sugarnspines's Reviews (56)

Rhonda McKnight is quickly earning a spot on my list of favorite authors! Bitter & Sweet tells the heartfelt story of two estranged sisters forced to come together to save their family’s restaurant which is steeped in rich history. Each sister faces her own personal struggles, but their shared love for their family legacy and desire for healing create and emotional journey. If you're a fan of historical fiction, Christian fiction, or clean romance, this is a must-read!

If you like friends-to-lovers stories and spice but you're not looking for a deep plot, this one delivers. It’s a quick, enjoyable read. There were definitely missed opportunities to add more depth to the FMC’s healing journey and the storyline, but it was good for what it was. 

This was my first time reading Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Dream Count was a unique experience. It is important to note that this is not a plot-driven novel. Instead, there are sections dedicated to each woman’s story, which are thoughtfully interwoven. At first, I found Adichie’s writing style a bit challenging to follow, but as I continued, I grew to appreciate the structure and rhythm. Nothing about this book was predictable. With each woman introduced, I felt a deep desire to know them, hug them, understand their journeys, and see them realize their dreams.

5⭐️ Love Like The Sun tells the story of Laniah and Issac, longtime best friends who step into a fake dating agreement. This beautifully written friends-to-lovers story is packed with heart, tension, and a slow-burn. Nothing about this love is easy. Laniah is still navigating the grief of losing her father and watching her mother lose the love of her life. And Issac’s celebrity lifestyle means privacy is basically nonexistent.

Laniah’s character growth was chef’s kiss. Her inner dialogue felt so authentic. And can we talk about how the authors addressed the complexity of Black women and healthcare? So necessary, so well done.

This book will stay with me for a long time. BUT the epilogue….Pure brilliance. Creative, satisfying, emotional! Ugh, truly the perfect ending. 🤍🫶🏾🥰

Elle Kayson did not waste a single page in Demon’s Dream! It was worth all 750 pages! I honestly could not put this book down! I will say the book contains explicit content, which is not a typical read for me. HOWEVER, the enemies-to-lovers trope and family drama had me locked in. Looking forward to reading another book by Elle Kayson!

A must-read for fiancées and wives! The Power of a Praying Wife will teach you topics to pray for concerning your husband. This will be a book I turn to for years to come in my future marriage!

Tiwanda is an aspiring entrepreneur who left her full-time job to follow her dreams of opening a chocolate and soap-making shop. Having experienced great loss, she’s reluctant to pursue long-term relationships. Throughout the story, we witness her personal growth and her increasing belief in herself. I’d classify this book more as women’s fiction than romance.

While the story was sweet, I found that much of it focused on Tiwanda’s entrepreneurial journey rather than a romantic plot. I was hoping for more romance and emotional depth, but it ended up being a bit of a slower read for me. I didn’t read the first book in the series, so I might not have fully appreciated the dynamics between Tiwanda, Met, and her relationships. I enjoyed the mix of reading and listening to the audiobook available on Kindle Unlimited.

The anticipation to read this book was real, and Sarai Johnson did not disappoint. Grown Women is a captivating exploration of generational trauma. It follows four generations of Black women, showing their struggles with pain, love, and triumph, and how each experience is passed down through the generations.

Favorite Quote: “Don’t do it for her. It’s not about her. Do it for you. Forgive your mother.”

I Almost Forgot About You follows middle-aged Georgia Young as she navigates a mid-life crisis, questioning her career, relationships, and purpose. The author’s writing style immediately drew me in, I felt like I was reading the script for a comedy-drama show. The dynamics between the women in the story are fascinating. Overall, I enjoyed the read. My key takeaway is that we often make life decisions based on others’ expectations, but ultimately, we must stay true to ourselves.

This was an okay friends-to-lovers read. I felt the storyline was a bit predictable and was hoping for another outcome. I will say the audiobook narration was very good.