Rating: 4 stars

Format: E-Book/Audiobook

Genre: Historical fiction, fantasy, sapphic romance

Alexa, play Triple Dog Dare by Lucy Dacus…

In a lot of ways this book reminded me of The Frozen River, which I adored. The wintry atmosphere, the drama and gossip of a small, close-knit town, the headstrong and capable midwife who gets into trouble by advocating for the women she helps. 

I loved Jean’s characterization and the relationships she built with the other characters. There was mystery and tension as Jean, alongside the audience, learns more and more about Muirin and her story. I loved how language was used as a narrative tool that both highlighted Muirin’s oppression by Tobias but also signified her opening up and becoming closer with Jean as she learned more English. Also the sapphic yearning??????? *Chefs kiss*

I do wish some of the fantasy elements had been woven in throughout the story instead of just being dumped on you at the end, but I still enjoyed the reveals and explanations that were given. The pacing is pretty slow but I didn’t mind it at all. The atmospheric prose and tension were enough to keep me interested.