chaptersofchase's reviews
1045 reviews

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

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slow-paced

5.0

Book Five


Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 11.6.2001
Pages: 1443
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

"When the day shall come that we do part," he said softly and turned to look at me, "if my last words are not 'I love you'—you'll ken it was because I did have time."

Just when I think that I'll never make it through this series, I read another book and am sucked right back into the story. 

I think that The Fiery Cross may be my new favorite in the series. There was so much packed into this story (as there should be since it's almost 1500 pages), but there was just something about this specific book that seemed to hit differently than all of the others. I feel like we were given a deeper glimpse into the innermost thoughts of all the characters, which made me appreciate their individual stories even more. 

Now to tackle book six, A Breath of Snow and Ashes!





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Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

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reflective slow-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

✨F I V E ✨S T A R S✨ 
Thank you, Crown Publishing, for the gifted copy of Here One Moment {partner} 
 
Genre: Fiction 
Format: 📖 
Pub Date: 9.10.2024 
Pages: 512 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
 
This book. I was hesitant and skeptical because Liane Moriarty's books are often heavily character-driven and frequently include a lot of internal dialogue (which I must be in the mood for). But once I started, I didn't want it to end. 
 
How can I feel that way after reading a book that's 512 pages long? Because I became so invested in every character's life—their happiness, livelihood, families, and futures. I felt like I knew them better than most of my friends, and I was not ready to let them go. I wanted to follow each one for always. 
 
I cried. I cried so much, especially for the main character—our mysterious Death Lady. I loved getting to hear her life story and what brought her to that fateful trip that changed the characters' lives. My heart broke for her, and I still feel that sadness in my heart when I think back to her and her life. The whole book put so much in perspective for me and really had me thinking about the fragility of life and how we can be here one moment… 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
🗣️ Multiple POV 
🫶🏼 Heartfelt reads 
🐌 Slow burn 
📖 Long chapters 
😍 Character-driven stories 
 
I recommend reading Here One Moment if you enjoyed reading The Measure by Nikki Erick. 

 
 
______ 
 
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The Wedding People by Alison Espach

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dark funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Wedding People 🍾 
Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for the gifted copy of The Wedding People {partner} 
 
Genre: Fiction 
Format: 📖 
Pub Date: 7.30.2024 
Pages:384 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 
 
“Nobody was ever really watching except Phoebe; Phoebe was the only person ever waiting in the dark to condemn herself to every single thing when the day was over.” 
 
Honestly, I almost DNF The Wedding People — the first 2 hours were so depressing that I could feel it affecting my mood. And yet, I hadn’t seen a warning about it before starting the audio, which made it even more unsettling. So, not to ruin the plot, but I think it should be shared that within those first 2 hours, the FMC describes infertility, IVF, miscarriage, infidelity, divorce, loneliness due to Covid, the death of her cat and finally, she decides that she wants to end her life at a hotel she’s always dreamed of going to. Needless to say, that first little bit of the book was hard to listen to because I felt so much compassion for Phoebe. 
 
Ultimately, the story progressed towards a lighter/happier note, ending with a HEA for Phoebe. It encompassed one of my favorite tropes, found family, and highlighted that just one person can make a difference in someone else’s life. I cheered our FMC on as she realized how important her life was and that she still had to hold on because the best was coming her way. 
 
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
The Wedding People was narrated by the always-talented Helen Laser (who has also narrated Yellowface, Husbands & Lovers, and Crow Talk). Laser’s attention to the smallest details of the story probably added to the heaviness of those first two hours, as her narration was that of a woman feeling completely lost in a world that kept passing her by. But Laser’s narration became happier and lighter as Phoebe found her true self again. 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
🗣️ Single narrator 
🫶🏼 Quirky, flawed characters 
🧠 Mental health rep 
🖤 Dark Humor 
👰🏽‍♀️ Wedding week chaos 
 
‼️ Trigger warnings: please see above for possible triggers 
 
I recommend reading Wedding People if you feel you’re in the right headspace. As mentioned, the book does take on a lighter note as it progresses.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of harm, please contact the Crisis Helpline at 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. 🤍 

--

 
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Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino

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funny inspiring slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Another gem from Sara Goodman Confino!
Thank you, Lake Union Publishing, for the gifted copy of Behind Every Good Man {partner} 
 
Genre: Fiction 
Trope: Historical 
Format: 📖 
Pub Date: 8.6.2024 
Pages: 349 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5 
 
"He told us to look at ourselves in the mirror every single morning and ask ourselves what we were going to do to make the world better that day." 
 
