lauren_miller's reviews
754 reviews

The Forest Keeper - The true story of Jadav Payeng by Ishita Jain, Rina Singh

hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

4.25

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a lovely children's book about the power of reforestation. The illustrations, in particular, are what bring this book to life; the blues flow just like the river and the greens are lush just like the forest, the images truly leap off the page and characterize the environment so well on their own. The only things I don't love are the font choice and the use of paragraphs; I think a different font and some better text blocking would allow for a more fluid and storybook-like vibe, even if it is nonfiction. Overall, I think this would be a really great introduction to the importance of trees, and easily provides for a hands-on experience upon completion—if I had kids, I'd read this with them and then plant a sapling or bury some flower bulbs! 

Just His Secretary by Donna Jeffries

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

I found the third act conflict to be kinda stupid, but overall the reading experience for this was super fun! I think I need to read more Donna Jeffries b/c her writing style in this was def my cup of tea. 

The Cottage Fairy Companion: A Cottagecore Guide to Slow Living, Connecting to Nature, and Becoming Enchanted Again by Paola Merrill

hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.5

This book was a lovely choice for the start of the year because it offers so much in the way of slowing down, reflecting, and renewing hope and optimism. It is sometimes repetitive, but in a way I can't begrudge, because that repetition allows the messages to slowly and gently wash over you, sounding sweeter and more attainable with each mention. There are parts I want to remember, apply to my own life. There are others I enjoyed reading at the time but will leave behind for someone else. For sure, there is something healing for everyone. I really enjoyed the seasonal layout, and the photography was a beautiful, illustrative companion; if you haven't seen Paola's videos, the images will give you a small taste of what Washington has to offer year-round.

Overall, this was a great book to savor over many days. At the very least, the highlighted and bookmarked passages can also provide some light throughout the rest of the year, lest I forget the magic this book rekindled in me.

4.5 out of 5 stars, ★★★★☆

I'm Not Charlotte Lucas by Kasey Stockton

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Like my fellow Pride & Prejudice lovers, I was drawn in by the title and sweet cover and y'all, this did NOT disappoint! This book is compulsively readable. You don't even have to have read P&P or seen an adaption to enjoy it (though it definitely adds to the impact and charm). Charlie is such a selfless, kind, and relatable protagonist, not without her flaws—like girl, OWN the fact that a man "out of your league" is obsessed with you lol.  I'm so happy that the author didn't really try to make her funny because her brand of charisma is uniquely sweet and awkward as hell; she's absolutely someone I would die to be friends with. And Liam...? Lord, indeed what a Darcy he is! Successful, handsome, a great communicator... sign me up for all that. And their chemistry together was absolutely flawless—a true friends to lovers arc with believable highs and lows. Sure, there was necessary drama and maybe a bit too much self-deprecation in places, but overall, I'm Not Charlotte Lucas was as fun to read as it was romantic. It's been such a long time since I had a reading experience THIS pleasant! I think that says it all. 

5 out of 5 stars, ★★★★★

Bewitched By You by Kendra Mase

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

this book was like a big witchy, autumnal hug and I enjoyed every minute of it. maybe I'm partial because I also had a small-town college experience, complete with a cemetary that I used to frequent when I needed to relax or get my mind off of "real life"; maybe it's because I've always been interested in all things magic and the thought of a coven family warms my lonely little heart; maybe I'm partial because I grew up on Gilmore Girls Fall episodes, homecoming football games, and meticulously choosing my costume each Halloween... whatever it is, it really spoke to my soul and made me all cozy and warm inside 🧡

Beneath the Moon: Fairy Tales, Myths, and Divine Stories from Around the World by Yoshi Yoshitani
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.

DNF @ 22%

I loved the art in this book and the idea of it, but the writing style felt too bland and factual; it was missing that fairytale/folklore vibe I was hoping for.

Magic Artisan Dahlia Wilts No More, Vol. 3 by Megumi Sumikawa, Hisaya Amagishi

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.25

Magic Artisan Dahlia Wilts No More, Vol. 2 by Megumi Sumikawa, Hisaya Amagishi

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.25

Magic Artisan Dahlia Wilts No More, Vol. 1 by Megumi Sumikawa, Hisaya Amagishi

adventurous lighthearted tense fast-paced

5.0

this was such a gem! I seem to be drawn to the “accidentally transported/reincarnated into a fantasy world” trope at the moment and I’m anything but mad about it. what makes this manga special is the combination of magic and science—it’s not really alchemy (that already exists here), it’s not solely magic, there’s a little bit of botany and zoology thrown in… in short, the concept of magical artisans, people who blend natural materials and science with magic, is fascinating!! and Dahlia is an easy character to sympathize with. we really only got her “origin story” so to speak in this book, so I can’t wait to see where she goes from here!

Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

has Hallmark tapped into the novella market yet?? because that's exactly what this is—a Hallmark movie in 80 pages—and there's definitely potential imo. 80 pages is just enough to do some basic characterization, spread holiday cheer, and "solve" the "conflict" before reaching the happy ending... so the ideal holiday read. seriously, the lack of third act conflict is such a relief. you're not reading this for substance, you're reading it to feel good and for me it delivered.