Susan
I have been reading a lot New Adult and upper Young Adult fiction recently that had Korean characters as their lead and which focused on the Korean American coming of age as a child of immigrants. I know that these authors have shared so many aspects of growing up with the push and pull of language, culture, family history, familial and generational trauma but these were focused on the under 21 experiences of the main characters. But these opened a door that I want to see more though and my adult self was craving something written for an adult audience that would delve into the complexities of identity that only a memoir could present. And in Joan Sung's book I found that author and voice I had been looking for.
This book is told with such understanding, humor, and insight that only the word authentic can capture everything that I was able to find in this book. The presentation and discussion of sensitive topics like child- parental conflict, self understanding, ethnic food, the stereotypes facing Asian American Women, code switching with language use, and the impact of being Asian American during the COVID-19 era was real and raw leaving me rethinking what I though I knew and thankful for having my eyes opened to aspects of my world I have not have seen without Sung as my guide.
Written in a beautifully fluid and nuanced style, Joan Sung's Kinda Korean pulled me in on the first page with the writing and held me through her balance of humor, insight, honesty, and mature understanding by reflection of her life. In this collection of short essays that present her life and experiences was welcomed into her life with the joys and heartbreaks, hopes and despair that truly reflected a well examined life. At the same time I liked that the book allowed me to step in and out of it where I needed to go while at the same time seeing hiw each chapter connected to the larger narrative of the authors life. This design offered me breaks and pauses to contemplate Sung's life and experiences and process what I had just read. This a memoir I will not soon forget and one that truly is the reflection of life in all its bittersweet moments.
I have been reading a lot New Adult and upper Young Adult fiction recently that had Korean characters as their lead and which focused on the Korean American coming of age as a child of immigrants. I know that these authors have shared so many aspects of growing up with the push and pull of language, culture, family history, familial and generational trauma but these were focused on the under 21 experiences of the main characters. But these opened a door that I want to see more though and my adult self was craving something written for an adult audience that would delve into the complexities of identity that only a memoir could present. And in Joan Sung's book I found that author and voice I had been looking for.
This book is told with such understanding, humor, and insight that only the word authentic can capture everything that I was able to find in this book. The presentation and discussion of sensitive topics like child- parental conflict, self understanding, ethnic food, the stereotypes facing Asian American Women, code switching with language use, and the impact of being Asian American during the COVID-19 era was real and raw leaving me rethinking what I though I knew and thankful for having my eyes opened to aspects of my world I have not have seen without Sung as my guide.
Written in a beautifully fluid and nuanced style, Joan Sung's Kinda Korean pulled me in on the first page with the writing and held me through her balance of humor, insight, honesty, and mature understanding by reflection of her life. In this collection of short essays that present her life and experiences was welcomed into her life with the joys and heartbreaks, hopes and despair that truly reflected a well examined life. At the same time I liked that the book allowed me to step in and out of it where I needed to go while at the same time seeing hiw each chapter connected to the larger narrative of the authors life. This design offered me breaks and pauses to contemplate Sung's life and experiences and process what I had just read. This a memoir I will not soon forget and one that truly is the reflection of life in all its bittersweet moments.
This book was the perfect winter read, not only did it have the most amazing characters but it made me snuggle into my comfy blanket and remember why fictional men are so memorable. And to be honest, there is nothing as much fun to watch as a rich steamy banter holds emotions at bay waiting for that moment when their passion will ignite and explode on the page. This book has that toe curling steam filled romance between NFL star quarterback Jake Skyler and Girlfriend For Hire/ Escort Rakell. Both are trying to move forward from their pasts and public images when they trip across each other. It was a delight to watch both characters be who they always were and leave their images behind. The vulnerability and passion they share makes their Secret Romance and Hidden Identities such a compelling story of growth and acceptance that I literally read this book in two sittings. And, even through their story ends with a cliffhanger in their developing relationship, I was thrilled to see that this is a finished series!
This book was the perfect winter read, not only did it have the most amazing characters but it made me snuggle into my comfy blanket and remember why fictional men are so memorable. And to be honest, there is nothing as much fun to watch as a rich steamy banter holds emotions at bay waiting for that moment when their passion will ignite and explode on the page. This book has that toe curling steam filled romance between NFL star quarterback Jake Skyler and Girlfriend For Hire/ Escort Rakell. Both are trying to move forward from their pasts and public images when they trip across each other. It was a delight to watch both characters be who they always were and leave their images behind. The vulnerability and passion they share makes their Secret Romance and Hidden Identities such a compelling story of growth and acceptance that I literally read this book in two sittings. And, even through their story ends with a cliffhanger in their developing relationship, I was thrilled to see that this is a finished series!
Book Four in The Austin Heat Series The One Who Is Mine was a book that, like the other three in this series, will leave you reeling, talking to the book, and fanning yourself from the passion that @author.amarinylix writes on the page. I love that this is really a series that each book draws me deeper into the romance between Jake and Rakell as well as drawing in Jake's teammates and Rakell's friends. There is a wonderful collection of family and friends that offer advice, provide context, live their lives, and envelope you in their community. In this book Jake and Rakell's relationship is still developing but new successes at the Super Bowl and in Hollywood are uncover new fears and desires as well as presenting dangers as Texas and Hollywood separate tour lovers. I loved that Dwayne and Melissa are taking more of a prominent role and the series begins to broaden its focus on the rest of the team.
