montanamomreads's reviews
700 reviews

A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

Thank you to Avon books and the author for the gifted e-book.  

Tamsyn's character is truly compelling as she becomes the sacrifice to protect the King’s daughters. Her hidden secret adds an intriguing layer to her personality, and when it is revealed, it is clear she will become a formidable force. 

The alternating perspectives of Tamsyn and Fell provided a fascinating glimpse into their marriage and the growing passion between them. Unexpected twists kept the story exciting, and the ending will leave you craving more from these characters. 

If you're a fan of fantasy with dragons and warriors, this book is a must-read. Don't miss out on this captivating adventure - it's available now!

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Thank you to Avon Books and the author for the gifted e-book.  

This is the third book in the series, the Ex Hex and it was a delight. 

This was a cute, witchy read. The sparks between Bowen and Tamsyn were utterly captivating, especially as they find themselves unexpectedly transported back in time to 1957. The mystery surrounding their time travel kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, and even though we weren't sure why they were transported back, the result was satisfying. The supporting characters added much entertainment to the story, and the Christmas setting made it all the more enchanting, especially with the wedding in the backdrop.

If you're a fan of whimsical, witchy reads, I highly recommend picking up this book. It's out now and ready to be enjoyed!

The Sound of a Thousand Stars by Rachel Robbins

emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

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

5.0

Thank you to Alcove Press and the author for this gifted amazing book.  Also, thank you to @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook.

I was deeply moved by this captivating historical fiction novel.  Set in 1944 Los Alamos, it follows the lives of Alice, Caleb, and other scientists working on a mysterious project that ultimately leads to the creation of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Interwoven with the scientific narrative is a poignant love story and the remarkable resilience of a Hiroshima survivor. The author’s meticulous research and inclusion of historical notes enriched my reading experience, and I believe this book will stay with me for a long time.

I enjoyed reading the book while simultaneously listening to the audiobook, as the narrator skillfully brought the characters' emotions to life. 

If you're a fan of historical fiction, mark your calendars for October 8, as this book is definitely worth a read. You will not be disappointed.

I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Thank you to Macmillan Audio @macmillanaudio #MacAudio2024 for the gifted audiobook.

This debut novel is an absolute must-read! It's an intriguing story told from the perspective of Khin, and I was completely captivated by the relationship that developed between Khin and Tyler. As she tries to complete her assignment to write a profile on Tyler, they become embroiled in a thrilling combination of murder and romance. Will Khin write the story and secure her dream job, or will their love change her mind?

The storytelling is well thought out, and the writing is truly beautiful. The narrator did a superb job of bringing these characters to life. I absolutely adored her accent and her ability to seamlessly switch between the characters of Khin and Tyler with different accents. I'm definitely looking forward to finding more books read by this narrator and author.

I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a unique and compelling story. Get ready to dive into this captivating tale when it hits the shelves on October 8th!

The Book of Lost Enchantments by Jessica Dodge

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

Thank you to the author for the gifted e-book.

This book deserves all the stars in the universe! I was completely captivated by the beautifully crafted story filled with magic and romance. 

Set in the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, the narrative follows Nora.  Nora is working in her parents’ bakery, and is swept into an unforeseen adventure to Scotland guided by her grandmother’s cherished photo album from the 1940s. She stumbles upon a mysterious old bookstore in Edinburgh and finds a peculiar little red book. Strange events unfold, including a sudden snowstorm that strands her in the Highlands with a surly journalist named Alistair. As they struggle to get along, Nora delves into the red book’s tale of a young woman from centuries past. She uncovers a family secret buried deep in time, leading to bizarre events that escalate and place her and Alistair in mortal danger.

The storytelling skillfully drew me in from the very first page, and the seamless interweaving of multiple narratives was truly astonishing. The infusion of Scottish folklore and magical elements throughout the tale was simply breathtaking. The inclusion of hand-drawn illustrations further immersed me in the enchanting storyline.

The tender romance blossoming between Nora and Alister was heartwarming, and the emotional rollercoaster of laughter and tears left a lasting impression on me.

