Normally when I read a book, I tend to take down a few notes here and there to keep track of characters, events, etc… With this book, I d3.5 Stars ⭐️
Normally when I read a book, I tend to take down a few notes here and there to keep track of characters, events, etc… With this book, I did not take one note. This book just sucked me in, and I kept on reading without the need to write anything down. I wanted to absorb all the words, and feel every emotion that our main character Clove was feeling. This book dealt with some heavy topics, and I think many mothers and daughters might be able to resonate with some of these.
This story deals with Clove living a “perfect” life with a husband and two children in Portland, Oregon. Then one day she receives a letter from a woman’s prison that basically sends Clove into a downward spiral. Clove believes her hormones are acting up from weaning her youngest child from breastfeeding, but at the same time Clove is frightened that letter might set the truth free and disrupt her perfect life. Although, does Clove even know what the truth is? From here, we go back and forth from present day to Clove’s younger days in Hawaii growing up with her less than perfect parents.
I will say that I was mesmerized by some of these pages, as the author’s writing is so vivid and descriptive. On the other hand, I felt that the book was too wordy and repetitive in some parts (or maybe I was just ready for the conclusion). I felt every emotion while reading this book, and I hope that the women out there who need help reach out and get it.
While I didn’t give this book five stars, I still highly recommend it. This is also one author that we need to watch out for, because her writing is top notch!
This was a short story by Elin Hilderbrand, that in my opinion should have been a full length novel. I loved everything about this story! I resonated This was a short story by Elin Hilderbrand, that in my opinion should have been a full length novel. I loved everything about this story! I resonated deeply with that of our main character Sophia, and I would have liked to have known more about how her life progressed (even though we did get a brief follow up).
In this short story, Sophia is left to take a trip to the Galapagos alone after her boyfriend of six months gets a personal phone call at the airport and says he must go home immediately to tend to one of his adult children. While Sophia does not want to take this trip alone and feels unsure of herself, she gets on the plane anyways.
While on the boat in Galapagos, Sophia makes some new friends and learns some things about her relationship that she didn’t know were true. Will things work out for Sophia when she gets home from her trip? Has Sophia grown as a woman and adapted to change while on this trip?
This was a wonderful fast read, and it was Amazon Prime’s First Reads pick for this month of August, 2024. If you haven’t made your pick yet, I’d say this is the one! ...more
Yes, believe the hype for this book because this book is wonderful!! I absolutely fell in love with our main character Phoebe Stone, and I was sad to Yes, believe the hype for this book because this book is wonderful!! I absolutely fell in love with our main character Phoebe Stone, and I was sad to see this book end. I will admit that I was hesitant to read this book as the title did not appeal to me at all, but after seeing all the glowing reviews- I had to see for myself what everyone was talking about. This book also came up as my BOTM choice for August, 2024 and I definitely picked a winner! ...more
Ever read a book, and while reading it you think to yourself that you would like to be best friends with the author? Well, that’s how I felt while reaEver read a book, and while reading it you think to yourself that you would like to be best friends with the author? Well, that’s how I felt while reading “I’ve Tried Being Nice”. This little book contained 20 essays on how our author, Ann Leary (who is married to Denis Leary), tried to overcome her people pleasing and overly nice ways. I knew when I saw the title for this book, that this was a MUST read for me (sorry, but you can only be nice for so long…)
I’m not sure if the essays provided any ways to overcome being “too nice”, but they did give some valuable life lessons. I also had so many laugh out loud moments throughout this book, I was left wanting more.
I will say that this is a light, easy read. I did expect a little bit more in ways to overcome people pleasing and trying to be too nice, but I still found this book to be very enjoyable. From these essays, I have found a new author to read and I plan on adding all her previous books to my list!
I would like to thank Goodreads and the publisher for the gifted copy of this book, in which I had the pleasure of reading! I definitely recommend this read for anyone who is looking for a nice new author, or maybe not so nice ...more
After seeing a rather interesting and glowing review for this book from one of my Goodreads friends, I decided to buy this book for myself for my birtAfter seeing a rather interesting and glowing review for this book from one of my Goodreads friends, I decided to buy this book for myself for my birthday. Even though I’m reading this two months later (better late than never), I still feel this was the perfect birthday present to myself. Dr. Gladys McGarey is full of wisdom! ...more
I’ve been staring at my Goodreads page for quite a while now, as I don’t even know how to begin this review. Was I looking forward to reading this booI’ve been staring at my Goodreads page for quite a while now, as I don’t even know how to begin this review. Was I looking forward to reading this book? Absolutely yes, as I loved the author’s previous book “Long Bright River”, which is one of my top favorite reads of all time. And if I’m being honest, I thought this would be my second favorite read yet again, but something happened towards the ending of this book that has left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. Was it the length of this book at 476 pages- which in my opinion, this book seemed to drag on quite a bit. Or was it the underwhelming conclusion? I’m not sure.
This story starts off in August, 1975, when Barbara Van Laar has gone missing. From there a frantic search sets off from the camp counselors at Camp Emerson, where Barbara has been a camper for the summer. This isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has gone missing. Just fourteen years prior, Barbara’s brother Bear disappeared from the same region. How can this be possible? And will these two children ever be found?
From Barbara’s disappearance comes many POV’s. The POV’s that gripped me emotionally and resonated with me most were that of Louise, the camp counselor and Alice, who is Barbara and Bear’s mother. I felt like I personally knew all the characters in this book, and I felt as if I was there with them throughout the years. This story takes place between the 1950’s and 1975, and the timeline and character shifts are done flawlessly and seamlessly.
This is a slower paced book with a phenomenal character study (in fact, I can’t think of a better one). We even have a bit of a police procedural/investigation that takes place with a new female investigator of Judyta in the lead. While all this held my interest and kept me emotionally invested in the characters, I unfortunately was still ready for this book to be over with about 75% of the way in. At this point it seemed to be dragging on, and as I stated above, the ending left me very underwhelmed.
All in all, this is a very good read- but for me personally, it didn’t deliver the five star, favorite book of the year I was hoping for. (3.5 stars- rounded up) BOTM- July, 2024...more
Well, this was better than I expected. I chose this book (or rather it was chosen for me), because I was supposed to have read this for a book club thWell, this was better than I expected. I chose this book (or rather it was chosen for me), because I was supposed to have read this for a book club that took place last week. Suffice to say, I unfortunately never finished the book in time for book club ...more
Another book I didn’t know that I needed. This book is the best pick me up! This small book can be flipped to certain pages daily, or re-read often (wAnother book I didn’t know that I needed. This book is the best pick me up! This small book can be flipped to certain pages daily, or re-read often (which I plan to do). Because this book is so thin, I can also carry it around with me in my purse (I carry a larger size bag), so I can always read a page or two whenever I am waiting in a doctor’s office, a car ride, etc… and get a dose of inspiration/encouragement.
Many of us have grown up without or do not have any type of support systems, and this book teaches us how to be our own champion. We’re reminded to be proud of ourselves for how far we’ve come and what we’ve accomplished. We’re reminded to stay away from people that don’t have our best interests at heart. We also have to remember to give ourselves a break.
The conclusion of this little book is about sending postcards to yourself from your future self through the mail. By the time you receive them, you’ll probably have forgotten what you wrote on them and they will be nice little notes of encouragement to yourself from yourself ...more
This was another compelling, insightful, and very interesting read by Marjan Kamali. After reading (and loving), The Stationery Shop by this author, IThis was another compelling, insightful, and very interesting read by Marjan Kamali. After reading (and loving), The Stationery Shop by this author, I could not wait to read this book. Once again, she did not disappoint.
“Shir zan. The Persian phrase that translates to ‘lion women’”.
In this story we have two young girls who meet each other in first grade. Growing up in Iran, their goal is to grow up and become “shir zan”. These two young girls are Ellie and Homa. Ellie is from a family that is ‘descended from royalty’, while Homa is from a lower class neighborhood and has no royalty in her bloodline. Ellie’s mother never approves of this friendship from the start, and tries to keep these two girls apart- but Ellie loves her new best friend and her family. Homa also feels the same way about Ellie, and true friendship can always stand the test of time…
This book starts in the year 1950, and ends in 2022. So through this we see both Ellie and Homa grow. Homa was always so very confident and sure of herself, while Ellie never quite had the confidence or self esteem. Growing up, Ellie’s mother always let her know that bad things happened because people were jealous of them and had cast an ‘evil eye’ over them. Was this really true? And how could one rid itself of this evil curse?
This story dealt with friendship, grief, love, power, and freedom (and yes, I even shed a few tears here and there). I learned a great deal about the culture of Iran, but not in a textbook sort of way. I could picture in my mind the clothing being worn, and the crowds of people at the Grand Bazaar. I could smell and taste the foods, and envision the freedom that the women were fighting for.
While I will admit that I didn’t like this book as much as The Stationery Shop (I know- Boo!! ), I still highly recommend reading this book as it’s another memorable read that you will be thinking about long after you turn the last page.
This was my Book of the Month - June, 2024 pick! ...more
This book was deep. I had never read this author before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I got was a complex study of a dysfunctional family dynThis book was deep. I had never read this author before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I got was a complex study of a dysfunctional family dynamic, and a very character driven story. I was entranced in this story for some reason. I wanted to know what happened to each and every character. Why they acted the way they did, and how each person became that way. The author, Amy Jo Burns, delivered on all accounts.
This story starts off with a young teenage Marley moving into the town of Mercury, with her mother Ruth. Marley right away becomes involved with Baylor Joseph, which gets her a seat at the Joseph family table for dinner each night. The Joseph family consists of three brothers- Baylor, Waylon, and Shay. The Joseph parents are Mick and Elise. The Joseph men own their own roofing company, and Elise tries to uphold the family name.
As the story progresses, we learn of the many secrets the Joseph family is hiding. We see how Marley has made herself a part of the Joseph family as well, even though Elise may have never really liked her. Did Marley choose the wrong or right brother in the end? Was Marley more of a mother to Shay than Elise could ever be? And why do the Joseph men always stick up for each other?
This book was gritty and raw. The characters kept me captivated from the first page all the way through until the last page. If you enjoy highly developed, character-driven stories- then this is the book for you! I highly recommend this story, and I will be looking for other reads from this author going forward.
Many thanks to @CeladonBooks and Goodreads for the ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date is: January 2, 2024. #MercuryBook...more
After reading The Ballerinas, and The Ingenue by this author- I was super excited to read this latest release. While I did enjoy this story and the crAfter reading The Ballerinas, and The Ingenue by this author- I was super excited to read this latest release. While I did enjoy this story and the creativity of it, I unfortunately can’t say that I enjoyed it as much as the other two previous books. I felt that this book was rather “wordy”, and it seemed to be much lengthier than it should have been.
This story centers around Rosie Macalister. Rosie is a middle class student at Yale, who is definitely considered poor next to her roommates and “best friend” Cressida (Cress) Tate. While Rosie is accepted, and they all ride horses together- Rosie never expects to have another friend join their group- and be a better rider?
The new friend to the group is Annelise. Annelise is a tarot card reader and loves to read cards for her friends and at parties. Rosie and Annelise become close, as they they share a room together and are often snubbed by their fellow roommates. Things start to get complicated and out of control among the group, and Rosie tries to make things right- even after they have moved on from college.
While this book was interesting and had some good moments, I just felt like it dragged on too long in some parts. I will say that the most redeeming quality of this book was that each chapter had the title of a Tarot Card and its full description, which I thought was absolutely awesome! (3.5 stars, rounded up).
