For me, books by Catherine Ryan Hyde are hit or miss. While I have absolutely loved some of her books, others have not appealed to me. Unfortunately, this is one that I did connect with and was definitely not one of my favorites. There are some trigger aspects in this story ... alcoholism, homelessness, and sexual abuse of young people. While heavy topics, the relationship that developed between Addie and Jonathan was touching. Though I did think it was a little unrealistic.

While books in the romance genre are not my favorite, this book was a delight to read. I loved the characters ... from Mary to Beckett to Gramps, Beckett’s elderly father. They were realistic and like people you know in your everyday life. The people who welcomed Mary into their group of friends were amazing. They surrounded her with love, support, baby gifts, and encouragement. And I hope there are still some men like Beckett out there ... a man with a heart of gold with his

This was a fun read. I loved the character interactions. They were well developed and the varied personalities were entertaining. As someone who has played the piano at many weddings and the former chair of the Wedding Hostess Committee at church, I have experienced wedding drama for which I should write a book! So this particular story was one I found myself enjoying. While experiencing wedding planning with the bride and groom and the MOB (mother of the bride) and MOG (moth

One of the best books I have ever read. The characters will grab your heart and squeeze tight. You will love some, hate some, and want to meet a lot of them. I wish they were real people! One warning before you open the first page, grab a couple of boxes of tissues. You will need them! You will find yourself sobbing and the next minute laughing a deep belly laugh. This book touches your soul and fills you up with love, laughter, and a sense of belonging. I hope you will open

This is just a pitiful family drama book that had me struggling to stay invested. The one positive comment I can make is that it is a quick read. So you will feel like you are wasting an inordinate amount of time with these highly dysfunctional characters. None of the characters appealed to me and I could care less what was happening in their lives. I am sorry to say that this book did not do it for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for my advanced review copy.

I have loved the books in the Blue Ridge Library series by Victoria Gilbert. So when I saw that she was releasing a book in a new series, I was excited at the opportunity to read it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I did not feel that the characters were appealing and they did not help me care about them. The murder mystery was well developed, but I felt like it could provide much more and encourage me to actually be invested in the story. Hopefully the next book in this s

I have really enjoyed the books in A Secret Bookcase series by Ellie Alexander. I have loved getting to know Annie, Hal, Fletcher, Liam, and the rest of the gang. Of course, there is a murder and Annie is pulled into the middle of the investigation. Lots of twists and turns and discovering people are not who they present themselves to be. I was clueless on who was guilty of murder until it was revealed. I also was glad to see that Annie might be one step closer to discovering

I have loved the books in the Killer Chocolate series by Christina Romeril. Having the opportunity to spend time with Alex and Hanna is time well spent. A wonderful cozy mystery that will keep you invested in the story and with well-developed characters. The Christmas holiday theme is a bonus! With a lot of twists and turns and plenty of suspects, you will be sitting on the edge of your seat. I really enjoy watching how Alex and Tom’s and Hanna and Duncan’s relationships are

Boo Walker has become one of my favorite authors. As soon as I find out he has a new book being released, it is at the top of my to-be-read list. While I have all of the books in the Red Mountain series, I have not had the chance to read them yet. However, I do not think that affected my time spent in this story. It is a story of family, love, grief, alcohol and drug abuse, insecurities, growth, and wine making. I understand that the author had to provide a lot of tedious and

I had looked forward to reading The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife. However, my anticipation was not met with a positive experience. The...

This book features the points of view of four characters — Dana, Padma, Maeve, and Ian. While there are a lot of very positive reviews,...

I have enjoyed the books I have read in the Cheese Shop series by Korina Moss. I am so sad that this is the last book. I want to watch...

I have enjoyed reading the books in the Cheese Shop series by Korina Moss. I have even tried finding some of the cheeses she has featured...

I enjoy reading books about books. However, this one did not appeal to me. The ADHD focus was in your face and over the top. I was ready...

Ugh! This is probably my least favorite book in a long time. The primary character was so unlikable. Bad decisions, inappropriate...

I have enjoyed all of the books in the Bakeshop series. I love spending time with Jules and the rest of the gang from Ashland, Oregon....

This is the first book I have read in the Morwenna Mutton series. Though I would have probably enjoyed it more if I had read earlier...

I love the books in the Grilled Cheese series. My mouth waters every time a creative grilled cheese sandwich is introduced. Yum! The...

My heart is so sad that this is the last book in the Haunted Library series. But I respect the author, Allison Brook, if she feels she...

This was a fun but emotional read. I loved getting to know Tuesday, Harlow, and Matt. A multi-timeline book, you will be drawn into each...