I wholeheartedly urge you to grab a copy of this book, which hits the shelves on October 8th. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

The Fake Wedding Project by Pippa Grant

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

Thank you @hambright_pr, @pippa.grant, and @brillancepublishing for the gifted audiobook.  

This was a cute take on Romeo and Juliet, with a happy ending.  

Amanda and Dane’s families have been feuding for as long as anyone can remember, but no one knows why. In a bid to unite their warring families, the two hatch a plan to stage a fake engagement. What follows is a delightful blend of humor and romance.

The narrators did an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life. I adored Dane's unwavering affection for Amanda and the instant chemistry between them. Their eccentric families added a hilarious touch to the story. And the fantastic epilogue!

I wholeheartedly recommend this book if you're in the mood for a laugh-out-loud romantic tale. This gem hits the shelves on October 8th.

Blackthorn and Beyond: The Sorcerer's Redemption by Ellie Tilley

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Thank you to the author for the gifted e-book.

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through time and mystery! 

This captivating story unfolds over 150 years in a quaint village near a dark forest and the enigmatic Blackthorn Manor. The narrative is ingeniously told from various perspectives, drawing readers into the enigmas of the manor, the village, and its intriguing inhabitants. With its immersive plot and supernatural elements, this tale will keep you on the edge of your seat. The interwoven stories of the characters create an atmosphere of suspense, while the unique and fascinating magical elements add an extra layer of intrigue. 

If you're a fan of fantasy and are seeking a truly distinctive read, mark your calendar for the release of this book on October 28. Don't miss out on this enchanting adventure!

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman

adventurous mysterious 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? No

4.0

Thank you to @netgalley, @stmartinspress, and @lloigman for the gifted e-book. Thank you to Macmillan Audio @macmillanaudio #MacAudio2024 for the gifted audiobook.

This enchanting tale is skillfully woven through dual timelines, transporting you from 1920s New York to 1987 Florida. Augusta's unwavering determination to pursue her passion for pharmacy, coupled with her fascination with her aunts' potion-making skills, makes her a truly compelling character. The poignant love story between Augusta and Irving unfolds seamlessly across the two timelines, keeping you hooked until the very end. The supporting characters add humor and warmth to the narrative, making it a truly delightful read.

I had the pleasure of experiencing this story through its narration, and the narrator's skillful delivery brought the characters to life in a way that truly enhanced the storytelling. Her voice and pacing were absolutely perfect.

If you're a fan of magical, heartfelt stories, I highly recommend this book! The book will be available on October 8. 

The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Thank you to @netgalley, @atriabooks, and @stacy_sivinski for the gifted e-book.

This captivating debut novel is an enchanting blend of cozy atmosphere and witchy charm. From the very first page, I found myself utterly spellbound by the entwined lives of the three sisters as they embarked on a journey of self-discovery. The portrayal of their bond unraveling as they pursued their individual destinies was both poignant and mesmerizing. The addition of the enchanted house, attuned to their emotions, added an extra layer of magic to the story.

The author's skillful writing brought the teas and their meanings to life, making them almost tangible for the reader. The delightful tea cup illustrations and the tea reading interpretations at the beginning of each chapter were a delightful touch that added depth to the narrative.

If you're a fan of cozy, witchy tales, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in the enchanting world of this book. It's a truly bewitching read that will leave you longing for more.

Letters in the Attic by Meredith Lindsey

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Thank you to the author for the gifted audiobook.  

Reading this book was a captivating experience. It had it all - fantasy, magic realism, romance, mystery, and murder, all expertly woven together. The magical letters that appeared to Cami in the attic completely drew me into the story, and as she meets the author, Z, she discovers a world of witches living in the cursed woods. The romance and the mystery of the young girls being murdered in the woods added so much depth to the plot.

The characters were so well-developed, and the dynamics between Cami and her mom, as well as her high school friends, were incredibly engaging. I definitely didn't see the twist and the ending coming – it completely blew my mind. This YA novel was written so well that it kept me on the edge of my seat as the romance and thriller elements unfolded.

The narrator of the audiobook did a superb job of bringing the characters to life. Her tone and pace were just perfect.

The book is already available, and the audiobook will be available on most listening platforms starting October 31st. You won't want to miss out on this gripping story!