When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister is an interesting story about a woman that runs away for the day while deciding whether she wants to go back to herWhen I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister is an interesting story about a woman that runs away for the day while deciding whether she wants to go back to her family. Gigi’s life changed because of the September 11 attacks. She flees her office in Manhattan and brings Harry to her parents’ house. They hardly know each other except seeing each other at the coffee shop by their offices. Years later they run into each other and form a romance. Their relationship is complicated and not always easy, but Harry always knows he wants to be with Gigi. Present day, Gigi is a struggling mother that is having trouble loving her new baby and feels like her husband doesn’t pay attention or help. She is living in London and homesick for New York and missing friends. She decides to run away and go to a hotel. She ignores all her phones calls and texts while getting drunk, watching TV, and deciding what she wants to do next. The book is told alternating between present day and the past telling Gigi and Harry’s story. I enjoyed When I Ran Away while I was struggling and stressed out. Bannister demonstrates that sometimes life is hard and people need time to figure things out. Gigi is a very relatable and realistic character. The reader gets inside Gigi’s head and always knows what she is thinking and why she acts the way she does. I enjoyed watching her and Harry grow together and apart. I really enjoyed this story and think it is the perfect read for those struggling.
Thank you Doubleday and Edelweiss for When I Ran Away.
Eternal by Lisa Scottoline is a beautiful story of World War II in Italy starting with teenagers before the war and lasting decades. I love ScottolineEternal by Lisa Scottoline is a beautiful story of World War II in Italy starting with teenagers before the war and lasting decades. I love Scottoline’s thrillers, so was curious about her writing historical fiction. Eternal is so beautiful, I am shocked it is Scottoline’s first historical fiction novel, and I hope she writes more. The story starts with three best friends that turns into a love triangle. While Elisabetta, Marco, and Sandro are listening to their family’s opinions, Elisabetta is trying to choose between Marco and Sandro. Then, antisemitism and World War II makes its way to Italy changing all of their lives. I loved all of the characters. The characters are very different and their experiences are varied. Sandro is Jewish so has the strongest consequences from the Nazis. The story is emotional, powerful and beautifully written. I highly recommend Eternal to fans of historical fiction and World War II novels.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell, Edoardo Ballerini, and Lisa Scottoline. The narration was great and made this book seem to go by so fast. The narrators really got into the character’s personalities and talked with emotion.
Thank you G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Penguin Random House Audio, and Edelweiss for Eternal.
Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren is a cute romantic comedy about achieving confidence and fighting for what you want. Hollyn doesn’t have a lot of confiYes & I Love You by Roni Loren is a cute romantic comedy about achieving confidence and fighting for what you want. Hollyn doesn’t have a lot of confidence and tries to stay away from most people. She has Tourette ’s syndrome which causes her to think that’s all people see when they look at her. Her best friend is always encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone which causes her to make a new and supportive friend. Jasper, an aspiring actor, starts an improv class and gives Hollyn private lessons to help her with confidence. Their friendship could turn into something more, but then Hollyn’s best friend tells her he still loves her. Who will Hollyn pick? This is a really cute story and I liked how it discussed Tourette’s. This is something I don’t know a lot about, so I found it very interesting to see how Hollyn felt in different. It was also interesting to see how different people reacted to her. Some people were awful but most people were supportive. Jasper wants to be an actor and is working on getting funding to start his own Improv club. He ends up with some difficult choices to make. I really enjoyed Hollyn and Jasper’s characters and their friends were also entertaining and supportive. I really enjoyed Yes & I Love You and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Desiree Ketchum and really enjoyed her narration. I am so glad I chose to listen to this audiobook.
Thank you Dreamscape Media, Sourcebooks Casablance and NetGalley for Yes & I Love You.
