Olivia Waite

Well this was an astonishing surprise -- short, immersive, full of really intriguing worldbuilding, and with a ship's detective that I'd like to know better. Love the library of memories, love the memory cocktails and the exuberant beauty of a ship full of people exploring lives until they reach a far flung destination. The descriptions of the ship are seductive. The characters are that perfect blend of sweet and irritating, with threads of heartbreak to give them depth. The mystery is compelling and sordid and entirely secondary to the satisfaction of the world building.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.… (more)

Friends! Countrywoman! Do not hesitate to pick up this delightful holiday story!

Isobel thinks she was invited to swanky party where she could hobnob and network with the kind of clientele she needed for her new career as a sommelier. Except when she arrives, in her beautiful dress and high heels, she quickly finds out she is meant to be the help-- serving wine to the guests!

Oliver finds himself ostracized from his fellow coworkers and bosses because he used his the forensic accountant skills they hired him for to bring down one of the higher ups in the agency. He’s lonely, questioning his life choices.

These two somewhat lost souls come together and the sparks! They immediately fly! And even better, they are able to help each other achieve their goals-- Oliver introduces Isobel to an important woman who could advance her career, Isobel gives Oliver a way to express his art. And then there is smooching! It’s all so fun and happy. The perfect little bite of holiday goodness. 4 stars.… (more)

Lucy Muchelney has just broken up with her girlfriend, and her brother wants to marry her off but she wants to pursue astronomy, like her father taught her and she wants to be recognised as a scientist in her own right. She enlists the help of Catherine, the widowed Countess of Moth, and between them they discover an attraction to each other. Catherine also discovers that her much minimised skills at embroidery are in fact a form of art. Both women come out better from the relationship. Lucy gets a chance to translate a book about Astronomy but transforms it into a basic guide to Astronomy along the way.
The disparity of roles and influence is addressed somewhat in the story and how vulnerable Lucy is if Catherine decides to abandon her is discussed.
I enjoyed the read and how both of them became more themselves through their romance.… (more)