The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World is a moving and contemplative exploration of grief, loss, and the unexpected ways in which connections can mend fractured hearts. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s beautiful coastline, the novel unfolds with a delicate yet profound touch. The Details At the center of the narrative is…
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The Last Story of Mina Lee
The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Last Story of Mina Lee in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Nancy Jooyoun Kim’s The Last Story of Mina Lee is a exploration of identity and family, though it navigates a path that might not fully satisfy every reader. While the novel has notable strengths, it also grapples with certain elements that impact the overall reading experience. The Details The narrative structure, with its shifting perspectives between Mina and Margot, provides depth…
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South of the Buttonwood Tree
South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of South of the Buttonwood Tree in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Heather Webber’s South of the Buttonwood Tree is a charming and whimsical story. It journeys into a small Southern town where magic and mystery intertwine with the lives of its inhabitants. Blending contemporary fiction with elements of magical realism, Webber crafts a story that is both enchanting and heartwarming. The Details Webber’s writing is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, capturing the essence of…
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Saving Ruby King
Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Saving Ruby King in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Catherine Adel West’s debut novel, Saving Ruby King is a poignant exploration of family, secrets, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s South Side, the novel unfolds with a raw and emotional intensity that resonates long after the final page. The Details At its heart, the novel is a compelling family drama that weaves together the lives of Ruby King…
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A Forgotten Murder
A Forgotten Murder by Jude Deveraux My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Forgotten Murder in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist A Forgotten Murder is the third installment in the Medlar Mystery series. It blends elements of mystery and romance against a picturesque backdrop. Set in the quaint town of Lachlan, the novel immerses readers in a captivating whodunit with a touch of old-world romance. The Details The novel features a delightful ensemble cast. Deveraux skillfully brings these characters to life, each contributing to the overall charm of the…
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Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Adi Alsaid’s Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak is a competent entry into the realm of young adult contemporary fiction. The novel explores the familiar terrain of teenage love and heartbreak with a mix of humor and genuine emotion. The Details The protagonist is a relatable character with authentic struggles and growth throughout the story. Alsaid skillfully captures the rollercoaster of emotions that come with navigating relationships in adolescence. The writing is straightforward and engaging, making it…
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Book Haul 2016
I’m trying something new and giving this book haul trend a go not only on my YouTube channel, but also on my blog. I noticed that I have a lot of books that I read in the past few years that never made it on this blog or even Goodreads. So, in order to clean up this mess, I’m doing a sort of book haul by the year. Turns out I have to go back six years. That a long time ago and so much has changed since then. Each book gets a paragraph or two in which I talk a little bit about the impressions the story has made…
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The Binding Room
The Binding Room by Nadine Matheson Thank you to the publisher, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Binding Room in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist I made a big mistake. I read a sequel before reading the first part in a series. This is partly due because I didn’t do my research properly. And partly because I thought it wouldn’t be such a big deal if I skipped the first book. How wrong I was. It appears that I tend to get rather agitated and annoyed when something doesn’t make sense. Skipping an entire book that…
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The Sweetest Thing
The Sweetest Thing by Sasha Summers My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher, HQN Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Sweetest Thing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Anyone who has read one of my previous reviews of the summer romance genre, might have noticed that romance isn’t really my thing right now. This has not changed, but I am pleasantly surprised by The Sweetest Thing. You see, I don’t have to be a huge, or moderate, fan of romance in order give a positive review. Let me explain. The Details Even though I…
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Good Husbands
Good Husbands: A Novel by Cate Ray My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher, Park Row, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Good Husbands in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist I began reading Good Husbands not knowing anything about it and was hooked by the time I had finished reading the dedication. Seems a little quick and impulsive, I know, but the start was very promising. If it had only stayed that way. Let me explain. Just a little trigger warning. The story deals with sexual assault, specifically rape, overdosing, alcoholism and dementia. The Details Three…
