br3nda's reviews
511 reviews

Three Days in June: A Novel by Anne Tyler

fast-paced

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

3.5

The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang

fast-paced

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

3.5

Adam & Evie's Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen

adventurous informative lighthearted 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? Yes

3.0

This was a book I chose to fill a challenge prompt. It was a just ok read for me but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had not listened to the audio. 
The story had the potential to be a steamy read, the words were there, but the narrators were not very good at including emotion into the narration through out the story. They were just reading the words, not performing them. At times I found it very monotone, unfortunately.
I did enjoy learning more about the touristy sights and history of Vietnam.

There's Something about Mira: A Novel by Sonali Dev

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-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

5.0

I chose this book through Amazon First Reads. The cover and summary are deceiving! I was expecting a light hearted rom-com but what I got was way more than that, in a very good way! This is the first Sonali Dev book I have read and it was the first 5 star read of the year for me!
The main characters were loveable, the plot moved at a good pace, there was not too much of any one scene and the descriptive writing drew me right in. There was mystery and romance, there was angst and happiness, there was character growth. Three quarters of the way through the story I knew this was going to be at least a 4 star read but that last part of the book brought my tears and confirmation that it was 5 stars all the way. The ending was just perfect!! 
I cannot wait to read what this author writes next!

We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin

emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

This is the first book I've read from this author. It was easy to stay engaged. I was all in from the start but at about 75% in I was starting to lose my connection. I was waiting for the plot twist that didn't seem to come. I didn't feel the "thrill" I was expecting. There was not really any answer to who the "bad guy" was and was somewhat left open-ended. Not my favourite way to end a thriller although I did still enjoy the book. I was hoping for a 5 star read because of the recommendations I had seen on social media but not this time.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-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

3.5

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

slow-paced

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

2.5

I chose to read this book because I loved all three of the Hunger Games books and the movies that went along with them. Unfortunately I didn't find this book as good. There wasn't the same adrenaline pumping feeling with the games as there was in the first three books. The best part was the last couple of chapters and the epilogue. I think that there could have been some editing in the middle to make it not so unnecessarily long. 
I listened to the audio, which was not well done. The narrator was not good at making female voices or making distinct voices for each character, they sounded too similar. The dubbed in sentences were plentiful and became frustrating which took me out of the story. The "singing" of the Lucy Grey songs was not well done at all and very much needed improvement. I found myself skipping over this part every single time. 
I'm wondering if I had read the book with my eyes if I would have enjoyed the story more but I won't be taking the time to find out. 

Wicked by Gregory Maguire

slow-paced

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

2.0

The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I very much enjoy The Martini Club characters. I love reading stories that have characters over 40 because it makes it much more relatable to me. I also enjoy Jo, the other main character, who is not over 40 but she is very likeable. 
Tess Gerritsen's writing is always fabulous. She does a great job of setting the scene, describing the characters and drawing you in. There were plenty of twists that had me guessing along the way. I was not seeing that outcome so well-done! I thought it was someone else completely!
I would not recommend this as a standalone. It would help to read the Spy Coast first so that you understand the characters more.

I am so looking forward to number 3 in the series!

Thanks very much to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

medium-paced

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

4.0