Review: Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History by Kate Schatz

Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History by Kate Schatz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What an amazing book! In a year that the political landscape hasn't been particularly woman friendly, it makes me so happy to read a book like this which showcases A LOT of strong women! Although I consider myself pretty up to speed on great women in history, I was shocked at how much ground was covered in this book that was new to me. LOVE this book in every way!

The book itself is so beautiful - bright colors, beautiful illustrations by Miriam Klein Stahl and the wonderful writing by Kate Schatz! It all comes together for a fascinating, engaging read! The book is a work of art and so inspiring!

I cannot wait to share it with my own daughter so she can see how many ways women can impact the world! Such a wonderful book!

NOTE: received this book for free from the publisher for a honest review!

Review: I Will Find You by Joanna Connors

I Will Find You by Joanna Connors
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a haunting and affecting memoir. Joanna Connors' story is so compelling and moving. This one explores the writer's rape by a stranger in the 1980s and the aftermath of that event. The subject matter is definitely disturbing. It's not for everyone. The events that took place are described in detail which may be too much for some readers. After her rape, the author tries to push her feelings about this rape away, to pretend it was over and she was fine. But, it eventually floats up and just won't go away. And so this memoir outlines her re-visiting what happened to her as well as exploring the background of the man who raped her. She's, in essence, trying to make sense of it and how it impacted her life.

It's a really engaging read that I think gave me another perspective on trauma and how it plays out in our lives. After working with rape victims over the years, much of Joanna Connors' experience resonated with me. This is a really haunting book that can help you give you perspective and insight into the experience of a rape victim and the aftermath of their experience.

If the content isn't too disturbing for you, I think this is a really important book that will help a reader understand the impact of trauma on victims and their families.

Review: The Mothers by Brit Bennett

The Mothers by Brit Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such lovely book. I cannot recommend it more highly. It's probably my favorite book of 2016. It's beautifully written and the story is so well done. It almost felt as if it snuck up on me in some way - I was enjoying the story, loving the prose and then BOOM it's suddenly even more than all that. I was liking it but there came a point when it all came together for me and my strong like became an absolute LOVE! Such a beautiful, haunting story with characters that I don't think I'll ever forget. It's about so much ... friendship, faith, life within a church community, and girls without a mother. It's so good and a MUST read, in my opinion.

I thought the collective voice was an interesting choice. I'm not sure it completely worked for me but I did think it was really compelling. I've read some interviews with Brit Bennett and I was really impressed with all she said about this novel and it's scope. She made me like the novel even more! Her ability to put a feeling into words effectively is one of my favorite things about this novel. There were so many passages that I couldn't get out of my head or that just summed up my feelings so perfectly. She definitely has a way with words!

Please pick up this book ... it's so worth the read! Such a beautiful and thoughtful novel! I think it's a novel that most will enjoy and find something in.

Just to give you a sense of how beautiful her writing is ... here are just a few of my favorite passages ...

“Grief was not a line, carrying you infinitely further from loss. You never knew when you would be sling-shot backward into its grip.”

“Years later, she wondered if that was the point, if sometimes the glory was in rebuilding the broken thing, not the result but the process of trying."

"Suffering pain is what made you a woman. Most of the milestones in a woman’s life were accompanied by pain, like her first time having sex or birthing a child. For men, it was all orgasms and champagne."

Review: Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners by Therese Oneill

Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners by Therese Oneill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the idea of this book! I had always thought to myself how life in Victorian times didn't do much for me because of the potential for grossness that I figured life offered at the time. And this book helped give me example after example of just that! It's a funny yet interesting look at life in Victorian times - from clothing to medicine to bathing to other unmentionables ... this book covers it all. And in detail. Oneill really makes the subject matter interesting and compelling. The photos in the book are fantastic and really bring life to the book! If nothing else, this book reiterated to me that I'm extremely thankful to have been born in this time ... life in Victorian times was frankly gross and infuriating! Although we tend to love literature from the time, this dose of what life was really like opened my eyes in ways I couldn't have imagined!

