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shelleys_book_nook's reviews
448 reviews
Every Precious and Fragile Thing by Barbara Davis
fast-paced
4.0
I really enjoyed my first book by this author, The Echo of Old Books , and it had taken me by surprise that I had never read her before. In my review of that title I had written it wouldn’t be my last. As soon as I saw this on NetGalley I grabbed it and am I ever glad I did.
Even though they are sort of on the outs and have a very strained relationship Mallory goes home to get over a tragedy. Not only does she have to deal with her estranged mother but she also has to deal with the ex-boyfriend next door. As usual, Davis writes characters that I care about and feel invested in. Even though they had their flaws I loved being on their journey of personal growth. The pacing of the book had me flipping pages and saying “Just one more chapter” over and over again.
Even though the book deals with death and loss it's a very heartwarming book at its core. I felt so many emotions while reading it and that's what the author is known for. This one is about motherhood, coming to grips with our mistakes and how keeping secrets isn’t always a good idea. The story and characters captivated me and it was hard to put the book down so the 400 pages just flew by. Barbara Davis does it again and in this thought-provoking story she asks…are we defined by our past? Can we learn from it or does it have to shape our future? It was a very powerful book and once again I'm looking forward to reading another book by Barbara Davis. She has won me over.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
Even though they are sort of on the outs and have a very strained relationship Mallory goes home to get over a tragedy. Not only does she have to deal with her estranged mother but she also has to deal with the ex-boyfriend next door. As usual, Davis writes characters that I care about and feel invested in. Even though they had their flaws I loved being on their journey of personal growth. The pacing of the book had me flipping pages and saying “Just one more chapter” over and over again.
Even though the book deals with death and loss it's a very heartwarming book at its core. I felt so many emotions while reading it and that's what the author is known for. This one is about motherhood, coming to grips with our mistakes and how keeping secrets isn’t always a good idea. The story and characters captivated me and it was hard to put the book down so the 400 pages just flew by. Barbara Davis does it again and in this thought-provoking story she asks…are we defined by our past? Can we learn from it or does it have to shape our future? It was a very powerful book and once again I'm looking forward to reading another book by Barbara Davis. She has won me over.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Mulligan Curse by Diane Barnes
2.0
If you could erase years of your life would you want to, even if it means it would change everything? That’s the question Mary Mulligan has to answer. Sounds intriguing right? Wrong! I had so many problems with this book, believe the low rating. The first problem I had was Mary herself, she was just so damn unlikeable. The other problem was the plot, it had no surprises and I knew exactly where it was heading. Mary’s supposed to be a menopausal, middle-aged woman but she was so gullible and ignorant and she used no common sense. I didn’t like Mary’s cousin Darbi at all either. She lied by omission to Mary and didn’t tell Mary the important repercussions of erasing her life.
If you’ve read any of my reviews you know repetitiveness is a pet peeve of mine and this book was really repetitive. Over and over again Mary goes into her head thinking of the past and I became bored to tears. I felt like Joe Biden when he debated Trump the first time, “Will you shut up, man!” With books like this, magical realism, you have to have characters that work or are at least likable to some degree. I found Mary to be a whining complainer, you know the “woe is me” type. Add to that her cousin Darbi being untrustworthy and the repetitive plot this is a flop in my opinion. A much-used trope with nothing new or different to add to the genre.
The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by Jennifer Moorman
2.0
When I saw the blurb of this book, a woman steps through a door to 1927 and meets her great-grandmother, I knew I had to read it. Plus look at that fabulous cover! This is more historical fiction than magical realism, which disappointed me. I liked the idea of a magic entryway to the past that ends up helping you in the future, that part I did enjoy. The writing felt more like a romance, which isn’t my thing either. I did like watching the main character, Josephine come into her own. But what I didn’t like was the fact that she goes into a new timeline and boom! She starts a new romance.
The plot moves at a very slow pace and at times I was bored. I wasn’t a big fan of the main character either, she grated on me the wrong way for some reason. Just another woman who lost herself to a marriage and doesn’t start to live her life until he’s dead. I did love the character of her sister though, she was a force to be reckoned with and supported Joe one hundred percent. I wasn’t a fan of the rudimentary writing style or how the ending was tied up into a neat little bow, I found it very superficial.
The plot moves at a very slow pace and at times I was bored. I wasn’t a big fan of the main character either, she grated on me the wrong way for some reason. Just another woman who lost herself to a marriage and doesn’t start to live her life until he’s dead. I did love the character of her sister though, she was a force to be reckoned with and supported Joe one hundred percent. I wasn’t a fan of the rudimentary writing style or how the ending was tied up into a neat little bow, I found it very superficial.
The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book is being promoted as “Fixer Upper meets Gone Girl” and I found it nothing like either one of those titles; there was no fixing up and there wasn’t a girl that was gone. I have no idea whose idea that was but it wasn’t a good one. This book was okay as far as popcorn thrillers go but I don’t think it was supposed to be a popcorn thriller. It was like the book had a split personality. At times it was an action-packed he said/she said and it was over the top and then at other times, it was trying too hard to be serious…And it got really repetitive. I don’t watch home improvement shows so I wasn’t disappointed that there wasn’t much of that in the story, I just wanted something with a little more UMPH! I do give props to the author for the unique premise, his execution fell flat though.
Over and over again we are reminded of his handsomeness and her not being a beauty. The characters were more like caricatures and the males’ behaviour was just too far out there for my taste. I didn’t like how the female was treated like a second-class citizen and she let them all do it. They both irritated the hell out of me. The female’s so-called friends or anything but, and there wasn’t one character that had any redeeming qualities whatsoever. The only character I did like was the mom and even she hurts her daughter with her lies in the end. I did like how the author showed how reality TV and the media can twist a person’s perception of another human being, but other than that this book is a no-go for me.
This One Life by Amanda Prowse
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
3.5
I really enjoy Amanda Prowse's books. Picking up the Pieces, Very Very Lucky and All Good Things were either a four or five star read for me. This book sends the message you only get one life so live it the way that makes you happiest. I like the way the author got the message across without being preachy.
Madeline was a character that was really hard for me to like and I understood what the author was trying to do, not everyone indeed wants to live a traditional life and women are often scorned for not wanting it but sometimes life has other ideas and throws a monkey wrench into our best-laid plans. I also felt this was a book about motherhood and all its inclinations but mostly mother-daughter relationships The one Madeline has with her own mom is complicated beyond measure even though Madeline has an expensive apartment, a great job in the big city, and will be trying to get her own business off the ground in the near future she has a lot of growing up to do and I enjoyed being on that Journey with her. As she grew up she grew on me. What feels right for one person isn't always right for another.
While this isn't my favourite book by the author, I was very pleased with the story's ending and that she didn't fall into the trap of the happily-ever-after nuclear family...I was so here for it. The epilogue was a tad predictable but I'm glad Madeline wisened up and decided to earn her place in her special family.
Madeline was a character that was really hard for me to like and I understood what the author was trying to do, not everyone indeed wants to live a traditional life and women are often scorned for not wanting it but sometimes life has other ideas and throws a monkey wrench into our best-laid plans. I also felt this was a book about motherhood and all its inclinations but mostly mother-daughter relationships The one Madeline has with her own mom is complicated beyond measure even though Madeline has an expensive apartment, a great job in the big city, and will be trying to get her own business off the ground in the near future she has a lot of growing up to do and I enjoyed being on that Journey with her. As she grew up she grew on me. What feels right for one person isn't always right for another.
While this isn't my favourite book by the author, I was very pleased with the story's ending and that she didn't fall into the trap of the happily-ever-after nuclear family...I was so here for it. The epilogue was a tad predictable but I'm glad Madeline wisened up and decided to earn her place in her special family.
