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okiecozyreader's reviews
1202 reviews
Elf Dog and Owl Head by M.T. Anderson
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
An elf hound falls behind her pack from the magical underground forest. She is found by Clay, who adopts him and later finds out the dog belongs to another world and he might be in danger if they think he stole the dog.
For readers who enjoy a little magic, animal stories and friendship
“We and your people are in different folds of space. You must have followed your dog to find us. She is trained to see all the paths that lead to impossible places. … Those woods are full of hidden things. Some of them are kind, some of them are dangerous. “ ch 7 audiobook
“There is no way to forget true friendship because there is too much to remind you of it.” Ch 21
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Such a fun read!
Maggie Chase is a romance writer who adores English writer Eleanor Ashley (who has written about a hundred books). She also detests fellow writer Ethan Wyatt, with his black leather jacket and huge success, and how he always calls her Marcie. She gets a letter inviting her to a mysterious house for Christmas and guess who is also on the plane, which ends up at her idol Eleanor’s estate. When Eleanor goes missing, they find they can only trust each other as they try to solve the most wonderful case of the year.
Maggie and Ethan both have interesting back stories that are woven along with their investigation. Maggie is divorced from a man who constantly gaslighted her and made her feel responsible for everything bad that happened.
My favorite thing about Ethan was that he constantly encouraged her to trust herself, which is what Ally Carter wrote in my book, when she signed it.
“Like she'd been told black was white and up was down so many rimes that she couldn't trust her own eyes, much less her memory. Like she'd been taught to live by two simple rules: (1) When in doubt, assume you're the problem. And (2) Always be in doubt.” P193
As much as she is solving the case, she is also solving herself, as she begins to understand that she isn’t always wrong. Ethan also has a cute sense of humor (not a fan of all the sweethearts), but I loved his continual question, “do you want to make out?” This book made me laugh so many times.
“Sometimes I lie in bed at night, thinking of ways to kill you and make it look like an accident.”
… “So what you’re saying is, you think about me in bed.”
P99
Maggie Chase is a romance writer who adores English writer Eleanor Ashley (who has written about a hundred books). She also detests fellow writer Ethan Wyatt, with his black leather jacket and huge success, and how he always calls her Marcie. She gets a letter inviting her to a mysterious house for Christmas and guess who is also on the plane, which ends up at her idol Eleanor’s estate. When Eleanor goes missing, they find they can only trust each other as they try to solve the most wonderful case of the year.
Maggie and Ethan both have interesting back stories that are woven along with their investigation. Maggie is divorced from a man who constantly gaslighted her and made her feel responsible for everything bad that happened.
My favorite thing about Ethan was that he constantly encouraged her to trust herself, which is what Ally Carter wrote in my book, when she signed it.
“Like she'd been told black was white and up was down so many rimes that she couldn't trust her own eyes, much less her memory. Like she'd been taught to live by two simple rules: (1) When in doubt, assume you're the problem. And (2) Always be in doubt.” P193
As much as she is solving the case, she is also solving herself, as she begins to understand that she isn’t always wrong. Ethan also has a cute sense of humor (not a fan of all the sweethearts), but I loved his continual question, “do you want to make out?” This book made me laugh so many times.
“Sometimes I lie in bed at night, thinking of ways to kill you and make it look like an accident.”
… “So what you’re saying is, you think about me in bed.”
P99
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
A Winter Wish by Emily Stone
emotional
lighthearted
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
4.0
I could not love this cover any more! So beautiful. I also love the title, which I think is perfect for this book. So much of the book is about the wishing jar that she has kept over her life, and it’s important to her.
“It's sort of like I'm setting them free. Like, by putting a wish in the jar, I won't wish for it anymore.” P182
This book reminds me of Jenny Bayliss’ A December to Remember. Both books involve the dying of a father, who has complicated relationships with his daughters from different mothers, and they have to complete a business related task as part of the will.
