You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for the gifted copy of The Homewreckers {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Romance
Format: π§
Pub Date: 5.3.2022
Star Rating: ββββ
My second MKA book was just as delightful as my first (The Newcomer). I love how MKA writes her stories - they're much more than "just a romance." I would say The Homewreckers had very little romance until the last 15% of the book. She has a little bit of everything mystery, romance, drama, humor, and a lot of heart.
In Homewreckers, we join Hattie Kavanaugh (and friends/enemies) as they try to repair a dilapidated beach house from 1922 on Tybee Island. These two pieces of the story immediately drew me in because I love old homes (my home was built in 1925), and I loved visiting Tybee Island as a child. As Hattie went through the house and began working on bringing it back to life, I enjoyed reading all of the little quirks she discovered about the home itself. I kept pausing the audiobook to tell my husband that this book was causing me to want to buy an old house and work on it. However, I'm not nearly as handy as Hattie nor do I have a lot of patience (or money for an endeavor like that).
My only trepidation with this novel is that I found part of the storyline to be a tiny bit icky. I don't want to tell you which part because it'll give away a relatively large plot of the book, but know it was a bit icky, IMO.
Nevertheless, my feelings on this aside, The Homewreckers was an enjoyable book that I recommend adding to your summer TBR list.
π‘ This Old House vibes
π¬ Makes fun of reality TV and how unrealistic it is
π Icky plot point
π₯° Romance, Mystery, Chick-Lit
ππ½ Audiobook
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thebookenddiner
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Romance
Format: π§
Pub Date: 5.3.2022
Star Rating: ββββ
My second MKA book was just as delightful as my first (The Newcomer). I love how MKA writes her stories - they're much more than "just a romance." I would say The Homewreckers had very little romance until the last 15% of the book. She has a little bit of everything mystery, romance, drama, humor, and a lot of heart.
In Homewreckers, we join Hattie Kavanaugh (and friends/enemies) as they try to repair a dilapidated beach house from 1922 on Tybee Island. These two pieces of the story immediately drew me in because I love old homes (my home was built in 1925), and I loved visiting Tybee Island as a child. As Hattie went through the house and began working on bringing it back to life, I enjoyed reading all of the little quirks she discovered about the home itself. I kept pausing the audiobook to tell my husband that this book was causing me to want to buy an old house and work on it. However, I'm not nearly as handy as Hattie nor do I have a lot of patience (or money for an endeavor like that).
My only trepidation with this novel is that I found part of the storyline to be a tiny bit icky. I don't want to tell you which part because it'll give away a relatively large plot of the book, but know it was a bit icky, IMO.
Nevertheless, my feelings on this aside, The Homewreckers was an enjoyable book that I recommend adding to your summer TBR list.
π‘ This Old House vibes
π¬ Makes fun of reality TV and how unrealistic it is
π Icky plot point
π₯° Romance, Mystery, Chick-Lit
ππ½ Audiobook
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thebookenddiner
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Counterfeit Review π || Thank you, William Morrow & Harper Audio, for the gifted book! {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: π§
Pub Date: 6.7.2022
Star Rating: ββββ
Genre: Fiction
Format: π§
Pub Date: 6.7.2022
Star Rating: ββββ
"You don't earn straight A's all your life without being uncommonly competitive."
Thank God for audiobooks, or else Counterfeit wouldn't have made it on my 'read' list, but instead, sat with the rest of my TBR books. Why, you ask? Because this dang book didn't have a single quotation mark. Seriously, books without quotation marks are the bane of my existence (and I don't mean in this in the sexy Anthony from Bridgerton way). Does anyone else feel this way?
But, seriously, quotation marks aside. I did enjoy reading Counterfeit. While it started on the slower side, I finally came to appreciate the story and invested in Ava and Winnie. It was an addictive read that kept me coming back for more and had me wondering where the author, Kristin Chen, was taking me.
I read Ava's chapters and pretended I was the detective because that's how I felt she was telling her story. I was the detective as Ava told me her side of what transpired between her and Winnie. But, like the real detective of the story was wondering β was I hearing the whole story?
Well, friends, you'll have to read this one and find out!
Read Counterfeit if you:
π like books without quotation marks (or listen to the audiobook as I did)
π enjoy Con-women style books or movies (think Ocean's Eleven)
π Have an affinity for pricey handbags
βfeel the need for a fun, quick read that will keep you guessing until the end
Counterfeit is the June Reese's Book Club pick!
