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saarahnina's reviews
539 reviews
Good Catch by Jennifer Bardsley
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
I was reading this book for what feels like a long time.
It was a romance, of the kind that Hallmark tries to emulate. I liked the author’s in-depth focus on aspects aside from the romance, different characters, because it helped to add more layers and substance. When the external elements are just brushed across too thinly, it becomes cheapened and like a more procedural romance. The author instead carried this through the story, and it was meaningful.
One of my big qualms I have with Hallmark* that they quickly churn out films and usually what occurs are a few big oversights. For instance, the romance is too directly tied to time and place that you feel the couple will not last if they weren’t always thrown together or when they no longer need each other. And the romance and the bond they created happens at the end or is shown for such a short time. In Good Catch however, Hallmark’s mistake does not exist, the author shows she values her characters and their contributions to the story and the characters who fall in love do so deeply rather than superficially ‘in the moment.’
I valued the discussion of working hard to make a living, an adult character who had dyslexia, talk of family businesses, finding a life partner, dating and also what appeared to be relatable/understandable problems and dramas.
Where the book fell short was I had some quibbles with the final scene with the character of Goldie. It was unnecessary and rather too ridiculous to be believable or taken seriously by most readers (in my opinion.) I felt somewhere also was a bit of a lack of imagination with the story- it didn’t have to be rushed to the point that the character sees a future almost immediately with a man she only is just beginning to know. I know that people say this happens in real life and I liked that she was open and trusting but it felt like there could have been another way to convey the same. It didn’t have to also be repeated so often.
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own and completely honest.
* I do like Hallmark films and watch them when I want something that I can enjoy without getting too bogged down in the details. Ask me for recommendations if you’d like some! I do think the older ones are better than their new films.
It was a romance, of the kind that Hallmark tries to emulate. I liked the author’s in-depth focus on aspects aside from the romance, different characters, because it helped to add more layers and substance. When the external elements are just brushed across too thinly, it becomes cheapened and like a more procedural romance. The author instead carried this through the story, and it was meaningful.
One of my big qualms I have with Hallmark* that they quickly churn out films and usually what occurs are a few big oversights. For instance, the romance is too directly tied to time and place that you feel the couple will not last if they weren’t always thrown together or when they no longer need each other. And the romance and the bond they created happens at the end or is shown for such a short time. In Good Catch however, Hallmark’s mistake does not exist, the author shows she values her characters and their contributions to the story and the characters who fall in love do so deeply rather than superficially ‘in the moment.’
I valued the discussion of working hard to make a living, an adult character who had dyslexia, talk of family businesses, finding a life partner, dating and also what appeared to be relatable/understandable problems and dramas.
Where the book fell short was I had some quibbles with the final scene with the character of Goldie. It was unnecessary and rather too ridiculous to be believable or taken seriously by most readers (in my opinion.) I felt somewhere also was a bit of a lack of imagination with the story- it didn’t have to be rushed to the point that the character sees a future almost immediately with a man she only is just beginning to know. I know that people say this happens in real life and I liked that she was open and trusting but it felt like there could have been another way to convey the same. It didn’t have to also be repeated so often.
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own and completely honest.
* I do like Hallmark films and watch them when I want something that I can enjoy without getting too bogged down in the details. Ask me for recommendations if you’d like some! I do think the older ones are better than their new films.
My Week with Him by Joya Goffney
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book is gorgeous. There are some themes of neglect, abandonment and abuse that readers should be mindful of. However this book is gorgeous for its portrayal of a love story, of sisterhood and friendship.
Everyone calls her Nikki. But her full name is Shaniqua but no one calls her that except for her mother. And usually that’s to yell at her, reprimand her or cruelly speak to her. Her name is a trigger.
She is a warrior, she never cries in front of anyone anymore. When playing truth or dare, she carefully picks “truth and dare” because baring her soul is terrifying. For Nikki it’s come to that point where she’s ready to leave Cactus, Texas behind for the peace that is California. This element reminded me a bit of the American dream and I think this is a great contemporary portrayal of it.
But reading this book I learned that when we are at that junction between two roads, and we have to diverge and we wish we could split ourselves and experience both paths so we leave without regret… There is sometimes a way that we can. Our impulsivity makes us forget and so, we should tell ourselves there is only good on the horizon, if one does not work out we can return for the other one. ‘My future is bright, regardless of which path I choose.’ An affirmation I can get behind.
