Recent Reads

 Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid (2025)

In a dystopian future, Inesa's mother has sacrificed her to the Lamb's Gauntlet in order to get rid of her debt.  In this livestreamed assassination, Melinoe, a trained assassin, will hunt down Inesa; however, neither of them expects that they'll have to work together to survive the wasteland and that feelings might develop in the most unexpected of circumstances.  I really liked the premise of this - a bit Hunger Games, a bit Running Man - but the execution really fell short for me.  It felt really dated, like I was reading something from 20 years ago that was trying to depict the future.  The constant references to tablets and Melinoe's physical upgrades (like her robot eye) didn't feel fresh.  And the plot holes and just overall inconsistencies - for instance, the author indicates that Melinoe's upgrades make her body temp colder, yet Inesa says something about her "warm body" later, and Melinoe explains that the rulers in charge can't do Gauntlets all the time, because it would diminish their effect, yet Inesa's Gauntlet is literally just a couple days after another one ends.  Also, we come across at least two parents that willingly sacrifice their CHILDREN to the Gauntlet to alleviate their OWN debt - so gross, sacrifice yourself!  However, I liked Inesa's brother and the tension he brought to the story, and while a lot of readers will have a problem with the ending, I appreciated that it was more open-ended and not your typical happy ever after.  3 stars

The Divorce by Freida McFadden (2026)

Seemingly out of nowhere, Naomi's husband Jeremy asks her for a divorce and kicks her out of their house.  Naomi is predictably upset, but even more so when she finds out that Jeremy has a new girlfriend, Veronica, and she becomes obsessed with saving her son Teddy from the secrets she uncovers.  I'll be honest, I've read so many Freida McFadden books because she has a huge backlist and there always seems to be one available when I need an audiobook.  I have been loving thrillers this year, so her books usually scratch that itch.  That being said - do I love her books?  Not usually.  Are they entertaining?  Yes, but also wildly implausible and totally bonkers, and not generally in a good way.  That brings us to The Divorce, my latest McFadden book.  For the first half or so, I was on board.  I really felt for Naomi and the cruel way Jeremy treated her, basically tricking her into moving out and then filing for divorce out of nowhere.  The way it seemed like he was gaslighting her was truly infuriating.  But then we get to the second half of the book and things started to go off the rails.  As is typical with McFadden books, no one is who they appear to be at first, so when we get a second POV (Veronica), the entire story changed.  Naomi went from having my full sympathy to being unlikable.  I did, however, enjoy the theme of mothers doing whatever it takes for their children.  3 stars

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Recent Reads

Royal Heirs Academy (Royal Heirs Academy #1) by Lindsey Duga (2025)

After fifty years on the throne, King Leander is finally ready to name an heir - but first, he's going to make his three grandchildren and one stranger duke it out for the ultimate role by making them all attend an elite school and tracking their progress.  Titus, Alaric, Emmeline, and Sadie must face challenging classes, interpersonal feuds, and fierce competitions for the chance to take the throne.  This book was full of teen angst as the 4 young adults get to know each other and their new situation.  I appreciated how each character's backstory was very different, yet they all ended up in the same place.  I did think the level of scheming and just overall intelligence/skills attributed to both the throne contenders and their schoolmates was a bit unbelievable, and there was some odd tension between the story wanting to be gritty but still somewhat innocent that was a bit jarring, but I cannot resist a royal story, so overall I did enjoy this one!  4 stars

An American Beauty by Shana Abe (2023)

A fictionalized account of the life of Arabella Huntington, a Southern woman who came from nothing to become one of the richest women in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Arabella worked at a gambling parlor until she began an affair with Collis Huntington, a railroad baron.  He brought her to New York and gave her a life she only dreamed of, but she was also shrewd and intelligent, amassing her own wealth through land and property deals.  Eventually, she and Collis married, but her story didn't end with Collis.  I really enjoyed this book - although the Huntington name is well-known, I didn't know really anything about Arabella and this book piqued my curiosity.  This depiction certainly painted her as smart (but not cunning), loyal, and with impeccable taste.  I really felt the partnership between her and Collis - a love affair, yes, but also respect and admiration (not to say that affairs are acceptable!).  The Gilded Age setting also came through really well.  4 stars

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Recent Reads

Gradchanted by Morgan Matson (2025)

Cass is celebrating her high school graduation at Disneyland's Grad Nite.  After spending her childhood constantly moving for her dads' work, she wants one magical night before she leaves again.  However, the night is a total disaster and Cass is shocked to find herself reliving the night, over and over and over again.. I love a time loop novel, from the main character discovering and accepting they're in one to how they figure out how to get out of it - it's always fun!  I loved the Disneyland setting of this one, and I appreciated how Cass finally came to terms with how her childhood affected her ability to get close to people.  I thought there was WAY too much time spent on Cass trying to help musician Freddie, believing that was her key to escaping the loop.  Clearly, it had to be about her and the mistakes she's made.  But overall, I thought this was a clever, spirited addition to the time loop genre!  4 stars

Meet Me on the Bridge by Sarah J. Harris (2024)

