Book Review: “Until I Came Home: A Sunset’s Journal” by Russell Earle

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Rating: 5 stars

Headline: Until I Came Home is a must for anyone planning to explore South America by backpack

Review:

Penned by South Caroline State University graduate, now Computer Scientist, Russell J. Earle Jr., Until I Came Home: A Sunset’s Journal is a memoir made for any reader looking for their next 300 page adventure hit.

The memoir makes the clever approach of starting at the end, with the author reflecting on his tatty shoes, overgrown hair and the flags snitched onto the top part of his book bag as the proud mementos of all the countries he has visited in South America. Almost battle weary, he is ready to return to his home in North America. For the readers it then becomes all the more interesting to see how the narrator has got to such a position. From this scene the book snaps straight back into the past, where Earle is spending his evenings researching ways to tell his boss he is quitting his job to travel around the southern continent.

Following this interesting hook of an opener, Until I Came Home takes readers through the journeys and experiences Earle has while making his way through a multitude of different cultures including Venezuela, Columbia and Peru. Dealing with the expected language barrier is just the start of his challenges! Readers can expect to see, live and feel a multitude of different locations and characters, including the highs and lows. All this, and in such vivid detail as if they were walking alongside the author every step of the way.

It is very hard to find fault with this book, the writing quality and pacing for a travel memoir of its type is executed very well, by an author with all the skills and background in creative writing. The fact that Earle is not afraid to shy away from conveying the challenges he faced (such as breaking news to his family of his desire to travel and conversely his relief to be returning home at the end of the experience), it all adds up to show the measure and breadth of the author himself. A complex character that grows, changes and adapts to the real-world situations he is placed in. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and sets the tone perfectly for what is to follow.

A must for anyone planning to following in the author’s footsteps and explore South America by backpack, Until I Came Home is a great piece of travel writing and one that makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read, cover to cover. Five stars, simple as.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “Until I Came Home: A Sunset’s Journal” by Russell Earle

Purchase Link: “Until I Came Home: A Sunset’s Journal” by Russell Earle (Amazon)

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There is a place in the world called “Farty” and I am so here for it

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Don’t ask me how, don’t ask me why but the other day I discovered there is a place in the world called Fartygsholmen and in the moment it completely made my evening.

According to Google Maps, Fartygsholmen (or, as I like to shorten it to, “Farty”) is an island off the coast of Finland . Quoting the great Wikipedia:

“The island is located about 17 kilometres southwest of Kotka and about 97 kilometres east of Helsinki. The island covers an area of 0.4 hectares and its maximum length is 90 metres in a southeast-northwest direction.”

Credit: Wikipedia

The icing on the cake? The extremes of the two Google reviews, one of which reads (translated) “A good place to take a break from loved ones” and the other, “HAHA Farty”.

Credit: Google Maps

It’s the little things.

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Book Review: “Everwoven: A Memoir. A Reckoning” by Megan Margherio

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This article was produced following a request from the author to write a fair and honest review for their book.

Rating: 4 stars

Headline: A heartfelt memoir of resilience and transformation, “Everwoven” speaks to readers with delicate poise and consideration

Review:

Penned by debut author Megan Margherio, Everwoven: A Memoir. A Reckoning (hereafter Everwoven) is a first person account of the author’s life, from her formative years, through to her thirties. Blending the genres of memoir and creative storytelling, Margherio states the intention of her work succinctly in her opening introduction. “Everything you read [in Everwoven] is my truth, my reclamation,” she says, “but I intentionally crafted this story to allow you to feel, rather than simply observe, what happened.”

Beginning in a small American Midwestern town of circa 55 people, the opening chapters of Everwoven makes for what is, at points, a heart breaking read of a child recounting alleged abused at the hands of those she trusted most. It is a saddening tale only deepened by the author’s realisation some years later that the family’s main source of income came from running a puppy farm. From here, the narrative moves onto first jobs, careers in the hospital Emergency Room (ER), and the many forms of love, including loss and heartbreak. This, before eventually detailing the author’s rebirth and her optimism in what lies ahead.

