Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos

 

Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this fun new book by Kelly deVos, angry teens at a fat camp in a massive blizzard and there's zombies, what's not to love. Basically the story feels like World War Z at a fat camp for rich kids, but the way the author pokes fun at stereotypes makes this YA book so much more. I really enjoyed it, except for the ending which definitely felt like the author was setting up the second book rather than resolving this story, but honestly I hope so because I'm sure I will like the next one too. This book is a perfect summer read.

When the Apricots Bloom by Gina Wilkinson

 

When the Apricots Bloom by Gina Wilkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting story about an Iraqi woman who struggles to deal with the infamous mukhabarat, the  secret police, when she gets a prestigious position as a secretary for the Australian Embassy. She is told to befriend the Ambassadors wife in order to get information, but Huda doesn't want to spy on her new boss, Ally. Huda fears for her son's safety and feels trapped by a dangerous and corrupt regime. Meanwhile Ally has her own secrets and her own reasons for coming to Iraq. Exploring the reality of living under the dangerous regime of Saddam Hussein, this book gives a glimpse of a lifestyle that few of us would otherwise know. 

I really enjoyed this story of friendship and the ties that bind us to our past.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

 

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I heard lots of buzz about this book so I decided to give it a try. I have never been a big fan of gothic novels and after reading this I can absolutely confirm that gothic novels are not for me. While the main character of the story is very likable, none of the other characters seemed to have any depth.  I found the story strange and pretty gross at times. The writing was well done, but the story dragged on and was repetitive at times and the ending of the story felt chaotic, rushed and pretty disgusting. I have now learned that I simply do not enjoy this genre of books.

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

 

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very cute story, a perfect summer beach read. The main character Jesse is a single Mom who reluctantly signs up for a DNA matching service and is of course an almost perfect match to the one person who she dislikes. As she begins to fall for the handsome Dr. Pena it is fun to imagine the possibilities. My favorite part of the book is the incredible friendship between Jess and her best friend Fizzy. This book was lighthearted and fun, and a great escape.

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

 

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am struggling to rate this story because although I enjoyed the writing, this story of two sisters as they grew was boring and so morose at times. The main characters, sisters Jo and Bethie both struggle to find themselves. Jo struggles with having feelings for other girls, but she winds up settling for a life with marriage and children. Bethie is molested by an uncle in her teens and struggles to overcome the damage done to her self-worth. Both girls are resilient and eventually do find their own way to happiness. My main challenge with this book is the length, and the fact that it is so steeped in sadness and conflict. Simply put this book was depressing to read. Unlike most stories with a clear story arc, this story simply followed the girls from adolescence to adulthood and through their lives. I typically enjoy historical fiction but this book just didn't hit the mark for me.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars

 

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this engaging book about a young woman named Yona who is raised in the forests of Eastern Poland. Yona is taken from her parents when she was only 2 years old and raised in the forest by a strange older woman who teaches Yona survival skills. When the old woman dies Yona is alone until she comes across a small frightened group of people hiding in the woods. This begins Yona's story of helping jews who have escaped from the Nazis. Yona teaches them about surviving in the forest and they teach Yona about living with other people. The author does a beautiful job of helping the reader experience what life is like in the woods.

If you enjoy WWII stories, this one is unique. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

A Splendid Ruin by Megan Chance

 

A Splendid Ruin by Megan Chance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I struggled to read this book and I am also struggling to write a review that describes how I feel about it. I really enjoy historical fiction, and the backdrop of 1906 San Francisco makes for a compelling story, but there was just something about this book that didn't work well for me. The main character May is likable enough, but the entire first half of the book was constantly foreboding, alluding to some big mystery, it actually got very tiresome. The descriptions of the asylum and her treatment there were so brutal and graphic that I felt uncomfortable just reading it and had to rush through that section. The use of the earthquake as her chance to get free was well done, and here is where the author really shined. Her details of the smoke burning their eyes and lungs, the fear and desperation of people after the quake was realistic and compelling. After enduring everything that May went through, the ending wasn't as satisfying as I had hoped. Overall this book was mixed for me.

