I was so worried that this wouldn’t be for me. I also know that this is her most divisive book. There are a lot of troupes in here that I’m not a fan of - especially second chance romance. But second chance romance mixed with fake dating (aka acting like you never broke up) worked SO WELL. 

I also was touched so deeply by the relationships between the friends. As someone who is still mourning the loss of living with my college best friends and now having to live far away from them, I couldn’t relate more to Sabrina who is definitely holding on too tight. It’s hard to accept change, especially with people you love so dearly. This book actually taught me some great lessons.

And then, of course, there’s Harriet and Wyn. They felt so real and I loved reading through their arc. It was very satisfying. 

As a TJR and tennis fan I was shocked I did not like this more.

It had a good enough story and my favorite part of the audiobook was getting to hear real tennis commentators act as fake ones talking about Carrie's game. 

I go back and forth about whether I even liked Carrie as a character. On one hand she's unapologetically her and she does have an arc all thanks to her father. I did find myself rooting for her of course, but something was lacking. She was just meh.

Honestly, I've never read a more three star book.

What a rollercoaster of a book... This was about to be a two star read if it weren't for the explosive third act.

I'm going to make a bold statement here and say that I think 2009 Lev Grossman hates woman. Or just loves to write as a young man who hates woman. Either way he gives me the creeps. This story would have been in such better hands if it had a woman author and I will stand by that. Sorry not sorry to Lev Grossman apologists. I'm not sure I've ever said this before but I wish this was YA. I think that would have solved a lot of the issues.

The story, however, is pretty thrilling. It takes a while to ground itself but it does pay off in the end. I was gasping at all the reveals.

I can't say I'd recommend this book. I'm also not sure if I'd continue the series if we weren't reading this in book club but I am definitely willing to give book two a chance! 

Wow.

This is a fantastical twist on 1920s Jim Crow south. It has a bad ass fmc who fights "Ku Kluxes", demonic versions of Ku Klux Klan members, with a sword. It's filled with dark magic, commentary of the film "The Birth of a Nation", the Ring shout tradition, and Gullah culture. The magical elements aid a huge history lesson as it feels like haunting commentary on what it feels like to be a black person in the south - then and now.

You are doing this book a disservice if you do not listen to the insanely talented Channie Waites read this. 

If your favorite character in Ted Lasso was Roy Kent, this is for you!

Thanks for the ALC NetGalley and Macmillan Audio! 

My first Kristin Hannah novel!

This story was gut wrenching but incredible. I learned so much about the Vietnam war and how women played a part. I have gained some serious respect for veterans after reading this. It teaches an important lesson of empathy and how easy it is to turn a blind eye to something you don't understand. As well as how misinformation can destroy lives.

This is a heavy read. I don't typically read historical fiction because it can be filled with uncomfortable subject matter but that's exactly why it's important to read. I hope this novel opens me up to other important stories.

Thank you for the ALC NetGalley and St. Martin's Press! 

Emily Henry: the queen of friends to lovers.

Not my overall favorite book of hers (Book Lovers) but perhaps my favorite couple. 

My first Brandon Sanderson!

An inspiration for this book was The Princess Bride and that is evident. This novel was so whimsical and romantic but also had strong themes of determination especially with our amazing female main character. Tress is who Princess Buttercup could have been.

As much as I enjoyed this, I never want to hear or read the word “spore” again. Creating an ocean out of something other than water is cool, but why SPORES??