This is a young adult, coming of age with some depth. If you like road trip romances with vulnerability, this is a good one. It reminded me of one of my favourite books of all time, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. They both have musical references scattered throughout as well. Fans of John Green will also enjoy this one!
I received this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own and completely honest.
Everyone calls her Nikki. But her full name is Shaniqua but no one calls her that except for her mother. And usually that’s to yell at her, reprimand her or cruelly speak to her. Her name is a trigger.
She is a warrior, she never cries in front of anyone anymore. When playing truth or dare, she carefully picks “truth and dare” because baring her soul is terrifying. For Nikki it’s come to that point where she’s ready to leave Cactus, Texas behind for the peace that is California. This element reminded me a bit of the American dream and I think this is a great contemporary portrayal of it.
But reading this book
This is a young adult, coming of age with some depth. If you like road trip romances with vulnerability, this is a good one. It reminded me of one of my favourite books of all time, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. They both have musical references scattered throughout as well. Fans of John Green will also enjoy this one!
I received this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own and completely honest.
Nellie by Cynthia Woolf
3.0
I took this off my Amazon account.
Sweet and unpredictable, at times.
This novel was definitely a worthwhile read for me, in a long time.. Particularly when you wish to escape reality.
The only trouble I had was that it followed many of the conventions of a fairy tale: Nellie, the damsel in distress (and let us not overlook her beauty), Blake: the hero, or dashing knight in shining armour (in the metaphorical sense, at least). And then finally, Madeline: the villain.
This was disappointing, to say the least. Though I don't know what I'd expected, many romantic novels follow the same- or similar conventions.
It's interesting that from all the characters, Blake was the one whom I had the most issue with. I'm still trying to figure out why that was, perhaps because he had that 'too good to be true' vibe and seemed very pretentious. For this reason, the novel lacked aspects we expect of reality. For instance, I can't even begin to fathom the idea that the character Blake claims he can't fall in love or doesn't believe in it and then later goes on to state that he felt in love with Nellie 'from the moment he laid eyes on her'. There were a number of similar instances , or maybe I'm just misjudging (and not supposed to be taking it all so literally, considering the character Blake was quite a 'sweet- talker' or charmer (of sorts). I guess that's another reason for my dislike towards this character.
I gather that I just have an anathema towards fairy tales: I could go on forever about my contempt towards them.
I, however, will give credit where credit is due: the writing style was very favourable. It really was just the content that irked me. I do always try to give novels a chance, so I did complete it. Else I'd not have left a review. It's futile to judge a book on the basis of a few pages or chapters.
Sweet and unpredictable, at times.
This novel was definitely a worthwhile read for me, in a long time.. Particularly when you wish to escape reality.
The only trouble I had was that it followed many of the conventions of a fairy tale: Nellie, the damsel in distress (and let us not overlook her beauty), Blake: the hero, or dashing knight in shining armour (in the metaphorical sense, at least). And then finally, Madeline: the villain.
This was disappointing, to say the least. Though I don't know what I'd expected, many romantic novels follow the same- or similar conventions.
It's interesting that from all the characters, Blake was the one whom I had the most issue with. I'm still trying to figure out why that was, perhaps because he had that 'too good to be true' vibe and seemed very pretentious. For this reason, the novel lacked aspects we expect of reality. For instance, I can't even begin to fathom the idea that the character Blake claims he can't fall in love or doesn't believe in it and then later goes on to state that he felt in love with Nellie 'from the moment he laid eyes on her'. There were a number of similar instances , or maybe I'm just misjudging (and not supposed to be taking it all so literally, considering the character Blake was quite a 'sweet- talker' or charmer (of sorts). I guess that's another reason for my dislike towards this character.
I gather that I just have an anathema towards fairy tales: I could go on forever about my contempt towards them.
I, however, will give credit where credit is due: the writing style was very favourable. It really was just the content that irked me. I do always try to give novels a chance, so I did complete it. Else I'd not have left a review. It's futile to judge a book on the basis of a few pages or chapters.
The Orphan by Margaret Ritz
2.0
Won't be recommending.
This novel was extremely short, personally not what I had expected. The story seemed a little forced and rushed, not exactly ideal. For example, the love between Isobel and Edward progressed far too quickly.
