I read Kennedy Ryan's book #1 in this series, Before I Let Go, and this one, in my opinion, was even better. I loved her author's note in the beginninI read Kennedy Ryan's book #1 in this series, Before I Let Go, and this one, in my opinion, was even better. I loved her author's note in the beginning, giving us a description of the story content. I thought the author wrote about betrayal, infidelity, parenting through divorce, self love, friendship, and resolution in such a beautiful manner. A specific book is mentioned in the story, it's used in a book club, and I had to order it for myself. (smile) I really look forward to her next book in the series coming out in 2025!...more
This book gave beautiful descriptions to the beginning of Lady Lucy's couture line of clothing. She certainly was an inspiring woman for her time. AftThis book gave beautiful descriptions to the beginning of Lady Lucy's couture line of clothing. She certainly was an inspiring woman for her time. After divorcing her husband, she built her business from nothing in order to support herself, her daughter (and her mother) in the lifestyle they were accustomed to living (one of privilege). About halfway through reading I became somewhat disinterested (I had distractions) so when the audiobook became available I finished the story. I'm glad I did return to this book because my opinion of Lady Lucy and other characters changed by the end. ...more
This book is such a great story and message in one. It's a story about a community in Troy, GA and gives an overview of how, even though the communityThis book is such a great story and message in one. It's a story about a community in Troy, GA and gives an overview of how, even though the community is rooted in the south, its members have diverse beliefs. The chapters introduce us to members of the community and gradually reveal that through their complexities and disagreements, they probably have more in common than they realize. For me, the highlight of the story is the little free library! This book gives the example of how books, all books, have the capability to educate a community and that's why all books should be available to read and it does this in a humorous manner. Great work Kirsten Miller. Just one of the many quotes I marked: "I think we are good enough to see where our ancestors went wrong. And we're strong enough to take responsibility for our forefathers' mistakes and make damn sure we never repeat them."...more
This story took a turn I was not expecting. I thought this was very well done. It involves friendship, bullying, infidelity, a wedding, a murder, and This story took a turn I was not expecting. I thought this was very well done. It involves friendship, bullying, infidelity, a wedding, a murder, and lots of questions throughout the book. Very interesting, the plot was going in a somewhat similar direction as the last book I just finished. . . destination wedding, duties as the bride's attendant, trouble among the family. I like Jennifer Weiner's writing style. I related to these characters and I really enjoyed this book. 4.5 stars....more
This was an enjoyable book. The main characters were likable as we watched each of the three female friends navigate their lives and grow. Cassie leavThis was an enjoyable book. The main characters were likable as we watched each of the three female friends navigate their lives and grow. Cassie leaves the only home she's known, in Maine, for an exciting opportunity on the west coast. Laurel is learning how to raise her daughters to be emotionally balanced females without the presence of their father. Paris is still living in her troubled past but with the help of those close relationships surrounding her, she begins to know her past can be forgiven and a new way to live life and to love is possible. I also listened along with the Libby audio....more
This is such a feel good book. I made many notations for sections I want to remember. Basically, it's the story of feeling stuck in life, feeling tireThis is such a feel good book. I made many notations for sections I want to remember. Basically, it's the story of feeling stuck in life, feeling tired and defeated. Then someone appears and provides the tools needed to get back on track. It's a short book but with so much meaning. I love how it's based in and around Paris, France....more
I listened to the audio for a fable read along. I really did not know much about Britney Spears life, other than what was in the news at the time. HerI listened to the audio for a fable read along. I really did not know much about Britney Spears life, other than what was in the news at the time. Her story is like a nightmare and I can only hope she finds a very good psychologist/therapist and a mentor to help Britney love and respect herself, first and foremost. It seems she has lived her life without being given any credit for her personal talent, strength, and kind heart. She's spent a lifetime giving to a toxic family and other toxic relationships, now it's time for her to love self first and respect the beautiful woman she is, inside and out. I'd also change my last name. Just the name alone holds negativity. I look forward to Britney creating an awesome new life with many milestones to come....more
I was hoping to enjoy this more than I did. . I think I missed the message? I did not connect to any of the characters and many times I did not think I was hoping to enjoy this more than I did. . I think I missed the message? I did not connect to any of the characters and many times I did not think the humor was funny. It's disappointing when this happens. CW: This deals with grief, infidelity, failed IVF, suicidal thought/intention....more
4.75 I loved both of these characters and really enjoyed following along their journey from childhood friends to their adulthood. The chapters switch 4.75 I loved both of these characters and really enjoyed following along their journey from childhood friends to their adulthood. The chapters switch from the current time period to years before. The only thing that made this shy of 5 stars is I get frustrated when characters hold back from each other. I also listened to the audio for a fable read along and the narration was very good....more
I enjoyed listening along as well as reading the physical book on this one. As a child growing up, he was awarded so many incredible experiences beingI enjoyed listening along as well as reading the physical book on this one. As a child growing up, he was awarded so many incredible experiences being a royal, even with being the spare. But then, at such a young age to lose his adored mother, it seems that life was halted. After his mother's death, it seems he was haunted and hunted all while experiencing his teen years . . that isn't easy for any child let alone a young man in that cold, impersonal royal "family" unit. I use quotations because that family is his blood but that's about it. I could not imagine no hugs, no kisses, what a very cold-hearted bunch. Now he can be whoever he is meant to be and raise his children with love and affection. I'm certain his mother is smiling down upon his family unit....more
