A review by thaliareads
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by Ashley Herring Blake

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I didn't think it was likely that this could match the quality of the first book, but it really did. I really enjoyed the way the characters grew throughout this book and I liked having the renovation as the backdrop. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Cancer and Emotional abuse

Minor: Homophobia, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury

Emotional abuse isn't directly discussed as so, but the mother of Astrid comes off as emotionally abusive. Minor spoilers that shouldn't reveal too much:

Jordan struggles with some depression after her divorce and her ex-wife's cancer. Her mother is also mentioned as having severe depression. Jordan's depression did lead to her setting a very small fire at a job site. The homophobia is similarly indirect like the instances of emotional abuse. Astrid realizes how her mother's expectations and mannerisms while not directly homophobic lead her to not see queer relationships as an option for her. Finally, the death of parents is the same as discussed in the first book if you were okay with that. They aren't a focus just brief mentions to set things in perspective.