I can't wait to see where the next book will go! But I know it will be filled with emotion, passion, and banter...what more can I ask for 😂
Book Four in The Austin Heat Series The One Who Is Mine was a book that, like the other three in this series, will leave you reeling, talking to the book, and fanning yourself from the passion that @author.amarinylix writes on the page. I love that this is really a series that each book draws me deeper into the romance between Jake and Rakell as well as drawing in Jake's teammates and Rakell's friends. There is a wonderful collection of family and friends that offer advice, provide context, live their lives, and envelope you in their community. In this book Jake and Rakell's relationship is still developing but new successes at the Super Bowl and in Hollywood are uncover new fears and desires as well as presenting dangers as Texas and Hollywood separate tour lovers. I loved that Dwayne and Melissa are taking more of a prominent role and the series begins to broaden its focus on the rest of the team.
I can't wait to see where the next book will go! But I know it will be filled with emotion, passion, and banter...what more can I ask for 😂
This book is the best 90s rom com - the only thing missing is Hugh Grant. I was laughing as Declan and Chrissy were introduced at a Hockey Game half time entertainment as they worked in duck costumes to win a cruise, I knew Declan had my heart and Chrissy's by the end of chapter one, so when she turns down his proposal I just stared blankly at the page because it didn't make sense. It felt out of character, but as they spend time on the cruise that neither will not go on, and meet new friends on the LARP style activities you will wish you could be written into the story. Add to this Chrissy ex-husband crashes their cruise in an attempt to win Chrissy back and show how his money and polish outshine Declan's sweet and golden heart. Filled with all the best banter, wit, and well paced plotting this story will leave you laughing and cheering!
This book is the best 90s rom com - the only thing missing is Hugh Grant. I was laughing as Declan and Chrissy were introduced at a Hockey Game half time entertainment as they worked in duck costumes to win a cruise, I knew Declan had my heart and Chrissy's by the end of chapter one, so when she turns down his proposal I just stared blankly at the page because it didn't make sense. It felt out of character, but as they spend time on the cruise that neither will not go on, and meet new friends on the LARP style activities you will wish you could be written into the story. Add to this Chrissy ex-husband crashes their cruise in an attempt to win Chrissy back and show how his money and polish outshine Declan's sweet and golden heart. Filled with all the best banter, wit, and well paced plotting this story will leave you laughing and cheering!
Looking for something deeper and original to add a new dimension to your next Tarot Reading that will open up the scope of your reading beyond yourself? Are you intrigued by how you can reframe your reading to something larger than yourself? Did you ever even think that the Tarot deck could be used in this way or are you like I was, left thinking of the Tarot deck as way of plumbing the depths of just your own ones psyche and motivations. If this is sow thing hat intrigues you, as it did me, than check out this highly original and unique Social Justice based guide to the Tarot for the 21st Century.
Beautifully written, insightful, and inspiring Lane Smith has written a book that will leave you thinking and mediating on the Big Questions that we must face in our time.
Looking for something deeper and original to add a new dimension to your next Tarot Reading that will open up the scope of your reading beyond yourself? Are you intrigued by how you can reframe your reading to something larger than yourself? Did you ever even think that the Tarot deck could be used in this way or are you like I was, left thinking of the Tarot deck as way of plumbing the depths of just your own ones psyche and motivations. If this is sow thing hat intrigues you, as it did me, than check out this highly original and unique Social Justice based guide to the Tarot for the 21st Century.
Beautifully written, insightful, and inspiring Lane Smith has written a book that will leave you thinking and mediating on the Big Questions that we must face in our time.
A book to read and share that reminds you how specific a time era can be to your growing up, but how truly universal growing up is. This gifted book was a great read and a glimpse at a summer past.
This book was a real surprise for me. I thought it was going to b a cutesy rom.com I realizing the 90s in a movie montage mashup of now classic summer movies my own youth, granted I was a little older than Stacey and her friends, but this book was so much more than I thought. This was high school as I remember it, the world of simmering passions, high feelings, confusion, uncertainty, and all the insecurities and fears that a person can conceive. I saw a lot of myself in Stacey and her friends and also in their classmates and rivals. Literally this book will transport back and leave you reflecting on what you survived. Luckily for most of us, these sad and tragic events the Stacey must experience are ones that will only play out in fiction, however the power and nuance of Jaime Townzen's writing comes from.bringing us along for every feeling, thought, and conversation that just captivated me. This was a true bildungsroman that covered so much more than just growing up, but showcased how Stacey fights to become the woman she is in the process of becoming during this one summer in 1996.
This is a powerful female coming of age story that will make you nostalgic for the 90's and make you think how much of looking back at that era is so powerful because the distance and pop culture.
A book to read and share that reminds you how specific a time era can be to your growing up, but how truly universal growing up is. This gifted book was a great read and a glimpse at a summer past.
This book was a real surprise for me. I thought it was going to b a cutesy rom.com I realizing the 90s in a movie montage mashup of now classic summer movies my own youth, granted I was a little older than Stacey and her friends, but this book was so much more than I thought. This was high school as I remember it, the world of simmering passions, high feelings, confusion, uncertainty, and all the insecurities and fears that a person can conceive. I saw a lot of myself in Stacey and her friends and also in their classmates and rivals. Literally this book will transport back and leave you reflecting on what you survived. Luckily for most of us, these sad and tragic events the Stacey must experience are ones that will only play out in fiction, however the power and nuance of Jaime Townzen's writing comes from.bringing us along for every feeling, thought, and conversation that just captivated me. This was a true bildungsroman that covered so much more than just growing up, but showcased how Stacey fights to become the woman she is in the process of becoming during this one summer in 1996.
This is a powerful female coming of age story that will make you nostalgic for the 90's and make you think how much of looking back at that era is so powerful because the distance and pop culture.
