Welcome back to SGL, my friends! Thank you for coming by, it’s always so lovely to know you took some time to join me on my blog. I’ve also got some exciting news to share after the reviews! Let’s get to it!
Cybele’s Secret (Wildwood #2) by Juliet Marillier – Paula’s dream is coming true- she’s accompanying her merchant father on a trip to Istanbul as his assistant. Their trip is for a rare artifact from a lost religion, a gift from an ancient goddess, Cybele, to her followers. But Paula and her father quickly realize that their mission is far more dangerous than they’d dream it would be. A fellow merchant is found dead. The cult is said to have been revived in the city. And Paula starts seeing signs that urge her to unlock Cybele’s secret.
~I know this was a reread but apparently I never reviewed it here on SGL in 2023. Well, no time like the present. After reading Wildwood Dancing like I love to do at the start of a new year, I had to get the sequel from the library. I’d forgotten much of the story, but once again I enjoyed following Paula through learning how to live in Turkey, why she’s seeing things in the most random of places, and what to do with the rascal pirate and the quiet, steady bodyguard. Her adventures are fantastic, but I enjoyed them – loving the things the characters learned and how they grew along the way. The focus on family and faithfulness and courage. I’m not sure I loved it as I do the first book, but it’s quite enjoyable all the same. And I do wish we’d gotten a book about little Stela.
The Library of the Unwritten (Hell’s Library #1) by A.J. Hackwith – This is where all unwritten books reside. And it’s the Librarians’ job to organize and repair all books. And, of course, retrieve any books that go wandering… Claire Hadley, Head Librarian of the Unwritten Wing, must retrieve a Hero that has gone in search of his author. She takes along her assistant, former muse Brevity, and a reluctant courier demon, Leto. But the simple retrieval turns into anything but, when the angel Ramiel attacks them, demanding they give him the Devil’s Bible… a book that has the power to reshape heaven, hell…and the earth. It’s up to the librarian to find this powerful weapon before it can be used in the battle between heaven and hell.
~A friend recommended this to me a few years ago (and by recommended, she dropped it in my lap and told me to read it hehe). This time around was a reread, because I kept thinking about it and had to dive in again, which, since it is quite out of my normal reads, was surprising to me. But it is well written with twists and turns in the plot that were mostly out of left field. There were parts that dragged, but it was fun to know what was coming and what was really vital to what was coming next, so I think those sections were less, than the first time around. I appreciated the character development. Of course, there’s still the… what was the word? pansexual thing that was in there – nothing overt but it was spattered throughout. With that caution, I can recommend this book without reservation for the writing, the fun take on a library and its caretakers.
Currently Reading:
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (dramatic reading, Spotify)
Leave It To Psmith by P.G. Wodehouse (audiobook, Librivox)
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Upon Waking by Jackie Hill Perry
Gate of Trust – Shaar Habitchon by Rabbeinu Bachya Ibn Pakudah
Hope When It Hurts by Kristen Wetherell
Hopeful Upcomings:
Sherwood
Little Men
And onto the news, my own novel, Amelia, has been out in the world for a year! She was published on February, 21st 2025! She’s also gotten a bit of an upgrade inside and out – as has my website. If you want to see those changes, go to laurastarrwrites.com.
It’s been such a blessing to have my story receive so much love this past year. Thank you friends.
What are you reading lately? Let’s chat!
~Laura
the start of a good life 
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