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thathappyreader's Reviews (833)
This was one of my favourite all time thrillers. Falling is highly engaging and not easy to put down. It is a well crafted story, told from multiple points of view, with well developed characters. I experienced a real gamut of emotions in this book from shock and terror to empathy. There are several large twists in the story which amp up the excitement, and prevent the reader from guessing how the story will end.
There is an important message in this book which invites the reader to remember that everyone has a personal story. Falling is a thought-provoking read which would be perfect to generate good discussion at book clubs. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
I listened to the audiobook version of Falling which was narrated by Steven Weber who gave an excellent performance. His voice is crisp, articulate and easy to listen to. His ability to tell a story such as this only adds to an already amazing book. I highly recommend the audiobook version of Falling to those that appreciate this format.
There is an important message in this book which invites the reader to remember that everyone has a personal story. Falling is a thought-provoking read which would be perfect to generate good discussion at book clubs. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
I listened to the audiobook version of Falling which was narrated by Steven Weber who gave an excellent performance. His voice is crisp, articulate and easy to listen to. His ability to tell a story such as this only adds to an already amazing book. I highly recommend the audiobook version of Falling to those that appreciate this format.
In an absolutely charming read, Georgia Toffolo writes a book that highlights the ability to find romance where you least expect it.
Victoria Scott is a fledgling clothes designer who loves all things vintage. She dreams of the day she can open her own boutique. Victoria has also suffered a tragedy which impacts her dreams of finding someone to share her life with.
Oliver Russell is coordinating the opening of his family’s new London department store. As the son of a workaholic father who is suffering health issues, Oliver’s life has taken him in a direction he really didn’t intend it to. Furthermore, his mother is pushing Oliver to bring his new girlfriend to meet the family. The problem is, Oliver only said he had a girlfriend to get his mother off his back in an earlier conversation. What he needs most right now is to find a woman who can satisfy his mother’s desires and get him back to the task of preparing for the opening of the store.
When Oliver meets Victoria he suggests a deal: if Victoria pretends to be his girlfriend for his mother’s sake at the store’s opening, he will provide space for Victoria to display her designing skills. It sounds like a no-lose proposition! Victoria agrees. After all, what harm could this bring? But as we all know relationships grow and change - could their relationship be based on more than just business?
I really enjoyed this book. It was engaging and sweet and reminiscent of a modern-day fairy tale While some would say it’s predictable, it simply did not matter. The characters were well-developed and very likeable. I appreciated the relationships that Victoria develops with Oliver’s parents and the obvious conflict she felt in portraying herself as Oliver’s girlfriend. While the book is set at Christmas time, it could easily be read at any point in the year.
I listened to the audiobook edition of this enchanting book which was narrated by the author herself. Her voice is so sweet-sounding and youthful it felt perfect for Victoria’s character. She is expressive and articulate, such that my Canadian ear could clearly understand the narrative. I’d recommend the audiobook edition to those that appreciate this format.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins audio for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Victoria Scott is a fledgling clothes designer who loves all things vintage. She dreams of the day she can open her own boutique. Victoria has also suffered a tragedy which impacts her dreams of finding someone to share her life with.
Oliver Russell is coordinating the opening of his family’s new London department store. As the son of a workaholic father who is suffering health issues, Oliver’s life has taken him in a direction he really didn’t intend it to. Furthermore, his mother is pushing Oliver to bring his new girlfriend to meet the family. The problem is, Oliver only said he had a girlfriend to get his mother off his back in an earlier conversation. What he needs most right now is to find a woman who can satisfy his mother’s desires and get him back to the task of preparing for the opening of the store.
When Oliver meets Victoria he suggests a deal: if Victoria pretends to be his girlfriend for his mother’s sake at the store’s opening, he will provide space for Victoria to display her designing skills. It sounds like a no-lose proposition! Victoria agrees. After all, what harm could this bring? But as we all know relationships grow and change - could their relationship be based on more than just business?
I really enjoyed this book. It was engaging and sweet and reminiscent of a modern-day fairy tale While some would say it’s predictable, it simply did not matter. The characters were well-developed and very likeable. I appreciated the relationships that Victoria develops with Oliver’s parents and the obvious conflict she felt in portraying herself as Oliver’s girlfriend. While the book is set at Christmas time, it could easily be read at any point in the year.
I listened to the audiobook edition of this enchanting book which was narrated by the author herself. Her voice is so sweet-sounding and youthful it felt perfect for Victoria’s character. She is expressive and articulate, such that my Canadian ear could clearly understand the narrative. I’d recommend the audiobook edition to those that appreciate this format.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins audio for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
It was lovely to return to this book series with its likeable and relatable characters. The series focuses around Lisa and the Beach Plum Cove Inn as well as her family and other members of the community.