I wouldn't say the novel is incomplete, because that's not the issue, it's more so the fact that it lacks substance, charm and character.
This novel was extremely short, personally not what I had expected. The story seemed a little forced and rushed, not exactly ideal. For example, the love between Isobel and Edward progressed far too quickly.
I wouldn't say the novel is incomplete, because that's not the issue, it's more so the fact that it lacks substance, charm and character.
Be My Love by Bella Andre, Lucy Kevin
3.0
A good heart warming read
I enjoyed this book, it was like Romeo and Juliet but obviously with quite a significant twist. That and the fact that the both parties pursued the relationship, well aware, who the other person was.
The island's history seemed really fascinating as did the story of the character Joel's great aunt Poppy. Of course though, it was unlikely that no one else had speculated her death: considering that no body was found and that the poem didn't read (at all) like a suicide note.
It was written well, though a lot of the dialogue came across as too superficial. What I mean by that is the conversations between the characters were mostly cheerful, overly happy and lacking realism.
Further, I had an issue with the fact that for two sworn and mutual enemies they felt an attraction incredibly fast. Literally upon first sight. It'd have been better if the attraction, at first, had been clouded by their hatred for one another. Making it a more snarky, sarcastic and comical read.
Also the plot of the book was weak in that their relationship faced little to no physical and personal opposition. For example, the grandma was all for it, and the sisters were fairly accepting. Both/ all of whom would have been just as accepting had it been some other decent guy. And on Joel's side, he had no opposition whatsoever considering his family had moved on (his parents had passed). The opposition only came from a small minority of the townspeople. Thus, there was no bravery for the way they decided to have a relationship.
I'm going to stop now, before I start talking about the wedding and how soon it was. I mean come on, this book was not limited to the time constraints of a movie.
I enjoyed this book, it was like Romeo and Juliet but obviously with quite a significant twist. That and the fact that the both parties pursued the relationship, well aware, who the other person was.
The island's history seemed really fascinating as did the story of the character Joel's great aunt Poppy. Of course though, it was unlikely that no one else had speculated her death: considering that no body was found and that the poem didn't read (at all) like a suicide note.
It was written well, though a lot of the dialogue came across as too superficial. What I mean by that is the conversations between the characters were mostly cheerful, overly happy and lacking realism.
Further, I had an issue with the fact that for two sworn and mutual enemies they felt an attraction incredibly fast. Literally upon first sight. It'd have been better if the attraction, at first, had been clouded by their hatred for one another. Making it a more snarky, sarcastic and comical read.
Also the plot of the book was weak in that their relationship faced little to no physical and personal opposition. For example, the grandma was all for it, and the sisters were fairly accepting. Both/ all of whom would have been just as accepting had it been some other decent guy. And on Joel's side, he had no opposition whatsoever considering his family had moved on (his parents had passed). The opposition only came from a small minority of the townspeople. Thus, there was no bravery for the way they decided to have a relationship.
I'm going to stop now, before I start talking about the wedding and how soon it was. I mean come on, this book was not limited to the time constraints of a movie.
Charlotte's Summer by Annie Lane
3.0
Good, but....
I loved the simple nature of this book, it was beautiful. The only flaws with this book were that it lacked realism: a man who claims he finds it difficult to love, fell in love rather quickly. Further, the character of Charlotte was that of an extremely naive woman, she is running from one man- only to fall into the arms of a stranger...a risk which comes at a very large price.
I loved the simple nature of this book, it was beautiful. The only flaws with this book were that it lacked realism: a man who claims he finds it difficult to love, fell in love rather quickly. Further, the character of Charlotte was that of an extremely naive woman, she is running from one man- only to fall into the arms of a stranger...a risk which comes at a very large price.
Dropping Stones by Paul Cwalina
5.0
Worth all five, gold stars
This book was completely unpredictable...not what I had expected, I loved it. The writer wrote it so superbly that the events, within it, really came as a surprise. For instance, the political element was so absorbing, that everything that came afterwards was very unexpected. I loved it, it was not a waste of time, as it taught a valuable lesson of forgiving, letting go and being careful of who to love.
I'm still in denial over the ending, but hey it's definitely realistic. But yes, like many reader's before me I did become attached to the characters. A sequel may actually be a grand idea.
I recommend this book, a 110%
This book was completely unpredictable...not what I had expected, I loved it. The writer wrote it so superbly that the events, within it, really came as a surprise. For instance, the political element was so absorbing, that everything that came afterwards was very unexpected. I loved it, it was not a waste of time, as it taught a valuable lesson of forgiving, letting go and being careful of who to love.
I'm still in denial over the ending, but hey it's definitely realistic. But yes, like many reader's before me I did become attached to the characters. A sequel may actually be a grand idea.
I recommend this book, a 110%
Just One Thing by Holly Jacobs
5.0
Wonderful!
This book was good in that it was more than an average cliché. There were surprising moments, all of which bottled down beautifully, into a quilt of memories. The lesson this book teaches is overwhelmingly intense and sincere: we should not let our pasts define us, nor should we let them hold us back.
I definitely recommend this book. And I don't feel my rating is at all generous, for I thought about giving it four stars. But then realized I wouldn't be able to justify why it wasn't five. Therefore, this way I can fully justify it. Ms. Jacobs, you are a brilliant author!
This book was good in that it was more than an average cliché. There were surprising moments, all of which bottled down beautifully, into a quilt of memories. The lesson this book teaches is overwhelmingly intense and sincere: we should not let our pasts define us, nor should we let them hold us back.
I definitely recommend this book. And I don't feel my rating is at all generous, for I thought about giving it four stars. But then realized I wouldn't be able to justify why it wasn't five. Therefore, this way I can fully justify it. Ms. Jacobs, you are a brilliant author!
Finding Margo by Susanne O'Leary
4.0
Definitely worthwhile.....
I enjoyed this book, it featured many surprises along the way. I particularly loved how all the pieces of the metaphoric 'puzzle' came together. The character Margo, 'connected the dots' faster than I ever could. The novel certainly kept me on my toes. And some of the revelations were fairly amusing....
I realise that I'm only really speaking in proverbial phrases, but let that not keep you from purchasing this book.
It's a novel about a woman who is not afraid to break free and who provides an insight to the other characters to feel inclined to do something different, giving them opportunities. I have to say I loved how this book was so unique, there was no real cliché- it was better, more realistic and very unpredictable. At one point, I felt: who knows, maybe Margo and Jacques are related?
The reason I gave it four stars was because I felt it lacked in the background, we were immediately made to hate Alan. I wish we were provided with a more detailed back story, for example a certain traumatic event which kept playing in her mind. I would have liked for us to have seen his exact character, to enable us to judge for ourselves.
I enjoyed this book, it featured many surprises along the way. I particularly loved how all the pieces of the metaphoric 'puzzle' came together. The character Margo, 'connected the dots' faster than I ever could. The novel certainly kept me on my toes. And some of the revelations were fairly amusing....
I realise that I'm only really speaking in proverbial phrases, but let that not keep you from purchasing this book.
It's a novel about a woman who is not afraid to break free and who provides an insight to the other characters to feel inclined to do something different, giving them opportunities. I have to say I loved how this book was so unique, there was no real cliché- it was better, more realistic and very unpredictable. At one point, I felt: who knows, maybe Margo and Jacques are related?
The reason I gave it four stars was because I felt it lacked in the background, we were immediately made to hate Alan. I wish we were provided with a more detailed back story, for example a certain traumatic event which kept playing in her mind. I would have liked for us to have seen his exact character, to enable us to judge for ourselves.
Gracie by Ellie Keaton
3.0
Expect spoilers...
I enjoyed the love story conveyed through this book, it was beautifully respectable and hopeful.
In that, the two young lovers were willing to declare their love and believe in it despite the inevitability of the second world war. It was inspirational in presenting this young couple, almost to represent that not everyone had been defeated or willing to admit defeat, just because of the war. The simplicity of this message only developed its beauty and value.
The only real problem I had with this novel was the lack of depth, both in regard to the characters as well as, the storyline: we never did find out much about Stan and his recovery, nor about the mysterious Alice. Or even, what Stan thought of Charlie's relationship with his twin sister.
In terms of the storyline, I disliked the ending it was very fast. Throughout the novel, Charlie and Gracie lack their parents' blessings, this formulates as the main obstacle (alongside the war, obviously). However, at the end, this is no longer a problem: they make love despite the immorality. It is probably apparent that I disliked this, I'd have preferred that they'd have waited. Surely, that is what Gracie's father wanted: he wanted to ensure that their love could endure obstacles (the war), and be patient. They, apparently, failed.
