missyg324's Reviews (308)

This was such a quick read. I love how all the chapters are unique words that twins loved. The focus in both their work on grammar and word usage was fascinating to me, as someone who appreciates grammar and does a lot of copy editing. It was interesting to read how one twin’s desire to be different and then the same switched over time. As someone who’s never been especially close with my sibling, their relationship was enjoying to read and so far from my personal understanding. 

Took a while to get into this story- it’s been a minute since I read fantasy. But once I was in I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen. Got lost a time or two, but still enjoyed the overall lighthearted tale of a fairy researcher. 

Great strategies and practical stories. The challenge is always remembering them in the moment. 

This was a quick listen and Julia Whalen is always a delightful narrator. I enjoyed reading one of TJR’s backlist books- it felt very different than some of her newer ones. This was certainly the story of Lauren, but also her whole family showcasing so many different paths to take outside what’s traditional. I especially liked when Rachel shared how she’d been feeling about not needing a partner and being so fulfilled in her life. 

A little silly, but overall enjoyable. I appreciated reading about a strong woman who isn’t afraid to share what she wants, even though it’s not traditional or what everyone thinks she should do. 

“you don’t have to be single to be independent. And you don’t have to be married to be loved. That’s not the choice. And I think you owe it to yourself to at least figure out what options you have before you assume that what you really want is impossible.”

It’s always hard going into reading a book that is so hyped, but I was thrilled when a friend got this for me for my birthday. I ended up listening to it and loved the audio. Following Phoebe’s transformation over the wedding week with the wedding people was fun and beautiful. Having a new sense of freedom and life brought out a truth in her that it’s hard for a lot of us to find-even those small lies are so easy. While covid was absolutely a reality and big plot point to the book, it’s still hard for me to read about- that’s the only reason I took off a quarter star. 

This multiple POV story of strong women and family drama was wonderful. I’ve read one of Stradel’s other books and appreciate the clearer through-line between the characters and their arcs. This is a book where you slowly and gradually realize that you don’t want to put it down. It’s an okay story, you’re meeting the characters, and all of a sudden I need to know what’s going to happen with Diana! Highly recommend for a relatively light read. 

My rating is definitely affected by the hype around this book. It was beautifully written and tells such a strong story. And it is so hard to listen to 21 hours of that much sadness. Wow. 

This was such a slow burn! I wanted to keep reading about Lucie and Aiden so much that I put off chores and wanted to skip work to keep reading, which doesn’t always happen for me. The found family was so special. I wish we really got to know Aiden more. There was only one or two scenes where the author really dove into who he is. This was on track to be 5 stars for me, but some of the spice felt off for me, particularly use of a word that had me actually put the book down. Will definitely read the next in the Heartstring series!