rebeccasreadingrambles's Reviews (3.06k)

Oh wow this book. It is so good and so emotional and so powerful. I don't want to spoil anything, but I loved following both storylines and was invested in both women so much.  The writing and storytelling are just beautiful and make you feel like Ruby and Eleanor are family.  There are so many important and still relevant themes surrounded women and how their lives can be affected by the choices of others, leaving them to face consequences themselves. The sexism, racism, classism and colorism were stark and seeing these two very different stories next to each other, not mirrors but similar in so many ways, was heartbreaking. Of course the most disgusting crimes and treatment coming from the nuns was unsurprising but brutal. The way people used their position of "power" to forcibly separate women from their babies made me sick.  Ruby and Eleanor were both so relatable in so many ways touched me and of course I cried multiple times in this book. 

The author's note is so powerful and a must-read. The way this story came together for her and the very real events and people that this book is based on make it even more emotional.

Note: I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by two amazing narrators who brought even more depth to this heartbreaking story.

Thanks to the publishers for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

I do not think I have the words to review this. It is amazing. Please read it.

Honestly, VE Schwab has a magical talent for words and storytelling like no other. The way she easily transports her readers anywhere and keeps us absolutely captivated with ever word (and everything left unsaid) is truly amazing. In this book I had no idea what to expect and that is the best way to go on. I put my complete trust in the author and the story and the swell of emotions that arose as I kept reading was so powerful. This is a character drive story and you feel like you know them down to their bones by the end. They are characters that are complex and leave you wondering "I love them but do I even like them?", until I found myself absolutely sobbing.  I now know the characters are ingrained in my heart. Such a unique, dark, and thoughtful story; both macabre and tender. The yearning to belong and be loved and not be left behind, but also freedom from expectations and harmful pasts was something every reader can relate to. I feel like I lived for centuries at the end of the book and could not even contemplate picking anything else up for a while after.

Audiobook note: These are my favorite narrators! Wow we are so blessed to have these voices tell us this story and bring to life the characters because they were perfect for this story.

Oooh this book was such a cozy comfort! I loved reading this book which was like a cozy character study. I enjoyed how each character had their own short story, that were all connected through this innocuous convenience store. I could feel how the author really understands people and how they think and function and how little choices can have huge consequences (both good and bad). Every time I opened this book, I was easily transported to Korea and honestly am so jealous of the delicious sounding snacks at this convenience store. The writing was beautiful and poignant.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.

This book was okay, and definitely very dark and tense. You could feel the tension in the room with you, it was almost suffocating. The story just didn't hold my attention the way I wanted; I feel like Shaw was just spinning her wheels the same as so many years before, for most of the book.  And the fact that you basically know what happened without technnnnically knowing just didn't keep me hooked.  If you want a creepy AF book where you are listening to a creepy old man over the phone - then yes this would be a book for you! I was also frustrated that there was kind of no closure with Shaw's family, after basically having this dark cloud over them for so long and Shaw's poor kids!) 

Note: I listened to the audiobook, which did a great job of establishing the eerie atmosphere.

Thanks to the publisher for a free audiobook copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

Ooh this was a delight. I instantly connected with Elfreda and fell for her passion and determination to reach her goals. And then in strolls (or lunges really) Georgie and I knew there would be a lot of fun trouble ahead. Despite what drove Georgie to return home, their ability to make anything and everything seem light and fun and nonchalant made this book such a breeze to read.  The banter between Elfreda and Georgie never let up, even in the most disastrous situations, and they way it led to longing and passion made this book feel cozy at all times. It was quite a slow burn, though being inside each character's heads made it feel less slow and honestly I appreciated how quickly they did share their attraction especially in this time when it could be so dangerous to do so. I love how safe they both felt, and how all the queer characters made it feel like a cozy, happy, safe place to be who they are. The sisters and thwarted suitor made for a lot of levity and there were plenty of laugh out loud moments. This book is both fun and tender.  I really loved all the historical notes and setting and even the discussion on why learning about the past is so important to Elfreda in the way she understands the present.