With a wonderful tension built out of blending two great angsty yet comic tropes, this author blends Brothers Best Friend with the Second Chance Romance tropes in the best way! If you like banter and dialogue as much as I do then you have a great choice here for a wonderful weekend read. You'll feel that Melody and Zac are your own friends by the end of the first chapter and you will be rooting for them to get together and waiting to watch their passions explode on the page. Clean, funny, romantic, and wonderfully written I enjoyed every page and the glimpses into the lives of characters I have met before in other books by Wilde.
With a wonderful tension built out of blending two great angsty yet comic tropes, this author blends Brothers Best Friend with the Second Chance Romance tropes in the best way! If you like banter and dialogue as much as I do then you have a great choice here for a wonderful weekend read. You'll feel that Melody and Zac are your own friends by the end of the first chapter and you will be rooting for them to get together and waiting to watch their passions explode on the page. Clean, funny, romantic, and wonderfully written I enjoyed every page and the glimpses into the lives of characters I have met before in other books by Wilde.
This was a spectacular book that celebrated the bonds is sisters & the power of sisterly love to help us get through life & those moments when Love is forming and falling apart around use. It challenges us to think about question like How do we know we are in love? How do know what to recognize as Love? I saw so much of myself and my blood sister in this book as well as my chosen found sister. This a story that will leave you cheering, giggling, and shouting 'Yes, Girl' as you read!
This was a spectacular book that celebrated the bonds is sisters & the power of sisterly love to help us get through life & those moments when Love is forming and falling apart around use. It challenges us to think about question like How do we know we are in love? How do know what to recognize as Love? I saw so much of myself and my blood sister in this book as well as my chosen found sister. This a story that will leave you cheering, giggling, and shouting 'Yes, Girl' as you read!
This is truly a book for those looking to be seen and understood while learning to see and understand themselves.
This book highlights all the mixed up feelings and emotions that teens go through as they begin to separate from family, create new friendships, take off into unfamiliar waters, and generally begin to define themselves as individuals. This book claims that space and builds on it, so every reader feels like they are part of the crew of late teens they are reading about. This story of families, both blood and found, allows the reader to explore all of these feelings in a narrative that uses the darker side of YA Horror and Fantasy to its fullest extent. This was a refreshing, albeit slow read, that focused on the emotions, internal debates, and connections that Adra has with her both family and crew. She is a stand out character and one whose voice and action form the backbone of this banter filled and surprisingly raw and insightful book.
This book truly is written for the YA reader because the characters are true to who they each are and their ages. It is important to pay attention of the age listing and positions in the crew that each character is because this is vital to keeping their actions and the narrative in perspective
This is truly a book for those looking to be seen and understood while learning to see and understand themselves.
This book highlights all the mixed up feelings and emotions that teens go through as they begin to separate from family, create new friendships, take off into unfamiliar waters, and generally begin to define themselves as individuals. This book claims that space and builds on it, so every reader feels like they are part of the crew of late teens they are reading about. This story of families, both blood and found, allows the reader to explore all of these feelings in a narrative that uses the darker side of YA Horror and Fantasy to its fullest extent. This was a refreshing, albeit slow read, that focused on the emotions, internal debates, and connections that Adra has with her both family and crew. She is a stand out character and one whose voice and action form the backbone of this banter filled and surprisingly raw and insightful book.
This book truly is written for the YA reader because the characters are true to who they each are and their ages. It is important to pay attention of the age listing and positions in the crew that each character is because this is vital to keeping their actions and the narrative in perspective
Think of this book as Anne of Green Gables cute meets Scooby Doo Mysteries fun married with Parent Trap vibes and you have a book any preteen or early tween would love 💓
A YA Middle School Cozy Murder Mystery with neurodivergent twins that have been separated since infancy and reconnect one Break. With Parent Trap vibes this precocious pair seek to understand not just the world they are now forced the share but deal with learning to celebrate their own selves, their cultural heritage, and even parts of their religion all while solving a murder mystery. With one twin living in the US and the other in the UK, Riri and Ani need to learn so much about each other so fast and its not a quick or easy start!.
Told in dual POV, each twin has such a wonderfully infectious and unique voice that I just had to read through to see how they were going to solve the mystery and get to stay together. I'm not sure how much to reveal without giving away too much, so I will err on the side of auction because it is a Middle School Mystery, but this was a wonderfully written and fun read.
This is a book at 10, 11, or 12 I would have just fallen into. However, as me today - whose age I will not disclose 😂 - there was a lot of willing suspension of disbelief, but Farook's writing was immersive and exciting. The story shared a lot of depth that I think young teens would be engaged by and small lessons on understanding and compassion that they would benign from. If you have young ones, this would be a great book to share with them and one that would make you smile as they discuss it with you.
Thank you @coloredpagesbt @niylafarook & @piccadilly.press for sharing this #gifted ebook with me.
Think of this book as Anne of Green Gables cute meets Scooby Doo Mysteries fun married with Parent Trap vibes and you have a book any preteen or early tween would love 💓
A YA Middle School Cozy Murder Mystery with neurodivergent twins that have been separated since infancy and reconnect one Break. With Parent Trap vibes this precocious pair seek to understand not just the world they are now forced the share but deal with learning to celebrate their own selves, their cultural heritage, and even parts of their religion all while solving a murder mystery. With one twin living in the US and the other in the UK, Riri and Ani need to learn so much about each other so fast and its not a quick or easy start!.
Told in dual POV, each twin has such a wonderfully infectious and unique voice that I just had to read through to see how they were going to solve the mystery and get to stay together. I'm not sure how much to reveal without giving away too much, so I will err on the side of auction because it is a Middle School Mystery, but this was a wonderfully written and fun read.
This is a book at 10, 11, or 12 I would have just fallen into. However, as me today - whose age I will not disclose 😂 - there was a lot of willing suspension of disbelief, but Farook's writing was immersive and exciting. The story shared a lot of depth that I think young teens would be engaged by and small lessons on understanding and compassion that they would benign from. If you have young ones, this would be a great book to share with them and one that would make you smile as they discuss it with you.
