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| 3.50
| 16
| Nov 17, 2020
| Mar 15, 2022
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really liked it
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The Duke Makes Me Feel… begins in London in 1879. Marena Baine-Torres is a biracial, Latinx, Caribbean immigrant who runs an apothecary. One day a duk
The Duke Makes Me Feel… begins in London in 1879. Marena Baine-Torres is a biracial, Latinx, Caribbean immigrant who runs an apothecary. One day a duke strolls into her shop to make an unusual request: help in finding the half-sister he only just discovered he has. His father has died, and his sister deserves her inheritance and all that comes with being part of a noble family. Marena doesn’t entirely trust the Duke of Linley, but she decides to help him out. His half-sister – her best friend – is in Paris with Marena’s sister. I enjoyed this backdrop story, and though it’s only a novella, it could have easily been expanded into a full-length novel. Readers get a sweet glimpse of family dynamics, friendship, and the value of (non-romantic) love. Even though Arlo only recently learned he even has a half-sister, he’s eager to connect with her and fully welcome her into his life. There is also some discussion of politics and social issues, including colonialism, class differences, and racism. Being a duke, Arlo has to contend with some problematic roles his family and ancestors have played in harming other people and lands. However, he’s a good one, and he has some background of more enlightened thinking thanks to some in his family. He’s ready and willing to learn more in his interactions with Marena, her sister, and his half-sister. Now let’s get to the relationship between Marena and Arlo. This is a romance, after all! And as you can guess from the anthology from which it originated, it’s a spicy one at that. Marena and Arlo have an instant attraction to each other. Thankfully, it’s not portrayed as insta-love… that’s not something I ever find believable. But the lust is there, and it’s mutual. It’d be easy enough for them to pursue a brief, mostly physical relationship with each other. But feelings have a way of sneaking in, and for Marena in particular, that’s scary. She’s a black, Latinx, working class woman; she can’t possibly have a happily ever after with a duke! She would never fit in his world, and he would never consider her for anything more than a mistress… something her pride wouldn’t allow. What I liked most was those concerns and feelings. However, we also get plenty of spice, even in this shortened format. I’m fine with sex scenes in general, though I will say that I was surprised at how much focus that side of their relationship got here. Personally, I would have liked a bit more time for Marena and Arlo to develop an emotional and mental connection. The romance ratios felt wrong, and I would have preferred more balance between the spicy scenes and some more foundational scenes. But of course, the anthology is called Duke I’d Like to F…, so it’s not like it went against expectations! One final note: The Duke Makes Me Feel… does features some LGBTQIA+ characters and relationships. I don’t see that much in historical romances, so I was happy for the representation here. Marena is bisexual, and there is also a sapphic relationship between two other characters. More diversity in historical romances, please! The Duke Makes Me Feel… packs a lot into its shortened format: family complexities, discussions of political and social issues, some LGBTQIA+ representation, and plenty of steamy romance. I think I would have liked it more as a full-length novel; the novella format made some aspects feel rushed, at least for me. But I did like it overall, and I’m still quite exited to read Adriana Herrera’s upcoming novel, A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, due out at the end of May. I will also have to read her other short stories featured in the Rake I’d Like to F… and Villain I’d Like to F… anthologies (the latter of which comes out at the end of this year), as well as her contribution to Amor Actually, which is currently waiting for me in my Kindle. Stay tuned for reviews of all those and more! * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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Apr 23, 2022
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Apr 24, 2022
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Jun 21, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| B09S3GTC95
| unknown
| 4.40
| 32,670
| May 10, 2022
| May 10, 2022
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it was amazing
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4.5 stars, rounded up. I will be completely honest: When I was contacted about reviewing Every Summer After, I almost passed on the book. On the one h 4.5 stars, rounded up. I will be completely honest: When I was contacted about reviewing Every Summer After, I almost passed on the book. On the one hand, I thought I wouldn’t fully enjoy it (I’m not generally into small town settings or childhood sweetheart stories). On the other – and this was the bigger issue for me – I feared it would be too emotional; I was worried I’d cry my way through the whole book. For whatever reason, I decided to say yes to the book, and I’m so glad I did: I ended up absolutely loving it! From the first chapter, Every Summer After is engrossing. It’s beautifully written, with characters that feel real and relatable. The story is already emotional and hinting at deeper waters, but it’s also gentle and reflective. The chapters go back and forth between present time, when Percy is 30, and the past, each one of the summers of her teenage years spent at her lakeside cottage. Whereas the present chapters feel contemplative and broken, the past chapters are a nostalgic glimpse of freer times. This is not a young adult novel, yet half of the book does focus on Percy and Sam as teenagers, and those chapters reflect their age. They could be read as YA meant for older readers, but they work equally well as an adult looking back on life during those tumultuous years. The present chapters, with 30-year-old Percy, fit easily with the past chapters. It’s interesting how much Percy and Sam have changed, but also how much they’ve stayed the same. During their first summers together, Percy and Sam develop a sweet friendship. I loved watching them grow such a strong bond and seeing how much they trusted each other. For example, Percy likes to write horror stories, and she only shows them to her two closest friends: Sam and Delilah. But Sam and Percy also push each other to grow, too, like with Percy getting so good at swimming. Their friendship feels genuine and completely real, and its limitation to summer and winter breaks gives it an insular quality. Side note, but one of my favorite details here is Percy’s love of horror. Watching horror movies, writing scary stories – she’s all about spooky vibes. As a horror fan myself, I loved finally reading a book where the girl is into horror. I wish I could read Percy’s stories! Alas, I’ll have to follow her and Sam’s lead and watch some classic films instead. Percy and Sam eventually developing crushes on each other also felt realistic – especially with how they went about communicating their secret feelings with each other. This romantic relationship is one between two naive teenagers, and it the storytelling perfectly captures that innocence. Throughout the book, I felt for the characters, especially our leading couple. They feel like people I could have known when I was in middle school and high school. Even as adults, they seem broken but kind. I particularly liked the discussions around mental health, panic attacks, and grief. There is a mystery surrounding why Sam and Percy broke up, and at a certain point, I guessed what the issue would turn out to be. I’d hoped I would be wrong, but alas, I was finally proven right about 85% of the way into the book. Up until this point, Every Summer After was a 5-star book. But I wasn’t a big fan of the issue and its quick resolution. Beyond that, though, I did love nearly everything else about the novel. Despite myself, I enjoyed getting to know this small town north of Toronto. (I grew up in a small town and, like Sam, I always wanted to escape to somewhere more cosmopolitan. Small towns don’t usually hold the kind of romantic appeal for me that they might for others.) The summers by the lake truly sound idilic and innocent, and I’d love to spend some time in a place like that. Every Summer After is a quick, sweet, and emotional read. It’s not utterly heart-wrenching, but it does feel nostalgic and may inspire a few tears. It’s a gentle but moving novel and a delightful debut. I already look forward to reading more from Carley Fortune. Special thanks to the publicists at Penguin Random House and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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May 18, 2022
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May 21, 2022
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May 23, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| B09ZBN14ML
| 3.12
| 16
| unknown
| May 17, 2022
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liked it
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Peru is a country that is close to my heart. My husband is Peruvian and I lived with him in Lima for one year. Due to this connection, I’m always on t
Peru is a country that is close to my heart. My husband is Peruvian and I lived with him in Lima for one year. Due to this connection, I’m always on the lookout for books set in Peru (and South America more widely). When I got a newsletter from NetGalley highlighting a book about Peru, I was instantly intrigued. Much of When We Return details the terrorism Peru faced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the toxic presidency of Alberto Fujimori throughout the ’90s, and the aftermath of those hard years. Personally, I went into this novel with a fair amount of knowledge about these events. However, if you are unfamiliar with Peru’s recent history, this book provides enough information to understand the conflict and characters. Eliana Tobias is ambitious in her writing here, drawing comparisons between different events and uniting characters to make those connections clearer. The main focus is on Otilia and her adult son, Salvador. In the late ’80s, Otilia became a refugee and ended up in the United States, far away from her missing son and husband. It was many years before she and Salvador reconnected – by then he was already married – but her husband, Manuel, had gone missing around the time she left. Salvador was raised by his selfish, thieving uncle, who stole Otilia’s property and sold it during her absence. (Much of this backstory from the 1980s is the focus of the author’s previous novel, In the Belly of the Horse. Sadly, I hadn’t realized this book was a sequel to that until after finishing this one.) Now, in 2008, Otilia and Salvador are seeking reparations for the theft of their property and possessions and for the division of their family. Manuel is still missing, but presumed dead. Otilia meets an American man around her age, named Jerry, who has just found out he has an older half-brother who grew up in Bolivia. His father, Milan, was a refugee from Prague, a Jew fleeing from the Nazis, who found a temporary home in Bolivia. After a decade there, Milan had gone on to America, where he married and had Jerry. Otilia and Jerry form a connection, bonding over their shared pasts of trauma: hers firsthand in Peru, his secondhand from his parents. When We Return draws thoughtful comparisons between the Holocaust and the traumas Peru faced at the end of the 20th century. However, there are stark differences in how each society acknowledge their troubled past. Where Germany has put up museums honoring those who were killed in the Holocaust and places importance on remembrance, it seems that Peru is not yet ready to come to terms with its own horrors. Peru’s conflict is much more recent, and this novel offers discussion of what it means to remember, to learn from mistakes made, and to make reparations to those whose lives were torn apart. It also asks who is responsible for righting past wrongs and how justice can finally be attained. How can people move forward with their lives after such horrors? While I greatly appreciated these discussions and commonalities, When We Return grew to be a bit monotonous. Each chapter – each scene – focuses on the horrors of the past and present, whether in Europe or South America, but there is no room for the characters to breathe. Although the main events of the book span eight years and there are numerous characters, it is heavy-handed and single-minded in its approach. The novel could have improved with more room for levity and character growth. Some chapters (one about Jerry’s relative Anna in Prague, one about Otilia’s friend Trudy) could have been cut or greatly reduced; they were slightly irrelevant to the plot, instead serving as further examples of past injustices and sustained psychological trauma. There was already enough to work with in looking at the main characters, so those chapters felt a bit like a distraction. One further issue is in how the characters talk with each other. Their dialogue doesn’t always feel natural: It is often too serious and even academic. Sometimes it sounds like one is a journalist asking questions of the other, rather than a family member having a heartfelt conversation. This added to the one-note feeling of When We Return. However, I did like the discussions of grief, intergenerational trauma, and Salvador’s depression. The latter two could have been expanded upon further, but in any case, all were important and thought-provoking parts of the novel. As much as I really wanted to like When We Return – and as much as it offers genuine value and insight – it felt almost more like it should have been nonfiction. As a novel, it needed a bit more balance between pain and joy. If there had been more focus on the characters or the 21st century plot – and more growth in either – it may have felt more complete and satisfying. When We Return is highly informative about Peru’s 1980s and 1990s conflicts and the continuing aftermath on its citizens. It also draws thought-provoking comparisons to the more well-known atrocities of the Holocaust. While it offers tremendous value on those fronts, it is written in a more academic style, making for a dry and unflinching read. First engaging with Eliana Tobias’s previous novel, In the Belly of the Horse, may make this a more gratifying experience, and that is a book I would like to read. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * Special thanks to NetGalley and River Grove Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! ...more |
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May 06, 2022
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May 10, 2022
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May 12, 2022
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| 0593436857
| 9780593436851
| 4.28
| 29
| Jul 05, 2022
| Jul 05, 2022
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really liked it
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Going into A Dress of Violet Taffeta, I knew nothing about Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon, but I was quickly enthralled by her story. When we meet Lucy, she i
Going into A Dress of Violet Taffeta, I knew nothing about Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon, but I was quickly enthralled by her story. When we meet Lucy, she is on the precipice of divorce and nearly out of money… but she has an idea of how to make her own way: She’ll design and sell her own clothing. It’s 1893, and women (especially of a certain class) were often looked down on if they were divorced or began working a trade. But Lucy bravely did both, with the support of her sister and in spite of their mother’s horror at such a prospect. This sets the tone for the novel: a woman forging new paths for herself and other women, not letting old-fashioned ideas hold her back. Alongside Lucy, her servant Celia quickly rises up to become her most trusted confidante and the general manager of the business. Between Lucy and Celia, A Dress of Violet Taffeta presents a dual perspective, each character bringing her own strengths, duties, and opinions on where to take Lucile. And as the novel spans 20 years, their different experiences over the decades provide extra nuance. Instead of giving a comprehensive account of Lucile’s rise from 1893 to 1912, the novel shows readers snapshots of where the characters are over the years. Some events get more attention, and some years are skipped over entirely, but it does paint a broad picture of the many changes that arose over time. Early on it is about how to make a dress, attract customers, and earn enough to stay in business. Later, we see growing pains and workaholism, then an insurgence of new ideas – both in the kinds of garments made and in the way they’re presented. Even as the novel ends, there is a sense of more opportunities and hurdles to come. One of my favorite aspects of A Dress of Violet Taffeta is just how forward-thinking Lucy and her sister Elinor both are. Lucy isn’t afraid to buck tradition, and that extends to how women dress. It’s fascinating to learn of her role in changing women’s undergarments and devising fashion shows. Her sister also had impact: Elinor wrote romance novels that were risqué for the time; she also coined the term “it girl.” Wow! Both sisters pushed beyond the confines many women had faced, and it’s inspiring to see them in