TW: Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse

I'm not sure how to start this review. This was one of the most difficult books I've ever read. As someone who knows what it's like to grow up struggling, reading this book put a lot into perspective for me. There were things about this novel that were familiar, and things I couldn't even imagine. I don't want to get too into the details, because this book definitely hit more than a few chords for me, but I will say that I kept having to remind myself as I was reading that this book isn't fiction. There is something about the way the author tells her story that gives you the sense that you're listening to a fairy tale. Even with all of the awful things that happen in this book, there is a sort of dreamlike nostalgia that is utterly compelling.

I listened to this on audiobook. It is narrated by the author herself, and I recommend that to anyone wanting to pick this up. She is engaging and really brought her family to life with her narration.

I don't read much non-fiction, but it's one of my reading resolutions for 2019, and this was a powerful one to start with. I'm curious to check out the book she wrote about her grandmother at some point as well.

Those looking for plot and action may not appreciate this book. It is definitely more of a character-driven narrative. I enjoyed this story, told in verse, of Jacqueline Woodson's childhood growing up in the time of segregation and Civil Rights.

I listened to this on audiobook, which is how I tend to read memoirs. I may go back later and read through the actual physical copy, as it is written in verse, which isn't something I tend to reach for.

I think this is a very important for for children and young teens to read. It may lack complexity for readers of other ages, especially those looking for fast-paced action and a standard structure and plot, but it contains insight into another time, another way of thinking, another perspective, and I really appreciated that.

3.5 stars
I still enjoyed this book quite a bit, but I have to say it's probably my least favorite of this author's books. I called the 'twist' from almost the beginning of the book, and I didn't get the relationship between the Josey and her mother. It was almost a Cinderella, evil-stepmother type of thing.
I kept forgetting that Josey and the other characters in this book are near or in their 30s because they kept acting so childish.

All that said, I still enjoyed the book, especially Chloe and her 'relationship' with books. I still consider this author one of my favorites. This one just didn't quite do it for me.

Original rating: 5 stars
Rating upon reread: 3.75 stars (rounded up to four for nostalgia and pure enjoyment)

I am on a mission this year to reread all of my Nora Roberts books, which I haven't done in a few years. They've just been sitting on my shelves collecting dust. But I think about them often, hence the reread.

The dream series was one of my favorites. I originally read these books (and reread, several times) long before I had a goodreads, so they were never reviewed prior to this point.

Upon reread, I see some things in this book that I don't exactly love. There is a half-assed attempt at creating a mean-girl nemesis for the three main female protagonists that ends up making them look like the real mean girls. There is a sexist and misogynistic side to the male romantic lead (who I mostly like...) where he is hung up on the number of sexual partners our female lead has had. Granted, this is called out as being sexist, misogynistic, and hypocritical, but it's still there. And this is just a personal preference, but I hate that the main character chain smokes. It never bothered me before when I read it (even though I've never been a smoker myself) but this time it really did. She smokes in her place of business...around clothes that she's trying to sell people for thousands of dollars. Makes no sense.

All that said, I still enjoy these characters and this series. I like the found family aspect to most of Nora Roberts books, and this one is no difference. Whether they share common ancestors or not, they are family, and I eat that stuff up.

I like the banter and sexual tension between Margo and Josh, and the fact that they both have power in the relationship and it's not in favor of one over the other.

The next in the series (Holding the Dream) has always been my least favorite of the three. I'm really curious to see if my opinion has changed.

Cute, but forgettable. It had a cute premise complete with a fake dating trope that I usually love, but the protagonist's personality was lacking. There was little depth to any of the characters. The author tried to make me care about Bree by giving her a traumatic event in her past, but I just didn't care.

My biggest problem with this book was that very little made sense. It was full of contrivances that were created to keep the plot moving the way the author wanted. She wanted to use the fake dating trope (which again, I am a total sucker for) but the way it came about made no sense. She basically signs her privacy away to a magazine doing a series of articles about her to promote her book. But then we're supposed to believe that that somehow entitles the magazine unfiltered access into the life of her significant other...that's not how that works. And because her book is about finding love, she is told that she is required to be in a relationship...dumb.

But of course, her long-term boyfriend has just broken up with her because of...reasons...it's pretty weak. So she thinks fast and introduces one of her clients as her boyfriend...without asking his permission.

But then, because that's not enough, we have to have the deadbeat ex-boyfriend show back up and complicate matters by trying to get back together with her...like a couple days after breaking it off. Because of course we do. Misunderstandings and mediocrity ensue.

But then, it was as if someone told her that any reasonable person would just have bowed out of the whole thing rather than creating this convoluted deception. So the author threw in this subplot about the grandma on the verge of losing her home because she hasn't paid taxes for years (because her husband took care of all of that...smh) so Bree has to stick with all the ridiculousness because she HAS to make the best-seller list with her book so she can get a bonus that will allow her to save her grandmother's home. Does that sound as convoluted to you as it does to me?

I also thought the author's attempts at humor were unsuccessful. I liked the banter between our protagonist and her faux-turned-real love interest, but other than that it fell flat.

It's actually a shame, because the bits and pieces we got with Bree and Nixon were actually pretty good. I liked their dates, especially the camping trip, and thought they were a cute couple when Bree wasn't sabotaging everything.

Other odds and ends:
1. It is so nitpicky, but I rolled my eyes every time Bree referred to her late grandfather as 'G-pa'. I don't know why. It just annoyed me.
2. The scene with Bree and Sean in the hotel was stupid.

Why would you go on a romantic getaway with someone if you were on your period? The fact that Sean didn't call her out was unbelievable.

3. For those looking for steamy books, this is a no-go. There are a lot of references made to sex and body parts, but zero sex scenes and only a couple of heated kisses.
4. Sean was boring as heck. He had zero personality.

I could see this being a movie on lifetime or hallmark. I'd probably watch it if there wasn't anything else on.