Rolling Toward Clear Skies by Catherine Ryan Hyde
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have been a fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde since 1999 and she has never disappointed me. She always finds new and interesting emotional topics to write about. This was a timely one to read because after a natural disaster (Helene anyone?) two teenage girls are left parentless and homeless. Maggie Blount is a doctor who volunteers at such events and is a divorced mom of two teenage girls. When she decides to foster and then adopt the newly orphaned teenagers what follows is a dramatic tale of the impact the adoption has on everyone in the family.
I was quickly absorbed into this tale. Maggie's biological daughters were not very likable and I tried very hard to sympathize with them. While I liked and related to the adopted daughters a lot more I found them to be sickly sweet and not as realistic as the other two. I think the author did that on purpose to show how polar opposites the teens are. I really enjoyed this book about nature versus nurture, the haves and the have-nots. It's about growing up, helping others and blended families and it was told with Hyde's typical sensitivity and wit. This one really touched my heart.
I was quickly absorbed into this tale. Maggie's biological daughters were not very likable and I tried very hard to sympathize with them. While I liked and related to the adopted daughters a lot more I found them to be sickly sweet and not as realistic as the other two. I think the author did that on purpose to show how polar opposites the teens are. I really enjoyed this book about nature versus nurture, the haves and the have-nots. It's about growing up, helping others and blended families and it was told with Hyde's typical sensitivity and wit. This one really touched my heart.
Then, Again by JACLYN YOUHANA. GARVER
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was such a hard book to read. Ashley's husband, Charlie, has been in a coma for almost a year and to read about her heartache was difficult, luckily Asha has a wonderful support system in her father and best friend Bridget. Just as she settles into a routine and gains acceptance, her first love, Jason arrives back on the scene and it brings up memories of the past for Asha, and not all of them are good memories.
This was an exceptional debut. I love the author's writing style it was very realistic and flowed wonderfully. I liked getting to know Asha in both incarnations. The younger part of her story was a lovely coming-of-age tale and her current timeline was heartbreaking yet hopeful at the same time.
I loved that the author showed the different ways we grieve and how it isn’t linear. Although there are two men that Asha loves this is not a love triangle, but an exploration of the different kinds of love. Full of humour and wit Then, Again will take you on a journey of love, loss and hope. I won't soon forget this one. All. The. Stars.
This was an exceptional debut. I love the author's writing style it was very realistic and flowed wonderfully. I liked getting to know Asha in both incarnations. The younger part of her story was a lovely coming-of-age tale and her current timeline was heartbreaking yet hopeful at the same time.
I loved that the author showed the different ways we grieve and how it isn’t linear. Although there are two men that Asha loves this is not a love triangle, but an exploration of the different kinds of love. Full of humour and wit Then, Again will take you on a journey of love, loss and hope. I won't soon forget this one. All. The. Stars.
The Autumn of Ruth Winters by Marshall Fine
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-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
I love books about ordinary people doing ordinary things. I didn't like Ruth Winters very much at first but as she grew as a person she grew on me. (you are never too old to change) Ruth has had a lot of trauma in her life and her relationship with her younger sister, Veronica has suffered because of it. When Veronica becomes ill and needs Ruth for rides to her doctor appointments the two start on a journey of forgiveness.
During this time Ruth's fiftieth high school reunion is coming up and an old school chum she went on a date with once contacts her. I loved reading about Ruth acting like a teenager and trying on clothes getting giddy for her date. It was so charming when she and her sister acted like the young girls they used to be.
I am so into books about other people's family drama and once again I find myself loving a book with realistic, older characters. And even though Ruth has to deal with her sister's illness this was still a feel-good story in the end. A story about a second chance at love, loss, family and teaching an old dog new tricks and one that deserves all the stars.
During this time Ruth's fiftieth high school reunion is coming up and an old school chum she went on a date with once contacts her. I loved reading about Ruth acting like a teenager and trying on clothes getting giddy for her date. It was so charming when she and her sister acted like the young girls they used to be.
I am so into books about other people's family drama and once again I find myself loving a book with realistic, older characters. And even though Ruth has to deal with her sister's illness this was still a feel-good story in the end. A story about a second chance at love, loss, family and teaching an old dog new tricks and one that deserves all the stars.
The Secret of the Brighton House by Cathy Hayward
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I really wanted to love this book and I did at first. Joanne thought her mom died while giving birth to her but then she finds some photos of herself as a baby where her mother is holding her so she starts to ask questions. Her dad refuses to answer them so Joanne has to investigate it herself.
I had a few issues with this book namely:
- A government official lets Joanne look through a patient file
- Joanne's father and step-mom tiptoeing around her and not explaining things
- Joanne's mom's family didn't do anything about finding her when she was taken away
- Joanne's father then doubles down on his lies
- Joanne's stepmom and dad hide from her when she comes to the door
- When they do finally answer the door her stepmom closes it in her face
And then there was the story and the writing itself. The writing was pedestrian and very amateurish. The same thing happened over and over again ad nauseam. The book lacked any real depth. If Joanne's father was just honest with her when she asked questions he could have saved Joanne a lot of stress and heartache. He made it worse not better. She had to schlep all over the place in her condition. I hate deception, especially where children are concerned. They should not be lied to no matter what because it'll always come back to haunt you and them, and often the lying is worse than the secret itself, as in this story. While I appreciate what the author was trying to do here, shining a light on a not much talked about mental health issue, it's just got bogged down with how unbelievable the story was, the repetitiveness and amateurish writing.
I had a few issues with this book namely:
- A government official lets Joanne look through a patient file
- Joanne's father and step-mom tiptoeing around her and not explaining things
- Joanne's mom's family didn't do anything about finding her when she was taken away
- Joanne's father then doubles down on his lies
- Joanne's stepmom and dad hide from her when she comes to the door
- When they do finally answer the door her stepmom closes it in her face
And then there was the story and the writing itself. The writing was pedestrian and very amateurish. The same thing happened over and over again ad nauseam. The book lacked any real depth. If Joanne's father was just honest with her when she asked questions he could have saved Joanne a lot of stress and heartache. He made it worse not better. She had to schlep all over the place in her condition. I hate deception, especially where children are concerned. They should not be lied to no matter what because it'll always come back to haunt you and them, and often the lying is worse than the secret itself, as in this story. While I appreciate what the author was trying to do here, shining a light on a not much talked about mental health issue, it's just got bogged down with how unbelievable the story was, the repetitiveness and amateurish writing.
Who Loves You Best by Marilyn Simon Rothstein
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
This was such a fun yet serious read, my first by this author. Jodi is asked by her daughter to fly to the Berkshires to look after her 8-year-old granddaughter and Jodi jumps at the chance to play Grandma for a while; except when she gets there two other grandmas are vying for the granddaughter’s attention. Over the next few days, Jodi and the other grandmas compete to be the grandma who loves their granddaughter best.
This story has such a unique premise, that was executed wonderfully, showing the many different ways to parent and grandparent a child. The book also asks what is family…It isn’t necessarily being related by blood. I also like that Jodi was a doctor and that she decided it was time to put herself first. You know the rules of an aircraft, always put your mask on first before you help anyone else. How can you possibly be a good wife or parent if your own needs aren’t met as well? And even though Jodi finally had to do for herself she stayed kind and thoughtful throughout. I was so pleased with the fact that the granddaughter was written so realistically in both behaviour and dialogue.
I just adored the fact that there were older people as main characters in this book and there was even a bit of romance for one of them. If you enjoy books with a lot of heart and humour then this is the book for you, it was very charming and full of family conflict but most of all there was a lot of love between these pages. As I said earlier this is my first by the author but it won’t be my last. I want to check out Husbands and Other Sharp Objects for the title alone.