Are We There Yet by Kathleen West is a drama filled novel about middle schoolers and their mothers. West pulled me into the story right away and I didAre We There Yet by Kathleen West is a drama filled novel about middle schoolers and their mothers. West pulled me into the story right away and I didn’t want to put the book down. The story is told from multiple perspectives of teenagers and their parents. Three women are best friends until their teenagers start misbehaving and their kids are on opposite sides of an issue. Social media plays a big part of the book, and the children say things they wouldn’t say to someone in person. Social media is turned into a way to share secrets with fake Instagram accounts their parents don’t know about. The parents think they know what is going on by checking their kid’s phones. It was interesting to see how the teenagers interacted and reacted to certain events. Then, the parents reacted very differently. There was a mix of strict parents to more relaxed parents. None of the parents will admit their child is at fault which causes a rift in their friendship. I read as a buddy read and enjoyed our discussion and sharing opinions. I was told from parents of middle schoolers how realistic events in the book were. I recommend Are We There Yet for anyone looking for a drama filled novel about women, teenagers, and parenting.
Thank you Berkley Publishing and Edelweiss for Are We There Yet.
The Happiest Girl in the World is an engaging and intense novel about a gymnast’s journey to the Olympics. All Sera has ever wanted is to go medal at The Happiest Girl in the World is an engaging and intense novel about a gymnast’s journey to the Olympics. All Sera has ever wanted is to go medal at the Olympics. Sera’s mom shares her dream and will do anything to help Sera succeed. Sera’s best friend has been training beside her for years until she reports her doctor for sexual assault. This affects their friendship and Sera has to choose between standing up for her best friend or supporting the sport that she loves. The book follows Sera’s triumphs and failures. The darker side of gymnastics is discussed throughout the book while Sera achieves her dreams. The Happiest Girl in the World is told from the perspectives of Sera and her mother, Charlene. This was the first book I’ve read that mentions the pandemic. It is mentioned briefly at the end. The Happiest Girl in the World is a must read for fans of the Olympics and gymnastics. I felt like I got to learn more about the sport. The Happiest Girl in the World is a story of fighting for your goals and friendship. This book is difficult to read at times but very enjoyable overall.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Frankie Corzo and Mikhaila Aaseng and they both did a great job. They were the perfect voices for Sera and Charlene.
Thank you William Morrow and Harper Audio for The Happiest Girl in the World.
I really enjoyed Killer Content. The story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. The characters are definitely one of the best parts of KillerI really enjoyed Killer Content. The story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. The characters are definitely one of the best parts of Killer Content. Odessa is quirky and relatable. Her aunt offered to pay her to stay at her apartment, but Odessa refused. She decided to get a job as a waitress instead. Her boss makes her do odd jobs that he doesn’t feel like doing like walking his dog. Odessa works had and doesn’t let this bother her. Odessa doesn’t fit in with most of her coworkers and even when she hears them making fun of her, she is still nice to them. When Bethany dies, she will do anything to find out what actually happened even when people try to convince her to give up. When another coworker she hardly knows needs somewhere to stay, she breaks her aunt’s rules and lets Izzy move in. Izzy and Odessa quickly develop a friendship. Izzy tries to be a good house guest by cooking and cleaning for Odessa. Bethany is an interesting character. Odessa discovers many things about Bethany during her search. Odessa is put in some interesting situations that are very entertaining.
Thank you Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and Edelweiss for Killer Content.
I LOVED The Lost Apothecary. From the very beginning I was drawn into Nella and Caroline’s stories. The past and present intertwine in this great noveI LOVED The Lost Apothecary. From the very beginning I was drawn into Nella and Caroline’s stories. The past and present intertwine in this great novel. The chapters alternate between Nella and Caroline’s stories. These characters are complex and trying to do the best they can. Nella is trying to help women especially her new friend Eliza. Caroline is trying to decide what makes her happy. The Lost Apothecary shows how far some women would go to rebel against a man’s world. I loved how unique this story was and highly recommend The Lost Apothecary.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, and Lauren Irwin. All narrators did a great job and provided the perfect voices for the characters. I thought the narration added to the story and I’m so glad I listened to The Lost Apothecary.
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing, Harper Audio, Harlequin Audio, Park Row, NetGalley, and Edelweiss for The Lost Apothecary.
