chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)

Broken Country

Clare Leslie Hall

4.5

medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

From one emotional read to another.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: 🎧📖

Pub Date: 3.4.2025

Pages: 320

Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5

I gave in to the hype and picked up the March Reese’s Book Club pick. I had been hesitant at first because it was compared to Where the Crawdads Sing, and honestly, the last few books I read with that comparison didn’t quite live up to it. While I can see a few similarities, I really don’t think Broken Country is like Crawdads at all. It’s much more focused on character exploration than the exploration of nature we saw in Crawdads.

That being said, Broken Country was still an absolutely enthralling read that really pulled at my heartstrings. I know some people might not love it because of the infidelity plotline, but I think it was such a raw, honest portrayal of real people dealing with real relationships after experiencing a tragic loss. Did it make the characters unlovable? Not at all. In fact, it made them feel even more real and relatable.

By the end of the book, something happens that completely shattered my heart. While I was angry for the character, I also knew it was coming. And yet, those final pages still managed to surprise me in a way that left me speechless. But, that last few pages managed to both put my heart back together and make me cry tears of sadness and happiness.

Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆

The audiobook is narrated by Hattie Morahan, a new-to-me narrator, and I have to say—she did an amazing job bringing this story to life. Her pacing was spot on, making it easy for me to adjust the speed of the audiobook without losing any of the flow. I could totally picture the FMC sounding just like Morahan’s voice, which really added to the experience.

Read if you enjoy:

🔺 Love triangles

🥹 Flawed but very really characters

🏘️ Small town drama

🔀 Alternating timelines

I recommend reading Broken Country if you’re looking for a book that tackles themes of love, loss, grief, betrayal and forgiveness.

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Content Warnings

The Names

Florence Knapp

4.5

emotional 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: N/A

Can a name change the course of a life?

Thank you, Pamela Dorman Books, for the gifted copy of The Names {partner}

Genre: Fiction

Format: 🎧📖

Pub Date: 5.6.2025

Pages: 336

Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5

The Names is one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish it, for days, even weeks. The author weaves a profoundly heartbreaking tale while still creating moments of unexpected beauty. It made me pause and reflect on how the good and the bad seem to collide in our lives daily.

Told in three parallel stories—each chapter set 7 years later—the book follows the same character (Bear, Julian, and Gordon). While the focus is on these three, the other characters that appear along the way leave just as much of an impact. Spending so much time with each character made me feel like I truly got to know them on a deeper level. I couldn’t help but root for them to find their own happiness, even through their struggles.

While I usually don’t delve into content warnings, it’s important to mention that The Names does contain domestic violence throughout the story. There are moments in the book that have stayed with me long after I finished it, ones that bring tears to my eyes just thinking about what some people endure. Please tread carefully if you decide to pick this one up.

Read if you enjoy:

👏🏼 Debut Novels

🚪 Sliding Door Trope

🔀 Parallel Timelines

📖 Literary Fiction

I highly recommend adding The Names to your 2025 reading list. It’s one of those books that will stay with you for a long time.

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Content Warnings

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave

Elle Cosimano

4.5

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

A new series favorite! 🤩

Thank you, Minotaur Books & Macmillan Audio, for the gifted copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave {partner}

Genre: Mystery

Format: 🎧📖

Pub Date: 3.4.2025

Pages: 320

Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5

And here we are—book five in the Finlay Donovan series! Nothing will ever top the magic of the first book, but this one? It was SO good! I love how each book picks up right where the last one left off— straight into the next round of quirky (yet lovable) characters who are once again in over their heads.

I feel like I say this after every book in the series, but it’s true: what keeps me coming back is the incredible friendship between Vero and Finlay. These two are the true definition of what female friendship should be. Watching them go to crazy lengths for each other never gets old. Something tells me we’ll see even more of that in the next book… and I can’t wait!

Since this is book five, the cast of characters has grown significantly. There are a lot of familiar faces—some we haven’t seen since book one—but Elle Cosimano does a fantastic job of bringing them back into the fold without overwhelming the reader. She subtly reminds us who everyone is, making it seamless rather than forced. It’s a real skill to tie everything together without breaking the flow of the story!

Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆

The talented Angela Dawe has narrated the entire Finlay Donovan series, and while I’ve loved every book she’s narrated, this one felt extra special. It’s like she’s settled into her role with this series, bringing an even fresher, more vibrant energy to the story.

Read if you enjoy:

🕵🏽‍♀️ Amateur sleuths

🤪 Lots of humor

🥰 A bit of romance

👯‍♀️ Female Friendship

I highly recommend this series and will miss it when it’s concluded. Because it is a true series, you must start with book one and read through it. If you don’t, you’ll be very confused and also miss out on lots of fun.

______

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People of Means

Nancy Johnson

4.0

Our Last Wild Days

Anna Bailey

4.0

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad 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

Small town secrets + the Bayous of Louisiana

Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of Our Last Wild Days {partner}

Genre: Mystery

Format: 🎧📖

Pub Date: 5.20.2025

Pages: 329

Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆

One of the things I love about being a reader is how every book resonates with each person uniquely. Through reading, I’ve stepped into worlds and perspectives I never considered before.

When I first finished Our Last Wild Days, I was unsure how I felt. It was a dark read, and there were moments that made me uncomfortable, leaving me questioning what I’d just experienced. But then, after reading other people’s reviews, I realized how much depth Anna Bailey infused into this book. She dives deep into heavy themes like relationships, addiction, abandonment, redemption, oppression, and social justice—all while crafting vivid, complex characters. Even though they have tough exteriors, you can’t help but grow attached to them.

Read if you enjoy:

🖤 Atmospheric reads

🤫 Small towns with secrets

🗣️ Deeply flawed characters

📖 Southern Gothic literature

Our Last Wild Days is definitely one that I plan on revisiting again and taking in with a new appreciation.

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Content Warnings

The Strange Case of Jane O.

Karen Thompson Walker

5.0

challenging mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A wholly unique read that I didn't want to end!

Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of The Strange Case of Jane O {partner}

Genre: Multi-Genre

Format: 🎧📖

Pub Date: 2.25.2025

Pages: 288

Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

I've always been captivated by psychology—how our minds work and how our surroundings shape who we become. That fascination naturally draws me to psychological thrillers, especially those that challenge my mind and leave me completely spellbound.

The Strange Case of Jane O was just what I needed. If I could offer one piece of advice, it's this: dive into the story with an open mind, and don't spoil it by reading too much about it beforehand. The intriguing synopsis pulled me in, and once I started, I couldn't stop. What truly fascinated me was how the book felt like I was reading a doctor's private case notes. While we hear Jane O's voice, Dr. Byrd's perspective makes you feel part of a secret no one else knows about.

This story perfectly blends fiction, mystery, and sci-fi with an intellectual twist that sets it apart from other psychological tales. And the best part? The ending completely shifted my view of the book, making it one I'll definitely revisit.

Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆

The Strange Case of Jane O is brought to life by two incredibly talented voice actors, Jay Myers and Alex Sarrigeorgiou—both of whom were new to me! I have to say, they absolutely crushed it. Their narration added the perfect layer of mystery and intensity to the story, making it even more immersive. I'm hoping they'll narrate more books in the future because their voices really took the experience to another level.

Read if you enjoy:

🧠 Psychology

✌🏼 Dual POV

🧐 Books that make you think

📖 Multi-genre stories

I recommend reading The Strange Case of Jane O. if you're looking for a unique story that will keep you captivated (and guessing).

______

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Content Warnings

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou

5.0

fast-paced

There really is something so special about being able to listen to someone tell the story of their life.

Genre: Memoir

Format: 🎧📖

Pub Date: 1.1.1969

Pages: 289

Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

I honestly don’t have much to add about this incredible memoir, except for one thing: I’m sorry it took me so long to read it. How lucky are we to have the opportunity to hear Maya Angelou tell her story in her own voice? It's truly an unforgettable experience.

If you haven’t already read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, I can't recommend adding it to your TBR list enough. It’s a must-read for everyone.

_____

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Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things

Breanne Randall

3.0

slow-paced

Strong character development: N/A

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Spells, Strings and Forgotten Things

Thank you, Dell Romance, for the gifted copy of Spells Strings and Forgotten Things {partner}

Genre: Fantasy

Format: 🎧📖

Pub Date: 3.4.2025

Pages: 400

Star Rating: ☆☆☆

I really, really wanted to love this book. It had everything I adore—romance, sister relationships, diverse characters, magic, and even Gilmore Girls vibes. It seemed like the perfect fit for me.

But for some reason, I couldn’t seem to focus. I even switched up formats (print, Kindle, and audio) to ensure it wasn’t the format that was the issue. Yet, with every attempt, I found myself either losing interest.

The biggest challenge I faced with Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things was how drawn-out the most mundane moments were. It felt like the story lost its momentum because of it, making it hard for me to stay engaged.

Read if you enjoy:

📖 Small town

👏🏼 World-building

💪🏼 Character development

🫂 Sisterly bonds

I can’t begin to tell you how sad I am that this one missed the mark for me. I will definitely read what the author writes next, and I hope that you still give this book a try. What didn’t work for me might be your favorite part about the book!

______

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Flirting With Disaster

Naina Kumar

3.5

medium-paced

Loveable characters: Complicated

Sweet Home Houston Texas

Thank you, PRH Audio & Dell Romance, for the gifted copy of Flirting with Disaster {partner}

Genre: Romance

Format: 🎧📖

Pub Date: 1.14.2025

Pages: 320

Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5

Flirting with Disaster was the second chance romance palate cleanser that I needed after finishing some heavier books.

Naina Kumar has such a natural storytelling style, and I loved following along as her characters fell for each other. Flirting with Disaster had these subtle nods to one of my all-time favorite rom-coms, Sweet Home Alabama, which made it even more enjoyable.

However, my main issue with the book was Meena's character. While I understand that characters can have their ownstruggles, Meena's constant back-and-forth was a bit much. She would feel one way, only to change her mind on the next page. The back-and-forth felt jarring at times and took away from the overall enjoyment of the story.

Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆

Flirting with Disaster was narrated by Soneela Nankani, who has also narrated Shark Heart, Say You'll Be Mine, Dating Dr. Dil, and the Astrology House. She did a fabulous job narrating this book, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Read if you enjoy:

❤️‍🩹 Second Chance Romance

😤 Third Act Break-Ups

⛈️ Forced Proximity

✌🏼 Dual Timeline

🗣️ One POV

I recommend reading Flirting with Disaster if you enjoyed Sweet Home Alabama.

______

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Back to Blue Holly

Beth Pride

5.0

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

One of my favorite things about this space is that I’ve had a chance to connect with people all over the world. But, it’s equally as exciting when I find a debut author who lives right in my hometown. Thank you, Beth Pride, for providing me with a copy of your beautiful book!

Genre: Fiction

Format: 🎧📖

Pub Date: 1.2.2025

Pages: 302

Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

“ Fear, F-E-A-R can be two very different things: Forget Everything And Run, or Face Everything And Rise.”

I love a story that completely sweeps me off my feet and Back to Blue Holly did just that.

Not only is Dottie a character to cheer for — she made me want to crawl into the pages of the book and help her make her dreams come true. She deserve to find happiness after so much years of sacrificing herself for someone else. I loved seeing her character develop with every page and applauding her tenacious spirit.

It never fails that in a small-town, found-family story that I fall in love with the supporting characters. It’s a true testament to a book, if the story leaves me wishing I could live in just that very town. There’s just something irresistible about a community of quirky, loving (and occasionally nosy) people—they’re the kind of folks who will have you smiling from ear to ear, and honestly, they’re the best kind of people to have in your corner.

Read if you enjoy:

🥰 Found family

🫶🏼 Lovable Characters

💪🏼 Starting Over

📖 Debut Authors

🍻 Craft Beer

🏘️ Small Town Charm

Once I started Back to Blue Holly, I couldn’t put it down. And that ending? Perfection. And it let me wondering if there’s the possibility that we’ll have a chance to return to Blue Holly and those quirky characters I grew to know and love.