Taylor Abbott is an enthusiastic and eager young woman looking to build her reporting career. There is definitely an attraction between herself and her boss which builds as the story progresses. Taylor’s co-worker Victoria, is a more seasoned reporter and sets up the book for a discussion on the role of the press when it comes to celebrities and other public figures. There are newspaper team-building moments at the Friday Night trivia at a local bar which provides an opportunity to learn more about the newspaper’s characters.
Rhett is Lisa’s husband and owns one of the restaurants on the island. He’s been noticing that the nightly receipts aren’t quite adding up to his expectations. His quest to discover who is stealing from him was done respectfully and provided a good mystery to the storyline.
Abby has a storyline that is unfortunately relatable to many women and I appreciate that it was included in this book. I appreciate how Abby welcomed Taylor to town and included her in many of her regular activities. It’s always fun for me to read what other women’s groups get up to!
The food described throughout this book will have you craving some seafood. The recipes all sound delicious and definitely something I would like to indulge in. Community events such as the Daffodil Festival really make me want to visit.
All in all, a really good read that has me wanting to go back and read books 3-6. I also look forward to book 8 in this series.
I listened to the audiobook version of Nantucket News which was narrated by Leslie Howard who gives a great performance. Her voice is clear and crisp, and her tone is very pleasing to listen to. For those readers who enjoy audiobooks, I would not hesitate to choose this format of the book.
Taylor Abbott is an enthusiastic and eager young woman looking to build her reporting career. There is definitely an attraction between herself and her boss which builds as the story progresses. Taylor’s co-worker Victoria, is a more seasoned reporter and sets up the book for a discussion on the role of the press when it comes to celebrities and other public figures. There are newspaper team-building moments at the Friday Night trivia at a local bar which provides an opportunity to learn more about the newspaper’s characters.
Rhett is Lisa’s husband and owns one of the restaurants on the island. He’s been noticing that the nightly receipts aren’t quite adding up to his expectations. His quest to discover who is stealing from him was done respectfully and provided a good mystery to the storyline.
Abby has a storyline that is unfortunately relatable to many women and I appreciate that it was included in this book. I appreciate how Abby welcomed Taylor to town and included her in many of her regular activities. It’s always fun for me to read what other women’s groups get up to!
The food described throughout this book will have you craving some seafood. The recipes all sound delicious and definitely something I would like to indulge in. Community events such as the Daffodil Festival really make me want to visit.
All in all, a really good read that has me wanting to go back and read books 3-6. I also look forward to book 8 in this series.
I listened to the audiobook version of Nantucket News which was narrated by Leslie Howard who gives a great performance. Her voice is clear and crisp, and her tone is very pleasing to listen to. For those readers who enjoy audiobooks, I would not hesitate to choose this format of the book.
When I first read the publisher’s notes for this novel, I expected Bethany “Lu” to be a twenty-something woman chasing a celebrity. But in actuality, Lu is in her forties. There has been a significant loss in her life decades before, which has left an impact on her ability to maintain relationships with others. The only exception to this seems to be her best friends Dawn and Tru whose she’s known since childhood. The book is told from the dual narrative of Lu and Tru.
Lu’s character is well developed, likeable and very interesting. As an up-and-coming artist, she’s received partnership offers that can be lucrative. But this comes with conditions that Lu may not be willing to compromise on. Her relationship with Tru is based on a long-lasting friendship but is beginning to feel like something more.
I loved Tru’s character. He is a few years younger than Lu but wants their relationship to be more than just friends. He’s also concerned that if he acts on this that the relationship they currently have will be jeopardized.
When the two travel together to chase Lu’s dream of meeting Keanu Reeves, what results in a hilarious road trip full of adventure and sexual tension. But there is more to this adventure than I expected. The road trip was also an opportunity to heal the past and to move forward.
Lu’s character is well developed, likeable and very interesting. As an up-and-coming artist, she’s received partnership offers that can be lucrative. But this comes with conditions that Lu may not be willing to compromise on. Her relationship with Tru is based on a long-lasting friendship but is beginning to feel like something more.
I loved Tru’s character. He is a few years younger than Lu but wants their relationship to be more than just friends. He’s also concerned that if he acts on this that the relationship they currently have will be jeopardized.
When the two travel together to chase Lu’s dream of meeting Keanu Reeves, what results in a hilarious road trip full of adventure and sexual tension. But there is more to this adventure than I expected. The road trip was also an opportunity to heal the past and to move forward.
