Che-Michelle Tales

Another 5 out of 5 Books for 2023!

Book: The Princess of Thornwood Drive

Author: Khalia Moreau

Published: November 2023

Wine Choice:  King Maui Cellar Reserve Sauvignon Blanc/ or a local coffee shop drink

Stand Alone, Series, or Other: Stand Alone

Type of book: Novel

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Contemporary

Rating: 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷/☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

*Trigger warning: though not discussed in this review, this book does talk about sexual assault, healthcare abuse, and other serious topics. The author does an excellent job writing about the topic. *

How did I end up reading “The Princess of Thornwood Drive”? Well, I was trying to complete the Last Kindle Challenge of 2023. Here is another post about me and trying to get a Kindle Unlimited badge. One challenge was reading a Best of “2023” book. A few books on the list looked okay, but nothing grabbed me until I read the snippet of two sisters trapped on opposite sides of reality 🤔. My interest was piqued, so I splurged and spent money. Can I say this book is worth every penny I spent? YES!! The book opens with a day in the life of Laine, the older sister, who cares for her younger sister, Alyssa. We are not talking about a simple wake-up to get ready for school, but full-out caregiver, meaning washing the person, combing her sister’s hair, and taking her to a day center. Alyssa suffered a traumatic brain injury. As the book unfolds, you see the world through Laine and Alyssa’s eyes. Laine is struggling to be an adult without help, and society is treating her like beneath them versus helping her. I am convinced because she is biracial, and people are being extra nasty to her. A young woman being biracial in a world full of bias and racism does not help; while dealing with grief and lack of support, I do not know how she did not give up each day. Sorry, I digress, but Laine is struggling and only finding small amounts of help from very few people. Most people are quick to tell her she has a bad attitude or she is a bitch. I want to point out that if you are 22, taking care of your family member FULL-TIME with no real help! She is doing this all on her own, and lack of sleep, along with grief. No, she is doing the best she can with only state support.

*As someone who aided a caregiver while caring for a relative, at no point did Laine spoil or a B! tch. Laine was remarkable and managed anxiety, depression, and grief way better than most.

On the other side, we learn about Alyssa, who either created or is in a fantasy world, as she tries to find her family to help Laine and set herself free from her curse. There are moments when Alyssa acts like a younger sister. She blames Laine for not listening and wanting to protect Laine from evil people trying to destroy the kingdom. The author reminds the reader that she is a teenager coping with her situation and is frustrated. The author does a beautiful job highlighting Alyssa’s personality through the fantasy world and still maintaining parts of her reality within her created fantasy world. In Mirendal, Alyssa is bold, curious, Brave, and diligent in breaking the curse and saving her family.

As the story develops, nothing is what it seems. You find out some of Laine’s decisions from her past haunt her, but she also finds allies that offer assistance and aid while she tries to be a primary caregiver. If you can read an excellent, beautifully written, creative book, PLEASE put it on your 2024 reading list. Put this book on your list! You will cheer for Alyssa, pray for Laine, and realize that more people are in your corner than you will ever know.

Did I drink anything while reading this book? Unfortunately, No. It took me four days to read this book. Due to a scene in the book, I would not drink with the book. There is a scene with red wine, and I am side-eyeing a character cause Laine got sick way too fast from pasta and wine! If I reread this book, I would love to drink King Maui Cellar Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc while chilling at home. It is one of my favorite wines; it has a vibrant background with tropical fruit notes. It reminds me of the innocence of Alyssa, with a bit that is a part of Laine’s spunky personality. Now, if I had to have a coffee drink, in honor of Laine working at a coffee shop, I would go to a neighborhood coffee shop (not Starbucks!) I would order a signature drink from that coffee shop. Pick one and support local and tip!

If you are in Baltimore, go check out Black Arce Roastery. Depending on the day you go, ask for the Cherry Cordial Hot chocolate or the Salt Bae! You can check out this review from Black Food Fridays! https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzpVH46OExV/?igsh=MTBtdTQ0ZGJwYm5qaw==

Better yet, get the Sweetie Pie. CAne Collective Sweet potato syrup, espresso, milk, and maple whipped cream. All of these are delicious and wonderful and would be a fantastic way to stay focused on the adventures and daily life of the two sisters as they try to support each other in their own ways.

I hope you enjoyed this review! Read this book! It is impressive, and for it to be Khalia Moreau’s debut book! This was a home run, and I am ready to see her next book. Five out of Five Wine Glasses or Five out of Five Caramel Lattes!

P.S. If you want to order the syrup/drink mixes from CAne Collective, https://www.canecollective.com/.

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle