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simplyalexandra's Reviews (890)
Full Review:
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical fiction, and depictions of great struggle and growth.
This book is written in verse and tells the story of Billie Jo and her family's struggle through the dust bowl in rural Oklahoma during the great depression.
This was required reading for many I went to school with, I somehow was not assigned to read it. I had my mind made up that it would be very boring, but I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought that I would dislike that it is written in verse, but I liked that too. I love reading stories where the characters are struggling through an unimagineable time, but show so much strength. I felt very immersed in the story, especially for how short of a book it is. I definitely learned about the dust bowl quite a bit as well. I highly recommend if you enjoy moving historical fiction.
Right After Reading:
Sad, such a hard situation. But hopeful too. I enjoyed this a lot more than I anticipated.
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical fiction, and depictions of great struggle and growth.
This book is written in verse and tells the story of Billie Jo and her family's struggle through the dust bowl in rural Oklahoma during the great depression.
This was required reading for many I went to school with, I somehow was not assigned to read it. I had my mind made up that it would be very boring, but I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought that I would dislike that it is written in verse, but I liked that too. I love reading stories where the characters are struggling through an unimagineable time, but show so much strength. I felt very immersed in the story, especially for how short of a book it is. I definitely learned about the dust bowl quite a bit as well. I highly recommend if you enjoy moving historical fiction.
Right After Reading:
Sad, such a hard situation. But hopeful too. I enjoyed this a lot more than I anticipated.
Full Review:
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy novels with multiple plot lines that weave together.
This book follows Adri in the year 2065 as she gets accepted to prestigious program to colonize Mars. She must move to Kansas to live with her long-lost (and last) relative 107 year old Lily, while she trains for her expedition. Adri begrudgingly gets to know Lily, and her past as she discovers a diary from the 1930s during the dust bowl, and letters from 1919. She must piece together the stories of brave women from each time period to know her own, and Lily's history.
At first I thought that this book was fun and intriguing, but boy it packed a punch too. For one thing, I was totally immersed in each time period as I read their stories. Once you get far enough into the book, the stories of the different women start to intertwine, and it all makes sense in the end. I loved the variation in characters and how they each chose their own paths. I also loved Galapagos, the tortoise, who made an appearance throughout the entire book. (what a perfect idea!) The ending had me in a puddle of both tears and emotions. It was so satisfying. but tugged at my heart strings as well.
Right After Reading:
Oh so many feelings. If you like interwoven plots where it all connects in the end, this one is for you.
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy novels with multiple plot lines that weave together.
This book follows Adri in the year 2065 as she gets accepted to prestigious program to colonize Mars. She must move to Kansas to live with her long-lost (and last) relative 107 year old Lily, while she trains for her expedition. Adri begrudgingly gets to know Lily, and her past as she discovers a diary from the 1930s during the dust bowl, and letters from 1919. She must piece together the stories of brave women from each time period to know her own, and Lily's history.
At first I thought that this book was fun and intriguing, but boy it packed a punch too. For one thing, I was totally immersed in each time period as I read their stories. Once you get far enough into the book, the stories of the different women start to intertwine, and it all makes sense in the end. I loved the variation in characters and how they each chose their own paths. I also loved Galapagos, the tortoise, who made an appearance throughout the entire book. (what a perfect idea!) The ending had me in a puddle of both tears and emotions. It was so satisfying. but tugged at my heart strings as well.
Right After Reading:
Oh so many feelings. If you like interwoven plots where it all connects in the end, this one is for you.
Full Review:
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary fiction with a bit of romance and adventure.
Helen is 32, newly divorced, lonely, and owns the meanest dog in existence. She signs up for a wilderness course in order to find herself and start a new chapter in her life. When she finds out that her brother's annoying best friend, Jake, is also going on the trip she's less than excited. As the two set off on their journey she'll realize he's not so annoying anymore. Along the way she'll make friends, find success and failure, and re-kindle family relationships.
I wasn't sure how much of a romance this would be, and it turns out only somewhat. I think this book was nice and fluffy and positive, BUT it also had quite a few more emotional issues going on as well. It was a really nice balance. I loved the wilderness element of this book, it was fun, funny, and exciting to read as I went along. I quite liked Jake and Helen. I liked that there was quite a bit of (what seems to me) actual backpacking and wilderness information in the book. The descriptions, situations, etc. seemed well-researched and interesting. I liked that this book also focused on Helen's journey of self discovery, her relationships with her family, and with fellow backpackers too. I thought that the ending was a little bit choppy, and I wanted a bit more of the romance, but I overall really liked this this book.
Right After Reading:
Cuuuuuuuute!
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary fiction with a bit of romance and adventure.
Helen is 32, newly divorced, lonely, and owns the meanest dog in existence. She signs up for a wilderness course in order to find herself and start a new chapter in her life. When she finds out that her brother's annoying best friend, Jake, is also going on the trip she's less than excited. As the two set off on their journey she'll realize he's not so annoying anymore. Along the way she'll make friends, find success and failure, and re-kindle family relationships.
I wasn't sure how much of a romance this would be, and it turns out only somewhat. I think this book was nice and fluffy and positive, BUT it also had quite a few more emotional issues going on as well. It was a really nice balance. I loved the wilderness element of this book, it was fun, funny, and exciting to read as I went along. I quite liked Jake and Helen. I liked that there was quite a bit of (what seems to me) actual backpacking and wilderness information in the book. The descriptions, situations, etc. seemed well-researched and interesting. I liked that this book also focused on Helen's journey of self discovery, her relationships with her family, and with fellow backpackers too. I thought that the ending was a little bit choppy, and I wanted a bit more of the romance, but I overall really liked this this book.
Right After Reading:
Cuuuuuuuute!
This is a quick little art book, that I absolutely LOVE. Janet Hill is an Etsy artist that I've been admiring for a while. She creates the most delightful paintings with full of old world glamour and a dash of whimsy. She created a series of paintings centered around a character called Miss Moon, who is a dog governess. She is charged with the care and teaching of 67 dogs, and the paintings show various aspects of their life together. Hill turned the series of paintings into a delightful little book, perfect for art lovers, dog lovers, children, and the young at heart alike. You guys, this book is just plain fun. The paintings are adorable! The little lessons are true to life. It's short and sweet, and I want to own a copy just to flip through on my own, but I have a suspicion that my little sister Olivia would enjoy it as a big dog lover. :) If you like art, whimsy, dogs, or just cute little gift or children's books, I would highly recommend this one! I believe she is currently working on another one, Lucy Crisp and the Vanishing House. I'm excited to see what comes of her other series.... and eternally hoping I will be gifted some of her prints.... that have been in the limbo of my pinterest wish list for ages! Highly Recommend!
*I was elated to access an advanced reader version of this book via netgalley. The opinions given are purely my own.*
*I was elated to access an advanced reader version of this book via netgalley. The opinions given are purely my own.*
Right After Reading:
3 Stars - I think that the blurb for this book is a little misleading. I thought it would be very mysterious or thriller-like. But the part of the plot that focuses on Theo's disappearance is pretty short. Overall it turns out to be a cute contemporary novel. I wish that the blurb reflected that.
Full Review:
3 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary YA. The blurb is a little misleading, it's not very mysterious.
When Rose's schoolmate Theo goes missing, the entire school and town are searching for him. When Theo shows up on Roses's front porch one night asking for help, Rose can't turn him away. What is his secret and why is he asking for her help? When Theo is discovered by Rose's parents the two must figure out how to deal with the fallout and have a real relationship.
I was really intrigued by the blurb for this book, it sounded so mysterious and gripping. I was a little disappointed to find out that that part of the plot is only about 35% of the book. The rest of the plot centers around Jessie and Theo's relationship. If it had been marketed as a YA contemporary I think it would have been given a different rating, but I was just a little too thrown off. I think this is a good debut novel, it was cute and the characters were well fleshed-out, and I overall liked it... but I think the blurb was just a little misleading. I also think there were bits where they tell you that something happened, rather than "showing" it. Which is never my favorite.
I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
3 Stars - I think that the blurb for this book is a little misleading. I thought it would be very mysterious or thriller-like. But the part of the plot that focuses on Theo's disappearance is pretty short. Overall it turns out to be a cute contemporary novel. I wish that the blurb reflected that.
Full Review:
3 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary YA. The blurb is a little misleading, it's not very mysterious.
When Rose's schoolmate Theo goes missing, the entire school and town are searching for him. When Theo shows up on Roses's front porch one night asking for help, Rose can't turn him away. What is his secret and why is he asking for her help? When Theo is discovered by Rose's parents the two must figure out how to deal with the fallout and have a real relationship.
I was really intrigued by the blurb for this book, it sounded so mysterious and gripping. I was a little disappointed to find out that that part of the plot is only about 35% of the book. The rest of the plot centers around Jessie and Theo's relationship. If it had been marketed as a YA contemporary I think it would have been given a different rating, but I was just a little too thrown off. I think this is a good debut novel, it was cute and the characters were well fleshed-out, and I overall liked it... but I think the blurb was just a little misleading. I also think there were bits where they tell you that something happened, rather than "showing" it. Which is never my favorite.
I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
3.5 - 4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance. Think a Hallmark movie (cheesy) with some steamy moments.
Chris Lalonde is Denver's most famous receiver for the Blizzards. When he is caught doping with performance enhancing drugs, the Blizzard's owner sentences Lalonde to time volunteering at Rescue Granted, a dog shelter for difficult cases. Little does Lalonde know, he can't sweet talk his way through the volunteer process. The owner Hazel Grant isn't about to let him half-ass his volunteer sentence. The shelter is dangerously low on funds, maybe Lalonde is just what she needs to save her shelter.
I didn't know what to expect with this book, but it was really cute. It reminded me a lot of a Hallmark movie, but bumped up to something rated R. I thought that the plot was cute, and the dogs were adorable. I liked Hazel and Lalonde's relationship and that they played off of one another so well. I appreciated that this book wasn't just about the romance, it was also about each of their careers and family lives too. There was a wee bit much of football in it for me, but that's probably just because I don't really care for football. haha There is one book before this, but it's not imperative to read it first. I recommend if you like fluffy and a little steamy romantic comedies. -Available 6/11 for purchase-
I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
Chris Lalonde is Denver's most famous receiver for the Blizzards. When he is caught doping with performance enhancing drugs, the Blizzard's owner sentences Lalonde to time volunteering at Rescue Granted, a dog shelter for difficult cases. Little does Lalonde know, he can't sweet talk his way through the volunteer process. The owner Hazel Grant isn't about to let him half-ass his volunteer sentence. The shelter is dangerously low on funds, maybe Lalonde is just what she needs to save her shelter.
I didn't know what to expect with this book, but it was really cute. It reminded me a lot of a Hallmark movie, but bumped up to something rated R. I thought that the plot was cute, and the dogs were adorable. I liked Hazel and Lalonde's relationship and that they played off of one another so well. I appreciated that this book wasn't just about the romance, it was also about each of their careers and family lives too. There was a wee bit much of football in it for me, but that's probably just because I don't really care for football. haha There is one book before this, but it's not imperative to read it first. I recommend if you like fluffy and a little steamy romantic comedies. -Available 6/11 for purchase-
I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.
This story follows Gaby who's recently been dumped, is living with her parents, and doesn't know what to do next with her life. When her twin brother asks her to come on tour with their band to sell merch, she jumps at the chance to make a little cash and buy time until she has to decide what she's doing next. While on tour she meets the other band they are touring with, and things get a lot more complicated when she falls for their lead singer.
I wasn't sure if I would love this, because I'm not super into the "rock and roll" plot... but let's be real, I'm not super into sports based romance plots either. So it really doesn't matter! LOL. BUT I quite liked this one. I thought that it was fun to read something where the characters were in such a unique situation. (being on tour together) I liked that unlike Lukov, this one wasn't an enemies to lovers type of book. (not that I dislike that, just that I didn't want the books to be too similar). I liked Gaby's relationship with her brother and their friends, Zapata's female characters are so forward and crass.. it cracks me up. But that's definitely not me. I liked Gaby and Sacha's relationship. I like that the characters in Zapata's books don't really do instalove. It's so nice that they get to know each other quite a bit before they end up together. I thought this one was a little bit steamier than Lukov, fyi. I'm on a romance kick, and on a Zapata kick, so stay tuned. heheh
This story follows Gaby who's recently been dumped, is living with her parents, and doesn't know what to do next with her life. When her twin brother asks her to come on tour with their band to sell merch, she jumps at the chance to make a little cash and buy time until she has to decide what she's doing next. While on tour she meets the other band they are touring with, and things get a lot more complicated when she falls for their lead singer.
I wasn't sure if I would love this, because I'm not super into the "rock and roll" plot... but let's be real, I'm not super into sports based romance plots either. So it really doesn't matter! LOL. BUT I quite liked this one. I thought that it was fun to read something where the characters were in such a unique situation. (being on tour together) I liked that unlike Lukov, this one wasn't an enemies to lovers type of book. (not that I dislike that, just that I didn't want the books to be too similar). I liked Gaby's relationship with her brother and their friends, Zapata's female characters are so forward and crass.. it cracks me up. But that's definitely not me. I liked Gaby and Sacha's relationship. I like that the characters in Zapata's books don't really do instalove. It's so nice that they get to know each other quite a bit before they end up together. I thought this one was a little bit steamier than Lukov, fyi. I'm on a romance kick, and on a Zapata kick, so stay tuned. heheh