I highly recommend this book, especially if you're a fan of the Victorian time period or history in general! This was a really funny look at a time that most of us think we already know ... but we really don't!

Review: Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey

Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a unique take on the whole ghost story fascination in America. I found it very compelling. I felt like the author wove the stories of places haunted with the reality of each of those places. The perspective that Colin Dickey brings to the traditional ghost story is really interesting. It seemed to be a very thoughtful take on hauntings. If you're fascinated with the topic, this is a really strong take on it. It was definitely a fun read for the end of October!

Romance Quick Reviews

I've been needing a number of  palette cleansers lately to help balance out the more intense fiction that I've been reading. Having something lighter to read has helped me sometimes to keep reading and not getting overwhelmed by all the heavy reads. And so ... I have a number of romance reviews for you ...


Escorting the Player by Leigh James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wasn't expecting a lot when I decided to read this since it was a Kindle freebie. Yet, I was quite surprised by this one. It was a solid read and I enjoyed the story. It was a little predictable and I never felt like I really connected with the heroine but it was a quick and easy read. This is a perfect light read - a little fluffy yet quite good. The writing was solid and the story was put together well.


When Stars Collide by Micalea Smeltzer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I hadn't read the first book in this series, I didn't feel like I missed anything by starting with number two. This can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. I really liked the characters in this series (and plan to go back and read book 1). I really enjoyed the story in this one. Although it's based on a fairly typical premise (brother's best friend), I found it to be unique and interesting.

I really liked Xander and Thea ... their banter was great, their relationship felt very real. I had a bit of an issue with the idea that Thea, who has loved Xander for years, would react the way she did to their waking up married in Vegas. But, I was able to overlook that as the story moved past that. Beyond the romance (which I think was quite well done), this novel explores themes that I don't typically see in your average romance such as child abuse and family violence. And, I think it explored it rather well. It was handled effectively and gave the story itself that something special.

All in all, I recommend this one and plan to go back and read the first novel in the series!

The Goal by Elle Kennedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I just love this series and was so glad to finally get to know Tucker better! I loved this story and I think it was a unique one! I loved Sabrina and Tucker - such great characters. If you haven't read the series, I highly recommend it!




Catching Cassidy by Melissa Foster
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nice little romance. Some of the back and forth - oh we shouldn't, it will ruin our friendship - was just beginning to be annoying when it was resolved. But, I love that trope myself! I liked these characters and their challenges. Interesting details to the story. I like Melissa Foster's writing and intend to check out some of her other work. Not bad for a Kindle freebie!


Make Me Whole by R.C. Matthews
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I love the idea of a hero with a disability as well as the menage idea. This was just clunky and I didn't love one of the decisions made by the heroine that didn't feel like something she'd do. Just ok.




Lady Killer by Misti Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love the Hadleys and I think I liked this one even better than the first book in the series. Tom and Gemma were a great couple and the story was interesting! I'd say this one is more of a 3 and a half stars, pushed to a 4.





Cocky F@#ker by Misti Murphy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Liked finally getting to the bottom of Mace's story but didn't like it quite as much as the others in the series.





Rae of Sunshine by Micalea Smeltzer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really like the world created in this series. I started with book 2 so going back to the beginning was interesting. I enjoyed this relationship and it's unique challenges. I think it was handled well. Looking forward to the 3rd book in the series.

Review: A Life In Parts by Bryan Cranston

A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm a huge Bryan Cranston fan after watching him in Breaking Bad and other things. But, wow, now I'm an even bigger fan of the actor and man. He's a fascinating guy. Very real and honest. This is a man who takes great care in each and every thing he does. I loved learning about his path to improve his craft as well as his time in Hollywood. Learning about his family and his growing up was also fascinating and gave me a new perspective on him and his work. This is a memoir that I couldn't stop reading. It's so compelling and interesting. He's led quite a life ...

I think this memoir shines whenever he speaks about acting and his passion for his work. I loved hearing about his perspective on some of the projects he's worked on. If you are a Cranston fan OR if you are considering/pursuing a career in the dramatic arts, this may well be a great fit for you.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

Review: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book does what most of Jodi Picoult's novels do ... take something controversial and make it real to the average reader. This particular novel centers around racism and I found it to be especially timely given the current racial politics in America.

