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amys_hygge_reads's reviews
39 reviews
This Is Not About You: A Menmoir by Rosemary Mac Cabe
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This Is Not About You - Rosemary Mac Cabe.
The Story 📚
Through this memoir we see the story unfold of one woman’s experience with the world of dating in search for love. Rosemary gives the reader a humorous and honest reflection of her own personal experiences, one which most woman are sure to relate to.
The Review 👩🏻💻
I have been a follower of Rosemary’s for years, and was very happy to support her newest work. But I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did! Honestly I highlighted multiple passages in each chapter.
While yes on the surface this is a book about romantic relationships, but it is so much more. Rosemary explores society’s views on women, discovering your own self worth, mental health and other relationships in your life.
I listened to the second half of the book on audio which is narrated by Rosemary and I really enjoyed the extra touch - her tone adding even more meaning to her words. Her honesty in sharing her truth and experiences of being a woman is certain to leave you thinking of your own.
This Is Not About You - Rosemary Mac Cabe.
The Story 📚
Through this memoir we see the story unfold of one woman’s experience with the world of dating in search for love. Rosemary gives the reader a humorous and honest reflection of her own personal experiences, one which most woman are sure to relate to.
The Review 👩🏻💻
I have been a follower of Rosemary’s for years, and was very happy to support her newest work. But I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did! Honestly I highlighted multiple passages in each chapter.
While yes on the surface this is a book about romantic relationships, but it is so much more. Rosemary explores society’s views on women, discovering your own self worth, mental health and other relationships in your life.
I listened to the second half of the book on audio which is narrated by Rosemary and I really enjoyed the extra touch - her tone adding even more meaning to her words. Her honesty in sharing her truth and experiences of being a woman is certain to leave you thinking of your own.
Wild Geese by Soula Emmanuel
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? No
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wild Geese is the debut novel by the Greek Irish author Soula Emmanuel.
The Story 📚
Phoebe is an Irish trans woman, who moves to Scandinavia to pursue further education, and the freedom to create a new life with no history attached. Living in Copenhagen and commuting to Lund in Sweden, Phoebe’s weeks are quiet. Her little dog Dolly being her main companion in life.
But, that quiet life changes when one day her ex-girlfriend Grace arrives on her doorstep in Copenhagen for an unannounced visit. Phoebe has not seen Grace since she left Ireland – and since she transitioned. Set across the weekend visit, the two women embark on a tour of Copenhagen. Filled with conversations of the past, and getting to know the present, what will change for these two women as a result of their meeting?
The Review 👩🏻💻
I was instantly drawn to this book with connection to both Ireland and Denmark. Irish humour and wit in the setting of Copenhagen was just perfect reading for my current life set up! I’m really glad that I did pick this up as it was a lovely book. The language and flow was beautiful. The weekend timeline worked perfect for the story, almost as if you were right there with the two ladies during their weekend. It felt like a privilege to read Phoebe’s story, which was also written by a trans author.
I chose to listen to the audio book. The narration was great - Clara Harte was brilliant at setting the tone of the book, and creating distinguishing voices for the two protagonists. However, and I’m being picky here, the Danish pronunciations were not good. The Swedish ones were potentially a bit better (but I don’t speak Swedish so could be wrong!) which could be due to the author spending some time living in Sweden. But a simple listen to the google translation voice would have been a good idea for improving the narration a little bit. Someone who doesn’t speak a Scandinavian language won’t notice, but for me with a little Danish, it did take away from aspects of the story.
My personal favourite quote by Grace - “Copenhagen is Ballykissangel compared to London.”
Wild Geese is the debut novel by the Greek Irish author Soula Emmanuel.
The Story 📚
Phoebe is an Irish trans woman, who moves to Scandinavia to pursue further education, and the freedom to create a new life with no history attached. Living in Copenhagen and commuting to Lund in Sweden, Phoebe’s weeks are quiet. Her little dog Dolly being her main companion in life.
But, that quiet life changes when one day her ex-girlfriend Grace arrives on her doorstep in Copenhagen for an unannounced visit. Phoebe has not seen Grace since she left Ireland – and since she transitioned. Set across the weekend visit, the two women embark on a tour of Copenhagen. Filled with conversations of the past, and getting to know the present, what will change for these two women as a result of their meeting?
The Review 👩🏻💻
I was instantly drawn to this book with connection to both Ireland and Denmark. Irish humour and wit in the setting of Copenhagen was just perfect reading for my current life set up! I’m really glad that I did pick this up as it was a lovely book. The language and flow was beautiful. The weekend timeline worked perfect for the story, almost as if you were right there with the two ladies during their weekend. It felt like a privilege to read Phoebe’s story, which was also written by a trans author.
