Jenny Schwartz (1) (1973–)

This was a truly lucky find in Audible's Included category. Sci-fi with heart! The author describes her stories as "strangely hopeful fantasy and science fiction" and that is a perfect - and highly enticing - description, from what I 'read' here. I love stories that are built on the noblebright trope (where hope, heroism, and the triumph of good over evil are emphasised) because the world can be a hard place and escaping into that kind of story is a delight and for me, a relaxing way to show more switch off.

It's a fun setting for the narrative. A reality show built around a human in an attempt to better manage Earth's introduction to the Universe's many species. That Alexi was a newly minted trauma specialist and the medical scenes presented as though based on solid practice just added to the appeal for me. I loved that the FMC was so open and positive to meeting aliens and her kind, competent nature was highlighted in all interactions. There's a lovely fade to black romance arc too.....ticking so many boxes here, Ms Schwartz! It's reminiscent of Becky Chambers' style of worldbuilding and I have long searched for similar stories to hers so I will absolutely be continuing with any and all books by Jenny Schwartz. show less

A _lot_ of threads get tied off. Evander's family get the appropriate comeuppance, with some nice twists. The betrayal that ended the last book actually gives them the clues they need to take the necessary steps. Who and why and who's behind it all becomes much clearer - and Kira figures out much more about herself and how she relates both to magic and to her new life. Also, she and Evander _finally_ get together - when they understand each other well enough that the power imbalance doesn't show more really apply. They're both amazing in very different ways, and both have been holding back because they didn't want to pressure the other (also some "I am not worthy"...but mostly not pushing). (Hmmm...that may actually have happened in the second book - but even if it started there, the relationship does a lot of growing in this one). Good stories - and she's written a lot of others, and is still writing (there might be more in this universe, hope so!). I'll be looking for her other books. show less

Jenny Schwartz has swept me up and into another of her brilliant stories in Any House In A Storm. I loved the majority of the characters, their magics and the blend of old world living, environmental awareness and technology. It made for a captivating world! The thing that really pulled me in though, was the caravan style of travel and the quirky world-walking birds that drew them. The simplicity of Zelia's peripatetic life was offset by the constant threat of monster attack, with unexpected show more and added spice in the form of a guardian desperate for mortality. It's a phenomenal combination that ticks boxes. Briiliant writing carries it from page to page seamlessly and smoothly. This is another of the author's series I'll be continuing with. show less

I think Jenny Schwartz is the master of short romantic stories. Her plots never feel hurried or like the scenes are mashed together too closely, nor does the romance seem to be at hyper-speed. Her stories are always sensual with a little naughty twist on occasions. To use a makeup term, Jenny’s stories are ‘your life but better’ – they’re believable, yet give the reader that sense of escape.

Second Chance Island is set in an idyllic tropical paradise – an island off Queensland, show more Australia. It’s a picture perfect spot to relax and to explore the stunning wildlife on the reef. Laura, our heroine (with a brain – she’s a marine biologist), enjoys taking tourists out to show them the sights but inside she’s hurting. She lost her job due to government cuts and she still feels that she betrayed her first love, Phil with a jealous streak of behaviour. When Phil turns up on the island, Laura really doesn’t know what to do. She still holds a candle for him, but feels that her betrayal was too great for him to forgive. Phil, now with a successful Hollywood movie under his belt (it’s not what you think – it’s way cooler), wants to reconnect with Laura. And reconnect they do…

This story of love reunited is simply gorgeous – I loved the way Phil cared deeply for Laura and how he was more than willing to go at her pace. The big reveal of the betrayal was well done in the way it showed Laura’s remorse (I wanted to stick my hand through the Kindle to tell her it was going to be okay) and Phil’s love. Phil was adorable and how he set up Laura to help her regain her self-esteem was funny and clever. He’s a keeper!

If you want a sweet with a little sexy novella to recapture the summer feeling, do check out Second Chance Island. It’s a real gem.

Thank you to Escape Publishing for the eARC. I also know the author, but neither of these have affected my judgement of this book. It's simply great.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com show less