I’d do anything to go back to that happy place, outside of time, where nothing from real life can touch us.
Harriet and Wyn were a perfect couple - bu
I’d do anything to go back to that happy place, outside of time, where nothing from real life can touch us.
Harriet and Wyn were a perfect couple - but five months ago they broke up and told none of their friends about it.
That's why Harriet finds herself bunking with Wyn in the bedroom at the cottage they've been going to with their besties every year for the past ten years. For one glorious week, they ditch their real lives, and soak up the salty air with their favorite people.
However, this year, Harriet and Wyn are telling a big old lie. The cottage is up for sale, so this is their last hurrah. They can't bear to break their friends' hearts, so they'll just pretend like everything's all good for one more week.
It's a perfect plan - if they can pretend to still be head-over-heels in love with each other in front of their closest friends.
“No,” he says quietly. “In every universe, it's you for me. Even if it's not me for you.”
It doesn't feel like reading when i open up an Emily Henry book. The characters are living and breathing. They feel so real. I find myself lost in their lives, feeling their emotions and experiencing their struggles alongside them. One of the things that makes EH's writing so compelling is her ability to delve deeply into the psyches of her characters, making them feel like fully formed individuals with complex inner lives.
In this book the chapters alternate between the present and their relationship over the years, from the moment Harriet and Wyn met, fell in love, and their eventual break-up. The past chapters (aka Happy Place chapters) were so full of joy and love and it was adorable af watching them fall for each other - but it also made reading the present chapters (aka Real Life chapters) so much harder to read after knowing how MUCh they loved each other.
Another thing i absolutely love that Emily Henry is so good at is how she skillfully incorporates popular tropes into her scenes without making them feel forced or cringey.
Harriet and Wyn are everything. i don’t remember loving a book ship as much as i love these two. They might just be my fav EH couple. The side characters were also funny and loveable and not boring to read about, i was invested in the friendships in the book as much as the romance.
My emotions are still reeling and I have no idea how I am going to pick up another book after HP.
I could go on and on about this book but all I’m gonna say is that you need to read this!! Preorder and save the date. You wont be the same after Happy Place!
Thanks to Penguin for sending me an e-arc for review...more
Colton and Gretchen had great chemistry, and their banter was so enjoyable. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamicThis might be my favorite book in the series.
Colton and Gretchen had great chemistry, and their banter was so enjoyable. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a winner, and I adored them to bits.
It was fun to see the bros again! I love how they are always there for each other and how they hold Colton accountable and call out his mistakes. Also they’re just so darn hilarious!
The lessons of romance novels had taught them all how to be better men, better partners, and better friends to one another.
Gretchen's family is frustrating, but the author did a good job of showing the weird dynamic that moms sometimes have with their sons where they pretend to be blind to their flaws.
Honestly, I think this might be my favorite book by this author. It had the perfect mix of humor, heart, and romance.
“.... she loved him even more for it. For looking at her like she was the beginning and end of his every thought.”
I usually immediately dnf a roma“.... she loved him even more for it. For looking at her like she was the beginning and end of his every thought.”
I usually immediately dnf a romance book if its in third person unless the first chapter manages to capture my attention and the author is able to show me that I can connect through this pov. But Ali Hazelwood blew my preconceived notions out of the park. This book was hilarious and cute af and filled with elite tropes. Hazelwood served us and I was a happy little reader throughout.
My expectations of men have risen even higher and now I have to live with the fact I’ll probably never find a guy as perfect as Adam Carlson. So thanks for that ali hazelwood ...more
The Prophet, Al Mustafa, is about to board a ship after his exile of 12 years in Orphalese, to return to his home. Before he embarks, he is stopped byThe Prophet, Al Mustafa, is about to board a ship after his exile of 12 years in Orphalese, to return to his home. Before he embarks, he is stopped by the towns people to impart some last wisdom.
This is a collection of 26 poetic essays that vary in subject from love, pain, friendship, giving and many more.
