montanamomreads's reviews
700 reviews

The Christmas Village by Annie Rains

hopeful lighthearted

• 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 @hachetteaudio and @annierains for the #gifted audiobook

This delightful second chance romance is a must-read! While it's the second book in the Somerset Lake series, it stands strong on its own.

Lucy and Miles’ enchanting love story unfolds in a charming small town. You’ll fall for Lucy's supportive friends and enjoy the camaraderie among Miles' co-workers. This heartwarming narrative explores themes of letting go of the past, forgiveness, rediscovering love, cherished friendships, and coming to terms with loss. Set against the backdrop of the holiday season, it’s the perfect cozy read for Christmas.

The narrators brilliantly breathe life into the characters, enhancing the story's appeal.

If you’re searching for a wholesome, uplifting Christmas romance, look no further! This book is available now, and it’s exactly what you need for the season.

The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan

mysterious slow-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 @sagapressbooks #sagasayscrew and @katrinazkwan for the #gifted book. 

Sai's journey of self-discovery leads to his emergence as a compelling character. His remarkable ability to perceive the connections between soulmates plays a crucial role in his quest to find his own soulmate, Jyn. Their love story unfolds beautifully, weaving together themes of destiny and connection.

While the narrative may slow down a bit in the middle, it ultimately accelerates into a gripping conclusion that keeps you hooked. There's an undeniable allure to Chinese mythology, and this tale brilliantly captures that essence.

Don’t miss out; this captivating book is available now! 

PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly

emotional funny sad 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 @prhaudio and @laurenconnollyromance for the #gifted audiobook.

Heartfelt and romantic, this story centers around Maddie, a character grappling with deep abandonment issues and the emotional aftermath of losing her brother. The adventure that unfolds, guided by her late brother’s wishes and accompanied by his best friend, Dom, is both poignant and moving. As Maddie navigates her grief, she unexpectedly finds love with Dom.

The narrator truly shines in her portrayal of Maddie and Dom, delivering powerful performances that amplify the story's emotional depth. At times, I found myself brought to tears, a testament to her incredible talent.

If you have a passion for second-chance love stories, this one will captivate your heart. Mark your calendars for its release on December 3, 2025!

Wild for You by Kristen Proby

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? It's complicated

5.0

I have had this book on my TBR for a long time, so I borrowed the audiobook and was completely captivated, listening to it in one go during a road trip. The characters are truly endearing, and the setting draws you in effortlessly. The Wild family is a delight, and I’m eager to dive into the stories of Remington's other brothers in the next books.  This sweet single dad tale paired with a wonderful romance kept me engaged, especially with the intriguing mystery about Erin’s relocation to Montana and her family secrets, gradually revealed to Remington.  

The narration brought the story to life in an incredible way, particularly capturing the essence of the children. I felt as though I was right there alongside them.

If you have a passion for cowboy romance featuring large, loving families, then this book is an absolute must-read!

Time and Tide by J.M. Frey

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

4.0

Thank you to @WbyWattpadBooks and @j.m.frey for the #gifted book.

The novel takes you on a captivating journey back to 1805, showcasing how Sam, a strong and independent woman, learns to navigate the challenges of the era. The author excels in depicting this historical period, skillfully capturing the language, fashion, and customs of the time. 

Witnessing Sam's journey as she adapts to her new surroundings is both engaging and inspiring. While she faces numerous struggles, her resilience shines through by the story's conclusion. The female characters she encounters are fascinating, contrasting sharply with the despicable men of the time. The love story woven throughout is undeniably sweet and heartfelt.

If you're a fan of historical fiction and time travel, this book is a must-read and is available now!

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Thank you to @Macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 and the author for the #gifted audiobook.

This story takes you on a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists and an ending that will leave you utterly speechless. The vivid descriptions of the Scottish island combined with the eerie happenings pulled me in completely. The characters were distinctive and intriguing, and I found myself disliking Grady, despite the mystery surrounding his missing wife.

The narration was exceptional, and the added effects of phone calls and walkie-talkie sounds heightened the suspense dramatically. The audiobook was magnificent.

If you’re a fan of thrilling novels packed with unpredictable twists, make sure you grab this book. It’s set to be released on January 14, 2025, and you won't want to miss it!

The Half King by Melissa Landers

mysterious slow-paced

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

3.0

Thank you to @entangled_publishing and the author for the #gifted e-book.

I appreciated the premise of this book, but I found the pacing a bit slow for my taste. The quest was intriguing, and I was eager to see how Cerise would ultimately break the curse, but the story didn’t truly engage me until around the 75% mark. The Epilogue, however, was captivating and left me excited for what’s to come in book 2.

The characters had potential, though I believe they could have benefited from deeper development. The magic system was fascinating, yet its complexity was a bit overwhelming for me.

While this book didn't resonate with me personally, I believe it might appeal to others. It is set to be released on November 19.

James by Percival Everett

challenging emotional 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 @prhaudio and the author for the #gifted audiobook. I was able to tandem read with the book I purchased at the Friends of the Library sale.

I approached this book with no prior refreshers on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, intentionally seeking a fresh experience. I was captivated by the extraordinary writing and the richly developed characters. The fact that Jim’s escape came full circle added depth to the narrative. The second half of the book truly resonated with me, and I found the evolution of James to be incredibly well crafted.

The narration enhanced my reading experience significantly. The narrator skillfully brought each character to life, making the story even more engaging.

This book has received several award nominations, and it absolutely deserves them. I highly recommend experiencing this book in conjunction with the audiobook for an enriched experience.

The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson

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

4.0

A heartfelt thank you to @Flatiron_Books and @maryepearson for the #gifted of the e-book!  Thank you to @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for the #gifted audiobook.

I listened to the audio as I read the book and was thoroughly captivated by the audio version of this book! The writing was engaging, pulling me in from the very first page to the last. The characters were complex, each with their own rich backstory that intertwined beautifully with others. The ending was a pleasant surprise—not exactly a cliffhanger, but an unexpected twist that left me pondering long after finishing. 

The narrator truly elevated the experience, skillfully bringing each character to life with unique voices that added depth to the story.

If you love a blend of fantasy, romance, and intrigue, this book is one you simply cannot miss. I am eagerly looking forward to Bristol’s next adventure in book 2!  This book is available now. 

The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri

emotional informative inspiring fast-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

A heartfelt thank you to @StMartinsPress and @adrianaallegri for the incredible gift of the e-book!  Thank you to @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for the gifted audiobook.

As a passionate fan of historical fiction set during WWII, I can confidently say this debut novel is a must-read. It delivers an emotional, inspiring, and gripping narrative that completely engrossed me. 

The story of the Lesenborn facilities is one I hadn’t encountered before, and the author’s meticulous research truly shines through. Characters Allina and Karl are brilliantly crafted as they join the resistance movement to protect not only Jewish children but also those born in the Lesenborn facilities. Their slow-developing romance makes you root for their success with every turn of the page. 

This novel is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, illuminating a profoundly dark chapter of history. I particularly appreciated how Allina’s daughter, upon uncovering her mother’s secret, helps her reconcile with the past. 

The narration of this book was absolutely amazing. The accents, tone, and pace were on point and drew me into the story as I read the book.  

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, this debut novel is an absolute gem and is available now!