Scan barcode
bookish_wife16's reviews
563 reviews
Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.5
Sir Lewis: The Definitive Biography by Michael E. Sawyer
challenging
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Well written but not what I expected. Good book overall
Hold Me While You Wait by Kimberly Brown, Kimberly Brown
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Nice storyline… enjoyed the book. I have audiobook: the narration was not my favorite but the story kept me engaged.
The Light on Halsey Street by Vanessa Miller
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was the book I didn’t know I needed. I picked it up for two reasons: it’s been on my radar for a while, and the audiobook was available for me to dive into. What started as a bonus read while waiting for another book quickly turned into one of my most memorable reading experiences of the month. I had no expectations going in—only the knowledge that it was set in 1985, and I was ready to bask in some nostalgic feels. But what I found was so much more than I could’ve anticipated.
Lisa and Dana—wow, what a journey they took me on. This story spans four decades of their lives, from their teenage years all the way into adulthood, and it's a breathtaking ride. The way their paths intersect, the inevitable ups and downs, and even the moments of tension and conflict between them, made for one of the most realistic and inspiring reads I’ve encountered in a while. Their journey felt like a reflection of real life—beautiful, painful, complicated, and ultimately redemptive.
There were moments when I found myself frustrated with the choices they made, moments when I wanted to scream, "Why?" But that frustration was part of the magic. It set the stage for the characters' eventual growth and redemption. Life, as we all know, is full of twists and turns, and sometimes you have to stumble before you can stand tall. Vanessa writes this truth into the fabric of the story with such skill and authenticity. The underlying theme, for me, was redemption—whether through mistakes, growth, or reconciliation. The moments where I wanted to be angry at one of the characters, I still found myself understanding why they made the choices they did. That, in itself, is a testament to how well Vanessa crafted these characters and their emotional arcs.
This book is, in my opinion, incredibly underrated. There are so many life lessons woven throughout the pages, and they’re ones that need to be not only read but also embraced and put into action. I loved every frustrating minute of this book because it kept me so deeply invested in the lives of these two women. It’s not often that a book makes me cry, but this one did. The emotional connection I had to Lisa and Dana’s story was so deep, and I felt their triumphs and struggles in my bones.
I can relate to so much of what they went through, and I know many others will too. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I highly recommend it, not just as a great read, but as an experience—one that challenges you to appreciate what you have, to live in the present, and to stop taking your blessings for granted.
Lisa and Dana—wow, what a journey they took me on. This story spans four decades of their lives, from their teenage years all the way into adulthood, and it's a breathtaking ride. The way their paths intersect, the inevitable ups and downs, and even the moments of tension and conflict between them, made for one of the most realistic and inspiring reads I’ve encountered in a while. Their journey felt like a reflection of real life—beautiful, painful, complicated, and ultimately redemptive.
There were moments when I found myself frustrated with the choices they made, moments when I wanted to scream, "Why?" But that frustration was part of the magic. It set the stage for the characters' eventual growth and redemption. Life, as we all know, is full of twists and turns, and sometimes you have to stumble before you can stand tall. Vanessa writes this truth into the fabric of the story with such skill and authenticity. The underlying theme, for me, was redemption—whether through mistakes, growth, or reconciliation. The moments where I wanted to be angry at one of the characters, I still found myself understanding why they made the choices they did. That, in itself, is a testament to how well Vanessa crafted these characters and their emotional arcs.
This book is, in my opinion, incredibly underrated. There are so many life lessons woven throughout the pages, and they’re ones that need to be not only read but also embraced and put into action. I loved every frustrating minute of this book because it kept me so deeply invested in the lives of these two women. It’s not often that a book makes me cry, but this one did. The emotional connection I had to Lisa and Dana’s story was so deep, and I felt their triumphs and struggles in my bones.
I can relate to so much of what they went through, and I know many others will too. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I highly recommend it, not just as a great read, but as an experience—one that challenges you to appreciate what you have, to live in the present, and to stop taking your blessings for granted.
North King's Unexpected Inevitability by A.E. Valdez
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Firstly, I want to thank the author for allowing me to read and review this advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Secondly, I am amazed and grateful that I am able to witness an author who writes a black love story authentically. She showcases that all black romance is not toxic. Black women can be loved and are loved by Black men. Thank you, Mrs. Valdez, for your pen!!
Now to my review.. I promise I won't spoil anything....
My Northie. I knew that he was going to take the crown out of these brothers. I loved Winter with his arrogance and Snow with his grumpiness. But baby boy North was a whole level above. There are things that I knew that would be part of his personality, but it was the unknown things that made me fall in love with him even deeper.
North King had a vulnerability about him that was appealing yet heartbreaking to witness. We learn many things about him during his therapy sessions that are both healing and therapeutic to self as a reader. These sessions were not only healing to him, but to myself as well. I could connect to him in ways and I loved that. North also love to have control in all situations. As you dig deeper into the person that North is, you understand what all this means. You understand how he loves. This was beautiful to see develop and unfold as you embark the journey.
Aspen was my favorite FMC in the Kings series. She was quick witted and smart. She knew a lot of random things that may not mean anything until it does. I loved that about her. But what was also captivating to watch was her self doubt turning into confidence. She was a master of a lot of things, and she was a prime example of how people will try to fit you in a box but you don't and won't fit. I loved how she explored what she wanted but stayed authentically who she was.
The relationship between North and Aspen was my favorite. Their bond was unbreakable, and they'd go to war for each other—something I absolutely loved. Valdez have this amazing superpower in the way she writes friends-to-lovers stories that leave you grinning from ear to ear, full of warm, fuzzy feelings. I adored how they supported each other, their playful banter, and the constant encouragement they gave one another. Honestly, the list of things I loved about their dynamic could go on and on.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to get my hands on the physical copy so that I can annotate and tab all of my favorite quotes. This book was over 700 pages, but the flow was so easy that you don't realize you read that many pages. This is how you develop a story. Well done.
Secondly, I am amazed and grateful that I am able to witness an author who writes a black love story authentically. She showcases that all black romance is not toxic. Black women can be loved and are loved by Black men. Thank you, Mrs. Valdez, for your pen!!
Now to my review.. I promise I won't spoil anything....
My Northie. I knew that he was going to take the crown out of these brothers. I loved Winter with his arrogance and Snow with his grumpiness. But baby boy North was a whole level above. There are things that I knew that would be part of his personality, but it was the unknown things that made me fall in love with him even deeper.
North King had a vulnerability about him that was appealing yet heartbreaking to witness. We learn many things about him during his therapy sessions that are both healing and therapeutic to self as a reader. These sessions were not only healing to him, but to myself as well. I could connect to him in ways and I loved that. North also love to have control in all situations. As you dig deeper into the person that North is, you understand what all this means. You understand how he loves. This was beautiful to see develop and unfold as you embark the journey.
Aspen was my favorite FMC in the Kings series. She was quick witted and smart. She knew a lot of random things that may not mean anything until it does. I loved that about her. But what was also captivating to watch was her self doubt turning into confidence. She was a master of a lot of things, and she was a prime example of how people will try to fit you in a box but you don't and won't fit. I loved how she explored what she wanted but stayed authentically who she was.
The relationship between North and Aspen was my favorite. Their bond was unbreakable, and they'd go to war for each other—something I absolutely loved. Valdez have this amazing superpower in the way she writes friends-to-lovers stories that leave you grinning from ear to ear, full of warm, fuzzy feelings. I adored how they supported each other, their playful banter, and the constant encouragement they gave one another. Honestly, the list of things I loved about their dynamic could go on and on.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to get my hands on the physical copy so that I can annotate and tab all of my favorite quotes. This book was over 700 pages, but the flow was so easy that you don't realize you read that many pages. This is how you develop a story. Well done.