Julia discovers she has the ability to time travel, and she uses it to hopefully meet the man of her literal dreams, who she discovers died a year ago while trying to save others.  However, Julia realizes that her attempts to change the past have effects on the future that she never anticipated.  I love a time travel romance, so I was excited for this one; however, it was a bit of a letdown.  The writing is so clunky; the transitions aren't good, things are not explained well, and Julia is not a character I found myself sympathizing with.  I wanted to like her, but she was so over-written, almost to the point of caricature.  3 stars

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Recent Reads

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca (2024)

Looking for a new start, Cassie buys a house in a small town called Boneyard Key.  She likes her new town - and also Nick, who owns a local coffee shop.  But when she discovers her house is haunted, will she stick around?  This has been on my TBR since last fall, and I finally got a chance to read it - unfortunately, I was pretty underwhelmed.  Is it bad that I was more interested in the ghosts than the two main characters?  Cassie and Nick were just bland - I never really felt like I got a clear picture of who they were or what they wanted, or if they were truly on the same page as each other.  I thought the backstories of the ghosts haunting their homes were much more intriguing; there's a twist involving the ghosts that I clocked almost immediately and I was disappointed that it took the characters so long to realize it.  Cute idea for a seasonal romance, but didn't really work for me.  3 stars

Sally's Lament by Mari Mancusi (2024)

In this installment of the Disney Twisted Tales series, Mari Mancusi explores what might have happened if Sally had discovered Christmas Town instead of Jack Skellington.  Sally is entranced by the village, but she soon discovers an evil undertone to the cheeriness of the town.  I have to admit, I'd never seen The Nightmare Before Christmas before I read this book, but I love this series and so wanted to try it.  For me, this was an incredibly successful story.  I felt like there was enough background from the original movie incorporated that I understood the basic premise, and I enjoyed Sally and Jack's adventures in Christmas Town.  Both Sally and Jack feel a bit stunted in Halloween Town, so figuring out the mystery of this new place and helping new friends along the way really helped them.  I thought the writing was fantastic and the story was clear (some of the Twisted Tales can get a bit convoluted).  And don't get me started on that last chapter - so many happy tears!  5 stars

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Fiction/Nonfiction Quick Reviews: The Heiress Edition

Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka (2024) 

After Olivia's dad divorces her mom and kicks them out of the family house, Olivia plans to get revenge by stealing his money during his upcoming wedding.  Well, I finally made it through a book by this duo, but I'm not sure I'll be reading them again.  I liked the idea of this novel, but the execution lacked for me.  I'm always a little leery of teenagers being able to pull off really complicated plans - Olivia didn't have the most sophisticated plan, but it did hinge on another team member being extremely computer savvy.  So much felt overwritten, and the pacing was glacial.  Also, the idea that a former teacher of Olivia's would help a bunch of kids steal millions of dollars seems highly unlikely, and the way the ending set up a sequel felt so heavy-handed.  The relationship between Olivia and her dad was painful and raw, and that at least added some depth, but the character of Kevin really saved this one for me, as he was a bit of a wild card - unexpected and I never really knew what to make of him!  3 stars

The Imposter Heiress: Cassie Chadwick, The Greatest Grifter of the Gilded Age by Annie Reed (2024)

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, con artist Cassie Chadwick (just one of many names she used) managed to amass a fortune by convincing people she was the illegitimate daughter of wealthy businessman Andrew Carnegie.  Using faked documents, she borrowed millions of dollars and spent money like it was going out of style, eventually causing the downfall of many men and banks and landing herself in jail.  This story was almost truly unbelievable in how Cassie was able to firstly, come up with such a scheme, and secondly, have people believe it for long.  Literally all it took was some rumors that she started and a piece of paper she claimed was signed by Andrew Carnegie to begin her con.  I liked that Reed included some short chapters from the point of view of Andrew Carnegie, how at first he had no idea that this woman was claiming to be his daughter and then later as he's made aware, but I wish there was more, maybe even some information about how his wife felt about it.  But, Reed's research is amazing, and the story was covered pretty extensively in newspapers at the time.  The narrative did feel a bit repetitive at times, in that it was a lot of Cassie borrowing from one person to pay another, but overall, a pretty fascinating story!  4 stars

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Quick Reviews

A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing (2023) 

Ivy and Wes have had an on-again, off-again relationship for 10 years - even though they've had some good times, it's a mostly toxic, dysfunctional relationship.  Years ago, during one of their many blow-out fights, an innocent bystander paid the price - and now, a detective is looking into it.  I'm slowly stepping back into the mystery/thriller genre, and this was a good one!  Wes and Ivy are so terrible together, but they just can't help themselves, and now their bad deeds are coming back to punish them.  I liked that the story moved back and forth between Ivy and Wes, because we definitely needed both of their POVs.  The pacing was really good, as well, although the story didn't have as many twists as I expected.  While there were some little surprises, it was a bit predictable - the main draw was watching how Ivy and Wes tried to stay one step ahead of the detective who seems determined to bring them down.  4 stars