The memoir is structured differently to many titles in this genre of non-fiction, in that there are conventional sections where the author recounts her life growing up, paired with sections where the author interacts with younger versions of herself in the third person. The below example from page 14 demonstrates how this plays out within the context of the memoir:

“Are you there, Little Me?” I hold my breath, hoping.
Silence.
But I feel her. I know she’s there, hovering just beyond my awareness.
Watching.
“I know you’re there. The air thickens when you’re near. I can hear
your breath—small, quiet, waiting.”
[…]
A whisper. Sharp. Skeptical. “You always say that.”

It is certainly a different approach to writing a memoir and for some it might take a chapter or two to get into the swing of it. Sections like these alter the tempo and tone of voice from something very direct and factual, to something more softly spoken (and, dare I say it, novel-ish in approach).

Coming in at 377 pages, cover to cover, Everwoven is a book best absorbed in chunks, especially given some of the challenging themes it tackles head-on. As memoirs go Everwoven is by no means an easy read and, to some, the darkened content might be a bridge too far. However for those who take heart in a memoir filled with sparks of joy and uplift, there is much to be commended here.

While there are always two sides to every story, Margherio’s characterisation of the significant people in her life allows a deeper understanding and connection to the figures in the author’s life, including those of her younger self. With this, Margherio has been able to perform something striking, transforming the bitter bile of the past into the sweetened honey of hope.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Purchase Link: “Everwoven: A Memoir. A Reckoning” by Megan Margherio

Author’s Social Media: @megan_margherio on Instagram and TikTok

Author Website: meganmargherio.com

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The Writers College Prize

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A little bit of writing news. Out of nearly 700 entrants to The Writers College prize (based in New Zealand), I’m thrilled to have gotten honours for my Soviet-era short story, “Laika”.

Full list of winners can be found here.

While this does not count as a prize-winning or placed story, it is a bit of positive feedback (and that is never a bad thing).

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Poetry Review: “2 AM: Thoughts in the Quiet After” by Lianna Peryer

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Rating: 4 stars

Headline: Penned with cutting raw emotion, Peryer’s collection explores themes of lust and loss with maximum impact

Review:

Penned by York psychology graduate, now Norfolk-based writer, Lianna Peryer, 2 Am: Thoughts in the Quiet After is a poetry and prose collection with a heavy focus on themes of lust, loss and learning. Over this collection’s 55 pages, Peryer explores the emotional fallout in the wake of traumatic events, utilising different poetic forms and sections of prose to try and make sense of the world around her. It is a collection that delves into some difficult and, at times, troubling content, and feels very true to brand for an author who simultaneously enjoys the darkness of true crime alongside the fun and joy of baking.

While this collection contains a trigger warning at the end of the book, it is worth noting that 2 Am: Thoughts in the Quiet After explores themes including that of depression, anxiety and eating disorders to name but three of the seven self-identified by the author. This list may have been better placed at the start of the book, before the first poem commences, however at least the author has the self-awareness to note them for her readers.

Personal highlights of Peryer’s work within this collection include “Shattered Art”, “The Sparrow” and “The Quiet Truth of Death in the ICU”. Personal highlights may the wrong term, given the bitter sweet and dark nature often contained in Peryer’s work, but these three struck a cord for their observational commentary on life, living and death.

Regardless of personal preference, the writing quality across every poem and section o prose is of a high standard and succeeds in its ability to draw the reader in to the worldbuilding and storytelling of Peryer’s lived experiences. It marries perfectly with the simple line drawn cover design, an image that lures readers in with a sense of security, maybe even seduction, to deliver a sucker-punch of raw emotion. A bit more light in a predominantly dark collection would have been a welcome addition, however sometimes that is easier said than done and maybe something that will be reflection in any subsequent publications Peryer turns to.

