This book started off slow and took a while to build up, but once they got into the story within the story I really enjoyed it. The flashbacks to the mothers past were my favorite parts although I did enjoy when the ladies would share things about themselves during dinner in the modern day storyline. The ending was definitely an ugly cry moment!

Andy is a graphic designer who is way too reliant on technology. He spends his days on social media, the internet, and playing video games. He rarely even has to leave the house because he can order food online, meet dates on dating apps, and do all shopping online. Because of this, he hardly sleeps, has chronic neck pain, and has issues with going to the bathroom. When Andy goes to pitch a graphic design job things take a crazy turn for the worse, and he realizes he needs to make some changes. His doctor recommends a digital detox where he’ll log off of all technology for 60 days. Can Andy do it, and if so, will it be worth it?

This book has a great concept. I think most of us are reliant on social media, technology, and our smart phones. Personally, I think I spend way too much time on them, but don’t know if I could go as far as Andy did and cut them out completely for two months.

The book is definitely written with British humor and satire. Some of which was lost on me, but it did have some funny parts - driving without GPS and a duck pond come to mind! That was a funny scene. There were also some endearing parts mainly Andy’s relationship with Grace. I loved the part where they travel to Bath, and I’m glad they made a connection through him logging off.

I definitely think this is a book everyone who spends a lot of time online should read. It has a great message about balancing our lives between our digital selves and the real world.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Guests gather on a secluded island off the coast of Ireland for the marriage of Jules, publisher of an online magazine, and Will, star of a reality TV survival show. The guest list for the rehearsal dinner is set. 13 guests will stay at The Folly, a private inn and event space located on the mysterious Cormorant Island. The bride and groom, the best man and four ushers, the bridesmaid, the bride’s best friend and his wife, the mother of the bride, and the owner and chef at The Folly. The setting is spectacular, but can be dangerous especially with a storm coming in. When old friends get together and past grudges are revealed this wedding will end in murder.

The story starts with the rehearsal dinner and is told in alternating perspectives - Aoife, the wedding planner and owner of The Folly; Hannah, the plus one or wife of the bride’s best friend; Olivia, the bridesmaid and half-sister of the bride; Johnno, the best man; and Jules, the bride. Every few chapters we jump to the actual wedding, where it appears a body has been found. There are a lot of points of view to keep up with, but each chapter is headed by whose story we’re reading so for me it was easy to follow along. Each of these guests has something troubling in their past so we learn their stories while trying to figure out what has happened at the wedding.

This was my first book by Lucy Foley, and I really enjoyed it. It definitely has Agatha Christie vibes. The setting was perfect for this kind of story with the cliffs and bogs along with a storm, it set such a creepy tone. I did find some parts predictable and figured out who was murdered early on, but I still enjoyed the book. I liked learning about the characters’ pasts and how they were all linked to the same person, but in different ways. I was surprised at the end to find out who the murderer was. That was the only story I didn’t put together. Overall, I thought this book was great. The chapters were short and it was a quick read. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more of Lucy Foley’s books.

3.5 stars rounded up.

In 1945, in The English village of Chawton, a group of local villagers decide to create a society in honor of Jane Austen. Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, and although these men and women seem to have nothing in common they do in fact all have a love of Jane Austen’s work.

There was a lot more to this story than the creation of the society. The first few chapters were more a background so we got to know the members of the society. Each of them has a tragedy they have survived which brings them together in other ways as well. I really enjoyed all of their stories and how they each overcame their own struggles. The author did a very nice job of intertwining the characters and their lives in this small town.

To be honest, I can’t remember if I’ve read anything by Jane Austen so I’m not sure why I requested this book. I did end up enjoying it though and liked how it all came together in the end. If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, I’m sure it would make more sense, but I enjoyed it none the less.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I need time to process this one before rating and reviewing!

I've enjoyed all of the books I've read by Rainbow Rowell. Eleanor & Park tells the story of Eleanor, a new girl in school who is an outcast, and Park, a popular boy who befriends Eleanor on the bus. Eleanor comes from a bad family life and lives with her mother, 5 siblings, and an abusive stepdad. Park comes from a happy, loving family. What brings these two together? Comic books and a love of music!

I loved that this book was set in the 1980's. The references were great and the bands that were mentioned made me happy. You don't hear about The Smiths very often, and they're one of my all time favorite bands.

I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking for a happy ending, but I do think the story of Eleanor and Parks' relationship is very sweet.

I wanted to love this story, I really did, but for me, it was a bit slow and confusing at times. I will give Neil Gaiman another chance though.

5 short stories with notes from Dumbledore - yes please! I listened to the audiobook and actors who played Luna Lovegood, Ginny Weasley, and Lucious Malfoy narrated three of the stories. Jude Law narrated the parts for Dumbledore. This was a short book, but done very well.

Fourteen-year-old May is arrested for stealing bread. She receives a life sentence of becoming a Sin Eater, a person who eats ritual foods to symbolize the sins of those that are dying. May finds another Sin Eater who she learns from, but when they are called to a death in the castle, a deer heart sits on the coffin, although the deceased did not commit a murder. When the elder Sin Eater refuses to eat the heart, she is murdered. May eats the heart and vows to find out why it was placed on the coffin, who put it there, and to avenge the other Sin Eater’s death.

Let me start by saying that I had never heard of a Sin Eater before I read this book. It is such an interesting concept where one human must eat ritualistic foods that represent another person’s sins so they can go to heaven rather than hell. I liked May as a character and enjoyed her journey and growth throughout the book. She was forced to be something no one wants to be, but makes the best of it by trying to find out why people are being murdered and accused of crimes they did not commit. We have to remember that she is only 14-years-old and has to survive as an outcast while trying to learn the truth about what is going on in the castle.

There is an interesting cast of characters throughout this book, but at times, I found there were too many to keep track of. It was a bit confusing with so many characters including all of the royalty and past queens. I found myself struggling to remember who was who. The middle of the book moved slowly and although the pace picked up towards the end, I felt that the ending was rushed and things were left unanswered. I do not know if a sequel is planned, but maybe that is why not everything was figured out by the end. Overall, the story was interesting and it was definitely a cool concept, but I felt the book was a little long and confusing at times.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.