action here. Celia, in particular, offers another valuable perspective to the novel: views on working class people and the extra barriers in their path. This novel shines a light on the horrible conditions many working class people existed in at the time. Celia’s own background, a young woman who works for Lucile, the Titanic crew who’d go without pay – all three are examples of how different life was (and still is) between the upper and lower classes. And of course, we have to mention the fashion. I’m far from a fashion expert, but I enjoyed learning about different materials, lines, colors, and so much more that goes into designing the perfect garment. Lucy’s creativity, passion, and hard work are inspiring to behold. That she has such a strong support system – her sister, daughter, husband, mother, and friends – gives her the tools and drive to succeed. A Dress of Violet Taffeta is a fascinating and impactful novel about a real woman who led an incredible life. From starting a business from nothing to achieving international renown to surviving the infamous Titanic sinking, Lucy Duff-Gordon was stunning in her time and the perfect subject for a novel. This is a beautiful book, and I will certainly take the time to learn more about Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon now that I’ve gotten this glimpse into her life. Special thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose PR, and Berkley for the review copy of this book! * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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1
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Jun 22, 2022
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Jun 27, 2022
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May 03, 2022
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Paperback
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| 0593201175
| 9780593201176
| 3.82
| 355
| Jun 21, 2022
| Jun 21, 2022
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really liked it
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On the surface, A Thousand Miles is comparable to other recent – and popular – contemporary romances like People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, E
On the surface, A Thousand Miles is comparable to other recent – and popular – contemporary romances like People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, Every Summer After by Carley Fortune, and A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Daria. Like those novels, A Thousand Miles looks at two former friends who haven’t spoken in a while… not since they were on the edge of a romantic partnership and then something went sour. It’s a second chance between best friends, and like People, this throws them together in a short vacation across the US. Close quarters provides plenty of time to talk through those old issues… but also a chance for all the feelings to come right back. Both Dee and Ben are charming and refreshingly real characters. I feel like I could have known them in high school; they couldn’t have been more than two or three years younger than me, based on their musical references. Dee, in particular, has a lot in common with me… apart from her brash and adventurous attitude, at least. I love how into astrology Dee is, going beyond surface level sun signs and moving deeper into moon signs, rising signs, and the placement of planets in different houses. Astrology is a fun way to understand the nuances of Dee and Ben’s characters, but it’s also something that endears me to her. The other detail that stands out to me is the prevalence of music. Ben once had a YouTube channel dedicated to album reviews, and he and Dee bonded over their shared love of Paramore. Dee’s mention of their song “Misguided Ghosts” – a deep cut! – was perfect, and her “breakup” from Ben happened sometime after Brand New Eyes in 2009 and before Paramore in 2013. Dee later describes “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers as the “millennial siren song” and, well, she’s not wrong. Never mind that A Thousand Miles shares a title with Vanessa Carlton’s 2002 hit single. The music vibes are strong throughout the book, and I absolutely love it. Some deeper themes that appear in A Thousand Miles and stand out are discussions of mental health and money issues. Dee grew up poor, and she’s touchy when it comes to money; I can relate. But she’s also faced family issues, and openly talks about how helpful therapy has been for her. Considering the grief and family drama Ben is now going through, he could also benefit from therapy. The cat, Abe, is another highlight here. I shan’t say too much more, but Abe’s appearance, the love he inspires, and the chaos that ensues are all delightful. As a cat lover myself, any novel with a feline character automatically gets bonus points in my book. Throughout A Thousand Miles, Ben and Dee’s relationship takes center stage. I love how goofy and lighthearted their conversations usually are. They’re filled with inside jokes and references only the two of them would understand. It makes them feel like two friends who really spent the entirety of their formative years together. While Ben is generally an easy-going, sweet guy who clams up with his emotions get to him, Dee is the opposite: brave, loud, spiky. She can be abrasive at times, yet she’s also so full of life and fun. They play off each other well here, but we get extra charm as their layers are pulled back and they’re put into different situations. Between chapters, the novel is punctuated with occasional snippets of Dee’s podcast that she co-hosts with her friend, Javi. These seemingly random conversations add extra dimension into Dee’s worldview and her relationship with Name Redacted (aka Ben). A Thousand Miles is a sweet and subtly emotional book. It highlights a years-long friendship and all the inside jokes and secret worlds that develop therein, shows how small issues can break all that apart, and how two people can grow enough that, in time, they’ll be ready for each other. If you like second-chance romances, friends-to-lovers, and road trips, this is the perfect book to curl up with. Special thanks to the publicists at Penguin Random House and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book! * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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1
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Jun 14, 2022
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Jun 17, 2022
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May 03, 2022
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Paperback
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| 1982167289
| 9781982167288
| 3.90
| 25,074
| Sep 29, 2020
| Sep 29, 2020
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Apr 03, 2022
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Apr 05, 2022
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Apr 26, 2022
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| B09B96G88P
| 4.04
| 465
| Apr 26, 2022
| Apr 26, 2022
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it was amazing
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A few years ago, I watched a movie about Nellie Bly and her famous undercover commitment to a women’s asylum. Up until then, I had never heard of her,
A few years ago, I watched a movie about Nellie Bly and her famous undercover commitment to a women’s asylum. Up until then, I had never heard of her, but it was a fascinating and eye-opening account. Earlier this year, I was excited to learn of an upcoming book based on her: The Mad Girls of New York is the first in the new Nellie Bly series by Maya Rodale. I was even more excited to get an advanced copy of novel; it’s out now and absolutely worth reading! Summary The Mad Girls of New York opens in 1887. Nellie Bly is in her early 20s but already has six years of experience in journalism, both in her hometown of Pittsburg and in Mexico. But she’s been in New York City for a few months, and despite her credentials and her daily efforts to get a job, no newspaper is willing to take a chance on her. She can’t even get an interview, let alone a job. Finally, Nellie convinces the head of the New York World that they need a stunt reporter, and she’s just the woman for the job. She pitches the idea of getting herself committed to a notorious insane asylum for women so she can expose the truth of what goes on behind its walls. Thus begins her gruesome ten days in a dreary asylum where the conditions and treatment are far worse than Nellie could have imagined. Inspired by Nellie Bly’s real-life journalism and books, The Mad Girls of New York shines a light on an important historical figure and the work she did to help others. She advocated for women’s rights and healthcare reform, and this novel is both inspiring and a joy to