In this case, Lexie has to run her father’s travel business with one of his employees for a year. This travel company is called R&L Travel and arranges trips around local events:
“The whole idea was based around cultural traditions and allowing people to experience key holidays around the world and get to know a country through the way they celebrate. See the world through celebration. There were trips for the more universal holidays like Christmas, but there were also trips specific to certain areas, like the Tomato Festival in Spain or St. Patrick's Day in Ireland.” P36
“It's part of the whole ethos of the company-work with
small, local places, support the community and people like these guys, who work hard and love what they do. It adds to the feeling of discovering the place behind the tourist traps.” P82
I loved the whole ethos of this company and enjoyed visiting the different places where they went in this story.
I enjoyed the sister relationship in this book and how it grew. I loved many of the supporting characters in this book, which helped with the kind of unlovable main two characters (who both have issues from their pasts).
This is different from many other romances, but I do think I love a British romance because they are so family and friend oriented.
“It's sort of like I'm setting them free. Like, by putting a wish in the jar, I won't wish for it anymore.” P182
This book reminds me of Jenny Bayliss’ A December to Remember. Both books involve the dying of a father, who has complicated relationships with his daughters from different mothers, and they have to complete a business related task as part of the will.
In this case, Lexie has to run her father’s travel business with one of his employees for a year. This travel company is called R&L Travel and arranges trips around local events:
“The whole idea was based around cultural traditions and allowing people to experience key holidays around the world and get to know a country through the way they celebrate. See the world through celebration. There were trips for the more universal holidays like Christmas, but there were also trips specific to certain areas, like the Tomato Festival in Spain or St. Patrick's Day in Ireland.” P36
“It's part of the whole ethos of the company-work with
small, local places, support the community and people like these guys, who work hard and love what they do. It adds to the feeling of discovering the place behind the tourist traps.” P82
I loved the whole ethos of this company and enjoyed visiting the different places where they went in this story.
I enjoyed the sister relationship in this book and how it grew. I loved many of the supporting characters in this book, which helped with the kind of unlovable main two characters (who both have issues from their pasts).
This is different from many other romances, but I do think I love a British romance because they are so family and friend oriented.
The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This is a short little novella (10 chapters, right under 100 pages) that is more about her relationship with Juan than a murder. Much of the book takes place in their apartment (why they stay in that same terrible apartment complex is beyond me). Less of the book is about the hotel, but there are a couple scenes there that describe amazing Christmas decorations.
I felt like the story was predictable (lots of miscommunication) but it was a fun read. I enjoy Molly the maid and the sayings from her gran. I felt like it is getting kind of repetitive and I wish the sayings were less by this point in the series. I was glad I listened to book 2 last week and it reminded me of all the characters.
I felt like the story was predictable (lots of miscommunication) but it was a fun read. I enjoy Molly the maid and the sayings from her gran. I felt like it is getting kind of repetitive and I wish the sayings were less by this point in the series. I was glad I listened to book 2 last week and it reminded me of all the characters.
Dogtown by Katherine Applegate, Gennifer Choldenko
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This is a sweet story about a three-legged dog in a shelter who befriends a robot dog. They escape to a few adventures together, and you get backstories about how they ended up in the shelter. At the end of the book there are tips for being a friend to shelter dogs.
“Here’s another thing humans are sadly misguided about: Luck is not a winning hand of cards. Luck is making a new friend.” Ch 28, Watchdog
“Here’s another thing humans are sadly misguided about: Luck is not a winning hand of cards. Luck is making a new friend.” Ch 28, Watchdog
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
I loved the first Maid book and I recently picked up the new holiday novella, but I wanted to read this one first. I remembered why I liked Molly so much. I do think it would be helpful to read the first book first. You wouldn’t have to, this one can stand alone, but it refers back to some things from the first book and you also learn about the death of her grandmother, which is kind of important. This one is about Molly’s continued employment at the hotel, but it flashes back to her life growing up with her gran. I really loved getting to see all the moments with her grandmother that helped her survive cruel classmates and a world that didn’t understand her - how her grandmother kind of cultivated a world for her to be safe. I also love how smart Molly is, and how she notices little details most people would miss.
