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375 reviews
The Lost Passenger: A Novel by Frances Quinn
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely devoured this book. This is one of the best historical dramas I have ever read, and I never wanted the story to end!
Our main character and narrator Elinor cannot stand her life being married to Frederick, heir to the Winterton estate. She does not like his family and just wants to be able to care for her own child. When the opportunity to sail on the maiden voyage of the Titanic comes up, Elinor takes it and joins her father, husband, and child aboard the ship. Things don't go as planned and she ends up assuming the identity of a deceased woman to make a new life for herself in New York.
Now that's just the bare bones storyline right there. So much more happens - the suspense that the author creates is stellar and really gives the story a life of its own.
I loved how strong of a character Elinor is. I loved that she was placed in difficult situations and handled them all with grace. She tried so hard to stick to her morals and make appropriate sacrifices for her and her child. Her willpower really stood out to me, and I wish I was as brave as her!
Now, if you're looking for a story based solely around the Titanic, you won't find that here as the Titanic really is just used as a means to get Elinor to America - but it's still present and I enjoyed it. (If you know me, you know I love learning about the Titanic - the historical event, not the movie.) Elinor's story before and after the Titanic is really what makes this book a standout.
If you're looking for a feel-good story that includes family drama and a strong female character willing to do anything to protect her child, you will love this book. I adored it, and I feel so inspired to follow my dreams now!
I absolutely devoured this book. This is one of the best historical dramas I have ever read, and I never wanted the story to end!
Our main character and narrator Elinor cannot stand her life being married to Frederick, heir to the Winterton estate. She does not like his family and just wants to be able to care for her own child. When the opportunity to sail on the maiden voyage of the Titanic comes up, Elinor takes it and joins her father, husband, and child aboard the ship. Things don't go as planned and she ends up assuming the identity of a deceased woman to make a new life for herself in New York.
Now that's just the bare bones storyline right there. So much more happens - the suspense that the author creates is stellar and really gives the story a life of its own.
I loved how strong of a character Elinor is. I loved that she was placed in difficult situations and handled them all with grace. She tried so hard to stick to her morals and make appropriate sacrifices for her and her child. Her willpower really stood out to me, and I wish I was as brave as her!
Now, if you're looking for a story based solely around the Titanic, you won't find that here as the Titanic really is just used as a means to get Elinor to America - but it's still present and I enjoyed it. (If you know me, you know I love learning about the Titanic - the historical event, not the movie.) Elinor's story before and after the Titanic is really what makes this book a standout.
If you're looking for a feel-good story that includes family drama and a strong female character willing to do anything to protect her child, you will love this book. I adored it, and I feel so inspired to follow my dreams now!
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I picked this one up due to the hype surrounding it and it was not what I was expecting. I've seen so many 5 star reviews for this book and I want to know what book everyone else was reading 😭
This book started like a cozy cute romance but that changed very quick. I was hoping the cozy cuteness would stay the entire time - I didn't realize how spicy this book would be. I don't mind spice, I read a lot of spicy books, but this threw me off because I haven't seen many reviews mention it!
I did like the small town setting. I liked that everyone knew each other. The town meeting reminded me of Stars Hallow.
The mystery of the strange noises and damage to the café was a little odd for a main plot point imo. I feel like it could've been done in a way that was slightly more mysterious and suspenseful so we could get that fall/Halloween element inside of a cozy romance novel. I did like that we got a cat out of it, though!
Overall, this book did have its cute moments. The relationship between the characters progressed nicely but was sometimes frustrating. The ending was satisfying.
Will I read the next book? I'm not sure yet. But if you enjoy cozy romance books with spice, you'd enjoy this one!
This book started like a cozy cute romance but that changed very quick. I was hoping the cozy cuteness would stay the entire time - I didn't realize how spicy this book would be. I don't mind spice, I read a lot of spicy books, but this threw me off because I haven't seen many reviews mention it!
I did like the small town setting. I liked that everyone knew each other. The town meeting reminded me of Stars Hallow.
The mystery of the strange noises and damage to the café was a little odd for a main plot point imo. I feel like it could've been done in a way that was slightly more mysterious and suspenseful so we could get that fall/Halloween element inside of a cozy romance novel. I did like that we got a cat out of it, though!
Overall, this book did have its cute moments. The relationship between the characters progressed nicely but was sometimes frustrating. The ending was satisfying.
