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1.16k reviews by:
anabel_unker
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
Tradition goes head to head with modernity in this fun, fresh, and oh-so satisfying book by Lauren Kung Jessen. When Liv inherits her Pó Po’s business of matchmaking through the Chinese Zodiac, the first thing she does (or so it feels like) is make an enemy with an up-and-coming app developer. Bennett O’Brien's goal is to make the zodiac more... applicable to today's audience through his app ZodiaCupid-- focusing heavily on an algorithm rather than more traditional elements of matchmaking.
As so many other reviewers have pointed out, Jessen does an amazing job at building realistic characters and an interesting, and fresh plot. A classic enemies to lovers romance, this book is for anyone who is a fan of sparkling banter, hot romance, and off the chart chemistry!
Tradition goes head to head with modernity in this fun, fresh, and oh-so satisfying book by Lauren Kung Jessen. When Liv inherits her Pó Po’s business of matchmaking through the Chinese Zodiac, the first thing she does (or so it feels like) is make an enemy with an up-and-coming app developer. Bennett O’Brien's goal is to make the zodiac more... applicable to today's audience through his app ZodiaCupid-- focusing heavily on an algorithm rather than more traditional elements of matchmaking.
As so many other reviewers have pointed out, Jessen does an amazing job at building realistic characters and an interesting, and fresh plot. A classic enemies to lovers romance, this book is for anyone who is a fan of sparkling banter, hot romance, and off the chart chemistry!
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
FOREVER HOME is, as many have already described it, the perfect mix of family drama and dark comedy. The driving point of the story is not plot, but rather its well-developed and complex cast of characters held together by thin points of connection. FOREVER HOME aims to answer the question how far each character would go for their loved ones, and how willing they are to be the bad guy.
This book is a steady read, with some twists that keep the latter half interesting but nothing overly shocking occurs. Norton did a fantastic job narrating (although the auto-tuning when someone was talking on the phone was unnecessary), he managed to capture the personality of each character and breathed a lot of life into the story.
FOREVER HOME is, as many have already described it, the perfect mix of family drama and dark comedy. The driving point of the story is not plot, but rather its well-developed and complex cast of characters held together by thin points of connection. FOREVER HOME aims to answer the question how far each character would go for their loved ones, and how willing they are to be the bad guy.
This book is a steady read, with some twists that keep the latter half interesting but nothing overly shocking occurs. Norton did a fantastic job narrating (although the auto-tuning when someone was talking on the phone was unnecessary), he managed to capture the personality of each character and breathed a lot of life into the story.
Absolutely stunning prose, but at its core THE LAST TALE OF THE FLOWER BRIDE is a pretty straight forward book without much shock value.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
In Joanna Gaines' latest book, a semi-memoir semi-self help book, Gaines explores her journey to finding self-acceptance and joy. She opens up about her identify as a mixed-race child, and the bullying she endured during her school years-- mourning the loss of her individuality during that period and celebrating the chance as an adult to find herself again. Gaines also delves into the struggles of running the massively successful Magnolia Farms (and other businesses) while being present with her family.
While I was craving more anecdotes from Gaines, I appreciate how difficult a book like this is to write. Anytime someone takes time to be vulnerable it should be respected. However, Gaines' writing does feel repeatitive and shallow-- making reading it feel tedious at some points.
Overall, this is a great read for fans of Joanna Gaines and Magnolia Inc.!
In Joanna Gaines' latest book, a semi-memoir semi-self help book, Gaines explores her journey to finding self-acceptance and joy. She opens up about her identify as a mixed-race child, and the bullying she endured during her school years-- mourning the loss of her individuality during that period and celebrating the chance as an adult to find herself again. Gaines also delves into the struggles of running the massively successful Magnolia Farms (and other businesses) while being present with her family.
While I was craving more anecdotes from Gaines, I appreciate how difficult a book like this is to write. Anytime someone takes time to be vulnerable it should be respected. However, Gaines' writing does feel repeatitive and shallow-- making reading it feel tedious at some points.
Overall, this is a great read for fans of Joanna Gaines and Magnolia Inc.!
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
The infamous accidental pregnancy trope. Some love it, a lot hate it, but no matter how you feel about it, accidental pregnancy a decisive plot to base your book on. However, when done right, it provides and emotionally rich and time sensitive environment for character development.
Luckily, READY OR NOT is absolutely up to the challenge. The book follows Eve Hatch, who is absolutely happy with how things are going. She has an excellent apartment, a job adjacent to her dream career, and a best friend she'd do anything for. However, after an unexpected one-night stand, Eve finds out she's pregnant.
What makes this book so special, at least in my opinion, is Eve's growth from a (honestly relatably) selfish person into a better and more conscientious person. The relationships between the characters are in-depth and realistic, Bastone was unafraid to delve into the mess an unexpected pregnancy can bring. Heartwarming and sweet, READY OR NOT is a perfect spring read!
The infamous accidental pregnancy trope. Some love it, a lot hate it, but no matter how you feel about it, accidental pregnancy a decisive plot to base your book on. However, when done right, it provides and emotionally rich and time sensitive environment for character development.
Luckily, READY OR NOT is absolutely up to the challenge. The book follows Eve Hatch, who is absolutely happy with how things are going. She has an excellent apartment, a job adjacent to her dream career, and a best friend she'd do anything for. However, after an unexpected one-night stand, Eve finds out she's pregnant.
What makes this book so special, at least in my opinion, is Eve's growth from a (honestly relatably) selfish person into a better and more conscientious person. The relationships between the characters are in-depth and realistic, Bastone was unafraid to delve into the mess an unexpected pregnancy can bring. Heartwarming and sweet, READY OR NOT is a perfect spring read!
Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
TRIAL OF THE LOST follows the years-long search for three hikers lost on the Pacific Crest Trail. Lankford, highly experienced as both a nurse and a National Park Ranger, describes the ins and out of Seek and Rescue missions; including both the hope and the devastating heartbreak that comes with each lost person.
Lankford describes harrowing, and ultimately heartbreaking, attempts to locate the young men alongside the families and strangers. This book was engaging and educational, not only on the ins-and-outs of what it can take to find a lost person, but also hiking and the culture of the PCT. While the ending didn't provide the full closure I was naively anticipating, Lankford was honest and ended the TRAIL OF THE LOST on as hopeful a note as possible.
TRIAL OF THE LOST follows the years-long search for three hikers lost on the Pacific Crest Trail. Lankford, highly experienced as both a nurse and a National Park Ranger, describes the ins and out of Seek and Rescue missions; including both the hope and the devastating heartbreak that comes with each lost person.
Lankford describes harrowing, and ultimately heartbreaking, attempts to locate the young men alongside the families and strangers. This book was engaging and educational, not only on the ins-and-outs of what it can take to find a lost person, but also hiking and the culture of the PCT. While the ending didn't provide the full closure I was naively anticipating, Lankford was honest and ended the TRAIL OF THE LOST on as hopeful a note as possible.
