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shealwaysreads's reviews
842 reviews
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
5.0
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, and wow, what a powerful read! ππ
Set during the Great Depression in the Dust Bowl era, this story follows Elsa, a woman who must navigate the hardships and struggles of the time as she fights to protect her family and find a better life. The writing is so vivid and emotional that it truly transports you to that era and makes you feel like you're right there alongside the characters. πΎπ©βπΎ
What really stood out to me were the characters themselves. Elsa is such a strong and resilient protagonist, and her journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The relationships she forms along the way, especially with her children, are so beautifully portrayed and really tug at your heartstrings. πβ€οΈ
The themes of resilience, love, and hope shine through in this novel, and Kristin Hannah's storytelling is just so captivating. The Four Winds is a poignant and moving tale that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. ππ«
If you're a fan of historical fiction with compelling characters and a story that will make you feel all the feels, then this is a must-read. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! ππ
Set during the Great Depression in the Dust Bowl era, this story follows Elsa, a woman who must navigate the hardships and struggles of the time as she fights to protect her family and find a better life. The writing is so vivid and emotional that it truly transports you to that era and makes you feel like you're right there alongside the characters. πΎπ©βπΎ
What really stood out to me were the characters themselves. Elsa is such a strong and resilient protagonist, and her journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The relationships she forms along the way, especially with her children, are so beautifully portrayed and really tug at your heartstrings. πβ€οΈ
The themes of resilience, love, and hope shine through in this novel, and Kristin Hannah's storytelling is just so captivating. The Four Winds is a poignant and moving tale that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. ππ«
If you're a fan of historical fiction with compelling characters and a story that will make you feel all the feels, then this is a must-read. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! ππ
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
3.0
The story follows Gwen and Art, two budding best friends who are navigating their complicated relationship and trying to figure out if they are to manage their betrothed . As they explore their feelings for others, they must also confront their fears and insecurities.
I found the characters to be relatable and well-developed, especially Gwen and Art. Their dynamic and banter felt authentic and kept me engaged in their journey. π«π¬
However, I felt that the pacing of the book was a bit slow at times, and the plot lacked some depth and complexity. I was hoping for a bit more emotional depth and exploration of the charactersβ internal struggles. β³π€
Overall, Gwen and Art Are Not in Love is a sweet and charming story about friendship, love, and self-discovery. While it may not have completely blown me away, it was still an enjoyable read that fans of contemporary YA romance may appreciate. ππ
I found the characters to be relatable and well-developed, especially Gwen and Art. Their dynamic and banter felt authentic and kept me engaged in their journey. π«π¬
However, I felt that the pacing of the book was a bit slow at times, and the plot lacked some depth and complexity. I was hoping for a bit more emotional depth and exploration of the charactersβ internal struggles. β³π€
Overall, Gwen and Art Are Not in Love is a sweet and charming story about friendship, love, and self-discovery. While it may not have completely blown me away, it was still an enjoyable read that fans of contemporary YA romance may appreciate. ππ
Hemlock Island by Kelley Armstrong
3.0
Hemlock Island by Kelley Armstrong and I have some mixed feelings about it! π€π
The story follows a group of old friends who reunite on Hemlock Island for a weekend getaway. However, things take a dark turn when one of them goes missing and they realize they are not alone on the island. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the group must navigate the treacherous terrain of the island to uncover the truth and survive the weekend.
On one hand, the atmospheric setting and the sense of isolation on the island really drew me in. It added a cool, eerie vibe to the story that I enjoyed. ποΈπ However, I found the pacing a bit slow and the plot a bit predictable at times. I was hoping for more twists and turns to keep me on my toes. β³π
The characters were interesting, but I didnβt feel as connected to them as I would have liked. I wanted to see more depth and development in their personalities. π§π₯
Overall, while Hemlock Island didnβt completely wow me, it was still a decent read. If youβre into atmospheric mysteries with a touch of suspense, this might be worth checking out. π΅οΈββοΈπ
The story follows a group of old friends who reunite on Hemlock Island for a weekend getaway. However, things take a dark turn when one of them goes missing and they realize they are not alone on the island. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the group must navigate the treacherous terrain of the island to uncover the truth and survive the weekend.
On one hand, the atmospheric setting and the sense of isolation on the island really drew me in. It added a cool, eerie vibe to the story that I enjoyed. ποΈπ However, I found the pacing a bit slow and the plot a bit predictable at times. I was hoping for more twists and turns to keep me on my toes. β³π
The characters were interesting, but I didnβt feel as connected to them as I would have liked. I wanted to see more depth and development in their personalities. π§π₯
Overall, while Hemlock Island didnβt completely wow me, it was still a decent read. If youβre into atmospheric mysteries with a touch of suspense, this might be worth checking out. π΅οΈββοΈπ
A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell
4.0
A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell and let me tell you, it was a wild ride! ποΈπͺ
The plot had me hooked from the start with its twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The dual perspectives added depth to the story and kept the suspense high. π₯π
The writing was sharp and engaging, and I found myself fully immersed in the atmospheric beach setting. It was like I was right there alongside the characters. ππ
While some parts were a bit predictable, overall, I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the book and the way the tension built throughout. It was a thrilling read that kept me on the edge of my seat. π’π±
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with a beachy vibe, I definitely recommend giving A Stranger on the Beach a read. It's a gripping, suspenseful story that will keep you guessing until the very end. ππ
The plot had me hooked from the start with its twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The dual perspectives added depth to the story and kept the suspense high. π₯π
The writing was sharp and engaging, and I found myself fully immersed in the atmospheric beach setting. It was like I was right there alongside the characters. ππ
While some parts were a bit predictable, overall, I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the book and the way the tension built throughout. It was a thrilling read that kept me on the edge of my seat. π’π±
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with a beachy vibe, I definitely recommend giving A Stranger on the Beach a read. It's a gripping, suspenseful story that will keep you guessing until the very end. ππ
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
4.0
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and let me tell you, it was a real page-turner! ππ₯
The twisty plot had me hooked from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down. The way Michaelides weaved the story together was so clever and kept me guessing until the very end. ππ
I really enjoyed the dual narrative structure, with alternating perspectives that added depth to the characters and kept the suspense high. The main character, Alicia, was especially intriguing and complex. π€―π©ββοΈ
The writing was sharp and engaging, and I found myself completely immersed in the world of the book. It was a thrilling and satisfying read that left me wanting more. ππ
Overall, I highly recommend The Silent Patient to anyone who loves a good psychological thriller. It's a gripping, well-crafted story that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out on this one! ππ
The twisty plot had me hooked from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down. The way Michaelides weaved the story together was so clever and kept me guessing until the very end. ππ
I really enjoyed the dual narrative structure, with alternating perspectives that added depth to the characters and kept the suspense high. The main character, Alicia, was especially intriguing and complex. π€―π©ββοΈ
The writing was sharp and engaging, and I found myself completely immersed in the world of the book. It was a thrilling and satisfying read that left me wanting more. ππ
Overall, I highly recommend The Silent Patient to anyone who loves a good psychological thriller. It's a gripping, well-crafted story that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out on this one! ππ
The Great Godden by Meg Rosoff
3.0
The Great Godden by Meg Rosoff and I have some mixed feelings about it! π€π
On one hand, I really enjoyed the atmospheric writing and the way Rosoff captured the lazy, hazy days of summer. It was like being transported right into the setting of the book. ππ
However, I found the pacing a bit slow and the plot a tad meandering at times. It took a while for the story to really grab my attention and I was hoping for a bit more excitement. β³π€
The characters were interesting, but I didn't feel as connected to them as I would have liked. I wanted to delve deeper into their motivations and personalities. π€·ββοΈ
Overall, while The Great Godden didn't quite hit the mark for me, I can see why others might enjoy it. If you're looking for a slow-burn, atmospheric read, this might be right up your alley. ππ
On one hand, I really enjoyed the atmospheric writing and the way Rosoff captured the lazy, hazy days of summer. It was like being transported right into the setting of the book. ππ
However, I found the pacing a bit slow and the plot a tad meandering at times. It took a while for the story to really grab my attention and I was hoping for a bit more excitement. β³π€
The characters were interesting, but I didn't feel as connected to them as I would have liked. I wanted to delve deeper into their motivations and personalities. π€·ββοΈ
Overall, while The Great Godden didn't quite hit the mark for me, I can see why others might enjoy it. If you're looking for a slow-burn, atmospheric read, this might be right up your alley. ππ
I See You by Clare Mackintosh
3.5
Hey there! Just wanted to chat about I See You by Clare Mackintosh. This psychological thriller had me totally hooked! The plot was super clever and kept me guessing until the very end. π
I really enjoyed how well-developed the characters were, especially Zoe. I felt like I really got to know them and understand their motivations. πββοΈ
The pacing of the book was just right, with the perfect amount of tension and suspense to keep me turning the pages. And those twists and turns? Mind-blowing! π
Oh, and let's not forget about the audiobook narration! It was top-notch and really added to the overall experience. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. π§
Overall, I highly recommend I See You to anyone who loves a good thriller. It's a gripping, well-written story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down! ππ
I really enjoyed how well-developed the characters were, especially Zoe. I felt like I really got to know them and understand their motivations. πββοΈ
The pacing of the book was just right, with the perfect amount of tension and suspense to keep me turning the pages. And those twists and turns? Mind-blowing! π
Oh, and let's not forget about the audiobook narration! It was top-notch and really added to the overall experience. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. π§
Overall, I highly recommend I See You to anyone who loves a good thriller. It's a gripping, well-written story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down! ππ
The Giver by Lois Lowry
4.0
The story is set in a seemingly perfect society where everything is controlled and regulated by the government. But as the main character, Jonas, starts to learn more about the world around him, he realizes that all is not as it seems.
One of the things that really stood out to me about this book was the way Lowry slowly reveals the dark underbelly of this seemingly utopian society. The concept of βsamenessβ and the lack of individuality is both fascinating and chilling. It really makes you think about the importance of diversity and free will in our own lives.
The relationship between Jonas and The Giver is another aspect of the book that I found really compelling. The Giver serves as a mentor to Jonas, guiding him through his journey of self-discovery and awakening. Their bond is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and it adds a lot of emotional depth to the story.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Giver to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. Itβs a classic for a reason, and I can see why so many people have fallen in love with it. Give it a shot, you might just be pleasantly surprised like I was.
One of the things that really stood out to me about this book was the way Lowry slowly reveals the dark underbelly of this seemingly utopian society. The concept of βsamenessβ and the lack of individuality is both fascinating and chilling. It really makes you think about the importance of diversity and free will in our own lives.
The relationship between Jonas and The Giver is another aspect of the book that I found really compelling. The Giver serves as a mentor to Jonas, guiding him through his journey of self-discovery and awakening. Their bond is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and it adds a lot of emotional depth to the story.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Giver to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. Itβs a classic for a reason, and I can see why so many people have fallen in love with it. Give it a shot, you might just be pleasantly surprised like I was.
The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of a Terrorist, a Train, and Three American Heroes by Alek Skarlatos, Anthony Sadler, Spencer Stone
inspiring
slow-paced
3.0
π Book Review: "The 15:17 To Paris" π
Just finished reading "The 15:17 To Paris" and I have mixed feelings about it. π€ While the novel was interesting, the way it was laid out was a bit off-putting. The constant jumping from past, present, and future was quite dizzying. π’ It made it challenging to follow the timeline of events.
Another aspect that left me puzzled was the decision to tell the story from a third-person point of view, considering it's the author's own experience. π€·ββοΈ I would have loved to have a more personal connection with the characters and their emotions.
Overall, it was an intriguing read, but the unconventional storytelling style took away from the impact of the story. πβ¨
Just finished reading "The 15:17 To Paris" and I have mixed feelings about it. π€ While the novel was interesting, the way it was laid out was a bit off-putting. The constant jumping from past, present, and future was quite dizzying. π’ It made it challenging to follow the timeline of events.
Another aspect that left me puzzled was the decision to tell the story from a third-person point of view, considering it's the author's own experience. π€·ββοΈ I would have loved to have a more personal connection with the characters and their emotions.
Overall, it was an intriguing read, but the unconventional storytelling style took away from the impact of the story. πβ¨
Fated by Sarah Ready
4.0
Fated by Sarah Ready is a captivating story that combines magical realism and time travel, making it an engaging and intriguing read. The author's descriptive prose transports readers to exotic locations like a Caribbean island and Geneva, Switzerland, allowing them to feel the ambiance and atmosphere of these places. The romance between the characters is heartfelt and emotional, drawing readers in and making them feel like they are living the story alongside the characters.
The main character, Fiona, undergoes a transformation from a workaholic CEO to someone who learns to love and dream again, thanks to a magical watch that allows her to live out her dreams. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Fiona's journey to find love and happiness. The side characters, such as Fiona's supportive brother Daniel and the lovelorn Max, add depth and complexity to the story, making it more compelling and enjoyable.
While some readers may find it hard to suspend belief at times, particularly regarding the logistics of the characters' lives on the island, the overall story is engaging and well-executed. The emotional rollercoaster ride of the plot, combined with the unexpected ending, leaves readers wanting more and eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Overall, Fated is a book that will appeal to fans of romance, magical realism, and time travel. Despite a few minor flaws, the story is well-written, engaging, and emotional, making it a worthwhile read for anyone looking for a captivating and heartwarming love story. I would give this book four stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a summer read that will transport them to exotic locales and tug at their heartstrings.
The main character, Fiona, undergoes a transformation from a workaholic CEO to someone who learns to love and dream again, thanks to a magical watch that allows her to live out her dreams. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Fiona's journey to find love and happiness. The side characters, such as Fiona's supportive brother Daniel and the lovelorn Max, add depth and complexity to the story, making it more compelling and enjoyable.
While some readers may find it hard to suspend belief at times, particularly regarding the logistics of the characters' lives on the island, the overall story is engaging and well-executed. The emotional rollercoaster ride of the plot, combined with the unexpected ending, leaves readers wanting more and eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Overall, Fated is a book that will appeal to fans of romance, magical realism, and time travel. Despite a few minor flaws, the story is well-written, engaging, and emotional, making it a worthwhile read for anyone looking for a captivating and heartwarming love story. I would give this book four stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a summer read that will transport them to exotic locales and tug at their heartstrings.