I have to admit, I am not as familiar with Greek mythology as I would like to be. So, I embarked on the adventure that was the first volume of Lore Olympus with a mix of awe and confusion. Despite my unfamiliarity with the subject matter, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I read the Webtoon (I don't own the copy yet :() and with its 25 chapters, it is a visual masterpiece, showcasing the undeniable talent of Rachel Smythe! The way the characters are drawn is unique, stylish, and perfect, and they, especially Hades and Persephone, are wonderfully depicted, and their interactions are filled with chemistry and charm. The different color palettes are used for different characters and their moods and it is quite appealing.

The story, a modern retelling of the myth of Persephone's abduction by Hades, is set in a world of friendships, lies, and gossip, where the gods are depicted as modern-day figures. I loved Persephone and felt a strong desire to protect her! Hades is the softball with his bad boy vibes and tender heart. The side characters, such as Zeus, Poseidon, Artemis, and Hera, added depth and humor to the story, and I look forward to seeing how they develop in future volumes.

Volume 1 was definitely a captivating read, and I'm excited to see where the story goes in future volumes.

A cat, books, and adventures! I mean, what's not to love about this book? Plus, it is highly recommended on Bookstagram. But unfortunately, The Cat Who Saved Books didn't quite hit the mark for me.

The story revolves around Rintaro Natsuki, a high school student grappling with the recent loss of his grandfather. Seeking solace in his grandfather's bookstore, Natsuki's life takes an unexpected turn when a talking tabby cat named Tiger enlists his help in rescuing books, leading them on various adventures.

The concept of a talking cat and a boy teaming up to save literature is quite charming. I loved the overall message about the importance of reading and books. The wisdom imparted by Rintaro's deceased grandfather about the trials and rewards of reading throughout the story was touching and some of the best moments.

Rintaro's journey isn't just about saving books; it's also about coming to terms with his own situation and the loss of his grandfather, and opening up to the people around him. His character development and growth throughout the story are remarkable.

However, there were a few things that didn't quite sit right with me. The author's narrative sometimes turned into a lecture on reading habits, feeling preachy and judgmental. I totally disagree with some of the author's views on how and what people should read, how they should keep their books. It all felt a bit condescending. I firmly believe that once you buy a book, it's your own business how you keep it and what you do with it. Similarly, nobody should judge what someone does or doesn't read. This preachy narrative made the book drag on at times, leaving me wondering when it will end despite its short length.

Also, the title is misleading! I expected the cat to play the main role in the adventures, but instead, it's Rintaro who does all the saving, and the cat serves as merely a sidekick, and that too wasn't a very likable character. Although cute and charming at times, he was mostly a bit of a jerk and downright nasty. Similarly, some of the "dangerous" missions didn't feel very dangerous and seemed rushed and unnecessary.

Overall, an interesting concept but didn't quite hit the mark for me, sadly.

A steaming cup of coffee, a time-traveling cafe, and stories that mend broken hearts - welcome back to Cafe Funiculi Funicula!

If there’s one thing consistent about the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, it’s the ability to stir up a whirlwind of emotions while providing the cozy comfort of a familiar setting. In Before We Say Goodbye, the fourth installment in the series, author Toshikazu Kawaguchi takes us back to the beloved Café Funiculi Funicula, set after the events of the first book, and invites us to delve into four interconnected stories, each exploring the profound themes of love, regret, nostalgia, and the need for closure. Through the lens of diverse characters – from a former professor longing to speak to his bedridden wife, to a young woman seeking reconciliation with her deceased father, to the owner missed out on the chance to bid her beloved dog a proper farewell, to a young woman wanting to decrypt a message from her deceased former boyfriend – Kawaguchi masterfully weaves tales that tug at the heartstrings while offering solace in the face of life’s uncertainties.

While Before We Say Goodbye maintains the series’ signature charm, and I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the café and its eclectic cast of characters, I couldn’t help but wish for more development in the café family’s storyline. Interacting with the staff has always been a highlight for me, and I longed for deeper insights into their lives and dynamics. However, the repetition within the stories seems redundant at times. But in this repetition lies comfort.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Before We Say Goodbye continues to captivate with its thought-provoking narratives and heartwarming moments. Each visit to Café Funiculi Funicula feels like a reunion with old friends, accompanied by a sense of warmth and understanding. Whether you are a long-time fan of this series or just looking for a comforting read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you pondering life’s complexities, Before We Say Goodbye is a great fit.

And now, I eagerly await the arrival of the fifth installment.

Ending 2023 with "Josh and Jemma Make a Baby" left me eager for more, so diving into its sequel, "Josh and Jemma the Second Time Around," was a no-brainer to kick off my reading journey in 2024. And what a fantastic choice it turned out to be! The "Josh and Gemma" series surprised me in the best possible way.

"As long as you're here and there's a sky above, I'll love you. If you ever doubt it, just look up."

The sequel, "Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around," some might argue it wasn't necessary given the happily-ever-after in the first book. Yet, I'm sincerely grateful that Ready took the leap. I can't say much about this story because of the spoilers, but in a nutshell, it is about reconnecting, finding love again, losing yourself after a traumatic incident, finding yourself again, and embracing the new "you." It tackles real-life issues and ties up loose ends seamlessly, even presenting a redemption arc.

This series captured my heart! Gemma, with her relatable persona, great sense of humor, and compassionate heart, and Josh, with his endearing character, made for a compelling duo. The banter among various characters provided much-needed laughter amid the heavier themes. These books gave me all the feels as they have a lot of warmth and a surprising amount of emotional depth.

The audiobook narration by Erin Mallon is fantastic as always!

The journey Sarah Ready took me on with the story of Josh & Gemma was an unforgettable rollercoaster. Filled with love, heart, humor, and inevitable bumps in the road, I smiled, I laughed, and I cried—truly a literary adventure worth embarking upon!