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chaptersofmay's Reviews (319)
Love Your Life is a fun, entertaining, mood-boosting contemporary novel. In typical Sophie Kinsella fashion, it's packed with charm and charisma. I flew through it!
Kinsella's writing always feels like a giant cuddle. Every time I read her books I'm reminded of why I'm such a fan. It's funny and inviting, but has depth and intelligence. And those qualities are on full display from page one. There is a comedic spark in this book that makes it stand out, and it’s the ideal fictional escape. Whenever I pick up a Kinsella book, I'm always excited to read it. Her stories always put me in a good mood. And that was no different with Love Your Life.
The love story between Ava and Matt (or Aria and Dutch) is an interesting one, I really like the premise. In the beginning, they know nothing about each other. But quickly learn they're complete opposites. But not opposites in an enemies-to-lovers sense. They're already lovers and want the love to work, but their lives clash at every possible avenue. In other words, Ava is a walking mess, Matt is a rock in human form.
Regrettably, I did find Ava to be frustrating. She lives in a tight bubble of positivity and optimism. Sometimes, it's like grounded reality doesn't exist. Her dog is beyond frustrating too. His mischievous antics are exhausting. Nevertheless, I did occasionally like how Ava tried to see the best in everything. And some of the funniest moments in the story are Ava's slow realisation that she and Matt are not as compatible as she hoped.
I also found Ava's friends to be irritating, but loved Matt's roommates, especially Topher. Despite being support characters, the conversations between the guys was a highlight for me. The dynamic between them made me smile and really contributed to the entertaining elements of the book.
But sadly, the romance was lacking in this love story. There wasn’t much to swoon over, so I couldn't understand why they were so desperate to be in love with each other. Still, I enjoyed the plot twists in their not-so-perfect relationship, and the way the conclusion played out. While Love You Life isn't my favourite Kinsella read, it was still a comfort and a joy to experience.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Kinsella's writing always feels like a giant cuddle. Every time I read her books I'm reminded of why I'm such a fan. It's funny and inviting, but has depth and intelligence. And those qualities are on full display from page one. There is a comedic spark in this book that makes it stand out, and it’s the ideal fictional escape. Whenever I pick up a Kinsella book, I'm always excited to read it. Her stories always put me in a good mood. And that was no different with Love Your Life.
The love story between Ava and Matt (or Aria and Dutch) is an interesting one, I really like the premise. In the beginning, they know nothing about each other. But quickly learn they're complete opposites. But not opposites in an enemies-to-lovers sense. They're already lovers and want the love to work, but their lives clash at every possible avenue. In other words, Ava is a walking mess, Matt is a rock in human form.
Regrettably, I did find Ava to be frustrating. She lives in a tight bubble of positivity and optimism. Sometimes, it's like grounded reality doesn't exist. Her dog is beyond frustrating too. His mischievous antics are exhausting. Nevertheless, I did occasionally like how Ava tried to see the best in everything. And some of the funniest moments in the story are Ava's slow realisation that she and Matt are not as compatible as she hoped.
I also found Ava's friends to be irritating, but loved Matt's roommates, especially Topher. Despite being support characters, the conversations between the guys was a highlight for me. The dynamic between them made me smile and really contributed to the entertaining elements of the book.
But sadly, the romance was lacking in this love story. There wasn’t much to swoon over, so I couldn't understand why they were so desperate to be in love with each other. Still, I enjoyed the plot twists in their not-so-perfect relationship, and the way the conclusion played out. While Love You Life isn't my favourite Kinsella read, it was still a comfort and a joy to experience.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Rescue Me is an uplifting, refreshingly charming, contemporary romance. And the perfect book for dog lovers! If you’re looking for a fun rom-com and a joyful read, this is the next book for your list.
The story follows Margot and Will, who become "co-pawrents" to a Staffie named Blossom. Margot is worried about time passing as she wants to start a family. To fill the need for love, she adopts Blossom. Will has recently left a lucrative career in New York City for the family business in London. He struggles to build emotional ties with others, and so also adopts Blossom. The blurb of Rescue Me is what drew me to the book, simply because I knew it was the kind of premise that would have an entertaining narrative. Two strangers sharing a dog is a recipe for hilarity.