I chose to listen to the audio book. The narration was great - Clara Harte was brilliant at setting the tone of the book, and creating distinguishing voices for the two protagonists. However, and I’m being picky here, the Danish pronunciations were not good. The Swedish ones were potentially a bit better (but I don’t speak Swedish so could be wrong!) which could be due to the author spending some time living in Sweden. But a simple listen to the google translation voice would have been a good idea for improving the narration a little bit. Someone who doesn’t speak a Scandinavian language won’t notice, but for me with a little Danish, it did take away from aspects of the story.
My personal favourite quote by Grace - “Copenhagen is Ballykissangel compared to London.”
The Wrong Suitcase by Laura Jane Williams
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Snowed In is the newest release by Catherine Walsh! Thank you to @netgalley @bookouture and @catwalshwriter for an ARC!
The Story 📚
Megan hasn’t returned to her hometown since running away from her wedding day four years ago. But with her brother back from Australia for Christmas, she can’t put it off any longer. She’s dreading stepping foot in the town where everyone has something to say, and everybody is team ex fiancé.
Christian faces into another Christmas being alone. In a big family where everyone is loved up, he feels disconnected from them all while convincing everyone he’s grand. What exactly is his life missing?
But, when Megan and Christian bump into each other in a pub in Dublin, they decide to form an agreement - fake a relationship for the holidays. With a lot of history, big families, and a great deal of snow - things can be expected to get a little messy! But how much Christmas magic is in store for Megan and Christian?
The Review 👩🏻💻
I just adored this book!! It’s been my favourite of Cat’s so far (I’ve read The Matchmaker and Holiday Romance - so 3 out of 5 of her books!). Sometimes the auld imagination when I’m reading books is terrible. But not with Catherine’s books. The way she writes dialogue between her characters - honestly I could be watching a movie!! The Irish elements and humour just finish it off perfectly. This would be the perfect Irish version of a Hallmark Christmas movie!
Both Megan and Christian’s characters were just so lovable. I really appreciated both of their own individual stories, with some really important topics included (which I don’t want to spoil, but let’s say very related to a former social care job I had, so really welcomed the subject being covered). There was such perfect spice and genuine character building. The worst part of the book was simply the fact it ended! I would have stayed with them forever!
If you want a fun, Christmas themed romance, I highly recommend! Would make a perfect Christmas present also! But maybe not to the mother in law, things might get awkward…
Snowed In is the newest release by Catherine Walsh! Thank you to @netgalley @bookouture and @catwalshwriter for an ARC!
The Story 📚
Megan hasn’t returned to her hometown since running away from her wedding day four years ago. But with her brother back from Australia for Christmas, she can’t put it off any longer. She’s dreading stepping foot in the town where everyone has something to say, and everybody is team ex fiancé.
Christian faces into another Christmas being alone. In a big family where everyone is loved up, he feels disconnected from them all while convincing everyone he’s grand. What exactly is his life missing?
But, when Megan and Christian bump into each other in a pub in Dublin, they decide to form an agreement - fake a relationship for the holidays. With a lot of history, big families, and a great deal of snow - things can be expected to get a little messy! But how much Christmas magic is in store for Megan and Christian?
The Review 👩🏻💻
I just adored this book!! It’s been my favourite of Cat’s so far (I’ve read The Matchmaker and Holiday Romance - so 3 out of 5 of her books!). Sometimes the auld imagination when I’m reading books is terrible. But not with Catherine’s books. The way she writes dialogue between her characters - honestly I could be watching a movie!! The Irish elements and humour just finish it off perfectly. This would be the perfect Irish version of a Hallmark Christmas movie!
Both Megan and Christian’s characters were just so lovable. I really appreciated both of their own individual stories, with some really important topics included (which I don’t want to spoil, but let’s say very related to a former social care job I had, so really welcomed the subject being covered). There was such perfect spice and genuine character building. The worst part of the book was simply the fact it ended! I would have stayed with them forever!
If you want a fun, Christmas themed romance, I highly recommend! Would make a perfect Christmas present also! But maybe not to the mother in law, things might get awkward…
We Had To Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
⭐️⭐️
We Had to Remove This Post is a translated novella by the Dutch author Hanna Bervoets.
The Story 📚
Kayleigh is broke, and needs money. The best paying job around is one with Hexa, working as a content moderator for a social media platform. Her role involves reviewing hundreds of disturbing videos and photos daily, and deciding if they break the company policies or not.
