Humor, heart, and a perfectly scrumptious (yet spicy) ending!

I went into this book expecting a quintessential rom-com, potentially heavy on the lovey-dovey sweet side given all the baking.  

Instead I found a heartfelt book dealing with real life issues (anxiety, lacking confidence, loving yourself).  While the slow burn romance in this book is quite enjoyable (have I already mentioned that ending?! 🔥), the spotlight on Rosaline’s journey of self-acceptance is the true love story (and winner) in the book.  

But it’s not all earnest… there’s plenty of levity and an abundance of colorful British language!  The show’s producer, Jennifer, has some of the very best lines!  But it’s the scene in the farmer’s field that still makes me laugh.  

The ingredients that added that extra 👌🏻:
🧁Eclectic characters that seemed fully authentic
🧁Beautiful, organic friendships 
🧁Spotlight on mental health
🧁Well executed representation 

Much like a good British pudding, this book was a true treat.

‼️The second book in the Winner Bakes All series, Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble, releases in just under two weeks on November 1st!  

Many thanks to @readforever for the #gifted copies.  

Many thanks to my partners @bookclubgirl and @williammorrow for this #gifted copy.  

 

Enthralling.  Propulsive.  Thought provoking.  

 

When Cassie, a budding journalist, discovers the story of Lore, she knows right away that it is the kind of story on which careers are built.  Lore has lived a complex life rife with intrigue. Married to two men, one in Mexico and the other in Texas, she led a successful double life until one of the husbands was found dead and the other convicted of his murder.  Now decades later, Cassie knows this story might be her big break into the true crime industry.  

 

Told in alternating chapters between Cassie and Lore, this is an unputdownable genre-bending novel.

 

I love books that take a topic I think I have firm opinions on (in this case: polygamy and true crime) and create a story so immersive that I am forced to reexamine.  Add to that fully flawed, complex characters that I want to hate but can’t help but love, and I’m sold.  

 

I was drawn to Lore right away.  As a mother and wife, her struggles (to feel valued, to be seen as a partner, to be successful outside of the home, and to be acknowledged as both sexy and intelligent) were easily relatable.  Lore’s character deftly explores the roles of womanhood. 

 

And yet, as Lore sought out the truest part of herself, she became entangled in a web of deceit.  

Entanglements led to bad decisions and bad decisions to dire consequences.   

 

Cassie’s story didn’t hold my attention to the degree Lore’s did.  But it fully succeeded in showcasing the relationship between true crime and the propulsion to see it in the media.  The resolve to get a story.  The obsession with the macabre.  The “at all cost” determination for truth to be told.  

 

Guttierez’ writing was spellbinding.  She mastered the art of a slow burn character study that dripped in family drama.  Adept usage of Spanglish painted the culture with beautiful strokes, and both scenescapes were cinematically detailed.  Most noteworthy though, the storytelling brimmed with empathy.

 

This was a compelling and evocative read.  It’s hard to believe it is a debut! I can’t wait to see what Guttierrez does next.  

 

“They want us to be small, so we have to stand tall. They want us to be invisible, so we have to be seen. They want us to be quiet, so we have to be heard. They want us to surrender, so we have to fight.” 

 

Wholly delightful.  A warm hug of a book.  

 

Rule no. 2- Never talk to strangers on a train.  

 

Iona has very set ideas about commuting which are outlined in 5 exact rules.  And those rules worked incredibly well until a man almost choked to death on a grape right in front of her.  

 

Serendipitously, that incident created a supportive, even if unlikely, community out of an eclectic mix of passengers and just when it was needed most.   

 

The story is told by an ensemble cast of vividly depicted characters.  Pooley weaves distinct storylines as she explores the range of complicated lives kept hidden behind well maintained facades.  

 

Each character is memorable, but for me, it was Iona who stole the show.  Eccentric, quirky, and full of vigor. When Iona was prepared with crystal and pink gin for her commute home (Rule no 5- Always pack for any eventuality), she completely and totally won me over.  And much like her astutely packed bag, Iona proved the dependable and vibrant hub of the group. 

Equal parts funny and poignant, this book completely charmed me and made me want to stand tall.  With its reminder of the power of community, I came away from Platform 5 fully uplifted.  

 

Many thanks to @tlcbooktours for including me on this tour.

There were many things to love about this story:

📷Bold female characters
📷Small town setting
📷1950’s vibe
📷Look into photo interpreters
📷Theme of found family
📷Slow burn mystery

And yet, I found myself wanting.  With disjointed writing and a muddled plot, the I quickly found myself waning of interest.  Perhaps if I had felt connected to the characters or setting, the missteps in storyline could’ve been overlooked.  Unfortunately, the things I usually love within this book were overrun by the parts that didn’t work. 

Many thanks to my partners @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies. 

Oh the angst! 

After a bunch of bad choices, Genevieve fled home and old temptations in hopes of learning new patterns. But long before she was ready, her mother’s death brought her back to Avalon Bay… and back her most dangerous temptation, Evan. 

Gen and Evan were always drawn to each other. But are they good for each other? 

Kennedy knows how to write spice, and there’s no doubt that the chemistry is hot between these two. Each connection was full of urgent wanting, and the pull between them was undeniable. 

Unfortunately, miscommunication is my least favorite trope, and this plotline relies heavily on it. I think I could’ve overlooked how immature and messy both characters were portrayed, but the constant miscommunication left me frustrated.

🎧With two narrators, Lee Samuels and Summer Morton the audiobook gives a distinct voice to both characters and made the book a quick and easy listen. 

Until I muster a true review…. 

“This hurts too much to touch with words.”

Of all the book mail I have (*gratefully*) received this year, it’s fair to say this #gifted copy from @atriabooks is my favorite.  As soon as it arrived, I cleared my schedule and lost myself (one last time) in the world of Beartown.  

It was like being embraced by an old friend.  A reunion that was a true comfort to the deepest recesses of the soul.

I could’ve easily devoured this book (all 673 pages!). But instead, I savored it.  Every morsel.  The rivalries, the friendships, the two towns, and, of course, the hockey.  Slowly.  Steadily.  

It’s the end of the series after all.  A heart can’t process both the immense joy of a long awaited return and the overwhelming grief of a definitive end too quickly.    

Since closing the last page (weeks ago, I might add), this book has filled my soul with a multitude of complex emotion… longing, hope, grief, joy. Most important, joy. 

Backman’s books always leave me changed, in both big and small ways. Broken yet mended. And always better than when I started. 

The Winners managed to do that in an even more robust and powerful way.

A small, isolated town deep in a big forest inhabited by complex people living ordinary lives. It sounds so simple.  Yet it’s everything.  

Oh but the review… it continues to go unwritten.  Mere words fail.  The English language falls short.   

Where my words wane, Backman’s do not.  Simply put… read this book.

Thank you to my friends at @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the gifted copies.  

 

I love true crime.  And given that I devoured @amy.harmon.author ‘s The Unknown Beloved last year (a romance set amongst the unfolding horror in 1930’s Cleveland) , this new spotlight on the Mad Butcher peeked my interest.  

 

The Untouchables introduced most of us to renowned lawman Elliot Ness.  Legend tells us of his vigor and roughness.  Two fisted justice.  A man larger than life.  

 

But as legends often go, Ness’ tends to be inauthentic and exaggerated.   

 

In American Demon, Stashower aims to clarify those falsehoods while also taking a look at one of America’s most devious, albeit little known, serial killers.  

Given the title, I went into this read expecting a primary focus on the Mad Butcher.  However, Ness doesn’t just take part in this story, he is the headliner.  While the end game is that battle of wits between the sadistic serial killer and Ness, most of the buildup is devoted to Ness’ life and career.  

