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readwithbec_'s reviews
59 reviews
A Thousand Broken Pieces by Tillie Cole
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A Thousand Broken Pieces by Tillie Cole
AD PR PRODUCT - Thank you Valentine PR & Tillie Cole for gifting me an ARC copy of A Thousand Broken Pieces for an honest review!
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Thoughts: If you have read A Thousand Boy Kisses, this is the sequel and follows Poppyβs sister Savannahβs experience with grief. This book had me emotional within the first few pages of the prologue. I really enjoyed how grief was explored in this book and how each of the characters had their own way of grieving. If you enjoyed the first book, you will definitely enjoy the sequel too!
Synopsis: Can two broken hearts make a whole...? After losing her beloved sister three years ago, Savannah Litchfield has been living half a life. When Savannahβs therapist suggests joining a trip around the world for grieving teens she agrees to go clutching tightly to the unread journal her sister left behind. Seventeen-year-old Cael Woods is angry. One year after losing his older brother his life has spiraled. Once the most promising hockey player in the junior league, Cael can no longer step onto the ice. When his parents sign him up for a trip abroad no part of him wants to go. As Cael and Savannah embark on a journey they begin to find solace in each other. As they start to heal piece by broken piece, could this be the start of a love they never thought theyβd feel again? A Thousand Broken Pieces is a beautiful and life-affirming novel about grief, love and friendship.
Please check trigger/content warnings prior to reading this book.
β β β β β
AD PR PRODUCT - Thank you Valentine PR & Tillie Cole for gifting me an ARC copy of A Thousand Broken Pieces for an honest review!
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Thoughts: If you have read A Thousand Boy Kisses, this is the sequel and follows Poppyβs sister Savannahβs experience with grief. This book had me emotional within the first few pages of the prologue. I really enjoyed how grief was explored in this book and how each of the characters had their own way of grieving. If you enjoyed the first book, you will definitely enjoy the sequel too!
Synopsis: Can two broken hearts make a whole...? After losing her beloved sister three years ago, Savannah Litchfield has been living half a life. When Savannahβs therapist suggests joining a trip around the world for grieving teens she agrees to go clutching tightly to the unread journal her sister left behind. Seventeen-year-old Cael Woods is angry. One year after losing his older brother his life has spiraled. Once the most promising hockey player in the junior league, Cael can no longer step onto the ice. When his parents sign him up for a trip abroad no part of him wants to go. As Cael and Savannah embark on a journey they begin to find solace in each other. As they start to heal piece by broken piece, could this be the start of a love they never thought theyβd feel again? A Thousand Broken Pieces is a beautiful and life-affirming novel about grief, love and friendship.
Please check trigger/content warnings prior to reading this book.
β β β β β
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief
The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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? No
4.0
The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick
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PR AD Product: Thank you, Alexandria Warwick, Simon & Schuster, and Tandem Collective, for the opportunity to be a part of this readalong and for the lovely gifts.
Thoughts: βThe North Windβ is the first book in The Four Winds series! This was my first Romantasy book, and I am so excited to read more of this genre. The story was inspired by Beauty and the Beast and the myth of Hades and Persephone. I loved Wren as the FMC and enjoyed the character growth of both her and MMC. If you love enemies to lovers, slow burn and one bed, you will enjoy this book!
Synopsis: Wren of Edgewood is no stranger to suffering. With her parents gone, it is Wrenβs responsibility to ensure she and her sister survive the harsh and endless winter, but if the legends are to be believed, their home may not be safe for much longer. For three hundred years, the land surrounding Edgewood has been encased in ice as the Shade, a magical barrier that protects the townsfolk from the Deadlands beyond, weakens. Only one thing can stop the Shadeβs fall: the blood of a mortal woman bound in wedlock to the North Wind, a dangerous immortal whose heart is said to be as frigid as the land he rules. And the time has come to choose his bride. When the North Wind sets his eyes on Wrenβs sister, Wren will do anything to save her β even if it means sacrificing herself in the process. But mortal or not, Wren wonβt go down without a fight.
Please check trigger/content warnings before reading this book.
β β β β β
βππ πͺπ π¦ ππππ¨ π¨πππ₯ ππ₯ ππππ₯ ππππ π₯π ππ π§π π€π πππ ππ π¨ππ₯π πͺπ π¦π£ πππ₯ππ£π πππππ, πͺπ π¦βπ πππ π¨ π πππ§ππ£ πππ π πππ πππ.β
PR AD Product: Thank you, Alexandria Warwick, Simon & Schuster, and Tandem Collective, for the opportunity to be a part of this readalong and for the lovely gifts.