Here's a quick (spoiler-free) overview - Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years' experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she's been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don't want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene? Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy's counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family—especially her teenage son—as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other's trust, and come to see that what they've been taught their whole lives about others—and themselves—might be wrong.

I found this one to be a very powerful read. It gave me a new perspective to think about when it comes to racism. I am not close to the white supremacist movement. In fact, I try to avoid hearing about their beliefs because I find them so repugnant. This book gave me an insider's look at white supremacy. It also gave me even more information about what it is to be black in America. The view into Ruth's life were fantastic (albiet a bit heavy handed at times). I really learned from them. They gave me things to rethink. It made me start looking at the world around me differently. Which I think is KEY to getting to a better place on issues of race. However, I will also say that Ruth also wasn't the best character in the novel - she could have been handled so much better, in my opinion. Picoult's handling of Ruth's story felt heavy handed ... and didn't always feel authentic. Although I think the story does do what Picoult wants it to do ... take a look at racism, I think this novel could have been even more if Ruth had been handled a bit better.

I struggled a bit in putting into words my thoughts because although I really liked this novel and think it is a good step in the right direction, I did find it to be less authentic than I'd hoped. I didn't seem able to find the right words but then I read Roxanne Gay's review at the New York Times and she said it even better than I ever could have. So, I recommend that you check that out here. It's a really thoughtful look at the novel.

All in all, I highly recommend this one. I think that, despite it's flaws, it's a really great way to begin a conversation about race. This might be a good book club pick or a book to read along with friends.

NOTE: I received this ARC from the publisher for an honest review.

Review: Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am really struggling with rating this one. I'm more in a 2 and a half to three place with this one. I was really interested in the concept of this memoir and hoping it would add some insight into the decisions people make as they relate to culture, class and regional differences. My rating is based on how I came away feeling about it overall. It's a fine memoir, very interesting. But, it didn't add a lot to my own knowledge about the white working class. It would start to delve into those concepts but it never quite made it beyond describing the issue. I was hoping for something more in depth. Perhaps that's my own fault for looking for more than a memoir when this is clearly a memoir. But, given the state of US politics today, I was hoping this would illuminate some of the things we're seeing around regional decision making regarding politics and policies. I didn't quite get what I was hoping to get but I did get a great story of a man who pulled himself out of Appalachia despite the odds. So, I don't NOT recommend it. I recommend it if you're drawn to the memoir but not an in-depth conversation about how it plays out in society.

Reviews Coming Soon! (And an Update)

I have been so busy with life that I'm behind in getting my reviews written and posted for you! I promise that there are a number of them coming this weekend! Some of the reviews coming include Jodi Picoult's new novel Small Great Things, A Life In Parts by Bryan Cranston, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. D. Vance. and about 8 romance novels. I've been reading them in between some of the more intense books to help clean my palette!

Also coming up are reviews for the books I'm reading now - The Mothers by Brit Bennett (I can't WAIT to tell you about this one), American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodward (which I'm finding fascinating), and The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap: A Memoir of Friendship, Community, and the Uncommon Pleasure of a Good Book by Wendy Welch (which I'm reading as I work on my business plan for the independent bookstore I'm planning to open). I've also just started Listen, Liberal: Or, What Ever Happened to the Party of the People by Thomas Frank that I found on this fantastic list of books to read to be an informed voter. Given the current political environment, I've added a number of these to my list! I've already read 4 of the books on the list and they were all great. I've got a number of others on my 'get to soon' list! I highly recommend that list (or any of the content at Book Riot, for that matter). They also have several amazing podcasts which I also recommend if you love books! They are all fantastic! I'll have a post soon all about book podcasts that I love ... so keep an eye out for that as well!

Review: Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a fantastic book! Unique, interesting and perfectly put together! The book itself is literally a work of art. The illustrations are fantastic! This book features 50 amazing women from the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It covers everything from ancient items to the present! I learned so much about trailblazing women - many of whom I had never heard of! I learned so much with this book! Each scientist gets a spread in the book - one full of detailed writing about their lives and work and one illustration (and some words). It's just packed full of information and wonderful illustrations! There are also really cool timelines, a glossary and a list of other women in science. I love that it really focuses on the fact that the next great scientist could be any of us! This is one that I loved and plan to share with my 11 year old. I think it's important for her to see how many cool things women have done ... and I suspect she'll find it to be lots of fun! I can't wait for Rachel Ignotofsky to write more great books like this! I'll be first in line to pick them up! I highly recommend this to any and all readers!

NOTE: I received this novel from the publisher for an honest review.

Review: A Change of Heart by Sonali Dev

A Change of Heart by Sonali Dev
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed her first novel so I was excited to hear about this one. This novel has an intriguing premise that I thought played out well throughout the story. The characters were well done and the story was well developed. I love how her stories center around other cultures and offer a great deal of cultural diversity. I feel like I come away from her stories feeling like I get not only a good story but also a better understanding of cultural identity.

I really like how this one is focused around black market organ transplants. I found that part of the story to be very well done. It added to the mystery of the overall novel.

Although I quite liked this novel, I didn't find it quite as engaging as the previous novel of hers. The character development was good but not as good as before. It took quite awhile to connect with them or to feel connected to their relationship. It eventually came together but it took longer than I would have liked.

NOTE: I was given an ARC of this novel by the publisher for an honest review.

Review & Giveaway: Sparking the Fire by Kate Meader

Sparking the Fire
Book 3
A Hot in Chicago Novel
Kate Meader
Pocket Books
September 27, 2016
ISBM 9781476785936
$7.99

Praise for Sparking the Fire, Book 3

"The tale of hot firefighters and the women - and one man - who love them has come to an end. Meader ends this series with role playing, fierce family loyalty and multiple orgasms. The male protagonist goes through a transformation that showcases his vulnerability, insecurities, and protectiveness. The many instances of family sticking together through it all are more than enough to tug on the heart strings, but the steamy sex and sentimental pillow talk make this book a must-read.

- RT Book Reviews Fourt Star Review, Scorcher

"Can a fire fighter anda  movie star really make it work? Meader (Rekindle the Flame, 2015) immerses you in Wyatt's tight-knit family of foster siblings that she's built throughout the Hot in Chicago series, and readers will feel like part of the family in no time. Her descriptions of Chicago will leave fans wanting to travel to the Windy Cindy and fall in love with their own firefighters."

- Booklist

About Sparking the Fire, Book 3

Heating up reading lists this Fall will be Kate Meader’s highly anticipated Sparking the Fire, the “sexy and sassy” (#1 New York Timesbestselling author Jude Deveraux) steamy third novel in the Hot in Chicago series, where former lovers unexpectedly reunite for a sizzling affair that will have the director yelling, “Quiet on the set!”

AN OLD FLAME STILL SIMMERS … Wyatt Fox, resident daredevil at Engine Company 6, needs a low key job to keep him busy while he recovers from his latest rescue stunt. Consulting on a local movie shoot should add just enough spark to his day. But then in struts Molly Cade: the woman who worked his heart over good, and then left him in the Windy City dust.

BUT WILL A NEW SHOT AT LOVE LEAVE HER BURNED? Actor Molly Cade, America’s fallen sweetheart, finally has her shot at a Hollywood comeback with a dramatic new role as a tough-as-nails firefighter that promises to propel her back into the big time. And she’s not going to let anything stand in her way—even a certain brooding, blue-eyed firefighter she’s never quite been able to forget…Their story is straight out of a script: irrepressible, spunky heroine meets taciturn, smoldering hero. But these two refuse to be typecast, and when the embers of an old love are stoked, someone is bound to get burned…

About the Author

Kate Meader was raised on romance. An Irish girl, she started with Catherine Cookson and Jilly Cooper novels, and spiced it up with some Mills & Boon. Now based in Chicago, she writes romances of her own, where sexy contemporary alpha heroes and strong herioines match each other quip for quip. When not immersed in tales of brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or fire hose, Kate lives on the web at katemeader.com.