Thank you @coloredpagesbt @niylafarook & @piccadilly.press for sharing this #gifted ebook with me.
I live near New York City and spend much of my childhood running around Central Park, climbing on the glacial rocks, looking at the statues and visiting The Central Park Zoo. I fondly look back at the hours spend wandering around the Met, MoMA, & American Museum of Natural History looking at the animal dioramas, sitting in the Planetarium or standing and staring in awe at the Blue Whale and dinosaurs. As I grew older I visited West Point, FDR's Estate and Park, the sculpture walks at Storm King, gawked at The Palisades and even visited Lee, Massachusetts. So, why is this list of my activities important to my review, this book literally took me on a road trip of myself and made me stare at the face of a world without these things and experiences, vividly and in detail. I saw a future where what is special to me was erased and forgotten due to global climate change and ocean level rise. You can tell this book's theme, narrative, and writing were amazing and hit too close to home for me. Now that, to me, is a book worth reading and owning. Although this is a world that is fictional, Nonie and her family live in a world this is all too possible today and one that becomes even more probable with every passing year. I felt as if my world was being, literally, washed away and a newer, unknown, and nightmarish one was emerging to take its place that I did not want to experience .
A good storyteller can share events that exist in their mind with a listener, but a great story teller puts you in the middle of a story and has you experience it with the characters. Eiren Caffall has done this with me -and thus the reason for my introduction to this review. This book, though written beautifully for a YA reader will resonate with anyone. This book left me stymied at several points because of the realness of it. It made me stop reading several times because I felt the bleakness of its present through the adults that once worked for the Museum that they are living in and their understanding of the altered world they exist in. I was transported back through the Hall of Plains Animal, to the Woodland People's exhibit to see the giant birch bark canoe, has he tearing up at the loss of the North Pacific People's Totem Poles rotting away; however, despite this all there was the hope that The Farm would be there to get them through it all and in Nonie and her sister I could see the fight to begin again. All is not lost despite the bleakness, humankind will move forward. And the Children of this New World will reclaim it with their grit, drive, and determination. This is a slow book, but one that used that pacing to transport me.
Power, beauty, vision, and hope all lie at the heart of this flooded landscape. I hope this book is viewed as speculative science fiction when it is looked back at in 100 years rather than as a missed Memo and warning. I hope we take a note of the question that is so often posed in this work today - "Didn't they know this coming? Couldn't they have done anything?" "
Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ebook I read
I live near New York City and spend much of my childhood running around Central Park, climbing on the glacial rocks, looking at the statues and visiting The Central Park Zoo. I fondly look back at the hours spend wandering around the Met, MoMA, & American Museum of Natural History looking at the animal dioramas, sitting in the Planetarium or standing and staring in awe at the Blue Whale and dinosaurs. As I grew older I visited West Point, FDR's Estate and Park, the sculpture walks at Storm King, gawked at The Palisades and even visited Lee, Massachusetts. So, why is this list of my activities important to my review, this book literally took me on a road trip of myself and made me stare at the face of a world without these things and experiences, vividly and in detail. I saw a future where what is special to me was erased and forgotten due to global climate change and ocean level rise. You can tell this book's theme, narrative, and writing were amazing and hit too close to home for me. Now that, to me, is a book worth reading and owning. Although this is a world that is fictional, Nonie and her family live in a world this is all too possible today and one that becomes even more probable with every passing year. I felt as if my world was being, literally, washed away and a newer, unknown, and nightmarish one was emerging to take its place that I did not want to experience .
A good storyteller can share events that exist in their mind with a listener, but a great story teller puts you in the middle of a story and has you experience it with the characters. Eiren Caffall has done this with me -and thus the reason for my introduction to this review. This book, though written beautifully for a YA reader will resonate with anyone. This book left me stymied at several points because of the realness of it. It made me stop reading several times because I felt the bleakness of its present through the adults that once worked for the Museum that they are living in and their understanding of the altered world they exist in. I was transported back through the Hall of Plains Animal, to the Woodland People's exhibit to see the giant birch bark canoe, has he tearing up at the loss of the North Pacific People's Totem Poles rotting away; however, despite this all there was the hope that The Farm would be there to get them through it all and in Nonie and her sister I could see the fight to begin again. All is not lost despite the bleakness, humankind will move forward. And the Children of this New World will reclaim it with their grit, drive, and determination. This is a slow book, but one that used that pacing to transport me.
Power, beauty, vision, and hope all lie at the heart of this flooded landscape. I hope this book is viewed as speculative science fiction when it is looked back at in 100 years rather than as a missed Memo and warning. I hope we take a note of the question that is so often posed in this work today - "Didn't they know this coming? Couldn't they have done anything?" "
Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ebook I read
This book was so beautifully written that I feel like I have just been on a two week journey with Gemma, Xander, & all the other TARPers along with the most amazing characters. Like any good Journey, I have learned so much, not just about Gemma and Xander's reunion, what a beautiful second chance slow burn story they had, but also about the way that Asian Americans see themselves. This push and pull of growing up that any college freshman faces is one thing, but add to that the cultural & the familial push and pull along with the identity aspect of language as a connection to heritage is something that I never considered before. Seeing Gemma experience Taiwan as someone who is almost fully estranged from her cultural heritage & learning through an Inheritance 'Treasure' Hunt was awe inspiring, insightful, and dare I say educational.
Gloria Chao brought so many emotions to this book but always stayed focused on the joy of discovery and healing of hearts. I loved that this book as all told from Gemma's perspective yet was balanced with Xander's 'seemingly privileged' position which brought its own limitations and expectations to the story. Add to that the hidden love story of X (no spoilers here 😁) and this is a book that will bring you to tears and have you calling your parents and grands to chat.