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez (2023)

After her parents' tragic deaths, Inez travels to Egypt to find out what happened to them and maybe even also continue their work, despite the efforts of her uncle and his assistant to stop her.  This one was a bit of a mixed bag.  Let's start with the things that didn't work for me - the fantasy elements and magic system.  I knew this was a fantasy going in, but much of these elements just felt hokey to me.  Everyday objects are imbued with magic and memories - the memories thing was cool, especially when Inez was able to access memories from Cleopatra, but the random objects that did magical things, like a shoe bursting into flame like a torch?  It felt silly.  The "romance" also felt a little off to me; Inez comes across as very young and naive, and her reactions to Whit were often immature.  But, I loved the setting - traveling through Egypt with Inez and the other characters, the archaeological dig, the history.  Parts reminded me of The Historian, which features another young woman searching for her father, history, and some mystical elements.  I think there were some good twists, and it definitely sets itself up well for the next installment.  4 stars

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Quick Reviews

A Starlet's Secret to a Sensational Afterlife by Kendall Kulper (2023)

It's 1930s Hollywood and Henrietta has arrived, hoping to hit it big as an actress.  She signs with a major label and lands a leading role; the studio taps a stuntman to be her fake boyfriend, to up her profile.  Henrietta and Declan, though, soon find themselves caught up in mystery and scandal, as they join together to find out what really happened to several young actresses who have gone missing.  This book was so fun!  The time period and setting are so glamorous - I mean, Old Hollywood!  Although I do have to say, sometimes the dialogue did not match, and it took me out of the story sometimes - it felt too modern at times.  But, the little glimpses behind the curtain and how studios used to be run and how movies were made were really fun.  There are also elements of magical realism, as both Declan and Henrietta have supernatural gifts - Henrietta can talk to ghosts and Declan is immune from getting hurt (hence the stuntman job!).  The "talking to ghosts" thing did get a little hokey, but I still thought it was a unique element to the story.  I loved watching Henrietta and Declan work together to help the missing girls, I thought the pacing of the story was great, and the author does an admirable job of both tackling a difficult subject while still keeping the overall tone fairly light.  4 stars

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle (2024)

Whenever Daphne meets a new man, soon after she receives a slip of paper with the man's name and the length of the time they will date.  This has been happening since her teens, until one day the note only says a name - no number.  Could this be it?  Does this mean Jake is the man she's going to spend the rest of her life with?  I thought this book had so much potential, but unfortunately the execution lacked a lot for me.  The premise is so intriguing - once she realizes the slips of paper are accurately predicting her romantic life, what would Daphne do with this information?  Would she always trust it?  Should she try to fight it if she thought they were wrong?  Is Daphne in charge of her own life, or is she just relying on the universe to guide her?  Unfortunately, I don't feel like the author really explored these questions, or maybe until it was too late.  The book is rather short but feels so wordy - so many metaphors, so much overwriting, so many *important declarations* that fell flat.  Daphne is also keeping another big secret, which we don't find out about until halfway through the book - it kind of changes everything, so it's disappointing the way it's handled.  Even though Daphne is our main character, the person I felt for was Jake.  Would he get the happy ending he truly deserved?  3 stars

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Fiction/Nonfiction Quick Reviews

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood (2023)

Mallory is done playing chess, until she agrees to play in one last tournament and ends up being the current world champion.  Now she finds herself being pulled back into the world she believes ruined her family and also falling in love a bit with her competitor.  I've been wanting to read the beloved Ali Hazelwood for awhile, and unfortunately I don't think this was the best book for me to start with.  Although the main characters are out of high school, they are young enough for me to deem this YA, which I really don't read too much anymore.  That itself is not necessarily a problem, but when I start disliking the characters because of their over-the-top drama and nonsensical actions, it is.  YA characters for me can be simultaneously immature and too mature, if that makes sense?  Mallory is one of those people who makes her entire personality taking care of her family (whether they ask her to or not).  I think she goes overboard with it.  And Nolan, I just didn't get him.  I guess he thinks his feelings are obvious, but he just came off as weird, even a little creepy and stalkerish.  I didn't get the chemistry between the two.  I don't play chess, but I did enjoy the chess talk - it's really amazing how much skill and knowledge goes into a game.  The side characters added some needed levity to this story.  I do want to read more from this author, so for now I'll give this one 3 stars. 