Once I adjusted to the actuality of the premise, I was able to enjoy this disturbing look into history and crime.   

 

🎧As I usually do, I partnered the physical and audio copies of this book.  Will Damron’s gritty and dark tone captured the sinister nature of this read in the audiobook.   

 

 

Many thanks to my partners @htpbooks  @harpercollins @harperaudio and @librofm for these gifted copies. 

Sometimes I need a true escapist read.  Something akin to my favorite Hallmark holiday movies. 

And this cozy Christmas read definitely met my need. The holiday magic is strong, and there’s an ease to the storytelling that’s both predictable and fulfilling (and perfect for reading in the busiest of times). 

 

At its core, this story is story full of great books, bad dates, family, friends, and ultimately, forgiveness.  

Read this one if you enjoy:
❄️ easy read
❄️ bookstore owner
❄️ lots of mentions of great books
❄️ dating during festive seasons 
❄️ themes of loneliness during the holidays
❄️ themes of parental loss and its impact

I juggled both the audio and e-book versions depending on the craziness of my day, and I’d say you can’t go wrong either way. The audio narration by Nancy Peterson is well executed and gives the main character a distinct voice. 

Many thanks to my partner @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook.

 

“Each of us carries a bit of inner brightness, something entirely unique and individual, a flame that’s worth protecting.  When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it.  When we learn to foster what’s unique in people around us, we become better able to build compassionate communities and make meaningful change.”

 

Reflective.  Uplifting.  Motivating.  

 

Sitting down with an old friend, someone you can be really candid with, to talk over the challenges of life, is one of life’s greatest treasures.  Listening to Obama’s newest book felt much the same.  

 

Self-help books can easily become preachy or pompous or boring.  But in quintessential Obama style, her warmth and transparency radiated through the stories she told, and it was obvious that the advice she earnestly shared was hard earned.  

 

I downloaded this book as soon as it became available last year and devoured it in no time.  

 

After so much turmoil in this hard season, Obama’s voice was encouraging and empowering.   

 

🎧 With Obama narrating, the audiobook is a total winner.  But this is also a book you might want to have on hand for easy reference.  

 

Many thanks to my partner @blackstonepublishing for this #gifted copy. 

 

Irreverent. Heartfelt. Cathartic.  This book was the absolute best surprise.  

 

Wren’s best friend.  Her very anchor.  Dead.  Gone.  It’s unfathomable.  It’s insurmountable.  And as such, Wren’s mind practically refuses to accept it.  

 

It’s a universal truth that laughter is the best medicine.  My favorite scene in Steel Magnolias is when, in the deepest throws of grief, Clairee offers Ouiser up to M’Lynn, “Hit this! Go ahead M’Lynn, slap her…we’ll sell t-shirts saying I slapped Ouisser Boudreaux!”  In the dredges of despair, laughter broke the cycle.  

 

This book takes that idea a step further.  Rather than one scene, the entire book infuses dark humor and dry wit to excavate the messiness of the grief journey.  And in doing so, creates the most unique exploration of grief that I’ve ever read. 

 

My absolute favorite scenes of the book were where Wren dreams up funeral plans for everyone she comes in contact with, from the bodega owner to her own parents.  The cause of death.  The music played at the service.  The food served afterwards.  It’s shocking and completely irreverent.  And yet, it’s a hysterically funny method for unlocking deep seated emotion and processing the breathtaking pain.  

 

It’s not all comedic though. As Wren packs away Stewart’s estate, alongside his other friends (whom she refers to as vultures), she must come to terms with the idea that Stewart had many versions to himself, some of which she never knew, but all authentic and all true. 

 

Through that process, Wren is taken on her own journey of self-discovery, which was easy to relate and left me with much to ponder.  

 

I was not prepared for how impactful yet funny this book would be. I laughed.  I cried.  I wanted to smack some people.  This is a deeply satisfying and heartwarming look at grief that is both resonant and truly entertaining.