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Midlife Recorder #2
Painting the Blues in Gretna Green
My powers are growing, and my tolerance is low. My second week in my new role as the Gretna Green Recorder is making the first week look relaxing.
I have quite the to-do list.
✅ Fix a thousand-year-old injustice that threatens the future of the Pictish royal family and their realm? Check.
✅ Test my new Knight Adjutant candidates? Check.
✅ Discover one of those candidates is the guy I had a huge crush on when I was twelve? Oh yeah. Check.
❌ Feed the cat? No, she's not hungry—which is worrying, very worrying.
❓ Prevent a bloodbath? Let's freaking hope so.
Niki McKnight is settling in as the new Recorder in the Gretna Gateway in Scotland. She's joined by the usual colourful cast of Celtic, Fae and animal characters and some new Pict ones.
Magic, psychic powers, a cat goddess, lots of coffee and making her gran proud by reminding everyone that kings and queens are ten-a-penny in the seven realms, but there is ONLY one Recorder.
Painting the Blues in Gretna Green is perfect for readers who’d enjoy an uplifting story with cozy paranormal fantasy elements. Set in a sentient Scottish house with a woman who wants to use the voice she discovered she had and wield her increased powers.
I have quite the to-do list.
✅ Fix a thousand-year-old injustice that threatens the future of the Pictish royal family and their realm? Check.
✅ Test my new Knight Adjutant candidates? Check.
✅ Discover one of those candidates is the guy I had a huge crush on when I was twelve? Oh yeah. Check.
❌ Feed the cat? No, she's not hungry—which is worrying, very worrying.
❓ Prevent a bloodbath? Let's freaking hope so.
Niki McKnight is settling in as the new Recorder in the Gretna Gateway in Scotland. She's joined by the usual colourful cast of Celtic, Fae and animal characters and some new Pict ones.
Magic, psychic powers, a cat goddess, lots of coffee and making her gran proud by reminding everyone that kings and queens are ten-a-penny in the seven realms, but there is ONLY one Recorder.
Painting the Blues in Gretna Green is perfect for readers who’d enjoy an uplifting story with cozy paranormal fantasy elements. Set in a sentient Scottish house with a woman who wants to use the voice she discovered she had and wield her increased powers.
584 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2022
1442 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
August 23, 2024
4.5/5.0
I just realized, I’m not reading this book and series way into the night because I can’t put it down, but because I don’t want to put it down! It is just so wonderful and lovely and heart-warming and fun that I completely lose myself in it and never look up until my eyes are aching and drifting down!
I just realized, I’m not reading this book and series way into the night because I can’t put it down, but because I don’t want to put it down! It is just so wonderful and lovely and heart-warming and fun that I completely lose myself in it and never look up until my eyes are aching and drifting down!
August 4, 2024
I am just loving this series. I mean, I can't put it down.
I've added the "cozy" tag because it has a little of that vibe - some slice of life, warm fuzzy, character-driven storytelling. Not to say there aren't arcs, and that each book doesn't feel satisfying in itself, because they do. But the overall story is the core, and I just love it.
I've added the "cozy" tag because it has a little of that vibe - some slice of life, warm fuzzy, character-driven storytelling. Not to say there aren't arcs, and that each book doesn't feel satisfying in itself, because they do. But the overall story is the core, and I just love it.
November 15, 2022
I was lucky enough to be an Advanced Reader for this book and loved it just as much as the first. Still loving all of the eccentric characters, most especially Dola and HRH. Loved getting to walk through the blue door in the Gateway and see the Pict realm. Looking forward to walking through those other doors in future books.
January 16, 2024
Interesting idea but for me it moved into a lot of Telling. Convenient outcomes, current day mixed with magic, and I rally struggled to finish it. Just not for me, I'm sure others will like it.
January 20, 2025
great world building and characters. i started to really get a feel for how the general scheme of things worked in this book and actually enjoyed it (though i was confused for a solid 25% of it). i think the world/plot is really original. the author actually gives her characters motivations for the things they do which is nice
the writing still isn’t any better but i found it more confusing in this book mixed with the plot. the ending with all the time travel and the vikings had me kinda lost on how and why it was happening but at least i understood what was happening
favorite character still was dola though i liked finn a lot. also niki lowkey grew on me
the writing still isn’t any better but i found it more confusing in this book mixed with the plot. the ending with all the time travel and the vikings had me kinda lost on how and why it was happening but at least i understood what was happening
favorite character still was dola though i liked finn a lot. also niki lowkey grew on me
September 29, 2024
Between 3.5 stars at times to 4.5 stars, I settled on 4. These are easy reads but I feel like the author has a talent for leading us to trouble and then having a clever way to resolve it. Talented. The world building is a lot to remember but worth it. I am not in love with this series but am enjoying it!