Where to Buy this Book

S&S

Amazon

B&N

BAM

Indiebound

Kindle

Nook

Google Play

My Review

4 stars

I am a huge fan of Kate Meader's Hot in Chicago series and I am loving this most recent (and final) book in the series. We finally get to find out Wyatt's story! But, I am bummed that this is the final book ... I'm going to miss these characters and the world Kate Meader has created! I love the idea of a group of foster kids who come together to find their own family. The love and sense of family that these characters display in the series just warms my heart. PLUS, the romances are all fantastically done!

In this one, we learn more about Wyatt and his relationship with Molly who is essentially America's sweetheart. I have to admit that Molly took a little bit to grow on me but I eventually found myself loving her as well! She and Wyatt were a great match and there was lots of heat between them! One of my favorite things about this series is the funny banter and wonderful dialogue! Wyatt and Molly certainly have all of that in their relationship!

Although this book can easily be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend you start with Flirting with Fire which is the first book in the series. I suspect you won't be able to stop reading until you get to this one! If you like romances with strong heroines and interesting heroes, you don't want to miss this one (or the series)!

Fire Giveaway

We are exited to do a Fire Giveaway to celebrate the third in Kate Meader's Hot in Chicago series, Sparking the Fire. This giveaway will include Flirting with Fire (Book 1) and Playing with Fire (Book 2). You can visit all sites on the blog tour to enter the Fire Giveaways - but keep in mind you can only win once! U.S. Only!

Hot tip: Kate is also offering a $25 Amazon gift card during the Sparking the Fire release tour. It will run Monday, September 26 to Friday, October 7. Enter here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour

September 14:

RT Book Reviews - Excerpt

September 20:

Heroes and Heartbreakers - Excerpt

September 23:

USA Today’s Happy Ever After - Excerpt

September 26:

Harlequin Junkie - Interview

Under the Covers - Interview

A Midlife Wife

Mrs. Leif’s Two Fangs About It

September 27:

Collector of Book Boyfriends

Literary Gossip

The Romance Reviews

Once Upon a Twilight

Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews

September 28:

Four Chicks Flipping Pages

In Between the Pages

Reviews by Crystal

Read Love Blog

September 29:

Abigail Books Addiction

Read Your Writes

Booklovers for Life

Dirty and Thirty

September 30:

Lush Book Reviews

Art, Books & Coffee

Jack of All Trades, Master of None

The Lovely Books

October 3:

The Romance Dish

Margie’s Must Reads

Girl Meets Books

Dirty Girl Romance

Jen’s Reading Obsession

Jackie’s Books ‘n Bags

What's Better Than Books?

TJ Loves to Read

Curvy and Nerdy

Hot Guys in Books

KT Book Reviews

Four Chicks Flipping Pages

October 4:

About That Story

Love is a State of Mind

Closet Geeks and Slow Mo

Book Junkiez

Books Are My Friends, Come See Why

Off-Grid-Momma’s Bookshelf

Fire and Ice Book Reviews

Polished Book Worm

Ingrid’s Book Blog

Thoughts of a Blonde

E-Reading After Midnight

October 5:

Cocktails and Books

WTF Are You Reading?

Alathia Paris Morgan

The Reading Café

Those Crazy Book Chicks

Anonymisses

The Sassy Bookster

Always Booking

I Love Romance

Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Kitty's Book Spot!

Pretty Sassy Cool

October 6:

Bea’s Book Nook

Kricket’s Chirps Romance Blog

Ever After Book Reviews

Marie’s Tempting Reads

Jenerated Reviews

I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore

Ebookobsessed.com

A Fortress of Books

Author Liaisons

Sexy Bibliophiles

The Librarian – Blog Talk Radio Author’s on the Air - Interview Only - Listen Live at 7:30 pm ET!

Amy’s Books Obsession

October 7:

Once Upon a Page

Ramblings from this Chick

Southern Yankee Book Reviews

Dog-Eared Daydreams

Oh My Growing TBR

Bujoijoi22

After Dark Book Lovers

Literary, Etc.

Misty’s Book Bin And More

Fiction Fangirls

The Book Quarry

Red Cheek Reads

Review: All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow ... what a book! I'm not sure what to even say other than it was wonderful and disturbing and beautiful and disturbing. Not a happy go lucky sort of book. Very dark and well, disturbing. It's about a number of things but mostly it tells the story of Wavy who is being raised by her drug addict mother and who is raising her younger brother. She's on her own in more ways than one. It's the story of a girl who lives in difficult circumstances and her ongoing relationship with an associate of her father's who is considerably older. It can be very uncomfortable when you remember their ages throughout the story so if that might be an issue for you, this is not the book for you.

What I liked about it was how Bryn Greenwood never made a stance in her writing of this story. She let their story happen and leaves the reader to determine what they think about it. This was a really effective way to explore a taboo subject in a thoughful way. I love that the author didn't avoid the ugly things (hence the title). This girls life is hardly ideal but this is ultimately a story about taking care of yourself and finding your way in the world when you don't have the support every child should have. I found the story interesting and thoughtful. Very well done and realistically done which I think is one of the reasons that I loved it so much. It didn't wrap anything up in a pretty package - it went to a place that felt real and honest.

This is a really unique novel that I couldn't put down. I came away thinking about these characters and their lives long after the book was over. If you can get past the uncomfortableness of a story about a young girl and her relationship with a man, it's so worth the read. It's a beautiful story with characters that I think will stay with you for some time!

Recent Reviews - Part 2

A Scot in the Dark by Sarah MacLean
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am having a hard time with this review because Sarah MacLean's books are all amazing - her amazing is better than most people. This one, however, isn't her best. It's good - better than most people's best work. I can't believe that I'm giving one of her books 3 stars but I just didn't connect with this story like I have with all of her others. The love story eventually came together for me but it took over half of the book for me to connect with them. I usually plow through her novels in a day or two, this one took close to four which is unusual. In the end, I quite liked it but I can't deny that it took awhile to get there which is why I'm rating it 3 stars. If you haven't read Sarah before, RUN and pick up any of them. Come to this one eventually. If you're already a fan, you'll definitely want to pick this one up because even what isn't her best is quite good!

Losing It by Emma Rathbone
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was really hopeful about this book but I just didn't enjoy it. It was ok, just meh. I'm still not completely sure that any of it was successful for me. The characters felt a bit flat to me. I just never connected with them or felt they were real. The story felt like it would begin to go somewhere interesting and then fall flat. I usually love books that are focused around internal dialogue but this time it didn't work for me. It felt random and, at times, boring. I really wish there'd been more Aunt Viv and less of the main character. THAT would have been interesting! I just think this one didn't work for me. Which is a shame because I was so hopeful based on the premise. Unfortunately, I can't recommend this one wholeheartedly but there are others who've quite liked it. Maybe give it a shot if it sounds promising to you ...

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was quite nice to read a romance that had diversity in it. I feel like romances are always focused on white people so it was nice to have some cultural and racial diversity in this romance. In addition, I found the characters and the story to be really quite well done.

I loved reading about the cultural pieces in this novel. It really gave the novel that something special that kept me even more engaged than usual. I loved the hero and heroine in this story. They had chemistry that flew off the page. The way their relationship developed over the course of the book was fantastic! This had everything I love in a good romance plus some cultural diversity which was fantastic! Definitely recommend this one!

The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that is a slow burn. It's not fast paced. It's not going to keep you on your toes. And yet, it's so well done. And it does build steadily and suddenly it all catches up and you're overtaken with how wonderful it all is.

So atmospheric. Beautifully written. The characters in this novel feel like they are real in every way. I felt as if I was following the characters around and watching. The details of the world in that time period were outstanding. There are a great number of moral quandries in this novel that really made me think about things. Such a beautiful story. I highly recommend this one!