Many thanks to Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy of this book, which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: February 13, 2024. ...more
Ever finish reading a book, and you’re left in a bad mood? So yeah, that’s my mood after reading this nonsense. First of all, I didn’t think this bookEver finish reading a book, and you’re left in a bad mood? So yeah, that’s my mood after reading this nonsense. First of all, I didn’t think this book would ever end. It just kept going and going and going… It was long, drawn-out, and UNREALISTIC! So unrealistic, that I’m mad that I wasted my time reading this book.
We have the main character of Elizabeth Zott. Elizabeth is a feminist in the 1950’s. Oh, Elizabeth is also a chemist, let’s not forget that (hence the title), and the fact that she’ll remind you on every page throughout the book. Now, no problem with her being a chemist- but the feminist/independent woman part is where I have a problem. This book took place in the 1950’s, and I just wasn’t buying it. Had this story took place in present day- then maybe I would have appreciated this more.
Elizabeth Zott does not want to marry, but wants to live with her boyfriend. She wants a top position in her field, and she likes to let everyone know that she does not believe in God because well…Science! Yes, all that goes on in our society today, but I just didn’t find her character cute or funny for that timeframe. We even had the Reverend Wakely who didn’t believe in God either. Okay…
Elizabeth also hosted a cooking show that aired on television called “Supper at Six”. She taught every housewife across America how to become independent and cook according to ‘chemistry’, using the Periodic Table of Elements. ...more
After reading ‘The House Across The Lake’ last year (and not much caring for it), I wasn’t sure if Sager would be able to redeem himself once again wiAfter reading ‘The House Across The Lake’ last year (and not much caring for it), I wasn’t sure if Sager would be able to redeem himself once again with this newest release. Well, he certainly has, because ‘The Only One Left’ is a real humdinger! ...more
I read this book for a book club that I am in this month, in fact we are meeting next week. The Measure had been high on my list, so I was so excited I read this book for a book club that I am in this month, in fact we are meeting next week. The Measure had been high on my list, so I was so excited to see this month’s pick. I finished reading this several hours ago, letting this book process as there was much to think about. Was this book very emotional and thought-provoking? Yes, it was. But for some reason, I didn’t feel a deep connection with the characters like I was hoping to.
This story starts out with every living adult 22 years old and over, receiving a wooden box with a string inside. This indestructible string (and box), measures the span of your life. Therefore, the longer your string, the longer your life. People have gone into a panic. Some people continue on as normal, some choose to never even open their box. The media and politicians start to divide short-stringers and long-stringers. The country is divided, while others are growing closer together. Also, will there be ways in which we can switch our fate?
I definitely enjoyed the premise of this book, and I did like the characters enough (well, all except Anthony- our politician). In fact, we have two pen pals in this story who I grew to love, and I loved their story (get the tissues ready ...more
I absolutely LOVED The Book of Cold Cases by this author, so when I saw this novella available I couldn’t wait to read it! This story was interesting,I absolutely LOVED The Book of Cold Cases by this author, so when I saw this novella available I couldn’t wait to read it! This story was interesting, but I feel like I’ve just read this same story too much lately…
Ginette Cox is a New York City actress who is ordered by her doctor to take an extended, and a much needed break. Ginette is lucky to find a house to rent very quick and cheap at 19 Howard Avenue. Well, there’s a reason Ginette was able to get such a good deal on this house…
As soon as Ginette settles into 19 Howard Avenue, she finds that she cannot leave the house. Some strange sensation is holding her back and keeping her inside. Since she cannot leave the house, Ginette decides to watch her neighbors through binoculars. She keeps track of what her neighbors are doing, and even what their names may be. She also sees a strange man who wears an outdated suit, walking through the yards at night.
Ginette also begins to lose sleep during her stay at this house. She hears strange noises throughout the house, especially from the basement. She also feels gusts of cold air passing through her body. Is Ginette imagining these things? Has Ginette gone mad?
For a short story, this was well developed. I was entertained, but I feel that this story has been done quite a lot the past few years. So unfortunately this wasn’t anything new for me. Regardless, it was still a quick read.
Loading...
