aprillynn's reviews
81 reviews

Refugee by Alan Gratz

challenging emotional medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

 This was a hard read for me with what is currently going on in this world today. These three children faced hardships that no child should ever have to face. The way Gratz told these children's stories had me holding my breath at times hoping and praying they made it past their next trial. My heart soared with every triumph and broke with every new trial they had to face. Gratz truly takes you through each of these trials and triumphs throughout the whole book and just when you think you've figured it all put he throws you for another loop. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent, Animal death, Death, and Child death

Merfolk by Jeremy Bates

dark slow-paced

3.0

Very slow moving and lots of "technical" talk, but decent read. Just wish it were a bit more "exciting" throughout the whole book. Most of the action took place between pages 183 and 235 with 236 through 244 being a "25 Years Later" epilogue. 

Layla by Colleen Hoover

slow-paced

3.0

 This is the very first book I've read by this author. She came very highly recommended by a only book lovers page I'm part of so I figured I'd give it a try.
I'm not entirely sure HOW I feel about this book. Was it good? Yes. Did it have a twist? Yes. Did I figure it out before it was revealed? Yep. Would I read it again? Probably not. Just too much unnecessary filler for my taste and it could have ended several chapters earlier had the author wanted. 

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-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

5.0

 While it did take me a bit to get into the story, it was well worth the read. There were some rough parts that were hard to swallow, but, based on the time period this particular story was based in, it was a necessary evil. Cussy Mary, or Bluet as the locals call her, has the kindest gentlest soul and will do anything for her patrons. The hardships she has to face because of her Blue skin in the hills of Kentucky was absolutely heartbreaking and definitely a reality for those people of color (anything but white) all around the U.S. during this sad time of American History. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Rape and Abortion

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier

dark tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I honestly fully enjoyed Jar of Hearts from start to finish. The characters were well thought out and the author went back and forth between the past and present seamlessly throughout. The only reason reason I am giving 4 instead of 5 stars is because there were a few side stories that were added in that I felt weren't truly needed throughout the book and took away from the whole story a bit.

The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

 This book was.... interesting to say the least. While it took a while to get going it also took a while to end. By the last 100 to 150 pages I was just wanting it to conclude and to be able to go onto another read. While it wasn't bad as a whole I felt the author drug out a lot of it and that many parts did not add to the story at all 

The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

 While the story line was decent enough, it did not flow smoothly at various points. There were several times the story would jump mid paragraph to a completely different thought without warning. I'm assuming the author did this because the main character was a 15 year old girl and I know when I was 15 my thought process was much the same. I will probably be reading the second installment solely because this one ended with a cliff hanger of sorts. 

How the Light Gets in by Jolina Petersheim

5.0

I was blessed enough to be included in helping launch this amazing book. I was given an advanced copy to provide an honest review, and let me tell you it's the best fiction book I've read in a while!

Reading How The Light Gets In by Jolina has been an adventure of twist, turns, and surprises. The way she writes captures the readers attention and keeps it until the very end. The whole book had me falling in love with Ruth and her girls, Sofie and Vi. I found myself crying with them, laughing with them, and mourning with them.
You'll find yourself rooting for Ruth and her ever changing circumstances as she discovers who she is and how strong she really is. And that surprise ending... shew!
Go ahead and hit that purchase button, you'll be so glad you did!

How Much Is a Little Girl Worth? by Rachael Denhollander

5.0

Such a great book to read to your little one. This poem turned into a story book has a beautiful message and beautiful illustrations. I cannot wait to read it over and over again to my baby girl!

Mom's Night Out by Tricia Goyer

4.0

Great read and kept my attention. The only issue I had with it is there are a lot of typos within.