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celeste_velocci's reviews
483 reviews
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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
3.0
This was meh! I can see why the reviews are all over the place. I really loved the first half but around the halfway mark it kind of lost me. There were too many things to keep up with and I usually am really good at figuring things out and with this I was half right so I do enjoy being stumped but I was overall just kind of like huh??? at the end …I read online after finishing and hearing from other readers it makes a bit more sense now. Proceed with caution with this one it’s not a must read but if you read it there’s a chance you’ll either really love it or kind of land where I did on “meh”.
The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store by Cait Flanders
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
This was just what I needed in this season of my life. I throughly enjoyed and learned a lot from listening to this audiobook. It inspired me to take inventory of my life not just material things but really by diving deep and figuring out what matters and what does not.
There were many helpful lifestyle changing tips in this book and it was inspiring to hear from the author. I definitely recommend this for anyone who is seeking change in their life and I think it’s the perfect book to read towards the end of the year in preparation for a new one ahead!
There were many helpful lifestyle changing tips in this book and it was inspiring to hear from the author. I definitely recommend this for anyone who is seeking change in their life and I think it’s the perfect book to read towards the end of the year in preparation for a new one ahead!
Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was fine! I enjoy a holiday / winter thriller so this was a good one to kick off the season with. I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I wanted to so I feel like that kind of stunted my reading experience but overall it wasn’t bad by any means. This one was pretty middle of the road for me.
Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews
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? No
Too short to rate but super cute for the beginning of the holiday season. I enjoyed listening to this one while trying to relax on this Sunday. It was lighthearted , cute , and just what I needed.
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Molly the maid just makes my heart so happy. I love these cozy mysteries so much and the main character. The first book was a five star read for me and this was not but I still enjoyed it nonetheless!
As someone who is incredibly close to her grandmother I find such similarities in the main character Molly and I. When she describes her relationship with her grandmother I totally can relate and understand that bond so profoundly. I can’t wait to continue this series!
I enjoyed the flashback moments so we can see more of life with her grandmother and she came to be the woman she is today.
As someone who is incredibly close to her grandmother I find such similarities in the main character Molly and I. When she describes her relationship with her grandmother I totally can relate and understand that bond so profoundly. I can’t wait to continue this series!
I enjoyed the flashback moments so we can see more of life with her grandmother and she came to be the woman she is today.
The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
This was a solid story. It was pretty predictable but packed an emotional punch. This is a good mix of romantic suspense.
When a young widow begins dating again she doesn’t realize that not everyone in this world is who they say they are. With her late husband in her heart and his final gift to her - a Great Dane used to be her guardian to protect her throughout her life - she tackles life’s ups and downs through grief and hopefully finding love again after all. A love between a dog and its human is like no other bond in this life.
When a young widow begins dating again she doesn’t realize that not everyone in this world is who they say they are. With her late husband in her heart and his final gift to her - a Great Dane used to be her guardian to protect her throughout her life - she tackles life’s ups and downs through grief and hopefully finding love again after all. A love between a dog and its human is like no other bond in this life.
What the Nanny Saw by Kaira Rouda
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
Thank you so much Booktouture for the early release copy of What the Nanny Saw by Kiara Rouda. This was my first book by this author but definitely won’t be my last! I enjoyed this popcorn thriller and read it in about a day.
The plot was intriguing as were the characters and kept me guessing for a while. I did figure out the final twist but even though I figured it out I still enjoyed the build up to the big reveal.
Unreliable narrators , unhinged female characters , revenge , and deception are some of my favorite themes and trope in a thriller and this one had them all!
This book releases November 13th definitely add it to your tbr!
The plot was intriguing as were the characters and kept me guessing for a while. I did figure out the final twist but even though I figured it out I still enjoyed the build up to the big reveal.
Unreliable narrators , unhinged female characters , revenge , and deception are some of my favorite themes and trope in a thriller and this one had them all!
This book releases November 13th definitely add it to your tbr!
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
What an incredible read. My book club chose this book for our October book and I’m so glad. This story was so real and raw and depicted life , grief , trauma , love , sisterhood , and just so so much more so beautifully.
The characters were so well written. The plot was fantastic. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while. Hug your siblings.
When a book evokes emotion and truly makes you feel what the characters are feeling that is a book I’ll always recommend. I loved it.
The characters were so well written. The plot was fantastic. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while. Hug your siblings.
When a book evokes emotion and truly makes you feel what the characters are feeling that is a book I’ll always recommend. I loved it.
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
mysterious
fast-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 am not really sure what went on here lol
I listened on audio and seemed like I couldn’t keep focused. My favorite part was the bar lingo I always enjoy a bartenders point of view after being one for 10+ years.
I listened on audio and seemed like I couldn’t keep focused. My favorite part was the bar lingo I always enjoy a bartenders point of view after being one for 10+ years.
The Christmas Morning Massacre by Nasser Rabadi
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? No
3.0
A solid slasher read for Halloween and to get you ready for the holiday season! This was pretty predictable but was a solid horror and fast paced read.