Thoughts: βThe North Windβ is the first book in The Four Winds series! This was my first Romantasy book, and I am so excited to read more of this genre. The story was inspired by Beauty and the Beast and the myth of Hades and Persephone. I loved Wren as the FMC and enjoyed the character growth of both her and MMC. If you love enemies to lovers, slow burn and one bed, you will enjoy this book!
Synopsis: Wren of Edgewood is no stranger to suffering. With her parents gone, it is Wrenβs responsibility to ensure she and her sister survive the harsh and endless winter, but if the legends are to be believed, their home may not be safe for much longer. For three hundred years, the land surrounding Edgewood has been encased in ice as the Shade, a magical barrier that protects the townsfolk from the Deadlands beyond, weakens. Only one thing can stop the Shadeβs fall: the blood of a mortal woman bound in wedlock to the North Wind, a dangerous immortal whose heart is said to be as frigid as the land he rules. And the time has come to choose his bride. When the North Wind sets his eyes on Wrenβs sister, Wren will do anything to save her β even if it means sacrificing herself in the process. But mortal or not, Wren wonβt go down without a fight.
Please check trigger/content warnings before reading this book.
β β β β β
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
5.0
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
βππ¦π€π₯ πππππ¦π€π πͺπ π¦ ππ πβπ₯ ππ©π‘ππ£πππππ π‘π£πππ¦ππππ ππ πͺπ π¦π£ ππ§ππ£πͺπππͺ ππ ππ€πβπ₯ π€π₯π π‘ ππ₯ ππ£π π ππ©ππ€π₯πππ ππ π£ π₯ππ π£ππ€π₯ π π π¦π€.β
Thoughts: I absolutely loved βThe House in The Cerulean Sea.β It is a YA fantasy and contemporary fantasy book that I found wholesome and full of amazing messages. The interesting cast of characters made it truly enjoyable to read. TJ Kluneβs writing style and the character development, especially Linusβs, were highlights. I am looking forward to reading βSomewhere Beyond the Sea,β book #2 of the Cerulean Chronicles.
Synopsis: Linus Baker leads a quiet life. At forty, he has a tiny house with a devious cat and his beloved records for company. And at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, heβs spent many dull years monitoring their orphanages. Then one day, Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a highly classified assignment. He must travel to an orphanage where six dangerous children reside β including the Antichrist. At the orphanage, Linus must somehow determine if these children could bring about the end of days. But their guardian, the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, will do anything to protect his wards. And, as Arthur and Linus grow ever closer, Linus must choose: his duty, or his dreams.
Please check trigger/content warnings before reading this book.
β β β β β
βππ¦π€π₯ πππππ¦π€π πͺπ π¦ ππ πβπ₯ ππ©π‘ππ£πππππ π‘π£πππ¦ππππ ππ πͺπ π¦π£ ππ§ππ£πͺπππͺ ππ ππ€πβπ₯ π€π₯π π‘ ππ₯ ππ£π π ππ©ππ€π₯πππ ππ π£ π₯ππ π£ππ€π₯ π π π¦π€.β
Thoughts: I absolutely loved βThe House in The Cerulean Sea.β It is a YA fantasy and contemporary fantasy book that I found wholesome and full of amazing messages. The interesting cast of characters made it truly enjoyable to read. TJ Kluneβs writing style and the character development, especially Linusβs, were highlights. I am looking forward to reading βSomewhere Beyond the Sea,β book #2 of the Cerulean Chronicles.
Synopsis: Linus Baker leads a quiet life. At forty, he has a tiny house with a devious cat and his beloved records for company. And at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, heβs spent many dull years monitoring their orphanages. Then one day, Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a highly classified assignment. He must travel to an orphanage where six dangerous children reside β including the Antichrist. At the orphanage, Linus must somehow determine if these children could bring about the end of days. But their guardian, the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, will do anything to protect his wards. And, as Arthur and Linus grow ever closer, Linus must choose: his duty, or his dreams.
Please check trigger/content warnings before reading this book.