“It’s not the backbreaking labor, the demanding guests, or the cleaning chemicals that present the greatest danger. It’s the assumption that maids are delinquents, murderers, and thieves: the maid is always to blame.” Ch 2
“And what is hope if not the decision to shine light into the dark?” Ch 17
I loved all the little sayings she picked up from her gran:
“When love is blind, frogs resemble princes.” Ch 10
“Shame is the scar the demons leave behind.” Ch 11
“Loneliness and emptiness, hoarding to fill the void. A terrible affliction with a simple cure. …Kindness. A patient ear. A loving arm. If she'd had any of those things,…” ch 27
Thank you to libro.fm for providing audio copies to librarians. I enjoyed listening to this one!
“It’s not the backbreaking labor, the demanding guests, or the cleaning chemicals that present the greatest danger. It’s the assumption that maids are delinquents, murderers, and thieves: the maid is always to blame.” Ch 2
“And what is hope if not the decision to shine light into the dark?” Ch 17
I loved all the little sayings she picked up from her gran:
“When love is blind, frogs resemble princes.” Ch 10
“Shame is the scar the demons leave behind.” Ch 11
“Loneliness and emptiness, hoarding to fill the void. A terrible affliction with a simple cure. …Kindness. A patient ear. A loving arm. If she'd had any of those things,…” ch 27
Thank you to libro.fm for providing audio copies to librarians. I enjoyed listening to this one!
Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
This is my third book by Sophie Cousens and I think she might be my favorite romance writer. I love her storytelling and she does just the right amount of romance for me that isn’t so spicy but it still gives me all the feels. I really loved her last book and this one was another fun read.
I especially love that the main character of this book is in mid-life. Anna Appleby is a writer for a Bath, England lifestyle magazine. She has been divorced for a while and her children are older. Her husband has moved on, but she continues to repeat that she is content being a mother, and she hasn’t fully allowed herself to move on. At work, there is a younger man who critiques her articles and drives her crazy. When the magazine gets bought out, he pitches an idea that they write the column together, suggesting they go on dates to write about for the column. Her kids get to pick who she goes out with, once she realizes the online world isn’t for her. She is so awkward in many situations, I appreciated scenes like this “Is he flirting with her, or me, or both of us? Why am I so bad at reading this stuff?” P215
I am a fan of Emily in Paris, and I love how Will calls her Appleby, in the same way that Alfie calls her Cooper. (And there is a reference to Emily in Paris… so maybe inspiration?)
“…then embrace being PM (post married). This is your
rock era."…
"Fleetwood Mac." … "They thought they were a blues band, then they lost Peter Green and were forced to reinvent themselves. When Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined, they found their rock era and became one of the greatest bands in history. That could be you, you just need to find your Stevie Nicks." P179
“I guess some things in life you don't get to choose; you can't choose the plot, but you can choose the soundtrack.” P189
Her description of falling out of love was so poetic…
“…it was more a gradual slipping away. We met when we were twenty-one, we were different people back then." I sigh. "For me, falling in love feels like gazing up at a dark sky. First, there is nothing but blackness, then gradually your eyes adjust, a few stars come into view, then suddenly, you see everything— thousands of stars, an infinite spectrum of light. It's mind-blowing. Falling out of love feels the same but in reverse. One by one the stars recede, gray clouds sweep in. Then one day you realize you are alone in the dark, there's nothing out there." P229-230
“…I will buy myself a ladder and all the DIY tools I might need, because if I'm going to keep telling people that I am fine on my own, then I want it to actually be true.” P265
I especially love that the main character of this book is in mid-life. Anna Appleby is a writer for a Bath, England lifestyle magazine. She has been divorced for a while and her children are older. Her husband has moved on, but she continues to repeat that she is content being a mother, and she hasn’t fully allowed herself to move on. At work, there is a younger man who critiques her articles and drives her crazy. When the magazine gets bought out, he pitches an idea that they write the column together, suggesting they go on dates to write about for the column. Her kids get to pick who she goes out with, once she realizes the online world isn’t for her. She is so awkward in many situations, I appreciated scenes like this “Is he flirting with her, or me, or both of us? Why am I so bad at reading this stuff?” P215
I am a fan of Emily in Paris, and I love how Will calls her Appleby, in the same way that Alfie calls her Cooper. (And there is a reference to Emily in Paris… so maybe inspiration?)
