shealwaysreads's reviews
842 reviews

Alright, friends, grab your bookmarks and get comfy because I just finished Fairy Tale by the master storyteller himself, Stephen King, and wow, what a ride! 🚀 This book takes you on an epic adventure with Charlie, an ordinary teenager who stumbles into an extraordinary world. Think of it like a wild mix of friendship, bravery, and a sprinkle of magic dust. 🧚‍♂️

Charlie’s journey is filled with heartwarming moments, especially his relationship with Radar, his loyal dog. 🐶 Honestly, my heart belongs to Radar! The bond they share is beautifully crafted, and I found myself smiling and tearing up in equal measure. King’s knack for vivid storytelling pulls you right into the adventure, making you feel every twist and turn. You can practically see the fantastical landscapes and hear the whispers of the magical creatures. 🌌✨

Now, I won’t give away any spoilers, but let's just say that Charlie faces challenges that would make any hero sweat! The book is thick (and I mean THICK), and while I appreciated the meticulous details that King weaves into the narrative, there were moments where I wished it could’ve been a bit snappier. But hey, if it adds to the richness of the story, I’ll take it! 

Overall, I’m giving Fairy Tale a solid 4.5 stars out of 5! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ If you’re a fan of King’s whimsical side and enjoy a good adventure, this one is a must-read.

This book is a heartfelt and quirky journey through the eyes of a young girl named Elsa, who has the most amazing bond with her unconventional grandmother. When her grandmother passes away, Elsa is left with a mission to deliver a series of apologies that lead her on a whimsical adventure through their neighborhood. 

Backman's storytelling as usual is humorous and poignant, capturing the essence of childhood imagination while exploring  love, loss, and the complexity of family relationships. The cast is so uniquely crafted; each one has their own story, which adds layers to the narrative. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll definitely want to hug your loved ones a little tighter. 💖

If you enjoy stories that blend fantasy with real-life struggles and have a touch of magical realism, this is a must-read! 📚✨ 

Wow, just wow! I just finished reading Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia, and let me tell you, it’s a masterpiece! 🎉 This novel weaves together the stories of several generations of women, exploring their struggles, resilience, and the complex ties that bind them. Garcia's writing is so beautiful and evocative; I felt every emotion as I followed their journeys. 💖

The way she delves into themes of identity, migration, and family is absolutely captivating. It's like you can feel the weight of their experiences and the strength they draw from each other. 🌍✨ Plus, the blend of personal stories with broader historical contexts makes it even more impactful. I found myself reflecting on my own family history and the women who came before me. 

If you're looking for a book that will make you think, feel, and maybe even shed a tear or two, this is it! Trust me, you won’t regret picking it up! 📚❤️

I just finished reading Briar Rose by Jane Yolen last night and wow, what a ride! 🏰✨ This retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale weaves in themes of memory, trauma, and the impact of history in such a beautifully poignant way. The way Yolen blends the fairy tale with the haunting realities of the Holocaust is both powerful and moving.

The story follows Rebecca, a young woman trying to uncover the truth about her grandmother, who told the tale of Briar Rose as a way to shield her from the horrors of her past. As Rebecca digs deeper, she discovers a connection between the fairy tale and her grandmother’s experiences during World War II. The dual narrative, shifting between Rebecca’s journey and the dark fairy tale, creates this captivating tension that kept me flipping the pages.

The characters are so well-crafted, especially the juxtaposition of the magical world of Briar Rose and the stark reality of the Holocaust. It’s a perfect mix of enchanting and heartbreaking, and Yolen’s lyrical prose makes the emotional weight of the story hit hard. If you’re a fan of fairy tales with a twist, this one’s definitely for you!

If I had to nitpick, I wished some parts had been explored a bit more, especially the backstory of some secondary characters, but overall, it’s a must-read that stays with you long after you close the book.

Alright, let’s talk about The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue! I really wanted to love this book because the premise sounded so captivating: a girl makes a deal to live forever but is doomed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Like, how intriguing is that? 🌌 But, oh boy, the journey to get through this one felt like a marathon with no finish line in sight. 🥵  

The pacing was just painfully slow. Seriously, I found myself flipping through pages, wondering when the plot would kick in. It took ages for anything exciting to happen, and by the time I reached the last few chapters, I was so worn out from the buildup that I almost didn’t care anymore. Those final moments did deliver some of the emotional punches I was hoping for, but man, was it a slog to get there! It’s like a rollercoaster that only has the slow climb and no thrilling drop. 🎢  

And can we chat about the love aspect? I was expecting either a gripping enemies-to-lovers scenario or at least something more straightforward, but instead, we get this convoluted love triangle that I didn't ask for. The synopsis didn’t even hint at that! It left me feeling frustrated and a bit confused about what I was actually reading. 😤  

In the end, I appreciate Schwab’s beautiful prose and the philosophical undertones about identity and existence, but the overall experience felt like it was missing something. If you like your stories to unfold at a snail’s pace and enjoy a love triangle, you might dig it. But if you’re craving more action and clarity from your reads, you might want to pass.  

“Heard It In A Love Song” is a delightful exploration of love, heartbreak, and the journey of moving on. Tracey Garvis Graves delivers a refreshing narrative that intertwines not one, not two, but three love stories, each rich with emotion and depth. The main characters, both in their 30s, bring a sense of maturity and realism to the table, demonstrating just how established their lives and relationships are.

What I found particularly engaging was the slow-building romance that unfolds throughout the novel. The author masterfully depicts the complexities of divorce and the process of falling out of love, while also highlighting the challenges and triumphs of co-parenting. It’s a poignant reminder that moving on is not just about finding love again, but also about healing and self-discovery.

Graves’s writing shines as she navigates the intricate emotions involved in each character’s journey. The moments of heartbreak are beautifully balanced with hope, making the story relatable and engaging. I appreciated how the narrative resonates with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of love, especially in the context of adult relationships.

This book is a testament to the idea that love can be found in the most unexpected places, even after heartbreak. If you’re looking for a heartfelt read that captures the essence of relationships and personal growth, “Heard It In A Love Song” is definitely worth picking up.

Audiobook lovers! 📚💖 I finished listening to The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, and wow, what a delightful journey! This enchanting tale, beautifully narrated by Caitlin Davies, really swept me off my feet. 🌪️

First off, let’s talk about the world-building. Durst has crafted a whimsical universe filled with magic, quirky characters, and a sprinkle of humor that kept me engaged from start to finish. The protagonist, who’s navigating her way through the ups and downs of running a spell shop, felt so relatable. I found myself cheering for her as she faced challenges and found her own path. 🙌

Caitlin Davies’ narration deserves a shout-out, too! Her voice brought the characters to life in a way that made me feel like I was right there in the spell shop, mixing potions and casting charms. 🌈✨ The pacing was just right, and her ability to switch between characters added so much depth to the story. I couldn’t help but smile at her portrayals!

While the magic and adventure were spot on, there were a few moments where I wished for a bit more character development, but overall, it was a delightful ride. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, magical escape, this book is a must-listen! 🎉

So, if you’re into whimsical tales with a dash of humor and heart, The Spellshop might just be your next favorite! I’d give it a solid 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Alright, let’s chat about Lie, Lies, Lies by Adele Parks. I was super excited to dive into this one, especially after a gripping first 25%. The tension was high, the characters intriguing, and I thought, “Yes! This is going to be a great ride!” 🚀 But then, oh boy, it took a sharp turn into Crazy Town. 

The lies just kept piling up like snowballs rolling down a hill, and honestly, it felt a bit over the top. Instead of building suspense, it started to feel more like a game of “who can outlie whom.” The plot twist just snowballed into a mess of contradictions, and by the end, I was left scratching my head. 🤔 

And let’s talk about the ending—or should I say the abrupt drop-off? It felt like the author was running out of steam and just decided to hit the brakes without any warning. I was left wanting more, and not in a good way. 

So, if you’re into books that unravel into a chaotic web of lies without a solid resolution, this might be your cup of tea. But if you prefer a well-structured plot with a satisfying ending, you might want to pass on this one.

Fellow Readers, once I stopped scrolling I was able to finish reading You Truly Assumed by Laila Sabreen, and wow, talk about a book with impact. 🌟 This book dives deep into the lives of three Muslim teens navigating the complexities of identity, faith, and friendship in a world that often misjudges them. The way Sabreen captures their struggles and triumphs is both heartwarming and eye-opening.

The characters are so relatable and real—each one has their own distinct voice and journey, making it impossible not to root for them. The themes of community and resilience shine through, especially in how they come together to support each other in the face of adversity. Plus, the writing is super engaging, with plenty of moments that made me laugh and some that had me reaching for the tissues! 😭❤️

I really loved how the book tackled important social issues, yet still managed to feel like a warm hug. If you’re looking for a read that will challenge your perspectives while also pulling at your heartstrings, this is the one! 

Overall, I’d give You Truly Assumed a solid 4 out of 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Hey fam! 🎃📚 My last read of January was You Like It Darker by Stephen King, and wow, what a thrilling ride! This collection of short stories had me hooked from start to finish, showcasing King’s signature blend of suspense, horror, and a touch of the macabre. If you’re a fan of his work or just love a good thrill, you definitely need to check this out!

The collection features a variety of tales that explore the darker sides of humanity and the supernatural. Each story has its own unique twist, and King’s ability to create atmosphere is just masterful. You can practically feel the chill in the air as you read. Some stories delve deep into psychological horror, while others flirt with the supernatural—there’s truly something for every kind of horror lover here! 👻✨

One of my favorite aspects was how King manages to develop characters quickly but effectively, pulling you into their lives and making you care about what happens to them in such a short time. It’s impressive how he can evoke such strong emotions and create tension in just a few pages. The writing is sharp, and the pacing keeps you on the edge of your seat. 

While I enjoyed most of the stories, a couple felt a bit less impactful than the others, but overall, it’s a solid collection that showcases King’s talent. If you’re looking for something to read on a dark, stormy night, this is it! 🌩️📖