peppersbookpicks's reviews
190 reviews

Funny Story by Emily Henry

emotional funny lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

Reading this book made me feel like I swallowed a little drop of sunshine! I loved it so much. 

(Also Miles is perfect and Emily Henry can do no wrong)

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

5.0

If you've ever been a fan of Britney Spears, even if it was only for a brief moment - I highly recommend you read this book. It was hard to read this and not become consumed with rage at the abuse Britney endured. I had very little understanding of her situation with the conservatorship before reading this, so I was shocked to learn the horror of her reality. 

This book was horribly sad, but I am glad she was able to finally tell her story and use her own voice. Britney Spears is the definition of a survivor! I hope she makes the most of her freedom, and that the remainder of her life is abundant with joy.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Another beautiful story of courage and hope told by Kristin Hannah. Even though this was a slower paced book, I found myself fully invested. I liked that the storyline focused a lot on the contributions from women during wartime, and showed how they endured in the face of unimaginable evil. If it wasn't so awfully sad, I probably would have given it 5 stars... but my broken heart just couldn't do it :')

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

emotional inspiring reflective 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

3.5

Marcellus the octopus was a delightful character, and I was happy to experience a lot of his sharp-witted POV throughout this story! Sadly I didn't find anything truly remarkable about this book, but I did enjoy it and can say that my heart is a little warmer now because of it.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

This book had so much potential to be really great, if only there was better world building. Even with that element lacking, I still had a great time with this read and was smitten with the main characters by the end.

FYI this was NOT an enemies to lovers romance despite what many have said... it's actually more like rivals to lovers. Looking forward to the next book with high hopes!

Double Pucked by Lauren Blakely

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

The Fury by Alex Michaelides
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.

DNF'd at 31%. This was incredibly dull and I'm thankful I didn't actually purchase this book. I think Alex Michaelides' writing is just not for me.

Sea Change by Gina Chung

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

Sea Change started off really strong and then lost its way through the middle, but I really enjoyed Gina Chung's writing style. My main complaint is that I was left wanting more... the plot had potential to be really great if it just could have been developed a little further. I cared enough about the main character to keep reading, but I was disappointed to find that the octopus wasn't a main focus of the story. I would definitely give more of Chung's work a read in the future!

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

lighthearted slow-paced

3.0

It read more like a diary of recipes and random collections of stories rather than a memoir. I enjoy Stanley Tucci's witty and warm personality... but this book felt somewhat superficial. Tucci didn't get personal or show much vulnerability at all until the last couple of chapters, but he did leave me feeling grateful for all the ways food has influenced my own life.

The Witness by Nora Roberts

mysterious tense 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? Yes

4.0

This was my first Nora Roberts book, and now I can say I understand the appeal. The plot was interesting and kept me guessing and laughing throughout, and I really admired the MMC's breezy personality! I wanted to take Brooks home with me, he was so charming and funny. Would recommend to anyone looking for a cute romance + a lil thriller :)