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magnolia_reading's reviews
348 reviews
You'd Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
2.75
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
This book truly brought me back to high school when I would read alllllll the werewolf/ vampire books or fanfics I could get my hands on. This is that perfect balance of humor, plot and romance! I was laughing at the snarkyness and even cried a bit during chapter 25. Can we all agree that the word “knot” was used about 10times too many? 5 ⭐️
A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
Y’all know I love a good dark academia vibes cover. A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari has always sounded fun to me. It’s a historical mystery with a strong female main character. It was a solidly good book. It kept me engaged and I think I’ll read the rest in the series.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
Friends, this book will be one of my favorites for the year. It’s cozy, it’s lyrical, hopeful in a bittersweet way, and it’s a poignant look at one’s life purpose. It’s a journey of self-discovery and self-worth. Also, this feels like a therapy session! I want to reread it already and high light and annotate this book 😂 and I just said I wasn’t that girlie. I know it’s gonna be a favorite when I’m not done and already sending people copies of it. It’s. Quick read, just 150 pages and totally lovely. 5 ⭐️
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
This was another 24hr read. It was so fast paced and funny. I was gasping and laughing and just amazed how all the pieces fell together. She’s giving a messy literary Dexter 😅 I just put all the books on my @libby.app TBR.
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten
dark
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
I had no idea what I was getting into with this little book. I love Maud and I don’t think I should but, no lie I think we’d be friends! It’s quick, funny, dark and feisty. Pick this up if you like true crime, only murders in the building, or classic murder mysteries.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I couldn’t put this book down! It’s giving Draco / Hermione vibes, there is a smidge of Hades & Persephone, slow burn, historical fantasy and overall just wonderful. I will be reading number 2 ASAP.
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (Updated Edition) by Anthony Bourdain
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I grew up watching the Food Network and while I didn’t specifically watch Anthony Bourdain‘s show, I knew of him. I highly recommend an audiobook read by the author and this is no different. It’s gritty, sexy, bittersweet and a love story of cooking. He didn’t shy away from his life experiences and if you know anything, you know he lived life to its fullest and with the aid of different substances. I borrowed this audiobook from @libby.app so check for it’s availability with your local library. 5 ⭐️
A Fellowship of Librarians & Dragons by J. Penner
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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? No
4.0
I can’t love this series any more. It’s cozy like a warm hug, it’s just as sweet as the recipes in the back, and I really appreciated how relatable the FMC is. She is a ray of sunshine but has some confidence issues related to establishing boundaries with her family. I loved learning more about the world she is creating and the new characters we are meeting. I do wish the book was longer, just become I love it so much. You don’t necessarily have to start with book one if you are new to the world but I would just because it’s so wonderful. Her books are available pretty much everywhere! 4 ⭐️
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
medium-paced
3.5
Anyone else love a good historical fiction?! I love it because it kinda makes me feel like I’m being entertained and learning a little something too. I gave The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell a 3.5 ⭐️ it loved the strong female character and getting a glimpse of renaissance Italy.