These books are long! Probably shouldn't have assumed they would go quick since it was a series, I need to meet my goal for 2024! Behind, I am. :) If you have read these books, you understand.
Spoilers & Highlights:
Yes- this is a little more spelled out that she is on to him- and its a spoiler of things to come I think.
"Yet another man who had a look of King Troels about him. Had Troels impregnated every woman who stood still around him?"
Its really icky though.
HRH?
"I didn’t know whether to be pleased or outraged that none of these people seemed to have anything better to do than place bets with HRH on my progress."
One rant - what is a cat doing betting for money? What does said cat/god do with currency? Go to the bank? Want gold coins? This whole line is strange to me.
"Everyone kept saying how strong Agnes was, but it didn’t mean I wanted to be like her. No one ever said how wise she was, did they? Strength wasn’t everything."
AMEN
These helpful book tidbits:
"It’s vital to lead your subjects farther and faster than they wish to go. But do so with caution and wit. If no one follows, you are not leading. You’re merely a monarch who takes too-frequent strolls alone."
This pretty much sums it up:
“Because I’m new in my role, I bring a fresh perspective. What I’m seeing almost everywhere I’ve looked so far is at least 500 years of cock-ups and fusterclucks.”
These books are long! Probably shouldn't have assumed they would go quick since it was a series, I need to meet my goal for 2024! Behind, I am. :) If you have read these books, you understand.
Spoilers & Highlights:
Yes- this is a little more spelled out that she is on to him- and its a spoiler of things to come I think.
"Yet another man who had a look of King Troels about him. Had Troels impregnated every woman who stood still around him?"
Its really icky though.
HRH?
"I didn’t know whether to be pleased or outraged that none of these people seemed to have anything better to do than place bets with HRH on my progress."
One rant - what is a cat doing betting for money? What does said cat/god do with currency? Go to the bank? Want gold coins? This whole line is strange to me.
"Everyone kept saying how strong Agnes was, but it didn’t mean I wanted to be like her. No one ever said how wise she was, did they? Strength wasn’t everything."
AMEN
These helpful book tidbits:
"It’s vital to lead your subjects farther and faster than they wish to go. But do so with caution and wit. If no one follows, you are not leading. You’re merely a monarch who takes too-frequent strolls alone."
This pretty much sums it up:
“Because I’m new in my role, I bring a fresh perspective. What I’m seeing almost everywhere I’ve looked so far is at least 500 years of cock-ups and fusterclucks.”
March 5, 2025
A great second book in the series
4.5 stars…there is significant improvement in this book from book one in terms of the pace of the story arc and the plot. We meet some new people, Niki learns more about her powers and her role, political intrigue needs to be dealt with and disaster averted, and Nike needs to assert herself as The Recorder.
This book had much more to hold me attention and keep me hooked. It only slowed down a bit in a couple spots; a significant improvement over book one! It looks like we might have love interests for both Niki and Alysha.
I’m excited to see what comes next in the series.
4.5 stars…there is significant improvement in this book from book one in terms of the pace of the story arc and the plot. We meet some new people, Niki learns more about her powers and her role, political intrigue needs to be dealt with and disaster averted, and Nike needs to assert herself as The Recorder.
This book had much more to hold me attention and keep me hooked. It only slowed down a bit in a couple spots; a significant improvement over book one! It looks like we might have love interests for both Niki and Alysha.
I’m excited to see what comes next in the series.
February 11, 2024
The Rainbow Gateway is probably not what you think.
Really enjoying this series. Lots of threads have been dropped for future books, and the plotting is great. Doesn't hurt that our heroine just reads.like a real person you'd want to befriend. Linzi Day may be my new favorite author.
Really enjoying this series. Lots of threads have been dropped for future books, and the plotting is great. Doesn't hurt that our heroine just reads.like a real person you'd want to befriend. Linzi Day may be my new favorite author.
