Bianca
If you're in the mood for a heartfelt, emotional read that will have you in tears—yes, I mean ugly crying—One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris is the book for you. This debut novel is a deeply moving story about Sara Lancaster, who returns to Savannah after eight years to care for her ailing father and raise her brilliant daughter, Alana. As Sara navigates the challenges of coming back to her past, she crosses paths with Jacob Wyler, the twin brother of the man who assaulted her.
Harris's prose is stunning and adds so much beauty to this tough story about family, forgiveness, and healing. She tackles the sensitive subjects of trauma and redemption with incredible grace and compassion. Sara's and Jacob's intertwined journeys are compelling and full of unexpected moments that touch the heart. One Summer in Savannah is a powerful, soul-healing read that I would recommend to everyone. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
Definitely going to be one of my top romance reads of 2024. GPT
“The Bodyguard” by Katherine Center is one of those books that just hits all the right notes, making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The characters, especially Hannah and Jack Stapleton, are the kind you can't help but fall in love with. They're so well-developed, showing real growth and transformation throughout the story that's both believable and deeply satisfying. And let's talk about Jack for a sec—total crush material. He's got that depth and charm that's just irresistible, pulling you deeper into their story with every page. Katherine Center's writing is, as always, a joy to dive into—uplifting, engaging, and just plain refreshing, offering the perfect balance between lighthearted moments and more profound, emotional depths without getting too spicy, which I really appreciate.
But what struck me the most was how the book, while it wraps you in a delightful rom-com package, doesn't shy away from heavier themes like grief. It's impressive how Center weaves these threads into the narrative, making “The Bodyguard” so much more than your typical love story. Seeing Hannah and Jack not only fall for each other but also become essential parts of each other's healing and growth was just beautiful. The way Hannah becomes part of Jack's family and helps him face his guilt and grief, really adds layers to the story that you don't always find in what you are expecting to just be a rom-com. It's a heartfelt read that leaves you feeling hopeful, a bit lighter, and completely enamored with Hannah, Jack, and their journey together.
Babel by R.F. Kuang has a slow pace, and with such an intriguing premise, I felt there could've been a few more exciting scenes thrown in. There's nothing wrong with a slower story, but just a heads-up—you might find yourself needing breaks after a couple of chapters (I averaged about 2 at a time, but the chapters are long). At times, it reads like a really interesting textbook, complete with footnotes. I loved the characters and how real they were, but I wish we got to see a bit more growth in their friendships. Most of the action happens in the last 25%, so be prepared for a lot of buildup. I also wish there had been more fantasy elements, as it felt a bit misleading being marketed as a fantasy book; it reads more like historical fiction with a sprinkle of magical realism.
The themes of racism and colonialism come through very clearly—sometimes so much that it felt like the author didn't fully trust readers to think critically or be able to interpret her message from the story unfolding. The ending made the strongest statement; how colonialism can only end in suffering, and violence is often inevitable for change when the stakes are high. All in all, it is extremely well-written and you know the author really did her research and knows her stuff - which I appreciated. I thought the commentary on translation was done very well through the matching and silver bars and the lessons at Oxford that the reader basically gets to sit in on. Despite my few grievances, Babel an important read where even the most culturally and socially aware readers can take away something of value and I would definitely recommend it when you are in the right headspace for it!
Why did I put myself through this?
If ADHD was a book, this would be it.
I don't know what this book is about....
The main character is insufferable.
I should have DNF'd.
I loved the Heiress and the Villa so if this is your first Rachel Hawkins read, don't give up on her yet.
This book is all about the Halloween town ✨vibes✨. It's the perfect light witchy fall read! Add in a little spice and a second chance romance, and a “save the town / break the curse” storyline and you have yourself a very enjoyable story. It's a cozy read and moved at a slower pace than I was expecting but overall, I enjoyed it. I wish more of the action that happened in the last 20% was more fleshed out!
Eh. Rock Paper Scissors nails the spooky, haunted house vibes, with a dark winter setting that adds to the creepy atmosphere. The remote, snow-covered landscape gives the whole story an eerie, isolated feel, making it easy to get sucked into the tension. Plus, the dog was a nice touch—it added some warmth in the middle of all the cold and unsettling moments. There's one major plot twist that totally got me, which was a pleasant surprise, but the ending after that felt a little weird and didn't quite land for me. And honestly, none of the characters were all that likable, which made it hard to fully connect with the story. Overall, the atmosphere was spot-on, but the characters and the ending left me wanting a bit more.
I was hoping this would be a little more engaging, like Wordslut was. It felt really repetitive and referred back to the same cults multiple times. I understand that the common ties are important but it was excessive and ultimately became boring. A lot of focus on influencer cult leaders toward the end. I was hoping for some more political references (coughmagacough) although there were a few. Ultimately, if you are fascinated by cults it is worth the read but it didn't WOW me!
There are certain types of cries you only have after reading a Kristin Hannah book. This is an insanely tragic, yet beautiful story of a line of resilient women during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. It is heavy, it's depressing, but it's real. It's worth the read 100%.
“In Five Years” by Rebecca Serle is an emotional rollercoaster that I couldn't put down. Despite the protagonist's occasional moments of entitlement, Serle's skillful writing drew me in, offering a soothing escape from heavier genres. This poignant tale of friendship, grief, and the unpredictability of life had me sobbing multiple times. Through its exploration of love and life plans gone awry, it gently reminds us that sometimes straying from the expected path leads to unexpected joys. I gave it five stars and highly recommend it for anyone seeking a heartfelt read that resonates long after the final page. Plus, I couldn't help but wish for a friendship as pure and deep as the one portrayed in the book.
Reading “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton kind of felt like she cracked open my own diary from my 20s, but made it way more interesting. It's weirdly comforting to see your own mess of late nights, bad decisions, and those attempts to find who you are in someone else's story. Dolly's way of talking about her ups and downs, from feeling utterly alone to trying to be the loudest person in the room just to feel something, hit super close to home. Her humor is kind of sarcastic/cynical and so relatable and real—had me actually laughing out loud. Of course there were moments that were heartbreaking, and I sobbed more than once. It's like she's telling this super common story of the insecurity and loneliness of your 20s and growing into a 30-something woman who grows to love her own company, but in a way that feels fresh and super relatable. Every woman in her 20s and early 30s NEEDS to read this book.
I pushed through this because I love Leigh Bardugo. By the end, I was glad I finished it but there were quite a few things that threw me off with this book. First, the endless narration and minimal dialogue. Second, I do not need to know the in-depth history of every house. Who is retaining this information? It made it a chore to read, and I just started skipping those sections toward the end. I couldn't even tell you which house is which at this point, wayyyyy too many unnecessary details. Third, the book was too long (a result of both things I just mentioned). Pros: Alex Stern. More badass Alex Stern, please. I definitely developed a connection to the characters, which is definitely a Leigh Bardugo strength. I'm not sure if I will read Hell Bent yet. TW: Rape, sexual assault - I don't remember if there was a TW but there should be.
Who doesn't love a story in letters? Juicy and introspective with a surprising ending and me in tears. Worth the short read.
Siege and Storm, the second book in Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse series, builds on its predecessor with a captivating mix of magic, conflict, and the quest for power. Bardugo's ability to deepen the world's lore while focusing on character development is impressive, making the protagonists and their dilemmas feel real and relatable. The novel introduces intriguing new characters that add complexity to the plot, though at times the pacing seems to slow, particularly in the middle. I still rated this a 5/5 despite that because the blend of action, emotional depth, and the exploration of themes like leadership and sacrifice keeps the narrative engaging. Overall, it's a solid sequel that sets a high bar for the finale!
animal death TW I listened to the audiobook. I really liked this as someone who gets sucked into tiktok true crime detective work. It definitely kept me on my toes. The writing was fast-paced and easy to read. It did not need to be 433 pages, and I could have done without the death of an animal, that shit really messes me up. Pippa was kind of annoying and made some seriously questionable decisions where I was like, “really???” and eye rolling... and I had to keep reminding myself that she is like 17. Great read if you are into true crime and want an easy read. I definitely got emotional at the end. Took off a star for my minor grievances.
This was the third Riley Sager book I'd read in a month so this probably would have been a 5-star read if I wasn't becoming tired of his signature writing format. The unstable and unreliable female POV and the flash back chapters are fun but can get kind of old after a while (very similar style to Home After Dark and The Only One Left). Ultimately, the story kept me guessing, and was especially thrilling toward the end. The plot twist definitely stumped me! I will definitely read more of his work, but need a break and hope that ALL of his books don't follow this same format.
“Queenie” by Candace Carty-Williams is not just any book—it's a journey. With a solid 5/5 rating, it's impossible to put down. You're not just reading; you're living alongside Queenie as she navigates the messiness of life, love, and finding herself amidst the chaos of London. Candace's writing brilliantly balances the weight of addressing mental health, racism, and the search for identity with wit and humor that keeps you hooked. It's rare to find a book that feels like a conversation with a friend, one who's flawed, fierce, and utterly relatable. “Queenie” does just that, making you laugh, cry, and everything in between. A must-read that's as insightful as it is entertaining, leaving a lasting impression long after the last page. Definitely a must-read if you're into books that feel like a warm, albeit sometimes chaotic, hug. Couldn't recommend it more if I tried!
Obscura by Joe Hart was a surprisingly captivating read, even for someone who doesn't usually pick up sci-fi. This sci-fi thriller pulled me in with its suspenseful, twist-filled plot that kept me on my toes. Hart's portrayal of addiction was particularly well done—graceful and accurate, capturing the human complexity behind it. While the pacing did drag slightly in the middle, the story's twists and turns made up for it, leading to a thrilling and satisfying read. Overall, Obscura was an engaging ride that held my attention to the very end.
All of the words that help capture Katherine Center's novels: witty, heart-breaking, romantic, tragic, hopeful, heartwarming, triumphant. They are everything in one. You will not regret reading this.
The setting is this incredible fantasy world called Ravka, shrouded in darkness and danger thanks to the Shadow Fold. Enter Alina Starkov, our main character, who discovers she has a power that could be the key to saving her country. Watching her transform from an overlooked nobody to a powerful Grisha was pretty awesome. The romance in this book? It's got just the right amount of heat and tension. The Darkling, a major character, adds a layer of mystery and complexity to the plot. He's charming yet enigmatic, and you're never quite sure what his true intentions are... until you do? One of the best parts of this book is the magic system – it's unique and well-explained, setting the stage for some really cool scenes. I loved learning about the Grisha and immersing myself into that magical world. Overall, if you're into fantasy with a good mix of action, a bit of romance, and some really cool magical elements, “Shadow and Bone” is definitely worth a read. It's an engaging story that's perfect for anyone looking to dive into a new world for a bit, but still easy enough to follow without an overwhelming amount of world building in the beginning. I can't wait to dive into book two!
Wow. This was disappointing. I think VA lost her way by the time she got to this book. The narration that began to get excessive in book 3 just got worse in this book with more repetitive sentiments, repetition of the plot line through 4 different POVs, lots and lots of talk with flowery metaphors, 2-3 scenes that were actually important enough to move the plot in 700 pages. 700 pages... it did not need to be this long. I rarely say that with fantasy because usually it fits, but no. I had to tandem between audio and physical to finish. I was so bored I started zoning out during the audiobook and didn't miss anything. I'm giving this 3 stars because VA is a good writer, you can tell she cares about this series and the characters, I think the underlying themes are important. I'm looking forward to reading her other series with hopes that she grew enough as writer to hone in on the repetitive writing and excessive 1st person narration. I gave Red Queen and Glass Sword 5 stars, King's Cage 4 stars... so yeah.. this didn't end how I was hoping it would. :(
Ok, I had to sleep on this for a night because I have feelings. The first 50% of the book DRAGGED. For everyone saying they read this book in 2 days, I applaud you. The first time I picked it up, I read 20 pages and put it back down for another time. This time it took me at least a week to finish. Once it got to the 65% point, I was able to fly through it because ACTION FINALLY STARTED.
There's SOOO much background on each character that the book almost feels like a character study – definitely more character-driven than plot-driven. The plot is very straightforward: succeed at heist. That's it. No twists, no building. Every chapter is in a different character's POV, and you get a flashback to their story and what makes them, them. I will say that helped me feel a connection to them by the end of the book, but do not expect to be in adventure mode the entire time. I went in with those expectations and came out disappointed in that regard.
Inej and Nina make the book. I obviously need to know what happens next and am hoping that now that all of the boring backstories are out of the way, we get more action in “Crooked Kingdom.” The first half of the book is their travels to the Ice Court, but the return journey took one page of the book as if barely any time had passed. WTF?
I rated this 4/5 because Leigh's writing is fantastic as always, and it really is a great story, but the pacing was just really off for me.
“Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman left me feeling underwhelmed. While Hoffman's writing shows potential, with a few memorable quotes and reflections that stand out, the story itself felt lazy, and the characters failed to engage. While the portrayal of motherhood was handled reasonably well, the depiction of sisterhood was disappointing. The sisters shared no genuine connection until a traumatic event, making that part of the plot feel forced and underdeveloped. The portrayal of women was particularly disappointing, as they seemed defined by their beauty or their relationships with men, which felt outdated and reductive. The murder plot, which had the potential for real intrigue, ultimately fell flat. Instead, we spent full chapters on side characters who added little to the narrative, detracting from the main storyline (which I'm still trying to figure out if there was one). Overall, this book was a letdown despite its moments of promise. I've heard the movie is better and am excited to watch it!
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is an emotionally gripping tale that left me in sobs, yet it's a journey I would willingly take over and over again. Hannah crafts a narrative so powerful and poignant, exploring the resilience and complexity of sisterhood against the bleakness of WWII. Her storytelling has a way of pulling you into a world of despair and hope, making every choice and sacrifice of the characters deeply resonate. This book not only made me sob at the beauty and tragedy intertwined within its pages but also left a lasting impression that I find myself constantly thinking about. Awarding it a full 5 stars for its historical accuracy, emotional depth, and the indomitable spirit of love and resistance it portrays. The Nightingale is a testament to the power of the human spirit, a book that breaks you and rebuilds you with every reading.
The Love Haters is pure joy from Katherine Center as expected! This would be a fun beach or pool read as it is quick and easy to read. That being said, in true Katherine Center fashion, the book is so much more than a summery rom-com! This is an exploration into self-love and healing through the FMC and even through some of the other characters. KC has no issues writing characters who develop beautifully. Also, we allll will want a Hutch after reading this.