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she_loves_to_read's Reviews (81)
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Stand Up Mam is a story with meaning, purpose, and most importantly, a message for mothers/women who find themselves at a crossroads. Those of us who have lost themselves along the bumpy road of life as mum's, daughters, sisters, and wives and even those who maybe have never really known who they are and have never had the time, freedom or support to be able to explore who and what they could be and achieve.
In creating the hugely relatable Georgie and taking her readers along on Georgies complex, but understandable journey. Kay has brilliantly delivered the message that it's ok to take a step back, think, feel, explore, experiment, make mistakes, dream, aim for, and reach our goals whatever they may be. And by doing so, it makes you stronger, happier, more fulfilled, and enriched.
It's a slow burn, but for al the right reasons. Georgie and her family go on a real journey, and thanks to Kays fluid, easy, funny, emotive, and relatable writing style, her readers are quickly immersed and heavily invested in the outcome of their story.
With all manor of financial trauma, drama, likes, dislikes, quirks, frustrations, relationships, and humour running throughout.
The Stand Up Mam is a book that I really enjoyed, took a lot from, and have already recommended to others.
In creating the hugely relatable Georgie and taking her readers along on Georgies complex, but understandable journey. Kay has brilliantly delivered the message that it's ok to take a step back, think, feel, explore, experiment, make mistakes, dream, aim for, and reach our goals whatever they may be. And by doing so, it makes you stronger, happier, more fulfilled, and enriched.
It's a slow burn, but for al the right reasons. Georgie and her family go on a real journey, and thanks to Kays fluid, easy, funny, emotive, and relatable writing style, her readers are quickly immersed and heavily invested in the outcome of their story.
With all manor of financial trauma, drama, likes, dislikes, quirks, frustrations, relationships, and humour running throughout.
The Stand Up Mam is a book that I really enjoyed, took a lot from, and have already recommended to others.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Vengeance is a brilliantly gripping story that reaches right into the heart of the dog-eat-dog criminal organisation run by the Kahn family. At a time of great change and the immediate and deadly threat from their just as ruthless rivals. Made even more difficult due to a seismic change in leadership. With an already steadfast, well established, and culturally misogynistic patriarchal hierarchy in place.
Jia, the new female head of the organistsion faces threats from every conceivable corner, including from those whose respect and loyalty should be absolute. But it is wobbling precariously on the edge of destruction. Stuck between a rock and a hard place whilst juggling motherhood, familial expectation, and marriage woes whilst trying to provide relief, consistency, and leadership for a community that is suffering greatly. Having been oppressed by a brutal rival who no longer lives. But leaves behind extreme poverty and desperation in his wake.
With themes of prostitution, drug selling, use, and abuse. Murder, kidnap, torture, sexual discrimination, racism, prejudice, corruption, deceit, racketeering, theft, fear, and violence. Plus, an intricate but excellently executed plotline and a whole raft of believable and cleverly developed characters and an enticing and fluid writing style. Saima's story of vengeance is one that would be a great addition to any crime/thriller fans tbr.
Jia, the new female head of the organistsion faces threats from every conceivable corner, including from those whose respect and loyalty should be absolute. But it is wobbling precariously on the edge of destruction. Stuck between a rock and a hard place whilst juggling motherhood, familial expectation, and marriage woes whilst trying to provide relief, consistency, and leadership for a community that is suffering greatly. Having been oppressed by a brutal rival who no longer lives. But leaves behind extreme poverty and desperation in his wake.
With themes of prostitution, drug selling, use, and abuse. Murder, kidnap, torture, sexual discrimination, racism, prejudice, corruption, deceit, racketeering, theft, fear, and violence. Plus, an intricate but excellently executed plotline and a whole raft of believable and cleverly developed characters and an enticing and fluid writing style. Saima's story of vengeance is one that would be a great addition to any crime/thriller fans tbr.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
Queerceañera is THE perfect addition to your tbr this pride month!
It is a wonderfully heartwarming and emotional story that tackles familial and societal homophobia, mother and child relationships, first, old and new loves, celebrating your uniqueness and being yourself, unconditional love, self acceptance and how the love of family, friends and support from unexpected places can be instrumental in helping you to grow and live tour life more authentically.
I absolutely LOVE Alex's writing, which is full of warmth, emotion, power, sincerity, and loved experiences.
The fake dating trope slots perfectly into Joaquin's coming of age story, and the story that runs alongside it with regards to the fraught relationship between Joaquin and his mum is skillfully executed. With Alex keeping it relevant, relatable, and realistic throughout.
The characters are all brilliantly developed, and each of them has a part to play and a message to portray. Really bringing to life Joaquin's journey and how important it is to love and be open to change, love, support, and respect from those who really show up for you without conditions.
It's a beautiful story that really tugged at my heartstrings, and I look forward to reading more of Alex's work.
It is a wonderfully heartwarming and emotional story that tackles familial and societal homophobia, mother and child relationships, first, old and new loves, celebrating your uniqueness and being yourself, unconditional love, self acceptance and how the love of family, friends and support from unexpected places can be instrumental in helping you to grow and live tour life more authentically.
I absolutely LOVE Alex's writing, which is full of warmth, emotion, power, sincerity, and loved experiences.
The fake dating trope slots perfectly into Joaquin's coming of age story, and the story that runs alongside it with regards to the fraught relationship between Joaquin and his mum is skillfully executed. With Alex keeping it relevant, relatable, and realistic throughout.
The characters are all brilliantly developed, and each of them has a part to play and a message to portray. Really bringing to life Joaquin's journey and how important it is to love and be open to change, love, support, and respect from those who really show up for you without conditions.
It's a beautiful story that really tugged at my heartstrings, and I look forward to reading more of Alex's work.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
This has been my most anticipated read of the year, and it DID'NT disappoint. Indie authors do not get enough kudos for the hard work that they have to put in in order to get their books out in the world. Jo especially deserves so much praise and acknowledgement for her immense talent as a writer and storyteller.
Every single one of her books in the Castleby Series has literally triggered every possible emotion, and as soon as you open the first page, you instantly become a part of the community. Everything else fades away, and you feel totally at home. I couldn't put it down!
With themes including romance, criminal underworld, gang culture & warfare, drug abuse, mental health, kidnapping, miscarriage, still birth, post partum psychosis, domestic abuse, murder, hostage negotiation, love, death and extra marital affairs. Sea Rift is a cross genre story.
Yes, there are multiple subplots contained within. But they intertwine and meld together seamlessly. Which is a testament to Jo's imagination, creativity, and skill as a writer.
It's gripping, suspense filled, intense, emotional, compelling, humorous, high octane, heartbreaking, heartwarming, chilling, evocative, thought-provoking , and full of all manner of action.
Add in red herrings, short chapters, a diverse cast of characters, brilliant character, and storyline development, and twists and turns galore. I can guarantee that you will whizz through it, become totally invested, and race to buy the other 4 books.
I didn't think that Jo could surprise or shock me anymore. But with my total underestimation of one character and a big twist that I didn't see coming at the end. I can safely say that Jo is one of my favourite authors and definitely one to watch! I can't wait for book 6.
The Castleby series NEEDS to be picked up for a TV series!! @itv @bbc
Every single one of her books in the Castleby Series has literally triggered every possible emotion, and as soon as you open the first page, you instantly become a part of the community. Everything else fades away, and you feel totally at home. I couldn't put it down!
With themes including romance, criminal underworld, gang culture & warfare, drug abuse, mental health, kidnapping, miscarriage, still birth, post partum psychosis, domestic abuse, murder, hostage negotiation, love, death and extra marital affairs. Sea Rift is a cross genre story.
Yes, there are multiple subplots contained within. But they intertwine and meld together seamlessly. Which is a testament to Jo's imagination, creativity, and skill as a writer.
It's gripping, suspense filled, intense, emotional, compelling, humorous, high octane, heartbreaking, heartwarming, chilling, evocative, thought-provoking , and full of all manner of action.
Add in red herrings, short chapters, a diverse cast of characters, brilliant character, and storyline development, and twists and turns galore. I can guarantee that you will whizz through it, become totally invested, and race to buy the other 4 books.
I didn't think that Jo could surprise or shock me anymore. But with my total underestimation of one character and a big twist that I didn't see coming at the end. I can safely say that Jo is one of my favourite authors and definitely one to watch! I can't wait for book 6.
The Castleby series NEEDS to be picked up for a TV series!! @itv @bbc
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Inspired by the true story of Styllou Christofi, a Greek Cypriot woman who was accused and found guilty of the murder in cold blood of her daughter-in-law, Hella Dorothea Christofi. Resulting in her being the penultimate woman to be hanged in 1950's Britain.
Eleni has skillfully weaved a morally complex, evocative, tense, moving, compelling, tragic, and thought-provoking story. Highlighting the rampant misogyny, racism, prejudice, culture differences, stereotyping, language barriers, sexism, conflict, expectation, and misrepresentation and misunderstanding surrounding mental illness within society and the very questionable and inadequate justice system of the time.
