nathaliefanja's reviews
46 reviews

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

3.5

A beautiful memoir and contemplation on rest, change, and life’s cycles.

The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella

2.0

I usually love Kinsella’s stories, but I had to force myself to finish this book. I couldn’t connect with the main character and the plot was a little boring and “Hallmark-ish”. Humor is usually a part of Kinsella’s signature, but she didn’t get to me this time.

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

2.0

A philosophical non-practical reflection. Newport demonstrates the danger of misused technology and social media. He provide some tips, however as an author who never fell into the rabbit hole himself —he never used social media, he never plays online gaming, and rarely texts— he lacks authority and credibility. There is no psychology on changing habits to embody the philosophy that he preaches.
For a practical and succinct method, I recommend instead Catherine Price’s book “How to break up with your phone”. Her approach is digestible, accessible, and effective.
Newport’s book will leave you feeling overwhelmed.

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

2.5

The plot is original and I enjoyed the international aspect of it. The first two thirds of the book were juicy and page-turners. The last third was steamy but felt unrealistic, slow-paced, and repetitive. The dialogues were cheesy and the characters’ stubbornness is annoying.
The author is not an English-native speaker so I fully respect her efforts and admire her courage to birth this book

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

4.0

A cute trope with an academia setting. Although I do not understand the scientific jargon, I laughed through each chapter and got attached to the characters.
Fake-dating plots are difficult to nail and can get over-the-top, but Hazelwood did a great job and stroke the right balance.
This is a fun summer read and would also make an entertaining romcom movie.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

4.0

So refreshing to read a Canadian love story! Overall, it’s a sweet and moving romance, but it left me heartbroken. Expect a mix of comedy and drama in between alternating timelines. The end of the book was a bit abrupt. The big reveal was rushed and condensed into a short single chapter. I would have loved to understand more in depth how the characters navigated the present moment after such a mess and their communication issues. It would have also been interesting to get a glimpse of Sam’s perspective.
I will keep an eye on the upcoming work of this author ✨

Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy

1.0

It’s your classic rich good girl falls for the mainstream bad boy plot told from both perspectives (his & hers) with additional sprinkles: a revenge plot, business ambition, and emancipation from societal expectations. The author writes well, but there is nothing original or unique about this story. Nothing surprising, it was extremely predictable.

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

2.0

The story could have been shorter. I wish I had the flirting skills of the main characters, humor totally kills it! I had several good laughs. However there seems to be frequent emotional avoidance from the lead character disguised behind the jokes.
Although I am not an English-native speaker, I found the quality of the writing below average. I am not certain this piece was proofread correctly, there were formatting flaws and too many acronyms.
PSL = pumpkin spice latte? It took me a while as a European to figure that one out

Set on You by Amy Lea

3.5

The gym & influencer setting is usually not my jam, I was a bit skeptical when I started this novel. However Amy Lea wrote a plot that is not superficial. She brings a different perspective by addressing diversity, racism, body image, and mental health.
The main character Crystal is introverted and overly stubborn, she is flawed but human. Scott is the sweetest and most adorable guy. Could we duplicate him and each have a copy of him in real life? 
It was a pleasant and well-written read
3.5 ⭐️

Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis

4.5

A sweet and adorable romance, but also a story about loneliness and healing. Emmie Blue’s traumas cracked my heart open. The plot starts with heartbreak and despair but lead us to change and empowerment. 
I love Lia Louis’ work and I prefer this novel over Eight Perfect Hours. I give it 4.5⭐️