Schatje's Shelves
@dcyakabuski.bsky.social
Book blogger, traveller, amateur photographer
The book offers insight into Christianity in medieval times: mysticism, beguines, and anchorites. Unfortunately, the pace is slow so it is sometimes difficult to maintain interest. See my review of CANTICLE by Janet Rich Edwards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Review of CANTICLE by Janet Rich Edwards (New Release)
3 Stars This historical novel is set in the late thirteenth century in Bruges, Belgium. Aleys is an unusual child. From early childhood, ...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The book offers insight into Christianity in medieval times: mysticism, beguines, and anchorites. Unfortunately, the pace is slow so it is sometimes difficult to maintain interest. See my review of CANTICLE by Janet Rich Edwards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Readers who have read previous books by this author will find much that is familiar, but what impresses me is his deep understanding of the human condition and human behaviour. See my review of SONGS OF LOVE ON A DECEMBER NIGHT by David Adams Richards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of SONGS OF LOVE ON A DECEMBER NIGHT by David Adams Richards
4 Stars David Adams Richards is a Canadian author whose books I always purchase as hardcovers as soon as I learn of a new release. This is...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Readers who have read previous books by this author will find much that is familiar, but what impresses me is his deep understanding of the human condition and human behaviour. See my review of SONGS OF LOVE ON A DECEMBER NIGHT by David Adams Richards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
I loved this novel set in Venice at the turn of the twentieth century. See my review of VENETIAN VESPERS by John Banville: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of VENETIAN VESPERS by John Banville
4 Stars I loved this novel set in Venice at the turn of the twentieth century. Evelyn Dolman, a self-described “Grub Street hack,” is marr...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:12 PM
I loved this novel set in Venice at the turn of the twentieth century. See my review of VENETIAN VESPERS by John Banville: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
For my hometown newspaper, The Madawaska Valley Current, I've written my annual article recommending fiction titles to gift at Christmas or to include on a to-read list. Go to madvalleycurrent.com/2025/11/20/n... to read my suggestions which include both Canadian and international titles.
November 22, 2025 at 7:59 PM
For my hometown newspaper, The Madawaska Valley Current, I've written my annual article recommending fiction titles to gift at Christmas or to include on a to-read list. Go to madvalleycurrent.com/2025/11/20/n... to read my suggestions which include both Canadian and international titles.
If you like memoirs, consider DID I EVER TELL YOU? by Genevieve Kingston: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of DID I EVER TELL YOU? by Genevieve Kingston
3.5 Stars I don’t especially enjoy memoirs and read this one only because it was chosen by my book club. I hate reviewing the genre becaus...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:33 AM
If you like memoirs, consider DID I EVER TELL YOU? by Genevieve Kingston: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
This novel, first published in Dutch in 2023, is thought-provoking. See my review of LISTEN by Sacha Bronwasser: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of LISTEN by Sacha Bronwasser (New Release)
4 Stars This novel was first published in Dutch in 2023 ( Luister ). The narrator is Marie living in Paris in September of 2021. She loo...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:02 PM
This novel, first published in Dutch in 2023, is thought-provoking. See my review of LISTEN by Sacha Bronwasser: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
When a book lingers in my mind after I finish reading it and when I’m considering re-reading it, I have no hesitation in recommending it to others. See my review of BENBECULA by Graeme Macrae Burnet: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of BENBECULA by Graeme Macrae Burnet (New Release)
4 Stars I’ve read a couple of this author’s books: His Bloody Project ( https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2016/08/review-of-his-bloody...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
When a book lingers in my mind after I finish reading it and when I’m considering re-reading it, I have no hesitation in recommending it to others. See my review of BENBECULA by Graeme Macrae Burnet: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Four women carry on helping others while also coping with the realities of aging. See my review of EVENSONG by Stewart O'Nan: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of EVENSONG by Steward O'Nan (New Release)
4 Stars Having enjoyed the author’s last book, Ocean State ( https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2022/03/review-of-ocean-state-by-stewar...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Four women carry on helping others while also coping with the realities of aging. See my review of EVENSONG by Stewart O'Nan: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
This book has received glowing reviews, but though I found it entertaining, it’s not what I consider exceptional. See my review of BROKEN COUNTRY by Clare Leslie Hall: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of BROKEN COUNTRY by Clare Leslie Hall
3.5 Stars Beth and Frank Johnson are happily married and living on the family farm in Dorset. Though life for Beth has not turned out as ...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:45 PM
This book has received glowing reviews, but though I found it entertaining, it’s not what I consider exceptional. See my review of BROKEN COUNTRY by Clare Leslie Hall: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Some of my favourite novels have been written by John Irving, but this is not one of them. See my review of QUEEN ESTHER: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of QUEEN ESTHER by John Irving (New Release)