Her characters are well researched, plotted, written, and developed. With a particular depth and dynamic to the characters of Zina and Eva. Drawing out a strong sense of sympathy, empathy, and solidarity from her readers.
The flow and pace were both perfect. With Eleni easily and brilliantly orchestrating and capturing the essence of such a tragic, emotional, and complex story.
I'm really looking forward to reading more of her work.
Eleni has skillfully weaved a morally complex, evocative, tense, moving, compelling, tragic, and thought-provoking story. Highlighting the rampant misogyny, racism, prejudice, culture differences, stereotyping, language barriers, sexism, conflict, expectation, and misrepresentation and misunderstanding surrounding mental illness within society and the very questionable and inadequate justice system of the time.
Her characters are well researched, plotted, written, and developed. With a particular depth and dynamic to the characters of Zina and Eva. Drawing out a strong sense of sympathy, empathy, and solidarity from her readers.
The flow and pace were both perfect. With Eleni easily and brilliantly orchestrating and capturing the essence of such a tragic, emotional, and complex story.
I'm really looking forward to reading more of her work.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
Pauline's second book in the Maren Bay Series, Anna's Promise, is a brilliantly dynamic, cross genre story. Following on perfectly from Abigail's Return.
I really enjoy Pauline's easy and fluid writing style, which forms an instant connection with her readers. Drawing them into Anna's story with an all-encompassing ease. With captivating, well thought out, written, and portrayed characters, and the stunning backdrop of The Isle Of Skye, coupled with an atmospheric, imaginative, and descriptive storyline. Pauline has created a binge-worthy story featuring generational trauma, second chances, loyalty, betrayal, love, loss, deception, romance, intrigue, suspense, mystery, thrills, drama, and the importance of family, friends and community when trying to heal old wounds whilst living in the moment and trying to forget a future.
Pauline is a passionate and natural storyteller. Seamlessly weaving elements of her first story into Anna's story. Which creates a sense of cohesion and continuity between the two, which pulls her readers even more deeply into the story she is trying to tell.
If you didn't already guess, I loved it and can't wait to read more.
If you love a story that encompasses elements of romance, intrigue, mystery, drama, and thrills. Then this story should be on your tbr.
I really enjoy Pauline's easy and fluid writing style, which forms an instant connection with her readers. Drawing them into Anna's story with an all-encompassing ease. With captivating, well thought out, written, and portrayed characters, and the stunning backdrop of The Isle Of Skye, coupled with an atmospheric, imaginative, and descriptive storyline. Pauline has created a binge-worthy story featuring generational trauma, second chances, loyalty, betrayal, love, loss, deception, romance, intrigue, suspense, mystery, thrills, drama, and the importance of family, friends and community when trying to heal old wounds whilst living in the moment and trying to forget a future.
Pauline is a passionate and natural storyteller. Seamlessly weaving elements of her first story into Anna's story. Which creates a sense of cohesion and continuity between the two, which pulls her readers even more deeply into the story she is trying to tell.
If you didn't already guess, I loved it and can't wait to read more.
If you love a story that encompasses elements of romance, intrigue, mystery, drama, and thrills. Then this story should be on your tbr.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
Just when I think that Tessa has written her best story yet, she quietly comes along and drops another absolute game changer into the bookiverse. And I have to say, Fangirl Down definitely came in well under par (a good thing in golf terms 😉) and is my favourite so far.
It's on that I completely resonate with because I am a self-confessed fangirl of the boyband variety. I loved Tessa's portrayal of Josephine and Wells individually, but also their story as a couple and how it grew and played out. Becoming totally invested from the get-go.
Josephine is loyal, dedicated, passionate, hardworking, doesn't know her own worth, and is steadfast in her refusal to allow Wells to shuffle off into the washed-up golfers society. Whilst Wells is the total opposite. Grumpy, hard work, has lost his way in life and doubts his ability to be good at the game. With his inner monologues being hilarious. Especially when it comes to his feelings for and protectiveness of Josephine.
With perfect pace, lead character chemistry galore, fabulous relatable and realistic characters, love, laughs, heartbreak, a brilliantly plotted, written, and executed storyline and her trademark spiciness. Tessa has officially made golf sexy. Giving me another 'Book Boyfriend' to add to my list and remains one of my favourite authors!!
She had me feeling, quite literally all the romance feels you want packed into a love story and is a master at what she does.
The second book in the series, The Au Pair Affair, can't come soon enough. 💚
It's on that I completely resonate with because I am a self-confessed fangirl of the boyband variety. I loved Tessa's portrayal of Josephine and Wells individually, but also their story as a couple and how it grew and played out. Becoming totally invested from the get-go.
Josephine is loyal, dedicated, passionate, hardworking, doesn't know her own worth, and is steadfast in her refusal to allow Wells to shuffle off into the washed-up golfers society. Whilst Wells is the total opposite. Grumpy, hard work, has lost his way in life and doubts his ability to be good at the game. With his inner monologues being hilarious. Especially when it comes to his feelings for and protectiveness of Josephine.
With perfect pace, lead character chemistry galore, fabulous relatable and realistic characters, love, laughs, heartbreak, a brilliantly plotted, written, and executed storyline and her trademark spiciness. Tessa has officially made golf sexy. Giving me another 'Book Boyfriend' to add to my list and remains one of my favourite authors!!
She had me feeling, quite literally all the romance feels you want packed into a love story and is a master at what she does.
The second book in the series, The Au Pair Affair, can't come soon enough. 💚
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
N/A
Where do I begin? This beautifully written and thought-provoking story had me feeling so many mixed emotions all at the same time and left me sobbing at the end. Much to my daughter's worried looks and offers of tissue. I can honestly say that it really touched me in a way that very few have and will be one that will stay with me always. It's even tugging at my heartstrings writing this review!
With very vague similarities to the plotline of The Time Travellers Wife. MMWMHS is not 'just' a romance story. It's a story about connection, living in the moment, and exploring what it means to live between the cusp of life and death, the pull between the here and now, and the possibilities of what lies ahead.
Becky is a natural storyteller and seamlessly draws her readers into, mainly Emery's narrative quickly and deeply. Highlighting her strengths, weaknesses, impulsiveness, flaws, love for those around her, and the responsibility that she carries with her because if her heart condition and the far-reaching consequences that this has on her loved ones. Becky really digs deep into the impact of Emery's condition on each and every single character and the emotions that come with them. Striking a strong bond with her readers. Making sure that her readers become quickly and fully invested in Emery, Nick, and their stories.
Adding depth, relatability, and realism into them and the storyline.
Although I do have Beckys debut, One Moment on my tbr, i haven't yet been able to get round to it. But I'm 100% bumping it up my list, and Becky has a place on my auto-buy author list.
I challenge anyone who reads the book, to mot come away strongly affected by what is one of my favourite books ever! It's a story of love, connection, and hope. Something that we need more of in today's society.
I can't rate it highly enough. If you buy even one book this year. Let it be this one!
With very vague similarities to the plotline of The Time Travellers Wife. MMWMHS is not 'just' a romance story. It's a story about connection, living in the moment, and exploring what it means to live between the cusp of life and death, the pull between the here and now, and the possibilities of what lies ahead.
Becky is a natural storyteller and seamlessly draws her readers into, mainly Emery's narrative quickly and deeply. Highlighting her strengths, weaknesses, impulsiveness, flaws, love for those around her, and the responsibility that she carries with her because if her heart condition and the far-reaching consequences that this has on her loved ones. Becky really digs deep into the impact of Emery's condition on each and every single character and the emotions that come with them. Striking a strong bond with her readers. Making sure that her readers become quickly and fully invested in Emery, Nick, and their stories.
Adding depth, relatability, and realism into them and the storyline.
Although I do have Beckys debut, One Moment on my tbr, i haven't yet been able to get round to it. But I'm 100% bumping it up my list, and Becky has a place on my auto-buy author list.
I challenge anyone who reads the book, to mot come away strongly affected by what is one of my favourite books ever! It's a story of love, connection, and hope. Something that we need more of in today's society.
I can't rate it highly enough. If you buy even one book this year. Let it be this one!
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Emily has written a thorough, moving, insightful, educational, raw, heartbreaking, heartfelt, and essential read about her arduous 17 yr journey to a diagnosis of autism. Bringing her readers' validation, self-recognition, and most importantly, a much needed awareness, platform, and voice.
A big part of the book is based on Emily's love of lists and how she uses them in her everyday life. With the inclusion of lots of lists that break down some really important elements of not only her story and how she survived the traumatic and turbulence caused whilst trying to navigate life as an undiagnosed child and teen. But also advice on what to do and how to support someone you love. Explaining what is wrong with the system individually and as a whole. Adding simple but effective changes that can be implemented in order to really make a difference with all of it coming from her own experience.
Emily also included an inclusive and vast list of great resources that can be easily accessed and made use of by the women and girls who think they may be autistic, those battling for a diagnosis, and those who are supporting them professionally or personally on that journey.
I love that each chapter starts with a quote relating to that chapter, and there is also a letter entitled, 'Dear the future generations of autistic people'.
It's an informative, engaging, sad, uplifting, confronting, powerful, and essential tool that should be included in and issued throughout educational settings and health service country wide. I'd even go so far as to say, worldwide.
Emily is an important and powerful voice for every diagnosed and undiagnosed autistic girls and women.
As a mum going through the final stages of an autism assessment and as a 40+ woman who thinks she may also be on the spectrum. I am in awe of Emily's bravery and courage and ability to share her story in order to prevent others going through what she had to endure. It's now one of my bibles with tabs galore and I'm encouraging my daughters to read it to help them understand and navigate their own journeys. Thank you Emily. XOX
A big part of the book is based on Emily's love of lists and how she uses them in her everyday life. With the inclusion of lots of lists that break down some really important elements of not only her story and how she survived the traumatic and turbulence caused whilst trying to navigate life as an undiagnosed child and teen. But also advice on what to do and how to support someone you love. Explaining what is wrong with the system individually and as a whole. Adding simple but effective changes that can be implemented in order to really make a difference with all of it coming from her own experience.
Emily also included an inclusive and vast list of great resources that can be easily accessed and made use of by the women and girls who think they may be autistic, those battling for a diagnosis, and those who are supporting them professionally or personally on that journey.
I love that each chapter starts with a quote relating to that chapter, and there is also a letter entitled, 'Dear the future generations of autistic people'.
It's an informative, engaging, sad, uplifting, confronting, powerful, and essential tool that should be included in and issued throughout educational settings and health service country wide. I'd even go so far as to say, worldwide.
Emily is an important and powerful voice for every diagnosed and undiagnosed autistic girls and women.
As a mum going through the final stages of an autism assessment and as a 40+ woman who thinks she may also be on the spectrum. I am in awe of Emily's bravery and courage and ability to share her story in order to prevent others going through what she had to endure. It's now one of my bibles with tabs galore and I'm encouraging my daughters to read it to help them understand and navigate their own journeys. Thank you Emily. XOX
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
When I read the blurb for the one, I was sold immediately and couldn't wait to hop on the tour.
When it came time to read the book, it did start off strong. With me whizzing through the first few chapters. However, the more I read, the more I struggled.
There's. No denying that the plot and ideas behind the storyline are unique and make for a great story. But unfortunately for me, the execution of it didn't really translate to the story I read.
It is definitely a rollercoaster read, with twists and turns galore. But the story quickly felt convoluted. Leaving me with a real sense of discombobulation. There wasn't consistency in the timeline, and it kept flipping back and forth in time and from character to character. Which added to my confusion and wonder of where the story was headed and the purpose behind it. I also struggled with the character development, and that, coupled with some real holes in the police procedures, investigations, and flow of storyline. Made it hard to relate to and the ability to find it believable.
Although the ending did answer some questions I had. It didn't feel like a natural or satisfying ending and didn't outweigh the confusion and inconsistency I felt whilst reading it.
I always try to be honest in my reviews and I'm also a strong believer in the idea that no two people ever read the same story. So I'm sure that my thoughts and perceptions will almost undoubtedly be different from others.
I really do think that the plotline has brilliant potential. Especially with regards to its uniqueness. I just don't feel like it quite delivered with its structure and execution.
When it came time to read the book, it did start off strong. With me whizzing through the first few chapters. However, the more I read, the more I struggled.
There's. No denying that the plot and ideas behind the storyline are unique and make for a great story. But unfortunately for me, the execution of it didn't really translate to the story I read.
It is definitely a rollercoaster read, with twists and turns galore. But the story quickly felt convoluted. Leaving me with a real sense of discombobulation. There wasn't consistency in the timeline, and it kept flipping back and forth in time and from character to character. Which added to my confusion and wonder of where the story was headed and the purpose behind it. I also struggled with the character development, and that, coupled with some real holes in the police procedures, investigations, and flow of storyline. Made it hard to relate to and the ability to find it believable.
Although the ending did answer some questions I had. It didn't feel like a natural or satisfying ending and didn't outweigh the confusion and inconsistency I felt whilst reading it.
I always try to be honest in my reviews and I'm also a strong believer in the idea that no two people ever read the same story. So I'm sure that my thoughts and perceptions will almost undoubtedly be different from others.
I really do think that the plotline has brilliant potential. Especially with regards to its uniqueness. I just don't feel like it quite delivered with its structure and execution.