shealwaysreads's reviews
842 reviews

Hey book lovers! So, I just finished reading Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver, and I wanted to share my thoughts! 🌟🌟🌟½ 

First off, let me just say that Kingsolver has this magical way of weaving together the beauty of nature and the complexity of human life. The story is set in rural Tennessee, where we meet Dellarobia Turnbow, a young woman feeling trapped in her circumstances. When she discovers a stunning phenomenon in the woods, it sets off a chain of events that challenges her life, her relationships, and the community around her. 

I really enjoyed the exploration of environmental themes and the way Kingsolver delves into the effects of climate change through the eyes of her characters. It’s thought-provoking, for sure! But, I’ll admit that some parts felt a bit slow to me. I found myself wishing for a little more action or drama at times. Still, the character development was solid, and I appreciated how real Dellarobia felt—flawed and relatable.

Overall, I’d say it’s a solid read, especially if you love stories that blend personal growth with a touch of nature’s wonders. Just don’t expect a fast pace, and you’ll be fine! 

Hey, book lovers! So, I just wrapped up The Singer Sisters by Sarah Seltzer, and I’ve got some thoughts to share! 📚✨ This novel revolves around the complex lives of three sisters as they navigate family dynamics, secrets, and their own individual paths. It’s a heartfelt story that definitely explores some heavy themes, which I appreciated.

However, I did struggle a bit with the time shifts. The constant jumping between past and present, along with different points of view, made it a little confusing at times. I found myself wishing for smoother transitions because I wanted to stay fully engaged with the characters’ journeys without getting lost in the timeline. It’s like trying to piece together a puzzle, and while I love a good mystery, this one left me a bit tangled.

That said, Seltzer’s writing is beautiful and evocative, and there are moments that truly shine. I loved the exploration of sisterhood and how their relationships evolve over time. It’s definitely worth a read if you enjoy family dramas that dig deep into emotional territory!

Hey everyone! So, I just finished reading The Girls by Emma Cline, and I have some mixed feelings about it. 😅 The novel dives into the life of Evie, a teenage girl in the ‘60s who gets wrapped up in a cult led by a charismatic leader. The vibe is super atmospheric and nostalgic, which I loved! Cline has this way of capturing the essence of adolescence and the complexities of female friendships beautifully.

But here’s the thing—I found myself a little disconnected from the characters at times. Evie’s obsession with the group felt intense, but I wanted a bit more depth in her relationships. Plus, some parts were unnecessarily graphic, which felt a bit overdone and detracted from the overall narrative for me. It’s like I was watching everything unfold from a distance, and some sections dragged a bit too. 

Overall, it’s intriguing and haunting, but I was left wanting more. If you’re into coming-of-age stories with a dark twist, it might be worth a shot! 

Hey there, book lovers! I just finished reading “Royal Valentine” by Sariah Wilson, and I’ve got to say, I was really let down by this one. As someone who usually enjoys a fun, lighthearted romance, I had high hopes for this short story, but it just fell flat for me.

The main issue I had was that it was completely predictable from start to finish. I could see every plot twist and turn coming a mile away, and there were no real surprises or twists to keep me engaged. It felt like I was just going through the motions, waiting for the inevitable happily-ever-after to unfold.

On top of that, I found the characters to be a bit one-dimensional and lacking in depth. They felt more like caricatures than fully realized individuals, and I just couldn’t connect with them in a meaningful way.

Overall, I’d give “Royal Valentine” a disappointing 1 star. It was just too boring and predictable for my tastes. If you’re looking for a quick, easy romance read, there are definitely better options out there.

Hey everyone! So, I literally just finished “With Any Luck” by Ashley Poston, and wow, I have to admit it wasn’t my cup of tea at all. I was really hoping to get into it, but honestly, I found myself so bored that I switched to the audio version just to get through it faster. It felt like it dragged on without much happening, and I was left waiting for a plot twist or something to grab my attention. Unfortunately, that just never came.

The characters didn’t resonate with me either, which is a bummer because I really wanted to root for them. I think I expected a lot more excitement or at least some engaging dialogue, but it fell flat. I ended up giving it just 1 star because I struggled to connect with the story at all.