read. Review In the first 25% of The Mad Girls of New York, we get a taste of just how hard it was for a woman to get a job in journalism in the 1880s. In spite of her experience, skill, and tenacity, Nellie Bly spends her first few months in New York getting doors closed in her face (or not opened at all). The thought then was that women couldn’t report on serious topics; the first chapter offers many of their misconceptions: Women are too sensitive and emotional. Women of good breeding don’t work in journalism. Women can’t gain access to the crime scenes or other locations where news is happening. And if they do hire women, they can only employ one token woman, and she can only report on ladies’ topics. Truly, I was frustrated on Nellie’s behalf. But Nellie is persistent and quick-witted. Early on, she steals another man’s interview, and honestly, she shouldn’t feel bad about it. He easily can (and does) get a job elsewhere within 24 hours, whereas this is her first chance in the months since she arrived in the city. But his presence during her bold pitch may come back to bite her. Before Nellie connives to get herself committed to Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum for Women, she makes some positive connections with a handful of other women journalists. One of them – Marian – will prove important to a subplot later in the books. Moreover, it’s wonderful to see women supporting each other, especially in a time when so few of them could get the jobs they seek. Finally, Nellie goes through a day-long charade to get herself into the local insane asylum. Though she acts rather unconventionally in her efforts – and they do, indeed, pay off – she later realizes just how easy it is for sane women to end up there, too. Consider Tillie, a woman who has a real physical illness, and instead ends up at Blackwell’s. Consider the woman who grieved too much after her husband died, or an immigrant from Germany whose only transgression is that doesn’t yet speak English. Be forewarned: The chapters set in Blackwell’s will certainly make you angry and horrified. The conditions are horrendous, from the threadbare clothing the women wear to the rancid food they’re given to the lack of heating in the building. The treatment is even worse: Women are forced to bathe in freezing, dirty water one after the other, with no change of water between patients. They’re forced to sit on painfully hard benches in a room for 12 hours in complete silence and stillness. They’re hit, locked in straight-jackets, or even nearly drowned for the slightest misbehavior. Some patients are bullied by the nurses. The doctors don’t pay any attention to the patients, taking everything they say or do as signs of insanity. In short, it looks like neglect at best and life-endangering torture at worst. Many of the women there are completely sound of mind, just like Nellie. They may be ill, grieving, or simply “inconvenient,” but they’re not insane. They shouldn’t be in Blackwell’s at all. And even the women who do suffer from mental ailments and need treatment aren’t getting any such care in this horrific place. None of the patients are treated with kindness or dignity. The treatment alone is enough to make anyone lose their minds or worsen any symptoms they may already have. Though Nellie goes into Blackwell’s optimistic about how she’ll fare, she quickly learns just how harmful this place is, and she’s desperate to get out. Moreover, she’s desperate to help these women so they, too, can be freed, or at least be treated with actual care. But with each passing day, Nellie is less sure that she’ll be able to get out, let alone reveal the atrocities to all of New York. Between her chapters, we also get chapters that follow two other characters: Nellie’s journalist rival Sam and another woman journalist named Marian. Both of them are working on their own stories (which I won’t discuss due to spoilers) which will eventually come full circle with the greater narrative of the novel. The Mad Girls of New York is a feminist tale about ambition and women’s career advancement, but also about improving the lives of those who have been rendered powerless. Nellie Bly aims to help women, those who are sick, those who are insane, people who are poor or immigrants or otherwise not accepted for who they are. It’s a tough read at times, but also an inspiring one. The Mad Girls of New York is an eye-opening yet ultimately empowering novel about lifting up those without power. It exposes maltreatment and some difficult themes, but it also shows how one person can change so much and help so many. I look forward to reading future books in Maya Rodale’s Nellie Bly series. This novel has also reawakened my curiosity about Nellie Bly and stunt girl reporters more generally. I plan to read her books, starting with Ten Days in a Mad-House, as well as books about women journalists of the time. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * Special thanks to the publicists at Penguin Random House and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! ...more |
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Apr 16, 2022
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Apr 19, 2022
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Apr 26, 2022
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| B09SK2RGBP
| 4.33
| 421
| Feb 15, 2022
| Feb 15, 2022
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it was amazing
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Special thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose, and Mirror Prose for the review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review! In the pas Special thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose, and Mirror Prose for the review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review! In the past couple of years, I have been falling in love with romance novels, especially historical romance. However, up until now, nearly all of the historical romances I’ve read have been set in the 1800s, generally in the Victorian era. The farthest back I’ve gone is the 1810s. Luckily, Her Country Gentleman has allowed me to rectify that: As the first in the Timeless Georgian Collection series, it goes back into the 1700s. Her Country Gentleman features three short stories (each about the length of a short novella). They have four key elements that connect them, the first two of which may be clear from the book and series names. They’re all set in the Georgian era; all take place in the U.K. countryside as opposed to bustling London; all three involve sheep (!) to some degree; and in each, the hero has his identity mistaken or misunderstood, at least briefly. Spring at Tribbley Hall by Sian Ann Bessey The first story is set in spring 1775. Charlotte and her grandmother escape from their London home to visit an old friend in Norfolk. Soon after arriving, Charlotte wanders outside and finds a lone puppy. In her efforts to help him, she falls in the mud and is nearly attacked by the mother dog. Luckily, a man intervenes and then shows her the other animals. But he’s no farmhand, as she assumes; he’s the Baron, William Cheston. Even if the two of them could make a good match, William is rather busy with a more pressing matter: Someone is stealing his sheep. It’s also lambing season and he’s understaffed, so he’s quite busy. Before long, though, Charlotte and William bond over a newborn lamb and the mystery they must solve. This may be the first historical romance I’ve read that is quite so thrilling! It’s a perfect combination of cozy mystery and love story. It has humor and charm, tender moments, and an exciting culmination. Although the bulk of the story spans only a few days, it sets up a lovely beginning for Charlotte and William. Spring at Tribbley Hall is a bit of an outlier here, both in terms of the mystery and in the condensed timeframe it covers, but it sets the sweet tone reflected in the following two stories. Love of My Heart by Sarah M. Eden It’s 1780, and Cordelia is overdue for her first season. But her hopes of entering her debut season are dashed when her parents reveal that they’re out of money. Their family must travel away from London and live somewhere more affordable… like in the Scottish countryside. Soon after arriving, Cordelia and her sister go out for a game of battledore and shuttlecock, but the game goes awry when Cordelia accidentally whacks a man in the face and gives him a nosebleed. He’s known as Sebastian of the Home Farm, and despite their not-so-cute meet-cute, they eventually form a tentative friendship. She likes the orphaned lamb that follows him around, and he likes her paintings of the local sights. But they come from two different classes, even with her family’s money issues, and a happily ever after between them could be out of reach. Except for one small detail that’s been kept under wraps… Of the three stories, this one has the most complete and satisfying arc. Watching Cordelia and Sebastian develop a friendship, and then something more, feels natural and realistic, yet it’s also adorable. Her parents are unreasonably bothered by her painting, and they’re not afraid to strike her where it hurts when she does anything out of line. My favorite scene comes near the end, and it involves some interesting revelations that Sebastian makes in a subtly epic way. Love of My Heart is a heartfelt story that offers a perfect ending. It’s my favorite of the stories here. Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire by Rebecca Connolly The final story begins with Martha Smith, a young woman who just finished her first season and turned down marriage offers. She wants love, not just a convenient match. But her mom has other plans, and in order to remove thoughts of love from Martha’s head, she’s sent to live with some relatives in the countryside. These family members married for love, and look how horrible their lives are! But the joke is on her mom: Martha instantly takes to the people and landscape. She even finds a nice young man named Benjamin. He’s the new Earl of the local (and rather run-down) estate. But Martha only has six weeks before she’ll be called back to London. Will that be enough for love to bloom? This story was gentler and lighter than the first two. Like the previous story, Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire shows our two lovebirds slowly getting to know each other and developing deeper feelings, but it’s done from a wider stance. I love the glimpses of Martha helping out Benjamin with his overwhelming estate, and I would have liked a bit more time with them. Ultimately, this has the full arc that I’d hoped for, but it comes with a bit less drama. It’s airier, though equally enjoyable. Audiobook Narration Kim Bretton narrates each of the stories in Her Country Gentleman. She does a lovely job of bringing the characters to life, giving the characters different timbres and pitches – and even levels of raspiness – to keep them distinct. In the case of Love of My Heart, she also uses a more Scottish accent for the characters native to the area. Her narration style is even and pleasant, and she maintains a style that will keep the listener in the right frame of mind for these Georgian era love stories. Kim Bretton amplifies Her Country Gentleman with her skill and tone, making the audiobook the perfect way to enjoy this book. Final Thoughts Her Country Gentleman is a sweet collection of clean love stories. Each is distinct from the others, even with their common themes of sheep-farming heroes and London misses. It’s a delightful read, and I look forward to the next installment in the Timeless Georgian Collection series. ...more |
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Mar 17, 2022
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Mar 29, 2022
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Apr 07, 2022
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| B09JMN3MQQ
| 3.81
| 2,089
| May 03, 2022
| May 03, 2022
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it was amazing
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It’s always a joy to see characters from different books finally get to meet on-page. Jane Austen’s six novels each stood on their own, but it’s fair
It’s always a joy to see characters from different books finally get to meet on-page. Jane Austen’s six novels each stood on their own, but it’s fair to envision them all existing in one world, perhaps being friends with one another. Claudia Gray is clearly a fan of Jane Austen, and in The Murder of Mr. Wickham, she gets them all together for a friendly house party hosted by George and Emma Knightley. As she states in the author’s note at the beginning, she arranged the books by when she imagined the events taking place, with Pride and Prejudice occurring first, in 1797-1798, and Sense and Sensibility taking place most recently, in 1818-1819. Thus, the main characters of those books range in age, and many of them have children of their own, some already of marriageable age themselves. Due to the new timeline and the addition of new characters – such as Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney – I wrote and continuously added to a chart during the first several chapters. I jotted down the names of their kids and how old everyone was and made note of new connections between people. It was all in great fun! Before we get to the murder, I first want to talk about how much I love these characters. If you’ve read Jane Austen’s novels, you’ll see their personalities shining through here. It’s also fun to see how they all know each other: Knightley and Bertram are cousins, for example, while Darcy was a friend of Knightley’s when they were at Oxford. The new characters are also splendid and fit right in. Juliet Tilney is bold and quick-witted, yet also perceptive and kind. Jonathan Darcy is a lot like his dad, yet even more formal and not so proud. It’s never explicitly stated, but I read Jonathan Darcy as being autistic, which I thoroughly appreciated. I have only read a handful of books featuring autistic characters, and in The Murder of Mr. Wickham, Jonathan is portrayed wonderfully. He brings unique perspective which proves to be most helpful as he and Juliet investigate the murder. I also love that Juliet accepts and understands him for who he is. Mr. Wickham, of course, is as bad as we remember him. Worse, if you can believe it. In the years since he first tormented the Bennets, Wickham has caused strife for nearly everyone he’s come into contact with. Swindling people out of money, blackmail, causing heartache, neglect with horrific consequences – he’s not likable in the least, and it’s no great loss when he does perish. But with so many enemies, nearly everyone in the house has a motive… and enough secrets to stay suspicious. It’s fun to follow Juliet and Jonathan as they secretly hunt for clues. They have significant constraints, it being 1820 and them being unmarried and unchaperoned. But through some eavesdropping, sneaky conversations, and light snooping, the two do amass quite a bit of evidence. Perhaps the only downside here is the slower pacing in the middle. There is too much repetition: The readers would learn things from watching the different characters, but then would watch it rehashed as Jonathan and Juliet then discover the same things. A bit of that could have been smoothed out to make the story more to the point, faster-paced, and thus more engaged. Even so, the ending made it all worth it. Everything comes together beautifully, with plenty of little twists and unexpected connections. I want to say more, but you’ll have to read it first! In addition to the murder mystery, I also appreciated some of the commentary that arose between different characters regarding religion, accepting another person for who they are, and the befuddling social restrictions still present in the Regency era. Watch out for some homophobia from one character, though I do think it’s resolved fairly well by the end. The Murder of Mr. Wickham is a delightful cozy mystery starring some of fiction’s most beloved characters. It’s an entertaining update for anyone who loves Jane Austen and mysteries alike. I, for one, hope we’ll get to see more of these characters in future books from Claudia Gray. Special thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose, and Vintage Anchor Books for the review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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May 2022
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May 04, 2022
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Apr 02, 2022
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| unknown
| 4.00
| 2,861
| May 17, 2022
| unknown
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really liked it
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Bloomsbury Girls takes readers to the first months of 1950 in London. Vivien and Grace have both worked at the local book store, Bloomsbury Books, for
Bloomsbury Girls takes readers to the first months of 1950 in London. Vivien and Grace have both worked at the local book store, Bloomsbury Books, for four years, but they’ve had little opportunity for advancement. Recent Cambridge grad Evie Stone has just been hired, and a medical emergency forces the general manager to take a leave of absence. This gives some of the employees a chance to move into roles with greater responsibility, and it’s not long before the three women are looking for ways to achieve permanent advancement – within the shop and the larger literary world. Their personal and professional lives intertwine in this feminist snapshot of an era of immense change. This is a slow-burn historical fiction that takes its time in unfolding. It focuses on the three women characters, introducing Evie, Grace, and Vivien in turn as very different people, in very different stages of their lives, yet sharing some key commonalities. All work at the old-fashioned bookstore Bloomsbury Books (Evie is the newest hire), putting in the work but not always being recognized or rewarded for it. They’re women, after all, and the men running the shop can’t see women having leadership positions. The bookstore caters to male customers first and foremost, and women authors, too, tend to be less welcomed on their shelves or at events. Despite the restrictions, Vivien, Grace, and Evie are ambitious and willing to seize their own success. Vivien may be the most fiery and direct in her approach: 30 years old, she writes in her free time and longs to be a published author. She would also be a wonderful manager in the new fiction department, if only given the chance. She’s not afraid to speak her mind and go after what she wants. Similar in ambition is Evie, a new graduate from Cambridge, but she’s much quieter in her approach. Evie has a secret plan, and she’ll go about it without attracting any attention until it’s time for her big reveal. Finally there’s Grace: Approaching 40 and feeling the pressure of providing for her family, Grace simply wants to keep her sons safe, escape the gloom that has fallen over her marriage, and attain a sense of security in her life. While it took me some time to really get into the book, it did slowly but surely capture my full interest. I loved seeing how these three very distinct women were carving out a space for themselves in spite of the men who would hold them back, in spite of how the times (1950 England) still limited women in major ways. It was a period of change, and this story is of strength, resilience, and feminism as women fought to make the new era better. I also enjoyed getting an inside look at the world of publishing and book sales. In general, I love a good book about books, and this one fully fits the bill. Bloomsbury Girls takes place primarily at the bookstore where they work. It details what goes into running a bookstore, from working with publishers to hosting author events. Speaking of author events: A few famous figures make appearances here, some even helping out our characters in important ways. Daphne Du Maurier, Samuel Beckett, Ellen Doubleday, and more play vital supporting roles. Against the backdrop of their workplace, we move beyond their professional lives and get to know the three women on a personal level, too. Perhaps most significant is Grace’s troubled marriage and her uncertainty about what action she should take. All three women also have romantic subplots with different co-workers (or, in one case, the store’s owner). Each is intriguing in its own way, but not all are smooth sailing! While two of the men seem like worthy partners from the beginning, one of them has a lot of personal growing to do. All three romances are wrapped up nicely and realistically while leaving some room for your imagination. Themes surrounding race and acceptance (one character is Indian) and sexual orientation (whom that regards would be a spoiler) also arise, giving extra depth and nuance to an already powerful novel. Ultimately, it all unites to paint a fuller picture of the pivotal time this was and just how forward-thinking our main characters are. Audiobook Juliet Stevenson narrates Bloomsbury Girls. She does a lovely job, matching the serene yet knowing tone of the book. She gives the characters subtly different voices, just enough to distinguish between; her narration is never overly acted or too intense. Instead, she presents the story like it is a beloved and well-known tale: comforting and familiar. Final Thoughts Although Bloomsbury Girls took me some time to get into, it fully captured my heart by the end. I have not read The Jane Austen Society, but I found that this works perfectly as a standalone. However, I expect that if you have read the previous novel, you will find extra delight in seeing some of those characters reappear here – Evie in particular. This is a novel that would appeal to women of all ages, anyone who likes seeing feminism in decades past, and anyone who loves stories about books, writers, and avid readers. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * Special thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose PR, and St. Martin’s Press for the review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! ...more |
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Apr 19, 2022
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May 10, 2022
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Apr 02, 2022
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| B09B964FLL
| 3.96
| 17,010
| Apr 12, 2022
| Apr 26, 2022
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really liked it
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The No-Show begins on Valentine’s Day, when the romantic holiday goes awry for three different women. Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane each have a date, but
The No-Show begins on Valentine’s Day, when the romantic holiday goes awry for three different women. Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane each have a date, but all three of them are stood up. What they don’t know is that they’ve all been stood up by the same man. They each forgive Joseph Carter and resume their relationship with him, but as the months pass, they’ll have to unravel what Joseph is up to with them. At first glance, it may seem that Joseph Carter is a womanizer, a cheater, a man who strings along women only to break their hearts. But even when I began The No-Show, I couldn’t see him in such a negative light. He’s such a kind, understanding, sweet person, albeit a bit scatterbrained and perpetually late. How did the man these three woman saw so much good in align with the unfaithful picture that was being painted of him? Each of the women he’s seeing is quite different, though all come with their own troubles. They each battle insecurities, some due to a traumatic past, others due to how people in their lives see them. Just as there is some mystery surrounding Joseph, the pasts these women are running from also remain murky for some time. One of my favorite things about The No-Show is how it tackles issues of mental health, forms of harassment, and grief. Each of these characters copes differently, and some need to work through a lot before they reach a positive path forward. It can make for an emotional read, but it is something I greatly appreciated. Admittedly, it did take me some time to really connect with the characters. Each chapter follows one of the three women, including their own personal arcs as well as their evolving relationships with Joseph. As sometimes happens with multiple POV characters, I found myself enjoying some chapters more than others. Through it all, Joseph was the one I found the most intriguing and – perhaps surprisingly – endearing. It wasn’t until about halfway through that The No-Show really connected for me. Not coincidentally, this is around the time when I finally worked out what the twist was. I knew going in that there was some kind of a twist, and from the start of the book, I had puzzled through several theories. But once I figured it out – and then when my suspicions were confirmed a few chapters later – everything fell into place and mattered so much more. Of course, I won’t tell you anything more about that! You’ll have to read it and find out, but the twist really does elevate and add to the story. There were other events later on (which I also successfully predicted) that brought tears and satisfaction in equal measure. In the end, it was an emotional, heartfelt read. The No-Show surprised me, even though I knew I was in for some kind of shock. While it took me some time to become fully invested in it, once it all clicked, it grew into a tender and impactful story. This is a book that I will think about for a very long time. Special thanks to the publicists at Penguin Random House and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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Apr 07, 2022
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Apr 11, 2022
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Apr 02, 2022
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| 1982190493
| 9781982190491
| 3.78
| 2,714
| Apr 05, 2022
| Apr 05, 2022
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it was amazing