3 Stars Some of my favourite novels have been written by John Irving, but this is not one of them. Esther Nacht, born in 1905, becomes a...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Some of my favourite novels have been written by John Irving, but this is not one of them. See my review of QUEEN ESTHER: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Clare Chambers is quickly becoming a favourite author for me. See my review of SMALL PLEASURES: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Review of SMALL PLEASURES by Clare Chambers
4 Stars After reading and enjoying Shy Creatures , I was inspired to read another novel by this author and so chose this one. It is set in...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Clare Chambers is quickly becoming a favourite author for me. See my review of SMALL PLEASURES: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
A book written by my friend, Anne Burchat, for young girls on the topic of cultural similarities. See my review of APRONS AND MOCCASINS: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Review of APRONS AND MOCCASINS by Anne Burchat
3.5 Stars Full Disclosure: I’ve known the author since high school so we’ve been friends for over 50 years. I must also add that I’m not...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:32 PM
A book written by my friend, Anne Burchat, for young girls on the topic of cultural similarities. See my review of APRONS AND MOCCASINS: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
This book imagines the fate of a fictional 10-year-old boy whose life is shaped forever when he is rejected for the role of Harry Potter in the film versions of the books. See my review of SECOND BEST by David Foenkinos: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Review of SECOND BEST by David Foenkinos
3.5 Stars This book has a very interesting premise. It imagines the fate of a fictional 10-year-old boy, Martin Hill, whose life is shaped...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
October 24, 2025 at 8:28 PM
This book imagines the fate of a fictional 10-year-old boy whose life is shaped forever when he is rejected for the role of Harry Potter in the film versions of the books. See my review of SECOND BEST by David Foenkinos: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy a blending of dark humour, suspense, and poignant reflection. See my review of THE WINTER JOB by Antti Tuomainen from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Review of THE WINTER JOB by Antti Tuomainen (New Release)
3.5 Stars This book is being described as a darkly funny crime caper and, as marketed, it does indeed remind me of the Coen Brothers’ blac...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:39 PM
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy a blending of dark humour, suspense, and poignant reflection. See my review of THE WINTER JOB by Antti Tuomainen from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
The final installment of a wonderful crime series. See my review of BLACK AS DEATH by Lilja Sigurđardóttir from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Review of BLACK AS DEATH by Lilja Sigurđardóttir (New Release)
3.5 Stars This is the fifth installment in the Áróra Investigation series. It is being marketed as the finale since it provides answers t...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
October 18, 2025 at 12:15 AM
The final installment of a wonderful crime series. See my review of BLACK AS DEATH by Lilja Sigurđardóttir from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
This book shines a light on how the lives of Indigenous Peoples were negatively impacted by the arrival of Europeans. See my review of TETHERED SPIRITS by Corinne Hoebers: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Review of TETHERED SPIRITS: WIAQTAQNE'WASULTIJIK NA KJIJAQMIJINAQ by Corinne Hoebers (New Release)
3.5 Stars This historical fiction book is set near Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, in the mid-1700s. Christian Heber, the son of German settlers, ...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
October 13, 2025 at 5:52 PM
This book shines a light on how the lives of Indigenous Peoples were negatively impacted by the arrival of Europeans. See my review of TETHERED SPIRITS by Corinne Hoebers: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
I've discovered a wonderful crime series! See my review of DEADMAN'S POOL by Kate Rhodes from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Review of DEADMAN'S POOL by Kate Rhodes (New Release)
4 Stars Though this is my first book by this author, I’ve learned that this is actually the eighth book in the Isles of Scilly Mysteries. ...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:58 PM
I've discovered a wonderful crime series! See my review of DEADMAN'S POOL by Kate Rhodes from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Readers who like gothic, horror or supernatural elements will find a lot to enjoy: witchcraft, animal possession, secret family, eerie settings, threats against characters, overtones of the occult, etc. See my review of THE HOWLING by Michael J. Malone: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Review of THE HOWLING by Michael J. Malone (New Release)
3 Stars This is the third in the Annie Jackson Mystery series after The Murmurs and The Torments . Annie and her brother Lewis search for...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
October 7, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Readers who like gothic, horror or supernatural elements will find a lot to enjoy: witchcraft, animal possession, secret family, eerie settings, threats against characters, overtones of the occult, etc. See my review of THE HOWLING by Michael J. Malone: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
The author explores several ideas, but I especially enjoyed his speculations about how people living one hundred years in the future might regard us. See my review of WHAT WE CAN KNOW by Ian McEwan: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Review of WHAT WE CAN KNOW by Ian McEwan (New Release)
4.5 Stars This book has been described as speculative fiction, social commentary, and a literary detective story. Regardless of how it’s ...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
October 3, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The author explores several ideas, but I especially enjoyed his speculations about how people living one hundred years in the future might regard us. See my review of WHAT WE CAN KNOW by Ian McEwan: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...
Those familiar with Detective Jimmy Perez of the Shetland series will be happy for his reemergence, this time in Orkney. See my review of THE KILLING STONES by Ann Cleeves: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
Review of THE KILLING STONES by Ann Cleeves (New Release)
3.5 Stars Those familiar with Detective Jimmy Perez of the Shetland series will be happy for his reemergence, this time in Orkney. Jimmy...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
September 29, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Those familiar with Detective Jimmy Perez of the Shetland series will be happy for his reemergence, this time in Orkney. See my review of THE KILLING STONES by Ann Cleeves: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
This historical novel will appeal to readers who are interested in women’s perspectives on events and issues of the 1950s. See my review of THE BRIAR CLUB by Kate Quinn: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
Review of THE BRIAR CLUB by Kate Quinn
4 Stars This historical novel is set between June of 1950 and November of 1954 in Washington D.C. Briarwood House is an all-female boardi...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
September 25, 2025 at 2:59 PM
This historical novel will appeal to readers who are interested in women’s perspectives on events and issues of the 1950s. See my review of THE BRIAR CLUB by Kate Quinn: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
Librarians tend to be organized, but the same cannot be said for this book. See my review of THE LIBRARIANS by Sherry Thomas: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
Review of THE LIBRARIANS by Sherry Thomas (New Release)
2.5 Stars Librarians tend to be organized, but the same cannot be said for this book; the best adjective for it, I think, is chaotic. Fou...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
September 22, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Librarians tend to be organized, but the same cannot be said for this book. See my review of THE LIBRARIANS by Sherry Thomas: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
Not only is the book entertaining, it is thought-provoking: it addresses the nature versus nurture question and asks what is acceptable for the advancement of knowledge. See my review of THE BOOK OF GUILT by Catherine Chidgey: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
Review of THE BOOK OF GUILT by Catherine Chidgey (New Release)
4 Stars I’ve read three of Catherine Chidgey’s novels and they’ve all been wonderful reads, so I was excited to read her latest. It did n...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
September 18, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Not only is the book entertaining, it is thought-provoking: it addresses the nature versus nurture question and asks what is acceptable for the advancement of knowledge. See my review of THE BOOK OF GUILT by Catherine Chidgey: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
This novel may appeal to lovers of the Brontë sisters. See my review of THE MAN IN THE STONE COTTAGE by Stephanie Cowell: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
Review of THE MAN IN THE STONE COTTAGE by Stephanie Cowell (New Release)
3 Stars This novel will appeal to lovers of the Bront ë sisters. In the 1840s, Charlotte, Anne, and Emily live with their father Patrick a...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
September 15, 2025 at 3:50 PM
This novel may appeal to lovers of the Brontë sisters. See my review of THE MAN IN THE STONE COTTAGE by Stephanie Cowell: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
Sarah Moss is one of my must-read authors. This novel, like her others, has thematic depth which cannot but impress. See my review of RIPENESS at schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...
Review of RIPENESS by Sarah Moss (New Release)
4 Stars Sarah Moss is one of my must-read authors. Ripeness , like her other novels, has thematic depth which cannot but impress. There ...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
September 12, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Sarah Moss is one of my must-read authors. This novel, like her others, has thematic depth which cannot but impress. See my review of RIPENESS at schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...