If anyone else has read it, I’d love to know if you felt the same way or if I missed something! 

Hey there! So, I just finished reading “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” by Jasmine Guillory, and I have to say, I was really enjoying it for the most part! The characters were relatable, and the build-up was super engaging. There was this sense of real tension that kept me on my toes, and I loved how Guillory tackled the themes of resilience and connection. But then... the ending kind of fell apart for me. It felt rushed and didn’t quite hit the emotional punch I was hoping for. It’s such a bummer when a great story stumbles at the finish line!

Overall, it was a fun read, but I’m left wanting a little more from it. I’d give it 3 stars, mainly because I think it started off strong but didn’t quite wrap everything up in a satisfying way. 

If you’re thinking about reading it, definitely give it a shot! Has anyone else felt that way about stories that have a solid premise but then take a weird turn? 

Hey everyone! 🌟 I just finished reading “Rosie and the Dreamboat” by Sally Thorne, and I’m absolutely glowing over it—5 stars all the way on Goodreads! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

This short story is a delightful escape that left me with a permanent smile on my face! Thorne has such a magical way with words; she crafts characters that feel like friends and scenarios that tug at your heartstrings. Rosie is such a relatable and lovable protagonist, and the whimsical adventure she goes on is just pure joy. The blend of romance and charm is spot-on, and I found myself completely swept away in the story.

What I loved most was the way it captures the essence of taking chances and believing in the magic of dreams—like who doesn’t want a little bit of that in their life? Plus, Thorne’s writing is infused with humor and warmth that makes it feel like a cozy hug. Seriously, if you’re looking for a quick read that will brighten your day, this is it!

Hey there, friends! 🌟 I just wrapped up the short story “The Answer Is No” by Fredrik Backman, and wow, I’m giving it a full 5 stars on Goodreads! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

This little gem packs such a powerful punch in just a few pages. Backman has this incredible way of capturing the complexity of human emotions and relationships, and this story is no exception. It dives into the struggle of saying no and the pressure we often feel to please others, all while weaving in humor and heart. I found myself nodding along, recognizing those feelings of guilt and expectation—so relatable! 

What I love most is how Backman manages to balance the serious with the absurd, making you laugh while also prompting some real introspection. It left me thinking about the importance of setting boundaries and how sometimes, saying no is the best answer for our own well-being. 

If you haven’t checked it out yet, do yourself a favor and grab it! It’s a quick read but one that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. 

Hey there, book lovers! 🌟 So, I just finished reading The Circle by Dave Eggers, and I gotta say, it left me with some mixed feelings. I’m giving it a solid 3 stars on Goodreads! ⭐⭐⭐ 

The premise is super intriguing—imagine a tech company that’s like a mash-up of Google, Facebook, and any other major social media platform you can think of. It follows Mae Holland as she dives into this world of transparency and connectivity, and honestly, it’s both exciting and kinda terrifying. The way Eggers explores themes of surveillance, privacy, and the impact of social media on our lives is thought-provoking. But at times, I felt like it dragged a bit. Some parts were a little over the top, and I wished for more depth in the characters. 

Still, it’s a real conversation starter! If you’re into dystopian novels that feel eerily relevant to today’s tech landscape, this one’s for you. Just don’t expect everything to tie up nicely at the end. 😉 

Hey book lovers! 🌟 I just finished “Worst Wingman Ever” by Abby Jimenez and I have to say, it was a delightful ride! I gave it a solid 4 stars on Goodreads. The story blends humor and romance in such a fun way—it’s like a romantic comedy you can’t put down!

The characters are super relatable, and the chemistry between them is off the charts. I loved how Abby Jimenez captures the awkward moments we all face in dating—it makes you laugh out loud while also cringing in the best way possible. Plus, the plot twists had me hooked from start to finish!

If you’re looking for a light-hearted read that also tugs at your heartstrings, this one’s for you. Just don’t forget to scroll down to check out the novel’s aesthetic—it really adds to the vibe! 🎨✨