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chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
All the love for this book!
Thank you, Thomas Nelson Books, for the gifted copy of The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley {partner}
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ.5
Pub Date: 6.1.2023
Star Rating: βββββ
Thank you, Thomas Nelson Books, for the gifted copy of The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley {partner}
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ.5
Pub Date: 6.1.2023
Star Rating: βββββ
"Maybe happiness isn't about what you do, Isadora. Maybe it's about who you do it with."
Say hello to my new favorite from Courtney Walsh! π€©
I loved how this book explores all the ways that you can find your form of happiness and that it might not look like everyone else's, but it might introduce you to people from all walks of life who will fill your day with joy. The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley encompassed my favorite trope - found family. These types of books give me all the feels and often leave me crying (which it did. Thanks, Courtney).
Isadora is so hard on herself throughout the book and struggles with negative self-talk, but her character development is perfect, and wow, did she learn how to shine βοΈ I related to her on many levels, which added to my enjoyment of the book.
π₯° Found family
π All about learning to love yourself
πͺ Romance side-story (closed door)
ππΌ A new favorite
The whole book was a fun, refreshing reminder about all the world's beauty and felt like one giant hug. I recommend reading The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley if you enjoyed reading A Man Called Ove.
_
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adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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:
N/A
Outlander β¨ Book 3
Genre: Historical:
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: βββββ
Pub Date: 12.1.1993
Star Rating: βββββ
Genre: Historical:
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: βββββ
Pub Date: 12.1.1993
Star Rating: βββββ
"Home is the place where they have to take you in."
I can't believe I've made it through my third book in the Outlander series. When I started book 1, I never anticipated that I would keep up with the series - it's incredible but so overwhelming. The audiobook for Voyager was 43 hours long! But here we are, and I'm already itching to start book 4.
Voyager is my favorite thus far. It may be because it was written differently than the first two or if I'm finally familiar enough with the character dialogue and period not to feel completely overwhelmed. It was an enjoyable subversive experience, and I savored every minute.
Claire and Jamie will forever be one of my favorite fictional couples because they bring such realness to the story. They love each other fiercely but also bicker like any other couple, but they never let the other forget their love. There were several times in Voyager that I teared up because of those two, and I'm sure that will be the same in the next book, too.
If you haven't had a chance to start reading this series, I encourage you to. It's a lot at first, but before you know it, you'll fall right in line with the story.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
r e v i e w - Thicker Than Water
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of Thicker Than Water {partner}
Genre: Domestic Drama
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 7.11.2023
Star Rating: βββ.5
βAnyone can do the right thing once. Itβs the bad things they do that define them.β
Thicker Than Water presents itself as more of a domestic drama than a thriller or suspense, which is always an issue for me as I usually pick up these types of books with the expectation of a thrill and then end up disappointed. The story has some disturbing elements, but none stand out enough to land them in the thriller/suspense/mystery category.
The book is told from the alternating perspectives of two sisters-in-law, Sienna and Julia. I didnβt find either character to be likable, but out of the two, I would say Julia is my favorite. Her character showed quite a bit of character growth early on, which resulted in me connecting with her character and finding something to like. Sienna was too quick to anger, meddle and overreact - not to mention that the romance between her and another character felt out of place and teetered on frustrating (back and forth, back and forth).
I wouldnβt suggest starting Thicker Than Water thinking it will be a page-turner; it is more of a slow-burn story with its moments. While I did want to know what had happened, I wasn't particularly intrigued by the story (it left me bored on several occasions). Then when I finally did find out the truth behind what occurred, I wasnβt completely blown away.
βπΌ Alternating POV
π―ββοΈ Sister-in-laws looking for the truth
π£οΈ Character-driven
ππΌ Character development
π π½ββοΈ Not a thriller
While Thick Than Water wasnβt the best, I did enjoy reading it and looking forward to reading more from Megan Collins. If you want to add one of her backlisted titles to your reading list, I highly recommend reading Behind the Red Door.
_
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Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of Thicker Than Water {partner}
Genre: Domestic Drama
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 7.11.2023
Star Rating: βββ.5
βAnyone can do the right thing once. Itβs the bad things they do that define them.β
Thicker Than Water presents itself as more of a domestic drama than a thriller or suspense, which is always an issue for me as I usually pick up these types of books with the expectation of a thrill and then end up disappointed. The story has some disturbing elements, but none stand out enough to land them in the thriller/suspense/mystery category.
The book is told from the alternating perspectives of two sisters-in-law, Sienna and Julia. I didnβt find either character to be likable, but out of the two, I would say Julia is my favorite. Her character showed quite a bit of character growth early on, which resulted in me connecting with her character and finding something to like. Sienna was too quick to anger, meddle and overreact - not to mention that the romance between her and another character felt out of place and teetered on frustrating (back and forth, back and forth).
I wouldnβt suggest starting Thicker Than Water thinking it will be a page-turner; it is more of a slow-burn story with its moments. While I did want to know what had happened, I wasn't particularly intrigued by the story (it left me bored on several occasions). Then when I finally did find out the truth behind what occurred, I wasnβt completely blown away.
βπΌ Alternating POV
π―ββοΈ Sister-in-laws looking for the truth
π£οΈ Character-driven
ππΌ Character development
π π½ββοΈ Not a thriller
While Thick Than Water wasnβt the best, I did enjoy reading it and looking forward to reading more from Megan Collins. If you want to add one of her backlisted titles to your reading list, I highly recommend reading Behind the Red Door.
_
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Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
n e w β¨ b o o k β¨ r e v i e w
Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of The Woman Inside {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Domestic Suspense
Format: π
Pub Date: 6.13.2023
Star Rating: βββ.5
After struggling to get into actually reading (not listening) to books, I decided to give The Woman Inside a try. Iβm so glad I did because it was the perfect easy (and quick) read I was searching for. I sat down, and the next thing I knew, I was on page 75.
The story is told from the perspective of three characters and a police interview with several acquaintances of the characters. Each of the three characters (Karla, Bill, and Jennica) have interwoven lives, which kept me hooked. I wanted to know how they all knew one another and if they had anything to do with the two dead people in the mansion. It was such an easy story to get sucked into, and the author ended each chapter so dramatically that I had to keep reading.
I wasnβt too surprised by the twist at the end, but the more I think about it, the more Iβm unsure if I was meant to be surprised. It was more about how the story evolved and the character connections.
π Only liked one character (Karla)
βοΈ Could be a tiny bit shorter
π¨ Enjoyed the quick chapters
π Good pallet cleanser between books
πΈπͺ Set in Sweden
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Woman Inside, and I recommend adding it to your reading list if you are looking for a quick mystery!
_
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Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of The Woman Inside {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Domestic Suspense
Format: π
Pub Date: 6.13.2023
Star Rating: βββ.5
After struggling to get into actually reading (not listening) to books, I decided to give The Woman Inside a try. Iβm so glad I did because it was the perfect easy (and quick) read I was searching for. I sat down, and the next thing I knew, I was on page 75.
The story is told from the perspective of three characters and a police interview with several acquaintances of the characters. Each of the three characters (Karla, Bill, and Jennica) have interwoven lives, which kept me hooked. I wanted to know how they all knew one another and if they had anything to do with the two dead people in the mansion. It was such an easy story to get sucked into, and the author ended each chapter so dramatically that I had to keep reading.
I wasnβt too surprised by the twist at the end, but the more I think about it, the more Iβm unsure if I was meant to be surprised. It was more about how the story evolved and the character connections.
π Only liked one character (Karla)
βοΈ Could be a tiny bit shorter
π¨ Enjoyed the quick chapters
π Good pallet cleanser between books
πΈπͺ Set in Sweden
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Woman Inside, and I recommend adding it to your reading list if you are looking for a quick mystery!
_
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adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
r e v i e w π
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Secret Book of Flora Lea {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1939 & 1960
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 5.2.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Secret Book of Flora Lea {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1939 & 1960
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 5.2.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
"If you were born knowing, and to be honest, we all are, you will know how to find your way through the woodlands to the shimmering doors that are meant for you. They lead to the land made for you."
The Secret Book of Flora Lea was a heartbreaking, enchanting, and informative story that brought together one of my favorite genre mashups - historical fiction + mystery. There was just enough of both that it kept me intrigued. I even learned something new about Operate Pied Piper and was able to teach my husband something he didn't know about the WWII era.
As with most historical fiction novels, the story started slowly, but once I was introduced more to the mystery aspect, it picked up. The Secret Book of Flora Lea is also told through a dual timeline (1939 and 1960); while I typically love this addition to a storyline, it flipped back and forth too frequently, which got confusing through audio.
π§π½ Coming-of-age
π Story of sisters
π Slow moving but kept me interested
βπΌ Dual timeline
I recommend reading The Secret Book of Flora Lea if you enjoy Kate Morton's books but wouldn't mind them just a tad shorter π
_
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emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Thank you, Dutton Books, for the gifted copy of Friends From Home {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: π
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 5.18.2021
Star Rating: ββββ
Honestly, I chose to read Friends From Home because the author, Lauryn Chamberlain, has a new book coming out soon, and I wanted to get a taste of her writing style. What I didn't expect was to find one of the most relatable books that I've read in recent memory.
This whole story felt like a trip down memory lane. It took me right back to my early 20s when I constantly felt like the bridesmaid (and never the bride, but thankfully that didn't work out) and was in this whirlwind of change with my friendships. It was a time for transformation, and I felt utterly unequipped to handle it all.
Chamberlain captured the complexity of female friendships and how difficult (and extraordinary) they can be. Women in their 20s go through all of these changes as they navigate post-graduate life, new jobs, boyfriends, homes, and friends that personify who they are at their core.
I loved the MC, Jules, and cheered for her as she attempted to take control of her life, even if it meant saying goodbye to the people she'd had beside her for years. She made tough decisions but didn't make them without considering the implications it would have on her future.
I recommend reading Friends From Home if any of the above interests you. However, fair warning, some heavy topics are discussed throughout the story, and they may make you uncomfortable. If you have any questions, please get in touch with me on Instagram ( @thebookend.diner ).
Genre: Fiction
Format: π
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 5.18.2021
Star Rating: ββββ
Honestly, I chose to read Friends From Home because the author, Lauryn Chamberlain, has a new book coming out soon, and I wanted to get a taste of her writing style. What I didn't expect was to find one of the most relatable books that I've read in recent memory.
This whole story felt like a trip down memory lane. It took me right back to my early 20s when I constantly felt like the bridesmaid (and never the bride, but thankfully that didn't work out) and was in this whirlwind of change with my friendships. It was a time for transformation, and I felt utterly unequipped to handle it all.
Chamberlain captured the complexity of female friendships and how difficult (and extraordinary) they can be. Women in their 20s go through all of these changes as they navigate post-graduate life, new jobs, boyfriends, homes, and friends that personify who they are at their core.
I loved the MC, Jules, and cheered for her as she attempted to take control of her life, even if it meant saying goodbye to the people she'd had beside her for years. She made tough decisions but didn't make them without considering the implications it would have on her future.
I recommend reading Friends From Home if any of the above interests you. However, fair warning, some heavy topics are discussed throughout the story, and they may make you uncomfortable. If you have any questions, please get in touch with me on Instagram ( @thebookend.diner ).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
the β¨ wishing β¨ game
Thank you, Random House, for the gifted copy of this book {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: A book about a book
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: βββ.5
Pub Date: 5.20.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
Thank you, Random House, for the gifted copy of this book {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: A book about a book
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: βββ.5
Pub Date: 5.20.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
"Sometimes the thing we want most in the world is the thing we're most afraid. And the thing we're most afraid of is the thing we want most."
The Wishing Game is one of those books that feels like one giant hug throughout the story. Sure, it may have moments of sadness or tension, but overall it's one of those testaments to the power of love and friendship. Plus, you know I love a good found family story.
I especially loved how the author drew attention to the foster care system and how skewed/heartbreaking it can be. I know there are lots of people all around the country who are in Lucy's shoes and children who are in Christopher's positions- it's heartbreaking. This aspect of The Wishing Game reminded me of TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea (without the fantasy aspect).
Only a few things about the book irritated me, and that's the narrator's imitation of a child's voice - for some reason, this always gets on my nerves (in all audiobooks). But don't worry, Christopher is not a big part of the story. Then, I struggled with the age gap between Lucy and Hugo β how much older is he than her? I need an answer to this! Then, parts of the story seemed a little far-fetched to me, which ultimately gave me the YA vibe. Not deal breakers by any means, just things that I wish had been different.
π« Charlie & the Chocolate Factory vibe (just not as dark)
β¨ Positive message
π§π½ Felt a little YA in places
π₯° Found family is the best
I recommend reading The Wishing Game if you enjoyed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or The House in the Cerulean Sea.
_
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slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
r e v i e w - π
Thank you, Dutton Books, for the gifted copy of The Spectacular {partner}
Genre: Historica Fiction
Setting: 1956 NYC
Format: π
Pub Date: 6.13.2023
Star Rating: βββ
Thank you, Dutton Books, for the gifted copy of The Spectacular {partner}
Genre: Historica Fiction
Setting: 1956 NYC
Format: π
Pub Date: 6.13.2023
Star Rating: βββ
"I wish I had taken a moment⦠back when I was dancing, to stop and appreciate what it felt like to leave my leg effortlessly high, what it was like when my limbs and mind were rich with music, and my body snapped into place."
I know I will be in the minority with this review, but that's okay because (repeat after me) not every book is for every person. But here's a little about what worked and didn't work for me in The Spectacular by Fiona Davis.
The historical fiction + mystery mash-up was well executed and added just the appropriate amount of suspense to the story, keeping me interested. I know Fiona Davis bases her books on real-life events, so I had to stop looking up specific circumstances in the book as I didn't want to spoil them for myself.
Unfortunately, the writing style felt abrupt and unnatural in places which caused me to see the MC, Marion, in a more juvenile light, distracting me from the story. The writing felt completely different from Davis' other novels. π€·π½ββοΈ
The book's first quarter was just meh for me as I struggled with Marion's father and his control over her life (but then again, it is set in the 1950s). I enjoyed the middle half of the book as this is when the mystery element is introduced. Unfortunately, the last quarter did not work for me. When we reached the story's apex and what would've been a perfect conclusion, there were 50ish pages left, and this last section added nothing further to the book. It caused me to drop from a solid 4 βοΈ down to a 3 βοΈ as I thought the author was trying to do too much with the story.
π«€ Pacing was okay
π Behind the scenes look at the Rockettes
βπΌ Short & unnatural writing
Again, not every book is for every reader, so I encourage you to check out The Spectacular. But if you're looking for a Fiona Davis title, I highly recommend The Chelsea Girls!
_
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funny
lighthearted
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
Practice Makes PERFECTION from Sarah Adams! πΈ
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted audio of this book! #prhaudioinfluencer
Genre: Romance
Trope: Fake Dating
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: βββββ
Pub Date: 5.2.2023
Star Rating: βββββ
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted audio of this book! #prhaudioinfluencer
Genre: Romance
Trope: Fake Dating
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: βββββ
Pub Date: 5.2.2023
Star Rating: βββββ
"The thing about quiet people is we're only quiet because our brains are so busy overthinking everything."
I loved Annie's character in When in Rome and was thrilled for her to have her story told. While reading Practice Makes Perfect, I realized how much I related to Annie; she's quiet, reserved, loves her family, and craves a little adventure. Pairing her with Will made for the ideal match for her - he's opposite her in many areas, but they each complement one another. Plus, he is π₯
Sarah Adams is so talented at creating an entertaining romance with just enough drama to keep you invested but not so much that it has you rolling your eyes at the ridiculousness of it all. And Rome, Kentucky? The characters of this town are such a joy; they take care of their own - I loved having a chance to return to their quaint little town.
π Continuously laughing or swooning
ποΈ Stars Hallow vibes (town vote)
πͺ Closed-door romance
π₯° Get to catch up with Amelia & Noah (from When in Rome)
βπΌ Dual perspective
π No third-act breakup (THANK YOU)
I cannot recommend Sarah Adam's books enough! If you still need to read When in Rome, I encourage you to read it before diving into Practice Makes Perfect, or you'll miss out on a lot of the backstory!
_
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medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
r e v i e w β meet me at the lake
Genre: Romance
Trope: insta-love
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 5.2.2023
Star Rating: βββ
"I am extremely picky about people. Most of them, I don't particularly like. I have very high standards for the ones I let into my life these days."
Oh boy, I loved Every Summer After in 2022 because it brought back all of those first love feelings, so I was thrilled to see the author had another book publishing in 2023. But, unfortunately, it was a letdown.
I am not a fan of insta love stories, and that is what Meet Me at the Lake circles around - Fern and Will spend 24 hours together and then don't see each other for ten years, but somehow they still know each other better than anyone? Even though Fern had no idea why he had stood her up nine years before? Or that he had been back in Toronto but not contacted her? Yeah... okay. Then there's the fact that Fern and Will are in relationships (with other people) during those 24 hours together, which means there's a lot of emotional cheating.
Speaking of Will - he was absolutely not my cup of tea. I understand the author was trying to make him all dark and broody, but instead, he came across as arrogant and selfish. He constantly strung Fern along and treated her like crap. Tbh, Fern should've just stayed with Jamie.
Then there are those __ scenes between Will and Fern - they did not go with the warm/cozy vibe that the author had created in the rest of the story. They were almost cringey due to the content (which doesn't usually bother me).
My final issue (I know I had a lot) is that there were a few plot holes throughout the book, but the biggest one is that Fern is trying to help get her family's resort back on its feet after discovering it's been struggling for years. Which, okay, interesting concept, but it just magically improves overnight? I felt like I missed something (maybe I did), but it must've been glazed over.
So, these are my thoughts on Meet Me at the Lake. As always, this is just one review, and not every book is for every person. I know several people who read and loved this book, but it wasn't for me. Maybe the next Carley Fortune book will go better!
Genre: Romance
Trope: insta-love
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 5.2.2023
Star Rating: βββ
"I am extremely picky about people. Most of them, I don't particularly like. I have very high standards for the ones I let into my life these days."
Oh boy, I loved Every Summer After in 2022 because it brought back all of those first love feelings, so I was thrilled to see the author had another book publishing in 2023. But, unfortunately, it was a letdown.
I am not a fan of insta love stories, and that is what Meet Me at the Lake circles around - Fern and Will spend 24 hours together and then don't see each other for ten years, but somehow they still know each other better than anyone? Even though Fern had no idea why he had stood her up nine years before? Or that he had been back in Toronto but not contacted her? Yeah... okay. Then there's the fact that Fern and Will are in relationships (with other people) during those 24 hours together, which means there's a lot of emotional cheating.
Speaking of Will - he was absolutely not my cup of tea. I understand the author was trying to make him all dark and broody, but instead, he came across as arrogant and selfish. He constantly strung Fern along and treated her like crap. Tbh, Fern should've just stayed with Jamie.
Then there are those __ scenes between Will and Fern - they did not go with the warm/cozy vibe that the author had created in the rest of the story. They were almost cringey due to the content (which doesn't usually bother me).
My final issue (I know I had a lot) is that there were a few plot holes throughout the book, but the biggest one is that Fern is trying to help get her family's resort back on its feet after discovering it's been struggling for years. Which, okay, interesting concept, but it just magically improves overnight? I felt like I missed something (maybe I did), but it must've been glazed over.
So, these are my thoughts on Meet Me at the Lake. As always, this is just one review, and not every book is for every person. I know several people who read and loved this book, but it wasn't for me. Maybe the next Carley Fortune book will go better!