Growing up, our house was filled with Kahlil Gibran books. My parents have a huge collection of his works and have always encouraged me to give them a try. However I've always been a bit daunted and never knew exactly where to start. My mother suggested The Prophet.
I was so overjoyed when I received this copy, which came to me as a surprise.
My edition (the Alma Classics edition, published 2020) included illustrations by Gibran himself. I loved looking at them and they were such a great addiction to the poetry itself.
My heart felt full while reading this spiritual classic. The wisdom imparted spoke to me. And I feel like even if poetry isn't your thing you'd still find something in this book that speaks to you.
I highly recommend taking your time, savour it in small increments and reflect on each essay.
« Thank you to Jonathan Ball publishers for gifting me a copy » ...more
“When I was your age, I wanted to be someone else too.” “Who’d you wanna be, Dad?” “Someone important. You know why I call you Little Indian? So that yo
“When I was your age, I wanted to be someone else too.” “Who’d you wanna be, Dad?” “Someone important. You know why I call you Little Indian? So that you know you’re already someone important.”
This is the story of Betty Carpenter and her family as they move from place to place until they finally settle in Breathed, Ohio on the foothills of the Appalachian mountains.
The Carpenters don’t fit in anywhere. Betty’s father, Landon, is Cherokee and her mother, Alka, is white. Betty, of all of her siblings inherited the most of her fathers Cherokee features finds it hard to blend in and come to terms with her place in the world. She finds solace and comfort in her family and Landon’s stories as he teaches his children to love the land and to never forget their ancestors and where they came from.
Through the years of poverty and struggle in Breathed, Betty witnesses horrors of cruelty and violence. Needing an escape she writes these events down, tells the stories of her family’s dark past and present, and buries it deep in the ground.
We follow the family from the 1930s — the moment Landon and Alka meet — until Betty, their youngest daughter enters adulthood.
This book was equally hard to read and magical at the same time. The first thing that swept me away was the writing. It was enchanting and lyricle. Poetic and mesmerising.
I don’t know if it’s because this book was more personal to the author or what? — but the way she wrote the setting and the characters was spectacular. It all felt so real and the characters each felt so distinct.
Some characters I hated with all my guts (if you know, you know ...more
“To tell you the truth, I don't get how we can almost unanimously agree that murder is wrong, yet when it comes to rape some people still see shade“To tell you the truth, I don't get how we can almost unanimously agree that murder is wrong, yet when it comes to rape some people still see shades of gray.”
Megan Goldin wrote the heck out of The Night Swim! When I began, I had my doubts, as it tackles a topic I find hard to read about. However, once I started listening I could not stop!
I have never listened to podcasts before but now I see why people love them so much. It was really interesting listening to the episodes of the podcast which are also included in the book.
I enjoyed the present timeline more than the chapters set in the past. Court room settings always has an extra element of drama that I cannot resist. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how the trial would proceed and hanging on to the words of every witness.
The mystery of what happened to Jenny had me two folds more invested in the story.
This book highlighted the horrible ugliness of rape and everything surrounding it. Everything the victim has to endure afterwards, once coming forth. Reliving the nightmare over and over and the emotional trauma of having to face the rapist in court while also enduring public opinion.
This was challenging, there were times I had to press pause and take a few deep breaths but it was definitely worth the read. The Night Swim was such a unique thriller, I hope this isn’t the last of Rachel Krall and her podcast.
For the last few days this book has taken over my life. When I wasn’t reading late into the night, I was constantly thinking about it or discussing itFor the last few days this book has taken over my life. When I wasn’t reading late into the night, I was constantly thinking about it or discussing it with my friends.
I was hoping The Dragon Republic would floor me exactly the way The Poppy War did. Astonishingly, it did more than that. Reading this book was nothing short of exhilarating.
From page one it did not let up. I was in a constant state of anxiety waiting for the next twist and turn. Every new reveal, betrayal and manipulation gave me whiplash. I was left gasping, more astounded than before.
Kuang did not pull any punches. The action was head-spinning and the violence (which often left me feeling nauseous) was rendered in such an authentic and appropriate way to each scene.
Knowing that Kuang draws from real sources of Chinese history makes the brutality reflected in the pages hit you harder than ever.
“The world is chaotic and war is fundamentally unpredictable and at the end of the day you don’t know who will be the last man standing. You don’t know anything going into a battle. You only know the stakes.”
The author painted a beautiful picture as she expanded the world building and history of Nikan. She delivered the politics and military strategy in a fresh and riveting way that had me on tenterhooks, desperate to know more. I especially loved reading the naval battle scenes which were so very vivid.
In between this harsh landscape Kuang gives us funny and tender moments that I hoarded with a protective ferocity akin to a dragon hoarding gold.
The cast of characters consisted of new and old faces — each distinct and with apparent flaws.
The trauma and psychological side effects suffered by all was shown so well. The old cast from book one has changed so much after everything they’ve endured, each coping (or not coping) in their own way.
The anger was a shield. The anger helped her to keep from remembering what she’d done. […] She was afraid that if she stopped being angry, she might crack apart.
At the beginning of the book Rin is in an extremely dark place. She’s struggling to deal with grief and guilt while trying to escape Altan’s ghost and losing the battle against her opium addiction. The only thing she has to hold onto is her rage and her need for revenge. This left her vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation. Even though our girl makes some terrible decisions I still want the best for her and I remain hopeful.
I especially loved Kitay in this one. The sweet cinnamon roll of a boy he was in book one is no more. He has been hardened by war and haunted by Golyn Niis. Now he is filled with a quiet fury which he pours into everything he dedicates himself to. He is such a good friend to Rin, and I will not recover if some terrible happens to him in the next book.
The ending was an unexpected stab in the heart. I could not believe what I was reading. I read it several times in fact just to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. A chant of “no no no” did not stop me from careening head first into the twist so cleverly layed out.
After, I lay in the dark, speechless and dazed. Unable to form a coherent thought, my mind churning and a stampede of emotions running through my whole body.
If I look back now to everything that happened in this single book, it was A LOT— but it was all so well executed and put together.
I am counting the hours till I can read the final book. I have no doubt that Kuang is going to deliver a sizzling conclusion to this already mind blowing series.
CONTENT WARNINGS:violence, murder, genocide, rape, self harm, mutilation, human experimentation
I have been in desperate need of this exact combination of opposites attract and Emily Henry has served us!!!
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Poppy and Alex have an unlikely fI have been in desperate need of this exact combination of opposites attract and Emily Henry has served us!!!
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Poppy and Alex have an unlikely friendship. Poppy is free spirited, quirky and outgoing. Alex is quiet and prefers to stay indoors with a book.
They meet during orientation week in college and become friends after an awkward car ride home.
After college they mostly live far apart however every summer they take a trip together and go on exciting adventures.
Until one summer, everything falls apart.
Now, after two years of not talking, Poppy is determined to fix things with Alex. She manages to persuade him to go on one last vacation where she has one week to convince Alex to give their friendship another go.
Beach Read was one of my absolute favourite reads of 2020. So i went into this one with my fingers crossed, peaking through one eye, just in case it didnt live up to Beach Read.
I cannot put into words how ECSTATIC i was to find that it surpassed my hopes.
Its scary how perfect this book was (for me). I feel like the author stole my dreams (like the giant in the bfg hehehheheh) of the ...more
I don't think I will ever be able to properly explain my obsession with this book.
Everytime I read Pride and Prejudice (though it’s been many years sI don't think I will ever be able to properly explain my obsession with this book.
Everytime I read Pride and Prejudice (though it’s been many years since I’ve done a reread) I find something else to love about it.
Jane Austen renders a beautiful display of English country life in the early 1800s and the complexity of ordinary people — all their vanities, their flaws and their quirks.
The writing is lush and descriptive with a slow melting pace filled with subtle humour, sarcasm and witty banter.
“But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever.”
The author created a fantastic and varied cast of characters. The absurdities of the secondary characters are what kept the plot light and fun.
Elizabeth’s whole family (excluding Jane) were a trainwreck of silly individuals.
