emkatsteen's reviews
300 reviews

Faith at Work: Purpose Beyond the Paycheck by Kevin Lowry

5.0

Grateful to read this book from a mentor of mine. While I’m not Catholic, I could apply most of his teachings to my own Methodist tradition.

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

5.0

Such a fresh mystery! It could be difficult to follow at times with all the characters, but it was so propulsive I didn’t mind getting lost in the details. Really really liked this. Heard Stuart Turton speak at a Prologue Books event a few months ago and I’m so glad that spurred me to read this book.

Would make for an excellent re-read. I feel like I want to read it all over again just to pick up on details I missed.

A Proposal They Can't Refuse by Natalie Caña

2.5

Some of the writing was cringy. The book was set in 2022ish and the main character is dressing like Pinterest from 2011. Some of the dialogue was pretty cringy too. I did like the love story elements, except that the main characters were fairly childish. This was a “just talk to each other!!!” kind of frustration.

Her family was so mean to her? I know that different cultures have different communication styles but there was barely ever affection for Mila. And the grandpas meddling was such a weird plot device.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

3.5

Did not enjoy Feyre at any point. Really liked Tamlin and there were moments with Rhysand that were egregious.

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.

Second DNF of this book. Didn’t really work for me on audio.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

4.25

Powerful and touching. The choppiness really bugged me and the hyperbole got a bit out of hand at times. Loved the setting and the fourth act.

The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eva Eger

4.75

Brutal, very touching. Made me weep.

The No-Show by Beth O'Leary

5.0

I loved how creative and interesting the plot of this book was! All the characters were endearing and I was genuinely surprised by the way the book turned out. A very sweet romance with such a fabulous structure.

My Murder by Katie Williams

5.0

Slow to start but perfection by the end. The writing was exquisite. The story developed in such an interesting way and made my gut twist when she talked about Nova. Being a parent totally changed my reading experiences and I’m grateful for the added nuance. Ugh just so so so good!!!

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

3.75

This book was wayyyy too long. I did enjoy the plot a lot more than Fourth Wing. There were lots of quests that the characters go on, which was really fun. Loved the new additions of magic introduced in this book. It saved itself from being too military for me, which was a big surprise.

I loved the introduction of the fliers and the RCS challenge was one of the best segments of the book.

Violet is still incredibly annoying and immature but Xaden is my favorite character.