I picked up When in Rome expecting a love story set in Rome, Italy—but what I got was something even better. This charming novel surprised me with its cozy small-town setting, sweet humor, and heartwarming story of unconventional love. It’s a delightful opposites-attract romance that unfolds with just the right amount of tension and tenderness. The characters felt real and lovable, and their connection was both fun and sincere. I absolutely loved it!

Gus tore me into two pieces. It was gut-wrenching to watch Gus navigate the depths of his grief for Bright Side—raw, messy, and heartbreakingly real. His pain was palpable, and seeing him come to terms with just how deeply he loved her was both beautiful and devastating. But what truly stuck with me was his journey through that pain. Watching him grow, little by little, finding hope again, was awe-inspiring. Kim Holden has a gift for writing characters that live in your heart long after the last page. This book is a testament to the strength it takes to heal, and the light that can still be found even in the darkest places.

I really wanted to like this book because the premise had so much potential — and honestly, I loved the idea behind it. Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t work for me. The pacing was painfully slow, and I struggled to connect with the characters, who came across as unlikeable and flat.

While I did enjoy the ending (it was sweet and satisfying), it took way too long to get there. Any book that takes me two weeks to finish isn’t one I can comfortably recommend. I wish the story had moved faster and the characters had been a little more engaging, because the concept itself truly deserved better.

Franco is actually the last book in the series, but I read it first by mistake. Even so, I really enjoyed it! It’s a sweet story of friendship turning into romance, with a bit of an opposites-attract feel.

It was cute and easy to fall into, and by the end, it left me feeling hopeful — reminding me that sometimes even the most impossible ideas can work out if you’re willing to take a chance on people. It’s a light, heartfelt read about the power of friendship, love, and second chances.

I went into Brightside a little differently than most — I actually read the last book in the series first by mistake. So when I picked this up, I knew something sad had happened but had no idea what exactly it was. As the story unfolded and hints were dropped, I found myself constantly guessing. Still, when the truth was finally revealed, it was even more heartbreaking than I could have imagined.

I agree with some reviewers who say the writing style feels a bit YA at times, but honestly, I thought it was beautiful. Kim Holden did a wonderful job capturing the reminder that life is short and that we should live every day to the fullest, even when life deals us an unfair hand.

I haven’t ugly cried over a book like I did with Brightside in a very long time. It completely broke me — but in the best way.

Brightside left me emotional, inspired, and thinking about the characters long after I finished. I can't wait to dive into the second book!

This book covers a topic I'm incredibly interested in, and I found it absolutely fascinating. It dives deep into the case of the Golden State Killer, and I was surprised by how many details I didn’t know. Michelle McNamara’s research is meticulous and compelling, and it's heartbreaking to know that she passed away before she could finish the book. Thankfully, her husband brought in others to complete it, staying true to her vision.

Even though some people described her as obsessed, her dedication helped keep the case alive in the public eye—and in a very real way, her work contributed to it finally being solved. That part is powerful.

I listened to the audiobook, and while it was long and occasionally hard to follow (especially with all the names and timelines), it was still very interesting and worth the listen. A must-read for true crime fans.

I really wanted to like All the Other Mothers Hate Me, but unfortunately, I found myself disappointed. The premise seemed intriguing at first, but the execution fell flat. The protagonist was hard to connect with, almost to the point where it felt like the author was pushing for us to dislike her. She came across as a bad mom, a bad friend, and a bad sister—traits that were emphasized repeatedly, making it difficult to sympathize with her or root for any kind of personal growth.

The storyline had potential, but the development was lackluster. There was little to keep me engaged, and the characters were either frustratingly one-dimensional or just plain unlikable. By the time the book reached its conclusion, the plot didn’t have the emotional impact it seemed to be building toward. While the ending wasn’t entirely predictable, it felt anticlimactic and didn’t provide the kind of payoff I was hoping for.

Overall, it was a bit of a letdown. I can't say it was entirely bad, but it didn't live up to its promise. I’ll give it three stars for the initial idea and the potential that it didn’t quite fulfill.

Este ha sido mi primer libro sobre este período de la historia de España, y sin duda no será el último. Me ha fascinado la forma en que los autores narran los acontecimientos, combinando el rigor histórico con una trama envolvente que mezcla thriller y romance.

Uno de los aspectos que más me ha gustado es la presencia de dos protagonistas femeninas fuertes, algo que aporta una perspectiva única y poderosa a la historia. Además, la ambientación en la España de los años 40 está tan bien lograda que logra transportar al lector a ese momento crucial.

Como detalle curioso, me sorprendió encontrar al personaje del pediatra al principio de la novela, ya que su nombre y profesión coinciden con los de mi propio tío Ricardo, quien ejerció como pediatra en Madrid en 1940.

En definitiva, La Traductora es una lectura apasionante que recomiendo a quienes disfrutan de la novela histórica con un toque de suspense y emoción. ¡Estoy deseando leer la secuela de este libro!

I recently listened to Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray, and though it was over 17 hours long, it was absolutely fascinating and incredibly informative. Frances Perkins was a remarkable woman—wife, mother, and the first woman to hold a cabinet position in U.S. history. Her work with President Roosevelt on social welfare laws and New Deal programs, including Social Security and the Fair Labor Standards Act, was groundbreaking. She was also a tireless advocate for eliminating child labor and establishing a minimum wage.

Beyond her professional achievements, Perkins faced personal struggles, including a difficult marriage and challenges with her daughter, yet she remained incredibly strong and dedicated to her mission. I wish more people knew about her, and I’m so glad I do now. This book is a must-read (or listen!) for anyone interested in history, politics, or learning about strong women who shaped the world.

Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that weaves together the voices of multiple generations of Cuban and Cuban American women. Through interconnected stories, the book explores themes of resilience, loss, and the complex bonds of family. The inclusion of a family tree as a resource helps keep the narrative threads clear, making it easier to follow the shifting perspectives.

I especially loved learning about life in Cuba—the hardships, the strength of the women, and the cultural nuances that shape their experiences. One particularly heartbreaking instance in Miami stood out to me, capturing the raw realities of immigration, identity, and survival. Garcia’s prose is both lyrical and powerful, making this an essential read in 2025. Highly recommended!