Margot and Will’s dynamic is not totally enemies-to-lovers, but they certainly struggle to put on a united front. As a result, Blossom becomes more and more mischievous. But they do have contrasting personalities which add to the book’s entertainment. Margot is independent, passionate, and feisty. She’s very open and honest, and never afraid to hold her ground. Will is also very honest but relatively shy, despite his previous flashy career. He’s kind and generous, but it’s hidden beneath a colder exterior.
Rescue Me is a light rom-com, but it’s grounded by the way the author covers weightier issues, namely the concept of a biological clock and childhood trauma. Manning very delicately explores the impact parents can have on children once they grow up, as well as the anxiety that comes with loneliness. It’s always comforting when angsts like this are written with care, and the author does this really well.
Manning has a warm writing style, that’s easy and light but emotive and moving. The characters are both in their 30s, so there’s a nice level of maturity to their development and dialogue. Both Margot and Will react and communicate like real human beings, and I really appreciated this. The alternating POVs also help the reader get to know both personality. They have genuine insecurities, mainly surrounding self-worth and love, but they are portrayed with an authentic kindness that really drew me to the story.
One thing I love is that Blossom is bursting with character. She’s not just a prop, she behaves the way a cheeky dog would. But at the same time, she’s an adorable pup and so very loveable. Blossom brings out the best in her "co-pawrents", which in turn adds an uplifting tone to the plot.
The romance in this book didn’t really appear until at least half-way, and only then were there obvious sparks between Margot and Will. I liked them as characters, but their love story could have been set up a little sooner, so it had a natural and smooth introduction. Still, it feels worth the wait. There’s a bubbly and magnetic connection once it gets going, which was delightful to read.
Margot, Will, and Blossom’s story is a really sweet one. It has all the core ingredients for a good romantic comedy, with the addition of puppy love. Overall, Rescue Me is the ideal book to curl up with.
The story follows Margot and Will, who become "co-pawrents" to a Staffie named Blossom. Margot is worried about time passing as she wants to start a family. To fill the need for love, she adopts Blossom. Will has recently left a lucrative career in New York City for the family business in London. He struggles to build emotional ties with others, and so also adopts Blossom. The blurb of Rescue Me is what drew me to the book, simply because I knew it was the kind of premise that would have an entertaining narrative. Two strangers sharing a dog is a recipe for hilarity.
Margot and Will’s dynamic is not totally enemies-to-lovers, but they certainly struggle to put on a united front. As a result, Blossom becomes more and more mischievous. But they do have contrasting personalities which add to the book’s entertainment. Margot is independent, passionate, and feisty. She’s very open and honest, and never afraid to hold her ground. Will is also very honest but relatively shy, despite his previous flashy career. He’s kind and generous, but it’s hidden beneath a colder exterior.
Rescue Me is a light rom-com, but it’s grounded by the way the author covers weightier issues, namely the concept of a biological clock and childhood trauma. Manning very delicately explores the impact parents can have on children once they grow up, as well as the anxiety that comes with loneliness. It’s always comforting when angsts like this are written with care, and the author does this really well.
Manning has a warm writing style, that’s easy and light but emotive and moving. The characters are both in their 30s, so there’s a nice level of maturity to their development and dialogue. Both Margot and Will react and communicate like real human beings, and I really appreciated this. The alternating POVs also help the reader get to know both personality. They have genuine insecurities, mainly surrounding self-worth and love, but they are portrayed with an authentic kindness that really drew me to the story.
One thing I love is that Blossom is bursting with character. She’s not just a prop, she behaves the way a cheeky dog would. But at the same time, she’s an adorable pup and so very loveable. Blossom brings out the best in her "co-pawrents", which in turn adds an uplifting tone to the plot.
The romance in this book didn’t really appear until at least half-way, and only then were there obvious sparks between Margot and Will. I liked them as characters, but their love story could have been set up a little sooner, so it had a natural and smooth introduction. Still, it feels worth the wait. There’s a bubbly and magnetic connection once it gets going, which was delightful to read.
Margot, Will, and Blossom’s story is a really sweet one. It has all the core ingredients for a good romantic comedy, with the addition of puppy love. Overall, Rescue Me is the ideal book to curl up with.
