downtondays's reviews
39 reviews

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

challenging reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Stevens is unsufferable ffs Miss Kenton was clearly the best woman and he was SO blind

The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon

mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It was really long and hard to read. I'm not sure I know what this book was really about. It had some nice moments but otherwise it was really foggy. 

December 15, A WesLizNickEmilieBaileyCharlie Christmas by Lynn Painter

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

This was so sweet ! It makes me want to read more of Lynn Painter. 

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie

5.0

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love this story so much and I was finally able to read the entire version which is really nice !

I think this will be my last book of 2023. It was a great year !

Sugar Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This was fun and cute to read for Christmas but I'm seriously not convinced by the love triangle because I don't find Mike likeable (while Norman >>>)

Noël surprise dans les Highlands by Sarah Morgan

emotional 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

5.0

This was a huge favorite ! It was so adorable. It's the perfect scroogey lead getting their redemption book with a lovely family reunion, a hot romance and a happy ending. I loved it, it's very Christmassy ! I'm definitely going to read more Sarah Morgan books. Also I have an amazing fancast for this book ^^

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is such a crazy book ! I knew the ending because I saw the movie but it unfolds so quickly and in such an impressive way ! I read the last few chapters in a row. I couldn't put it down !! It's one of my favorite Christies. 

Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Oh gosh this tackled such a heavy subject.... brilliantly ! Nick is touching because he's just a teen in love who doesn't know anything about life. Charlie is truly so brave too. I love that this digs more into their relation with other people. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Eating disorder and Self harm

The Hobbit: or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.

I can't get into it...I may try again another time but right now, I just want to move on from this book