shealwaysreads's reviews
842 reviews

Hey there, book lovers! 🌊✨ I just finished reading The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, and wow, I have so many feelings right now! This book is a beautifully crafted tale set on a remote Australian island during the aftermath of World War I. It’s about a lighthouse keeper, Tom, and his wife, Isabel, who stumble upon a boat washed ashore with a baby inside. What follows is a heart-wrenching exploration of love, loss, and moral dilemmas that will have you questioning what you would do in their shoes.

The storytelling is just mesmerizing! Stedman has this incredible way of painting vivid imagery that makes you feel like you’re right there on that windswept island, feeling the salt in the air and the weight of their choices. The characters are so well-developed that you can’t help but root for them, even when their decisions have some serious consequences. It’s one of those books that really sticks with you long after you finish it.

If you’re into emotional reads that make you think about right and wrong, then this one’s definitely a must-read! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hey, book fam! 🌟 I just finished The Exception To The Rule by Christina Lauren, and wow, I’m totally feeling the love! I’m giving this one a full 5 stars because it hit all the sweet spots for me—romance, humor, and a sprinkle of drama. Seriously, it’s a must-read!

So, let’s chat about the plot a bit. The story revolves around two characters who seem like they couldn’t be more different—one is a rule-follower, and the other is a free spirit who loves to break the rules. Their chemistry? Off the charts! 🔥 I loved watching them navigate their differences while discovering what they really want in life and love. It’s got that perfect blend of tension and sweetness that makes you root for them from start to finish.

Christina Lauren really knows how to create relatable characters with depth. I found myself laughing out loud at their banter and just completely invested in their journey. The way they challenge each other makes for some seriously swoon-worthy moments. Plus, the side characters add so much to the story. They’re hilarious and add a fun dynamic that keeps things lively!

The writing is super engaging—Lauren’s style just pulls you right in. You’ll feel like you’re there with the characters, experiencing all the ups and downs of their relationship. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good romantic journey with some unexpected twists?

If you're into feel-good romances that make you smile and maybe even sigh a little, this book is definitely for you! And don’t forget to scroll through the carousel for some gorgeous book aesthetics that capture the vibe perfectly. 📖✨

Hey there, book lovers! 📚✨ I just wrapped up How I’ll Kill You by Ren DeStefano, and I’ve gotta say, it was quite the wild ride! I’m giving it a solid 3.5 stars because, while it had some super intriguing elements, there were a few hiccups along the way.

First off, let’s talk about the plot. The story dives into some dark themes and has a gripping premise that definitely kept me on my toes. The main character is complex and layered, which I always appreciate. The author does a great job of delving into her psyche, giving us glimpses of her motivations and fears. Plus, there were some twists that totally caught me off guard! 🎢

However, there were moments when the pacing felt a bit off. Some sections dragged, and I found myself wishing for a bit more action to keep the momentum going. But hey, that might just be me! I’m always hungry for a fast-paced thrill, right? 😂

The writing itself was engaging, and DeStefano has a knack for creating vivid imagery that pulls you into the scenes. You can really feel the tension build, which is crucial for a thriller like this. 

Overall, I enjoyed it, and I think fans of dark thrillers will find a lot to love here. Just be prepared for some heavy themes and a bit of a slower burn at times.

So, what do you think? Would you be able to handle a storyline that dives deep into the mind of a killer? Let me know in the comments! 

Happy Sunday!!! I finished reading A Door in the Dark by Scott Reintgen last night, and I’ve got some thoughts to share! I’d give it about 3.75 stars. It’s definitely an intriguing read, but it had its highs and lows for me.

First off, the premise is super cool. It’s all about magic, mystery, and that classic coming-of-age vibe as the characters navigate a world filled with secrets and hidden doors. I really enjoyed the creative world-building—Reintgen has a knack for making the fantastical feel real and relatable. The magic system is unique, and I loved how it tied into the characters’ development.

Speaking of characters, I found them pretty compelling, especially the protagonist. They have a relatable struggle with identity and belonging, which is always a win in my book. However, I did feel like some of the secondary characters could have used a bit more depth. There were moments when I wanted to know more about their backstories and motivations, but they felt a little underdeveloped.

The pacing was a bit of a rollercoaster. Some parts were super engaging, while others dragged a bit. I think tightening up those slower sections would have really elevated the overall experience. But once the plot picked up, I was hooked again! 

If you’re into books like A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab or The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, I think you’d find a lot to enjoy here. It has that mix of magic and mystery that keeps you turning the pages, and the friendships really shine through.

Overall, A Door in the Dark is a solid read with a lot of potential. If you’re looking for a blend of magic, adventure, and a touch of mystery, give it a shot! Just be prepared for a few bumps along the way. 

Hey there! So, I just finished reading Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert, and I thought I’d share my thoughts. I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars, which feels pretty fair for my experience.

Let’s start with the vibe. The book has this really enchanting, almost eerie quality to it that I absolutely loved. It dives into the world of magic and family secrets, wrapped up in a contemporary setting. Albert has this way of weaving stories that pulls you in, and I found myself getting lost in the pages more often than not.

Now, the characters—oh boy. They’re super interesting, especially the protagonist, who’s trying to navigate her complicated relationship with her mother. There’s a lot of depth to their connection, and you can feel the tension and love bouncing around. But honestly, I felt like some of the supporting characters could have used a bit more fleshing out. I wanted to know more about them, especially since some of them had such cool backstories!

The plot? It’s twisty and dark, which is totally my jam. There are moments that had me on the edge of my seat, but there were also parts that felt a little slow. I think the pacing could have been tightened up a bit in certain sections to keep the momentum going. 

What really stood out to me was the writing style. Melissa Albert has this lyrical way of expressing things that makes even the mundane feel magical. There are some beautiful passages that I found myself rereading just because they were so beautifully crafted.

Overall, I enjoyed Our Crooked Hearts and appreciated the unique blend of contemporary and fantastical elements. It’s definitely a solid read for anyone who loves a bit of magic mixed with family drama. Just know that it has its ups and downs, but if you’re into that kind of vibe, I think you’ll dig it!

Hey everyone! I just finished “The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton, and I’ve got to say, it’s a solid 4-star read! This book is such a wild ride—it’s like a mash-up of a murder mystery and a time-bending puzzle!

So, the premise is super unique: our main character, Aiden Bishop, has to relive the same day over and over again, but here’s the twist—each time he wakes up in the body of a different guest at a grand estate. And the goal? To figure out who killed Evelyn Hardcastle before the day resets again. Sounds intriguing, right? Trust me, it really is!

Turton’s writing is clever and engaging, and I loved how he weaves all these different perspectives together. Each character Aiden inhabits adds a new layer to the mystery, and it kept me guessing the whole time. I was constantly trying to piece together clues and figure out who the killer was, and let me tell you, there are some serious twists that I didn’t see coming!

The only reason I didn’t give it a full five stars is that, at times, it felt a bit convoluted. There were moments when I had to pause and really think about what was happening, and I found myself a little lost in the intricacies of the plot. But honestly, that’s part of the fun—you really have to pay attention!

Overall, “The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” is a brilliantly crafted mystery that’s unlike anything I’ve read before. If you enjoy puzzles and a good whodunit, definitely give this one a shot! Have you read it yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Hey everyone! This past summer I finished “Just For The Summer” by Abby Jimenez, and I’m totally giving it a 5-star review! Seriously, this book was such a delightful read—perfect for summer vibes!

The story follows a woman named Kate who decides to take a break from her hectic life and spend the summer in a charming beach town. Right off the bat, you’re drawn into her journey of self-discovery and healing. Jimenez has a knack for creating relatable characters, and Kate is no exception. I loved watching her grow and find her footing again, and the way Jimenez captures that feeling of being lost and then finding your way back is just beautifully done.

And let’s talk about the romance! The chemistry between Kate and the love interest is electric! Their banter is hilarious and heartwarming, making you root for them from the very start. Jimenez does an amazing job of balancing humor and heartfelt moments, which kept me giggling one minute and reaching for the tissues the next.