November 24, 2022
Another enjoyable book in this series.
January 25, 2025
Lovely, didn't want to put this one down, I'm jealous of Niki's house lol
January 30, 2023
Compulsive reading, should have a warning: do not start reading this book unless you have several hours free. Rarely do I find myself so totally immersed in a book. Loved everything about it
November 20, 2022
Brilliant!!
On what a fabulous book!! Such superb writing, wonderful characters and a beautiful world has been created here. Linzi you are now most definitely one of my top 5 authors. I love the writing style. The humour is subtle and very funny. Thanks for deciding to write these books, I was so excited to see there will be at least 3 more!
If you like this genre please give these books a go, I'm positive you won't be disappointed. 😊
On what a fabulous book!! Such superb writing, wonderful characters and a beautiful world has been created here. Linzi you are now most definitely one of my top 5 authors. I love the writing style. The humour is subtle and very funny. Thanks for deciding to write these books, I was so excited to see there will be at least 3 more!
If you like this genre please give these books a go, I'm positive you won't be disappointed. 😊
November 10, 2022
Awesome series!
So glad I decided to branch out and give new (to me) authors a try. Linzi Day is a master at her craft. She has created a world that blends the human world with the paranormal realm. Her characters and plots run a full gamut of adventure and intrigue. Her unique storylines are laced with romance and humor. Day deftly builds intricate layers with twists and turns grabbing hold of your imagination all while stoking the quest for further adventure. I highly recommend and urge you to read this series.
So glad I decided to branch out and give new (to me) authors a try. Linzi Day is a master at her craft. She has created a world that blends the human world with the paranormal realm. Her characters and plots run a full gamut of adventure and intrigue. Her unique storylines are laced with romance and humor. Day deftly builds intricate layers with twists and turns grabbing hold of your imagination all while stoking the quest for further adventure. I highly recommend and urge you to read this series.
April 20, 2024
3.5 stars, rounding up
Full of fun, action, adventure, but also real moments of learning to deal with.. things...
Having to face up to Mabon and Ad'Rian reminded me a bit of Neville and the "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." :)
I love that they're all so wonderfully complex and three dimensional, including their flaws.
Although there were a few times where it seemed like she was being willfully dense, obtuse, stupid... it took her a while to pull back from "behaving like every idiotic female lead in a movie..." (I'll admit I've been known to yell at a TV/Kindle screen a time or two...).
It was also fun and interesting to start delving into the different realms or catching little tidbits of what might still be to come..
The one thing I did NOT like at all was the addition of "Prince Dafydd". He seems alright on his own, but as a supposed romantic interest.. ugh. honestly, they just made me gag, repeatedly and in terms of storytelling, I felt they detracted from the overall story rather than add to it.
Ok, honestly, there were a lot of other things that kept bugging me, but I'm trying to keep shtumm for know.
Full of fun, action, adventure, but also real moments of learning to deal with.. things...
Having to face up to Mabon and Ad'Rian reminded me a bit of Neville and the "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." :)
I love that they're all so wonderfully complex and three dimensional, including their flaws.
Although there were a few times where it seemed like she was being willfully dense, obtuse, stupid... it took her a while to pull back from "behaving like every idiotic female lead in a movie..." (I'll admit I've been known to yell at a TV/Kindle screen a time or two...).
It was also fun and interesting to start delving into the different realms or catching little tidbits of what might still be to come..
The one thing I did NOT like at all was the addition of "Prince Dafydd". He seems alright on his own, but as a supposed romantic interest.. ugh. honestly, they just made me gag, repeatedly and in terms of storytelling, I felt they detracted from the overall story rather than add to it.
Ok, honestly, there were a lot of other things that kept bugging me, but I'm trying to keep shtumm for know.
March 10, 2024
Actually, this series is not a series, but 1 book cut into parts. It blends together seamlessly.
Cozy fantasy, but also some down points.
A lot of repetition of the issues at hand. Lots of repetition of mistakes being made. Conclusions repeat; (self) criticism repeats, MC is often 'missing something'. Occasional bizarre duplicity.
The MC is in her 40s, but often reads like a combination adolescent and grandmother.
This actually made me just not quite get into it.
And even now, still no answers to questions from the first volume like: why was dreaming about Bone Man Andrews negative? Why did Bone Man know the name of the house but had never told anyone?
However, it's difficult to put this book down once started!