Last year, I read (and loved) Don't Forget to Write by Confino. So I was thrilled to have a chance to read her newest novel, Behind Every Good Man. 
 
Similar to her last novel, Conino created a tapestry of strong-willed women trying to find their voice in a world that constantly wants them to stay quiet at home. To drive the novel's plot, Confino added just the right amount of historical context throughout, bringing all the characters to life. It served as a reminder that the 1960s were not that long ago and that the women before us fought hard for their right to have their voices heard.  
 
As for the characters, I loved the MC, Beverly Diamond; she was a force to be reckoned with and wasn't afraid to stand her ground against her (soon-to-be) ex-husband. But there is also something to say for the cast of supporting characters written into the story as they helped to bring everything to life.  I would love to have a chance to meet them again in Confino's next novel. After all, we did have an opportunity to revisit some of the characters in Don't Forget to Write 😉 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
👀 Behind the scenes of running a campaign 
🗓️ 1960'S DC settings 
✡️ Jewish representation 
💪🏼 Stories about female empowerment 
📖 Historical moments mixed into fiction 
 
I recommend reading Behind Every Good Man if you're looking for an empowering book this year. 
 
-

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The Paris Widow by Kimberly Belle

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

Looking for a book to binge-read this summer? Add this to your reading list 👇🏼 
Thank you, Park Row Books, for the gifted copy of The Paris Widow {partner} 
 
Genre: Mystery 
Format: 📖 
Pub Date: 6.11.2024 
Pages: 304 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
 
“He doesn’t know about the part of me that is more like him than I care to admit because I never told him, just like he never told me about the other versions of him.” 
 
After a friend recommended The Paris Widow, I added it to my pool bag to read a few chapters while spending time in the sun. The next thing I knew, it was 7 pm, and I’d just finished the book. I can’t remember the last time I read a book in one sitting, but I couldn’t put it down. It was thoroughly addicting. 
 
Kimberly Belle has crafted the perfect thrill ride, full of international intrigue, twists, and tense moments that kept me hooked from the very first chapter until the very last page. It was perfectly paced with short chapters, Dual POV, and characters I enjoyed following. I simply couldn’t get enough. Sure, it was over the top in places, but it was SO good! 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
📜 Rare antiques 
✈️ International setting 
📖 Short chapters 
🐭 Cat & Mouse games 
✌🏼 Dual POV 
 
I recommend reading The Paris Widow if you enjoyed reading The Last Thing He Told Me or Two Nights in Lisbon. 
 
 
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The Unraveling by Vi Keeland

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dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

I always love a good psychological suspense 😱 
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Unraveling by Vi Keeland {partner} 
 
Genre: Mystery 
Trope: Psychological Suspense 
Format: 📖 
Pub Date: 7.9.2024 
Pages: 291
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 
 
“Regret is like an anchor that wraps around the heart and weighs it down, keeping it from sailing free.” 
 
I was in a bit of a reading rut. I needed something to keep me entertained during my long holiday weekend, so I picked up The Unraveling. I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I’d seen reviews describing it as ‘dark,’ ‘suspenseful,’ ‘eerie,’ and ‘steamy.’ Say what?? Usually, the books I read don’t combine these superlatives, but The Unraveling absolutely did. 
 
With the enticing plot and short chapters, I was frantically turning the pages to discover what was happening. While I did predict parts of the ending—particularly that last bit—it was still pleasantly unnerving, and I’ll definitely be reading more from Vi Keeland in the future. 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
👏🏼 Dark & Addicting 
🖤 Forbidden Atraction 
💨 Fast-Paced 
🥵 Steamy Reads 
 
If you have your afternoon free, I recommend reading The Unraveling because once you start, you won’t be able to stop. 