But none are like Mr Collins. This man never fails to astound me with his silliness. The things he said were half ridiculously funny and the other half of the time I just wanted to smack him.
Characters like Miss Bingley, Mr Wickham and Lady Catherine were also infuriating at times.
Something I always find extremely entertaining in these types of classics is the underhanded savagery delivered through a facade of polite smiles and impeccable manners. It’s admirable, really ...more
“The thing is, Peter, grown-ups don't know what they're doing any better than kids do. That's the truth.”
I’ve had this book on my tbr for so long, I K
“The thing is, Peter, grown-ups don't know what they're doing any better than kids do. That's the truth.”
I’ve had this book on my tbr for so long, I KNEW from the synopsis that it would be a book I loved. It’s been a long time since I read so many pages in one sitting. It is a slow read because of the nature of the story spanning over many years. I love stories like this. Ones where you fall into the writing which is poignant in it’s simplicity.
The characters were all so well fleshed out and we get to see things from the perspective of almost all the characters (kind of like in Little Fires Everywhere).
Ask Again, Yes dealt with so many things such as: mental illness, the effects this has on the child of a parent with mental illness, gun violence, domestic abuse, neglect and alcoholism. The many forms of love and forgiveness.
Most of this story is set after the tragedy and how everyone from both families moved on and dealt with the consequences of that night.
I quickly became so invested in this story and these characters, I cried many times as their hardships affected me so. I felt a bit conflicted with the ending but after some pondering I realised it ended just right.
Would highly recommend this to anyone who loved Little Fires Everywhere or multi generational stories....more
You know when you read the first few chapters of a book and you’re overcome by a feeling, a knowing, that this book is going to stick with you. That yYou know when you read the first few chapters of a book and you’re overcome by a feeling, a knowing, that this book is going to stick with you. That you don’t know what’s going to happen next, but you can tell you’re going to love it? — that’s what The Poppy War made me feel.
The writing was exquisite. It drew me in, and kept me hooked. It felt like I was watching a movie in my head, everything was so vivid, mesmerising but also heartbreaking. From descriptions of the setting, to the history and world building. Wow. I’m completely in awe of the authors skill. With each chapter I became more and more obsessed with this world and this story.
I loved the elements of magic and mythology combined with the history and war.
There was constantly a lot of new information to process and so many characters that I had to start keeping a log of who’s who — but honestly that just added to my enjoyment.
The first portion is set during Rin’s time at the academy is slow paced. After that things really start picking up.
I cannot say there was one moment I was bored or uninterested, even during the slower chapters.
The setting was fantastic. I’m so used to reading western centric fantasy and this just made me realize how much I need Asian fantasy in my life.
Something that I enjoy most as a reader is learning through fiction. The author draws from real Chinese historic events such as the Opium Wars, the Second Sino-Japanese War and The Rape of Nanking.
I immediately found myself looking up these events, wanting to know more. It hit me so hard to find out that all these atrocities actually happened and people don’t speak about it.
This book while an enjoyable read was also very hard to read. It portrays the very real horrors of war and there were times I was crying my eyes out for all the suffering Rin had witnessed. (content and trigger warnings at the end of this review)
Rin, I admire the most. She fought tooth and nail for her place at Sinegard and didn’t let the others who thought she had no right to be there bring her down. She was fierce and determined. And yes, when war came knocking she realised she wasn’t as prepared as she’d thought. War and circumstances changed her and she ends up making questionable decisions that I didn’t agree with, however I still wanted the best for her (I’m still worried about her and I’m so scared for her in the next books eeeek! ).
Altan was also another character I really enjoyed reading about. There were times I hated him but at the end of the day I think Kuang did such a great job creating this character who has been used as a weapon, treated like an animal, who is driven by vengeance and hate.
The character growth we see in the span of one book left me shook. Some characters I thought were garbage become dear to me (*cough* Nezha *cough*). Kuang makes sure we see the flaws in every character, the basics of human nature, the cruelty humans are capable of when they think others are lesser.
