montanamomreads's reviews
700 reviews

The Book of Love by Kelly Link
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.

Thank you to Random House Publishing for the gifted e-book.

I was initially eager to dive into it, but I found it challenging to immerse myself in the storyline. Despite attempting to read it on two separate occasions and even trying the audiobook, I still couldn't connect with the narrative. 

The pacing of the story felt sluggish and prolonged. Although the writing was undeniably beautiful, the storytelling itself fell short. The multiple character points of view made the plot difficult to follow, and it often felt like I was revisiting information already covered in previous chapters.

While some readers may have awarded this book 4 or 5 stars, it appears that it did not align with my preferred genre.

Murder on the Page by Daryl Wood Gerber

lighthearted relaxing 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 @tlcbooktours @kensingtonbooks and @darylwoodgerber for this gifted book. 

This book is a delightful cozy mystery and the first in a series. 

The characters are captivating, and I adored the small-town atmosphere. Allie and Teagan make a great team as they work to unravel the mystery of Teagan's aunt's murder. The budding romance between Allie and Zach, the local detective, is heartwarming. The identity of the killer remains a mystery until the end, keeping you guessing alongside the characters.

The fact that the story revolves around a local bookstore is a major plus. Allie, a talented baker, brings the story to life, and the descriptions of her pastries and desserts are absolutely delectable. The inclusion of recipes at the end of the book is a wonderful touch.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, be sure to mark your calendars for the release of this book on October 22nd.

For She is Wrath by Emily Varga

adventurous emotional 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 @macmillian.audio #MacAudio2024 and @emilyvargabooks for the gifted audiobook.

This book is a thrilling retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, filled with revenge, magic, and love.

I was captivated from the very first chapter by the intriguing story and complex characters. The magical elements were fascinating, and the numerous unexpected twists kept me eagerly turning the pages. The author's exceptional way with words and unparalleled world-building skills made this a truly unforgettable read. The well-placed twists had me on the edge of my seat throughout. Dani's determination and character development were remarkable, Noor was the epitome of a true friend, and Mazin's revelations were incredibly intriguing. The book delves deep into the themes of friendship and the cost of seeking vengeance.

The narrator skillfully brought the characters to life, allowing us to experience the depth of emotions as Dani pursued her quest for revenge.

If you're a fan of fantasy featuring strong female characters, friendship, and vengeance, mark your calendar for the release of this book on October 29.

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang

emotional 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 @macmillian.audio #MacAudio2024 and the author for the gifted audiobook.

I was completely unaware of the legend of Xishi when I first picked up this book. 

The narrative is heart-wrenching, and the writing is truly exceptional. The vivid descriptions immediately drew me in, making it difficult to set the book aside. The book features strong character development, romance, political intrigue, and tragedy. Xishi discovers love and a complexity in her enemy that she never anticipated. The depth and complexity of the characters made the story incredibly impactful. The ending was so beautifully written that I felt a sense of loss when I finished the book. 

The narrator's performance added depth to the characters and kept me engrossed in the story.

 If you enjoy stories of power struggles between kingdoms intertwined with romance, this book is a must-read.

So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison

dark funny 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 the author for the gifted audiobook.

Even though I'm not usually into horror books, this one really caught my attention. The characters' witty exchanges and dynamic personalities overshadowed the more gruesome aspects, making it a thrilling and fun experience. Sloane and Naomi's intense yet endearing friendship added a whole new layer of depth to the story. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and I couldn't get enough of it!

And let me tell you, Brittany Pressley's narration is absolutely incredible. The way she effortlessly brings each character to life with distinct voices is just mind-blowing. It's like she's a whole cast of actors rolled into one. 

This phenomenal audiobook is out now, and trust me, you do not want to miss out on this exhilarating experience!

A Pair of Wings : A Novel Inspired by Pioneer Aviatrix Bessie Coleman by Carole Hopson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook.

I had to DNF this book at 50%. I was excited to read it, but I couldn't continue with this one.

The story was compelling, but I found it hard to be engaged. Bessie’s story was interesting, but it was more of a telling that experiencing. 

While some readers gave this book 4 or 5 stars, it seems it wasn't in my preferred book.

The Weight of Goodbye by Eliza Graham

emotional hopeful 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 Storm Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for this gifted e-book. 

I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, and this book absolutely blew me away. It's a compelling story told across multiple timelines, from 1936 to 2000, following Lucia's journey as she escapes her oppressive father and flees to France. There, she teaches English to refugees and later becomes an ambulance driver upon returning to England. As her story unfolds, we discover that Lucia fled France due to heartbreak and tragedy. The way the timelines intersect and reveal the characters' connections is like piecing together an intricate puzzle.

The writing is absolutely stunning and evocative, drawing readers deep into Lucia's world. If you're a fan of historical fiction, mark your calendars for the release of this beautiful book on October 22nd. 

The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle

adventurous 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 Simon & Schuster Audio and the author for the gifted audiobook.

I was completely captivated by the intricate web of secrets, power struggles, and rivalries in the world of Fantome. The transformation of Seraphine and Ransom's relationship from enemies to lovers was utterly compelling. The final part of the book had me on the edge of my seat with its numerous twists and turns. The magic system and the intense rivalry between the Daggers and the Cloaks were exceptionally well depicted. The ending left me wanting more of these characters.  

The narrators skillfully brought the characters to life with their diverse voices, drawing me further into the story.

This phenomenal book is available now. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

The Coat Check Girl by Laura Buchwald

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

4.0

Thank you to @getredprbooks and @laurabuchwaldauthor for the #gifted e-book.

Check out this captivating story! The way the author brings together the characters and their connections is truly mesmerizing. Josie's ability to communicate with spirits adds an intriguing and mystical element to the plot, especially as she navigates the grief of losing her grandmother. The setting in 1999 adds an extra layer of depth to the story, incorporating real-world events into the narrative.

The author's vivid writing style breathes life into Josie's grief, her workplace dynamics, and her relationships. Josie's journey is one that will stay with you long after you've finished the book.

If you're a fan of spooky reads, mark your calendars for the release of this book on October 22. You won't want to miss it!

Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner

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 Forever Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for the gifted e-book. Thank you to Hachette Audio for the gifted audiobook.

This book was an absolute delight, blending magic realism, romance, and a beautiful message about the importance of human connection. Catherine's transformation from uptight to spontaneous was a joy to witness, and the supporting characters, especially Luca and the residents of Catherine's building, added so much depth to the story.

The narrator's performance truly brought the characters to life, making the emotional journey even more impactful. This enchanting read is a must-have for anyone looking to be swept away by a heartwarming tale.

Get ready to immerse yourself in this magical world when the book hits the shelves on October 15th!