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sarahthegaymer's Reviews (305)
This is the sequel to Stephen Spotswood’s “Fortune Favors the Dead” which I read last year and positively loved!
Willowjean “Wil” Parker is a young, witty, and quick understudy to the infamous Lillian Pentecost, Private Investigator. Though this time, the investigation hits close to home as one of Wil’s former circus friends has been murdered. Can they solve the murder and find who would do such a terrible & tragic thing?
Overall, this book sort of falls flat for me in comparison to the first one. Perhaps it was because there wasn’t as much relationship/character building between Wil and Lillian in this book; but I feel like their relationship wasn’t depicted in the same manner, and that disappointed me. I also didn’t feel like Wil’s character was as exciting and funny this time around, though it could be due to the nature of this particular storyline, I’m just not sure.
I will say that the mystery itself, was sort of mind-blowing as I hadn’t expected it to end the way it did! I would think I had it figured out, then be proved wrong, but come up with another possible solution, and then still be wrong..but I definitely did not see the way it ended being the way it ended!
Overall, this was just so-so for me, and I hope if there are additional books in the series, they’ll raise the overall bar of expectation again!
Willowjean “Wil” Parker is a young, witty, and quick understudy to the infamous Lillian Pentecost, Private Investigator. Though this time, the investigation hits close to home as one of Wil’s former circus friends has been murdered. Can they solve the murder and find who would do such a terrible & tragic thing?
Overall, this book sort of falls flat for me in comparison to the first one. Perhaps it was because there wasn’t as much relationship/character building between Wil and Lillian in this book; but I feel like their relationship wasn’t depicted in the same manner, and that disappointed me. I also didn’t feel like Wil’s character was as exciting and funny this time around, though it could be due to the nature of this particular storyline, I’m just not sure.
I will say that the mystery itself, was sort of mind-blowing as I hadn’t expected it to end the way it did! I would think I had it figured out, then be proved wrong, but come up with another possible solution, and then still be wrong..but I definitely did not see the way it ended being the way it ended!
Overall, this was just so-so for me, and I hope if there are additional books in the series, they’ll raise the overall bar of expectation again!
This was one of the better thrillers I’ve read this year! I read it under two days and highly recommend!
We follow a couple as they go on a ‘vacation’/couples getaway - to an old church in the almost middle of nowhere. *Que creepy music*
There are multiple points-of-view in the story, which I love! It’s fun to read each character’s perspective and thoughts.
There’s a pretty big plot-twist about half way through, maybe even longer than half way, but I did not see it coming and was pleasantly surprised!
We follow a couple as they go on a ‘vacation’/couples getaway - to an old church in the almost middle of nowhere. *Que creepy music*
There are multiple points-of-view in the story, which I love! It’s fun to read each character’s perspective and thoughts.
There’s a pretty big plot-twist about half way through, maybe even longer than half way, but I did not see it coming and was pleasantly surprised!
Verity by Colleen Hoover ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I’m not really sure what to say about this book..or where to start with my review of it, either.
A quick synopsis: an aspiring author who is pretty much unknown gets chosen to finish the series for a very popular author after she is in an accident that leaves her incapacitated. To do so, she goes to live with this author’s family, submersing herself in her work and life to get to know her..but does she submerse herself too far? Everyone has secrets that are probably best kept to themselves. You’ll follow the our main character along a nail-biting scenario full of twists and turns.
First and foremost, I think that book was SO hyped that by the time I got to it, it was just a let down. The writing is overall a bit choppy and it takes ¾ of the book to even get moving and then everything is a rush in the last quarter. Some of the things that happened were SUPER predictable which made me eyeroll. I am thinking that I may be in the small population that does not care for CoHo books, however; I will read a few others before making that decision since the reviews for this book are so one way or the other.
Secondly, I positively HATED, and I mean DESPISED, the ending. And that’s all I’ll say on that.
Overall, not a terrible book but also not one that deserves the hype that I feel it receives by almost everyone.
I’m not really sure what to say about this book..or where to start with my review of it, either.
A quick synopsis: an aspiring author who is pretty much unknown gets chosen to finish the series for a very popular author after she is in an accident that leaves her incapacitated. To do so, she goes to live with this author’s family, submersing herself in her work and life to get to know her..but does she submerse herself too far? Everyone has secrets that are probably best kept to themselves. You’ll follow the our main character along a nail-biting scenario full of twists and turns.
First and foremost, I think that book was SO hyped that by the time I got to it, it was just a let down. The writing is overall a bit choppy and it takes ¾ of the book to even get moving and then everything is a rush in the last quarter. Some of the things that happened were SUPER predictable which made me eyeroll. I am thinking that I may be in the small population that does not care for CoHo books, however; I will read a few others before making that decision since the reviews for this book are so one way or the other.
Secondly, I positively HATED, and I mean DESPISED, the ending. And that’s all I’ll say on that.
Overall, not a terrible book but also not one that deserves the hype that I feel it receives by almost everyone.
Being the daughter and granddaughter of Danielle Steel addicts, I only felt it was appropriate as an avid read to finally check out one this author's books for myself and see what the 'hype' is all about. Either I picked the wrong book, or this author is just not for me. I'm really hoping this was just the wrong book. Also, before you come at me; I realize that there is likely a certain demographic that fits the profile of readers for this author and I'm likely not one of them. However; I'm a firm believer in most books are created equal and I like to give them all an equal chance to prove their worth to me. So, don't come at me for not liking this overall 4 star book...
Moving on..the review..or..well..sort of?
This book was so unimpressionable to me, I don't even recall reading it. It wasn't until I was going back through my Libby log of everything I read for the year had I realized I listened to this audiobook and never added it to my Goodreads account. Therefore; I can't truly give it an accurate review as I normally would because I truly don't even remember it.
From what I do remember; this random guy goes and becomes a Butler for a well to do family because he wants to make HIS family proud. And they go on and on and on and on and on....you get the picture ...about some long lost brother who is believed to be tied in with some bad people/drug runners/etc.
So, yeah..that's this book in a nutshell.
Total sidenote - this book really irks me because the cover looks eerily similar to The Butler by Will Haygood and Lee Daniels - and in my opinion that is far superior book/movie.
Moving on..the review..or..well..sort of?
This book was so unimpressionable to me, I don't even recall reading it. It wasn't until I was going back through my Libby log of everything I read for the year had I realized I listened to this audiobook and never added it to my Goodreads account. Therefore; I can't truly give it an accurate review as I normally would because I truly don't even remember it.
From what I do remember; this random guy goes and becomes a Butler for a well to do family because he wants to make HIS family proud. And they go on and on and on and on and on....you get the picture ...about some long lost brother who is believed to be tied in with some bad people/drug runners/etc.
So, yeah..that's this book in a nutshell.
Total sidenote - this book really irks me because the cover looks eerily similar to The Butler by Will Haygood and Lee Daniels - and in my opinion that is far superior book/movie.
So, this book for me was so-so. Wasn’t terrible, wasn’t great. I’m not HUGE on romances, but I read them quickly and right now I’m trying to complete my 2022 reading goal so I’m grabbing easy reads.
The beginning of the story started out well, keeping me interested and intrigued. The main character reminds me a bit of myself, focusing on work and everyone else around me, always wanting to care and provide for them. (Can we say, hello extra therapy session?)
For the most part, I 99% knew what was going to happen and it was like reading a Hallmark movie. Cute little town. Sisters on vacations. Girl meets boy who she has a past with..and so on. It ended EXACTLY like I thought I would.
The overall idea was cute, there’s a few almost spicy scenes, and there a lot of book references which is fun!
The beginning of the story started out well, keeping me interested and intrigued. The main character reminds me a bit of myself, focusing on work and everyone else around me, always wanting to care and provide for them. (Can we say, hello extra therapy session?)
For the most part, I 99% knew what was going to happen and it was like reading a Hallmark movie. Cute little town. Sisters on vacations. Girl meets boy who she has a past with..and so on. It ended EXACTLY like I thought I would.
The overall idea was cute, there’s a few almost spicy scenes, and there a lot of book references which is fun!
If you’re a fan of the show, and more importantly, Regina; this is a *must* read!
It’s a quick and easy read, with a short story about Regina’s upbringing. You get a better look at the dynamic of her relationships with Cora and Henry, as well as others, including an OG character Claire Fairchild. There are some references that help fill in some things not mentioned in the show.
Ultimately, you once again can’t help but be in your feels for Regina.
It’s a quick and easy read, with a short story about Regina’s upbringing. You get a better look at the dynamic of her relationships with Cora and Henry, as well as others, including an OG character Claire Fairchild. There are some references that help fill in some things not mentioned in the show.
Ultimately, you once again can’t help but be in your feels for Regina.
Pleasantly surprised by this one!
One of the local bookstores that I love hypes up Louise Penny, a lot! So, when I saw that this was written by she and Hillary Clinton, I knew I had to read it! I am so glad I did, it did not disappoint!
This is based around the life of the Secretary of State who is serving under a President that despises her, under a time of distress in the country, while worrying about her kids, and trying to create a sense of peace in the world.
Overall, I think the flow of the book was really well written. It came in strong right out of the gate and the momentum just kept moving. There were a few times where I found I couldn’t put it down, eagerly reading on to see what was going to happen next. There were obviously political aspects of the book, but I liked that it was written/explained in a way that was easy to understand, even if you’re not super political savvy.
From my understanding, there were some characters that overlap into other books that she’s written; which I enjoyed. I also like that characters within the book all intertwined into one another, like secret pasts!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a fast-paced, blood-pumping, heart-racing, story!
One of the local bookstores that I love hypes up Louise Penny, a lot! So, when I saw that this was written by she and Hillary Clinton, I knew I had to read it! I am so glad I did, it did not disappoint!
This is based around the life of the Secretary of State who is serving under a President that despises her, under a time of distress in the country, while worrying about her kids, and trying to create a sense of peace in the world.
Overall, I think the flow of the book was really well written. It came in strong right out of the gate and the momentum just kept moving. There were a few times where I found I couldn’t put it down, eagerly reading on to see what was going to happen next. There were obviously political aspects of the book, but I liked that it was written/explained in a way that was easy to understand, even if you’re not super political savvy.
From my understanding, there were some characters that overlap into other books that she’s written; which I enjoyed. I also like that characters within the book all intertwined into one another, like secret pasts!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a fast-paced, blood-pumping, heart-racing, story!
This book! Ohmygoodness! One of the best ‘magical’ books I’ve read in quite some time!
Mika Moon is a witch living in secret, well; sort of. 😉 She’s an internet blogger, who post videos online of her doing witching things, that pass as ‘fake’. Then, one day, she receives a call for help from a family that knows she is REALLY a witch! Apprehensive, but intrigued, she meets with the family at their home, Nowhere House and the story blossoms! This is mostly a story about family, those that are blood and those who are not; with a little love, comedy, and everything in between! I like that the magic was relatable, realistic, and simple. It was a major part of the story, but it didn’t bog down the story or clutter it up with a bunch of magical nonsense.
Aside from Mika, there are a lot of other characters living in Nowhere House and to my surprise they are all lovable and relatable. I fell head over heels in love with these three little girls – Terracota, Altamira, and Rosetta (I mean, the names alone? Come on!!) Altamira is the sassiest, funniest little girl. ..she makes a comment about “Mary Poppins shit” and I physically laughed out loud. Terracota.. well let’s just say that she’s a girl after my own heart. She’ll protect her family at whatever cost that is, often making threats towards Mika. She acts like a tough girl but she really has a big heart and let’s face it, that’s me! Overall, this book has some of the best written characters I’ve experienced in a long time.
If you’re looing for a fun and cozy fall-vibes book, or just a cute and easy magical book – this is it! I promise you will not be disappointed.
Mika Moon is a witch living in secret, well; sort of. 😉 She’s an internet blogger, who post videos online of her doing witching things, that pass as ‘fake’. Then, one day, she receives a call for help from a family that knows she is REALLY a witch! Apprehensive, but intrigued, she meets with the family at their home, Nowhere House and the story blossoms! This is mostly a story about family, those that are blood and those who are not; with a little love, comedy, and everything in between! I like that the magic was relatable, realistic, and simple. It was a major part of the story, but it didn’t bog down the story or clutter it up with a bunch of magical nonsense.
Aside from Mika, there are a lot of other characters living in Nowhere House and to my surprise they are all lovable and relatable. I fell head over heels in love with these three little girls – Terracota, Altamira, and Rosetta (I mean, the names alone? Come on!!) Altamira is the sassiest, funniest little girl. ..she makes a comment about “Mary Poppins shit” and I physically laughed out loud. Terracota.. well let’s just say that she’s a girl after my own heart. She’ll protect her family at whatever cost that is, often making threats towards Mika. She acts like a tough girl but she really has a big heart and let’s face it, that’s me! Overall, this book has some of the best written characters I’ve experienced in a long time.
If you’re looing for a fun and cozy fall-vibes book, or just a cute and easy magical book – this is it! I promise you will not be disappointed.
Oh dear. Where do I even start with this??
As someone who is into witchy things & someone who has been getting a little more into cheesy romances lately, when my Book Club voted on this I though it was going to be a sure smash! 😍
Boy, was I wrong. First and foremost, let me be transparent and say I did not finish the last 50 pages of the book, BUT, it ended EXACTLY how I imagined it would.
The main characters, Vivi and Rhys; to me were just flat. The background of their relationship falls flat which makes almost the entirety of the story - meh. Their personality was flat, their character development was mediocre. I just…the characters that did have some interesting or quirky characteristics and could have gone far - were just background fillers.
The storyline was chaotic. There was always something happening, but with little explanation then it was over as fast as it started. Their were key magical elements that SHOULD have been explained but weren’t. But we spent ten minutes describing a bedroom prior to a less than steamy sex scene.
Ultimately, this book was just not it for me. It in no way kept my interest and in no way made me feel spooky/fun/Halloween/fall vibes. Not even a little.
Trigger Warning as there are a lot of Harry Potter references in the book can be unacceptable to some.
As someone who is into witchy things & someone who has been getting a little more into cheesy romances lately, when my Book Club voted on this I though it was going to be a sure smash! 😍
Boy, was I wrong. First and foremost, let me be transparent and say I did not finish the last 50 pages of the book, BUT, it ended EXACTLY how I imagined it would.
The main characters, Vivi and Rhys; to me were just flat. The background of their relationship falls flat which makes almost the entirety of the story - meh. Their personality was flat, their character development was mediocre. I just…the characters that did have some interesting or quirky characteristics and could have gone far - were just background fillers.
The storyline was chaotic. There was always something happening, but with little explanation then it was over as fast as it started. Their were key magical elements that SHOULD have been explained but weren’t. But we spent ten minutes describing a bedroom prior to a less than steamy sex scene.
Ultimately, this book was just not it for me. It in no way kept my interest and in no way made me feel spooky/fun/Halloween/fall vibes. Not even a little.
Trigger Warning as there are a lot of Harry Potter references in the book can be unacceptable to some.
This was the first pick in my Nonfiction November bunch!
If Valerie and I were to meet, I feel like we’d be fast friends! I listened to the audiobook version which was incredible as it was read by her. It was really awesome to hear her voice change with the moods and seasons of the book as I felt it gave even deeper meaning than just reading the words. I felt her pain, happiness, sorrow, and joy.
It brought up topics of life that I think most, if not all, women can relate to & talks about love, friendship, and food! So many good nuggets!
If Valerie and I were to meet, I feel like we’d be fast friends! I listened to the audiobook version which was incredible as it was read by her. It was really awesome to hear her voice change with the moods and seasons of the book as I felt it gave even deeper meaning than just reading the words. I felt her pain, happiness, sorrow, and joy.
It brought up topics of life that I think most, if not all, women can relate to & talks about love, friendship, and food! So many good nuggets!