This book was so beautifully written that I feel like I have just been on a two week journey with Gemma, Xander, & all the other TARPers along with the most amazing characters. Like any good Journey, I have learned so much, not just about Gemma and Xander's reunion, what a beautiful second chance slow burn story they had, but also about the way that Asian Americans see themselves. This push and pull of growing up that any college freshman faces is one thing, but add to that the cultural & the familial push and pull along with the identity aspect of language as a connection to heritage is something that I never considered before. Seeing Gemma experience Taiwan as someone who is almost fully estranged from her cultural heritage & learning through an Inheritance 'Treasure' Hunt was awe inspiring, insightful, and dare I say educational.
Gloria Chao brought so many emotions to this book but always stayed focused on the joy of discovery and healing of hearts. I loved that this book as all told from Gemma's perspective yet was balanced with Xander's 'seemingly privileged' position which brought its own limitations and expectations to the story. Add to that the hidden love story of X (no spoilers here 😁) and this is a book that will bring you to tears and have you calling your parents and grands to chat.
This book was such a complete and welcome surprise! It was not the Hallmark Movie I though it would be from the description. It was so much more and most of all it was a book that kept me reading long into the night and catching extra moments during breaks at the office because I couldn't stop thinking about it.
This book was so much more than I expected. It was not just a touchingly sweet, beautifully spicy, and oh so humorous romantic comedy read, but it also just hit that the perfect amount of real emotion and vulnerability to make this go from being a standard beach read rom com to becoming a fully developed novel that would not let me go. This was not just a well written 'when will they get together?' story, but rather a delightfully funny romance about the journey that Lanie and Theo went through to find their Love Story. If you enjoy that weird blend of humor and emotions that a rom coms like 50 First Dates had that left you laughing one minute and sniffling the next, than you will want to check this book out. There is slapstick involving a bug swatter and an inflatable flamingo costume, a hidden identity, a secret crush, only one bed, discovering the small town bad boy is really a Cinnamon Roll, life long childhood besties, and a destination wedding at a Hawaiian Resort that is at least 20 years past its sell by date which provide the perfect counter points to the more dramatic moments that would not let me go which combined together made this truly a Destination Wedding To Remember! This is like a good chocolate chip cookie...a wonderfully sweet cookie with just the right cinnamon spice with a perfect semi sweet chocolate chips!
One Sentence Review : An original and humorous read filled with character you will love and others you will love to hate, Pippa Grant will transport you to a destination wedding that will leave you giggling and wondering what the Bad Boy is really feeling behind his twinkling eye, quirky laugh, and seemingly completely carefree personality.
I know I have already downloaded the nest two books in the Three BFFs and a Wedding and will be starting them soon because you cannot just leave this story untouched and smiling.
This book was such a complete and welcome surprise! It was not the Hallmark Movie I though it would be from the description. It was so much more and most of all it was a book that kept me reading long into the night and catching extra moments during breaks at the office because I couldn't stop thinking about it.
This book was so much more than I expected. It was not just a touchingly sweet, beautifully spicy, and oh so humorous romantic comedy read, but it also just hit that the perfect amount of real emotion and vulnerability to make this go from being a standard beach read rom com to becoming a fully developed novel that would not let me go. This was not just a well written 'when will they get together?' story, but rather a delightfully funny romance about the journey that Lanie and Theo went through to find their Love Story. If you enjoy that weird blend of humor and emotions that a rom coms like 50 First Dates had that left you laughing one minute and sniffling the next, than you will want to check this book out. There is slapstick involving a bug swatter and an inflatable flamingo costume, a hidden identity, a secret crush, only one bed, discovering the small town bad boy is really a Cinnamon Roll, life long childhood besties, and a destination wedding at a Hawaiian Resort that is at least 20 years past its sell by date which provide the perfect counter points to the more dramatic moments that would not let me go which combined together made this truly a Destination Wedding To Remember! This is like a good chocolate chip cookie...a wonderfully sweet cookie with just the right cinnamon spice with a perfect semi sweet chocolate chips!
One Sentence Review : An original and humorous read filled with character you will love and others you will love to hate, Pippa Grant will transport you to a destination wedding that will leave you giggling and wondering what the Bad Boy is really feeling behind his twinkling eye, quirky laugh, and seemingly completely carefree personality.
I know I have already downloaded the nest two books in the Three BFFs and a Wedding and will be starting them soon because you cannot just leave this story untouched and smiling.
Blake and Jess were such a cute couple and I love that Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen did more than simply fall back on common tropes to write their story, because they deserve so much more than that. I had not read the prior book where Jess was introduced, but I had no problem falling into this book and following their story, and the banter and humor I was able to follow that quite easily. I may have missed some in jokes but nothing central to the storyline itself..
This book was so much fun and a great getaway from my family during a stressful pre-Holiday day!
Blake and Jess were such a cute couple and I love that Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen did more than simply fall back on common tropes to write their story, because they deserve so much more than that. I had not read the prior book where Jess was introduced, but I had no problem falling into this book and following their story, and the banter and humor I was able to follow that quite easily. I may have missed some in jokes but nothing central to the storyline itself..
This book was so much fun and a great getaway from my family during a stressful pre-Holiday day!
This was an amazing book filled with all the tension and other worldliness that I think of when I think of a Witchy Read. Ciccarelii has written an Enemies to Lovers romance that truly sets the bar for what can be done with this trope, especially when blended in with the Brothers Best Friend subtrope. With World building this vivid and detailed I cannot wait to see how the author will build on this for the nxt book.