I enjoyed Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry. The story is interesting, and I liked how race was discussed in this book. Quinn starts the story without any blI enjoyed Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry. The story is interesting, and I liked how race was discussed in this book. Quinn starts the story without any black friends. Throughout the book she makes some black friends and talks about how nice it is to have friends that understand what you are going through. Quinn has made a lot of mistakes and all of them are written in her notebook. However, I still really liked Quinn. She is trying to do her best and make everyone happy. I liked reading about her trying to get her notebook back before all her secrets are revealed. She turned to some unlikely allies and developed new friendships.
Thank you Harper Teen, Harper Collins, NetGalley and Edelweiss for Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry. ...more
The Girl Least Likely by Katy Loutzenhiser is a cute young adult romance about not fitting in. Gretchen has always seen herself as the girl least likeThe Girl Least Likely by Katy Loutzenhiser is a cute young adult romance about not fitting in. Gretchen has always seen herself as the girl least likely. Now, Gretchen finds herself living tropes from her favorite rom coms. I really liked the concept of The Girl Least Likely. The story was cute but it didn’t hold my attention the whole time. I liked the characters and really enjoyed Gretchen.
Thank you Balzer + Bray and Edelweiss for The Girl Least Likely....more
Find Me in Havana by Serena Burdick is a historical fiction book about a Cuban woman and her daughter. Find Me in Havana is based on the true story ofFind Me in Havana by Serena Burdick is a historical fiction book about a Cuban woman and her daughter. Find Me in Havana is based on the true story of Estelita Rodriguez.
Find Me in Havana is told from Estelita and Nina’s perspectives. This really helped the story by allowing the reader to understand both character’s feelings. I enjoyed reading about Estelita’s and Nina’s relationship. There were many times where Nina thought her mom was putting her career or other people before her, but from Estelita’s perspective the reader sees that is not the case. Estelita’s mother and Nina’s grandmother was an important character which showed another mother daughter relationship.
Find Me in Havana is full of emotion and history. Cuban history isn’t talked about frequently, so that was a nice addition to this story. Find Me in Havana includes rape and abuse. Estelita has multiple husbands and all of them do not treat Nina well. Nina always felt like her mother chose her husbands over her.
Thank you NetGalley, Edelweiss, Harper Audio, Harlequin Audio, Harper Collins and Park Row for Find Me in Havana.
How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams is the perfect mix of rom com and serious issues.
Naya and Jake’s relationship starts as a cute romance, butHow to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams is the perfect mix of rom com and serious issues.
Naya and Jake’s relationship starts as a cute romance, but serious issues are presented in How to Fail at Flirting. Naya’s last boyfriend was abusive. The abuse effects Naya’s ability to become close to Jake. Will Naya’s past break up her and Jake?
The characters in How to Fail at Flirting are great. Naya is such a fun character to read about. The story is told from her perspective. The reader gets to see how self-assured she acts, but then sees all the insecurities she is thinking in her head. Jake is always looking out for Naya and trying to make her laugh. Both Naya and Jake have great friends that are overprotective of them.
I recommend How to Fail at Flirting to fans of Jasmine Guillory. How to Fail at Flirting is a mix of The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory and It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover.
Thank you Edelweiss and Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group for How to Fail at Flirting.
Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane is a twisted domestic thriller.
Pretty Little Wife had so many twists, I could not figure out what actually happened. Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane is a twisted domestic thriller.
Pretty Little Wife had so many twists, I could not figure out what actually happened. All of the characters are very complex. Ginny is the lead detective on the case and Lila’s only concern. Lila thinks she knows what happened to Aaron. Is she wrong? The story is told from the perspective of Lila and Ginny. There is also a True Crime Podcast featuring Aaron’s disappearance. Lila’s point of view switches between past and present.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Xe Sands. Her narration was great and added to a great story. I loved how much emotion she used. I really felt like I was listening to Lila talking.
I highly recommend Pretty Little Wife to domestic thriller fans especially if you like twisted stories with unlikeable characters.
I highly recommend Pretty Little Wife to domestic thriller fans.
Thank you NetGalley, Edelweiss, William Morrow Paperbacks, Harper Collins, and Harper Audio for Pretty Little Wife.
I loved Happily Ever Afters. The story is cute and talks about important issues. Tessa grew up around very few black people. Tessa is in multiple situI loved Happily Ever Afters. The story is cute and talks about important issues. Tessa grew up around very few black people. Tessa is in multiple situations with racial problems. Bryant discusses how Tessa feels and why she handles the situations the way she does. After moving, she is now around black people and feels like she fits in. Tessa’s brother Miles has disabilities and she discusses how people don’t usually treat him right. Tessa’s parents are always looking out for Miles which sometimes leads Tessa to feel like she isn’t as important. She works through this with her mom. I loved the characters in Happily Ever Afters. Tessa is deals with fear that she doesn’t belong and anxiety. She wants to do the right thing but sometimes makes bad choices. Sam is a very kind person and always treating everyone with respect. Lenore radiates self-confidence is a great friend to Tessa.
Thank you Balzer + Bray, Harper Collins and Edelweiss for Happily Ever Afters.
All About Us is a great love story. It is cute and emotional. There is also the time traveling aspect which is an“Your life is the decisions you make”
All About Us is a great love story. It is cute and emotional. There is also the time traveling aspect which is an interesting addition.
Ben thinks he is a disappointment to everyone including Daphne and his mother. The last time he talked to his mother did not go well. Can Ben find a way to forgive himself after reliving past events? Is his mother actually disappointed in him?
Ben thinks Daphne would be better off without him. Going back in time really shows Ben more about their relationship and how Daphne feels about him.
Thank you NetGalley and HQ/Harper Collins for All About Us.
Mother May I grabbed my attention from the beginning. This is a great thriller that I highly recommend. Bree would do anything for her family especialMother May I grabbed my attention from the beginning. This is a great thriller that I highly recommend. Bree would do anything for her family especially after an unknown woman took her son. Bree ends up doing things she would never usually do. Bree is given directions that will cause her to lose her son or someone else. Bree is struggling with what to tell her husband. Bree turns to Marshall, an old friend, for help. Marshall is a genuinely good person. He is an ex-cop so has useful skills to help Bree. I loved the story and could not put this book down.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Joshilyn Jackson and loved it. I love when the author narrates the book because the reader really gets to experience the author’s emotions.
Thank you William Morrow, Harper Collins, Harper Audio, NetGalley and Edelweiss for Mother May I.
Rude: Stop Being Nice and Start Being Bold by Rebecca Reid is an interesting self-help book for woman about valuing yourself.
I found Rude to be very hRude: Stop Being Nice and Start Being Bold by Rebecca Reid is an interesting self-help book for woman about valuing yourself.
I found Rude to be very helpful and an interesting perspective. Reid describes ways that avoiding what someone perceives as Rude can really hurt everyone involved. This was a way of looking at things I never would’ve come up with on my own. There were so many situations Reid described that were so relatable and showed I could’ve handled things better by being rude. I thought Reid did a great job explaining how important it is for woman to be “rude” and give advice on how to be. This book was the perfect mix of real life examples, pop culture references, and descriptions.
I recommend Rude to anyone looking for a self-help book to be more assertive or just looking for an interesting perspective on putting yourself first.
Thank you Simon & Schuster, NetGalley, and Edelweiss for Rude.
The Girls Are All So Nice Here is a thrilling story of mean girls and college drama. Amb and Sully attend their ten year college reunion after receiviThe Girls Are All So Nice Here is a thrilling story of mean girls and college drama. Amb and Sully attend their ten year college reunion after receiving threatening notes saying “We need to talk about what we did that night.” Neither of them knows who sent the note and whether they can trust each other. The story alternates between the past and the present. In the present day, Amb is trying to figure out who sent the note and trying to keep her husband from finding out about her past. In the past, Amb and Sully are living the life in college. They are mean girls that are drinking, doing drugs, and sleeping around. I loved seeing the characters in the past and present. They all changed from growing up and based on what happened in college. This book grabbed my attention from the first page. I loved all the drama and suspense, and I am very glad this book was not similar to my college experience. I recommend The Girls Are All So Nice Here to fans of Mean Girls and thrillers.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Erin Mallon and Alex Allwine and loved their narration. They were the perfect voices for this story and I am so glad I listened to the audiobook. This was one of the audiobooks where I just sat on my couch listening to it.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio for the audiobook of The Girls Are All So Nice Here.
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