Ashley

This was a sweet short story that made me laugh and smile through the story. I would have liked the story to be a little longer because it felt like something was missing, but for the purposes of the collection it was originally written for I understand why it may have been limited to what it was.

This wasn't a cheesy romance, and the characters are fun and loveable. If you want a sweet, short story this is a good choice.

Edited to add: The bonus chapter the author included was cute and and funny. A perfect ending to wrap up their story. 

Thank you Anne Kemp for the opportunity to read and review The Sweet Spot.

Audio: The narrator fit the main character's voice and personality. She didn't sound like she was just reading, but gave the book life. 

Story: This was a different take on enemies to lovers and I'm not sure what I think about the book. Overall I liked the story and the author's writing. The characters were likable and well developed. 

What makes me unsure is the main character. I like that she is a strong, smart woman. However, she is very much against the male lead in the story and it felt that way even until the end. The end felt like she just gave in to him. I'm not convinced that is what she wanted. The story skips to six months later (not the epilogue) and the main character is still in the same spot. She hasn't progressed on her stance with the male main character. 

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for the opportunity to listen to this story.

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. 

Book of Carraig
Andrea Matthews

Trigger warnings. This book mentions rape.

Book of Carriag is the follow up to The Cross of Ciaran. While I haven't read the first book, the story included information throughout the story piecing together what readers may have missed. It can be read as a standalone.

The story focuses on Ciaran Donnelly, who is a fifth-century Celt. He is on an archaeologist dig with Caitlin, who he has formed a relationship with. On this dig the team discovers other Celts from his time, his brother and late wife, as well as artifacts. His brother comes to life as Ciaran did and together they defeat someone from their past.

The book of Carriag didn't play a crucial role in the story. The scenes mentioning Ciaran's search for the book felt short and uneventful. Even when he finds the book, more important events take over the story and the book is briefly mentioned after. I would have liked the quest for the book to be a bigger part of the story and for there to be mention of what it contained. Again, all that was brief.

This book wasn't for me personally. However, the writer did a great job with the story. The writing was good, the story had a natural flow and the characters were well developed.

Thank you Andrea Matthews and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review.

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. 

The narrator for this story was a good choice. Her voice matched how I would imagine Athena's would be.

The story was what I expected it to be and predictable. Classic literature lovers will enjoy the references to Bronte's work.

Adorable book for kids! I like how inquisitive Snowy is. As parents we can relate when we don't have the answers to our children's questions. In the story Snowy's mom does her best to answer them. And no matter what we love our children. 

The illustrations are bright and fun for a children's book. 

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read 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.

This story brings together four people as war is breaking out in the late 1930s/early 1940's. We read about their individual lives leading up to the war, all from different backgrounds, and how the war brought them together. 
I liked that the story was broken up into parts. Each part is a stage of the war/life for the individuals. I teared up at the end. The author brought it together beautifully. 
This is a quick read. The author writes just enough detail to get a sense of what is going on. While I would have liked to have more depth in the story, I didn't feel it lacked character or story development. 

Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this book. 

I didn't read the Good Girl Complex before this one, but this stands well on it's own. I didn't feel like I missed anything from the first book in order for this one to make sense. 

This story did not start off well for me. Immediately I thought this was a toxic relationship. Gen has tried to change over the past year, but the death of her mother brings her home. Evan is determined to bring her back to her old ways. There isn't much character development for either of the main characters and the other characters are ok. She has changed and mainly just out to prove she is doing better and he still wants to keep the lifestyle. Their relationship was more about lust than love. At the end I was still thinking the match wasn't a great one. 

I liked that it was dual POV and the author's writing style wasn't bad. The POV transition as smooth. 

This story just personally wasn't for me, but I can see why so many readers enjoy this author. 

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital 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 more than I expected. The author's love and enthusiasm for the Midwest comes out through the entire book. She explains why this area is important to explore and know its history. As she describes landmarks we can visit, she is detailed about the sites provide. This is a great resource to look at for traveling or even students wanting to research more. The author is thorough throughout the book.

The poetry in this book is beautiful. You can understand what the author was feeling and thinking as the poetry progressed. The poet uses different formats in her poetry to tell her story.

The For anyone who has loved or had their heart broken this will speak to you.

Thank you Penelope Chaisson and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this Penelope's Purple Passion.

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.

The narrator wasn't a good choice for the book. They sound like Siri and it made it difficult to get into the book. 

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. 

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

Erica Miller was accused of killing her husband twenty-five years ago, but was found not guilty. She has decided that now is the time to tell her side of the story after years of the media telling their side.

The first part of the book is from Erica's point of view. She hires Prue Carr to write her memoir. You read Erica tell her side of the story. How the media wrote nothing but lies. At first it seems simple enough, but as their relationship progresses and Prue asks questions, Erica reveals more information that may not be as favoring toward her.

The second part of the book is Prue's point of view. You read about her impressions of Erica and how she will use this opportunity to write the book she wants. Against Erica's wishes she digs deeper into the story. The conversations Erica and Prue have are different from Prue's point of view. As if Erica thought she said one thing, but Prue hears something else. It was an interesting way to engage a reader and make you think, what did Erica really do?

The last part brings about the conflict Prue faces while trying to figure out what story to write. She was hired to write Erica's side, but also feels like there is enough to the story to write her own.

I enjoyed this book and the way the author broke it into parts. The author still left mystery leaving the reader to guess what really happened.

Thank you to Love Books Tour and Charlotte Barnes for the opportunity to read The Things I Didn't Do.

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. 

Audiobook: This is a dual POV story with one female narrator. She was a great choice for this audiobook. The main character is doing her best to be strong and doesn't back down and the narrator conveyed all of that through her voice. 

Story: Amelia is great in this story. She is relatable as a mom doing whatever is best for her children. Standing up for them in the toughest situatuions. This is a mom you don't want to mess with. But this story also shows the vulnerable side of being a parent, a single parent at that. Trying to be enough for your kids, which is something most if not all moms can relate to. 

I enjoyed the banter between Amelia and Kyle in the beginning of the story. I like how the author took her time with their relationship (if you want to call it that). He proved himself and neither of them took it lightly knowing children were involved. 

This story will have you laughing throughout. 

Wonderful audiobook! 

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opporunity to listen to this audiobook.

This short story was well put together by the team at Audrey. Even as a short listen the guide put together enough content to add to the overall experience. 

Thank you Audrey for putting this together. 

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 book exceed my expectations. I'm a sucker for a good romance and I love the way the author wrote this fake dating story. It felt different somehow. It felt more love at first sight. I enjoyed the relationship the main characters had with each other and that they actually got to know each other. It wasn't about the attraction, but more about the connection between the two. This story made me love Paris a little more and I hope to visit at Christmas someday. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Congratulations on the author's debut novel!

This story is told in journal/diary format and takes place in 2021. Her inspiration comes from Daniel Defoe's classic, A Journal of a Plague Year. He recorded the Bubonic Plague of 1665.

The idea of diary format is interesting and different. I wish I had kept a diary to look back at our time during Covid. I remember the big points, but with time some little things will be forgotten. Every state and country had their own way of handling Covid.

The story alternates between Covid (and current events) and Marney McDonagh's time in India a few years back. Because all entries are dated 2021 the story can get confusing on present day versus India, but it is easy to catch on.

As Marney watches the effects on Covid in India in present day, she reflects on her time there while staying at the Shanthi Ashram. She spends six months there making friends and finding herself and a purpose. She learns much about the culture there and upon leaving wants to help young girls in the area who are often put out by their families. The story evolves over the course of the entries and takes over.

Her journey while in India was inspiring and could have been the story without
being a journal and including current events. The people she encounters all played a role in how she was shaped and changed during her time there.

If you are looking for your own spiritual path check out this book.

Thank you Bernadette Kane and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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.