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bookbeforeuleap's reviews
735 reviews
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
medium-paced
5.0
Miles and Daphne have been both recently suffered break ups and in fact, theirs exes are now dating each other. They were practically strangers but circumstances has them living together at this emotional time in their lives and we see how they become friends and support each other.
This book has fake dating, small town romance and brilliant banter. It is a funny, moving and romantic story with Henry's typical character journey to self discovery and acceptance. I loved the wonderful bookish setting of the library, the great protagonists and brilliantly crafted side characters. I think this is a serious contender for top spot of my Emily Henry reads.
Emily Henry is definitely one of my favourite authors, I have loved every single book of hers, they never fail to make me smile, reflect on life and think about something I hadn't necessarily considered. I also find that when I relate to a character, she manages to get the feelings that I often struggle to get into words down in such a flawless way.
Thank you to Viking books for my review copy of this one that is out in April 2024.
This book has fake dating, small town romance and brilliant banter. It is a funny, moving and romantic story with Henry's typical character journey to self discovery and acceptance. I loved the wonderful bookish setting of the library, the great protagonists and brilliantly crafted side characters. I think this is a serious contender for top spot of my Emily Henry reads.
Emily Henry is definitely one of my favourite authors, I have loved every single book of hers, they never fail to make me smile, reflect on life and think about something I hadn't necessarily considered. I also find that when I relate to a character, she manages to get the feelings that I often struggle to get into words down in such a flawless way.
Thank you to Viking books for my review copy of this one that is out in April 2024.
The Catch by Amy Lea
3.75
Fans of It Happened One Summer are going to really love this one, it has the same broody male fisherman in a small town vibes and I was totally here for it!
I love an enemies to lovers and a small town story line so this was already ticking my boxes but I really loved the addition of the fake engagement and all the characters in including the side characters like Evans Cousin (please can we have her story next) and Nana! My only mild criticism is that I would maybe have like a little more of the enemies before the lovers as it felt like it swapped over very quickly once the fake engagement was announced
Thank you Michael J and Netgalley for my review copy!
I love an enemies to lovers and a small town story line so this was already ticking my boxes but I really loved the addition of the fake engagement and all the characters in including the side characters like Evans Cousin (please can we have her story next) and Nana! My only mild criticism is that I would maybe have like a little more of the enemies before the lovers as it felt like it swapped over very quickly once the fake engagement was announced
Thank you Michael J and Netgalley for my review copy!
Frank and Red by Matt Coyne
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a story about an unlikely friendship between a grumpy old man and a young boy who find solace and support in each other's company. It is quick to get into and will quickly steal your heart. It tackles quite a few serious topics including agoraphobia, suicidal thoughts, grief, bullying, divorce and family issues respectfully and the balance of humour to emotional depth was a perfect balance. I did a combination of physically reading and listening to this one and James Killeen narration really added to the magic of the story.
I absolutely loved this one, it is no secret that I love a tale with an intergenerational storyline and this did not disappoint and I have no doubt it will be in my top reads of 2024. Both Frank and Red's voices felt so authentic and I loved following both their narratives, Reds POV hit especially hard as I have a five year old boy at home and I could truly hear him coming out with the same logic, it made me smile and cry (the speech Red gives ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜) and I was fully invested in the outcomes of all characters involved.
Fans of heart-warming and uplifting reads with an intergenerational friendship (think A man called Ove, Eudora Honeysett is quiet well & 100 Years of Lenni and Margot) will love this one!
I absolutely loved this one, it is no secret that I love a tale with an intergenerational storyline and this did not disappoint and I have no doubt it will be in my top reads of 2024. Both Frank and Red's voices felt so authentic and I loved following both their narratives, Reds POV hit especially hard as I have a five year old boy at home and I could truly hear him coming out with the same logic, it made me smile and cry (the speech Red gives ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜) and I was fully invested in the outcomes of all characters involved.
Fans of heart-warming and uplifting reads with an intergenerational friendship (think A man called Ove, Eudora Honeysett is quiet well & 100 Years of Lenni and Margot) will love this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Cancer, and Death
Moderate: Bullying and Suicidal thoughts
The Lifeline by Tom Ellen
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Haunted by the past, Will volunteers at a charity lifeline where people can anonymously call. Journalist Annie stumbles across the number while researching for an article and calls in... This story follows two main characters with their POVs as they each come to terms with loss and deal with the associated grief. It tackles themes of grief, family problems, loneliness, suicide and breakdown in relationships.
I really enjoyed this authors previous book so I was keen to pick this one up and I am glad I did. I really enjoyed the POV of will and the support that the crisis lines provided to many people as its something I had not often considered. I quickly became invested in both characters storylines and found myself completely immersed in the book.
Thank you netgalley & HQ for my review copy, I will be recommending to many family and friends!
I really enjoyed this authors previous book so I was keen to pick this one up and I am glad I did. I really enjoyed the POV of will and the support that the crisis lines provided to many people as its something I had not often considered. I quickly became invested in both characters storylines and found myself completely immersed in the book.
Thank you netgalley & HQ for my review copy, I will be recommending to many family and friends!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent