Thanks to William Morrow for the copy of this book.

Helen and Cal became friends while running in high school, and quickly developed feelings that culminated in one night together that changed the course of their lives and caused them to part ways. Years later when they’re nearing 60, they unexpectedly run into each other while watching their grandkids.

I loved the first 25% of this book with its unique storyline going back and forth from a YA high school story to older adults experiencing the pandemic, going through life changes, and reuniting. After that, though, I discovered I’m not sure I’m the demographic for this read. I found the premise of their one night together in high school a bit over-the-top, especially since they were hung up on it for so many years. After they reunite, I was also frustrated by the marriage situation and advice Cal’s therapist gave him knowing the root of his deep shame - it was just bad advice. In the end, I was disappointed where this book ended up.

Thanks to Putnam for the copy of this ARC.

"I don't want us to be sad. Or bitter, or angry. I want to celebrate until it is over. And, when I'm gone, I want you to celebrate again because it happened."

A college friend group decides to have "living funerals" after one of their pack, Alec, passes away suddenly before graduation. Each member of the friend group can invoke the pact when they're feeling like they aren't in the best place in life and could need a little encouragement, at any time during their lives.

While this friend group is quite chaotic, this was a really heartwarming story about being there for your friends, even years later, the various versions of ourselves we are as we go through life, and celebrating life as it comes. I definitely cried at the end - darn you Jordan and Jordy! This is a book I'll be thinking about for awhile - how we can light the candle of others to keep them going when times are tough, and how we can't hold things too tightly because really, we just can't control the big things that life will throw at us.

Read if you like:
- Friend groups
- Heartwarming stories
- The idea of "living funerals"
- Themes that will stick with you for awhile

3.5 ⭐️

Unique look at The Great Gatsby - wonderful on full cast audio! It dragged at places, but was enjoyable and perfect if you love Gatsby.

"Sickness and grief throw wealthy and poor families alike into upheaval, but they do not transcend the gulfs between us, as some claim - if anything, they often magnify them."

Once again, a beautifully written and entirely captivating memoir by Nicole Chung, speaking to her experience with sickness, death, and grief through the pandemic and as an adoptee. Absolutely a must-read book.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell for the gifted copy of this book!

Practice Makes Perfect takes us back to Rome, Kentucky where we met Amelia Rose and Noah Walker in When in Rome. While the books can be read as standalones, you'll want to read them both because you won't get enough of this lil town. In this book, Noah's sister Annie is a florist tired of being the sweet, angelic, super wholesome one seen as predictable and shy. She also wants to find love, but struggles with dating, so she asks Amelia's body guard, Will, for some dating practice since he's got quite some experience. Buuuuut obviously fake dating is hard when you're super into each other.

I absolutely LOVED this book. Will and Annie are clearly made for each other, and I just love when the male love interest sees something in the woman that no one else can see and makes her shine. It also doesn't hurt that he's covered in floral tattoos and absolutely gone for her. The family interaction and whole town setup with the "should these two be allowed in a relationship" was EVERYTHING and made for some really special moments. Sarah also really builds the tension in this book - she's a closed-door romance author, but is so so talented at showing the couple's chemistry without being explicit.

Super highly recommend reading this, and I will anxoiusly be awaiting Madison and Emily's stories. I think that I will ironically really relate to Emily's story since she's a kind-of bossy and particular firstborn - so I'm very interested to see her story arc.

Read if you:
- prefer closed-door romance
- love floral arrangements
- are a lil anxious and shy
- love a guy with tats
- enjoy small-town settings