“…then embrace being PM (post married). This is your
rock era."…
"Fleetwood Mac." … "They thought they were a blues band, then they lost Peter Green and were forced to reinvent themselves. When Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined, they found their rock era and became one of the greatest bands in history. That could be you, you just need to find your Stevie Nicks." P179
“I guess some things in life you don't get to choose; you can't choose the plot, but you can choose the soundtrack.” P189
Her description of falling out of love was so poetic…
“…it was more a gradual slipping away. We met when we were twenty-one, we were different people back then." I sigh. "For me, falling in love feels like gazing up at a dark sky. First, there is nothing but blackness, then gradually your eyes adjust, a few stars come into view, then suddenly, you see everything— thousands of stars, an infinite spectrum of light. It's mind-blowing. Falling out of love feels the same but in reverse. One by one the stars recede, gray clouds sweep in. Then one day you realize you are alone in the dark, there's nothing out there." P229-230
“…I will buy myself a ladder and all the DIY tools I might need, because if I'm going to keep telling people that I am fine on my own, then I want it to actually be true.” P265
The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History by Sharon McMahon
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.25
This book tells the stories of 12 Americans, many no one has ever heard of, and how they did the small, daily work of the next best thing to make a difference. These stories range from teachers who raised money for schools, people who fought for civil rights, many people who did things for other people.
If you like this type of short story about interesting histories of people, Sharon’s Instagram accounts often feature similar stories. She does deep dives about different people and historical events that seem very similar in format to these stories, often spread over her stories and a few saved in her highlights. Her subscription programs offer more of them.
These stories aren’t linked together in any way, they are very much 12 different stories. As an educator, several feature teachers and students.
She begins the book with a story of Gouverneur Morris who helped write the Preamble and Constitution, yet no one knows who he was.
“I wrote this book because I have long suspected that the best Americans are not always famous. …The best Americans are not the critics, they are the doers. They are the people who went for broke when everyone else yelled to turn back. They are those who know that one becomes great because of who they lift up, not who they put down. “ introduction
“The civil rights movement would be nowhere without the courage of people with the least amount of political, social, and economic power. Those whose very lives breathed oxygen into justice and freedom, whose cumulative actions worked to unfasten the padlocks centuries of oppression. None of them could do it all, but they all could do something. And it might as well be the next needed thing.” Ch 26
“Septima Clark and Virginia Randolph knew that education is liberation. And an educated population is very difficult to oppress.
Clara Brown and Rebecca Mitchell had the audacity to continue to hope, despite all evidence to the contrary, and the perseverance never to quit even when people told them they should.
Inez Milholland and Maria de Lopez used their speaking and organizational skills to help create meaningful change.
Anna Jeanes and Julius Rosenwald knew that a lasting legacy didn't have to mean your name on the side of a building, but that it came from improving the condition of others.
Daniel Inouye and Norman Mineta knew the power of consensus building, and what an apology can do.
Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks were willing to stand up to injustice, even though it might have looked like they were remaining seated.”
Conclusion
“I-and the small and mighty people in this book-want you to know that being a great American isn't dependent on fame or fortune.
