emthewordenthusiast's reviews
489 reviews

You Are Not Alone by Sarah Pekkanen, Greer Hendricks

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

 This was my last Greer Hendricks/Sarah Pekkannen work to check off my list! Unfortunately it didn’t hold my interest. The protagonist wasn’t likable and the plot was confusing with these random blurbs about side characters that never developed after that. Concept=good, execution=subpar. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

dark emotional sad fast-paced

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

1.0

 Aging and reclusive hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell her story and enlists the unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job. Monique’s main objective? Learn who of Evelyn’s seven husbands was her one true love.

The short answer is… none of them.

Because Evelyn’s true love was fellow actress
Celia St. James.

I’ll admit it. I was swayed to read this novel due to the insane recognition it has received on social media including hundreds of awards, reviews, and recommendations.

Unfortunately, I was completely blindsided by the overt homosexual agenda. It’s not just a part of the book, it is the primary storyline of the book.

Yes, the writing is superb. Yes, the story grabs your attention from page one. But no, I wouldn’t recommend it. Not only because it affirms LGBTQ+ relationships (which funnily enough portrays them to be unhealthy, abusive, and emotionally manipulative), the “heroine” is completely selfish, malicious, and unfeeling and it tells the lie that to be successful as a woman you must essentially sleep your way to the top.

I didn’t want to review this book as I didn’t want to take any actions that may promote it. However, since its’ been all the rage on social media and is now being made into a movie, I felt obligated to warn readers or future viewers of the film that this is NOT a story about the golden age of Hollywood, as the descriptions make it out to be. It’s a hopeless, overrated, graphic drama promoting the gay lifestyle and making a mockery out of marriage.

Don’t give into the hype!

Content warnings: explicit sexual content, LGBTQ+ relationships/affirmations, advocacy of assisted suicide, language 

Morning Star by Pierce Brown

challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-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

4.0

Last Words of the Martyrs: Life Changing Spiritual Lessons from Believers Who Paid the Ultimate Price by Jeff King

emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

Galatea by Madeline Miller

dark emotional sad slow-paced

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

3.0

What If Love Is the Point?: Living for Jesus in a Self-Consumed World by Alexa Penavega, Carlos Penavega

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear by Jinger Vuolo, Jinger Duggar Vuolo

emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

 Loved this book and Jinger's heart- not a slam or a "tell-all" against her parents, but a beautiful reminder that instead of deconstructing our faith, we can disentangle the lies we were told from the truth. Would highly recommend to anyone who grew up in or was hurt by the church and is trying to figure out where they stand in their beliefs. 

Where the Wings Rise by Ashlyn McKayla Ohm

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense 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? Yes

5.0

 “But I believe that any wound can be healed if we are willing to allow ourselves to be held. If we allow Someone higher to lift us and bind the wounds”

One of my favorite reads last year was When the Ice Melts by Ashlyn McKayla Ohm so when she announced she was writing a sequel to be released in 2023 I couldn’t wait to read it!

Let me tell you, Ashlyn DID NOT disappoint!!

Where the Wings Rise picks up after estranged sisters Addisyn and Avery Miles joyful reunion, following the at times messy and complicated journey of healing and mending their relationships with each other- and with God. The story is set in the Colorado Rockies- complete with elk bugles, winter storms, high mountains and a hawk. His journey of flying again after an injury highlights the overall theme of the book.

I can’t recommend this story enough, with its lovable and dynamic cast of characters, and beautiful, immersive setting that will get you lost in the Rocky Mountains. 🏔️🦌🌄

Ashlyn’s love for creation and her creator is evident in her storytelling. I’m so proud of her for producing another great release and can’t wait to read what comes from her next! Thank you Ashlyn for sending me a copy of your book in exchange for an honest review! 

Choosing to Run: A Memoir by Des Linden

challenging inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.0

Bygone: Musings and Poems from a Regency Hearthside by Hannah Linder

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

 This book would best be enjoyed on a rainy day curled up in a blanket by an open fire with a warm cup of tea in hand💛🫖🌧️

I found in Bygone exactly what I hope to find in every book of poetry I read- emotion, thought, lyrical language and creative expression. This is such a lovely little collection that has a classic regency-esque feel, with modern twists sprinkled here and there.

The layout of the book is beautiful, with four major sections on love, life, nature and death which I always appreciate for reference after reading!

I would definitely recommend this book for lovers of poetry- it will give you all the introspective, inspiring, emotional and sentimental vibes you are looking for!

Thank you Hannah for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!