The ending left me teary eyed and with a hunger for more. I’m sad that I didn’t read this book when it came out but now I’m glad because I can immediately continue on to book 2 and there’s not much time I have to wait till the final book is released ...more
My only regret is not having read this on the beach outside my cute beach house next to my sexy writing partner slash college rival. Oh wait...
‘As di
My only regret is not having read this on the beach outside my cute beach house next to my sexy writing partner slash college rival. Oh wait...
‘As different as I’d thought we were, it felt a little bit like Gus and I were two aliens who’d stumbled into each other on Earth only to discover we shared a native language.’
January Andrews is a Best Selling romance author. Augustus ‘Gus’ Everett is a popular literary fiction author. Old college rivals, the two of them are neighbours for the summer.
As is custom when one confronts your old rival: a deal is struck. For the summer they'll swap genres. Gus will write something happy and January will write a book where the characters don't live ‘happily ever after’
And they'll both try not to give in to the obvious attraction between them. But that goes without saying.
I was expecting cutesy and flirty summer romance but I got so much more!
The writing was so addictive and easy. I think the only thing that could have improved this book is if we had point of view chapters from Sexy Gus (yes that's what I call him OK, it takes unknown skill for an author to make a character with a name like ‘August’ sexy).
I lived for every interaction between January and Sexy Gus . The banter, the slow burn, the pacing — everything was just perfection.
This is the book I never knew I needed. I would also like to take the time to thank Emily Henry (who obviously is not reading this but ya know, I'm putting it out into the universe and all that) for coming up with a truly genius premise.
As y'all know, I read a good amount (a lot) of adult romance (check out my fave adult romance shelf) and recently I've been so bored with all the recycled tropes and plots and honestly this was such a breath of fresh air!!
The rivals trope is one of my favourite tropes (best example of this is my obsession with The Hating Game) and it was so bloody brilliant in this one.
It was beautiful to watch January and Sexy Gus discover how much they have in common, learning to be vulnerable with each other and sharing their pasts with one another.
Something I didn't expect to enjoy was their writing process. I found it immensely fascinating to read about what an author does to prepare for a book. The writing marathons, research excursions and setting word count goals —were precious everyday author moments that I never gave much thought to before.
If you're looking for a unique romance book with great tropes, ‘A Grade’ banter, addictive writing then you're wasting your time reading this review! GO AND GET THIS BOOK YOU FOOL
« e-ARC received from Penguin Random House via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own »
___ When you're in that romance mood, you just gotta go with it. Buddy reading with Warda...more
Thank you to Sarah Hogle for blessing 2020 with my new favourite comfort book. It's been days since I've finished this one and I'm not gonna lie-I'm hThank you to Sarah Hogle for blessing 2020 with my new favourite comfort book. It's been days since I've finished this one and I'm not gonna lie-I'm having serious withdrawals.
“Enjoy your Thanksgiving!” he calls over his shoulder. “You two are assholes!” she calls back. “You deserve each other.” I send her a thumbs-up. “Thanks!”
Naomi and Nicholas are that perfect couple. The one who everyone envies. The one who's sickeningly cute instagram posts make you hate and love them at the same time.
What started out as love has slowly turned into resentment, Naomi is tired of faking happiness, because in a few months time they will be walking down the isle and Naomi has to figure out a way to back out of this engagement without it seeming her fault. Because she knows that if she's the one to break it off — Nicholas's controlling mother will make sure she pays the extensive and nonrefundable wedding bill.
Much to Naomi's surprise, it seems Nicholas has been ‘faking happy’ too. Trying to push her away so that he doesn't have to end their engagement.
And so commences a war of pranks and sabotage between two stubborn people.
When I’m in the bathroom, he orders me a Dr Pepper, which he knows is my favorite.
Before we leave, I wipe all the crumbs and used napkins from the table onto our plates and stack them, which I know he appreciates because he tries to be helpful to the busboys.
When we get back out to the car, we plot how to ruin each other’s lives.
Okay so everyone was right about this being like The Hating Game. Sarah Hogle wrote Naomi in a similar style that Sally Thorne wrote Lucy — with rambling inner monologues and crazy exaggerated thoughts.
Please don't think I'm complaining. I. LOVED. IT. I was laughing so much while reading this book, I had a permanent smile on my face! The pranks, the pettiness — were top notch. I found myself reading right through the night laughing at the juvenile antics of both Naomi and Nicholas, it was endlessly entertaining!
Let's talk about the lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers ( or does love-to-hate-to-love fit better? Idk) trope. I have come across this trope many times before. It's quite popular as it usually goes hand in hand with the ‘second chance romance’ trope. But none other was as good as this one.
What I loved most was the growth! In between the pranks you get the sense that neither of them has ever been real with the other. When both Naomi and Nicholas start to let their guard down bit by bit and begin reflecting on their own contribution to the problems of their relationship. They've both been faking perfect and it was lovely to see them both rediscover the other.
I inadvertently let him in to see the ugly parts but instead of running away like I’d counted on him to do, he wrapped his arms around all of that ugliness and didn’t let go.
They go from hating each other, to becoming friends and a team. It was so beautiful.
If I'm being completely honest, both characters came off a bit annoying in the beginning with how immature they can be but they grew on me and I love them to pieces!
I wish we had some Nicholas POV, that would have been a great insight to have.
The next time I fall into a reading slump you can bet that this is the book I'll be picking up for a reread!!
___ Second ReadOctober 2020
Just as good as the first time! I listened to the audiobook this round and it took some time getting used to the narrator. I think because I already loved the book so much the narrator didn't spoil the experience for me.
Rereading this just made me even more excited for future works from Sarah Hogle!!
This won't be the last time I reread this book. ___
innitial reaction
The funny thing is that I received an ARC of this book a long time ago and I just...I didn't read it? I forgot? What a damn fool I was.
I finished this at 3AM and it was the first thing I thought about when I woke up a couple hours later. Will I reread? Most definitely.
___ My good friends May and Warda told me this is similar in style to The Hating Game ( which I have read 4 times and am complete trash for). I haven't read a romance since March (I know, i know wtf right?!) and I'm overdue for some feels!!...more
I stand by the fact that this series would not be half as great if Finnick did not exist.
Yes, victors are our strongest. They're the ones who surviI stand by the fact that this series would not be half as great if Finnick did not exist.
Yes, victors are our strongest. They're the ones who survived the arena and slipped the noose of poverty that strangles the rest of us. They, or should I say we, are the very embodiment of hope where there is no hope.
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Katniss Everdeen has survived The Hunger Games. But the Capitol is not happy with her. Katniss and Peeta have unknowingly become the spark of rebellion when they decided to not play by the Capitol's rules.
It's an awful lot to take in, this elaborate plan in which I was a piece, just as I was meant to be a piece in the Hunger Games. Used without consent, without knowledge. At least in the Hunger Games, I knew I was being played with.
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Our victors, though filthy rich, now have to face the fact that there will be no end to what they had to endure. The scars of what they had to do will always be with then for the rest of their lives. The Capitol will not let them forget.
In revenge, President Snow and The Capitol set events in motion that will ensure that everyone's favourite couple – The Star Crossed Lovers of Panem – will never have their happily ever after.
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I think the writing really improves with this one. There is more emotion in it and even though the real action only begins in the last 150 pages, the rest of the book is still filled with intense moments that has you catching your breath.
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Most of book 1 was set in the Capitol or the arena —it was really interesting to see more of how things worked in District 12 while reading this book. I also enjoyed exploring other parts of Panem and reading about the conditions the other districts are in.
Life in District 12 isn't really so different from life in the arena. At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face whoever wants you dead. The hard thing is finding the courage to do it.
It still astounds me how well thought out this world is!
Okay let me talk about the romance. I know most people hate love triangles. I don't mind them as long as they're well done. And I do think that this one was. What I really like is that Katniss doesn't spend all her time drooling over each of of them (Peeta & Gale) or have cringy internal monologue about how she can't decide who she likes more. Our girl has other problems to attend to. Her feelings are conflicted but ultimately she'd prefer to be alone (I respect that even though I'm a Peeta stan) but she also can't help how she feels for them both.