Thank you St Martin's Press and Net Galley for sharing this arc with me!
This was an amazing book filled with all the tension and other worldliness that I think of when I think of a Witchy Read. Ciccarelii has written an Enemies to Lovers romance that truly sets the bar for what can be done with this trope, especially when blended in with the Brothers Best Friend subtrope. With World building this vivid and detailed I cannot wait to see how the author will build on this for the nxt book.
Thank you St Martin's Press and Net Galley for sharing this arc with me!
There's still time to let this Santa Infused story steal your heart before the Big Man in Red vists! And wow did this book completely steal mine. This was a new author to me and what a find! Anabelle was the perfect FMC for a holiday read, she was everything that I look for with her strength, love, and sense of self mixed with traits that we all can identity with. She was so strong as the book went on thanks to Ryan and her friends - both new and old who were an amazing mix of people that I just wanted to adopt me into their found family - Buried at the start was even her shiny sense of self and powerful giving Nature was hidden by a Grinchy Fiance and Family, but Gramma akways saw the amazing and loving woman she was. with the arrival of Ryan, returning to fulfill a promise and attempt to go straight in his life, Annabell will get Granny's Christmas Wish for her. This story was the perfect balance of humor, comedy, romance, emotion, and self discovery for not just Annabelle but Ryan as well. You know this is a great book when you read snippets your Your Guy and he says Dang It she gets us all right. With all the right MMC vibes and again his own moments of self reflection and discovery as well as off the charts s3xy playful and bloody you will fall for him, and his past, just like Annabelle.
This is a new Holliday classic that must become a movie! If you enjoy The Bishop's Wife or the Preacher's Wife remake, White Christmas, The Bells of St Mary's or any of those really classic romantic holiday movies where the humor is real, the passion begins subtle but is always toe curling in your expectations, and always leaves you smiling while humming a Christmas Carol then you have to check this out. I don't know how the author did it, but I was left feeling like I can now hear The Polar Express Jingle Bell.
Thank you Hambright PR and the author for the ecopy that I read.
There's still time to let this Santa Infused story steal your heart before the Big Man in Red vists! And wow did this book completely steal mine. This was a new author to me and what a find! Anabelle was the perfect FMC for a holiday read, she was everything that I look for with her strength, love, and sense of self mixed with traits that we all can identity with. She was so strong as the book went on thanks to Ryan and her friends - both new and old who were an amazing mix of people that I just wanted to adopt me into their found family - Buried at the start was even her shiny sense of self and powerful giving Nature was hidden by a Grinchy Fiance and Family, but Gramma akways saw the amazing and loving woman she was. with the arrival of Ryan, returning to fulfill a promise and attempt to go straight in his life, Annabell will get Granny's Christmas Wish for her. This story was the perfect balance of humor, comedy, romance, emotion, and self discovery for not just Annabelle but Ryan as well. You know this is a great book when you read snippets your Your Guy and he says Dang It she gets us all right. With all the right MMC vibes and again his own moments of self reflection and discovery as well as off the charts s3xy playful and bloody you will fall for him, and his past, just like Annabelle.
This is a new Holliday classic that must become a movie! If you enjoy The Bishop's Wife or the Preacher's Wife remake, White Christmas, The Bells of St Mary's or any of those really classic romantic holiday movies where the humor is real, the passion begins subtle but is always toe curling in your expectations, and always leaves you smiling while humming a Christmas Carol then you have to check this out. I don't know how the author did it, but I was left feeling like I can now hear The Polar Express Jingle Bell.
Thank you Hambright PR and the author for the ecopy that I read.
This book was a lot of fun but to be honest this book moved at breakneck speed. I think that comparisons to the Bridge r ton series are well deserved and a younger reader will find the speed that the narrative moves at to be the b perfect blend of current New Adults romance with a Recency flair and context.
I was immediately drawn into to romance between Lady Anna and Lord Julian and was delighted with the nods that were given to Mr. Knightly with the age gap romance between them. Griffiths writing style is clear and direct with a narrative that engages the reader from their first glimpse of Lady Anna with a fabulous and memorable first statement which immediately made me fall for Lady Anna of the borrowed dress and grim expression. There is a directness to her that, coupled with her hesitancy, makes her a living breathing character on page one, someone that I identify with, and someone that I trust to experience her story through.
In A Sentence: This is a story of a strong woman who is growing into herself and her place written with a voice as powerful as the story's own character
This book was a lot of fun but to be honest this book moved at breakneck speed. I think that comparisons to the Bridge r ton series are well deserved and a younger reader will find the speed that the narrative moves at to be the b perfect blend of current New Adults romance with a Recency flair and context.
I was immediately drawn into to romance between Lady Anna and Lord Julian and was delighted with the nods that were given to Mr. Knightly with the age gap romance between them. Griffiths writing style is clear and direct with a narrative that engages the reader from their first glimpse of Lady Anna with a fabulous and memorable first statement which immediately made me fall for Lady Anna of the borrowed dress and grim expression. There is a directness to her that, coupled with her hesitancy, makes her a living breathing character on page one, someone that I identify with, and someone that I trust to experience her story through.
In A Sentence: This is a story of a strong woman who is growing into herself and her place written with a voice as powerful as the story's own character
This was the perfect weekend read to really prepare me for family gatherings of the holiday season. The writing was so vivid and humorous that I felt as it I was part of the story and the characters were so real I felt like I was part of the family. If you like stories with the perfect blend of romance, family drama, and the curious interaction of family relations all coming together, than this is a book you don't want to miss. Susan Mallory is a new to me author, but I am happy that she has back catalogue so that I can read more by her soon.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Canary Street Press for the copy of this book that I read. All opinions here are my own.
This was the perfect weekend read to really prepare me for family gatherings of the holiday season. The writing was so vivid and humorous that I felt as it I was part of the story and the characters were so real I felt like I was part of the family. If you like stories with the perfect blend of romance, family drama, and the curious interaction of family relations all coming together, than this is a book you don't want to miss. Susan Mallory is a new to me author, but I am happy that she has back catalogue so that I can read more by her soon.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Canary Street Press for the copy of this book that I read. All opinions here are my own.
I love a good cookbook and there are some common things that they all share, 1) a writing voice and style that invites me into the cookbook, 2) photos that inspire me to create and challenge myself, 3) recipes that I can make with what I have on hand or adapt to I can afford and 4) easy to follow clear instructions. Ashley has this all plus a playlist of songs set by mood that will ensure you are ready to hand any member of your Squad an appropriate pick me up. And this is a great I'm just in the mood to try something new book.
After reading the introduction and making a few simple syrups for my drinks I was ready to Rock n Roll my way into this book. I have made several drinks from this book & I have bookmarks galore for Summer and Spring drinks as well as perfect ideas for Holiday and New Years Parties! I have received so many compliments on my creativity and mixology skills because of this book that I feel like a real mixologist. Thank you Ashley! Every recipe I made was a hit with all the people I made it for and I was easily able to adapt several to non alcoholic mocktails with Sparkling Apple Cider and Sparkling Grape Juices or just using lemon lime soda alone.
This is the PERFECT HOLIDAY OR ANYTIME GIFT for the person who likes to entertain. Add two martini glasses, a bottle of cherries, some hard candies, a nice pinot noir or sparkling blush grape juice, along with a customized Playlist and you have a hostess gift that will always get you invited back! 💖
I love a good cookbook and there are some common things that they all share, 1) a writing voice and style that invites me into the cookbook, 2) photos that inspire me to create and challenge myself, 3) recipes that I can make with what I have on hand or adapt to I can afford and 4) easy to follow clear instructions. Ashley has this all plus a playlist of songs set by mood that will ensure you are ready to hand any member of your Squad an appropriate pick me up. And this is a great I'm just in the mood to try something new book.
After reading the introduction and making a few simple syrups for my drinks I was ready to Rock n Roll my way into this book. I have made several drinks from this book & I have bookmarks galore for Summer and Spring drinks as well as perfect ideas for Holiday and New Years Parties! I have received so many compliments on my creativity and mixology skills because of this book that I feel like a real mixologist. Thank you Ashley! Every recipe I made was a hit with all the people I made it for and I was easily able to adapt several to non alcoholic mocktails with Sparkling Apple Cider and Sparkling Grape Juices or just using lemon lime soda alone.
This is the PERFECT HOLIDAY OR ANYTIME GIFT for the person who likes to entertain. Add two martini glasses, a bottle of cherries, some hard candies, a nice pinot noir or sparkling blush grape juice, along with a customized Playlist and you have a hostess gift that will always get you invited back! 💖
The cover of the book first caught my eye and drew me to the summary like a moth to a flame. The book summary was just original and compelling that I had read this right away and I was not disappointed with the Greenlee's imagination or creative take on the world of classic mythic creatures meet the human world. Add to this an enduring MM romance with all the angst, questioning, and longing that is always part of young love and you have a wonderful story to build within a frame inspired by one of my favorite classics, The Secret Garden. Quill, the first male dyad, and Liam, a human, had the cutest dynamic. This was a book I will come back to and explore again and Greenlee is an author I will be watching for because as a debut novel this really stands apart!
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for the arc that I read.
The cover of the book first caught my eye and drew me to the summary like a moth to a flame. The book summary was just original and compelling that I had read this right away and I was not disappointed with the Greenlee's imagination or creative take on the world of classic mythic creatures meet the human world. Add to this an enduring MM romance with all the angst, questioning, and longing that is always part of young love and you have a wonderful story to build within a frame inspired by one of my favorite classics, The Secret Garden. Quill, the first male dyad, and Liam, a human, had the cutest dynamic. This was a book I will come back to and explore again and Greenlee is an author I will be watching for because as a debut novel this really stands apart!
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for the arc that I read.
A Spine Chilling, Heart Pounding Race against a Wildfire to save the life a small child! A work of fiction that is plausible and powerful that read as if it was ripped from the headlines...and one that will stay with you long after you close the cover.
If that brief summary of this book doesn't get you attention, I don't what know what suspense thriller will! This book had everything that I was looking for in a snap me out of myself read. This complex and vividly rich book read like the best action movie.
What lengths will a mother go to in order to find the money for her child's life saving operation? This is the question that haunts Melissa as she heads off to fight baby wildfire while facing the crush of medical bills and true love marriage that has been collateral damage to the pressures of parenthood. But she and her best friend and Annie's 'Aunt' True have a plan that may rescued them all. On a normal white water raft trip downriver, True will ferry money for some unsavory characters - no questions asked -and return with her fee for services! One trip, in and out, done and dusted. For this experienced river guide this should not be an issue, right? But add to this Vivian and Emmett Wu...a single mom who has booked this trip as a bonding moment for her and her son who has just discovered his true self and everything takes on a powerful new dimension. This trip is designed to be not just a memory maker for the Wus but a powerful way to highlight acceptance for both mother and son and provide a chance for both to discover what they are truly capable of...and boy did they get this. But none of them, even the wildfire expert Mel, counted on the Flatiron Mt Wildfire and the way it would reveal these tenuous relationships in a brightest & harshest light. Will True find that she and Vivian have a spark of their own? Will Sam, Mel's husband and father of her two little girls, face the demons from his dark childhood and years in the military to conquer them while fighting to keep Annie,his fragile baby girl, and Astor, his little girl that is 8 going on 80, safe in the high mountain? What will this fire reveal about the strength of family, found and blood of identities born and chosen, and of the power of love to fight back the flames and shadows!