This is such a lovely read. The book presents like a diary of sorts from the time Stanley was a young boy to 2021. The book begins with the author discussing his life as an Italian American boy in New York 1960s. The family was large and the food budget was stretched but the way the food was cooked, full of flavour and unrushed, more than satisfied the family. The importance of the social aspect of the family meal is highlighted.
The author also takes us on a journey of his career with a spotlight on standout meals he’s had while filming. Presented as someone with a key interest in what he is tasting (rather than just filling a void) his memories of meals shared with celebrities and friends are vivid, and mouth-watering.
In more recent years, the author was diagnosed with cancer at the base of his tongue for which he underwent intensive radiation and chemotherapy. He discusses this through the lens of how it impacted his life and relationship to food. Thankfully, he is now cancer-free and has an even greater appreciation for the joy of eating and cooking.
The author discusses his relationships with his late wife Kate and his current wife Felicity and what each has taught him about food. One of my favourite parts of the book is his discussion on the impact of Tucci and his family during the early months of the pandemic living in London.
The book is written with the same charismatic, easygoing style that I experienced watching the documentary series. There are moments of humour, reflection and gratitude. Simply said, this is a beautiful book that is perfect for the foodie in your life.
Only Stanley Tucci could record this book and give it the passion and humour it so deserves. I would highly recommend this version of the book to those of you who enjoy this format.
The author also takes us on a journey of his career with a spotlight on standout meals he’s had while filming. Presented as someone with a key interest in what he is tasting (rather than just filling a void) his memories of meals shared with celebrities and friends are vivid, and mouth-watering.
In more recent years, the author was diagnosed with cancer at the base of his tongue for which he underwent intensive radiation and chemotherapy. He discusses this through the lens of how it impacted his life and relationship to food. Thankfully, he is now cancer-free and has an even greater appreciation for the joy of eating and cooking.
The author discusses his relationships with his late wife Kate and his current wife Felicity and what each has taught him about food. One of my favourite parts of the book is his discussion on the impact of Tucci and his family during the early months of the pandemic living in London.
The book is written with the same charismatic, easygoing style that I experienced watching the documentary series. There are moments of humour, reflection and gratitude. Simply said, this is a beautiful book that is perfect for the foodie in your life.
Only Stanley Tucci could record this book and give it the passion and humour it so deserves. I would highly recommend this version of the book to those of you who enjoy this format.
I enjoyed this book. Jasmine is a twenty-something woman living and working with her parents. She’s completed college but feels she is unmarketable and lacks the confidence to seek out opportunities. As a result, she works every day in her parents’ donut shop and feels her life is in a rut.
That is until she begins dating Alex Lai - the man she had a huge crush on while in college. There’s lots of banter and sparks between the two until a family dinner seems to ruin it all. Without giving anything away, not having your parent’s approval of who you’re dating impacts a new relationship.
The story will be relatable to many. The characters were interesting and a little quirky. The story flowed easily and was a quick read. The challenge of needing parents’ approval was a theme in this book. It was easy to see the inner conflict that this first generation born in a new country experiences.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Donut Trap which was performed by Natalie Naudus. Her voice is sweet, articulate and easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend this format to those that enjoy audiobooks. Thank you to HarperAudio for the early copy of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
That is until she begins dating Alex Lai - the man she had a huge crush on while in college. There’s lots of banter and sparks between the two until a family dinner seems to ruin it all. Without giving anything away, not having your parent’s approval of who you’re dating impacts a new relationship.
The story will be relatable to many. The characters were interesting and a little quirky. The story flowed easily and was a quick read. The challenge of needing parents’ approval was a theme in this book. It was easy to see the inner conflict that this first generation born in a new country experiences.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Donut Trap which was performed by Natalie Naudus. Her voice is sweet, articulate and easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend this format to those that enjoy audiobooks. Thank you to HarperAudio for the early copy of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
4.5 stars.
I appreciate books that feature a strong female protagonist and Annie Sharpe is just that. She takes a big chance in moving to Willow Bay to become the winter guardian of a historic home, but knows this is the right decision as soon as she sees it.
I felt I really got to know Annie and found her to be likeable and relatable. She shows ingenuity and creativity throughout the book, but it is is her compassion that really stood of for me. Her willingness to support and care for others in the community was really a highlight for me.
There are some very interesting characters in this book including Annie’s book club members who provided hilarious non-bookish discussion. It is through this group that Annie decides to open the house’s tea room. Not only does she make a bit of money but she also finds a deeper connection to the community. As the book progresses and she learns more about the community, she begins opening the tea room for several traditional celebrations.
Based on the title, I was expecting a second chance romance novel. While Annie does find herself caught up in a romance, this is not the basis for this novel. If you’re looking for a charming autumn and holiday story to read this season that celebrates taking chances, this is one I’m happy to recommend.