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thebookenddiner
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you, William Morrow, for the gifted copy of The Measure {partner}
Genre: Science Fiction
Format: ππ§
Pub Date: 6.28.2022
Star Rating: βββ.5
Genre: Science Fiction
Format: ππ§
Pub Date: 6.28.2022
Star Rating: βββ.5
βItβs possible to regret something, or at least wonder about something, while still knowing it was the right choice.β
Have you ever loved the concept of a book but not necessarily enjoyed the implementation of the story?
Thatβs how I felt about the Measure. The concept is so innately thought-provoking β weβve seen the plot before where characters discover their actual date of death, and all hell breaks loose. But, in this story, the characters receive a string that tells them the length of their life. They arenβt privy to the specific day they die, but they know whether their life will be long or short.
What didnβt work for me was all the turmoil that erupted after the strings were discovered. I had a hard time following along with what was happening and the connection to todayβs society β I know thereβs one there, but I think it may have been over my head. The other aspect that I think is unfortunate is that the author goes into detail regarding several mass shootings, bombings, etc., and it felt a little too real due to the US climate. (βοΈmass shooting, suicide, bombings).
However, once I finished the book and sat down to process what Iβd read, I did appreciate that author, Nikki Erlick, was showing what can be accomplished even with a short life. It made me appreciate my life and all that I still have to offer.
If youβve read this one, I would love to discuss it with you! Also, please remember that this is only my opinion, and I would love it if you chose to pick up The Measure and read it! So, while I canβt say that I loved The Measure, it gave me a lot to think about.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thebookenddiner
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mass/school shootings
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Summer Reading βοΈ || Thank you, Avon Books, for the gifted copy of Hook, Line & Sinker.
Genre: Romance
Trope: Friends to Lovers
Format: π§
Pub Date: 3.1.2022
Star Rating: ββββ.5
Genre: Romance
Trope: Friends to Lovers
Format: π§
Pub Date: 3.1.2022
Star Rating: ββββ.5
"I've never even had you, and your body haunts mine."
Hook Line and Sinker is the second book for the Bellinger Sisters from Tessa Bailey. Readers followed along in It Happened One Summer as Piper Bellinger met her match with grumpy sea captain Brendon. But, with this book, it's finally Hannah's time to shine, and did she shine!
Hannah is my favorite of the Bellinger sisters. I adored her honest, loving personality and applauded her for standing up for what she knew to be wrong. In It Happened One Summer, I found Piper's character overly entitled and hard to like, but Hannah was a breath of fresh air.
This whole story was full of so much heart. I respected Tessa Bailey for highlighting how harmful the sexualization of adolescent boys can be to their confidence and future relationships. We often hear the terms "he's going to grow up to be a heartbreaker" or "the girls better watch out for him." As a society, we're often influenced to think of these statements as compliments. But are they? Or, could they be subtly implying that "this is the only thing you're going to be capable of"? I'd honestly never considered this question until reading Fox's story.
I desperately wanted to jump into this book and shake Fox, telling him that he is much more than his crew, family, or friends think of him. It hurt my heart to read through his inner dialogue and just how little confidence he had in himself.
β€οΈβπ©Ή A lot of heart to this story
π₯° Fox
π₯ Steamy
π€© Truly love Hannah
π₯³ The perfect Epilogue
I recommend you read Hook, Line & Sinker if you enjoyed It Happened One Summer β the ending of Hannah's story perfectly wrapped up both books.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thebookenddiner
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Book Review || Thank you, Harper Books and Audio, for the gifted book and audiobook!
Genre: Gothic Fiction
Format: π§
Pub Date: 5.17.2022
Star Rating: ββββ
Genre: Gothic Fiction
Format: π§
Pub Date: 5.17.2022
Star Rating: ββββ
βWhen you live in defiance of yourself, you can adapt to your circumstances, but remnants of who you are at your core remain. A bit of wildness that canβt be tamed.β
Full disclosure, I picked up this book because of the cover. But, I stuck around for the authors writing style. Sarai Walker wrote with just enough mystery and subtlety that I couldn't stop reading.
I saw this listed a fictional and a sub-genre mentioned horror - while I do see where one could see the horror element to the story, it didnβt feel overwhelmingly gory. It is gruesome and descriptive (specifically with the death of the first sister), but it in no way compares with other horror stories Iβve read in the past (hello, Book of Accidents).
The only facet that held me back from giving the book a full five stars is that I didnβt feel like I had the ending I needed. Itβs difficult for me to explain without giving away too much of the story, but I think I needed more? Donβt get me wrong; it was an exceptional plot that kept me hooked; I was just a bit let down with the ending.
