the_bookish_brew's reviews
39 reviews

Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

emotional funny inspiring sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Such an eye opener and an indepth look. Truly enjoyed this from start to finish. Anne Frank was not only wise beyond her years but funny too! Her positivity and outlook on life until the very end was so inspiring. 
This is definitely a must read for everyone. It makes you appreciate life so much more.  

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

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

5.0

This story is everything you'd expect from Nicholas Sparks: equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching, with the perfect love story woven through. I was particularly moved by the strong faith-based elements that added depth and meaning to the characters' journey. It's a pity the movie adaptation leaves out so many of the poignant details that made the book truly unforgettable. A beautiful, emotional read that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

I picked up The Housemaid after seeing all the raving reviews, but I was honestly left disappointed. The plot twist was predictable—I caught on within the first few chapters—which dampened the suspense for me. The trope of the seemingly innocent maid with ulterior motives didn’t land well either; it felt forced and gave me the ick, even with the somewhat bland backstory provided.

The one redeeming aspect was the hint that this character's actions might become a recurring theme in future installments, but I won’t be rushing to continue the series anytime soon. I had high hopes for an intense, gripping psychological thriller, but unfortunately, this one fell short for me.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.5

Your typical run-of-the-mill love story with a PhD twist, The Love Hypothesis delivers everything you'd expect from a classic romance. While it’s not my usual choice of read, I found myself enjoying it more than I anticipated. It’s cute, funny, and delightfully soppy—a lighthearted, feel-good romance that left me smiling.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I picked this up desperately needing a happy ending after The Last Letter 💔, and it completely surprised me😁. I haven't picked up a romance novel since I was 19, but this reminded me why I fell in love with reading.😍

The story is beautifully written, and captivating from the start. The characters are raw and complex, and it has that giddy charm of a romance while balancing humor, plot twists, and just the right amount of spice. Best of all, it brings a little positivity and light to the world—something we could all use more of.

A truly enjoyable read that had me laughing out loud. 

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros

emotional 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 expected to cry... but I didn’t expect to leave a piece of my soul in Telluride. Just writing this 

Ugh! I need my bed and a fluffy pillow! 😭 This is going to take time to process

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

adventurous 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? Yes

5.0

A good book makes you feel like you’re falling into its pages, and Quicksilver does exactly that. The story, the world-building, the characters — so uniquely and masterfully crafted. I especially loved her brilliant and masterful use of vocabulary.
 

This book hooked me from the start, with twists I didn’t see coming, wicked humor and a slow-burn romance that had me both screaming and swooning. It was impossible to put down, and the spice? Phew. Worth every deliciously tortured moment. Quicksilver is unforgettable, and I loved every second of it!

In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

This had me grinning like a fool— my cheeks may never recover. But just when I was cozy in the feels, that plot twist hit me like a rogue dodgeball. Rebecca, why do you do this to us? Equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching, this book proves Yarros is the queen of emotional whiplash. Excuse me while I ugly cry in the corner.