I think there were too many secrets being kept for my liking. I did not get into the characters and felt disappointed. There is somewhat of a mystery I think there were too many secrets being kept for my liking. I did not get into the characters and felt disappointed. There is somewhat of a mystery element in this story but that did not really keep my interest until the very end. Each of the three main characters had their own backstory. I'm not a fan of keeping secrets from loved ones so that probably made a difference in my rating. ...more
I'm happy I chose to read this one during the MLB All-Star week! I really enjoyed this story about a woman newly divorced, who gets free tickets to a I'm happy I chose to read this one during the MLB All-Star week! I really enjoyed this story about a woman newly divorced, who gets free tickets to a baseball game, drinks too much and starts heckling a player. It was a cute story and I was impressed with how the author included so many topics: the game of baseball, mental health through grief (loss of family member and divorce), and even more topics. For the most part I liked the characters, but I'm not a fan of deception, otherwise this would be closer to 5 stars. ...more
I'll start by saying I chose this book because of the word summer in the title. After purchasing this, I read reviews and realized this was not a lighI'll start by saying I chose this book because of the word summer in the title. After purchasing this, I read reviews and realized this was not a light summer beach read but since it was available on libby audio I decided to give it a go. The story captivated my attention most all the way through until the end chapters. I thought perhaps it could have wrapped up a little sooner. I really appreciated how the author showcased the me too movement and brought attention to the life of a survivor. The scary part, to me, is that I'm sure there are too many Diana's in our non-fiction world. 4.5...more
I really enjoyed this book! There was good character development as well as plot growth. This is basically about a woman in grief, separated from her I really enjoyed this book! There was good character development as well as plot growth. This is basically about a woman in grief, separated from her husband, has three children, an elderly neighbor, friends nearby, struggling to keep her life together during the process of her divorce. Then someone unexpectedly helps her find herself again. The relationship between Ali and her mother and her neighbor were so real. Then to top it off, the author includes rescue dogs and kids at risk. One of my favorite quotes: "You get a dog and you know two things-you're going to fall in love with it and it's going to die one day..." I will definitely read more by Annabel Monaghan! ...more
I purchased this book at my local Half Price Books because of the title. (Reading books with the word summer in the title) I must say, I might re-thinI purchased this book at my local Half Price Books because of the title. (Reading books with the word summer in the title) I must say, I might re-think buying books just for the title without reading reviews first. That being said, this book was. . interesting. At first it was basically explaining the friendship and family dynamics of three neighboring women and what happens when a handsome bachelor moves into the neighborhood. None of the characters grabbed my attention but I did keep reading, waiting for the mystery to reveal itself. I did enjoy listening along to the audio....more
This is the first book I've read by Abby Jimenez and I see why she has such a following. I loved the characters and story from the beginning. There isThis is the first book I've read by Abby Jimenez and I see why she has such a following. I loved the characters and story from the beginning. There is humor yet there are many serious topics included in this storyline. The author did a beautiful job weaving the darker topics into the friendship and romantic elements. I really enjoyed the direct honesty between Emma and Justin. At times, Emma's steadfast allegiance to her mother really got to me, but, the author made it right. I will definitely put Abby Jimenez's other books on my list to read. ...more
I got this at my Half Price bookstore and it's such a cute story and cozy mystery! Based in Paris, (what's not to like?) it's about the daughter of PaI got this at my Half Price bookstore and it's such a cute story and cozy mystery! Based in Paris, (what's not to like?) it's about the daughter of Patisserie owners and the mysterious happening, a murder, while she's dog sitting for her parents. Many in the building could be suspects. Kind of gave me a "Murders in the Building" vibe if you've watched that show. With the mysterious ending, I'm sure I will want to read more from this author. Short chapters and book. ...more
After reading Steven Rowley's The Guncle, and then his newest The Guncle Abroad, I was told (by my friend at the bookstore) this book of his was goingAfter reading Steven Rowley's The Guncle, and then his newest The Guncle Abroad, I was told (by my friend at the bookstore) this book of his was going to be different and it was. That being said, it was still a beautifully told story about college friends who experience a tragic loss their senior year. They decide to make a pact, a friendship pact, agreeing to celebrate each other's lives while they are living. The story focused on the past and present of each of the five friends, then each had a "celebration" during a rough time in their life. I especially enjoyed Naomi's celebration destination. I also enjoyed the somewhat subplot of Marielle's story and also the mention of the game board they played at one "funeral" !(Takes me back in time-Haha). I guess I didn't find this one as humorous but that's probably because I didn't relate to this friend group. 3.5 stars rounded up. ...more
I'm so happy I chose this debut novel as my May book of the month. It sounded intriguing, a murder mystery set in the Pacific Northwest and it was allI'm so happy I chose this debut novel as my May book of the month. It sounded intriguing, a murder mystery set in the Pacific Northwest and it was all of that. The characters were somewhat likable, and for me the book was well paced and I found myself reading the second half non-stop due to the suspense of "who done it." There were a few aspects that I could have done without but, all in all, I thought it was very well done for a debut novel and just the right length. Release date: June 11....more
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC! This is a sweet story about two sisters, a mysterious treasure, a controversial past, pending birth of trThank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC! This is a sweet story about two sisters, a mysterious treasure, a controversial past, pending birth of triplets . . and the journey unfolds. I loved the humor between the main characters and they are likable people. Throughout the book the pregnant sister is bored, on bedrest, hungry all the time and the silly names she gives the babies while waiting their pending births is hilarious. The mystery is eventually solved and it's quite suspenseful. I thought the author did a great job wrapping this into a little over 300 pages. Publication day is June 11, 2024....more
Loading...