Kayleigh begins to make connections with her colleagues - the only other people in the world who understand what she consumes all day in work. But, as time progress, the virtual world and her day-to-day world become less separated, and more of a grey area. What extent can this role have on a person’s life?
The Review 👩🏻💻
The idea behind this book is very interesting. The role of a content moderator in the horrible world we live in today is a mix of intriguing and disturbing. Equally the effects the content can play on your on life - being forced to view so much violence, abuse and conspiracy theory’s for 30 odd hours every week. It’s got to take its toll on a person.
But, this novella fell flat for me. I appreciate the concept and form of short stories. You don’t have to always be given all the answers, or have things tied up at the end. But I was just left utterly confused. The ending was bizarre, and anticlimactic after a huge build up from the very beginning. Also, the lawyer person Kayleigh was telling her story to, it didn’t work.
Ultimately a good idea, but poorly executed. This felt like a few chapters taken out of a book, not a stand alone piece.
We Had to Remove This Post is a translated novella by the Dutch author Hanna Bervoets.
The Story 📚
Kayleigh is broke, and needs money. The best paying job around is one with Hexa, working as a content moderator for a social media platform. Her role involves reviewing hundreds of disturbing videos and photos daily, and deciding if they break the company policies or not.
Kayleigh begins to make connections with her colleagues - the only other people in the world who understand what she consumes all day in work. But, as time progress, the virtual world and her day-to-day world become less separated, and more of a grey area. What extent can this role have on a person’s life?
The Review 👩🏻💻
The idea behind this book is very interesting. The role of a content moderator in the horrible world we live in today is a mix of intriguing and disturbing. Equally the effects the content can play on your on life - being forced to view so much violence, abuse and conspiracy theory’s for 30 odd hours every week. It’s got to take its toll on a person.
But, this novella fell flat for me. I appreciate the concept and form of short stories. You don’t have to always be given all the answers, or have things tied up at the end. But I was just left utterly confused. The ending was bizarre, and anticlimactic after a huge build up from the very beginning. Also, the lawyer person Kayleigh was telling her story to, it didn’t work.
Ultimately a good idea, but poorly executed. This felt like a few chapters taken out of a book, not a stand alone piece.
Ghosted by Sarah Ready
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ghosted is Sarah Ready’s new book, which was out on 21 September.
The Story 📚
Jillian’s work life of being a journalist who gives out relationship advice couldn’t be further from her own life. In fact, Jillian finds it impossible to talk to men, and all her dates never get past the first outing.
In an attempt to start a new chapter, Jillian moves into a new apartment in New York city. Initially she thinks that the only weird thing about the apartment is that it is covered in mirrors. Until she finds out someone else is living there too. A sexy, shirtless guy called Daniel, who also happens to be a ghost.. Why is Daniel living in the apartment, and what does this mean for Jillian?
The Review 👩🏻💻
I was honestly a little disappointed with this book. Maybe I would have preferred to read it, but I listened to the audiobook. I’ve read many great reviews for the narrator, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
It’s long, at over 14 hours or 490 pages - but still lacked character development. Many parts of this could have been removed and not missed at all. While there was chemistry between the two main characters, they were lacking development as stand alone characters. Also, the second epilogue? I get what the author was trying to do, answer the many unanswered questions, but it felt so random and completely not needed. I think with development I could actually imagine this as a movie.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
Ghosted is Sarah Ready’s new book, which was out on 21 September.
The Story 📚
Jillian’s work life of being a journalist who gives out relationship advice couldn’t be further from her own life. In fact, Jillian finds it impossible to talk to men, and all her dates never get past the first outing.
In an attempt to start a new chapter, Jillian moves into a new apartment in New York city. Initially she thinks that the only weird thing about the apartment is that it is covered in mirrors. Until she finds out someone else is living there too. A sexy, shirtless guy called Daniel, who also happens to be a ghost.. Why is Daniel living in the apartment, and what does this mean for Jillian?
The Review 👩🏻💻
I was honestly a little disappointed with this book. Maybe I would have preferred to read it, but I listened to the audiobook. I’ve read many great reviews for the narrator, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
It’s long, at over 14 hours or 490 pages - but still lacked character development. Many parts of this could have been removed and not missed at all. While there was chemistry between the two main characters, they were lacking development as stand alone characters. Also, the second epilogue? I get what the author was trying to do, answer the many unanswered questions, but it felt so random and completely not needed. I think with development I could actually imagine this as a movie.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook.