shealwaysreads's reviews
842 reviews

Hey everyone! So, I just wrapped up "Wrong Place Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister, and I’ve got to say, it’s a solid 4-star read! This book really kept me on my toes!

The premise is super intriguing—imagine being a mother who witnesses her son commit a terrible crime, and then suddenly finds herself reliving the day leading up to that moment. Talk about a wild ride! McAllister does an amazing job of crafting a suspenseful story that draws you in right from the get-go. I found myself completely invested in the characters and their tangled lives.

What I loved most was the exploration of time and the choices we make. The way the story unfolds, jumping back and forth, really kept me guessing. There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, which is always a plus in a thriller! It made me think about how one small decision can change everything.

The characters are well-developed, and I felt a real connection to the protagonist. Her emotions and struggles felt so raw and relatable, making the stakes feel even higher. McAllister really knows how to build tension while also diving deep into the emotional aspects of the story.

The only reason I didn’t give it a full five stars is that I felt the ending could have wrapped things up a bit more neatly. It left me with a few questions, and while I love a good open-ended story, I wanted a little more clarity.

Overall, "Wrong Place Wrong Time" is a gripping read that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that make you think, definitely give this one a shot! Have you read it yet? I’d love to hear what you thought!

“Salt Water” by Katy Hays, and I’d say it’s about a 3.5-star read for me. It was definitely an interesting book, with some moments that really stood out!

The story is set against the backdrop of a small coastal town, and it captures that dreamy, sometimes eerie vibe really well. I loved the atmosphere Hays created—there’s something about the ocean and its mysteries that just pulls you in. The characters are intriguing, especially the protagonist, who’s trying to find her place in this quirky town filled with secrets.

One of the things I appreciated was the exploration of themes like grief, friendship, and the struggle to connect with others. There are some heartfelt moments that really hit home, and I found myself connecting with the characters’ journeys. However, I felt like some parts of the plot could have been a bit tighter. There were moments that dragged on a little, which made it hard to stay fully engaged at times.

The writing style is poetic and descriptive, which I enjoyed, but I think the pacing could have been improved to keep the momentum going. Still, there are definitely some beautiful lines that made me pause and reflect, so that was a plus!

Overall, “Salt Water” is a solid read if you’re in the mood for something atmospheric and contemplative. It may not have blown me away completely, but there’s a lot to enjoy, and I think many readers will find something to relate to.

Set to be released March 25, 2025

Hey everyone! I read “Take My Hand” by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, back in September and I can’t rave about it enough—definitely a 5-star read for me! Seriously, if you haven’t picked this one up yet, you’re in for a treat!

This novel is such an important and powerful exploration of race, history, and the complexities of the healthcare system. Set in the 1970s, it follows a young nurse named Civil who works at a family planning clinic in Alabama. Right from the start, you’re drawn into her world as she navigates the challenges and ethical dilemmas of her job, especially when it comes to her patients, who are often marginalized and vulnerable.

What really struck me was how Perkins-Valdez highlights the experiences of Black women and the systemic injustices they face. It’s a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come, and yet how much further we still have to go in terms of equality and access to healthcare. The characters are beautifully crafted, and you can’t help but feel for them as they go through their struggles and triumphs.

The writing is absolutely stunning—Perkins-Valdez has a way of making you feel every emotion. There are moments that will make you smile, and others that will break your heart. It’s a rollercoaster of feelings, and I loved every moment of it. 

“Take My Hand” is not just a story; it’s a call to action and a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in our society. If you’re looking for a book that not only tells a compelling story but also tackles significant issues, this is the one to read. Have you checked it out yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

“A Man Named Ove” by Fredrik Backman, and wow, I’m giving it a solid 5 stars! Seriously, if you haven’t read this book yet, you’re missing out!

Let me tell you, Ove is such a wonderfully grumpy character, and I loved every minute of getting to know him. At first, he seems like this curmudgeonly old man who just wants to be left alone, but as the story unfolds, you realize there’s so much more to him. Backman does an incredible job of peeling back the layers of Ove’s life, showing us his backstory, his loves, and the heartbreaks that shaped him. It’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and I found myself laughing and tearing up in equal measure.

The supporting characters are just as fantastic! The way Ove interacts with his neighbors, especially the lively new family that moves in next door, brings so much joy to the story. It’s a beautiful reminder of how connections can form in the most unexpected ways, and how even the grumpiest people have a soft side. 

The writing is so engaging, too—Backman has this way of blending humor with deep emotion that really resonates. I felt like I was right there in Ove’s world, experiencing all his ups and downs alongside him.

Honestly, “A Man Named Ove” is one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish it. It’s a touching exploration of love, loss, and the importance of community. So, if you’re in the mood for a book that’s both funny and deeply moving, pick this one up! Have you read it yet? I’d love to hear what you think! 

It’s a total 5-star gem! Seriously, if you haven’t read this yet, you need to get on it!

The story is set in the South during the 1960s and follows a young girl named Lily Owens. Right from the start, I was drawn into her world. Lily is such a beautifully complex character, grappling with loss and searching for her own identity. The way Kidd explores themes of motherhood, race, and healing is just so powerful and poignant. You’ll find yourself rooting for Lily every step of the way!

The relationships in this book are amazing, especially the bond between Lily and the Boatwright sisters. They’re just so warm and welcoming, and their beekeeping wisdom adds a unique touch to the narrative. It’s a perfect blend of heart, humor, and a little bit of magic. Plus, the writing is just gorgeous—Kidd has a way with words that makes you feel like you’re right there in the story.

Oh, and if you love the book, you definitely have to check out the film adaptation! It captures the essence of the story really well, and the performances are fantastic. It’s a great way to see the characters come to life on screen.

So, if you’re looking for a read that’s both moving and uplifting, “The Secret Life of Bees” is the way to go. Trust me, you won’t regret it! Have you read it or seen the movie yet? Let’s chat about it!

"I Was Born For This" by Alice Oseman, and I’ve got to say, it’s definitely a solid 4.5 stars from me!

First off, the whole concept of the story is super cool. It revolves around fandom culture and what it means to be a fan, which totally resonated with me. The way Oseman captures the excitement and sometimes obsession that comes with being part of a fandom is spot on! I could totally relate to the characters as they navigated their lives around their favorite band, and it brought back so many memories of my own fangirl days.

Speaking of characters, they’re just fantastic! I loved the dual perspectives between Angel and Jimmy. Their voices are distinct and relatable, which makes it easy to get invested in their journeys. The dynamics between them, along with their friends, felt so real and full of heart. Plus, the way Oseman addresses themes of identity, belonging, and the pressures of fame adds a nice depth to the story.

The writing itself is super engaging—it's funny, heartfelt, and just flows so nicely. I found myself laughing out loud in some parts, and then getting all emotional in others. It’s a rollercoaster of feels, and I loved every minute of it!

The only reason I didn’t give it a full five stars is that I felt like a couple of plot points could have been fleshed out a bit more, but honestly, that’s just a minor thing. Overall, "I Was Born For This" is such a fun and meaningful read, and I think anyone who’s ever been part of a fandom will find something to love here.

Have you had a chance to read it? I’d love to hear what you think!

Here is "Solitaire" by Alice Oseman, and I wanted to share my thoughts. Overall, I’d give it about 3.5 stars, which is pretty solid, right? 

First off, I really liked the characters. Tori, the main character, is super relatable—she's dealing with a lot of typical teenage stuff, plus some heavier themes like mental health and family dynamics. I found myself rooting for her, even when she was being a bit of a mess, which, let’s be real, who isn’t sometimes? 

The plot is interesting, with this whole mysterious game called "Solitaire" that adds an intriguing layer to the story. I loved how it tied into the themes of connection and isolation, which is something a lot of us can relate to these days. It definitely kept me turning the pages!

That being said, there were moments where the pacing felt a bit slow, and some parts could have used a bit more depth. I wanted to dive deeper into certain character arcs, and some plot points felt a little rushed. 

But honestly, Oseman has a unique way of capturing the ups and downs of teenage life, and I appreciated the raw honesty in her writing. If you’re into stories that mix humor with some serious undertones, "Solitaire" is definitely worth a read.

So, I read  “Loveless” by Alice Oseman, and honestly, I had high hopes for this one. I mean, Oseman has a great fanbase and her previous works were pretty solid, right? But this one just didn’t hit the mark for me.

First off, the premise is super intriguing—it’s all about exploring love and identity, particularly through the lens of asexuality, which is something I think we need more of in literature. I loved the diversity of characters and the representation, but I felt like the execution fell a bit flat. The pacing was kinda off, and at times, I found myself skimming through parts just to get to the good bits. 

The characters had potential, but I didn’t feel as connected to them as I wanted to. They felt a bit one-dimensional, and I wished we could’ve dived deeper into their motivations and backgrounds. Plus, some of the dialogue felt a bit cringy and unrealistic at times. 

Overall, “Loveless” had a great message and some shining moments, but for me, it just didn’t quite come together. I really wanted to love it, but it left me feeling a bit... well, loveless.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Okay, so I read Fangirl, Vol. 4: The Manga by Gabi Nam and Rainbow Rowell, and I’m totally giving it 5 stars! If you loved the original novel Fangirl, you’re definitely going to want to check this out. It’s like a cozy hug in manga form, and I’m here for it!

First off, let’s talk about how well this volume follows Rowell’s original story. It picks up right where the previous volumes left off, diving back into Cath’s world with all its ups and downs. If you’re familiar with the novel, you’ll feel right at home, but even if you’re new to Cath’s journey, Gabi Nam does an amazing job of making it accessible. It captures that same blend of humor, anxiety, and heart that made the book so special. Honestly, I found myself grinning and nodding along, remembering why I fell in love with Cath and her struggles in the first place.

Now, the art! Oh my gosh, it’s just stunning. Gabi Nam has such a beautiful style that really complements the story. The characters come alive on the page with vivid expressions that perfectly capture their emotions. I loved the way the panels flowed; they made me feel like I was right there with Cath, experiencing everything alongside her. The attention to detail in each scene adds so much depth, and it really enhances the overall vibe of the story. It’s just so visually appealing!

The pacing is great too. It moves along nicely, balancing the plot development with those quiet, introspective moments that fans of the original will appreciate. And let’s not forget the side characters! They’re just as lovable as I remember, and their interactions with Cath are heartwarming and real.

I think what I love most is how this volume continues to explore themes of identity, creativity, and the challenges of growing up. It feels so relatable, especially for anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place or overwhelmed. Cath’s journey is one that resonates with so many of us, and this manga beautifully encapsulates that.

Overall, Fangirl, Vol. 4: The Manga is a delightful continuation of Cath’s story that fans will adore. The art is gorgeous, the storytelling is spot on, and it’s just an all-around feel-good read. If you’re looking for something that captures the magic of the original while adding a fresh twist, definitely grab this one! Happy reading! 📚💕✨

I read This Is Gonna End In Tears by Liza Klaussmann, and I’m landing at a solid 3 stars. It was an interesting ride, but it didn’t quite hit all the marks for me. Let me break it down!

First off, the premise had a lot of potential. We’re diving into the lives of a group of friends during a chaotic summer, and, honestly, I was super intrigued by that setup. There’s this vibe of nostalgia and friendship that’s really relatable, especially if you’ve ever had that one summer that felt like it changed everything. Klaussmann does a decent job of capturing the intensity of those friendships, which I appreciated.

The characters, though? They’re a bit of a mixed bag for me. Some were really well-developed and felt like people I could relate to, but others came across as a bit flat or cliché. I wanted to dive deeper into their backstories and motivations, but it felt like I was just skimming the surface at times. I think a little more depth would’ve made me care even more about what happened to them.

The pacing was another thing. There were moments that dragged a bit, and then suddenly, things would pick up out of nowhere, which threw me off a bit. I found myself wanting more consistency in the flow of the story. It felt like Klaussmann had a lot of great ideas but maybe didn’t fully explore them in the way I was hoping.

That said, there were definitely some poignant moments that stuck with me. The exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities that come with growing up is something I think a lot of readers can connect with. And the writing itself has a nice lyrical quality that I enjoyed; it’s just that the plot didn’t always match that vibe.

Overall, This Is Gonna End In Tears has its moments of brilliance, but it didn’t fully resonate with me. If you’re into stories about friendships and the messy, unpredictable nature of life, it might still be worth a read. Just go in with tempered expectations! Happy reading! 📚✨