TW: child loss
The New Girl is slow burn mystery, with a dazzling setting and fascinating characters. The story is told from the perspective of three neurotic women: Margot, Maggie, and Winnie. Margot is the fashion editor of Haute magazine and pregnant with her first child. Maggie is a freelance journalist, who covers for Margot as she goes on maternity leave. And Winnie is Margot’s friend from school who sadly loses her baby shortly after birth. As a result, her friendship with Margot begins to deteriorate. With big changes all moving at once, Margot falls into a spiral of distrust and paranoia in this thrillingly trendy tale.
If you were to split the book into three parts, the first two feel dramatically slower than the third, which does affect the overall pace. The build-up is good, and has a great level of intensity, but does feel a tad uneven. However, I do like the way Walker unravels certain elements of the story and her style is easy to follow. The tension in her writing is well-layered, which kept me engaged, even when the chapter felt slow.
The book exposes insecurities, grief, motherhood, and cyber bullying, all with the fickle world of fashion. I like that the author gives the reader a warm look into female friendship, and the alternating POVs really round out the narrative. The reader gets to know the characters, their backstories, and their relationships well enough to make this thriller exciting. The New Girl isn’t a heart-pounding read, so I enjoyed the levity of the character development mixed with suspenseful moments as the account moved along.
Sadly, I wasn’t a fan of the ending of The New Girl – I think it let the book down. After so many pages building up to a climax, I wanted the final chapters to keep up some level of ferocity, but it seemed to settle. I don’t read thrillers for happily ever afters, so I would have liked an ending that matched the rest of the book’s tone. Still, I really enjoyed reading The New Girl. The debut has been described as “The Devil Wears Prada meets Gone Girl”, and I’d say that’s brilliantly accurate. It’s an absorbing mystery, with a very timely theme and a glamorous backdrop.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
The New Girl is slow burn mystery, with a dazzling setting and fascinating characters. The story is told from the perspective of three neurotic women: Margot, Maggie, and Winnie. Margot is the fashion editor of Haute magazine and pregnant with her first child. Maggie is a freelance journalist, who covers for Margot as she goes on maternity leave. And Winnie is Margot’s friend from school who sadly loses her baby shortly after birth. As a result, her friendship with Margot begins to deteriorate. With big changes all moving at once, Margot falls into a spiral of distrust and paranoia in this thrillingly trendy tale.
If you were to split the book into three parts, the first two feel dramatically slower than the third, which does affect the overall pace. The build-up is good, and has a great level of intensity, but does feel a tad uneven. However, I do like the way Walker unravels certain elements of the story and her style is easy to follow. The tension in her writing is well-layered, which kept me engaged, even when the chapter felt slow.
The book exposes insecurities, grief, motherhood, and cyber bullying, all with the fickle world of fashion. I like that the author gives the reader a warm look into female friendship, and the alternating POVs really round out the narrative. The reader gets to know the characters, their backstories, and their relationships well enough to make this thriller exciting. The New Girl isn’t a heart-pounding read, so I enjoyed the levity of the character development mixed with suspenseful moments as the account moved along.
Sadly, I wasn’t a fan of the ending of The New Girl – I think it let the book down. After so many pages building up to a climax, I wanted the final chapters to keep up some level of ferocity, but it seemed to settle. I don’t read thrillers for happily ever afters, so I would have liked an ending that matched the rest of the book’s tone. Still, I really enjoyed reading The New Girl. The debut has been described as “The Devil Wears Prada meets Gone Girl”, and I’d say that’s brilliantly accurate. It’s an absorbing mystery, with a very timely theme and a glamorous backdrop.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
“Some people live in the now; other people prefer to reside in the past – either choice is valid.”
Dear Edward is an emotionally gripping and deeply moving novel about a survivor and his grief following tragic loss of his family. It’s a thought-provoking tale of the struggle to heal after trauma, and the ability to find a place in the world after leaving another one behind.
The character of Edward is perfectly constructed. His silences, his confusion, his longing, and his reasoning – all of it is so brilliantly written. It’s both dismaying and stimulating. As a reader, you can’t help but attempt to fathom the recovery for such a harrowing experience. Not all of the characters are likeable, or relatable, but they all have a vulnerability that makes them authentic personalities. Their flaws and insecurities are even further heightened when it comes to the lives of their loved ones. The book seamlessly hops back and forth between two timelines. The lives of the passengers before the crash, and Edward’s life after it. It really adds to the weight of the book, as you learn about the hopes and dreams of people you already know won’t achieve them.
Dear Edward is a book that pushes the reader to reflect. Edward survived the deadly plane crash, but now must learn how to survive all over again. Napolitano writes with honesty and realism, but still gives the reader (and Edward) hope. She has a straightforward, candid, and balanced tone that helps the book to flow easily. Grief and trauma can be written with an intensity that’s off-putting, but Napolitano’s simplistic style is one of my favourite aspects of the novel. If anything, it’s a comfort to read.
The friendship between Edward and Shay is remarkably touching, and brings a warmth to the story that I didn’t see coming. Edward loses everything in the crash, but Shay’s friendship helps him to realise he can regain purpose. While it’s sad to think of this young boy growing up without his family, it’s inspiring to see him find strength in another person. This striking prospect really stirs the heart.
Ann Napolitano has crafted a beautifully poignant coming-of-age tale. It pulls sympathy from the reader in the right places, with the perfect balance of heart-wrenching reservations and life-affirming revelations. Dear Edward is a captivating journey through an unimaginable scenario, and a read I’ll remember for a long time.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Dear Edward is an emotionally gripping and deeply moving novel about a survivor and his grief following tragic loss of his family. It’s a thought-provoking tale of the struggle to heal after trauma, and the ability to find a place in the world after leaving another one behind.
The character of Edward is perfectly constructed. His silences, his confusion, his longing, and his reasoning – all of it is so brilliantly written. It’s both dismaying and stimulating. As a reader, you can’t help but attempt to fathom the recovery for such a harrowing experience. Not all of the characters are likeable, or relatable, but they all have a vulnerability that makes them authentic personalities. Their flaws and insecurities are even further heightened when it comes to the lives of their loved ones. The book seamlessly hops back and forth between two timelines. The lives of the passengers before the crash, and Edward’s life after it. It really adds to the weight of the book, as you learn about the hopes and dreams of people you already know won’t achieve them.
Dear Edward is a book that pushes the reader to reflect. Edward survived the deadly plane crash, but now must learn how to survive all over again. Napolitano writes with honesty and realism, but still gives the reader (and Edward) hope. She has a straightforward, candid, and balanced tone that helps the book to flow easily. Grief and trauma can be written with an intensity that’s off-putting, but Napolitano’s simplistic style is one of my favourite aspects of the novel. If anything, it’s a comfort to read.
The friendship between Edward and Shay is remarkably touching, and brings a warmth to the story that I didn’t see coming. Edward loses everything in the crash, but Shay’s friendship helps him to realise he can regain purpose. While it’s sad to think of this young boy growing up without his family, it’s inspiring to see him find strength in another person. This striking prospect really stirs the heart.
Ann Napolitano has crafted a beautifully poignant coming-of-age tale. It pulls sympathy from the reader in the right places, with the perfect balance of heart-wrenching reservations and life-affirming revelations. Dear Edward is a captivating journey through an unimaginable scenario, and a read I’ll remember for a long time.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Where the Crawdads Sing is an incredibly deep and moving novel that I have no doubt I will forever remember. It is a mind-blowingly poignant debut and easily one of the best books I have read so far in 2020. This is exactly the kind of novel that will the first in my mind when I think of recommendations.
I love Kya’s independence. She’s a character that’s incredibly easy to connect to, even as a reader I found myself feeling protective over this young girl. While she is sensitive and timid, she has a fierceness that’s admirable. And her courage, agility and intuition add to her brilliance as a protagonist. I also deeply appreciate the way the author interweaved poetry with Kya’s thoughts and emotions. Furthermore, the significance of poetry to the principal figure plays out magnificently. When reading, Kya feels so real it’s almost natural to smile or frown when she does.
Owens’ rich and eloquent reflection on humanity paints a vivid picture from the first page. The author’s passion and understanding of nature is evident in her splendidly descriptive poetic prose. As a zoologist, the author’s fascination with ethology becomes addictive. In Where the Crawdads Sing, Kya develops a love of collecting shells and feathers as she grows up. Correspondingly, Owens turns from an author to an artist as she creates a world that’s easy to dive into and fun to explore.
Originally, this isn’t a book I originally planned on reviewing. Where the Crawdads Sing has suffered the curse of being stuck on the TBR list for way too long. But when I think of this novel now, I only wonder why I didn’t read it sooner. It’s a moving and inspiring story about survival against the odds. Themes of family, love, prejudice, poverty and loneliness are insightfully explored in this truly gripping story. There is diversity in the characters, the style and the emotion. It’s not only a novel that will have you sobbing by the last page, but also stuck in awe and wonder at the natural beauty of Delia Owens’ words and descriptions.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
I love Kya’s independence. She’s a character that’s incredibly easy to connect to, even as a reader I found myself feeling protective over this young girl. While she is sensitive and timid, she has a fierceness that’s admirable. And her courage, agility and intuition add to her brilliance as a protagonist. I also deeply appreciate the way the author interweaved poetry with Kya’s thoughts and emotions. Furthermore, the significance of poetry to the principal figure plays out magnificently. When reading, Kya feels so real it’s almost natural to smile or frown when she does.
Owens’ rich and eloquent reflection on humanity paints a vivid picture from the first page. The author’s passion and understanding of nature is evident in her splendidly descriptive poetic prose. As a zoologist, the author’s fascination with ethology becomes addictive. In Where the Crawdads Sing, Kya develops a love of collecting shells and feathers as she grows up. Correspondingly, Owens turns from an author to an artist as she creates a world that’s easy to dive into and fun to explore.
Originally, this isn’t a book I originally planned on reviewing. Where the Crawdads Sing has suffered the curse of being stuck on the TBR list for way too long. But when I think of this novel now, I only wonder why I didn’t read it sooner. It’s a moving and inspiring story about survival against the odds. Themes of family, love, prejudice, poverty and loneliness are insightfully explored in this truly gripping story. There is diversity in the characters, the style and the emotion. It’s not only a novel that will have you sobbing by the last page, but also stuck in awe and wonder at the natural beauty of Delia Owens’ words and descriptions.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Kendall Whitney, an urban homesteader, quits her job in California and moves to Montana for a fresh start. Her goal is to get her life together and finally begin living as an independent woman. To document her transformation, Kendall notes the victories, the blunders, and everything in-between in her diary.
From the premise and title, Adventures of an Urban Homesteader sounds like a brilliantly funny and applicable romantic comedy. Sadly, this was just not the book for me. I didn’t like the protagonist, I wasn’t too fond of the book’s format, and the plot didn’t capture me enough to make this read an enjoyable one.
Firstly, I struggled to believe Kendall is 28 years old. The book dives into her family history which fills her out as a personality, but she’s too immature and clueless to feel authentic. Some of her revelations were annoying rather than funny. There are adult themes dotted throughout but Kendall’s diary entries are like that of a teenager. Her juvenile behaviour was off-putting, which made it really hard to stay interested in her as a narrator. Fortunately, the secondary characters added a refreshing layer to the pages and saved the overall narrative.
I really like the idea of Operation Kendall Independence. It’s very relatable, we have all tried to revamp our lives at some point. And I expected the book to be written in diary form, but it was executed in a way that makes the book feel like a summary. That in turn, tempted me to skip through and skim-read. The foundations of a fun adventure are there, but the chapters are almost abbreviated, so it’s quickly lost.
As a fellow 20-something, I looked forward to exploring Kendall’s journey to independence. But this book didn’t motivate or inspire. The secondary characters contributed to the entertainment factor more than the protagonist and the diary style became exhausting. Overall, Adventures of an Urban Homesteader went from an exciting and engaging adult-coming-of-age to a monotonous and forgettable read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
From the premise and title, Adventures of an Urban Homesteader sounds like a brilliantly funny and applicable romantic comedy. Sadly, this was just not the book for me. I didn’t like the protagonist, I wasn’t too fond of the book’s format, and the plot didn’t capture me enough to make this read an enjoyable one.
Firstly, I struggled to believe Kendall is 28 years old. The book dives into her family history which fills her out as a personality, but she’s too immature and clueless to feel authentic. Some of her revelations were annoying rather than funny. There are adult themes dotted throughout but Kendall’s diary entries are like that of a teenager. Her juvenile behaviour was off-putting, which made it really hard to stay interested in her as a narrator. Fortunately, the secondary characters added a refreshing layer to the pages and saved the overall narrative.
I really like the idea of Operation Kendall Independence. It’s very relatable, we have all tried to revamp our lives at some point. And I expected the book to be written in diary form, but it was executed in a way that makes the book feel like a summary. That in turn, tempted me to skip through and skim-read. The foundations of a fun adventure are there, but the chapters are almost abbreviated, so it’s quickly lost.
As a fellow 20-something, I looked forward to exploring Kendall’s journey to independence. But this book didn’t motivate or inspire. The secondary characters contributed to the entertainment factor more than the protagonist and the diary style became exhausting. Overall, Adventures of an Urban Homesteader went from an exciting and engaging adult-coming-of-age to a monotonous and forgettable read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
2.5-ish stars. Thanks to Atria and the author for this ARC.
Cobble Hills starts out by giving the reader exactly what they want. A thorough exploration into the quirky and colourful characters of a Brooklyn neighbourhood, including insight into their many secrets. And this autumnal novel about New York families delivers when it comes to developed relationships and complex dynamics. But sadly, the plot fell flat, and as a result, this Cobble Hill didn’t earn the 5 stars I predicted it would.
The story opens with a bookstore. What better setting for a book to begin? And it's so easy to place yourself in bustling New York as you dive into Cobble Hill. Just like a real small neighbourhood, there's an entangled web of acquaintances and relationships masked by the chaos of everyday life. Von Ziegesar’s style is lively and laced with humour, as she assembles the many pieces to this tale.
And there are a lot of characters in this book. First, are the Stuart, Mandy and Ted Little. Then there’s Peaches, Greg, and Liam Park. Next, Roy, Wendy, and Shy Clarke. And finally, Tupper & Elizabeth Paulsen. The narrative regularly sways between the lives of the characters within each family, and their interlinked timelines are Cobble Hill’s biggest strength. There’s an authenticity to the egos, flaws, and mishaps of the families, which makes them a delight to learn about.
However, Cobble Hill doesn't really have a plot. As strange as it sounds, this is a book with very little direction. Its character-heavy, and there are plenty of happenings taking place, but as a reader I felt unsure of where they were going. So, the pace is quite motionless, there's no rhythm or intensity. I'm also not fond of how the author shapes the "fake disease" subplot. Mandy is pretending to have a devastating illness that completely destroys the human body, and the nonchalant tone felt insensitive. If there was one character that seemed to really understand the scope of this lifelong condition that would have balanced it out. But it seem dusted over when it could have been handled with more sympathy and care.
And “Black Ryan”? No. Absolutely not. Bad idea. As the only character of colour in the book, I like how he reclaimed the title to use to his advantage, but that’s not the point. It’s not something he should have to do, and he, or any other Black people, should not have to deal with degrading nicknames in the first place.
If you’re expecting Gossip Girl, you will be disappointed. Cobble Hill doesn’t have the same flare or addictive narrative. But it is a study of character and the drama and secrets hidden in the brownstones of Brooklyn are entertaining to read. Still, if it were not for the complex array of characters, sadly there wouldn’t be much to this slightly problematic book.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Cobble Hills starts out by giving the reader exactly what they want. A thorough exploration into the quirky and colourful characters of a Brooklyn neighbourhood, including insight into their many secrets. And this autumnal novel about New York families delivers when it comes to developed relationships and complex dynamics. But sadly, the plot fell flat, and as a result, this Cobble Hill didn’t earn the 5 stars I predicted it would.
The story opens with a bookstore. What better setting for a book to begin? And it's so easy to place yourself in bustling New York as you dive into Cobble Hill. Just like a real small neighbourhood, there's an entangled web of acquaintances and relationships masked by the chaos of everyday life. Von Ziegesar’s style is lively and laced with humour, as she assembles the many pieces to this tale.
And there are a lot of characters in this book. First, are the Stuart, Mandy and Ted Little. Then there’s Peaches, Greg, and Liam Park. Next, Roy, Wendy, and Shy Clarke. And finally, Tupper & Elizabeth Paulsen. The narrative regularly sways between the lives of the characters within each family, and their interlinked timelines are Cobble Hill’s biggest strength. There’s an authenticity to the egos, flaws, and mishaps of the families, which makes them a delight to learn about.
However, Cobble Hill doesn't really have a plot. As strange as it sounds, this is a book with very little direction. Its character-heavy, and there are plenty of happenings taking place, but as a reader I felt unsure of where they were going. So, the pace is quite motionless, there's no rhythm or intensity. I'm also not fond of how the author shapes the "fake disease" subplot. Mandy is pretending to have a devastating illness that completely destroys the human body, and the nonchalant tone felt insensitive. If there was one character that seemed to really understand the scope of this lifelong condition that would have balanced it out. But it seem dusted over when it could have been handled with more sympathy and care.
And “Black Ryan”? No. Absolutely not. Bad idea. As the only character of colour in the book, I like how he reclaimed the title to use to his advantage, but that’s not the point. It’s not something he should have to do, and he, or any other Black people, should not have to deal with degrading nicknames in the first place.
If you’re expecting Gossip Girl, you will be disappointed. Cobble Hill doesn’t have the same flare or addictive narrative. But it is a study of character and the drama and secrets hidden in the brownstones of Brooklyn are entertaining to read. Still, if it were not for the complex array of characters, sadly there wouldn’t be much to this slightly problematic book.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
This novella is a wonderful (and much-needed) dose of Calla and Jonah love, but didn't feel totally necessary. My expectations were high, and sadly Forever Wild didn't meet them.
It makes up for a lot of the romance Wild at Heart lacked, but in doing so, the story felt rushed and messy. It's easy to read, but over in a flash. While I immediately love anything associated with the Barbie and the Yeti, Forever Wild didn't hit the mark. As for the story, it's lovely to read. Jonah remains my favourite character, closely followed by Simon and Agnes. Roy's story could have been explored in a little more depth, but it was a joy to meet the residents of Trapper's Crossing once again. Like always, Tucker perfectly builds a cosy but rustic Alaskan atmosphere, with plenty of levity and humour balanced with heartfelt depths.
There are some parts of the novella I think would have made a great epilogue, with the bulk being explored in a third book. Still, I enjoyed reading, and I won't hesitate to pick up the next instalment.
It makes up for a lot of the romance Wild at Heart lacked, but in doing so, the story felt rushed and messy. It's easy to read, but over in a flash. While I immediately love anything associated with the Barbie and the Yeti, Forever Wild didn't hit the mark. As for the story, it's lovely to read. Jonah remains my favourite character, closely followed by Simon and Agnes. Roy's story could have been explored in a little more depth, but it was a joy to meet the residents of Trapper's Crossing once again. Like always, Tucker perfectly builds a cosy but rustic Alaskan atmosphere, with plenty of levity and humour balanced with heartfelt depths.
There are some parts of the novella I think would have made a great epilogue, with the bulk being explored in a third book. Still, I enjoyed reading, and I won't hesitate to pick up the next instalment.
Check out the full review here
I was fortunate enough to receive an annotated ARC of The Road Trip from Beth O’Leary, and I can’t begin to describe my excitement for another one of her love stories. Both The Flatshare and The Switch (review) are beautifully heart-warming reads, so my expectations for The Road Trip were high. And unsurprisingly, they were met.
The Road Trip starts straight away. No lingering or lazy introductions, it’s just crash, Dylan and Addie are face to face. Again. I’m not the biggest fan of second chance romances, but Beth O’Leary maps out this dreamy tale so brilliantly, it could easily become one of my new favourite tropes.
The chapters alternate between Dylan and Addie. But at the same time, sections of the book bounce between the past and the present. And so, The Road Trip feels like two love stories at once. Rather than just tell the reader what happens, O’Leary takes advantage of flashbacks to build a solid foundation for Dylan and Addie’s relationship.
O’Leary’s writing style feels more sophisticated in The Road Trip compared to The Flatshare and The Switch. Depression, sexual assault and alcohol abuse are mentioned in The Road Trip. But they are explored in a sensitive manner that it contributes to the complexity of the characters. And the unexpected grittiness is expertly layered into this hilariously adorable story of second chance love.
The Road Trip is the perfect escape. It has characters to love, quotes to remember, and a plot to truly get lost in. Does it beat The Flatshare? I’m really struggling to say for sure. But it’s certainly very close.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
I was fortunate enough to receive an annotated ARC of The Road Trip from Beth O’Leary, and I can’t begin to describe my excitement for another one of her love stories. Both The Flatshare and The Switch (review) are beautifully heart-warming reads, so my expectations for The Road Trip were high. And unsurprisingly, they were met.
The Road Trip starts straight away. No lingering or lazy introductions, it’s just crash, Dylan and Addie are face to face. Again. I’m not the biggest fan of second chance romances, but Beth O’Leary maps out this dreamy tale so brilliantly, it could easily become one of my new favourite tropes.
The chapters alternate between Dylan and Addie. But at the same time, sections of the book bounce between the past and the present. And so, The Road Trip feels like two love stories at once. Rather than just tell the reader what happens, O’Leary takes advantage of flashbacks to build a solid foundation for Dylan and Addie’s relationship.
O’Leary’s writing style feels more sophisticated in The Road Trip compared to The Flatshare and The Switch. Depression, sexual assault and alcohol abuse are mentioned in The Road Trip. But they are explored in a sensitive manner that it contributes to the complexity of the characters. And the unexpected grittiness is expertly layered into this hilariously adorable story of second chance love.
The Road Trip is the perfect escape. It has characters to love, quotes to remember, and a plot to truly get lost in. Does it beat The Flatshare? I’m really struggling to say for sure. But it’s certainly very close.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Jojo Moyes will always be an auto-buy author for me. No matter what she writes, I will read and enjoy. Night Music may not have been a glowing five-start story for me, but it was worth picking up nonetheless.
This 2008 novel follows Isabel Delancey and her family. Isabel’s husband suddenly dies, leaving her with their two children, Kitty and Thierry, and a mountain of debt. The comfortable lifestyle she was once accustomed to is ripped away, and her only option is to move to the now-derelict countryside house named ‘The Spanish House’, left behind by her uncle. But her neighbours are bitter over her inheritance, her children are struggling, and her world seems to be crumbling.
I love the way the themes of love, bereavement, revenge and family life play out in this book. It’s a slow-burner, leaving plenty of time for character development within the plot. I particular like how the true motives of some characters are revealed through unseen twists. While I didn’t find any of the personalities to be that likeable, it doesn’t take away from the reading experience. And it’s definitely more of a drama than a romance, much different to anything else I’ve read by Jojo Moyes.
Fans of Moyes may enjoy this book, even if it doesn’t become a favourite. It has charm with the addition of small village life, and darker undertones from the villainous characters and realistic hardships. I wasn’t too fond of the ending, but overall a good read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
This 2008 novel follows Isabel Delancey and her family. Isabel’s husband suddenly dies, leaving her with their two children, Kitty and Thierry, and a mountain of debt. The comfortable lifestyle she was once accustomed to is ripped away, and her only option is to move to the now-derelict countryside house named ‘The Spanish House’, left behind by her uncle. But her neighbours are bitter over her inheritance, her children are struggling, and her world seems to be crumbling.
I love the way the themes of love, bereavement, revenge and family life play out in this book. It’s a slow-burner, leaving plenty of time for character development within the plot. I particular like how the true motives of some characters are revealed through unseen twists. While I didn’t find any of the personalities to be that likeable, it doesn’t take away from the reading experience. And it’s definitely more of a drama than a romance, much different to anything else I’ve read by Jojo Moyes.
Fans of Moyes may enjoy this book, even if it doesn’t become a favourite. It has charm with the addition of small village life, and darker undertones from the villainous characters and realistic hardships. I wasn’t too fond of the ending, but overall a good read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram