fay_libris's reviews
80 reviews

Let Your Hearts be Light by Fae Quin

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.75

Grumpy and Sunshine. Tradesman and Baker. Lumberjack and Bumble Bee. 
+ two amazing kids.

This Christmas, hallmark-esque story was a overall very anjoyable read. I liked seeing how the relationship between Paxton and Baxter, as well as the kids' grew and evolved.
The mental health rep and family dynamics were very real and well portrayed. The good and the bad.

The story was way smuttier than I expected. Maybe a bit too much even. (For me, and I do like smut.)
I wish there had been a bit more story. I did enjoy the story that was told but I just wish we had seen a bit more on some points.
There was no

third act break up

though, so that was nice.

I like how both guys were able to open up to each other, themselves and others in the end. I really liked both dads and their kids. I loved the kids.
The speeches near the end were very sweet & emotional and I enjoyed the ending.

I am interested in reading the second book in this series about Paxton's brother!

A Kiss For Santa by Mia Monroe

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

A cute, short little story about Santa and a guy getting together.

Luca is a great guy and the struggles of adulthood and the working life are relatable.

I liked the magic aspects and the Santa lore.

The

sex=marriage

part was kinda funny.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Less about books and reading than I had assumed and would have liked. It is more a story about depression, moving on and the pressure of (Japanese) society. With some books on the side.

This is a very Japanese story. The problems, the way people react to situations and the overall tone are very Japanese. 
I was annoyed at some of the characters reactions to things etc but that was just from my point of view and I know that these reactions and actions are not uncommon in Japan.

Overall an interesting if slow story. Nothing breathtaking but an interesting look into Japanese society and struggles.

Also  I should not be surprised  by the

character has terminal illness

trope anymore. It pops up quite a lot in Japanese stories.

The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai

emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

3.5

A feel-good novel with delicious food and some emotional stories set in beautiful Kyoto.

I might be biased, since I lived in Kyoto for a year, but I really enjoyed this book. I liked the descriptions of the food and the connection of the food to memories and people.

I do wish we had more time to get to know the characters and that we would actually see more of the detective work.

But I enjoyed these short stories non the less and was feeling good reading this book.

I do hope we get the continuation translated as well.

Taproot by Keezy Young

emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

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

3.75

A cute and beautifully illustrated story about a gardener and the ghost(s) around him. 

Hamal (gardener) has been able to see ghosts since he was little but does not know why. Blues (ghost) has been dead and lonely for a while before he met Hamal. 
The two form a friendship and meet a few more ghosts and people over the years. They also develop feelings for each other. Which is difficult because... y'know.

After some weird and worrying things start happening and they get confronted they have to make a decision.

Lukily everything works out in the end and there is a happy ending for them.

The story was a bit confusing and it felt like there were some pages missing. I wonder if there actually were pages missing or if that was just how the story is.

Cute and quick little read but not too exciting.
Beautiful art.

So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.25

Fantasy, Magic, Prophecy, a group of dumb asses, Yearning. What more can you want?

I had high expectations for this book and it was one of my most anticipated reads for this year. And I really enjoyed it! ...for the most part.

Arek, Matt, Sionna, Bethany, Lila and Rion are a seriously lovable group of dumbass friends. Even though they have only been traveling together for a few months, it feels like they have known each other for longer. (DnD Group vibes.)

Although we didn't learn too much about the world, I did enjoy the things we did learn.

I really liked this stories take on prophecies. The idea that

there are many prophecies with varying degrees of actually being true

is great! The mage is also a very interesting character I would love to learn more about. 

I really liked how the group grew throughout the story and found their places in their group, the castle and their new free-ish lives. Every character had troubles and weaknesses that complimented their strengths and character.

An overall interesting story with lots of comedy and drama.

But now about what made me not enjoy the story as much. The MISCOMMUNICATION. I am not a fan of the miscommunication trope anyway, but I can appreciate it when it is well executed. 
I do not think this was well executed. The miscommunication was so frustrating and happening from early on and so often. And even though Arek was heavily hinting and Matt's reactions showed a lot, these boys were just deaf and blind. 
I just could honestly not get into the self-made drama because of this miscommunication. But this is also probably a lot because of my own preference.

I also wish we had gotten a bit more from a few of the other characters. I really liked the whole group and had a good time reading about what they were up to. I wish we had gotten more of that.

The epilogue was great and actually made me tear up a bit. I liked how it tied up loose ends and showed a snippet about everyone. A very sweet ending.

Overall a good time and would recommend if you like fantasy and want a story about what happens after the hero fulfills the Prophecy.

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier

funny hopeful 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

4.25

A very cute and uplifting (haha) story about a smart, antisocial lesbian and a people pleasing trans girl. It's about growth, standing up for yourself, trying new things, acceptance, friendship and love. And Cheerleding.

I liked the art style and smiled a whole lot while reading this. (Even giggled a few times.)Through the ups and downs of this story, you'll learn to love these two girls very fast. It is a heartwarming and hopeful story with a few teeny tiny bits of angst sprinkled in.

It felt a little bit rushed from time to time but it was wholly enjoyable. Would Recommend.

Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

"Kitchen juxtaposes two tales about mothers, transsexuality, bereavement, kitchens, love and tragedy in contemporary Japan."

In addition, it's about loss, grief, depression, friendship, family (found and by blood), the changing of relationships , devotion and moving on.

When I first bought this book, I didn't realize it contained two stories. The longer, main story 'Kitchen' (which was my favorite) and the second, shorter story 'Moonlight Shadow'. 

Both stories have a small supernatural element.

'Kitchen' tells a story about the loss of family members

by blood and by choice

. It shows how people handle grief but also how losing someone can bring new people together. It shows a transgender mother and how loss and the love for her child made her who she is. It talks about the changing of relationships and how sudden things can change. It puts the Kitchen and food at an important role of family and relationships.

'Moonlight Shadow' tells a story about coping mechanisms, some harmful, some 'strange'. It shows the importance of letting go and saying goodbye. 

The stories make you think. About what family is and what that means to you. How loss and grief can impact people and how they may cope. About the role of a mother and the fine line between friendship and love.

Both of the stories are wonderfully written and I really want to read more from this author!

Giles Ashby Needs a Nanny by K. Sterling

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

I really enjoyed this story. I think I actually liked it a bit more than the first book! I feel like I was able to get to know and love these characters more.
The mess of the protags history with each other and their lifes were really interesting and I liked seeing them get to know each other anew. I do wish they talked more with each other but I understand why they didn't.
I also really liked the relationship between Giles and his ex-wife. 

Riley is great and I relate to his love of plants and food.
Giles is a mess with a good heart. His love for his son is heartwarming. ❤️  I also relate to his anxieties a lot, even if mine is not as severe.
Milo is an absolute treasure. I love that little space boy.
DnD mentions always get plus points.

"...cuddle with me and maybe play with my hair." (Same)

“Teach me records and taste my hair!” Oh Giles...

Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Volume III by Matthew Mercer, Jody Houser

adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

The best one so far!
I really enjoy experiencing the story of this group before the streams. The first two collections were a bit slow and not as entertaining for me, but I had a lot of fun with this one!

The ice [redacted], the fights, the sneaking and we finally arrived at Emon! So much fun!
Looking forward to the next one. :)