thelovelylibrarylady's Reviews (1.1k)

While The Best Worst Thing is well-written and features short, engaging chapters, the story itself didn’t quite work for me. There was a heavy reliance on miscommunication, and the characters’ deep flaws made it difficult for me to connect with them. That being said, fans of literary fiction, especially those who’ve experienced similar life events, may resonate with this book more than I did.

(PUB DATE: 10/14/2025)

(I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

What drew me to Dying to Meet You was the setting. I love stories set in New England as the charm and familiarity always resonate with me. However, the plot moved slowly, and I often found my attention slipping. As a result, I didn’t feel invested in whether Rowan, the protagonist, uncovered the truth behind her ex’s death or the secrets of the historic mansion she’s helping restore.

(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)

(I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

I had high expectations for this book after loving its predecessor, The Lavender House, and it did not disappoint. While The Bell in the Fog is slower-paced, the plot is just as captivating. Andy, the protagonist, really settles into his new role as a private investigator and deepens his sense of belonging within his found family. I'm continually impressed by Rosen’s writing and highly recommend this series to fans of historical fiction.

(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)

(I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

In this opposites-attract romance, Sage once again stole my heart. Her writing style is fast-paced, fun, and easy to read. While I didn’t enjoy Swift and Saddled quite as much as its predecessor, I still had a great time reading it! I love the escapism this series offers, and getting lost in Rebel Blue Ranch's happenings, even for just a few hours, is such a treat. As someone who lives with depression, I really appreciated the thoughtful representation of this chronic illness. Wes, one of the love interests, is open with Ada about his depression and his use of medication as part of his treatment. I applaud Sage for portraying this in a way that felt both realistic and sensitive.

I would have enjoyed this title more if it had focused on the trial at the center of the story rather than the romance between the two jurors. The chemistry between Sydney and Damon felt flat, and the tension from their past relationship added little to the narrative. Overall, I was hoping for a more compelling novel filled with courtroom drama and came away disappointed.

(PUB DATE: 05/20/2025)

(I received an audio recording of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

I picked up this title because it was this quarter’s book club pick, and I’m so glad I did! While I’d heard plenty of praise for The Giver of Stars, I just hadn’t gotten around to reading it, and I’m grateful for the nudge book club gave me. I loved learning about the WPA librarian program in rural Kentucky and give kudos to Moyes for weaving a real historical initiative into the fictional narrative so seamlessly. The pacing was excellent, and I found myself fully invested from start to finish. This would have been a five-star read if not for the plagiarism allegations surrounding the book. I was disappointed to learn that many major plot points and even specific sentences were strikingly similar to Kim Michele Richardson’s The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.