The setting is absolutely dreamy too—I could practically feel the sand between my toes and hear the waves crashing. It’s the perfect backdrop for a summer love story, and it made me wish I could escape to that beach town myself!

Overall, “Just For The Summer” is a feel-good read that left me with a huge smile on my face. If you’re looking for a book that combines romance, humor, and a touch of self-discovery, definitely add this one to your TBR list! Have you read it yet? I’d love to hear what you thought!

Hey there! I read “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley, and I’d say it’s around a 3.5-star read for me. It was definitely an intriguing mystery that kept me wanting to turn the pages!

Set on a remote Irish island during a glamorous wedding, the atmosphere is perfect for a suspenseful story. I loved how Foley creates this eerie vibe, with the beautiful scenery contrasting against the tension brewing among the guests. The setting really adds to the overall mood, making you feel like you’re right there with them, experiencing all the drama.

The characters are a mixed bag—some I found really compelling, while others felt a bit stereotypical. I enjoyed the back-and-forth perspective, getting insights from different guests, which helped build the suspense. Each character has their secrets, and Foley does a great job of slowly revealing those layers, keeping you guessing about who might be the culprit.

That said, I felt like the pacing was a bit uneven at times. There were moments that dragged on, especially in the beginning, and I found myself wishing for a quicker buildup to the climactic events. The twists were good, but I was hoping for a bit more shock value in the reveal.

Overall, “The Guest List” is a fun, twisty read if you’re into mysteries with a touch of drama. It’s perfect for a cozy night in when you want to get lost in a story. Have you read it yet? I’d love to know what you thought!

Hey friends! So, I recently picked up quickly read and put down “Baby Daddy” by Kendall Ryan, and honestly, I have to give it a 1-star review. I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.

The premise sounded fun—romantic comedy with a bit of a twist, right? But as I got into it, I found the characters to be pretty one-dimensional. I was hoping for some depth and development, but it felt like they were just going through the motions without any real growth or substance. Instead of feeling invested in their story, I found myself rolling my eyes at some of their decisions.

The writing style also didn’t do much for me. It felt a bit cliché and predictable, which made it hard to stay engaged. I was looking for some witty banter or clever dialogue, but it kind of fell flat. It seemed like the story relied too much on typical tropes without bringing anything fresh to the table.

And let’s talk about the plot! I felt like it was all over the place and lacked a solid direction. There were moments that just didn’t make sense, and I found myself questioning the characters’ motivations. It was frustrating because I really wanted to get invested in the story, but it just didn’t hold my attention.

Overall, I really wanted to like “Baby Daddy,” but it just didn’t work for me. If you’re into romantic comedies, you might still want to give it a shot, but I’d say manage your expectations. Have you read it? I’d love to hear what you thought!

“Beartown” by Fredrik Backman, and I’ve got to say, it’s a solid 4-star read! This book really packs a punch and left me with a lot to think about.

Set in a small town where hockey is everything, Backman dives deep into the heart of a community that’s both passionate and flawed. The way he captures the intensity of small-town life and the obsession with sports is just spot on. You can feel the weight of expectations on the characters, especially the young players who dream of making it big.

What I really loved about “Beartown” is how it tackles some heavy themes like loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of violence. The characters are so well-developed and complex—there are moments that will make you cheer for them and others that will break your heart. Backman does an amazing job of portraying the intricacies of human relationships and how one event can ripple through an entire community.

The writing is beautiful and poignant, weaving together different perspectives that give you a well-rounded view of the story. The emotions are raw and real, and there were definitely parts that had me tearing up. 

The only reason I didn’t give it a full five stars is that I felt some pacing issues in the middle. There were times when the story slowed down a bit too much for my liking. But overall, it’s a compelling read that stays with you long after you finish it.

If you’re looking for a book that dives into the heart of a community and explores what it means to belong, “Beartown” is definitely worth checking out. Have you read it yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts!