Book Review - Cats & Coffee

28 Mar 2023 Entertainment

The Dance Tree by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Set in 1518 Strasbourg, The Dance Tree by Kiran Millwood Hargrave revolves around the dancing plague that took over the city for a time. The novel focuses on the protagonist, Lisbet, and her immediate family and friends, with the dancing plague and religious fervor as a compelling backdrop. Well researched and emotive, The Dance Tree is a wonderful piece of historical fiction. It is a must-read for anyone interested in this mysterious plague, and a page-turner for general historical fiction lovers.

07 Mar 2023 Entertainment

The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner

Fellow readers, if you’re in the market for a gripping and spooky new read, you’re going to want to pre-order Sarah Penner’s forthcoming novel, The London Séance Society. In The London Séance Society, Penner creates both complex characters and a dynamic plot that keeps the reader guessing till the end. Historical details fill the novel, making it extra interesting to this historical fiction lover!

February Reading Journal - Cats & Coffee by Christine Csencsitz

06 Mar 2023 Entertainment

Everything I Read This Month: February 2023

This is my second monthly reading round up, and I’m excited to say my goal to read more this year has continued to hold steady. I’m trudging through the fifth Game of Thrones audiobook, which slowed down my reading the first half of the month, but I still got some great books in. I’m in a bit of a romantic comedy and mythological retelling kind of mood this month, as you can see with a few of my February reads here!

02 Mar 2023 Entertainment

The Last Party at Silverton Hall by Rachel Burton

A gripping historical and contemporary romance story, Rachel Burton’s The Last Party at Silverton Hall bridges the story of two women in two different centuries, whose lives are impacted by a single night. Described as a “heartbreaking tale of family, duty, and the secrets we keep from those we love most,” Burton’s latest novel will keep you engaged from start to end.

21 Feb 2023 Entertainment

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson

Based on a true story, Kate Thompson’s The Little Wartime Library follows the highs and lows of an underground library founded during World War II. With powerful emotions throughout the tale, both elated and devastating, Kate Thompson brings a large cast of characters to life as they work to survive while living and working underground in the unused Bethnal Green tube station in East London. In short, The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson is a must-read for historical fiction lovers, and it will certainly make you want to support your local library in the process!

16 Feb 2023 Entertainment

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History by Donna Tartt has been all over my Pinterest home page lately. It’s a cornerstone novel of the dark academia aesthetic, evidently, and gives off major Dead Poet’s Society vibes. Finally, I gave into the platform’s algorithm and ordered a copy for myself. Read on for my honest thoughts on this popular bestseller.

10 Feb 2023 Entertainment

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati

Described as a must-read for fans of Madeline Miller, Clytemnestra is a stunning debut novel by Costanza Casati. This mythological historical fiction novel follows the lesser-known sister of Helen of Troy, Clytemnestra, whose story is known as one of vengeance and violence. Whether you are familiar with Greek mythology or not, Clytemnestra’s story will engage you and move you. And it just might get you into the genre of myth retelling!

03 Feb 2023 Entertainment

The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly

A quick, emotional read, The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly will pull at your heart and keep you up wanting to know more. Viv, the protagonist, is a remarkably contemporary woman. She makes her way as best she can as essentially a single-mother in WWII Liverpool. The historical novel tells a fascinating, heart-wrenching story of what happened with children evacuated from cities during the war. This is an aspect of WWII I knew nothing about. In all, this is a great read, and I am eager to try more of author Julia Kelly’s historical novels!

31 Jan 2023 Entertainment

Everything I Read This Month: January 2023

I’ve always been a reader, even if I fell out of the habit a bit during law school. Since 2022, I’ve been putting in extra effort to get back into reading for pleasure, and I am starting this year off strong! While I share specific book reviews on Cats & Coffee, I thought a monthly round up of everything I read would be a fun way to share even more great books with you, my fellow readers. This month, I’ve read some great historical fiction novels, including some time travel and sci-fi options!

17 Jan 2023 Entertainment

Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman

An immersive novel based loosely on the myth of Pandora’s Box, Susan Stokes-Chapman’s Pandora is a brilliant Georgian historical fiction read. The novel follows Dora Blake, the orphaned daughter of two classicist collectors who aspires to design jewelry. Throughout the story, she strives to free herself from her tyrannical uncle’s control. Drama and lovely descriptions of ancient artifacts ensue. If you’re a fan of mythological reinterpretations, you’re going to need to order this book immediately!