Note: I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by the author, which I LOVE because you could tell how much they cared for the characters and how much emotion surrounded even the most seemingly simple exchanges.

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy and free audiobook; my thoughts and review are my own.

Oooh Billie. I love her so much. She is the perfect PI to read about - young, ambitious, not afraid of a challenge and doesn't take anyone's BS, no matter how much they are paying her. This book started out with drama and did not let up. I love how there are two stories and Billie and her grandfather split up to investigate. Watching them work together and seeing the twists that had these stories converging was so clever. There are a lot of characters to hate, thanks to the wonderful writing of the author - I am always impressed the characters are so vibrant that I have a physical reaction to them (cue a LOT of scowling). The writing is witty, slightly sarcastic and irreverent, and had the prefect pacing. I did not want to put this book down and I hope we get to see more of Billie, ESPECIALLY after the ending.

Note: Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

I devoured this book! This series is SO cozy with so much drama for the perfect balance; easy to read and hard to put down. I love the way this story went and how Ash handled the various sticky situations. She has way more patience for her parents than I would; she is definitely more mature than her mother and she has serious grace for her dad. I loved seeing the siblings together more and understanding their dynamic. I could spend all day at Ash's cat yoga studio and still love the idea and set up so much. This book just brought me so much joy to read! I cannot wait to visit again!

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.

Oooh this book was so unique, I enjoyed it so much. It was dark and made the hair on my arms stand up. I don't read a lot of horror, but you better believe that I will run toward one that is a Western and this was a perfect combo (because Westerns already give off a horror-esque vibe just based on the time/experiences). Anyway I had NO idea what was going on for probably half the book. The POV jumped and I could not mentally merge the two POVs into the same person, they just seemed SO DIFFERENT. But I loved when it clicked and then the book raced towards the end. I will say I did not feel like this was a mystery, so that seemed like misleading marketing. The characters were fierce and hard to fully picture and Belle was such an enigma but it worked in this particular story. The ending is a bit controversial, but I did appreciate the device. I recommend this one!

Note: I listened to the audiobook and it brought the exact right amount of gravitas to this character and her story.

Woah this was dark. And I loved it. Some serious psychotic stuff (big big TWs folks).  The casual violence, the crescendo and then waves of emotions that left me feeling absolutely exhausted after reading this - are my favorite. This author knows how to shock and stun even until the very end. I could not stop reading this book, and I loved how the author is clearly showed us that there aren't just 2 sides; there are characters who start to feel like found family even if they are not on the "same side". I love how Eddie is no bullshit, doesn't shy away from the shady to make sure that justice is served and always has a stunning remark up his sleeve.  This was a fascinating work of legal thriller unlike anything else.

Note: You NEED to listen to the audiobook. The emotions in this book deserve to be read out to you and this interesting cast of characters all have such a unique voice in the narration.,

Thanks to the publisher for an eARC and ALC; my thoughts are my own.

Weee I loved this one even more than the first. The banter between danger seeking Reyna and my pun queen Kianthe just gave me LIFE. I could read about them just talking and adventuring forever! I love how they have absolute trust in each other even when the reader wants to scream WHATTTT! The heart attacks this cozy fantasy gave me (because I am so attached to the characters) was a little unfair (kidding it was perfect). Also Serina, the robin-hood pirate with so much sass + Bobbie the crochet loving, shy and outspoken constable pairing was just YES. A second chance, opposite attract romance that is tested by too many dangers to count. BUT THE CROCHET ANIMALS AND HATS FOR THE TOWN, sorry but I am swooning.  I loved this mix of danger and what felt like a big hug with countless laughs. All the found family vibes (and some really surprising ones!)

I love how anyone can be a pirate and I want more unconventional pirates!

Note: PLEASE do your self a favor and listen to the audiobook because it is perfection and brings these fabulous characters right off the page!