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579 reviews by:
jenwoodrum
Summary: For all of Chloe Green's high school career, she has been battling two things: 1) puritanical administration that does not accept Chloe's queer identity and 2) Shara Wheeler for top spot in the class to become valedictorian. But then Shara kisses Chloe, vanishes, and leaves behind a trail of cryptic notes. In order to win valedictorian fair and square, Chloe teams up with an unlikely group to solve the mystery and find Shara Wheeler.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
This book hit all the right places. The author did a great job representing tough topics and creating complex characters that were not perfect but trying to be better. Even the side characters were well developed and likeable.
Things I enjoyed
- Meaningful friendships beyond just the romantic relationships
- The mystery of following Shara's clues
- Well-written humor perfect for the YA genre
I had moments of frustration with the main character's rivalry and pettiness (lol) but I also had to remind myself that she is a high school student dealing with a lot of adversity - plus, she did eventually have her moments of growth
Trigger warnings: homophobia, religious trauma, cheating
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
This book hit all the right places. The author did a great job representing tough topics and creating complex characters that were not perfect but trying to be better. Even the side characters were well developed and likeable.
Things I enjoyed
- Meaningful friendships beyond just the romantic relationships
- The mystery of following Shara's clues
- Well-written humor perfect for the YA genre
I had moments of frustration with the main character's rivalry and pettiness (lol) but I also had to remind myself that she is a high school student dealing with a lot of adversity - plus, she did eventually have her moments of growth
Trigger warnings: homophobia, religious trauma, cheating
I love Rachel Held Evans and will absolutely be reading her other books. It was sad reading her manuscript that was published after she passed away, but I'm so grateful that her words were still able to shared with the world. I love how she challenged norms within Christianity to explore the question of what it means to actually love the way Jesus did.
This is one of my new favorite books of all time It is an incredibly similar premise to the book I am currently preparing to publish, and it was amazing to read a book with similar themes and ideas.
The characters were so lovable and I cried at the end, which is uncommon for me in books. I read this one in a day because I could not put it down!
The characters were so lovable and I cried at the end, which is uncommon for me in books. I read this one in a day because I could not put it down!
There were some things I really liked about this book including the magic, Brigid's relationship with her daughter, and the side characters Finola and Ophelia.
What I enjoyed:
What I enjoyed:
There were some things I really liked about this book including the magic, Brigid's relationship with her daughter, and the side characters Finola and Ophelia.
What I enjoyed:
- A book that takes place on an island off the coast of Ireland? Sold! I loved the concept and premise. A witch that wakes up 100 years in the future with no memories? A lake with haunted creature? Loved it.
- The podcast was full of fun, witty banter. I always wanted more of it! Some parts made me chuckle.
- There were some truly beautiful and haunting images that will stay with me from this book. The author had some beautiful writing and did a great job of creating scenes that will stick with you.
What I didn't like as much:
- The plot meandered quite a bit, and there were periods in the middle that were hard to get through. Brigid's lack of memories seemed to make the story drag, and it was hard to feel connected to the characters. The plot picked up about 75% of the way through.
- This might just be me, but I thought some of the magical world-building was missing substance... Sometimes a new term, ability, or creature would pop up that I wasn't aware, and I maybe would have liked more explanation or background.
- I desperately wanted more plotline with Brigid's daughter Dove. I felt that this is what the whole story was about, and then we really only had a few short scenes with her. I would have LOVED more content there.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for an advanced review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I am posting my review here now and will post on my Bookstagram closer to the release date!
What I enjoyed:
- A book that takes place on an island off the coast of Ireland? Sold! I loved the concept and premise. A witch that wakes up 100 years in the future with no memories? A lake with haunted creature? Loved it.
- The podcast was full of fun, witty banter. I always wanted more of it! Some parts made me chuckle.
- There were some truly beautiful and haunting images that will stay with me from this book. The author had some beautiful writing and did a great job of creating scenes that will stick with you.
What I didn't like as much:
- The plot meandered quite a bit, and there were periods in the middle that were hard to get through. Brigid's lack of memories seemed to make the story drag, and it was hard to feel connected to the characters. The plot picked up about 75% of the way through.
- This might just be me, but I thought some of the magical world-building was missing substance... Sometimes a new term, ability, or creature would pop up that I wasn't aware, and I maybe would have liked more explanation or background.
- I desperately wanted more plotline with Brigid's daughter Dove. I felt that this is what the whole story was about, and then we really only had a few short scenes with her. I would have LOVED more content there.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for an advanced review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I am posting my review here now and will post on my Bookstagram closer to the release date!
Children of War: an anthology to support the children of Ukraine
Astrid V.J., Susan Stradiotto, C. Phillip
The stories in this book are moving and heartbreaking. I am amazed by the creativity of the authors who came together to tell fictional (and one non-fiction) stories of how war impacts children.
The anthology includes literary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and memoir. Some had themes that were emotionally challenging to read, but it felt important to let myself sit with the feelings of how war affects so many families.
The proceeds of this book are being donated to Voices of Children which is an organization in the Ukraine that focuses on helping traumatized children find psychological healing through therapy.
I definitely recommend reading this book knowing that your purchase goes towards an important cause!
Thank you to the authors for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
The anthology includes literary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and memoir. Some had themes that were emotionally challenging to read, but it felt important to let myself sit with the feelings of how war affects so many families.
The proceeds of this book are being donated to Voices of Children which is an organization in the Ukraine that focuses on helping traumatized children find psychological healing through therapy.
I definitely recommend reading this book knowing that your purchase goes towards an important cause!
Thank you to the authors for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