I love the bond between Peeta and Katniss. The moments they have together are so wholesome. *clenches fist* I love them so much ...more
The Tales of Beedle the Bard are fairy tales told to young witches and wizards.
Each of them different but captivating and magical. I too read these wThe Tales of Beedle the Bard are fairy tales told to young witches and wizards.
Each of them different but captivating and magical. I too read these when I was a kid. I read them over and over and to this day I wish JKR (or should I say Beedle? ...more
“Sometimes you need to scorch everything to the ground, and start over. After the burning the soil is richer, and new things can grow. People are l“Sometimes you need to scorch everything to the ground, and start over. After the burning the soil is richer, and new things can grow. People are like that, too. They start over. They find a way.”
Shaker Heights is a progressive suburb in Cleveland where everything is planned out. The residents abide by a set of rules that maintain orderliness through their neighbourhood.
Mia Warren, an artist with a mysterious past, and her teenage daughter Pearl arrive in the pristine suburb and decide that Shaker Heights is where they are going to settle after so long moving from place to place. They rent a house from the Richardsons and soon become more than just tenants. Pearl is quick friends with the Richardson kids and is drawn to this family and their normal life.
Soon a custody battle divides the town as a family friend of the Richardsons attempts to adopt a Chinese-American baby.
Elena Richardson promises to do her best to help her friend. Her suspicions of Mia being involved in the case leads her to invesgate more where she discovers secrets of Mia's past.
“Most of the time, everyone deserves more than one chance. We all do things we regret now and then. You just have to carry them with you.”
I've come to really enjoy books set in the suburbs. They're always so unassuming!
As readers, most of us are attracted to books that take us out of our ordinary lives. Through books we go on adventures, attend magical schools or catch a serial killer before he strikes again. So why in the world would we want to read about mundane people in the suburbs?
But like I said, these books are unassuming and that's the beauty in them. You think you know,, but do you really? Just like in real life. You don't know everything that could be going on in someones life.
At least this is what I feel when I read these kinds of books. The authenticity has me in awe and there's always someone or a situation I can relate to.
The writing was so amazing I cannot even begin to explain. Very clean, straight forward writing that kept me captivated the entire time.
But I think that mostly had to do with the characters. The chapters skipped through multiple POV while the author gives us a deep dive into each character, even side/unimportant characters. It was so interesting and well thought out.
It might sound like a waste of time but I wasn't bored at all. I wanted to know these details. It's crazy to explore the histories of people who seem like they aren't that important to the bigger plot.
Little Fires Everywhere was an examination of things like privilege, race and motherhood.
Celeste Ng wrote the hell out of this book and I can't wait to read more of her work.
Thoughts on audiobook: The narrator was brilliant. I was kept entertained and engaged. Highly recommend listening to this.
___ Pre-Read I need a distraction from the current state of the world and what's better than reading about the problems of fictional characters?!...more
Lyssa Kay Adams served us in this one. It had everything I was expecting. Humour and tenderness, swoonworthy scenes as well as parts that had me chokeLyssa Kay Adams served us in this one. It had everything I was expecting. Humour and tenderness, swoonworthy scenes as well as parts that had me choked up. The day LKA announces the end of this series will be a dark day indeed.
Alexis shot to fame when she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef's sexual harassment. Her cat cafe has since become a safe haven for other women. Her life is once again changed when a woman comes to her cafe claiming to be her sister.
Noah, computer genius and former ‘hacktavist’, is Alexis's best friend. They are inseparable. But Noah is struggling to hide the fact that he is utterly in love with her. And so he turns to his friends in The Bromance Book Club for help him out of the friend zone.
These books warm my heart from start to finish. The writing was as I expected: easy to gobble up in one sitting!
I know the much loved enemies-to-lovers trope has been crowned the best all tropes. I strongly disagree. Friends to lovers is the superior trope. And no, I don't take criticism on this point ...more
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