This is a wonderful, heartwarming story of friendship, community and showing love comes around at any age.
My husband and I have decorated a gingerbread house almost every year since we started dating, and it's a tradition we kept up with our kids. This story holds a special place for me.
Margi is ready to give up on the gingerbread grotto. Each year brings less money to keep it running and fewer visitors. And just when it comes together it all falls apart. But through new friends and community support it might just come together
I got caught up in the lives of the characters and the events of the book. The author brings mixes in different generations showing how each generation is alike, but also different. I loved how the traditions are being passed on in the story and grew in a much bigger way than expected.
This was a wonderful way to start my holiday reads.
Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to be part of this tour.
The narrator chosen was a good fit for this book. The voiced matched the character.
The story itself was ok. The elements were there, but it didn't connect for me. I expected more “is he a serial killer” for the neighbor and I would have liked the author to play more on that. I didn't get the love connect with the main character and her love interest. It read as a friendship and I felt like the author was trying to force them together. There are two sex scenes. The first is blown over and the second felt like the author was trying, but it was over quickly too. The after part was just awkward.
Overall I did enjoy the characters. Especially her brother and his storyline. There is character growth.
I LOVED this book! It really pulled me in from the beginning. I laughed and cried throughout this story.
The character are smart, funny, and the banter among them all is great. They form their own club to vent about life, and I enjoyed their club moments throughout the book. There weren't enough of this scenes!
Jewish and LGBTQ+ representation.
It does deal with loss of a parent and sexual assault. Check TW.
Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read this book.
For the age group this is intended for it is cute. I do think the child would need to like and know something about Hans Christian Anderson to enjoy the story a little more.
The story has more to it than just the author living next door. The story also tells what the main character goes through at school, which can be relatable to other children of similar age. The main character writes poems and I liked that these were incorporated in this story. There are illustrations throughout.
This is an easy, short chapter book for early readers.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I am just starting my Jane Austen journey. With what little I know I found this story enjoyable. If you are well versed in Jane Austen and stories you will love this book.
The author brings the characters we love into this story. She brings in elements from Austen's novels to tie in motives, character background and relationships. I liked reading how the elements came together throughout the story.
This is the follow up to The Murder of Mr. Wickham. You do not need to read the first before reading this story.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This book was just as good as the first.
The characters are enjoyable and I especially like the three little witches Gwyn has decided to help along the way.
The story was up and down for me. Some parts were really great and some felt slow for the story progression, but overall I enjoyed it. It was the perfect read to go in and out of and not miss anything. A great book for the fall.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.
This story pulled me in from the beginning. The author did a wonderful job writing the story and creating characters that all seem real.
The main character is a courageous character trying to make a life for herself. She is orphaned and left in her uncle's care, which then puts her in a few situations she didn't agree to. Thankfully she comes across people willing to help her.
I liked that this story was more than just a romance. She wanted so much more for her life and romance wasn't the main focus. There is a lot of adventure in the story.
This story does include scenes of violent behavior in the beginning.
Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to be part of the tour. Please check out other reviewers tagged in this post.
This author has become an auto buy author for me. She does a wonderful job telling a story, bringing in culture history and bringing characters to life.
Full Moon Over Freedom is the follow up to After Hours on Milagro Street, which was a top read for me in 2022. This story focuses on the eldest Torres sister. She moves back home for the summer to try and sort out her divorce and make a life for her and her children, but her ex is making it difficult. The guy she fell in love with years ago is back for the summer as well and the two work together on a project.
This story gives dual POV through third person, which I enjoy when reading. I love the way the author writers her characters making them seem real. Their lives and experiences are easy for readers to relate to and sympathize with.
I highly recommend this book and the series!
It does read as a standalone.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The narrator chosen for this story was a good choice. I liked the way they told the story and voiced the characters in the story.
For the audience this story is intended for it is engaging and interesting. The main character sets out to solve the mystery of why his town no longer has a library. The story does include multiple POVs from characters and overall the transition to each character is easy to follow. Each character has a part of the story to tell and the readers sees how it comes together. There is even a perspective from a cat who loved that library as much as anyone.
Thank you Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this story.
Narrator: the narrator chosen for this book did a wonderful job bringing the character and story to life. They are how I would picture the main character sounding.
Story: If you love 13 Going on 30 you'll love this book! It was funny, heartwarming and all around a great read. The story drew me in from the start. The characters were interesting and felt like real people.
Highly recommend picking up this book!
This author has become an auto read for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook ARC.
Who needs a new romcom read?
Just A Wrong Turn is exactly what I needed to get me out of my current slump. From the beginning I was invested in the characters and the story. This story made me laugh and had several heartwarming moments. I loved the Legally Blonde references.
There are a some parts I would have liked to see expanded on, but overall this is a great read for romcom lovers.
This is the second in a series, but reads as a standalone. I haven't read the first book, but I'm looking forward to reading it and the third book coming out later this year.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy.
This story does discuss mental health.
This story picks up at the end of Pride and Prejudice. I love that the author mentioned parts from Pride and Prejudice and tied it in with the story.
I enjoy reading stories that include different POVs. This story is mainly told from Elizabeth and Darcy's POV, but readers also get POV from other characters such as Georgiana. While there are multiple characters, the transition from character to character was easy to follow.
I would have liked to have seen the main conflict to flow more through the story. The conflict felt resolved in one chapter, but would become an issue again in another chapter. However, with the story being written in a diary format spanning several months it did make sense.
Overall I found this to be an enjoyable variation on Pride and Prejudice.
Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this story.
Narrator: The narrator chosen for this audiobook did a wonderful job. I enjoyed listening to her bring the characters and story to life.
In this story we follow Nell, one of three Delaney sisters. One of the sisters needs to marry Aiden to help save the family business. This story focuses on Nell with two more books focusing on the other sisters. I like that the author gave each sister her own book to tell their story and I am eager to get to the other two.
Story: Overall I enjoyed this story. It has its funny moments, the characters were enjoyable and the overall plot was interesting. The first half of the book had a few parts that felt unrealistic (I am being nitpicky) and I couldn't get past it, but the second half of the book is entertaining and picks up. I am glad I stuck with it.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I found this to be an inspiring story. In this story the main character acquires prosopagnosia (face blindness) weeks before she is to present a new portrait for an art contest. She is learning how to live with it not knowing if it will come back. This story was a reminder to be kinder to people and to see past the looks.
The ending wasn't quite what I expected and I can't decide if that is good or bad. It was interesting.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
TW: the main character mentions situations involving her abusive ex-husband.
This story is small town, single mom, and starting over.
This series keeps getting better and better! Overall this is a great read! I love the characters and the storyline. I see these stories as sweet with a bit of a punch.
I wasn't sure how to feel about the ending situation with her ex-husband. It was a surprise for me as I saw that part of the story going a different way. This felt a little out of the blue.
This is the first time I could see all the couples, the characters from the three books, really come together. You see how the relationships have evolved over the series and how close everyone has become.
While this is the third book in a series it does well as a standalone. The author gives enough background through the story to get to know the characters and their relationships to one another.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy. Can't wait for Preston's story!
Tigger warnings are presented at the beginning of the book. Please check those before reading. To me the author handled the issues with care.
Narrators: this story is told in third person POV with both a male and female narrator. Both narrators chosen for this audiobook did a good job bringing the story and characters to life.
Story: This is my favorite in this series. Part of it was because I related so much to this book, but it also because this story was was more about the relationship and forming their connection than the spice.
The main characters and their mental health was handled with care. They are there for one another as you hope one can be there for you in that situation. The side characters were enjoyable.
This is the third in this series, but reads as a standalone.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and review this book.
If your child loves the environment this is a wonderful read.
Dr. Wangari's legacy is a great example of how taking care of the environment will have a lasting effect in the world. She was able to obtain a Doctorate, but she used her instincts when it came to solving problems. Because she fought to protect the Earth, her children and many others are able to have a better life today.
This book points out how segregation was different between American and Kenya. While it did exist in Kenya, she was treated much worse in American. This did not stop her from pursing her education.
Thank you NetGalley and Rebel Girls for the opportunity to read this book.
From page one young readers will be thrown into an adventure as they follow Otto and his new friends on a quest to find his uncle and rescue special parrots.
This is the second book from this author I've read. I enjoy her writing. From the characters she develops to the descriptions of events and in this story the animals. This book shows creativity and is something unique for children.
This is a fast paced read and it is a page turner. Each chapter goes from one adventure to the next. There is never a dull moment. This book is appropriate for the age range it is intended for.
Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read this book and be part of the tour.
This is told in dual POV. Closed door, clean romance.
Narrators: both narrators were great in bringing the story to life. They fit the personality of each main character.
Story: Parts of it felt slow getting to the next point, overall I loved it. It was sweet and fun. The ending wasn't quite what I expected, but in a good way.
Thank you Jenny Proctor for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
Narrator: I enjoyed the narrator chosen for this story. She did a great job telling the story and transitioning among the characters throughout. I was drawn in from the start.
Story: I liked that the story was told in a diary format, so you get a day by day account of Gigi's trip. The characters and their side stories add to the overall story. I didn't feel big emotions over the book in general, but parts of it made me smile and were entertaining.
If you are looking for a cute happily ever after this is a great choice. Book lovers will enjoy the references and places the author uses throughout the book.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
The story was cute. The characters were likable. I was hoping for more in terms of “dramatics”, but the problem came and went quickly. If you want a clean romance this is a great choice.
This was told in dual POV, which I enjoyed. It had a male and female narrator. Both did an ok job telling the story.
Thank you Jenny Proctor for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
This review is about the Audrey app and the production of Anne of Green Gables.
Audrey is a new audiobook app offering a different kind of listening experience. Each story is put together by a guide. The guide includes extras like playlists, questions, pictures, character list, their thoughts and chapter recaps, which are unlocked after each chapter.
Story Production Review: This story has a number of narrators playing the characters in the story and I enjoyed each of them. This story includes background sound effects and music. At moments when mixed together, the sounds would drown each other out. Overall I do think these elements elevate the story.
The bonus content in this story included pictures from the house belonging to the author that was converted into a museum, questions to consider, maps, playlists and even recipes. I can tell the guide put a lot of care into creating this story.
App Review: Please keep in mind the app is new. Currently users have little control on the app. This has not hindered my experience of the app and I find it easy to use. Things I would like to see is the the option to control sounds and the option for continuous play.
Audrey is affordable. The app is free to download and stories average around $7.99. The app offers free stories as well.
I am excited to watch the app grow. I'm reading more classic literature and this app will a great help.
Thank you Love Books Tours & Audrey for the opportunity to take part in this tour.
I adored this book! If you want a feel good romance look no further.
This story is told in dual POV with both a male and female narrator. Both narrators fit their perspective characters and did a good job telling the story.
This story was the perfect amount of sweet romance without being cheesy. I've been to Belgium and I especially enjoyed when it was mentioned. Belgian chocolate is delicious! The characters were lovable and I couldn't help but cheer for the main characters.
This is the perfect book for Valentine's Day! Or any day you need a good romance.
Dreamscape Media, Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.