mkjacobswrites's reviews
563 reviews

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins

3.75

Mel Robbins gives a simple theory she calls lifechanging: Let Them (do whatever they're doing) and then Let Me (take action on what I can control). This was easy to read and had some really helpful sections; most useful to me was the one about adult friendships - we can only control how we show up, not how others do or how they respond. I wished we got examples that were more inclusive of broader experiences than hers, and it did get a little tiring when she would introduce each other author as the best expert ever who changed her life (now go listen to the podcast episode). I didn't like how Robbins talked about writing the book with her daughter but then the daughter does not get any credit. Overall I can see myself remembering and doing my best to use this theory in applicable situations, but I won't be returning to the book.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir: A Biography by Michael Hicks

3.75

This book had interesting content but the tone was often unnecessarily critical of church leadership. I wanted more depth and richness from the expansive history and repertoire of music; this was very clinical and often focused more on mistakes or controversies than the wholesome power of the choir throughout the decades.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

4.0

This was a thoughtful account of an older man's spontaneous decision to walk across the country. There were some cool elements in the fact that others in the text took notice of his quest, but it also cheapened the act in some way for it to become a media sensation. I also felt like we deserved more of a payoff at the end when Harold finally got to Queenie, and I understand that that was the point, but I still was not quite emotionally satisfied. He could've at least thanked her for her earlier service to him! The parts I most enjoyed were the spouse reconciliation, both internally when they were apart and then externally when they were together, although when the backstory was revealed, it was so sad!

Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

4.0

I loved the concept of a romance book about a married couple who haven't necessarily fallen out of love but aren't communicating as clearly as they want to be and decide a retreat will be a good step. I wanted more from the retreat - it felt very in the background compared to Sarah's past and current musings. I didn't hate the frequent flashbacks, but I often felt like I didn't need them, either. I really didn't love how Sarah magically is able to fix the problems she sees with her in-laws once she's in a better place with her own relationship. Overall, though, this was a fun read.

The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman

3.75

This was a light read about finding companionship in a gardening group. I liked how kid-friendly this world was, but the jokes and descriptions that were less than kid-friendly then felt out of place and were completely unnecessary. I did think the romantic relationship could have been deeper; it almost felt like insta-love, and the sister relationship felt cyclical rather than advancing to show character growth. The descriptions of grief (the protagonist is a widow of about 4 years) were poignant, and the book was a good read overall.

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

4.25

I loved the setup of this sweet contemporary romance - like reading about someone do a Gretchen Rubin Happiness Project except she's a researcher herself - and the execution was good overall, although I would've liked a more clear list feel to the 31 items. Marty was my favorite character by far; his love for his wife felt more real than anything else. I wished we got to see Darby's complete family rather than only them escaping from their ordinary life, and it felt too convenient for her daughter Delilah to feel exactly like a young Isadora, even to Isadora. I also wanted more time with Cal's family. But I really enjoyed how Isadora ultimately had to stop blaming others and both stand up for herself and admit her self-sabotage to herself. Overall, this was a light read that reminds us that we can choose happiness.

The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese

4.25

This was a sweet road trip romance that also had a great look at sisterhood reconciliation. It was Christian without being preachy; mentions of prayers were natural without cheesy emphasis. The female protagonist, Raegan, is a writer, and the entire novel is very aware of the fact that it is a story; she often discusses out loud and in narration the story-worthy elements of her narrative, such as "We kiss like it's the beginning of a story we've begun to write" (page 298). I wanted to know more about Chickee - we only got the letters to her, not any hint of how she actually was as a grandmother/mothering figure. Overall, this was a good read with a nice message; I'd definitely recommend!

You Are Here by David Nicholls

4.5

This was a great read about a life-changing walking tour. The writing style draws you in immediately; the setting is stunning; there are poignant reflections on the nature of and need for human connection. The ending felt too abrupt and there were times I wanted more maturity from the romance - why wouldn't either of them just admit to the other that they wanted to spend more time together? Still, this was a thought-provoking novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The Darkest Summer by Rebecca J. Greenwood

4.0

This was a fascinating retelling of Hades and Persephone in the Year Without A Summer Regency England. I loved the dates at the beginning of each chapter and the setting coming to life through the characters' eyes - it was so different from Cora vs. Adam's perspective. The inclusion of religion felt reasonable without being trite. The aggressive insta-love on both sides felt overly unrealistic to me, though. I was often taken out of the story when she would address him as just "Duke" - why couldn't she just say "your Grace?" There were also times that it felt like the author would do a fine job showing an emotion and then also feel the need to tell it - like after Cora takes back some agency in a compelling dialogue, there is a paragraph of her reaction, including this sentence: "She thrilled with feminine power" - I think the scene would've stood better on its own two feet. Of course these are minor issues; I really enjoyed this overall! 

Snowed In by Catherine Walsh

4.5

Such a cute fake-turned-real relationship between old friends at Christmas! Christian was so understanding and appreciative of the real Megan which was really great to see shown on the page. I felt like Megan's conflict with Sophie was wrapped up too neatly, but most of the other character interactions felt realistic. The settings/setups were standard yet didn't feel cliché; I really enjoyed this read!