Turning to the pen to regain control of one’s mental health and make sense of traumatic events is not something many would dare approach, yet Peryer has more than succeeded in the publication of this collection. Cover to cover, 2 Am: Thoughts in the Quiet After oozes in raw and unashamedly gritty emotion, a unique skillset that is so rarely mastered by writers, let alone poets. As a British reader, reviewing a British-penned collection, it is a privilege to have been given a glimpse into Peryer’s life and growth.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – 2 AM: Thoughts in the Quiet After by Lianna Peryer

Purchase Link: 2 AM: Thoughts in the Quiet After by Lianna Peryer (Amazon)

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Book Review: “Keeping the Countess” by Lille Moore

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Rating: 4 stars

Headline: Moore’s debut novel blends historical fiction, romance and mystery effortlessly

Review:

The debut publication from Texan-based author Lille Moore, Keeping the Countess blends the best of multiple writing genres, Historical Fiction, Romance with a strong thread of Mystery weaving the story altogether.

Set in Cumbria (England) in 1878, the story is very reminiscent to that of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, with a switch in gender for the leading roles. When the Rochford estate faces financial jeopardy on account of the vices of Lord Rochford, Lady Faith Rochford steps in to try and save the future of the estate by securing tuition for the Lord’s sole legitimate son, Adam. The seemingly pious Reverend Jonah Sinclair was not her first choice of teacher, but with money in limited supply and a child who is intended for the hights of higher education, Jonah will have to do.

It is not just the human owners who have their cracks. Despite first appearances Jonah’s new home, the once grand Ravenglass Hall, is harbouring many secrets of its own. While teaching the young heir, Jonah is also embarking on a secret quest of his own, to track down the person who murdered his father and bring them to justice. As Faith and Jonah find themselves drifting closer and closer together, it would seem their forbidden love is not the only secret at risk of breaking free.

This 331 page novel centres around its two protagonists, their blossoming relationship and Jonah’s quest to find answers to his father’s murder. This hits all the beats of a classic nineteenth century gothic novel, complete with its characters who all have their faults and chips on their shoulder. This sits nicely along the dramatic scene setting and the moody climate of Cumbria.

As far as storylines go, Keeping the Countess personally feels a bit too close to Jane Eyre. The idea of forbidden love between an upper-class Lady and a lower-class figure being brought in to educate the child of said faulted aristocracy (who also live in a crumbling estate) is not a particularly new idea, be it a gender-switch. While the mystery subplot provides interest and intrigue, the originally can feel a little overshadowed at times.

As a piece of historical romance, Keeping the Countess ticks many boxes of a successful publication. The writing is of a strong standard and the cover attractively designed for the story and audience it is targeting. Given this is currently listed online as book 1 of the “Damsels in Disguise” series, it will be very interesting to see where Moore goes next with her writing career.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “Keeping the Countess” by Lille Moore

Purchase Link: “Keeping the Countess” by Lille Moore (Amazon)

Author Website: https://lillemoore.com/

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Book Review: “Gwendolyn and Eddie” by Michael Seabaugh

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Rating: 5 stars

Headline: A novel that bursts at the seams with bold and colourful personalities and the unexpected antics that come with it

Review:

Written by author Michael Seabaugh, Gwendolyn and Eddie starts its tale in 1957 and finishes in 2016, taking readers across seven decades of its fabulous protagonist, Gwendolyn, as she navigates through life with a capuchin monkey named Eddie. Tumbling into Gwendolyn’s life as a drunken prize won at a game of poker by her equally intoxicated husband, Eddie the monkey quickly becomes an unlikely council to Gwendolyn as she experiences personal highs and lows. All this, set against a turbulent political background of homophobia, racism, and the movement for women’s rights. As perfectly summarised by the author himself, Sabaugh writes, “the story of Gwendolyn and Eddie is ultimately about cages—the ones we are born into, those we construct for ourselves, and the ones we impose on those we love.”