On Love's Time by D. Rose
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
The Sweetest Love by D. Rose
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray
challenging
informative
3.0
I really wanted to love this. I loved the information. It. It the story. The affair overshadowed her story and I feel like she deserved more than what was given in this story.
A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
tense
slow-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
4.75
My Rating: 4.75/5
I went into this book with no prior experience reading anything by the author, but I was eager to explore her catalog since I love historical fiction. Additionally, I had never read anything set during the Regency period, so I was intrigued and ready to dive into this new world. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the story.
I’m usually quite critical when it comes to stories, and I often give up when I’m confused about the plot or the writing. But with this book, I was determined to give it a fair chance. To immerse myself fully, I borrowed both the physical and audiobook versions from the library. There were moments when I had to Google certain terms or historical references, but once I got a better grasp of the time period and language, I started to appreciate the story even more.
After going back to re-read the beginning with a deeper understanding, I found myself completely hooked. The complex web of lies, the shame of a sister standing by as her husband gambled away their family’s future, and the poignant conversations about marriage—everything kept me on an emotional rollercoaster. Every character seemed to have something to prove, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
One of the standout elements for me was Jahleel, who showed immense loyalty and dedication to ensuring the Wilcox sisters’ well-being. He was determined to preserve their family legacy, which their father had worked so hard to build, and give them a chance at a future. This dedication was incredibly commendable, and to truly understand the full extent of his commitment, one must read the story.
I also appreciated how Riley touched on the early stages of sickle cell anemia. At first, I was puzzled by the youngest Wilcox sister’s recurring illness and fevers, but it was later revealed that she was suffering from this debilitating disease. It added an extra layer of depth and emotion to the narrative.
The plot was engaging, and the details surrounding it kept me entertained throughout. The friends-to-lovers (or even strangers-to-lovers) relationship of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and this story did it justice. The characters' concern for reputation and the importance of maintaining decorum added to the richness of the story.
If you enjoy historical romances set in the Regency period, I highly recommend this book. It’s an accessible, well-rounded read with a strong, diverse set of characters and a story that offers both heart and depth. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more from this author.
I went into this book with no prior experience reading anything by the author, but I was eager to explore her catalog since I love historical fiction. Additionally, I had never read anything set during the Regency period, so I was intrigued and ready to dive into this new world. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the story.
I’m usually quite critical when it comes to stories, and I often give up when I’m confused about the plot or the writing. But with this book, I was determined to give it a fair chance. To immerse myself fully, I borrowed both the physical and audiobook versions from the library. There were moments when I had to Google certain terms or historical references, but once I got a better grasp of the time period and language, I started to appreciate the story even more.
After going back to re-read the beginning with a deeper understanding, I found myself completely hooked. The complex web of lies, the shame of a sister standing by as her husband gambled away their family’s future, and the poignant conversations about marriage—everything kept me on an emotional rollercoaster. Every character seemed to have something to prove, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
One of the standout elements for me was Jahleel, who showed immense loyalty and dedication to ensuring the Wilcox sisters’ well-being. He was determined to preserve their family legacy, which their father had worked so hard to build, and give them a chance at a future. This dedication was incredibly commendable, and to truly understand the full extent of his commitment, one must read the story.
I also appreciated how Riley touched on the early stages of sickle cell anemia. At first, I was puzzled by the youngest Wilcox sister’s recurring illness and fevers, but it was later revealed that she was suffering from this debilitating disease. It added an extra layer of depth and emotion to the narrative.
The plot was engaging, and the details surrounding it kept me entertained throughout. The friends-to-lovers (or even strangers-to-lovers) relationship of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and this story did it justice. The characters' concern for reputation and the importance of maintaining decorum added to the richness of the story.
If you enjoy historical romances set in the Regency period, I highly recommend this book. It’s an accessible, well-rounded read with a strong, diverse set of characters and a story that offers both heart and depth. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more from this author.