cjeannette's Reviews (602)

Lovelight Farms is the perfect holiday romance to dive into if you're looking for heartwarming feels and a little festive cheer! This sweet friends-to-lovers story follows Stella, who enlists the help of her best friend, Luka, to save her Christmas tree farm. As they work together to make the season magical, sparks fly, and a beautiful romance blossoms between them. What I loved most was the tight-knit community almost having its own personality/character and seeing romance bloom out of a strong friendship—it’s the kind of warmth that makes the holidays feel extra special. A cozy, feel-good read that's sure to brighten up your season!

I'll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone is a delightful holiday read perfect for anyone craving a festive romance. With a fun twist on the classic switching places trope, this story follows two young Black women searching for a change of scenery only to find more than the retreat they were looking for. If you’re a fan of The Holiday, you’ll love this heartwarming, holiday-filled adventure. A charming pick for the season, it’s sure to put you in a cozy, cheerful mood!

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is a cozy romance set in a charming small-town cafe during autumn. With the makings of a classic Hallmark movie, the story offers a sweet and seasonal backdrop perfect for a lighthearted read. 

But honestly? It moved way too fast. I wanted more depth, more time to really feel invested in the characters and their story. If you’re looking for something super quick and easy to read, it could be worth  picking up. A cute idea but it needed a bit more substance! 

Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday is a sweet and heartfelt romance that mixes lighthearted fun with some heavier themes like grief and healing. The characters feel real, and their emotional journeys make the love story even more meaningful. If you’re into audiobooks, this one’s a must-listen. Joshua Jackson’s narration is such a nostalgic treat, and having each narrator record their own parts really brings the story to life. It’s the perfect blend of emotional depth and feel-good moments. 

Homicide and Halo-Halo is a delightful follow-up in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series. Lila Macapagal is back, navigating the complexities of returning home, dealing with past traumas, and reluctantly stepping into the role of a beauty pageant judge in her small Filipino-American town. But when the head judge is found dead, Lila must balance her own healing journey with solving yet another murder. 

 

This book shines with its blend of cozy mystery elements and deeper emotional themes. Lila’s progression on her mental health journey is particularly compelling, adding depth to her character and grounding the story in relatable struggles. The mystery itself is light and breezy yet engaging, keeping me hooked right to the end. A perfect pick for readers looking for a quick, enjoyable whodunit with heart. 

Tana French’s The Trespasser delivers a riveting mystery with a standout protagonist, Antoinette Conway, a mixed race detective whose perspective drives the narrative with authenticity and grit. As the latest installment in the Dublin Murder Squad series, this book shines brightest for its nuanced character work and unrelenting tension. 

 

The story pulls readers into the frustrations and exhilarations of detective work, making every roadblock and breakthrough feel palpable. The suspense keeps you guessing until the very end, and Conway’s sharp voice adds a refreshing depth to the genre. The balance of personal and professional stakes, coupled with French’s masterful storytelling, makes this a favorite for fans of the series and a compelling read for mystery lovers. 

While the writing is undeniably vivid, the book’s darkness and unsettling themes often made for an uncomfortable read- it gave me ick which I’m sure was the intent and it worked. Much of the story is told from the perspective of a 14-year-old girl, which I found difficult to connect with as an adult reader but also difficult to read in some of the relatability in the desire to be desired and belong. I had hoped for a richer exploration of how Evie’s experiences impacted her later in life or a more classic coming-of-age arc, but the narrative didn’t deliver on that front. Instead, it lingered in the immediate events, leaving the story feeling incomplete to me. Overall, it left me wanting more depth and resolution but the plot kept me going to finish the book.