Cozy fantasy, but also some down points.
A lot of repetition of the issues at hand. Lots of repetition of mistakes being made. Conclusions repeat; (self) criticism repeats, MC is often 'missing something'. Occasional bizarre duplicity.
The MC is in her 40s, but often reads like a combination adolescent and grandmother.
This actually made me just not quite get into it.
And even now, still no answers to questions from the first volume like: why was dreaming about Bone Man Andrews negative? Why did Bone Man know the name of the house but had never told anyone?
However, it's difficult to put this book down once started!
January 17, 2024
This just started making less sense the further I got into it.
September 5, 2024
Painting the Blues in Greta Green
Truly loving this series. It is like having a heartwarming conversation, over coffee, with a great friend. This second book in the series is no exception. Through the authors storytelling you come to feel you know the characters intimately and look forward to visiting with them with each turn of the page.
The story centers around a middle age woman who has inherited more than she initially bargained for. Her past keeps her cautious as she boldly steps up to the challenges thrust upon her . . . Stepping into her power if you will. Her life is filled with magick and new found relationships all of which ultimately bring her great happiness as she settles into her new role. A role which exemplifies power and authority while maintaining a sense of balance and decorum.
Magick is presented in a manner that shows that with thoughtful consideration one can incorporate the ‘good’ of the old ways while bringing it forward into an effective modern approach. Reminders come through the story, that change is inevitable, leaving us the ultimate decision of how we choose to proceed. After all, life is filled with life lessons intended to bring out the best in each of us, should we choose put into practice what we have learned. The characters in this book indeed step up to the challenges they are presented with. The main character, Nikki, leads the way in showing us, life isn’t over when we hit middle age, but only the beginning.
Although I read these books for enjoyment, I feel a sense of myself coming into my own power, through the strength of the characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Truly loving this series. It is like having a heartwarming conversation, over coffee, with a great friend. This second book in the series is no exception. Through the authors storytelling you come to feel you know the characters intimately and look forward to visiting with them with each turn of the page.
The story centers around a middle age woman who has inherited more than she initially bargained for. Her past keeps her cautious as she boldly steps up to the challenges thrust upon her . . . Stepping into her power if you will. Her life is filled with magick and new found relationships all of which ultimately bring her great happiness as she settles into her new role. A role which exemplifies power and authority while maintaining a sense of balance and decorum.
Magick is presented in a manner that shows that with thoughtful consideration one can incorporate the ‘good’ of the old ways while bringing it forward into an effective modern approach. Reminders come through the story, that change is inevitable, leaving us the ultimate decision of how we choose to proceed. After all, life is filled with life lessons intended to bring out the best in each of us, should we choose put into practice what we have learned. The characters in this book indeed step up to the challenges they are presented with. The main character, Nikki, leads the way in showing us, life isn’t over when we hit middle age, but only the beginning.
Although I read these books for enjoyment, I feel a sense of myself coming into my own power, through the strength of the characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 12, 2023
This book takes a long time to get up and running. By 40%, it's only just barely getting to the adjudication of the "injustice" and past the most basic introduction of the adjutant candidates. No spoilers there - the basic description of the book tells us it's about those two things. There's a lot of walking around in this book. Niki walks to the Gateway and back. She walks around a market. She walks to the tavern. While walking around, she has a lot of partial conversations with people. She asks plenty of questions, but rarely gets straight answers, so it takes a long time to get anywhere (literally and figuratively).
Once it finally gets moving, there’s a fair amount of time travel and visions of alternate timelines and letters from the future. It ends up feeling muddled. At least a dozen times, Niki says “I’m missing something” or something “made no sense.” Having a constantly confused FMC leaves the reader feeling frustrated and confused too.
Anyway, it’s an ok book, but way too slow for my taste.
Once it finally gets moving, there’s a fair amount of time travel and visions of alternate timelines and letters from the future. It ends up feeling muddled. At least a dozen times, Niki says “I’m missing something” or something “made no sense.” Having a constantly confused FMC leaves the reader feeling frustrated and confused too.
Anyway, it’s an ok book, but way too slow for my taste.
December 4, 2024
What a fun book!! Starting with Nicki trying her hardest to understand her roll as the new recorder. To understand the magic and her own power, power that only she can wield. But she has help, her grandma's journal for one. Then there's the house a sentient being named Dola and the Book which maybe sentient but is definitely magical too, giving her the answering page to the questions she asks of it. And don't forget HRH... Her Royal Highness, the cat! And all the while trying to save her friends and allies from certain doom. But first she has'ta figure out what people aren't telling her!
Here's a few quotes that amused me:
“Well, of course I have. You have a brain, thumbs and ears, and you appear to be able to use all of them, even at the same time—such a novelty. It’s made a refreshing change around here.”
"...huge mug of black coffee that said, The only good thing about mornings is—they end at lunch"
"it’s riddicculus just riddickulus, and its going to stop"
“POETS, not poetry. It’s a Manchester phrase. It just stands for Push Off Early Tomorrow’s Saturday.”
Here's a few quotes that amused me:
“Well, of course I have. You have a brain, thumbs and ears, and you appear to be able to use all of them, even at the same time—such a novelty. It’s made a refreshing change around here.”
"...huge mug of black coffee that said, The only good thing about mornings is—they end at lunch"
"it’s riddicculus just riddickulus, and its going to stop"
“POETS, not poetry. It’s a Manchester phrase. It just stands for Push Off Early Tomorrow’s Saturday.”
June 13, 2023
Great Plot and Characters
The recorder has come into her power. Now she is anxious to commence work. But unlike most of her predecessors, she wants to make a difference, take a stand, and make life better for the peoples she is responsible for. So, she takes on a case that prior recorders have been turning down for hundreds of years. Only, things are much more convoluted than she thought they would be, and recent violence is putting lives at risk. This story was very interesting. It ultimately involved the monarchs of 4 realms. The story also shows how the recorder gains confidence not only in herself, but the confidence of the monarchs who she will be presiding over. Again, fast pace and more action than in the first book. I loved it. There also appears to be a slowly developing romance. Maybe. We will see in book 3. Does not matter to me, I am in it for the action storylines.
The recorder has come into her power. Now she is anxious to commence work. But unlike most of her predecessors, she wants to make a difference, take a stand, and make life better for the peoples she is responsible for. So, she takes on a case that prior recorders have been turning down for hundreds of years. Only, things are much more convoluted than she thought they would be, and recent violence is putting lives at risk. This story was very interesting. It ultimately involved the monarchs of 4 realms. The story also shows how the recorder gains confidence not only in herself, but the confidence of the monarchs who she will be presiding over. Again, fast pace and more action than in the first book. I loved it. There also appears to be a slowly developing romance. Maybe. We will see in book 3. Does not matter to me, I am in it for the action storylines.
May 1, 2025
I really liked the book. It was long, but it held my interest. What I did not like was having to sign up for the author's newsletter to find out information that should have been part of the story. Reluctantly, I signed up for the newsletter and downloaded the second epilogue in what was supposed to be Kindle format. Instead it was in e-pub format, and I could not open it on my Kindle Fire, the Kindle for Mac app on my computer, or any of my word processing programs. I was finally able to read it in my browser window. Please, Ms. Day, you irritate your readers when you make them sign up for a newsletter just to get full access to your books. Newsletters might be fun for the young folks, but for old fogies like me they are just one more thing cluttering up my inbox! The books are so good. Don't generate ill will. Offer the newsletter to folks who wish to have them, but don't tie them to story elements. Thank you!
July 2, 2023
The author has me in a spell that keeps me enthralled from one book to the next. The more I learn of the "power" from the books, the more delightful they are, especially when new characters are added. The characters are so diverse that I love every one of them. Well, except for the "baddies", of course.
If you have not read any of these books, I would advise you to start on book one. After reading the first book, I immediately started the second one, and finished it today. I've been reading so much that I have to remember to charge my Kindle. Now, it's time to start on the third one, and I hate to wait until I get back to the story, and I am looking forward to the ones that will follow.
I'm not going to give you any of the story, because I don't like "spoilers", so read if for yourself and I think you'll agree.
If you have not read any of these books, I would advise you to start on book one. After reading the first book, I immediately started the second one, and finished it today. I've been reading so much that I have to remember to charge my Kindle. Now, it's time to start on the third one, and I hate to wait until I get back to the story, and I am looking forward to the ones that will follow.
I'm not going to give you any of the story, because I don't like "spoilers", so read if for yourself and I think you'll agree.
August 29, 2023
I really loved this book which is mostly Niki getting used to her new job as a (very powerful) Recorder, hiring staff, dealing with a legal issue, visiting other realms, etc… there’s little real conflict. It’s very cozy and interesting with food descriptions, fun uses of magic, etc… Nothing much happens until the last third of the book and even that is resolved relatively easily. That isn’t at all a complaint- I actually loved how the book was mostly a slice of life of a powerful woman magic user with an awesome sentient house. I loved how Niki is coming into her own power and taking charge in her life and with her relationships.
The book reminded me a little of The Wizard’s Butler (another book I loved!) with its focus on a competent person learning her job and dealing with a legal problem, but this book has way more fun magic!
The book reminded me a little of The Wizard’s Butler (another book I loved!) with its focus on a competent person learning her job and dealing with a legal problem, but this book has way more fun magic!
December 18, 2023
Another excellent read!
I loved book 1 and had high expectations for book 2. I was delighted to discover that my expectations were exceeded! Poor Niki has quite the first few weeks on the job, with steamrolling kings to deal with, a conspiracy to uncover, a royal family to rescue, and a kidnapping to solve. And her first major arbitration, for a conflict that’s only been going on for about a thousand years, give or take. No pressure or anything.
But on the plus side, she has helpers, right? A knight, an assistant, an intern, someone? Anyone? OK, well at least we know Dola is there to make sure her coffee cup is filled and dispatched with wise words.
Finding your own strengths and making sure other people know you’re in charge can be daunting, but Niki has to figure out how to do it now so she can ensure peace in the realms. NBD.
I loved book 1 and had high expectations for book 2. I was delighted to discover that my expectations were exceeded! Poor Niki has quite the first few weeks on the job, with steamrolling kings to deal with, a conspiracy to uncover, a royal family to rescue, and a kidnapping to solve. And her first major arbitration, for a conflict that’s only been going on for about a thousand years, give or take. No pressure or anything.
But on the plus side, she has helpers, right? A knight, an assistant, an intern, someone? Anyone? OK, well at least we know Dola is there to make sure her coffee cup is filled and dispatched with wise words.
Finding your own strengths and making sure other people know you’re in charge can be daunting, but Niki has to figure out how to do it now so she can ensure peace in the realms. NBD.
March 2, 2025
3.75⭐️
I think we will be following the adventures of the Recorder/Niki in a different realm (or to do with a different realm) in each installment from this book on. For now it was the picts. I have to say it was a bit confusing for me to understand what was going on at first and realized it was deliberate as even Niki was floundering at times. We see Niki overcoming almost 5 centuries of inertia. Or at least starting to try and do so. I am still learning how the realms/kingdoms work and how all of them are connected but I am fascinated by all the Recorder is responsible for or has the power to do.
Niki is really coming in to her own and I love that she is able to do so at the young age of 42. I am looking forward to learning more about the bondings she has to do in the next book.
I think we will be following the adventures of the Recorder/Niki in a different realm (or to do with a different realm) in each installment from this book on. For now it was the picts. I have to say it was a bit confusing for me to understand what was going on at first and realized it was deliberate as even Niki was floundering at times. We see Niki overcoming almost 5 centuries of inertia. Or at least starting to try and do so. I am still learning how the realms/kingdoms work and how all of them are connected but I am fascinated by all the Recorder is responsible for or has the power to do.
Niki is really coming in to her own and I love that she is able to do so at the young age of 42. I am looking forward to learning more about the bondings she has to do in the next book.
June 18, 2025
This series continues directly after book one - Niki has taken the mantle of the recorder, and now she's ready to start figuring out just what she's gotten herself into. We met so many people in the book one - the focus in this book is finding the right Knight Adjutant along with resolving issues in the Pictish realm. She begins to understand just how little recorders did for the realms, and with her power upgrade combined with Dola's technological transformations, it's just a matter of where Niki starts to chip away at the many many issues in the realms that need to be dealt with.
I'm in for the long haul - I'm a sucker for a mid-life self reflection book series in an urban fantasy setting. I love the growth Niki brings to Dola and the desire to bring fairness and technology to people who have widely varying levels of comfort with it.
I'm in for the long haul - I'm a sucker for a mid-life self reflection book series in an urban fantasy setting. I love the growth Niki brings to Dola and the desire to bring fairness and technology to people who have widely varying levels of comfort with it.
March 13, 2023
The blues
The second book of Linzi Days that has made me stay up all night reading! When the word "cozy" is shown I think of young women, often witches, coffee shops, hunky sheriffs and a murder. Not this book. This book is about magic, the kind of magic that when a question is posed and the answer is "Magic", no one questions it.
After the death of her no good husband and FINALLY quitting her hated job of 18 years, Nicky finds she's inherited not only her grandmother's home but her job at Gretna Green as Recorder and not the type of Recorder she was expecting ! She finds herself in a World unlike the one she had been living with totally different characters than her old "next door neighbours".
I love this series!
The second book of Linzi Days that has made me stay up all night reading! When the word "cozy" is shown I think of young women, often witches, coffee shops, hunky sheriffs and a murder. Not this book. This book is about magic, the kind of magic that when a question is posed and the answer is "Magic", no one questions it.
After the death of her no good husband and FINALLY quitting her hated job of 18 years, Nicky finds she's inherited not only her grandmother's home but her job at Gretna Green as Recorder and not the type of Recorder she was expecting ! She finds herself in a World unlike the one she had been living with totally different characters than her old "next door neighbours".
I love this series!
September 12, 2023
This book was even better than first one in this series IMHO. Ms. Day seems to have really done her research on holiday and festivals as well as legal and arbitration protocols. The characters are developing organically, and Nikki is becoming truly a strong and independent woman who can handle herself under unusual circumstances. The other characters are also becoming more fleshed out with unique attitudes and quirks as well as their thoughts about "how it should be done" (Nikki was able to straighten that out for now). I love how Dola is becoming an entity onto itself/herself/himself. This book kept me riveted from beginning to end with a smoothly paced plot, intriguing information about the realms and their history and the growth of the characters. I'm on to the next one.
September 30, 2023
Good
Another excellent tale in the world of Niki, the Recorder! This time, Niki has her first arbitration, makes some choices regarding her Knight Adjutant, and deals with some troubles in the realms.
It’s a very entertaining read, with some fascinating characters, and some fun history-mythology blending. The quotes from the book for Monarchs were particularly fun, and I enjoyed seeing Niki grow her spine and take her role by the horns (so to speak).
I’m looking forwards to seeing what mischief HRH gets up to next, and of course I’m really hoping for dragons!
A thoroughly entertaining read, this is a fabulous series for the paranormal women’s fiction fan, and for lovers of urban fantasy, sentient houses, and mysterious otherworlds!
Another excellent tale in the world of Niki, the Recorder! This time, Niki has her first arbitration, makes some choices regarding her Knight Adjutant, and deals with some troubles in the realms.
It’s a very entertaining read, with some fascinating characters, and some fun history-mythology blending. The quotes from the book for Monarchs were particularly fun, and I enjoyed seeing Niki grow her spine and take her role by the horns (so to speak).
I’m looking forwards to seeing what mischief HRH gets up to next, and of course I’m really hoping for dragons!
A thoroughly entertaining read, this is a fabulous series for the paranormal women’s fiction fan, and for lovers of urban fantasy, sentient houses, and mysterious otherworlds!
April 25, 2024
Couldn't put it down!
Here's the thing, I've not really been much of a reader lately, and would struggle to get to the end of a book because I don't have the attention span or I get bored easily. But to my surprise I read book 1 (Midlife in Gretna Green) over a couple of days, and started reading this one as soon as I'd finished it, and have had several very late bedtimes (Book 2 is a long book, but didn't seem so, and I had to keep reading to discover the outcome).
I love the characters and how we see them develop, and as with book 1, it was easy to keep going to the end. I'm hooked, and it's such a wonderful imaginative place to immerse yourself in.
Right, onto book 3 yay! Worried I am though, I'll finish them all soon 😉
Here's the thing, I've not really been much of a reader lately, and would struggle to get to the end of a book because I don't have the attention span or I get bored easily. But to my surprise I read book 1 (Midlife in Gretna Green) over a couple of days, and started reading this one as soon as I'd finished it, and have had several very late bedtimes (Book 2 is a long book, but didn't seem so, and I had to keep reading to discover the outcome).
I love the characters and how we see them develop, and as with book 1, it was easy to keep going to the end. I'm hooked, and it's such a wonderful imaginative place to immerse yourself in.
Right, onto book 3 yay! Worried I am though, I'll finish them all soon 😉
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