stitchesandstationery's Reviews (306)

Turns out I like cozy mysteries??

It tended towards far fetched at times, but in a "this is a lighthearted work of fiction" sort of way, and all in all I really enjoyed the effect. I loveddddd the food-centric nature of the book, and I low key want a sequel just so I can find out which man Lila does or doesn't pick and to get more of Tita Rosie living her best life.

I live for large family dynamics, and this book was a warm hug with a murder twist. Who knew that was a thing?

Listen, I love me some good trashy Bachelor nights, but I'm like Bea and I am constantly annoyed by the lack of a gorgeous plus size queen or husky man gracing my screen.

This book may not be for everyone, but for anyone who has ever tried to hide or like they weren't quite enough because of their body? This book is pretty darn close to being everything.

You should read this if: you love trashy reality TV, you understand the need for chub rub protection or get uncomfortable when someone touches your stomach, wine nights with your best friend are your preferred form of therapy, and you've always wanted to be big and bold and perfect.

It may be only January, but this is, without a doubt, the best book I have read this year.

House of Earth and Blood was compelling, beautiful, and hurtful. I went into it expecting a similar fantasy to the world of ACOTAR and was instead greeted with something unlike anything else I've ever encountered. Sure, there are Fae and other magical beings, but there are phones, and cars, and high tech medical suites. It was fantasy, it was romance, it was a borderline thriller.

It was perfect.

Tennis, outer space, jets, astronauts, dogs, STEAM education, NASA, and football all rolled into one easily digestible package.

I enjoyed this one! I think it would be really well suited to younger readers as a good motivational and inspirational read. Leland overcame a number of challenges to get to where he is today, and I think he touched on a lot of the bigger topics. I personally wish we had gotten a more in depth view into how her personally responded to some of his struggles, but I think it makes for a perfect conversation started for middle grade readers, especially those with an interest in space or looking for representation of themselves in STEAM.

Okay listen, this was supposed to be a lighthearted, enemies to lovers, romantic comedy. What did I get instead? Powerful emotion, flawed main characters, perfect besties, a disaster of a family, and the ending each character deserved.

Stop it, I need more! I am actually crying, dammit.

I will never forgive Bardugo for Matthias, though. Just saing.

If the first one was perfect, this somehow topped it. This little gang is a true family, and I want to be one of them. They love fiercely in their own twisted ways.

Here's to the crows, and here's to looking after one another.

I'm not sure I have adequate words for this book. I loved the Grishaverse as soon as Bardugo introduced it in Shadow & Bone, but seeing it from the seedy underbelly that is Ketterdam? Thank you so, so much. This group of misfit toys is everything. And Kaz's mind? Holy actual cow.

Another winner. I think it was the right move for Kantra to have started with Meg and Jo, because it set the stage for Amy and Beth to really shine.

The professions she picked for each sister feels a bit fanciful sometimes, but honestly I still think it's all perfectly suited.

Take me to Oak Hill and give me a giant family, please?

Okay that was adorable. 

Having just finished Little Women for the first time, and having had a copy of Beth & Amy sitting on my TBR cart for the last year, this seemed an A+ time to pick up a modern retelling.

It started a little off for me, but as it kept going and as John became, well, better, and Momma stood up for herself more, and we watched Jo accept herself - it was honestly so good. I had a hard time envisioning Meg and John in a modern age, and there were a few times I didn't love it, but I think their relationship was very realistic. Jo and Eric really helped balance out the tradition as well.

I want to want this to be a 5 star read, and I think if I had read it as a child or there was an emotional and sentimental connection to the book that it very much would be.

The characters are loveable, they're flawed, they struggle, they make mistakes, they lose hope sometimes. But they are always, without a doubt, there to support and uplift each other. The morality of the book had a tendency to be a little much for me at times, but I love the way Alcott writes, LOVE it. Her voice is very clear and obviously her, and that was an added joy of reading this.

I've had this on my shelf for ages, and if it hadn't been for book club it would have sat there for ages more. But I am oh so glad I finally read it, and it's one I think I would definitely want to read again.