The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly

 

The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which follows three different women from three different time periods who all are involved with a very special garden. Each the women face challenges and struggles as they find their own way forward. In 1907 Venetia Smith is hired by the owners of Highbury House estate to design the gardens. Decades later, widow Diana Symonds is dealing with the loss of her husband and her estate has been requisitioned by the government to house a military hospital. She fights to protect her fabulous garden. In present day Emma is hired to restore the gardens, and she searches for information to accurately recreate the gardens, she she begins to uncover secrets that have long lain hidden. This story was beautifully written, with stunning descriptions of the plants in the garden. If you enjoy historical fiction you will definitely enjoy this book

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas

 

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A cute story, Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe follows three men, well actually two men and one young man, as they find their love and their place in this sweet small town. The mystery of what happened to the Mayor's missing fiancé is the central theme, but the story lacks a clear focus. The missing fiancé is portrayed as a bad guy with no real foundation given. Mostly this is a cute little romance story with stereotypical characters. Read this story if you need a nice escape.

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and how it looks at the questions of fate versus the choices that we make. Are we truly meant to be with a particular person? Do we really have a soulmate?

The main character Hannah is really likable, and her friendship with Gabby is the kind of friendship that is enviable. The book quickly take a split between two timelines; one based on the decision that Hannah makes to go home with her ex-boyfriend from high school and the other decision where she doesn't and she is critically hurt in a car accident. The book flips between these two timelines, where we get to see the results of Hannah's decisions. While both timelines are played out to a logical conclusion, I felt frustrated not knowing which timeline was actually the one that happened. I preferred the timeline where Hannah winds up with Henry, the nurse who helped care for her. Overall I would recommend this book, it was a fun story and the larger questions that it brings up are also interesting to contemplate.

The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner

 

The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When recent Irish immigrant Sophie agrees to marry the handsome widower that she met through an ad in the paper she thought that she had left all of her problems behind her. She instantly fell in love with Kat, the widowers silent five year old daughter but her new husband Martin remained distant and cool and incredibly secretive, locking his desk every day. Just as Sophie is beginning to see progress in getting Kat to trust her and begin to talk, Sophie answers the door to a strange pregnant woman looking for her husband. She shares information with Sophie that will change everything, and before Sophie and this strange woman can flee and escape the mysterious Martin, the earth begins to move and shake.

With the San Francisco earthquake as a backdrop, this intriguing mystery begins to unravel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. 

A Ship of Pearl by Adela Crandell Durkee

 

A Ship of Pearl by Adela Crandell Durkee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A beautifully written story about living through the Great Depression from the eyes of a twelve year old boy. Despite the many challenges and obstacles that this family faces, the main character Eldie continues to have faith and confidence in the future and a deep love for his family. I really enjoyed this book and I found the characters incredibly likable.

You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism by Amber Ruffin

 

You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism by Amber Ruffin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audio book version and the two authors share various stories and anecdotes from their past. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was extremely funny at times and yet also absolutely awful, realizing the crushing racism that these women face every single day, from small well meaning but horribly misguided comments to downright ugly and awful statements that are hurled at these women on a daily basis. The audio book included running commentary describing any picture that was included in the print copy that was also quite humorous. Reading this book felt like sitting at happy hour with some girlfriends, laughing and swapping stories, but sadly all of these stories are about the racism that BIPOC face every single day in this country. I would rate this book as 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Rose Code: A Novel by Kate Quinn

 

The Rose Code: A Novel by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this historical fiction story full of intrigue. The mysterious World War II enigma codebreakers of England had been sworn to secrecy but a spy in their midst changes everything. Friendships forged through the chaos and struggle of living through a horrific war were challenged to the breaking point. The author did an incredible job of creating three amazing woman who showed courage and bravery as they faced the horrors of war. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

 

Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this young adult novel about a girl named Jade who is trying to make something of herself. Jade attends a prestigious private school across town from her poor Portland neighborhood. Jade is a talented artist, making collages that reflect what she is feeling. As Jade tries to maneuver between her different worlds she struggles to find her own voice and discover her path to the future. The author does a beautiful job of helping the reader to see from Jade's point of view.  I definitely recommend this book. 