I listened to the audiobook version of A Season for Second Chances which was narrated by Ell Potter. I appreciated her clarity, tone and lovely accent which made this performance a joy to listen to.
I appreciate books that feature a strong female protagonist and Annie Sharpe is just that. She takes a big chance in moving to Willow Bay to become the winter guardian of a historic home, but knows this is the right decision as soon as she sees it.
I felt I really got to know Annie and found her to be likeable and relatable. She shows ingenuity and creativity throughout the book, but it is is her compassion that really stood of for me. Her willingness to support and care for others in the community was really a highlight for me.
There are some very interesting characters in this book including Annie’s book club members who provided hilarious non-bookish discussion. It is through this group that Annie decides to open the house’s tea room. Not only does she make a bit of money but she also finds a deeper connection to the community. As the book progresses and she learns more about the community, she begins opening the tea room for several traditional celebrations.
Based on the title, I was expecting a second chance romance novel. While Annie does find herself caught up in a romance, this is not the basis for this novel. If you’re looking for a charming autumn and holiday story to read this season that celebrates taking chances, this is one I’m happy to recommend.
I listened to the audiobook version of A Season for Second Chances which was narrated by Ell Potter. I appreciated her clarity, tone and lovely accent which made this performance a joy to listen to.
Minnie Cooper,(yes her name was the subject of many jokes), was born on New Year’s Day 1990. While most people love to celebrate ringing in the new year, Minnie has always found that disaster has struck her as the clock strikes midnight. Her thirtieth birthday is no exception. Locked in a bathroom while at a New Year’s Eve party for hours is just one example of bad luck on her birthday. It was, however, a stroke of luck when she is rescued (after several hours have you) by Quinn Hamilton. The same Quinn whose mother Tara stole the name Quinn which had already chosen for Minnie by her mother Connie. Tara and Connie had both been in labour that New Year’s eve in 1989 which resulted in Quinn being born one minute before Minnie, winning the title of the first New Year’s baby of the decade and substantial prize money along the way. Connie was devastated by this fact and has always carried this disappointment with her - instilling and perpetuating in Minnie the belief that Minnie’s birthday was always filled with bad luck.
When Quinn and Minnie meet that fateful New Year’s Day in 1990, they soon realize who each other is based on the stories told by their mothers. The stories are told very differently from the perspective of their mothers. The two develop a friendship over time, bumping into each other from time to time, but it is clear that the two have led completely different lives influenced by living in very different families. When their lives intercept in more ways than one, they begin to see that perhaps they have more in common than what they originally believed.
I really enjoyed this book which has many romantic comedy moments. I adored the banter between Minnie and Quinn. Not only does Minnie’s “bad luck” get her into all kinds of humourous situations, but she has a group of friends/coworkers that are absolutely hilarious. One of my favourite moments in the book is the highly orchestrated marriage proposal between two of Minnie’s friends. The characters are very likeable, and well developed. I loved how both Minnie and Quinn evolve over the years. Mental health issues are discussed with sensitivity and compassion. I appreciated the supportive relationship between Connie and Tara. The book is highly engaging and one I had a hard time putting down.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Hannah Arterton. I thoroughly enjoyed her voice which I found to be pleasing to listen to and easy to understand. I listened to the book at 1.15x ( a little slower than my usual 1.25x). I would not hesitate to choose this version of the book for those that enjoy audiobooks.
When Quinn and Minnie meet that fateful New Year’s Day in 1990, they soon realize who each other is based on the stories told by their mothers. The stories are told very differently from the perspective of their mothers. The two develop a friendship over time, bumping into each other from time to time, but it is clear that the two have led completely different lives influenced by living in very different families. When their lives intercept in more ways than one, they begin to see that perhaps they have more in common than what they originally believed.
I really enjoyed this book which has many romantic comedy moments. I adored the banter between Minnie and Quinn. Not only does Minnie’s “bad luck” get her into all kinds of humourous situations, but she has a group of friends/coworkers that are absolutely hilarious. One of my favourite moments in the book is the highly orchestrated marriage proposal between two of Minnie’s friends. The characters are very likeable, and well developed. I loved how both Minnie and Quinn evolve over the years. Mental health issues are discussed with sensitivity and compassion. I appreciated the supportive relationship between Connie and Tara. The book is highly engaging and one I had a hard time putting down.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Hannah Arterton. I thoroughly enjoyed her voice which I found to be pleasing to listen to and easy to understand. I listened to the book at 1.15x ( a little slower than my usual 1.25x). I would not hesitate to choose this version of the book for those that enjoy audiobooks.