 

Being Henry: The Fonz... and Beyond by Henry Winkler (2023)

 

In Being Henry, actor/producer/director/writer Henry Winkler talks about his at times difficult childhood, his rise to fame playing a very recognizable character, and his years spent trying to distinguish himself in Hollywood.  I think most of us probably have heard of Henry Winkler, or at least his most famous role, the Fonz on the hit show Happy Days.  I'm not sure why this memoir never crossed my radar, but I'm glad I found it while perusing Libby one day to find an audiobook for my afternoon walks!  As always, I love when a memoir is read by the author - Winkler's voice and cadence are so recognizable and distinct, and it really helps bring his own story to life.  Winkler is honest, humble, charming, vulnerable, and funny.  He doesn't shy away from the difficult parts of his life, talking openly about his dyslexia and his troubled relationship with his parents.  He also happily talks about such things as his almost 5-decade long marriage and his children (his wife even narrates some of it!).  I think at times the self-deprecation went a little too far, and the stream of consciousness narrative, while it makes you feel as if you are having a genuine conversation with Winkler, at times was a little jarring as it bounced from topic to topic.  But overall, I think this memoir proves that Winkler is one of those rare Hollywood gems, talented enough to hang with the best but also genuinely excited and happy to be there.  4 stars

 

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Quick Reviews

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly (2022)

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice is a story of the Titanic disaster told from unique perspectives.  It is based on the true story of the ship Carpathia, which answered the Titanic's distress call and was able to save some of its passengers.  The narrative switches between the viewpoints of the captain of the Carpathia, Arthur Rostron, and Kate Connolly, a third-class passenger on the Titanic who is able to make her way to a lifeboat.  The Titanic has always been a fascinating topic to me, how this supposedly unsinkable ship didn't make it through its first voyage and what its passengers went through, so I eagerly read this book.  Having the POV of Captain Rostron was especially inspired - we see the heroism of him and his crew despite not knowing what they were headed into.  It's a part of the Titanic story that many people may not know about.  I did think the pacing was a bit off - some of the action happens off page and feels glossed over - and the writing style is very formal.  I think it captures the era well, but it also feels stiff at times.  Overall, though, an admirable addition to the Titanic historical fiction genre.  4 stars

Heir, Apparently by Kara McDowell (2024)

After surviving a near-apocalypse, Wren and Theo (now the King of England) are thrown back together when their reunion is caught by the paparazzi.  Theo's advisors need Wren to come back to England to determine what the next steps are, but of course, with these two nothing is easy, and their plane crashes on a deserted island.  With their friends and siblings, they face volcanoes, injuries, and tough decisions - what will their future hold, if they even make it out alive?  The first book in this duology was one of my favorites of last year, so I was so looking forward to the next chapter of Wren and Theo's story - and it was near perfection for me!  I don't know what it is about these two, but even with all the crazy antics, the misunderstandings, the rapidly changing feelings, I can't help but root for them.  McDowell adds even more layers to their story by bringing in Theo's siblings, so there are all these discussions about the monarchy and their duty to their country.  The action is practically non-stop; it felt like most chapters ended on some sort of minor cliffhanger, which made me want to keep reading.  Yes, it's over the top; yes, there's a lot of drama (these are teenagers, after all).  But it's a fun, funny, surprisingly tender at times story about a boy and a girl who always seem to find themselves in dire situations, falling in love despite the odds against them.  My only quibble is, as much as I love Wren, at times I wanted Theo's POV, only because he can be quite stoic and sometimes maddening, so to know what's going on in his head would add even that much more to the story!  4.5 stars

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Quick Reviews

The Villa by Rachel Hawkins (2023) 

Emily is an author struggling to finish her current book.  When her long-time friend Chess suggests a change of scenery, she jumps at the chance to visit a historic villa in Italy.  It's the same villa where, decades earlier, a brutal murder took place, with a classic novel and hit album produced by two of the survivors.  Inspired by her setting, Emily starts digging into the murder, but her present-day situation may also be hiding some secrets. I liked the way the story played out, alternating between the two time periods.  We think we know what happened in the 1970s, but as Emily learns more, there turns out to be more to the story.  The friendship between Emily and Chess in the present day has some tension, as there seems to be some rivalry or friction between the two.  While the story does have some twists at the end that made me question a lot, I would say it's more of a mystery than a thriller, and that's not necessarily what I was expecting.  Maybe I was just eager for it to end, but it felt like some big things got glossed over, and I wanted more of a "vibe" from the story, especially considering the setting.  3.5 stars

Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan (2023)

Ana is a freshman at a highly exclusive and somewhat secretive high school, which focuses on all things related to the ocean.  On the weekend of the freshman trial, though, the school is attacked, leaving Ana and her friends to figure out what happened and stop the danger that is coming their way.  This one was kind of a mixed bag for me.  I enjoyed the literary connections with Jules Verne and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, finding out that for Ana, the events and people in the book are very real and have a strong connection with her family.  The pacing is quite good, as the story moves along from the initial attack, to Ana and her friends regrouping, to the final big battle.  I think, however, the world-building was very lackluster.  I feel like we didn't know a lot about the fancy school Ana attends, and especially why students go there.  Some students are legacy attendees, but what about all the others? How did they know about this school? And what goes on at this school?  Which brings me to my issue with a lot of YA books, in that the teenagers seem way too smart and mature.  In less than two years, Ana learns MULTIPLE languages, other students are trained in warfare, etc.  They just seem to have all these specialized skills that, first, kids probably shouldn't be learning, and second, there's little way they would become so proficient in them.  In Riordan's other books, these things sort of make sense, since, for example in the Percy Jackson books, these children are literally the sons and daughters of gods - so the rules are completely different.  But, these are just regular kids, and it didn't make a ton of sense.  3.5 stars