β β β β β
Fragile Sanctuary by Catherine Cowles
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? No
4.0
Fragile Sanctuary by Catherine Cowles
Thank you, Catherine Cowles, for gifting me an Advanced Reader Copy of Fragile Sanctuary for an honest review. Fragile Sanctuary is now available for purchase on Amazon AU and US!
βππππ£πβπ€ ππ ππ£πππ₯ππ£ ππππ₯ π₯πππ π‘ππππβ.
Thoughts: βFragile Sanctuaryβ is book #1 of the Sparrow Falls series. This is the first book I have read by Catherine, and I absolutely loved it. The prologue was emotional, and from there, I knew I was going to love this book. I loved the FMC and MMC; their characters were written so well. Anson is amazing and has the qualities of a perfect book boyfriend. If you enjoy small-town suspense, age gap romance, dual POV, forced proximity, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and brotherβs best friend tropes, you will adore this book.
Synopsis: The scowl shouldβve been my first clue to stay far away from Anson Hunt. The sexy smirk and the fact that heβs my brotherβs best friend? Reasons two and three. Not to mention, heβs the new contractor working on my house. Heβs everything Iβm not: grumpy, rude, and more than a little attached to his solitude. It doesnβt matter how many times I try to kill him with kindness; the man simply wonβt crack. Until he sees me shatter. Because when my world comes crashing down around me, Anson is the one catching me as I fall. And as so-called accidents start plaguing every part of my life, itβs Anson who steps in to keep me safe. As he does, I canβt help but feel a flicker of heat. And it only takes a single moment for that spark to ignite into flames, engulfing us both. But Ansonβs a man with secrets, and they have a price. When theyβre revealed, neither of us will make it out unscathedβ¦
β β β β β
Thank you, Catherine Cowles, for gifting me an Advanced Reader Copy of Fragile Sanctuary for an honest review. Fragile Sanctuary is now available for purchase on Amazon AU and US!
βππππ£πβπ€ ππ ππ£πππ₯ππ£ ππππ₯ π₯πππ π‘ππππβ.
Thoughts: βFragile Sanctuaryβ is book #1 of the Sparrow Falls series. This is the first book I have read by Catherine, and I absolutely loved it. The prologue was emotional, and from there, I knew I was going to love this book. I loved the FMC and MMC; their characters were written so well. Anson is amazing and has the qualities of a perfect book boyfriend. If you enjoy small-town suspense, age gap romance, dual POV, forced proximity, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and brotherβs best friend tropes, you will adore this book.
Synopsis: The scowl shouldβve been my first clue to stay far away from Anson Hunt. The sexy smirk and the fact that heβs my brotherβs best friend? Reasons two and three. Not to mention, heβs the new contractor working on my house. Heβs everything Iβm not: grumpy, rude, and more than a little attached to his solitude. It doesnβt matter how many times I try to kill him with kindness; the man simply wonβt crack. Until he sees me shatter. Because when my world comes crashing down around me, Anson is the one catching me as I fall. And as so-called accidents start plaguing every part of my life, itβs Anson who steps in to keep me safe. As he does, I canβt help but feel a flicker of heat. And it only takes a single moment for that spark to ignite into flames, engulfing us both. But Ansonβs a man with secrets, and they have a price. When theyβre revealed, neither of us will make it out unscathedβ¦
β β β β β
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.0
The Subtitle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
βπππ₯π¦π£ππ₯πͺ ππ€ π¨πππ₯ πππ‘π‘πππ€ π¨πππ π ππ ππππ£ππ€ π₯π π πππͺ πππ§π π ππ¦ππ πππ π¦π₯ π¨πππ₯βπ€ π₯π£π¦ππͺ ππ¦πππ¨π π£π₯ππͺβ.
Thoughts: βThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ckβ has been on my TBR list for the longest time, and I saw it available on Everand, so I decided to give it a listen. Mark was brutally honest in this book, and I truly believe everyone should read it at some stage due to its many good messages (especially chapters 1 & 2). I enjoyed the first half of the book, but towards the end, it became a bit tiring and repetitive while listening.β
Synopsis: For decades, weβve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. Drawing on academic research and the life experience that comes form breaking the rules, Mark Manson is ready to explode that myth. The key to a good life, according to Manson, is the understanding that βsometimes life is messed up and we have to live with itβ. Manson says that instead of trying to turn lemons into lemonade, we should learn to stomach lemons better, and stop distracting ourselves from lifeβs inevitable disappointments chasing money, success and possessions. Itβs time to re-calibrate our values and what it means to be happy: there are only so many things we can worry about, so we need to figure out which ones really matter.
