ashleybythelibrary's reviews
97 reviews

Housemoms by Jen Lancaster

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funny 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

5.0

Highly entertaining. Exactly what I needed to read in this political climate. 
Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews

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

3.0

Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez

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emotional funny inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.0

Ina Garten captured the way she sounds across her TV shows and put it in a book. I enjoyed learning more about a woman who is such a presence in Food TV. I will say, though, that so many of the experiences and opportunities Ina worked to get would not be possible today (I mean, traveling in Europe on $5 a day?!). 
His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

Although Afi grows into a strong person, she was unbelievably naive. Overall, the story was entertaining and kept me hooked, but I wanted more from Afi.
Plenty: A Memoir of Food and Family by Hannah Howard

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emotional funny reflective fast-paced

3.0

The book description says, "Her plans to embark on motherhood bring her through devastating lows and unimaginable highs." The focus on motherhood took over, which is why I gave the book 3 stars; I wanted a bit more of a food focus. If you're looking for a book that embraces the body, motherhood, and community, give this a listen (or read). 
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

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adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

We watched the AMC TV series, and my husband got me the book to enjoy/compare. It was quite a fun read and kept me just as enthralled as the show. 
The Devil in the Junior League by Linda Francis Lee

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

3.0