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Quick Reviews

The Prince & The Apocalypse by Kara McDowell (2023)

Wren's perfect trip to London doesn't go as planned, especially when she ends up helping Prince Theo of the Royal Family escape a pack of tourists.  When she gets to the airport later that day, Wren learns that a huge comet is heading towards Earth, poised to destroy all life on the planet in just 8 days.  Now, the only person she can rely on to get her home to family is the prince.  Folks, I just loved this book.  Every time I picked it up, I got lost in Wren and Theo's story and I had to keep reminding myself that the world was not, in fact, ending in 8 days.  Wren's need to always have a plan was endearing and relatable, and you could feel her frustration in the impossible situation she's found herself in.  And on one hand, she's attracted to Theo, but on the other, he's still pretty much a stranger - how much can she really trust him?  And Theo - I love me some royalty in my books, so to get that little glimpse behind the curtain was fun, although I felt for him and how trapped he felt by his position.  Wren and Theo have to work together and come up against some crazy obstacles, but you'll be rooting for them the whole way.  Part love story, part road trip, part adventure, part apocalypse - so many elements that work together seamlessly.  And - I can't wait to find out what happens next!  5 stars

Strangers in the Night by Heather Webb (2023)

 

In this novel, Heather Webb explores the relationship between crooner Frank Sinatra and actress Aa Gardner, set against the backdrop of Old Hollywood.  I know a little about Frank Sinatra but really nothing about Ava Gardner, so I was interested to learn more about the both of them.  Their tumultuous relationship leaps off the page - the high highs and the low lows, so much jealousy, so many breakups and makeups.  The glimpses we get of how Hollywood worked back then were also really interesting.  However, the story is very repetitive - the two are having a good time, then one small thing sets off a huge fight, and they find a way to come back together, over and over again.  There's so much drama between Sinatra and Gardner that just felt unnecessary to include and their relationship is so volatile that it almost felt uncomfortable at times.  3 stars

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Quick Reviews

My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows (2022)

The author trio is back with another series, this time focusing on famous Marys of history and literature.  Their first offering retells a period in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.  Although technically Queen of Scotland, Mary spent most of her life in France, betrothed to the dauphin, Francis, and this story looks at the time when Mary and Francis are wedded and soon after become rulers in their own right, although this Mary is hiding a big secret.  The Lady Janies was such a fun series, so I was happy to dive into this new book, which brings the whimsy and charm I've come to expect from the trio.  It also has some ties to the first Jane book, and it was great to revisit that world.  In this story, Mary has her flaws, but she's also determined to be a great leader, and she and Francis make a good pair.  I like how the authors make the "adults" in these books seem a little ridiculous and over-the-top while still somewhat staying true to the historical record.  They do take a lot of liberties (obviously, the real Mary, Queen of Scots did not have the ability to change into a mouse), and while I like that mostly everyone gets a happy ending here, the conclusion was a little jarring knowing how things really ended for Francis and Mary.  4 stars

The (Half) Truth by Leddy Harper (2019)

 

After her fiancé dumps her, chef Tatum is still working at the same restaurant as him, along with his new girlfriend.  One day she tells a little lie that she's seeing a new guy, who just happens to be her best friend's cousin that just arrived in town.  What will happen when Tatum's lies start to spin out of control?  This is why I need to write reviews right after I finish a book, because this one has almost completely faded from my memory already.  Maybe I misread the blurb, but I expected a fake dating scenario, and that's not what happened here.  Tatum concocts a story that she's dating Jason, never cluing him in on the scheme, while also starting a no-strings-attached relationship with him.  Tatum was just the most frustrating character.  She constantly lies and her awkward, bumbling personality wasn't cute, just obnoxious.  The person I felt for was Jason - Tatum's lies meant that other people got the wrong impression about him, and his cousin just kept bringing up his player days from high school (totally ignoring the fact that he just got out of a five-year relationship, so clearly he's changed).  Overall, just a miss for me.  2.5 stars

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Quick Reviews: Pride & Prejudice Retellings

A Certain Appeal by Vanessa King (2021)

A contemporary retelling of the classic Pride & Prejudice, set in and around a New York City burlesque show.  Liz Bennet was an aspiring interior designer until an incident at her internship forced her to give up her dream.  She made her way to NYC and started working at a burlesque show, where she ultimately meets Will Darcy.  I tend to really enjoy P&P retellings, and there was a lot to like about this one.  I liked the way the author updated the characters; Jane is now Liz's gay best friend and her other sisters have been replaced by a found family at the burlesque show.  Although a bit clumsy with his words (when he can actually get one in), Will Darcy is dreamy - handsome, successful, and totally into Liz.  The chemistry between them just oozed off the page; the tension between the two is the heart of the original story, but I liked that the author brought them together more quickly in this version.  I expect that retellings generally won't deviate too much from their original source material, but my quibble here is that it almost followed it too closely, despite the modern setting.  There's really no question because you know exactly how everything will turn out.  King's lush writing definitely helps, but I felt myself looking for something a bit more.  3.5 stars

