gsmallwood63's reviews
30 reviews

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

This was such a fun book. I laughed out loud so many times.  I am so glad it was my first book for 2025. 

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman

emotional funny medium-paced

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

4.5

One Day in December by Josie Silver

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

The Christmas Train by David Baldacci

lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

I read this book years ago and we recently chose it for our Dec book club read. It’s honestly a “feel good” Christmas read. 

The Christmas Star by Kate Forster

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was an audible original. I’m not a huge rom com/hallmark Christmas genre fan but needed something light hearted to soothe my heart and brain. This book did just that. I’m glad I listened to it. 

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

adventurous emotional hopeful informative mysterious medium-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

5.0

This book was great. I enjoyed reading about each character’s life. The historical information was fascinating. 

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin

medium-paced

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

3.5

This book was interesting but extremely anti climactic. 

The World Played Chess by Robert Dugoni

dark emotional hopeful informative medium-paced

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

4.75

This is a very interesting book. The author does a great job of weaving the timelines and characters lives in an interesting and meaningful way. 

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

This book was okay.  

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley

funny informative inspiring lighthearted 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

4.25

Fun read!