 
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Pearce Oysters by Joselyn Takacs

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emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

Here's a debut novel to add to your reading list! ✨ 
Thank you, Zibby Books & Libro.FM, for the gifted copies of Pearce Oysters {partner} 
 
Genre: Fiction 
Trope: Family Saga 
Format: 🎧 
Pub Date: 6.25.2024 
Pages: 368 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 
 
"A family drama set along the Louisiana coastline during the 2010 BP Oil Spill, Pearce Oysters follows a third-generation oyster farmer whose business, family, and livelihood are on the brink of collapse." 
 
Joselyn Takacs did an outstanding job with her debut novel, Pearce Oysters. There was something authentic about all the book's characters—by the end, I felt like they were all family members. It wasn't an especially "quick" or "entertaining" read, but it made me feel something and that is one of the best things a book can do. 
 
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
Pearce Oysters is told from the perspective of an omniscient narrator, and the book itself is narrated by Xavier Casals. There was something almost hypnotic about Casals' voice, and it kept me completely immersed in the storyline. He really brought all the emotions of the characters to the forefront of the story and, therefore, brought the story itself to life. 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
😅 Family Dynamics 
🌎 Environmental Stewardship 
👏🏼 Realistic characters 
📖 Fiction based on actual events 
🤩 Debut novels 
📍 New Orleans settings 
 
I recommend reading Pearce Oysters if you enjoyed reading Migrations or Once There Were Wolves. 

 
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The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No

3.0

This one is a bookstagram made me do it book.

Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Star Rating: ☆☆☆

And I'm really mad that I did. There were so many things to not like about this book and it's likely entirely my fault because I hyped it up SO much due to the glowing reviews. I am definitely an outlier so take my review with a grain of salt, but I couldn't find much to enjoy about The Perfect Marriage. I predicted the ending fairly quickly and I honestly felt like all the characters deserved way worse than they got.



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House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen

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slow-paced

3.0

Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for the gifted copy of House of Glass {partner} 
 
Genre: Mystery 
Format: 🎧 
Pub Date: 8.6.2024 
Pages: 352 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆ 
 
Oh, y'all, I wanted to love this book, but it was not easy to get through. Between the over-the-top plot, unlikeable characters, and over-dramatized moments, I was afraid my eyes would get stuck from all the eye-rolling that I did. It was not necessarily the author's writing but the story itself that bothered me so much. Too many things were at play, ultimately making it difficult to follow along. 
 
But because I can't leave an entirely negative review, I will say that there were aspects of the story that I enjoyed, and while I did guess the ending fairly quickly, it was interesting to see the path that the author took us to get there. 
 
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆ 
House of Glass was narrated by Laura Benanti (who has also narrated one of my favorites, Drowning by TJ Newman). Benanti did a great job of keeping the story moving forward and adding just the right air of mystery to keep me listening. 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
Slow burn mysteries 
Menacing atmospheres 
Unlikable characters 
 
I recommend reading Gone Tonight if you're looking for a book by Sara Pekkanen to read! 
 
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A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

You can never go wrong with Heather Webber + Magical Realism ✨ 
Thank you, Forge Books & Macmillan Audio, for the gifted copy of A Certain Kind of Starlight {partner} 
 
Genre: Magical Realism 
Format: 📖 
Pub Date: 7.23.2024 
Pages: 320 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5 
 
I look forward to Heather Webber’s books every summer and have read everything she’s written since Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe. Her stories are always heartwarming and full of lessons on caring for those around you, even if they aren’t your blood relatives. And, for me, something about the found family plot gets me every time. 
 
Typically, Webber’s books are full of magical realism, and while A Certain Kind of Starlight is magical, it isn’t overpowering. So, for those on the fence about this particular genre, this may be the one to check out! 
 
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis narrate A Certain Kind of Starlight. I love that this duo has narrated all but one of Heather Webber’s books, and I love that they have been on this journey with her. Ricardo and Willis fully embrace the characters they are narrating and have a way of capturing your attention and calming your mind while listening. 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
🤫 Small town secrets 
🥰 Found family 
🔀bTangled relationships 
🤍 Southern fiction 
 
I recommend reading A Certain Kind of Starlight if you’re looking for a reminder that there’s still a little magic left in the world. 
 
 
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