Accomplished by Amanda Quain (2022)

 

This Pride & Prejudice retelling focuses on one of the secondary characters of the original book, Georgiana Darcy, as it modernizes the story and reimagines it set at an elite private high school.  I loved that this story wasn't about the main couple, but rather tells a new story from a different point of view.  Here, Georgiana (Georgie in this modern version) has been duped by Wickham, who was selling drugs from her dorm room without her knowledge, and she is returning to school as a pariah.  But Georgie isn't ready to give up, and she hatches a plan to reclaim her good name.  I liked the parallels to the original, although this story definitely doesn't rely too much on it, so it feels really fresh.  I felt for Georgie and was rooting for her to succeed, but at times her plans felt so... I don't know, singular?  Not well-thought out?  There wasn't a lot of nuance; it was more like, "If I do this one thing, everything will be fixed," without necessarily thinking through all the consequences.  I guess, to be fair, she is a teenager, but it reinforced my feelings that YA is no longer a top genre for me.  3 stars

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2022 Rereading Project: Update #3

 Let's check in on how my rereading project is going!

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett (2019)

 

Former best friends Zorie and Lennon have to work together when they find themselves stranded in the wilderness.  They might be rekindling their friendship, but their families are still a mess.  I first read this book back in 2019 after winning it in a giveaway.  I gave it 4 stars then, but unfortunately, I DNFed it this time around, at about page 60.  I think this is just another example of my waning love and patience for YA books.  Zorie and Lennon came across as such cliches, Zorie as the hipster and Lennon as the goth, and I found myself not really up for all the drama.

Verdict: Donate!

 

The Singles Game by Lauren Weisberger (2016)

 

Charlie Silver is a professional tennis player - after getting injured, she hires a notoriously successful coach to get her to the top.  But will all the changes to her personal and professional lives be worth it?  I have been a huge fan of Lauren Weisberger for years, ever since The Devil Wears Prada.  I first read this book back in 2016, pretty much right when it came out.  I gave it 4 stars then, and I concur with that rating today.  In my review, I noted how much I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be an athlete at the highest levels - the training, the travel, the highs and lows.  Weisberger's writing is always good, but I noticed then (and now) that her stories are a bit predictable (or, at least for awhile there was a stretch of books that were all very similar).  For that reason, even though I enjoy this story, I'm not sure I would read it again.

Verdict: Donate!

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2022 Rereading Project: Update #1

One of my reading goals for 2022 is to reread from my own shelves, with the intention of pruning some books (making room for more, of course!).  I want my home library to be filled with books I absolutely love and would read again, so if there's a book there that would be a better fit with another reader, it's better for me to donate it.  Here are the results from my first two rereads!

Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills (2017)

 

My first reread of 2022!  I first picked up this book in 2018 and looking back at my review, I see that I really enjoyed it.  In this story, Claudia finds herself reluctantly working with Iris, a fellow classmate, on the school play, and they end up growing really close as friends.  Claudia also gets to know Gideon, who is one of the play leads.  I liked Mills' books because they felt so relatable, but I've found myself moving away from YA books in recent years because I just can't connect as much to the characters anymore.  While I still enjoyed the story, I found myself relating more to Claudia's older sister, who is expecting her first baby and anxious about what type of mother she'll be.

Verdict: Although I like this story and contemplated keeping this just for the beautiful cover alone, this book should find a new home.  Donate!

The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman (2014)

I shelved this book on Goodreads back in late 2015, before I was giving a star rating to pretty much every book I read, so, given that I don't remember anything about this book, I can't even tell you if I enjoyed it!  I guess I must have, because it's been on my shelves for almost 7 years?  I think it's a bit love story, a bit mystery, and a bit magical.  I tried reading it again recently, but couldn't get into the writing; I DNFed it pretty quickly.

Verdict:  I don't remember anything about this book and couldn't get through a reread - donate!

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Quick Reviews

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell and Allyson Charles (2019)

This book actually turned out to be a collection of three romance novellas, all of which take place in Moonbright, Maine, a town that loves fall and Halloween, and have ties to a local beloved bakery.  Each story had a different romance trope - love at first sight between two chefs, although one is only planning on being in town temporarily; a sort-of enemies-to-lovers, in which a woman has her sights set on one man but eventually sees that the man in front of her is a better match; and two people who knew each other in high school and now work together in local government, years later.  I loved the small-town autumn vibe of each novella, and the stories are low drama with sweet romances and surprising steam at times.  My issue with novellas is that the story often doesn't feel fleshed out enough or things are wrapped up too quickly, and those both definitely happened here, but overall, these are charming stories that are perfect for autumn reading.  4 stars

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price (2021)

 