A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green

 

A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel, by Hank Green, a popular youtube star and brother of author John Green, is a sequel to "An Absolutely Remarkable Thing." The story explores an alien interference in our world, as told through a group of friends who have found themselves in the middle of a mysterious alien force attempting to control humanity through a virtual reality program. The author does a great job of exploring themes about the dangers of big, unregulated tech companies while also remaining fantastical. This was a fun story to read, but I do recommend reading "An Absolutely Remarkable Thing" before reading this book. Overall this was a fun young adult novel with an important message for all of us.

The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins

 

The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this book as a recommendation from a friend that I decided to read during Black History Month. This book was a historical fiction piece about a former slave named Frannie Langton who is on trial for murder in London. The book details Frannie's brutal life as a slave in the Caribbean, and then how she is brought to London and 'given' to another man, who employs her as a servant. The story takes a stranger turn when Frannie begins a lesbian affair with the mistress of the house, and the two of them use laudanum (opium) which further complicates their relationship, leading to the murder that Frannie is on trial for. I found this story to be a strange and interesting view of the impact of slavery outside of the US. I did enjoy the story, but found it to be very dark and macabre at times. I would recommend this book, especially because it is a more unique re-telling of the horror of slavery both from the Caribbean perspective, as well as the life of former slaves in London during the 1800's and the horrific nature of the science of eugenics.

Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout

 

Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Olive Kitteridge is a difficult woman, she is blunt and hard to like, and yet she is a very special person. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, showing the struggle of aging and the challenges of family and relationships and the enduring power of love. I highly recommend reading Olive Again. 

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

 

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautifully written look at the role of women in India during the 1950's and I really enjoyed it. The main character was so likable, facing hardship and adversity that was so common for women at that time. I really loved the way the author introduced Indian culture and foods and gave us such a unique perspective of the customs and culture through the strong characters. As Lakshmi works on building her henna business for the wealthy women of Jaipur and earning enough money to purchase her own home, her life is thrown into turmoil when her younger sister arrives. Lakshmi did not even realize she had a younger sister until Radha arrives at her door. The bonds of love will be tested as Lakshmi and her sister Radha must navigate the rules of society for women of their caste, and ultimately discover who they were meant to be. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

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Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon

 

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This short little book feels like sitting on the patio just chatting with Reese. To be fair I think this book would not be as interesting if you are not a fan of Ms. Witherspoon. Her quaint stories of growing up in Tennessee and life in the south are sweet, but not necessarily as relatable to people who are not wealthy southerners. There are some cute nuggets of wisdom hidden in this book. It's a nice little escape for a few hours. 

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The Lost Letter by Jillian Cantor

 

The Lost Letter by Jillian Cantor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story, which alternates between 1938 Austria and 1988 Los Angeles. As Kristoff and Elena face the struggles of Nazi control and the ever increasing danger for jews, modern day Kate is dealing with a divorce and a father who has Alzheimer's. Kate begins a search for the history behind a very intriguing stamp in her father's collection and through this one stamp she discovers much more about herself and her family than she imagined. The story moved along quickly and the author did a beautiful job of weaving authentic historical facts within both of the story lines, as well as including elements of the jewish faith that feel natural and not forced like some stories. If you like historical fiction then I strongly recommend The Lost Letter.

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The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

 

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I chose this book based on the good reviews but it definitely wasn't one of my favorites. The story was much more explicit than I thought it would be, and the author's attempt to explain life with Aspergers was clumsy at best and honestly pretty offensive. The characters weren't very relatable, and the plot was predictable. I suggest you skip this one unless you like very graphic romance.

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