It doesn't require your name to be recorded in the annals of history or to appear on a ballot. I'd want you to know that the American experiment is full of ill-equipped people, people with the "wrong" faces and the "wrong" faces and the "wrong" life circumstances, who just went for it. They just tried something no one had done before. They were willing to let other people watch them fail. They just did the next right thing.” Conclusion
If you like this type of short story about interesting histories of people, Sharon’s Instagram accounts often feature similar stories. She does deep dives about different people and historical events that seem very similar in format to these stories, often spread over her stories and a few saved in her highlights. Her subscription programs offer more of them.
These stories aren’t linked together in any way, they are very much 12 different stories. As an educator, several feature teachers and students.
She begins the book with a story of Gouverneur Morris who helped write the Preamble and Constitution, yet no one knows who he was.
“I wrote this book because I have long suspected that the best Americans are not always famous. …The best Americans are not the critics, they are the doers. They are the people who went for broke when everyone else yelled to turn back. They are those who know that one becomes great because of who they lift up, not who they put down. “ introduction
“The civil rights movement would be nowhere without the courage of people with the least amount of political, social, and economic power. Those whose very lives breathed oxygen into justice and freedom, whose cumulative actions worked to unfasten the padlocks centuries of oppression. None of them could do it all, but they all could do something. And it might as well be the next needed thing.” Ch 26
“Septima Clark and Virginia Randolph knew that education is liberation. And an educated population is very difficult to oppress.
Clara Brown and Rebecca Mitchell had the audacity to continue to hope, despite all evidence to the contrary, and the perseverance never to quit even when people told them they should.
Inez Milholland and Maria de Lopez used their speaking and organizational skills to help create meaningful change.
Anna Jeanes and Julius Rosenwald knew that a lasting legacy didn't have to mean your name on the side of a building, but that it came from improving the condition of others.
Daniel Inouye and Norman Mineta knew the power of consensus building, and what an apology can do.
Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks were willing to stand up to injustice, even though it might have looked like they were remaining seated.”
Conclusion
“I-and the small and mighty people in this book-want you to know that being a great American isn't dependent on fame or fortune.
It doesn't require your name to be recorded in the annals of history or to appear on a ballot. I'd want you to know that the American experiment is full of ill-equipped people, people with the "wrong" faces and the "wrong" faces and the "wrong" life circumstances, who just went for it. They just tried something no one had done before. They were willing to let other people watch them fail. They just did the next right thing.” Conclusion
A Christmas Duet: A Novel by Debbie Macomber
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Debbie Macomber writes such sweet holiday reads. This one brings Hailey to Podunk, Oregon to spend Christmas alone. Her mother invited her ex for Christmas, and when she is offered a chance to be alone and focus on music writing, she takes the opportunity.
I found Debbie Macomber’s open communication and a plot line without secrets refreshing. I also loved
- small town Christmas with a festival
- a sister story
- holiday foods
It wraps up neatly, but left me feeling happy.
“… I think we should start with a Christmas duet.” P267
I found Debbie Macomber’s open communication and a plot line without secrets refreshing. I also loved
- small town Christmas with a festival
- a sister story
- holiday foods
It wraps up neatly, but left me feeling happy.
“… I think we should start with a Christmas duet.” P267
The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This is the perfect 3rd grade book! So many books are long and this book packs a punch with just 133 pages, light with copy and peppered with illustrations. I love the dedication to this book, to an illustrator of raccoons, which feeling he wanted to capture.
It is such a charming story of Gumluck, the Little Wizard who Lives in the Big Hill, who meets a raven. The raven discovers that people in town call him the Shrinking Wizard and mock him, even though he tries to help everyone. The story is told through the pov of a raven who sees his kindness. There is a greedy king and lots of townspeople, a friendly ghost, and a little magic.
It is such a charming story of Gumluck, the Little Wizard who Lives in the Big Hill, who meets a raven. The raven discovers that people in town call him the Shrinking Wizard and mock him, even though he tries to help everyone. The story is told through the pov of a raven who sees his kindness. There is a greedy king and lots of townspeople, a friendly ghost, and a little magic.