An amazing and gripping read that will keep you up with twists and turns that make you hold your breath and characters that will have you longing not just to survive but for a Happily Enough For Right Now.
A Spine Chilling, Heart Pounding Race against a Wildfire to save the life a small child! A work of fiction that is plausible and powerful that read as if it was ripped from the headlines...and one that will stay with you long after you close the cover.
If that brief summary of this book doesn't get you attention, I don't what know what suspense thriller will! This book had everything that I was looking for in a snap me out of myself read. This complex and vividly rich book read like the best action movie.
What lengths will a mother go to in order to find the money for her child's life saving operation? This is the question that haunts Melissa as she heads off to fight baby wildfire while facing the crush of medical bills and true love marriage that has been collateral damage to the pressures of parenthood. But she and her best friend and Annie's 'Aunt' True have a plan that may rescued them all. On a normal white water raft trip downriver, True will ferry money for some unsavory characters - no questions asked -and return with her fee for services! One trip, in and out, done and dusted. For this experienced river guide this should not be an issue, right? But add to this Vivian and Emmett Wu...a single mom who has booked this trip as a bonding moment for her and her son who has just discovered his true self and everything takes on a powerful new dimension. This trip is designed to be not just a memory maker for the Wus but a powerful way to highlight acceptance for both mother and son and provide a chance for both to discover what they are truly capable of...and boy did they get this. But none of them, even the wildfire expert Mel, counted on the Flatiron Mt Wildfire and the way it would reveal these tenuous relationships in a brightest & harshest light. Will True find that she and Vivian have a spark of their own? Will Sam, Mel's husband and father of her two little girls, face the demons from his dark childhood and years in the military to conquer them while fighting to keep Annie,his fragile baby girl, and Astor, his little girl that is 8 going on 80, safe in the high mountain? What will this fire reveal about the strength of family, found and blood of identities born and chosen, and of the power of love to fight back the flames and shadows!
An amazing and gripping read that will keep you up with twists and turns that make you hold your breath and characters that will have you longing not just to survive but for a Happily Enough For Right Now.
Simply put this book was the perfect blend of southern small town supernatural thriller and New / Young Adult fiction with a dawning of that moment when best friends begin to examine and explore their evolving feelings as they turn to a deeper romantic love. Taken together this, for me, is the very definition of great gothic Storytelling!
With writing so vivid and sensory that I could literally feel the heat and smell the sweet scent of the Ozark Mountains blended with the unique scent of Lucifer's Creek, this book transported me to the hills and streets of small town Arkansas. I felt as if I met all the strange and curious people who lived the holding secrets and sorrows so close to themselves that left their decisions and action creating ghosts that lived within every shadow. Add to this the knowledge of Mountain Magic, Ozark Legends and Southern Lore that Nana and Granny brought to the page and I was entranced by a magical world that kept me wondering how man and myth would merge in Dovie and Lowain world to create the mystery that we were trying solve, and yes I mean we because I was with Dovie at every turn. This story was perfectly paced with tension and suspicion, I found myself racing with Dovie and Lo to find out who was snatching the hikers from the trail and spinning theories on their motivation. With great twists and turns, surprises and red herrings, this was the Nancy Drew style book my 16 year old self always wanted because it was real, current, imaginatively written and filled with all the longing, sweet kisses and pulse pounding emotions to fill any big screen . Told completely from Dovie's perspective, this narrative design not only increased tension but also brought a wonderful sense of romance and a touch of romantic rivalry between Lo and a surprise secondary character.
I cannot think a more perfect read for anyone, Young, New or Mature Adult because every character, primary and seconday, is well rounded, complex, and vital to this story....even the setting itself that is as vital to When The Bones Sing and even speaks with a melodic voice to the characters and readers alike.
This is my first book by Ginny Myers Rain and it will not my last.
Simply put this book was the perfect blend of southern small town supernatural thriller and New / Young Adult fiction with a dawning of that moment when best friends begin to examine and explore their evolving feelings as they turn to a deeper romantic love. Taken together this, for me, is the very definition of great gothic Storytelling!
With writing so vivid and sensory that I could literally feel the heat and smell the sweet scent of the Ozark Mountains blended with the unique scent of Lucifer's Creek, this book transported me to the hills and streets of small town Arkansas. I felt as if I met all the strange and curious people who lived the holding secrets and sorrows so close to themselves that left their decisions and action creating ghosts that lived within every shadow. Add to this the knowledge of Mountain Magic, Ozark Legends and Southern Lore that Nana and Granny brought to the page and I was entranced by a magical world that kept me wondering how man and myth would merge in Dovie and Lowain world to create the mystery that we were trying solve, and yes I mean we because I was with Dovie at every turn. This story was perfectly paced with tension and suspicion, I found myself racing with Dovie and Lo to find out who was snatching the hikers from the trail and spinning theories on their motivation. With great twists and turns, surprises and red herrings, this was the Nancy Drew style book my 16 year old self always wanted because it was real, current, imaginatively written and filled with all the longing, sweet kisses and pulse pounding emotions to fill any big screen . Told completely from Dovie's perspective, this narrative design not only increased tension but also brought a wonderful sense of romance and a touch of romantic rivalry between Lo and a surprise secondary character.
I cannot think a more perfect read for anyone, Young, New or Mature Adult because every character, primary and seconday, is well rounded, complex, and vital to this story....even the setting itself that is as vital to When The Bones Sing and even speaks with a melodic voice to the characters and readers alike.
This is my first book by Ginny Myers Rain and it will not my last.