The speed, I suppose, is understandable in that the war heightened the desperation and urgency of Gracie's relationship.
Not only this, but at the end they get married anyway (still without the parents' blessings). If anything, this made the plotline rather pointless. This was only enhanced when the reader recalls that Gracie's parents were actually not against the marriage- they just wanted to wait for Gracie's 21st birthday. Therefore, they were going to get married anyway.
Others readers may perceive this as a message: to go against one's parents in the name of love. But, again, this is hardly respectable. Or they may claim that the way in which the Gracie and Charlie attempt to overcome the obstacle, is their show of love- or even their journey in discovering what love is and how it is so valuable that it shouldn't be given up.
Another thing I didn't understand was the fascination with the character Penny; she seemed to have quite a large role, despite not having actually met Charlie. Perhaps, she was only there to draw out the contrast between the lives of the two women. But then, there was limiting information in regard to Penny's backstory.
In the author's defence, this is covered in the novel which follows on from this one. I think it would have suited better had they both been combined in one novel. But, each to their own.
Also, I felt the novel was overly repetitive when mentioning the war, it became rather tedious: if I was granted a penny for the number of times I read (something along the lines of) ' it was supposed to be the war to end all wars'...I'm sure I'd have more than two coins.
Of course, I needn't mention that this really is just my personal opinion. I have not read any other reviews on this book so it's all just me. I'd probably have given up on this book, but I felt like I've been doing that a whole awful lot... It is possible that these feelings could have played a part in creating my mostly poor judgment of this novel, so bear that in mind when reading my review, as well.
I enjoyed the love story conveyed through this book, it was beautifully respectable and hopeful.
In that, the two young lovers were willing to declare their love and believe in it despite the inevitability of the second world war. It was inspirational in presenting this young couple, almost to represent that not everyone had been defeated or willing to admit defeat, just because of the war. The simplicity of this message only developed its beauty and value.
The only real problem I had with this novel was the lack of depth, both in regard to the characters as well as, the storyline: we never did find out much about Stan and his recovery, nor about the mysterious Alice. Or even, what Stan thought of Charlie's relationship with his twin sister.
In terms of the storyline, I disliked the ending it was very fast. Throughout the novel, Charlie and Gracie lack their parents' blessings, this formulates as the main obstacle (alongside the war, obviously). However, at the end, this is no longer a problem: they make love despite the immorality. It is probably apparent that I disliked this, I'd have preferred that they'd have waited. Surely, that is what Gracie's father wanted: he wanted to ensure that their love could endure obstacles (the war), and be patient. They, apparently, failed.
The speed, I suppose, is understandable in that the war heightened the desperation and urgency of Gracie's relationship.
Not only this, but at the end they get married anyway (still without the parents' blessings). If anything, this made the plotline rather pointless. This was only enhanced when the reader recalls that Gracie's parents were actually not against the marriage- they just wanted to wait for Gracie's 21st birthday. Therefore, they were going to get married anyway.
Others readers may perceive this as a message: to go against one's parents in the name of love. But, again, this is hardly respectable. Or they may claim that the way in which the Gracie and Charlie attempt to overcome the obstacle, is their show of love- or even their journey in discovering what love is and how it is so valuable that it shouldn't be given up.
Another thing I didn't understand was the fascination with the character Penny; she seemed to have quite a large role, despite not having actually met Charlie. Perhaps, she was only there to draw out the contrast between the lives of the two women. But then, there was limiting information in regard to Penny's backstory.
In the author's defence, this is covered in the novel which follows on from this one. I think it would have suited better had they both been combined in one novel. But, each to their own.
Also, I felt the novel was overly repetitive when mentioning the war, it became rather tedious: if I was granted a penny for the number of times I read (something along the lines of) ' it was supposed to be the war to end all wars'...I'm sure I'd have more than two coins.
Of course, I needn't mention that this really is just my personal opinion. I have not read any other reviews on this book so it's all just me. I'd probably have given up on this book, but I felt like I've been doing that a whole awful lot... It is possible that these feelings could have played a part in creating my mostly poor judgment of this novel, so bear that in mind when reading my review, as well.