ππ¨ Slow build, and then the story takes off
π³ Family tree provided
π©Έ Horror element
π± Addicting
βοΈ- Graphic attempted suicide, self-harm, maternal death
Also, I highly recommend reading the author's note at the end. She provides a lot of context and inspiration for the story! I canβt wait to read the next book Walker writes.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thebookenddiner
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Midnight Dunes! partner}
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: π
Pub Date: 5.24.2022
Star Rating: βββββ
Well, this was a surprising read! I have never picked up a romantic suspense or read any of the other Texas Murder File books from Laura Griffin, but now I want to read the other two immediately.
I started Midnight Dunes yesterday and devoured all 328 pages in less than 24 hours. I was utterly sucked into the storyline and the chemistry between Macey and Owen. I'm also a sucker for a good police procedural. So the whole book was precisely what I needed. My only issue is that I wish I had read it while at the beach because the story's setting would've been perfect!
Once the story took off and Griffin took her readers along for the ride as Owen, Macey and Nicole tried to figure out who the killer was, I was flipping back and forth trying to figure out what I'd missed from the story. Because I genuinely had no theories on who the killer actually was (which is shocking because I love to spoil all surprises).
π Police procedural
π΅π½ββοΈ Murder mystery
π₯ Character chemistry
3οΈβ£ Multiple POV (Owen, Macey & Nicole)
π Small seaside town
π€¨ Kept me guessing until the end
As I said, I plan to go back and read the previous two books from Texas Murder Files (I didn't feel like I missed anything by jumping ahead, btw). I highly recommend checking this book out if all of the βπΌappeals to you!
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: π
Pub Date: 5.24.2022
Star Rating: βββββ
Well, this was a surprising read! I have never picked up a romantic suspense or read any of the other Texas Murder File books from Laura Griffin, but now I want to read the other two immediately.
I started Midnight Dunes yesterday and devoured all 328 pages in less than 24 hours. I was utterly sucked into the storyline and the chemistry between Macey and Owen. I'm also a sucker for a good police procedural. So the whole book was precisely what I needed. My only issue is that I wish I had read it while at the beach because the story's setting would've been perfect!
Once the story took off and Griffin took her readers along for the ride as Owen, Macey and Nicole tried to figure out who the killer was, I was flipping back and forth trying to figure out what I'd missed from the story. Because I genuinely had no theories on who the killer actually was (which is shocking because I love to spoil all surprises).
π Police procedural
π΅π½ββοΈ Murder mystery
π₯ Character chemistry
3οΈβ£ Multiple POV (Owen, Macey & Nicole)
π Small seaside town
π€¨ Kept me guessing until the end
As I said, I plan to go back and read the previous two books from Texas Murder Files (I didn't feel like I missed anything by jumping ahead, btw). I highly recommend checking this book out if all of the βπΌappeals to you!
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
The Murder Rule || Book Review
The Murder Rule || William Morrow & Harper Audio {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: π§
Pub Date: 5.10.2022
Star Rating: ββββ
I listened to this twisty legal mystery through Libro.FM - thank you, Harper Audio, for the gifted audiobook! The narrators were excellent, and I loved how McTiernan added enough mystery to each chapter that you wanted to keep reading/listening to. I believe I finished The Murder Rule in less than 48 hours as I was constantly finding things I could do to give me more listening time.
I had my suspicions on what the twist to the story might be, but I'm happy to say I was absolutely wrong. I didn't see it coming, and I was surprised at the storyline's direction.
The Murder Rule highlighted the corrupt nature of our legal system and made me feel sick as they referenced case after case of people who had been unnecessarily prosecuted and subsequently found guilty.
βπΌ Dual timeline (current & journal entry)
β‘οΈ Corrupt small town
π€ Unreliable MC (but it makes sense)
π€― Twisty ending
β- rape, drug use, graphic physical assault in a bar
I recommend reading The Murder Rule if you enjoyed reading Far Gone by Danielle Girard.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
The Murder Rule || William Morrow & Harper Audio {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: π§
Pub Date: 5.10.2022
Star Rating: ββββ
I listened to this twisty legal mystery through Libro.FM - thank you, Harper Audio, for the gifted audiobook! The narrators were excellent, and I loved how McTiernan added enough mystery to each chapter that you wanted to keep reading/listening to. I believe I finished The Murder Rule in less than 48 hours as I was constantly finding things I could do to give me more listening time.
I had my suspicions on what the twist to the story might be, but I'm happy to say I was absolutely wrong. I didn't see it coming, and I was surprised at the storyline's direction.
The Murder Rule highlighted the corrupt nature of our legal system and made me feel sick as they referenced case after case of people who had been unnecessarily prosecuted and subsequently found guilty.
βπΌ Dual timeline (current & journal entry)
β‘οΈ Corrupt small town
π€ Unreliable MC (but it makes sense)
π€― Twisty ending
β- rape, drug use, graphic physical assault in a bar
I recommend reading The Murder Rule if you enjoyed reading Far Gone by Danielle Girard.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
Moderate: Rape
adventurous
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Book Review || Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Our Last Days in Barcelona {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1937 & 1964
Format: π
Pub Date: 5.24.2022
Star Rating: ββββ.5
Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1937 & 1964
Format: π
Pub Date: 5.24.2022
Star Rating: ββββ.5
"I never considered myself one for travel, always thought I would be happiest putting down roots, but the more I see of the world, the more I meet people, the more I am curious about what else is out there."
I love the history Cleeton packs into her books. With every book she writes, there is more added to the story of the Perez sisters. Somehow, I missed reading When We Left Cuba, and I just finished it last month. It was honestly perfect timing as Our Last Days in Barcelona felt like a continuation of the story but from the perspective of Isabel Perez.
I'm not going to lie, I did get confused about who is who and all the character connections, but Cleeton was kind enough to provide a family tree at the back of the book. So, make sure to tab that section for easy access while reading.
The character connections with OLDB were magnificent, and I found myself marveling at how Cleeton carefully introduced a character in 1937 and then revealed them again in 1964. I can't imagine the character map that must have been drawn to keep everyone straight
I especially loved this book as it felt like the story of Isabel and Alicia came full circle. While reading, I kept marveling at how very similar the lives of mother and daughter were. The final few chapters had my wiping away tears of sadness as everything came to a close. But nevertheless, Cleeton prevailed and left me with tears of happiness when the final connection was revealed. It was truly perfect, and I can't imagine ending the book in any other way.
If you are a lover of complicated family dynamics, beautiful destinations, and historical stories, I suggest adding Our Last Days in Barcelona to your reading list. I might even suggest reading When We Left Cuba before OLDB.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
emotional
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you, Penguin Random House, for the gifted copy of the Dictionary of Lost Words!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Era: 1886 - 1989
Format: π§
Pub Date: 4.6.2021
Star Rating: ββββ
Genre: Historical Fiction
Era: 1886 - 1989
Format: π§
Pub Date: 4.6.2021
Star Rating: ββββ
βWords define us, they explain us, and, on occasion, they serve to control or isolate us.β
As book lovers, we love books about books, but what about books about words and the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. I love finding a historical fiction book that depicts a time or event that I am unfamiliar with. The entire novel then becomes a learning experience, and I am constantly looking up parts of the story for clarification. The Dictionary of Lost Words was certainly that book for me.
Before this story, I hadnβt given the concept any real thought. Yes, dictionaries exist, and apparently, theyβve always existed. Which is incorrect. I loved learning about all of the work that created the dictionary that we are all familiar with. The author, Pip Williams, did an incredible job with her descriptions of the people, places, and struggles that incapsulated this period in history. It was mesmerizing to follow along as Esme grew up and began working on the dictionary. Although her life was not easy, she never gave up.
The Dictionary of Lost Words was the May pick for Reese's Book Club!
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Book Review π
Genre: Fiction
Format: ππ§
Pub Date: 5.3.2022
Star Rating: βββββ
Genre: Fiction
Format: ππ§
Pub Date: 5.3.2022
Star Rating: βββββ
βSome trees arenβt meant to sprout tender new branches, but to stand stoically on the forest floor, silently decaying.β
Oh, my heart. What a beautiful book this was! Read with Jenna has been knocking it out of the park with her latest picks, but this one is extraordinary. Who knew I would grow attached to a cantankerous octopus and the woman who cared for him.
I read this one while on vacation, and I loved it so much that I made my husband listen to it on our drive home. I loved reading the book and getting lost in the pages, but I adored the narrators as they fit perfectly with the characters. (Thank you, Harper Audio, for the gifted audiobook.) Iβve had several people as which version I prefer, and I donβt know that I can give you an answer.
Tova was a wonderful character, and I felt a deep connection to her, but I also thought Marcellus was phenomenal. I love how he spoke directly to the reader and often knew what was happening before the other characters did. I felt like he was sharing a secret with me every time I read the chapters from his perspective.
Shelby Van Pelt did an incredible job leading me along as she slowly revealed the connections between the characters. It was marvelous. Rereading it gave me an even deeper appreciation for how the author subtly laid everything out for us.
Itβs the first book Iβve read in a long time that I genuinely hugged when I finished the last page.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner