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chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A new favorite from Beatriz Williams! π©΅
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of Husbands & Lovers {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1951 & 2022
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 6.25.2024
Pages: 384
Star Rating: βββββ
What a journey this was! Beatriz Williams' novels consistently take me on an adventure as they feature strong female protagonists full of tenacity and ambition, but Husband & Lovers just hit differently. It was full of so much more than I normally find in Williams stories - maybe it was the mood I was in, the audiobook narration, or it was just that good. Either way, it had me hooked from start to finish.
The characters, setting, romance, and family mystery provided everything I look for when reading this genre. I simply couldn't get enough of Husbands & Lovers and was genuinely disappointed that the story was over. It may be the book that pulls me out of my historical fiction reading rut. I can't wait to see what Beatriz Williams comes up with next.
Audiobook Review: βββββ
I opted to listen with my ears, and let me tell you that Helen Laser ( narrated Yellowface, Don't Forget to Write, and The Wedding People) and Carolina Hewitt (narrated Meant to Be, House on Biscayne Bay, and the Leftover Woman) did an incredible job. They undoubtedly brought the story to life and flawlessly portrayed every ounce of emotion, allowing the characters to shine even brighter than they already did.
Read if you enjoy:
π©΅ Unfinished love stories
βπΌ Dual timeline
πͺπΌ Redemption
π Mystery
π€ Thought-provoking storys
I recommend reading Husbands & Lovers if you're looking for a binge-worthy historical fiction to read by the pool this summer.
_
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, War
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Some secrets wonβt stay hidden.
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of Middle of the Night by Riley Sager{partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: π
Pub Date: 6.18.2024
Pages: 367
Star Rating: ββββ
βLife is hard. Thereβs no point denying it. The world is often brutal and cruel, and it only seems to get harder as time marches forward. The pressures and dangers kids face today are so much worse than when I was that age.β
After a few years of feeling indifferent about Sageβs books due to his stereotypical representation of female MCs, Iβm happy to say that his last two novels have been thoroughly enjoyable! I particularly enjoyed reading Middle of the Night as I am such a sucker for subtle (or not so subtle) paranormal elements in stories - they always add just the right amount of spookiness that keeps me eagerly flipping the pages. On a level of 1-10, what amount of spookiness do you enjoy in your mysteries?
My only complaint about Middle of the Night is that there were several instances where the story became overly repetitive, which made it drag a bit. However, the story took off once we were through that middle section, and the twist was well worth the wait!
Audiobook Review: ββββ
The audiobook was narrated by Santino Fontana, who has also narrated the YOU series, The Anatomy of Desire, and The Institute. Fontana really helped to bring the MC to life and pulled me through those repetitive moments I mentioned before. During the tenser chapters, Fontana absolutely kept me on the edge of my seat and made for an enjoyable listening experience!
Read if you enjoy:
π Layered mysteries
ππΌ Imperfect characters
βπΌ Dual timelines
π£οΈ Multiple POVβs
π» Subtle paranormal elements
I recommend reading Middle of the Night if you enjoyed Home Before Dark (one of my favorites).
_
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reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
New York City: 1999
Thank you, Dutton Books, for the gifted copy of Summer Fridays {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: π
Pub Date: 5.28.2024
Star Rating: ββββ
I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. It took me a bit to find my rhythm, but once I did, I fell right into Suzanne Rindell's writing style. It was clear early on that the author put a lot of care into creating the characters in this story. I also read a snippet of how she came up with the concept for Summer Fridays, which made me like it even more. So, read that author's note when you have a chance!
Yes, the story centers around the MC having an affair while engaged, but it was done with good intent. Without giving anything away, there was a lot more involved with Sawyer's relationship with her fiance, and once that was revealed, it made sense. Summer Fridays would make a great book club discussion, as there would be conflicting opinions on several characters' actions.
Read if you like:
Exceptional character development
1990S AIM/AOL nostalgia
Insight into the publishing world
Complex relationships/feelings
I recommend reading Summer Fridays if you enjoyed watching You've Got Mail!
_
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emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
Kirsten Miller does it again! 5 βοΈ
Thank you, William Morrow, for the gifted copy of Lula Deanβs Little Library of Banned Books {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: π
Pub Date: 6.18
Star Rating: βββββ
βThatβs why libraries exist β to make sure people always have access to the information they need. Every day, we help people find answers to questions theyβre terrified to ask.β
What I loved the most about Lula Deanβs Little Library of Banned Books is that it covers some very serious subjects that are currently a concern for our country/world but never makes you feel overwhelmed or weighed down by the content. Instead, weβre met with humor and lovable, quirky characters who are all just trying to get by.
LDLLOBB is one of those stories that everyone could stand to read this year. Itβs full of hope and heart and truly about loving your neighbor for who they are. Itβs about spreading the message that books donβt hurt people; people hurt people. And itβs one of those Iβll be recommending to all my friends and family. It may even be one that Iβll read again as we get closer to the end of the year.
Not that you asked, but my favorite character was Dr. Chokshi. His approach to the fallout of the town meeting is something that we could all take note of.
Read if you enjoy:
π¨ Binge reading
π Quirky characters
π Short chapters
π£οΈ Multiple POVs (lots of characters)
π Witty banter
ποΈ Stars Hollow like setting
I recommend picking up a copy of Lula Deanβs Little Library of Banned Books and going into it with an open heart and mind.
_
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Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Thank you, Random Hosue and PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of The Next Mrs Parrish {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 6.28.2024
Star Rating: ββ
"This is what it felt like to be a man, she thought, and it felt damn good."
I enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish a few years ago, so when I saw that the dynamic duo Liv Constantine was publishing a follow-up to their best seller, I grabbed a copy. Unfortunately, I was let down. I understand that the characters are some of the super wealthy, and with that comes terrible behavior, but my gosh, these people were awful.
I was so disappointed that Daphne allowed her daughters to be put back in the situation with Jackson. While I understand that she was concerned about her daughters' happiness, it still grated on my nerves, especially because from the moment Jackson was back in their lives, all hell broke loose.
If it hadn't been for the full-cast audiobook narration, I probably would've DNF'd the book around the 20% mark, but the narrators kept me entertained and helped to bring the story to life.
Read if you like:
π
π½ββοΈ Unlikable characters
π Complex mysteries
πͺοΈ Multiple twists
π
Domestic thrillers
π§ Mind games
I recommend reading The Last Mrs. Parrish if you're up for unlikable characters who wreak havoc on one another's lives.
_
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Gaslighting
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
π A Happier Life π
Thank you, Gallery Books & Uplit Reads for the gifted copy of Kristy Woodson Harveyβs new book! {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: π§
Pub Date: 6.25.2024
Star Rating: βββββ
βBut that is the plight of old houses. At some point in our seemingly infinite lives, we may be forgotten. And so, we must cling to the joys and secrets forever sorted within our walls, until we are remembered again.β
When Kristy Woodson Harvey says that A Happier Life is her favorite book that sheβs written, I can unquestionably see why.
There was just something so comforting about this story. I adored how the first few pages were presented to the reader, especially as someone who lives in an old home (one of the kit homes mentioned, actually). It made me have a grander appreciation for the place Iβve called home for the last eight years. As I kept reading AHL, I kept thinking about all the things these old homes have seen over the years.
And the characters! Oh, I loved them all; Keaton, Becks, Townsend, Bowen, Anderson, Salt, and the Dockhouse Dames stole my heart. We could all be so lucky to have them in our lives, and like KWH said, I donβt have my own Dockhouse Dames, but I will be searching them out because we all need a group of women to count on when things get tough.
Read if you like:
π§π½ Single Dad
π Adorable dogs
βπΌ Dual timeline
π£οΈ Multiple POV
β΅οΈ Small coastal Town
π A bit of mystery
π₯° Found Family
A Happier Life is a beautiful tribute to all the lives that have come before us and all that will come after. It makes for the perfect beach or pool reach for this summer!
Iβm also thrilled to share that Kristy Woodson Harvey will be coming to Joseph-Beth Lexington on June 26 at 7 pm to discuss the book. If youβre local, Iβd love to see you there!
_
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funny
medium-paced
Continuing with my hockey romance era π
Genre: romance
Format: π
Pub Date: 9.21.21
Star Rating: βββ.5
Well, look at me reading more from the sports romance department and FINALLY reading my first Meghan Quinn novel. Kiss Donβt Tell was the perfect distraction I needed from an overly stressful week and reminded me of The Bromance Book Club. Iβll definitely be continuing with the series and canβt wait to see more from the Vancouver Agitators.
____
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adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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:
Complicated
ππΌ FIVE STARS ππΌ
Thank you, Crown Publishing, for the gifted copy of All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker {partner}
Genre: Literary Fiction
Format: π
Pub Date: 6.25.2024
Star Rating: βββββ
Chris Whitaker is a master storyteller. When I read his last book, We Begin at the End, I didn't think he could top the complex story, vivid images, and unique characters, but he unquestionably did. All the Colors of the Dark is one of those books you finish, set down, and then spend the next week thinking about.
I know I could never write a review that perfectly captured all the ways that make All the Colors of the Dark what it is, but just know that it's one of the most epic sagas I've read, and it is absolutely one of those books that I wish I could read again like it was the first time. I cried, laughed, sat on the edge of my seat, read quickly while holding my breath, thought about it when I wasn't reading it and longed for a happy outcome for all the characters whose lives were turned upside down in 1975.
π Poetic writing
π₯Ί Coming-of-age
ππΌ Short chapters that make an impact
π Mix of genres
π― An absolute must-read
I highly recommend reading All the Colors of the Dark, but be prepared for it to be one of those books that stays with you long after you're finished reading.
_
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dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
PSA: Donβt read this before bed π±
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of We Used to Live Here {partner}
Genre: Horror
Format: π
Pub Date: 6.18.2024
Star Rating: ββββ
When We Used to Live Here hooked me from the very first page. It had me speed-reading, holding my breath, and jumping at every little sound. It quickly became a book I knew I shouldnβt read before bed, but I also needed to understand what was happening. And that last chapter? π€―_
I have been so torn about how to rate We Used to Live Here. On the one hand, it is absolutely the creepiest, most unhinged book Iβve read since The Book of Accidents, but on the other hand, I STILL donβt know what I read because there were so many unanswered questions in the end. On some level, I think thatβs how the author wanted us to feel. Thereβs an uneasiness to uncertainty, and thatβs exactly how I felt while reading the book.
One of my favorite aspects of the story is the extra details we get from emails, transcripts, and other very real phenomena, which give me goosebumps just revisiting them while writing the review.
π¨ Fast paced
π«£ Unsettling
π Unique structure
π
So many unanswered questions
π§ Could there be a sequel?
I recommend reading We Used to Live Here if you have a good chunk of time to read during the day because once you start, you wonβt want to put it down.
_
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A book about two people who fall in love while bird watching? Sign me up! π¦ββ¬
Thank you, Gallery Books, for the gifted copy of Birding with Benefits {partner}
Genre: Romance
Trope: Grumpy/Sunshine, Fake Dating
Format: π
Pub Date: 6.4.2024
Star Rating: βββ.5
As someone who has recently discovered a love of birds, I was over the moon to see a new romance published featuring two people falling for one another while bird-watching. I mean, how fun!
But, unfortunately, Birding with Benefits was just okay. I felt like the character chemistry wasnβt there, and because of that, the sex scenes also felt off to me. Usually, open-door romances do not bother me, but they didnβt feel genuine in this story. By the end, I was skimming them because they just felt icky,
One thing that I did enjoy was that Birding with Benefits is an opposites-attract story. Celeste was more of a free spirit and extrovert, while John was more controlled and introverted. I loved how the author, Sarah Dubb, showed how opposites attract can be a fun balance of personalities. In the end, Celeste and John each brought something to their relationship, and it ended up complimenting their personalities.
ππΌ Debut novel
π€ Third Act Break-up
π€·π½ββοΈ Character chemistry was just okay
π¦ββ¬ Fun ornithology facts
ππΌ Opposites attract
Overall, I did enjoy reading Birding with Benefits. The author shows a lot of promise, and Iβll check out what she writes next!
_
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Thank you, Gallery Books, for the gifted copy of Birding with Benefits {partner}
Genre: Romance
Trope: Grumpy/Sunshine, Fake Dating
Format: π
Pub Date: 6.4.2024
Star Rating: βββ.5
As someone who has recently discovered a love of birds, I was over the moon to see a new romance published featuring two people falling for one another while bird-watching. I mean, how fun!
But, unfortunately, Birding with Benefits was just okay. I felt like the character chemistry wasnβt there, and because of that, the sex scenes also felt off to me. Usually, open-door romances do not bother me, but they didnβt feel genuine in this story. By the end, I was skimming them because they just felt icky,
One thing that I did enjoy was that Birding with Benefits is an opposites-attract story. Celeste was more of a free spirit and extrovert, while John was more controlled and introverted. I loved how the author, Sarah Dubb, showed how opposites attract can be a fun balance of personalities. In the end, Celeste and John each brought something to their relationship, and it ended up complimenting their personalities.
ππΌ Debut novel
π€ Third Act Break-up
π€·π½ββοΈ Character chemistry was just okay
π¦ββ¬ Fun ornithology facts
ππΌ Opposites attract
Overall, I did enjoy reading Birding with Benefits. The author shows a lot of promise, and Iβll check out what she writes next!
_
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