mariapfarr's reviews
78 reviews

Charm City by Laura Lippman

2.0

I really wanted to love this one, especially with the nostalgic trip back to my hometown, Baltimore. But for a book 300 pages, it was a surprisingly slow read. Fair warning—there’s some animal cruelty content as well. Not quite what I hoped for, but glad I gave it a try!

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

3.0

It started off a bit slow in the first half, but once it picked up, I enjoyed the occasional puzzles and twists along the way. That being said, it did felt like it was more of teenage drama that was written more for younger readers, which made it a little hard to connect with at times. Overall, though, I had fun with it!

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

I just finished and I am a blubbering mess right now. 😭💔 I loved this book so much. The unique storytelling, the learning about different cultures and races, the real-time falling in love, and the heartbreak—it all hit me so hard. I could feel every emotion, and now I’m sitting here crying like crazy. I need to get myself together, but wow… what a book. 💛

The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden

3.5

This wasn’t as good as the first two in the series but I’m glad I read it! To be fair, the book even says the 3rd book in a series is usually not that great, so it’s not her fault. (See page 323) 😆

The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden

fast-paced

5.0

Wow, this book had me hooked from start to finish! Dare I say that I think I liked it even more than the first one. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, everything flips upside down. I flew through this book so fast! Now I’m excited to dive into the third, The Housemaid is Watching. If you love thrillers with wild twists, this series is definitely for you!

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

5.0

Wow, this book had me all over the place! Thought I knew where things were going, then BAM, a total plot twist! I loved every second of it. I’m already excited to dive into the rest of the series. If you’re into thrillers that mess with your mind, this one’s for you!

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

Absolutely adored this book! 😍 I couldn’t put it down and finished it in under 48 hours. The dual POV between past and present was so well done. It kept me glued to the pages and gave such an emotional depth to the story. 

I have to add, having a main character named Elliot really hit home, especially since my husband is also named Elliot, and we met when we were young. 🥰 It brought back so many memories of our own love story, which made this read even more special. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite books of the year!

Just Kids by Patti Smith

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.5

I have to say that didn’t know much about Patti Smith going in, but wow, what a life she’s lived. 🌟 I was interested in reading this book because of Taylor Swift’s newest album mentioning her, and I’m so glad I did. The way she tells her story is so raw and beautifully written, and I felt like I was right there in NYC with her, especially since I recognized so many of the places she mentioned. 🗽

And let’s not forget the sheer number of iconic people she name-dropped throughout her journey. So many legendary figures crossing paths in such an inspiring way. It’s truly a great autobiography that captures a unique time and place. ✨

Famous in a Small Town by Viola Shipman

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Wow, this book was nothing like I expected! It’s packed with so many beautiful, sharp words and life lessons that hit me right in the feels. 💖 I laughed, I cried, and by the end, I was absolutely sobbing. This is the first five-star read I’ve had in a while, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You won’t regret it! 🌟

Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand

emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced

3.25