vinylsandvino's reviews
74 reviews

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy

adventurous hopeful medium-paced

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

2.75

Actually Invisible by Elisa Greb

emotional hopeful sad 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 beautiful, inspirational story of a teacher just being a good teacher- and the dangers that can come along with that simple act.  Josie keeps her private life out of her classroom, but it is known that she is married to a woman.  Bigotry, hatred, and fear flip her world upside down when she is accused of being inappropriate with a student.  
As a fellow English teacher and an ally, this story struck a chord in my heart.  Beautifully written! 

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-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

Adorable read.  Enjoyed characters, witty banter, and small-town charm.  

The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson

challenging dark funny informative medium-paced

Big Little Spells by Hazel Beck

emotional funny mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

3.5

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny 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

Loved, loved, loved.  Sad to see the Part of Your World Series end.  I love the characters and storylines Jimenez created, as well as the way they all intermingle with each other.  A great love story that also gets deep into emotional issues and family trauma.  Loved this read.  

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

challenging hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

I was hesitant, because the idea seemed so absurd- but man, did this book deliver.  The idea of mutation was handled in a way that made it seem reasonable in this version of our world.  This was beautiful, raw, and heartbreaking in the best way.  
Didn’t expect a shift in our character focus, but was grateful for it in the end.  All in all, a perfect story told with beautiful prose.