A Pride & Prejudice retelling where the characters are caught up in a murder mystery.  Lizzie Bennet wants to be a lawyer, and she gets a chance to prove herself to her father when she's brought on by Bingley to prove his innocence in his brother-in-law's murder.  Darcy is the lawyer-in-training officially handling the Bingley case.  I generally love P&P retellings, but this one missed the mark for me.  I didn't really understand the author's need to keep the story in the original time period, when she had to take serious liberties both plot and character-wise.  Just put this in a different time when it would have made more sense for a woman to train to become a lawyer.   I also didn't understand why Lizzie had to be so young (17) - also totally unrealistic.  Lizzie was supposed to be so smart, but her logic was flawed and very simplistic at times.  That all being said, I did enjoy seeing where the author stayed true to the original text and where she made adaptations.  The identity of the killer was also something I didn't guess, so that's always fun in a mystery.  Overall, a good idea for a P&P retelling, but lacking in the execution.  2.5 stars

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April Quick Reviews

The Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan (2020)

 

When their father, a famous author, passes away, sisters Maggie, Liza, and Tricia come together to settle his estate and find out the unexpected news that they have a half-sister, who actually grew up next door to them.  Now they have to deal with their father's legacy and the fact that their family will never be the same.  I tend to enjoy stories about sisters, and this was no exception.  I liked that each sister has her own life and issues going on, but they still relate to each other so well, and the way they reminisce about their childhoods felt so relatable.  My main issues were two-fold.  One was Tricia - she used way too much "lawyer speak" and all her dialogue felt like an info dump.  My other issue is that the nature of the book felt confusing - it wasn't dark enough to be a complete drama and there wasn't a big event that the story was leading up to, but it also wasn't lighthearted or funny.  The story just kind of moved along and by the end I was wondering what the point of it was.  3.5 stars

Geekerella by Ashley Poston (2017)

Elle hopes that winning the cosplay contest at the convention her dad founded many years ago will be her ticket away from her wicked stepfamily, and she finds herself crossing paths with the famous young actor who is starring in the movie based on the classic TV show she loves.  I wanted to love this one more than I did.  I love the Cinderella retelling vibe - it was so easy to pick out the parts that matched up to the original.  I also loved the whole con/fandom aspect; I think it's a very relatable interest, especially these days.  Finding your people, people who love the same things you do and don't make you feel bad about it, who you can geek out with and feel accepted - that was all amazing.  Unfortunately, it was the romance I wasn't buying.  I don't know if I wasn't paying attention closely enough or what, but I just didn't get the whole texting thing between Elle and Darien.  It seemed to get so serious so quickly, for something that was basically an accident to begin with, and then they didn't actually meet until so late in the book.  It felt forced.  Cute idea, but the execution just didn't work for me.  3 stars

Always Only You by Chloe Liese (2020)

 

Star pro hockey player Ren has been in love with his team's social media manager, Frankie, since he joined the team, but dating a co-worker is off-limits.  When Frankie announces that she's leaving to go to law school, Ren jumps on the chance to finally tell her how he feels.  This was a bit of a mixed bag for me.  I like that Liese incorporates representation into her books and that many readers will find characters to relate to that they normally might not. Frankie has autism (#ownvoices) and also rheumatoid arthritis.  I felt like I learned a lot about both of them and her ways of coping with the world.  I thought Ren was a total sweetheart, but he also seemed too perfect, if you know what I mean?  He's gorgeous, reads Shakespeare, is totally thoughtful, can get fierce when someone he loves is threatened - there's basically nothing wrong with him and it didn't feel real.  I loved the way he worshiped Frankie, though - don't we all want that?  And as much as I love Harry Potter, I thought there were way too many references to it in the book.  3.5 stars

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February Quick Reviews

Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella (2020)

Ava and Matt meet on a writing retreat in Italy, and they instantly click - but in keeping with the rules of the retreat, they don't reveal any personal information about themselves.  When they get home to England, eager to continue their relationship, they realize they have very little in common.

Sophie Kinsella is always good for a fun, quick read, and this was no exception.  The idea that two people can have perfect chemistry, yet be so incompatible in terms of food, music, and mattress preferences is such a fun premise to explore.  I found Ava's frenetic energy and need for everything to be perfect to be a little grating at times, but I understood her desire to want her relationship with Matt to work out.  In addition to the romance, there are also a fun cast of side characters, including Ava's dog Harold, and a dilemma facing Matt's job with his family's business.  I liked the layers this conflict gave to Matt's personality.  Overall, a classic Kinsella story!  4 stars

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon (2020)

 

Rowan and Neil have been fierce competitors all through high school, but today, on their last day, they decide to team up on a scavenger hunt through Seattle, during which they confront their true feelings for each other.  There were so many things to love about this book: the condensed timeline; the tour of Seattle; watching Rowan's evolving feelings for Neil; Rowan's relatable feelings about her high school experience and the future; the age-appropriate dialogue and behavior.  I've read a lot of YA books where the teenage characters felt much older than their ages, but here it was so believable that Rowan and Neil are 18.  I loved how even though they've known each other for years, they really discovered a lot about each other over the course of a single day.  Rowan was totally the star for me in this book; her love for romance novels shone through, and I was so happy for her that she was able finally express her desire to write them and confront those who didn't take her love of the genre seriously.  If you love stories about friendship, love, ending a chapter and starting something new, definitely give this one a try!  4.5 stars