Will I read the next book? I'm not sure yet. But if you enjoy cozy romance books with spice, you'd enjoy this one!
Stranded in the Snow by Noelle Adams
lighthearted
medium-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? No
3.0
The pacing of this book was a little odd. Once the main characters got together, it moved extremely fast, but before that it was a bit slow for my taste.
Olivia and Scott get stranded in a cabin in a snowstorm. They have a long, complicated relationship and seem to hate each other. You can guess what happens from here.
This book wasn't as spicy as Stranded on the Beach. It also didn't have as strong of a story between the main characters. Yes, I know Olivia and Scott aren't each other's biggest fans and it all stems from their school days, but I wish it was elaborated on further. And I do know this is a series of shorter stories, but I think if the time was taken to dive into more backstory, I would care more about the characters.
I thought the stranded in a cabin in a snowstorm was done well, and I do like the progression of Olivia and Scott's relationship. The ending could have been strong imo but it was satisfying.
Overall, decent romance story featuring enemies with only one bed. Do what you will with that information.
Olivia and Scott get stranded in a cabin in a snowstorm. They have a long, complicated relationship and seem to hate each other. You can guess what happens from here.
This book wasn't as spicy as Stranded on the Beach. It also didn't have as strong of a story between the main characters. Yes, I know Olivia and Scott aren't each other's biggest fans and it all stems from their school days, but I wish it was elaborated on further. And I do know this is a series of shorter stories, but I think if the time was taken to dive into more backstory, I would care more about the characters.
I thought the stranded in a cabin in a snowstorm was done well, and I do like the progression of Olivia and Scott's relationship. The ending could have been strong imo but it was satisfying.
Overall, decent romance story featuring enemies with only one bed. Do what you will with that information.
Stranded on the Beach by Noelle Adams
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a cute read!
I wasn't sure what to expect from this but it ended up being super spicy. 🥵
Our characters Rebecca and Phil have a second chance at their previous relationship after they run into each other when Rebecca is on a forced vacation thanks to her sister.
I wish we got to see more of Rebecca and Phil's backstory. They felt very surface level in terms of personality. They were kind of... bland, for lack of a better word. Their previous relationship and why they broke up was explained well, but I wanted to know more about them as people so I could care more about them.
I liked the whole concept of "closure" that our characters were trying to have so they could move on, but that "closure" just felt like a lot of s3x ☠️ Which good for them but also maybe talk about things that need to be resolved? Idk just a thought.
The ending was satisfying and this book had a lot of cute moments. If you're a fan of second chance romance and family feuds, you may enjoy this one!
I also really enjoyed the author's writing style, so I will be continuing this series.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this but it ended up being super spicy. 🥵
Our characters Rebecca and Phil have a second chance at their previous relationship after they run into each other when Rebecca is on a forced vacation thanks to her sister.
I wish we got to see more of Rebecca and Phil's backstory. They felt very surface level in terms of personality. They were kind of... bland, for lack of a better word. Their previous relationship and why they broke up was explained well, but I wanted to know more about them as people so I could care more about them.
I liked the whole concept of "closure" that our characters were trying to have so they could move on, but that "closure" just felt like a lot of s3x ☠️ Which good for them but also maybe talk about things that need to be resolved? Idk just a thought.
The ending was satisfying and this book had a lot of cute moments. If you're a fan of second chance romance and family feuds, you may enjoy this one!
I also really enjoyed the author's writing style, so I will be continuing this series.
The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
5.0
Thank you St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a super deep, super heavy read about a horrible part of WWII (and even pre-WWII): eugenics.
Going into this book, I knew nothing about Lebensborn or eugenics or anything of the sort. It is not something I was taught in history classes. It disturbed me to my core.
We have our main character Allina, who goes to live and work at Hochland Home (a lebensborn facility) after the most horrible thing happens to her. I loved Allina. She was the perfect main character for this story. She wanted to change the program and actually help these children and treat them like humans. She despised the n*zis and their leader. Yet she does something I didn't think she would do -she falls for an SS officer, Karl.
I'm always iffy on books that feature members of the n*zi party as main characters. Karl is an SS officer. He is written well. He's also very ambiguous and I couldn't tell if he liked or hated what he had to do. Turns outhe hated the eugenics program and everything to do with the state of Germany in this time period. Doesn't excuse his actions, though.
