bertharochestergraduates_8's reviews
397 reviews

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

medium-paced

1.75

Funny Story by Emily Henry

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

Reading Emily Henry is hit or miss for me, and while, she gave me misses, she still managed two or three stars from me (except People We Meet on Vacation - her only 4!).

However, I liked this one and now have two four-star experiences from her. I enjoyed the believable cast of characters (including the sometimes frustrating main protagonist, Daphne). While the story can feel a bit like you're in a therapeutic session, Henry paints Daphne in a relatable way, despite wanting to tell her to "snap out of it" (if you know, you know).

So, now that Henry gave me another four-starred tale, I guess I'll read the next, which is fair.

Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod

emotional hopeful reflective slow-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

3.0

Fires to Come by Asha Lemmie

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

Fallen Grace by Sadeqa Johnson

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

4.25

This is my third piece of Sadeqa Johnson's that I've enjoyed. She nails the eras of historical fiction in which she writes about their joys, tribulations, and in this story, their hypocrisies.

It's well worth a read.

Tune in Tomorrow by Melanie Benjamin

medium-paced

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

1.25

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

3.25

Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

1.75

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional hopeful reflective slow-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

4.5

 I gave this story four stars because there's tremendous hope in the pages for these two folks. They both feel skepticism and fear of romance due to previous relationships and their backgrounds. I related to them both in that sense. There are tons of reflective and emotional moments that readers can see themselves journeying.

However, the book's a bit slow and takes a while to get going, but stay with it and you'll find its heart. I enjoyed the friendship between Emma and Maddy, which is believable and Justin's a romantic interest that feels like a true character and not a cliche. Yet, I'm not too fond of Emma's mother. No spoilers though!)

I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more from Abby Jimenez. 4.5/5 (Only because it felt slow at times)