Coming in at 280 pages, cover to cover, Gwendolyn and Eddie is a well constructed book, with a plot that has lends itself to its two striking leads. Gwendolyn is far from perfect, however her relationship with an unpredictable monkey is both unusual and is what will keep readers hooked until the very end. Secondary characters also add three dimensional layers to the story, and often in areas that add greater insight into the actions of Gwendolyn and Eddie within the world they live in.

The story tackles many challenging topics, and demonstrates a careful level of research into the scene setting and political turbulence of America in the latter half of the twentieth century. And while some elements of the story follow a predictable path, there still maintains many twists and turns to engage adult readers of all forms of contemporary fiction set in a bygone age.

As an author, Seabaugh’s skill with the pen radiates across every chapter, making Gwendolyn and Eddie a must read for 2025. With a beautiful cover to match, there is little to find fault with when it comes to this charming story of a woman and an excitable monkey. It is a novel packed full of bold and colourful personalities, and the unexpected antics that come with it.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “Gwendolyn & Eddie” by Michael Seabaugh

Purchase Link: “Gwendolyn & Eddie” by Michael Seabaugh (Amazon)

Author Website: https://michaelseabaughbooks.com/

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Happy Christmas 2025!

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Wishing all of my readers a very merry Christmas! As is tradition, I’ll be uploading a couple of book reviews over this festive period while I spend time relaxing and celebrating the season of goodwill with family, friends and a pint-and-a-half of Baileys.

Merry Christmas! AEB x

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December Happenings 2025

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A summary of December and all the delights of the Christmas aisle.

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Book Review: “Vatican Daughter” by Joni Iraci

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Rating: 5 stars

Headline: A cat and mouse thriller, filled with lots of twists and turns that will keep you hooked until the very last page

Review:

Vatican Daughter is the new suspense thriller from American author Joni Iraci. Set predominantly in Italy, with brief nods to the cultures of New York City and Magallanes (Chile), the story follows the plight of Sophia as she searches, far and wide, for her long lost daughter Nevaeh. The twist to this tale is that the young Nevaeh is alive and well, secretly living a sheltered life behind the walls of Vatican City under the care of the Cardinal brotherhood. Unknown to Nevaeh, her true father is the pope himself, the American Papa Joseph (cue dramatic dun, dun, duuun!)

When talking about her inspiration for this 274 page novel, Iraci notes the true story of papal kidnappings of Jewish children in 1859. It is why it is also interesting to see this story to hop between different points of view, allowing readers to get close and personal to Sophia’s plight, while also following in the footsteps of Papa Joseph and the internal politics of Vatican City as senior member try to grapple with the situation. Papa Joseph cares of only one thing, stopping Sophia. The implications of either character failing their mission is clear-cut which makes Vatican Daughter very much a cat and mouse thriller, with all the twists and turns that keep readers hooked until the very last page.

The book is a great read, with well developed characters across the board. You get absorbed in the internal conflicts of many of the secondary players alongside the headline cast. Sophia represents a strong female lead who shows incredible strength and determination regardless of the setback. Scene setting also strikes a perfect balance between world building and description dumps, providing an immersive reading experience where readers can absorb all the sights, smells and tastes of the places where the characters are placed.

The fact that Iraci drops the bombshell of Nevaeh’s parentage in the opening chapter perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the book. There is no drawn out delay to the discovery, no intention of using this to boost a saggy middle. Readers learn this alongside Cardinal Roselli in the famous “Crying Room” beyond the Sistine Chapel, moments before Joseph adopts the papacy. This is a bold and clever move, hooking readers from the very first page.

A suspenseful thriller, in every sense.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – Book Review: “Vatican Daughter” by Joni Iraci

Purchase Link: Book Review: “Vatican Daughter” by Joni Iraci (Amazon)

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