allthatissim's reviews
452 reviews

The Curious Secrets of Yesterday by Namrata Patel

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  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Only and Forever by Chloe Liese

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

✨ "Everything worth doing is worth doing the Asian way – that is, with high accuracy."

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto was like hanging out with my favorite funny bunch again. It was a delightful conclusion to a beloved series that never fails to deliver laughter and excitement.

Picture this: Meddy and her hubby Nathan, fresh off their dreamy European honeymoon, end up in Jakarta for Chinese New Year celebrations with her wacky family. But instead of peaceful festivities, they land smack dab in the middle of a gangster showdown with names like Kristofer Kolumbes and Julia Child – talk about a wild ride!

Yeah, as a cozy mystery, this book may not offer a groundbreaking plot and is wild and kinda over-the-top, but who cares when you're laughing so hard you're crying? What sets this series apart is its perfect blend of absurdity and heart. The characters, though, they're the real stars. Meddy, with her determination and love for her family, Nathan being the sweetest guy ever, and those Aunties with their never-ending banter – they're all so relatable and lovable. The criminal aliases like Kristofer Kolumbes and Julia Child add a hilarious twist to the story. I appreciated the focus on Meddy throughout the book as it allowed her to show her own growth amidst the Aunties.

This is my third book by Sutanto this year, and her portrayal of Jakarta in all these books adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm to the story, making it feel like a love letter to its setting. Her descriptions of Jakarta make it feel like another character in the story.

But saying goodbye to this crew? It's tough and bittersweet! I'm not ready to bid farewell to Meddy and her Aunties. Saying goodbye feels like parting ways with characters from your favorite sitcom. However, this conclusion left me with a sense of closure. I can't wait to see what Sutanto cooks up next.

Thank you Berkley Publishing, and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

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adventurous funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0