Ashley
Lexie inherits her father's travel company, but has to share it along Theo for a least a year. After a year the two can decide to sell the company.
The characters were likable throughout the story. Each adding something to the story. I enjoyed the writing and the story overall.
What I enjoyed most were the travel scenes. The characters discussing trips and experiences in various countries. I love to travel and have been lucky enough to visit some of the places mentioned. For me it added to the story.
I was expecting this to be more of a winter/Christmas read, but it wasn't. The story takes place over a year and for me the winter vibes were not present like I was expecting.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Narration: I liked the narrator for the story. She did a wonderful job bringing the character to life and voicing each of the characters throughout the story.
Story: I liked Gemma, but I did find her to be a bit whiney initially. It felt like the author was over explaining Gemma and her life in the beginning of the story, but it is important information for the overall context of the story. The other characters were truly wonderful and added to the story.
Gemma has had to make and live with hard decisions and the author writes her in a way that readers can empathize with her. However, for me personally, I think because I don't have the same life experiences I can't truly understand what Gemma is going through. For me I understand why Gemma has these thoughts and feelings, but I wasn't able to connect with the story or character as much.
Check TW: absent parent, foster care, adoption. These topics are part of the story and the author gives enough information to tell the reader what Gemma's life was like.
This was a heartwarming story and may be helpful to someone in the same position as Gemma.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
Four friends decide to open a bookstore together. Each brings their own strengths to the business and each from a different upbringing. Throughout the story each one is faced with a hardship that could potentially squash the bookstore dream and their friendships are put to the test.
We get POVs from each of the four characters throughout the book. The story is written in journal form, so it makes is easy to follow a timeline and the transition among the characters.
This book wasn't the lighthearted read I was expecting it to be. I do recommend reading it. It was well written and a wonderful story about the importance of friendships.
Check TW. This book deals with heavy topics such as an abortion, gambling addiction, racist comments and a child's illness.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Marianne unexpectedly shows up on a cruise and Margaret now feels like she needs to be by her sister's side the entire time.
I like how the story is focused on the lesser known sister in Sense and Sensibility, Margaret. We see her sisters and their relationships through her eyes. Being the youngest she naturally views things one way, but eventually her sisters give her a different perspective on life and relationships.
I enjoyed the characters and the events. it takes place over the course of a summer and that summer went by very quickly.
This book wasn't my favorite of the Austen retellings by this author, but I still enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Narrator: Overall I enjoyed the narrator for this story and thought she did a wonderful job bringing the story and characters to life. My own “complaint” is when characters were not speaking the narration felt robotic.
Story: The first few Christmas Eve's felt like enough, but eventually it did get old. I didn't think there was a clear view as to what the goal for the main character would be unless I wasn't paying attention. I did appreciate that each day she was making the most of it by growing closer to her neighbors and Braden. I also liked that as the days are repeated, the characters have some sense of deja vu. I thought that added an interesting element not see often in groundhog day storylines.
All of the characters were lovable additions to the story and I liked how the author brought them all together at the end. I do think the end could have been cut shorter.
What didn't work for me was Braden's perspective. It didn't flow or fit well within the story. The story is focused on Annie, so to have his perspective of things didn't quite fit for me. I would like to have seen this Dual POV and his POV could pick up from where her's left off or start another Christmas Eve.
Overall I did enjoy this story and I think anyone who wants a fun Christmas story will enjoy this.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I like the way she writes her characters and story. I found this one to be entertaining, funny and I couldn't put it down.
I wasn't getting the chemistry between the two characters like the author intended. I could sense there was attraction throughout, but it felt more like a crush or close friends. I didn't feel the chemistry for them to be in love.
This is the second in the series. I haven't read the first book, but I felt this read well as a stand alone. Overall this is a great book and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Narrator: the narrator was an excellent choice for this story. She brought out the emotion throughout the book and fit the main character. Story: I adored the characters throughout this book. They were funny, caring and enjoyable to read. Readers will see the relationship between the two main characters grow throughout the story. It was a well written story. I was drawn in fromThe beginning and could picture the ranch and what it would look like in the winter months. While the story is set around Christmas time, it isn't a big focus. Warning: do not read the ending in public unless you want people to see you as a crying mess. Check TW. This story does involve a child going through kidney failure and dialysis. There is mention of dementia.This was a wonderful read. Highly recommend. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook.
Narrator: The narrator was an excellent choice for this book. She brought the main character (and side characters) to life and gave each of them their own voice. She did a wonderful job telling the story.
Story: This story was not quite what I expected, but in a good way. There were a few moments in the book I didn't see coming, but it only made the story better. I enjoyed the fate element found through this story as well as our main character's growth. She is still processing the loss of her best friend and through this story we see her heal and grow to the person she wishes to be.
The characters are such a great mix and entertaining listening to throughout the story. We have the overprotective, controlling mom and aunt, the cool aunt, the perfect sister, and an adventurous grandfather who just wants to find love. There are wonderful side characters as well and I enjoyed watching the relationships grow throughout the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
4.5 rounded up
The authors made this story their own, but also kept with what makes the story a classic. The characters and the setting really came together to give us a wonderful retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Even though we know how this story should end, I enjoyed seeing what was next for the characters and how the authors were going to bring it together.
This is going to be a reread for me, I can tell. I loved how it was done.
This is the second book in the For the Love of Austen series. While characters from Emma of 83rd Street appear in this book, it does not need to be read first.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Timothy Janovsky does it again! I have enjoyed each of his stories. He always creates characters with depth and knows how to tell a story.
Narrators: The two narrators chosen for this story did an excellent job voicing their respective characters and telling this story. They felt right to tell this story.
Story: This story is told in dual POV, which is always a favorite for myself. This story does include flashbacks from the start of the couple's relationship to present. The author does a good job of transitioning past to present, but also when it is a character's voice.
Throughout this story we see how the couple individually figure out who they are and what makes them happy, but also fall in love again. I enjoyed reading about their growth while having fun in the North Pole. The magic around Christmas comes to life through this story.
This book felt like a take on the Santa Clause, but with Newlyweds. I highly recommend this book for the holidays.
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book.
The Christmas Cookie Wars is a lighthearted, clean holiday romance that everyone will enjoy.
The main character is a single mom trying to find her work/life balance while also coming to grips with the fact her boys are growing up. She is a relatable and lovable character.
I enjoyed the small town starting off the holidays with cookie related events. Each of the events was fun to read about and made me wish I could participate. Along the way we see someone is secretly sabotaging the events. I do think this took a backseat to the romance throughout the story and became less of a focus. I wished there had been a little more war or equal parts romance. I did enjoy the romance aspect and was rooting for the character to find love again.
I lost interest about halfway through the book. Dialog and the storyline became repetitious and went on longer than felt necessary. Overall still a cute holiday romance that shouldn't be missed this season.
This book does mention death of a spouse/parent, but no details are given.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Narrator: The narrator chosen for this audiobook was a good choice. She did a good job of voicing multiple characters and telling the story.
Story: This audiobook wasn't for me. There was little to no plot and the last hour could have been taken out. The story had potential. The characters were likable and the magic brought something to the story. I just felt there were missed opportunities to include more about Cerebral Palsey, the characters could have been given more depth and the more build up.
Thank you netGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook.
I am indifferent on this story.
The characters had depth to them, but there are a few too many to keep up with and their story lines. I do like that we get narrations for both Maggie and David throughout.
This is the third book in the series. I have not read the previous two books, but I do believe it is important to read those first to have a better understanding of the characters and the story.
This book ends on a cliffhanger opening it up for a continued story
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Narrator: The narrator chosen was fine. She fit the character I pictured and did her best telling the story. The story wasn't great, so I know she worked with what she was given.
Story: This is not a romance book. The romance is not a focus, the chemistry is not there between the two main characters. They have two hook ups and when they hang out it feels more like old friends hanging out (which they are).
The story started off on a good note, but somewhere along the way just didn't hold. There are other parts of the story that felt like they had more focus other than the “romance the two main characters had”. At first I wondered if maybe the narrator wasn't the best fit, but there was a poorly written sex scene that just solidified the story wasn't great.
The characters were interesting and the story had Malaysian representation. This was not for me.
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan audio for the opportunity to listen to this book.
Narrator: it did take a little bit or me to figure out if the voice fit the character, but the narrator chosen ended up being a good choice. There were several characters to voice and the narrator did a good job.
Story: This wasn't the right book for me, but it does include several elements I think others will enjoy.
This story overall was an enjoyable read. There were funny moments, action and a bit if suspense, which drew me in. While everything in the story was reverent to the overall story, it did feel like it was longer than it should have been. A scene or two could have been cut and still achieve the ending and effect the author intended.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook.
After reading The Wishing Game I had to get this book. I love this author's writing and story telling.
I'm from WV and I loved how well the state is represented it doesn't include any stereotypes even in a joking manner from a character.
This is a slower pace story, but it's a story I didn't want to rush through. Throughout the story we have a narrator commenting on what is happening and there is an option to skip a chapter. I did not skip the chapter and found it helpful in understanding Jeremy better.
The world created in this story is magical and beautiful. I wish I could visit this world myself. I loved the characters and character growth and how the story develops.
The last 50 or so pages does lag, but there is quite if a bit story to still wrap up. It's worth it. The ending felt fitting for the story.
I saw that nod to The Wishing Game in the story.
If you enjoyed The Wishing Game you'll love this one. Both stories have some similarities, but not in a formula aspect.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Narrator: I enjoyed the narrator chosen for this book. She did an excellent job bringing each character and the story to life. Listening to it made it feel like I was in the story.
Story: Lucy's life isn't what she had expected and wants to get to the good part of life. After making a wish, it comes true and she wakes up 16 years later to the job and love she aways wanted. But is it as good as she hopes and when given the choice will she stay or go back in time?
This has some similarities to 13 Going on 30. Both main characters are thrown into a future version of themselves with the job they wanted. There are differences in each. In the book Lucy isn't just navigating her new career, but also coming to terms with being a mom and balancing the parenthood with a career. I enjoyed the realistic moments in the book when Lucy is finding out just how crazy with littles can be.
I adored her son throughout the whole book. The way he viewed Lucy in the beginning and wanting to help her was so sweet. I loved watching their relationship grow throughout the book and her growing into her role. Her husband and friends were also wonderful characters added to the story.
This book had wonderful moments, but also heartbreaking ones. A wonderful read!
This book has off the page loss of an infant and death of a friend.
I read this with our five year old who loves Penguins and enjoyed the story.
The pictures are simple and match well with what is going on throughout the story.
They story takes you on an adventure to find mission treasure with a secret passage, disguises and hidden world beneath the museum.
This is the first book in a series.
Stories: This is my introduction to Katherine Mansfield and this collection of short stories was a perfect introduction. Each one was entertaining in its own way and it is hard to pick a favorite.
Experience: This collection of stories ranges in time from 15 minutes to 40. It is easy to listen to the stories at once or break them up. I enjoy the extra notes about each story and the guide's thoughts.
App: Since my introduction to Audrey I have listened to multiple stories. It has quickly become a go to while listening to audiobooks. The app is user friendly. The illustrations with each story are beautiful.
Thank you Love Books Tour and team Aurey for the opportunity to listen to this collection of stories.
The app is free to download and stories vary in cost. Compared to others these books are affordable and worth the price.
Callie and SJ are my new favorite Freedom Valley Couple!
SJ and Callie were inseparable in high school. First loves and planning forever, but Callie's father threatens SJ. SJ leaves without warning. Twelve years later they are both back in Freedom Valley fighting for their place in their community and for each other.
This story has wonderful characters. I enjoyed how the characters came from different walks of life and showed a side to them that society may not see.
SJ deals with PTSD due to his time in service. To me the author doesn't go in depth, but gives just enough to show what the character is going through. She handled it well.
The main characters from previous books are not mentioned as much in this story as previous stories. While I adore those characters I enjoyed getting to know new characters such as Goldie and Sam in this story.
The author keeps these stories lighthearted and closed doors, but I can still feel the heartbreak and happiness through her writing. It isn't fluff.
This is book five in the series, but can be read as a standalone. This is my favorite from the series.
Check TW. Book deals with abuse and the author puts a disclaimer at the beginning of the book.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Read for FREE in KU here: https://books2read.com/FVS5
The narrator chosen was an excellent choice. She brought each character and the story to life. She fit what I would have pictured for the character.
This book surprised me in a good way. It was refreshing to read a different take on fake dating.
The author did a wonderful job telling this story. The parental expectations is something many readers can relate to. While it is YA I didn't feel like I was reading a YA.
This is the first book I've read by this and it won't be the last.
Harriett is a single mom who is doing her best to provide. Owen makes a visit in town planning to stay a few nights, but after challenging Harriett he stays longer. This story gives off Hallmark Vibes.
I enjoyed the characters and the story was well written. While this story centers around our two main characters, it focuses on buying secondhand and uses the resources we have. It is easy to buy what we don't need and I'm more aware. This element was a unique storyline. I promise the way the author writes it works with the story.
This is a great cozy read for this time of year.
Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to be part of the #DecktheShelves tour.
This is a Christmas Groundhog Day story.
I enjoyed every part of this story. The characters were wonderful. I liked how with each day the author revealed a little more about who they were and their story. They are each connected and I like how it was brought together.
I do think the story went on a day too long, but as each day passes the author does change change each day.
If you could re-do one day would you?
Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to be part of this tour