.
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BBNYA Blog Tour | THE FALL IS ALL THERE IS by C.M. Caplan

About the Book:

THE FALL IS ALL THERE IS
6th Place Finalist, BBNYA 2024
BY C.M. CAPLAN | NOVEMBER 7, 2022
GENRE: FANTASY/ SCIFI

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All Petre Mercy wanted was a good old-fashioned dramatic exit from his life as a prince. But it's been five years since he fled home on a cyborg horse. Now the King - his Dad - is dead - and Petre has to decide which heir to pledge his thyroid-powered sword to.

As the youngest in a set of quadruplets, he's all too aware that the line of succession is murky. His siblings are on the precipice of power grabs, and each of them want him to pick their side.

If Petre has any hope of preventing civil war, he'll have to avoid one sibling who wants to take him hostage, win back another's trust after years of rivalry and resentment, and get an audience with a sister he's been avoiding for five years.

Before he knows it, he's plunged himself into a web of intrigue and a world of strange, unnatural inventions just to get to her doorstep.

Family reunions can be a special form of torture.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

"The world that Caplan has created for this story is a fascinating one and the descriptions we are given make it that much more wondrous."
-Melissa @ Never Enough Books
"This book grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go, making it a standout in the competition."
-GirlLovesToRead

[BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

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About the Author:

C.M. Caplan is the author of the SPFBO 9, BBNYA, and Indie Ink Awards Finalist, The Fall Is All There Is. He's a quadruplet (yes, really), autistic, and has a degree in creative writing. If you enjoy his books, you can rate them on Goodreads and Amazon.

*Content sent by @TheWriteReads for this blog's publication.
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Book Review | PALM MERIDIAN by Grace Flahive

PALM MERIDIAN

BY GRACE FLAHIVE | PUBLICATION: JUNE 10, 2025
AVID READER PRESS | GENRE: FICTION / LGBTQ+
RATING: ★★★★✬

"Despite its melancholic premise, the novel hums with life."

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A rollicking, big-hearted story of long-lost love, friendship, and a life well-lived, set at a Florida retirement resort for queer women, on the last day of resident Hannah Cardin’s life—for readers of Less and The Wedding People.

It’s 2067 and Florida is partially underwater, but even that can’t bring down the residents of Palm Meridian Retirement Resort, a utopian home for queer women who want to revel in their twilight years. Inside, Hula-Hoopers shimmy across the grass, fiercely competitive book clubs nearly come to blows, and the roller-ski team races up and down the winding paths. Everywhere you look, these women are living large.

Hannah Cardin has spent ten happy years under these tropical, technicolor skies, but after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, she has decided that tomorrow morning she will close her eyes for the very last time. Tonight, however, Hannah and her raucous band of friends are throwing one hell of an end-of-life party. And with less than twenty-four hours left, Hannah is holding out for one final, impossible thing…

Amongst the guest list is Sophie, the love of Hannah’s life. They haven’t spoken since their devastating breakup over forty years ago, but today, Hannah is hoping for the chance to give her greatest love one last try.

As Hannah anxiously awaits Sophie’s arrival, her mind casts back over the highs and lows of her kaleidoscopic life. But when a shocking secret from the past is revealed, Hannah must reconsider if she can say goodbye after all.

Spanning the course of a single day and seventy-odd years, and bursting with irresistible hope, humor, and wisdom, this one-of-a-kind novel celebrates the unexpected moments that make us feel the most alive.

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"DESPEDIDA"

Some books don’t just tell a story—they unearth something. Like they reach into your ribs and tap your heart in a way that lingers, quietly messing with your perspective.

PALM MERIDIAN has that kind of undercurrent. There’s a strange and beautiful ache that lingers after finishing it. It’s the ache of witnessing a life unfold in quiet, intricate loops—of following Hannah Cardin through her final chapter, and all the ones that shaped it. The way time folds in on itself, how memory and desire blur, and all those silences between the lines that say so much more than the dialogue ever could. When something like that lands hard, it can leave you feeling sort of… hollow and hyperaware at the same time.

The novel’s heart is anchored in 2067 Florida, yet it drifts freely through time, memory, and meaning. Hannah’s decision to meet death on her own terms, refusing to let cancer dictate her ending, is not presented as tragic—but as an act of radical love and clarity. She is surrounded by beautiful people with stories as tender and fierce as her own. Every one of them deepens the texture of this novel like brushstrokes on a canvas.

The pacing is slow, but it’s never aimless. It feels like a constellation drawn deliberately, each moment orbiting the next with intention. The narration is a kind of map —not the kind that gets you from A to B, but one that asks you to stop, look, and feel your way forward.

Despite its melancholic premise, the novel hums with life. Friendship, memory, love found and lost and found again—it’s all here, brimming and bittersweet. In this quietly dystopian future, people still choose to love, to dream, and to walk forward. And when love moves mountains to reach you at the end, what do you do with that? How does the one left behind continue?

PALM MERIDIAN didn’t leave me hollow —it left me full. Of ache, yes. But also, of warmth. Of light. Of a kind of peace.

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About the Author:

Grace Flahive was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She studied English literature at McGill University in Montreal before moving to London, UK, in 2014, where she’s lived ever since. Palm Meridian is her debut novel. © Robin Silas Christian

*Simon & Schuster CA provided the ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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