emileereadsbooks's reviews
1113 reviews

Dropping the Ball by Melanie Jacobson

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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

The word pictures painted in this book will transport you to pass out Halloween candy, walk in an extravagant art instillation, get stuck in an elevator, and much more. Every detail is so vivid, but not overplayed. The chemistry between Kaitlyn and Micah is so real and their competitive nature was very relatable. I loved the multifaceted nature of their interactions. From witty banter to vulnerable discussions, their healthy and boundaried communication was fantastic.

Spanning from September through December and encompassing Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, you will find all the sweet holiday goodness you desire here. 

Thanks to the author for the gifted title. All opinions are my own. 
The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

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emotional funny inspiring 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

4.75

Eeeeeeeh! I wanted to squeal like a schoolgirl on a plane reading this one. It is so cute! And although there is a great romance here, this is also more about identity, personal growth, and living out your purpose. The funny conversations with characters learning English peppered throughout we're just the sprinkles on top of a perfectly iced cupcake. This book was a delight. 

Content Note: Parental death (past)

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for the gifted title. All opinions are my own. 
Christmas With a Crank by Courtney Walsh

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

If Courtney Walsh is writing it, I am going to read it. And this book just adds to my defense of why. It is like a Hallmark movie, but with depth and chemistry.

Both main characters have experienced their life plans taking big detours from what they dreamed, and together they realize that life is what you make of your failures and how you use them to inform how you move forward. I loved the undercurrent of hope found in this story paired with the really sweet romance.

Thanks to the author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
The Sherlock Society by James Ponti

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adventurous emotional funny informative mysterious 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

James Ponti does it again! A fast paced and smart adventure led by some middle grade kids accompanied by responsible adults. I love that these kids had help from an adult every step of the way! 

Atmosphere and chemistry are two things Ponti nails. I felt the humid sweaty surroundings of South Florida and the comradery of this middle school group and their elderly enabler. Plus, the lessons they learn throughout about journalism and writing a complete story will be great knowledge for middle grade readers to ingest. 

We are set up so perfectly for the next book and I cannot wait to see what comes next for this gang! 
 
Thanks to Simon Audio for the gifted title. All opinions are my own.

Perfectly Wedded by Grace Worthington

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4.25

The marriage of convenience trope has to strike a balance to come across as realistic while also being enjoyable to read, and this one did it well. The magnetism between Sloan and Vale was palpable and their banter and the way they end up working as teammate in their marriage before admitting to love was so good. 

This book is technically the first in a series, but you would benefit from reading The Roommate Renovation first to get this character's backstories.

Thanks to the author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

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5.0

I doubted the hype, but I shouldn't have. This book is a DELIGHT. It is voicy, it is funny, it has a perspective that feels fresh. I loved every minute. Plus, it has a beautiful message to Christians that truly letting people experience Jesus and the story of his miraculous birth is life changing. And you don't need to be a cleaned up, prim and proper church goer to engage in faith. I can't wait to read this as a family read-aloud in a few years. 
Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm

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3.0

I needed to read a middle grade book set in this time period for something I'm working on and I thought a Newbery Award winner would fit the bill. But after reading this book and reflecting on the other winners I have read, I can say I don't think Newbery books fit into my wheelhouse. 

I know part of the whole plot of this book is that May Amelia needs parental guidance, but I was so tired of her behavior and fed up with the hands off approach her parents seems to have taken. She needed discipline and someone to take a more prominent role in her upbringing while still caring for her emotionally. Then she had a tragedy that further derailed everything. Maybe if I had read this as a middle grader it would have appealed to me, but as an adult who reads middle grade frequently and loves it, this missed the mark for me. 
Christmas Is All Around by Martha Waters

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3.0

Yet another entertaining, but completely forgettable holiday read. It had an interesting enough premise, but the main character's dislikes overshadowed any other inkling of personality she may have had. I just could not get invested in wanting her to get a happily ever after. Worth finishing, but I think there are better options for Christmas reads out there for you.

Content Note: 1 open door scene

Thanks to Simon Audio and Atria for the gifted title. All opinions are my own. 
Deep Roots, Good Fruit: Seeing the Fruit of the Spirit through Story & Scripture by Kristin Elizabeth Couch

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4.5

A straightforward and yet still beautiful look at the fruits of the Spirit in scripture. But more than that, this book has encouraging and tangible examples of people living out these gifts in their lives. I loved sitting with each fruit and pondering how the Lord has manifested them in my life and in the lives of people around me.

Thank you to The Good Book Company for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly

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4.5

A story about two kinds of flocks, human and aviary. About the importance of conservation and the importance of nurturing our human relationships. 

I love how passionate Nina is about birds and how she finds a group of friends who let her be herself, but also call her to being a better person. 

A great lesson can be learned here about being aware of the world around us and how even our focused small efforts can have an impact on our planet at large.

I like to note when middle graders behave badly and how they are punished. I do feel like there was a good balance here of the girls doing what they think is right and having a healthy fear of punishment and then having to deal with some consequences once they are eventually caught. 

Thanks to Delacorte Press, Random House Kids for the gifted title. All opinions are my own.