Westering Women by Sandra Dallas (2020)

 

Chicago, 1852 - Seamstress Maggie sees a flier seeking women to travel 2000 miles west to California, in hopes of finding a husband among the gold miners there.  Maggie sees this as her chance to escape her problems, so she (and many other women) sign up to make the trek, led by two reverends.  This was such an interesting historical fiction novel.  I loved getting to know each woman and her motivations for joining the wagon train.  Some were looking for a husband, some a better life, and some, like Maggie, were fleeing dangerous situations.  Many of the women become close almost immediately, and you could feel the sense of sisterhood that evolved.  They were fiercely protective of each other, from threats on and off the trail.  It was heartwarming to see them work together to overcome the harsh environment.  It did often feel that everything that could go wrong did, so while I was rooting for the women, it was hard to see how the story could have any hope of a happy ending.  Overall, though, this was an interesting look at a time period in American history that I don't often come across in books.  4 stars

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Blog Break + July Quick Reviews

Just a quick note that I'll be taking a brief break from the blog next week!  Now, onto this week's reviews!

A Thousand Letters by Staci Hart (2017)

High school sweethearts Elliot and Wade broke up when he enlisted in the Army and she refused to follow him.  Now, 7 years later, the two have to face their unresolved feelings for each other when Wade returns home to help his father after a terminal diagnosis.

I've read a couple books by Staci Hart now, and this one felt like such a departure.  Unlike her rom-coms, this story is somber and full of angst.  There's the element of Wade's father discovering he has terminal brain cancer and how the other characters react to it; this part was heartbreaking and felt so real.  However, I really didn't enjoy the Elliot-Wade relationship drama.  Neither has moved on in 7 years; there is such a frustrating lack of communication between them, both then and now.  I couldn't help but roll my eyes at how many times each assumed they knew what the other was thinking, and they were completely wrong.  Elliot is a huge doormat for all the other characters, when she's not fading into the background altogether.  And way too much repetitive purple prose!  2.5 stars

The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter by Mimi Matthews (2018)

Valentine March is a lady's companion; Tristan, Viscount St. Ashton, is a notorious rake who has hit rock bottom.  When they meet, it's love at first sight, but will their pasts stand in their way?

This was a sweet Victorian romance.  My favorite thing about this novella was Tristan; even though he has quite a scandalous past, the moment he meets Valentine, he's a changed man.  He wants to prove himself worthy of her.  Valentine, though, is unsure, because she has secrets of her own.  The relationship moved quickly, especially on Tristan's part, but I don't think that was necessarily out of place for the time period.  I enjoyed Matthews' writing, and I just wish the story had been longer!  4 stars

Love Scene, Take Two by Alex Evansley (2015)

An actor and a teen author fall for each other but find it difficult to navigate a relationship in the spotlight in this adorable YA romance.

Although there were parts of this book that have to be taken with a grain of salt, I still really enjoyed it.  Teddy is an up-and-coming actor who gets hired for his dream job; the movie is based on the wildly successful series by teen author Bennett Campbell.  Although I enjoyed Bennett's drive and realism, Teddy was the star of this show.  I loved that he wasn't the typical perfect YA boyfriend.  He has flaws, doesn't take himself too seriously, and is kind to everyone.  The writing is very readable, and I breezed through the story in a day.  The movie set setting was really fun, and there are plenty of amazing side characters as well.  4 stars

Backlist Mini-Reviews

Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg (2018)

Gentry and her siblings are abandoned by their father, who heads to California to find fortune in the gold rush.  When strange natural phenomena begin occurring, Gentry is introduced to a world of magic by a beguiling stranger.

I really enjoyed this quiet, thoughtful book set in Utah during the 1850s (or, at least sometime during the gold rush, the book never actually specifies the date).  Holmberg did a beautiful job combining history and fantasy.  The struggles Gentry faces trying to keep her family afloat felt so real, and the magical realism added to the story.  The magic fueled by gold (and how the earth responds when too much is taken from it) was very imaginative.  There's also a sweet love story!  If you're looking for a lot of action, this probably isn't the book for you, though.  Like I said, it's a pretty quiet book, but Holmberg's writing is beautiful and the setting is not one I come across often.  4 stars

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett (2015)

I've read a couple of Jenn Bennett's books before and really enjoyed them, but this one missed the mark for me.   Beatrix wants to be a medical illustrator and Jack is a graffiti artist - their connection is strong, but each has family issues that may get in the way of their happiness.

Is it weird to say I enjoyed everything but the main characters?  I felt like Bennett was trying too hard to create these quirky, interesting characters, and to me it felt insincere.  Beatrix felt like a stereotypical "artist," and Jack alternately seemed way too old and also very immature for his age.  Their insta-love never really grabbed me.  I was more interested in the family issues that each was facing.  The way Jack dealt with his sister's mental illness was so touching.  Beatrix was dealing with the fallout from her parents' divorce, and I liked that there ended up being more to that story than initially appeared.  I even think it could have been explored more; I still had questions after the story ended.  3 stars