Please check trigger warnings before reading this book.
β β β ββ
βπππ₯π¦π£ππ₯πͺ ππ€ π¨πππ₯ πππ‘π‘πππ€ π¨πππ π ππ ππππ£ππ€ π₯π π πππͺ πππ§π π ππ¦ππ πππ π¦π₯ π¨πππ₯βπ€ π₯π£π¦ππͺ ππ¦πππ¨π π£π₯ππͺβ.
Thoughts: βThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ckβ has been on my TBR list for the longest time, and I saw it available on Everand, so I decided to give it a listen. Mark was brutally honest in this book, and I truly believe everyone should read it at some stage due to its many good messages (especially chapters 1 & 2). I enjoyed the first half of the book, but towards the end, it became a bit tiring and repetitive while listening.β
Synopsis: For decades, weβve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. Drawing on academic research and the life experience that comes form breaking the rules, Mark Manson is ready to explode that myth. The key to a good life, according to Manson, is the understanding that βsometimes life is messed up and we have to live with itβ. Manson says that instead of trying to turn lemons into lemonade, we should learn to stomach lemons better, and stop distracting ourselves from lifeβs inevitable disappointments chasing money, success and possessions. Itβs time to re-calibrate our values and what it means to be happy: there are only so many things we can worry about, so we need to figure out which ones really matter.
Please check trigger warnings before reading this book.
β β β ββ
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Emma Carey
dark
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
The Girl Who Fell From The Sky by Emma Carey
βππππ§πππ πππ¨ππͺπ€ π€ππππ€ πππ‘π π€π€ππππ π¦ππ₯ππ πͺπ π¦ ππππ§π, πππ π₯πππ πͺπ π¦ π£πππππ€π π₯ππ πππ₯ππππ‘ππ₯ππ π ππ€ π ππ₯ππ ππ¦ππ π¨π π£π€π π₯πππ π₯ππ π£πππππ₯πͺβ.
Thoughts: The Girl Who Fell From The Sky is a memoir by Emma Carey, who had a skydiving accident that left her paraplegic. This memoir was both heartbreaking and inspiring. I have been following Emma on social media for many years and I am so glad I finally read her memoir. This memoir was heartbreaking and inspiring. Emma is so strong and such an inspiration. This book made me feel thankful for small things and reminded me not to take things for granted. This is a must-read for everyone.
Synopsis: From a terrible accident that left her paraplegic, Emma Carey has become an inspiration for hundreds of thousands online to live life to the fullest and remind us that if we can, we must. There on that helicopter, somewhere over Switzerland on a Sunday in June, came the first tiny whisper. A voice that would carry me for years to come. 'I'm going to be ok. There's still joy here.' When Emma Carey was twenty, she fell from 14,000 feet and survived. In The Girl Who Fell From the SkyEmma tells us the inspirational story of how, through one of her greatest tragedies, she found her truest self. From waking in the hospital a paraplegic to learning how to use her legs again, through the six-year long court case and now being finally free to make the most of her life, Emma teaches us the importance of courage and resilience. This heartfelt book is more than a memoir, it's a call to action that reminds us not to take our lives and abilities for granted - to live every day like it could be our last.
Please check trigger warnings before reading this book.
β β β β β
βππππ§πππ πππ¨ππͺπ€ π€ππππ€ πππ‘π π€π€ππππ π¦ππ₯ππ πͺπ π¦ ππππ§π, πππ π₯πππ πͺπ π¦ π£πππππ€π π₯ππ πππ₯ππππ‘ππ₯ππ π ππ€ π ππ₯ππ ππ¦ππ π¨π π£π€π π₯πππ π₯ππ π£πππππ₯πͺβ.
Thoughts: The Girl Who Fell From The Sky is a memoir by Emma Carey, who had a skydiving accident that left her paraplegic. This memoir was both heartbreaking and inspiring. I have been following Emma on social media for many years and I am so glad I finally read her memoir. This memoir was heartbreaking and inspiring. Emma is so strong and such an inspiration. This book made me feel thankful for small things and reminded me not to take things for granted. This is a must-read for everyone.