I didn't love everything about this book(like how our MMC is smuggling the Jewish people out of Germany but continuing to hide behind his SS uniform... which I know they had to do back then but this is historical *fiction*, it could've strayed from reality a liiiitle bit there) , but I did love how this story was told and how much emotion was behind it, which is why it still gets five stars. It also taught me something I knew nothing about.
Overall, super emotional read with underlying feelings of hope for a better future. This book also reminds us that sometimes the truth isn't pretty but it should always be spoken.
This was a super deep, super heavy read about a horrible part of WWII (and even pre-WWII): eugenics.
Going into this book, I knew nothing about Lebensborn or eugenics or anything of the sort. It is not something I was taught in history classes. It disturbed me to my core.
We have our main character Allina, who goes to live and work at Hochland Home (a lebensborn facility) after the most horrible thing happens to her. I loved Allina. She was the perfect main character for this story. She wanted to change the program and actually help these children and treat them like humans. She despised the n*zis and their leader. Yet she does something I didn't think she would do -
I'm always iffy on books that feature members of the n*zi party as main characters. Karl is an SS officer. He is written well. He's also very ambiguous and I couldn't tell if he liked or hated what he had to do. Turns out
I didn't love everything about this book
Overall, super emotional read with underlying feelings of hope for a better future. This book also reminds us that sometimes the truth isn't pretty but it should always be spoken.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Antisemitism
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
This one was just fine. It was cute and the characters were sweet but it didn't excite me like the rest of the novellas in this collection.
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was cute and I loved Luke and Evie, but now I'm left wanting more! I wish we got to know more of their backstory and see more of them together before the epilogue. Still sweet and spicy, though!
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This book gave off the best vibes! I loved the humor, the characters, and the writing. The magical birds are a bonus! Even if this book didn't have magical birds and just had ordinary birds, I would have still loved it.
I really liked how cleverly written this story was. The bit of how nobody can pronounce "ornithologist" was done so well.
Sometimes this book got a little wordy for me (I'm a dialogue lover) and I found my eyes glazing over. The story was still interesting, but I wasn't always gripped by it.
Overall, this was fantastic. Great dry humor, great layout, great characters. If you enjoy magical realism and love stories, you'll enjoy this one!
I really liked how cleverly written this story was. The bit of how nobody can pronounce "ornithologist" was done so well.
Sometimes this book got a little wordy for me (I'm a dialogue lover) and I found my eyes glazing over. The story was still interesting, but I wasn't always gripped by it.
Overall, this was fantastic. Great dry humor, great layout, great characters. If you enjoy magical realism and love stories, you'll enjoy this one!
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I need more of Marc and Jamie NOW.
This Cursed House by Del Sandeen
dark
emotional
mysterious
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 such a solid horror novel! I genuinely enjoyed so many things about this.
First off, loved the whole Jemma can talk to spirits/ghosts thing. It was truly chilling in the best way. Didn't love that she just assumed she'd be a tutor for the Duchon household - seems like an odd thing to assume. And she also didn't leave when she realized the family is off their rockers. I would've been out of there asap!
Second, the family curse plotline was done well. It was clear what the curse was and how it was implemented, but I still feel confused as to *how* Ines was able to legitimately curse the family.
Lastly, I really liked how Jemma took her duty at the Duchon household in stride. She was such a strong female character (although she did irk me sometimes because she had this habit of backtracking once she decided she was going to stand her ground). She knew what was just and unjust. She took matters into her own hands!!
While I really enjoyed this book, I did feel like there was a lot happening at some points and the main focus of the story got a little muddled. But overall, it was chilling and haunting and a great horror novel to close out the fall season.
First off, loved the whole Jemma can talk to spirits/ghosts thing. It was truly chilling in the best way. Didn't love that she just assumed she'd be a tutor for the Duchon household - seems like an odd thing to assume. And she also didn't leave when she realized the family is off their rockers. I would've been out of there asap!
Second, the family curse plotline was done well. It was clear what the curse was and how it was implemented, but I still feel confused as to *how* Ines was able to legitimately curse the family.
Lastly, I really liked how Jemma took her duty at the Duchon household in stride. She was such a strong female character (although she did irk me sometimes because she had this habit of backtracking once she decided she was going to stand her ground). She knew what was just and unjust. She took matters into her own hands!!
While I really enjoyed this book, I did feel like there was a lot happening at some points and the main focus of the story got a little muddled. But overall, it was chilling and haunting and a great horror novel to close out the fall season.