Synopsis: From a terrible accident that left her paraplegic, Emma Carey has become an inspiration for hundreds of thousands online to live life to the fullest and remind us that if we can, we must. There on that helicopter, somewhere over Switzerland on a Sunday in June, came the first tiny whisper. A voice that would carry me for years to come. 'I'm going to be ok. There's still joy here.' When Emma Carey was twenty, she fell from 14,000 feet and survived. In The Girl Who Fell From the SkyEmma tells us the inspirational story of how, through one of her greatest tragedies, she found her truest self. From waking in the hospital a paraplegic to learning how to use her legs again, through the six-year long court case and now being finally free to make the most of her life, Emma teaches us the importance of courage and resilience. This heartfelt book is more than a memoir, it's a call to action that reminds us not to take our lives and abilities for granted - to live every day like it could be our last.
Please check trigger warnings before reading this book.
β β β β β
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin
ββππ£πππ‘π€ ππ π¨π π¦ππ ππ€π ππ π¨πππ₯ ππ π ππ€ ππππ π₯π ππ. π π¨π π¦ππ π₯πππ πππ π₯πππ₯ ππ₯ πππππ€ πππ§πππ πππ π₯πππ£ ππππβ
Thoughts: βIf He Had Been With Meβ is a βteen romance/coming-of-ageβ novel. I devoured this one in less than 24 hours after a bit of a reading slump and a draining few weeks, so thank you, Laura, for helping me out of my slump. I really enjoyed this book. It covers lots of teenage issues such as love, friendship, family, and mental health. The story starts with the ending, so we were all doomed from the start knowing it was going to be a tearjerker. Despite already knowing the ending, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed the flashback memories of Autumn and Finn growing up together. This one had me in tears multiple times, but Iβm so glad I read it and cannot wait to read βIf Only I Had Herβ.
Synopsis: An achingly authentic and raw portrait of love, regret, and the life-altering impact of the relationships we hold closest to us, this YA romance bestseller is perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Jenny Han, and Lynn Painter. If he had been with me, everything would have been different⦠Autumn and Finn used to be inseparable. But then something changed. Or they changed. Now, they do their best to ignore each other. Autumn has her boyfriend Jamie, and her close-knit group of friends. And Finn has become that boy at school, the one everyone wants to be around.
That still doesnβt stop the way Autumn feels every time she and Finn cross paths, and the growing, nagging thought that maybe things could have been different. Maybe they should be together. But come August, things will change forever. And as time passes, Autumn will be forced to confront how else life might have been different if they had never parted ways.
Please check trigger warnings prior to reading this book.
β β β β β
ββππ£πππ‘π€ ππ π¨π π¦ππ ππ€π ππ π¨πππ₯ ππ π ππ€ ππππ π₯π ππ. π π¨π π¦ππ π₯πππ πππ π₯πππ₯ ππ₯ πππππ€ πππ§πππ πππ π₯πππ£ ππππβ
Thoughts: βIf He Had Been With Meβ is a βteen romance/coming-of-ageβ novel. I devoured this one in less than 24 hours after a bit of a reading slump and a draining few weeks, so thank you, Laura, for helping me out of my slump. I really enjoyed this book. It covers lots of teenage issues such as love, friendship, family, and mental health. The story starts with the ending, so we were all doomed from the start knowing it was going to be a tearjerker. Despite already knowing the ending, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed the flashback memories of Autumn and Finn growing up together. This one had me in tears multiple times, but Iβm so glad I read it and cannot wait to read βIf Only I Had Herβ.
Synopsis: An achingly authentic and raw portrait of love, regret, and the life-altering impact of the relationships we hold closest to us, this YA romance bestseller is perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Jenny Han, and Lynn Painter. If he had been with me, everything would have been different⦠Autumn and Finn used to be inseparable. But then something changed. Or they changed. Now, they do their best to ignore each other. Autumn has her boyfriend Jamie, and her close-knit group of friends. And Finn has become that boy at school, the one everyone wants to be around.
That still doesnβt stop the way Autumn feels every time she and Finn cross paths, and the growing, nagging thought that maybe things could have been different. Maybe they should be together. But come August, things will change forever. And as time passes, Autumn will be forced to confront how else life might have been different if they had never parted ways.
Please check trigger warnings prior to reading this book.
β β β β β
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Self harm, Grief, and Suicide attempt
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? N/A
4.0
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
βππ πππ₯ππππ€ ππ₯βπ€ ππππ π‘ππ π‘ππ ππ£π π ππππππ π π₯ππππ€ ππ π£π ππππ¦π₯πππ¦π π₯π πͺπ π¦ ππ πͺπ π¦π£ ππππ. ππ₯βπ€ ππππ πͺπ π¦ π€ππ π₯πππ π₯ππ£π π¦ππ π π€π‘πππππ ππππ€ β ππ¦π₯ πππͺππ ππ ππ₯βπ€ ππ π¨ πͺπ π¦ π€ππ π₯πππ,π₯πππ₯βπ€ ππ π¨ π₯πππͺ π£πππππͺ ππ£π. ππ₯βπ€ ππππ π₯ππ π¨ππ ππ π₯π£ππ πππππππ ππ π₯ππ ππ π£ππ€π₯ π₯ππππ.β
Thoughts: I enjoyed seasons 1 & 2 of the Amazon Prime series, so I knew reading this book was a must. I read half of it in paperback and listened to the other half on audiobook due to a busy week. I loved that Lola Tung narrated the audiobook; it made it more enjoyable to listen to. I particularly enjoyed watching Belly navigate her love triangle and seeing how it all unfoldedβ¦ Team Conrad all the way! The fluff was delightful, and it was such a comforting read. I canβt wait to dive into the next book in the series!
Synopsis: Everything that happened this past summer, and every summer before it, has all led up to this. To now. Every year Isabel spends a perfect summer at her favourite place in the world - the Fisher familyβs beach house. It has everything a girl could want- a swimming pool, a private stretch of sandy beach and two boys. Unavailable, aloof Conrad - who sheβs been in love with forever - and friendly, relaxed Jeremiah, the only one whoβs ever really paid her any attention. But this year something is different. This year, the boys seem to really notice Isabel for the first time. Itβs going to be an amazing summer - and one sheβll never forget.
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Thoughts: I enjoyed seasons 1 & 2 of the Amazon Prime series, so I knew reading this book was a must. I read half of it in paperback and listened to the other half on audiobook due to a busy week. I loved that Lola Tung narrated the audiobook; it made it more enjoyable to listen to. I particularly enjoyed watching Belly navigate her love triangle and seeing how it all unfoldedβ¦ Team Conrad all the way! The fluff was delightful, and it was such a comforting read. I canβt wait to dive into the next book in the series!
Synopsis: Everything that happened this past summer, and every summer before it, has all led up to this. To now. Every year Isabel spends a perfect summer at her favourite place in the world - the Fisher familyβs beach house. It has everything a girl could want- a swimming pool, a private stretch of sandy beach and two boys. Unavailable, aloof Conrad - who sheβs been in love with forever - and friendly, relaxed Jeremiah, the only one whoβs ever really paid her any attention. But this year something is different. This year, the boys seem to really notice Isabel for the first time. Itβs going to be an amazing summer - and one sheβll never forget.
β β β β β
Funny Story by Emily Henry
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Funny Story by Emily Henry π
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Thoughts: This was my first Emily Henry book that I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I adored Daphne and Miles and how a challenging situation brought them together. The unfolding of their relationship and its progression was delightful. I also loved both the female and male main characters. If you enjoy single POV, fake relationships, roommates-to-lovers, found family, and forced proximity, this book is a must-read!
Synopsis: Daphne always loved the way Peter told their story. That is until it became the prologue to his actual love story with his childhood bestie, Petra. Which is how Daphne ends up rooming with her total opposite and the only person who could possibly understand her predicament- Petra's ex, Miles. As expected, it's not a match made in heaven - that is until one night, while tossing back tequilas, they form a plan. And if it involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their adventures together, well, who could blame them? But it's all just for show, of course, because there's no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiance's new fiancee's ex . . . right?
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The Gift by Freida McFadden
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
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Thoughts: βThe Giftβ follows Stella Hansen on Christmas Eve. While I usually love Freida's books, this one did not quite hit the mark for me. However, I have to admit, the ending did catch me by surprise.
Synopsis: Itβs Christmas Eve and Stella Hansen is broke. She is so broke that despite working two jobs, she canβt even afford a present for her husband on their first Christmas as man and wife. But then a mysterious storekeeper at a pawn shop offers Stella an intriguing trade.
Stella wants more than anything to buy her husband the Christmas gift of his dreams. But will it come at a terrible price?
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