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Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! To Marry and to Meddle opens ri Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! To Marry and to Meddle opens right where To Love and to Loathe left off. While still at Jeremy Overington’s country estate, just days after he and Diana get engaged, Lord Julian Belfry and Lady Emily Turner agree to enter into a marriage of convenience. It’s a win-win for both of them: Emily, after six seasons, will no longer feel the pressures of her family’s debts and being courted by the odious Mr. Cartham. Julian, for his part, will improve his own reputation and, moreover, show that his theater – The Belfry – is indeed respectable. It may even prove his worth to his estranged father. But while Julian and Emily are clear on the terms of their marriage, they both start to get different ideas as the weeks pass. The previous two books in this series did a wonderful job of setting up Julian and Emily, both as characters in their own right and as a couple. One of my favorite things about these books is how thoroughly involved the characters are in each others’ lives. Having read the first two already, I went into To Marry and to Meddle already having a strong idea of who Emily and Julian are and an emotional attachment to them both. Of course, in this novel, we get to learn the different nuances and layers to them, and getting this fuller picture made me love each of them even more. Julian and Emily are both likable and kind characters. In contrast with Violet and Diana, Emily was always the calmer, more proper woman who fit society’s ideal of the time. But she’s not as naive and innocent as she may have seemed. Emily actually has opinions and true mettle to her, and she’s willing to work through tough situations – and with uncooperative people – in order to keep everything smooth. Julian came across as a breezy and fun guy when we first met him. Now, we get to know about how ambitious and hard-working he is, how close he is with (most of) his family, and how thoughtful and considerate he is. More so than the tumultuous and antagonistic relationships of the first two books, I love how the romance that blossoms between Emily and Julian is gentle and gradual. They’re on good terms when they marry – friends who happen to have a mutual attraction. Neither expects to catch deeper feelings, but of course, that’s exactly what happens. Through getting to know each other, they develop genuine care for one another’s happiness. Perhaps my favorite examples are when Julian stands up for Emily against her critical mother. He also constantly encourages her to be fully herself, with less regard for society’s harsh judgment. No more hiding her true opinions or doing her hair in a style that she hates; Julian wants Emily to be comfortable in her own skin. In addition to their romance, we also get a look at their complicated family dynamics. As I just alluded to, Emily’s mother is quite critical and controlling. Both of her parents come across as selfish and ungrateful. Meanwhile, although Julian is close with his siblings and (secretly) his mother, he and his father have been estranged for four years. Though he’d be loath to admit it, Julian desperately craves his father’s approval and wants a relationship with him once more. Emily notices Julian’s turmoil over his daddy issues, and she plays a vital role in maintaining and repairing their respective relationships with their parents. It’s impossible not to mention Emily and Julian’s adorable pet, a kitten named Cecil. He and Julian aren’t on great terms (their meet-cute isn’t all that cute), but Emily is absolutely besotted by the little ball of fur. Julian proves his love for Emily later on when Emily’s mom shares her unwanted opinions about Cecil. Julian’s theater and acting are also center stage (pun intended) in To Marry and to Meddle, and I enjoyed getting to learn more about both, particularly in this 1810s setting. It’s fascinating to discover how people regarded the theater and what plays were acceptable. I also appreciated the commentary surrounding Julian – the second son of a marquess – deciding to go against societal norms in opening this theater. People of his class simply didn’t do such things. They didn’t even work at all – that was for poor people! I love that Julian goes against the grain and has ambitions beyond elitism and marquess duties. Emily and Julian make for a sweet couple as they navigate work, society, and family relations. Their marriage of convenience quickly moves beyond what’s convenient and on to doing more important matters, ultimately finding happiness on their own terms. To Marry and to Meddle is the cutest novel in the Regency Vows series, and I adored getting to know Julian and Emily. Their relationship is quieter and sweeter but just as enticing. I loved everything about them. Martha Waters just announced that the fourth book in the series is called To Swoon and to Spar, and it will star Penvale and a new character named Jane. It will be out in 2023, so mark your calendars! Then in 2024, the fifth book will finally give us West and Sophie’s love story. The first three novels have all been delightful, and I can’t wait to read the next two! * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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Mar 11, 2022
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Mar 14, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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ebook
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| 1982136111
| 9781982136116
| 3.40
| 10,737
| Apr 07, 2020
| Mar 2021
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it was amazing
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Before reading To Have and to Hoax, I knew some people found the main characters to be too much, their years-long argument to be excessive, and I was
Before reading To Have and to Hoax, I knew some people found the main characters to be too much, their years-long argument to be excessive, and I was prepared to be similarly annoyed by them. But I’d enjoyed To Love and to Loathe (yes, I read the second book first! Sorry not sorry!) so much that I figured it was unlikely that I would actually dislike this book. So I went in cautious but optimistic. Ultimately, I found it to be delightful. Somewhat exasperating, but wholly delightful. It is true that Violet and James are rather ridiculous, and neither is a perfect person. They both have major flaws: Violet is too quick to anger, too impatient, too unwilling to apologize; James jumps to conclusions too easily, has serious trust issues, and holds onto grudges too tightly. Both Violet and James can behave immaturely, too readily believe the worst of each other, and overall feel unlikable. And yet, despite their generally bad behavior, I found myself liking them anyway. I could see the good within them and sense the regret they hid, and that made them feel realistic and not completely lost to each other. They both have a lot of growing up to do, and slowly but surely, they each start to evolve. Something that stood out in To Love and to Loathe and which is on display here, too, is the fun and hilarious conversations the characters have with each other. Nearly every discussion, no matter the characters involved, includes witty banter, silly observations, playful jabs, and light jokes. The whole thing is a riot, and Martha Waters is a queen of dialogue. She also has a generally charming and fun writing style that fits the time yet is also a tad sarcastic and frivolous. It’s perfect for the characters and world she’s created here. Moreover, I truly enjoyed the barely planned out pranks Violet and James play on each other. Violet’s faked illness may not be that convincing, but James’s continued participation in the charade certainly results in some funny scenes. I loved the scene when he’s acting like a doting husband whose wife is genuinely ill. When James decides to flirt with another woman right in front of Violet, it is awkwardly hilarious. And then the dancing scene at the ball – so satisfying! I might not condone James and Violet’s continued evasion of conversation via thinly veiled pranks, but they do make for some entertaining reading. Really, I smiled and laughed my way through the whole novel, even as I was rolling my eyes at these two hopeless characters. All throughout To Have and to Hoax, it’s clear that Violet and James are flawed people, but the love is still in there, somewhere. There may be one argument too many, and the whole four-year issue goes seem to be blown way out of proportion – really, it shouldn’t have lasted more than a week or two, in my opinion – yet as ridiculous as these characters and their marriage are, I was rooting for them. I appreciate how the book weaves in some realistic themes relating to family matters and the message it ultimately ends with. Convoluted as it is, James and Violet come out of it better. One final thing I love about To Have and to Hoax is how thoroughly involved the other characters are in James and Violet’s story. Most romance series I’ve read keep the couples a tad more separated, but in the Regency Vows series, the main characters from each book are wholly involved in each others’ lives. Indeed, in this first installment, the protagonists of the next two novels were not only fully developed as characters, their respective love stories were also strongly set up. They also kept telling Violet and James how stupid they were being, which I appreciated. Not that Violet and James listened, unfortunately. But in any case, it brings me great joy to see all of the characters interacting and playing important roles in each others’ lives. It’s very cute, but it also makes me that much more excited to read the rest of the books in the series. I’m already emotionally invested and ready for their books! To Have and to Hoax is fun, ridiculous, and over-the-top, but if you can let loose and suspend all seriousness, it’s a delightful read. It’s also a self-aware novel, with plenty of side characters saying what we’re all thinking: just have a conversation already! James and Violet might not be a perfect couple, and they may push the limits of your patience, yet they’re hilarious and charming enough to keep you invested. This and To Love and to Loathe have both been light-hearted, joyous reads. I’m excited to read the third Regency Vows novel, To Marry and to Meddle, starring Emily Turner and Julian Belfry. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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Mar 06, 2022
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Mar 10, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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Paperback
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| B09RQZ5ZDG
| 3.68
| 695
| Feb 24, 2022
| Feb 24, 2022
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really liked it
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The final story in Trespass, Bloody Summer reads like a nonfiction piece, like an academic’s scholarly publication. The narrator first describes the h
The final story in Trespass, Bloody Summer reads like a nonfiction piece, like an academic’s scholarly publication. The narrator first describes the history of the town of Never-Again, suggesting how tigers could have ended up in Pennsylvania. Then we learn about a horrific and perplexing event one summer in the early 1990s, one that led to many deaths and disappearances. From there we learn about the tiger-related hand-games kids of the area played – which is a tad spooky. Finally, an interview with a man who’d grown up there sheds light on what may have really happened. It’s an odd but thought-provoking story, and probably in the top half of the ones shared here. * Please read my full review of the entire Trespass collection on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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Mar 15, 2022
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Mar 15, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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| unknown
| 3.27
| 523
| Feb 24, 2022
| Feb 24, 2022
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it was amazing
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Along with The Tiger Came to the Mountains, Tochi Onyebuchi’s A Righteous Man was my other favorite story in Trespass. It’s told entirely in letters t
Along with The Tiger Came to the Mountains, Tochi Onyebuchi’s A Righteous Man was my other favorite story in Trespass. It’s told entirely in letters that Nathanial – a missionary – sends to his wife Theresa. He starts off bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, eager to get to know these people in Africa (it’s unclear exactly where, but hyenas are around) and teach them about his religion. He falls in love with the nature there and, after some acclimation, seems to become quite content in this village. However, after getting gravely ill and suffering fever, Nathanial sees some impossible things involving shape-shifting hyenas. Is he losing his mind? Is his losing faith a fair trade-off for his presence there? Did Theresa ever respond to any of his letters? This story has a touch of magical realism and I was completely immersed in Nathanial’s character. I will definitely read more from Tochi Onyebuchi in the near future! * Please read my full review of the entire Trespass collection on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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Mar 13, 2022
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Mar 13, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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| B09RQZSR79
| 3.30
| 564
| Feb 24, 2022
| Feb 24, 2022
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really liked it
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After the first three stories in Trespass, Stag stands out for taking a completely different direction. Although it is less nature-y than the others,
After the first three stories in Trespass, Stag stands out for taking a completely different direction. Although it is less nature-y than the others, and condensed to only a single night, I actually ended up liking it rather well. Stan is an interloper at a divorce party, offering his stranger’s perspective on the people around, the absurdity of the whole party, and the presence of a ring-bearing tortoise. It’s an introspective, somewhat psychological story that eventually reveals a heartbreaking event in Stan’s past. * Please read my full review of the entire Trespass collection on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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Mar 12, 2022
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Mar 12, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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Audible Audio
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| B09RQZZ9P8
| 3.97
| 866
| Feb 24, 2022
| Feb 24, 2022
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liked it
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The Backbone of the World may be the strangest story in the Trespass collection. It balances two main plot points: Millie’s tenant Frog is a woman wit
The Backbone of the World may be the strangest story in the Trespass collection. It balances two main plot points: Millie’s tenant Frog is a woman with no past and a befuddling way of interacting. Meanwhile, Millie is working on getting rid of all the prairie dogs that have invaded her land, trying one method after another to no avail. But the situations with Frog and the prairie dogs start to converge as time goes on. By the end, the story has moved away from where I’d thought it was heading, instead moving into some surprising, rather science fiction, directions. * Please read my full review of the entire Trespass collection on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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Mar 07, 2022
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Mar 11, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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Audible Audio
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| B09RQZK892
| 3.39
| 838
| Feb 24, 2022
| Feb 24, 2022
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liked it
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Wildlife starts well, feeling like it would turn into a story both haunting and terrifying. It also builds up some mystery surrounding Sam’s past and
Wildlife starts well, feeling like it would turn into a story both haunting and terrifying. It also builds up some mystery surrounding Sam’s past and what violence she committed. Over the course of a few months, she gets situated in her new home, but never quite feels settled. Her feud with her neighbor adds to the unease, while her animal cameras maintain a sense of wildness and unpredictability. However, as the story moved forward, I found myself looking forward to its end. I must confess, though, that the ending left me rather perplexed. Perhaps if I’d understood it better the payoff would have been greater. * Please read my full review of the entire Trespass collection on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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Mar 02, 2022
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Mar 06, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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| B09RR1D2NL
| 3.88
| 1,505
| Feb 24, 2022
| Feb 24, 2022
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it was amazing
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Of the six stories included in Trespass, I found this one to be the best. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my favorite authors, and The Tiger Came to th
Of the six stories included in Trespass, I found this one to be the best. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my favorite authors, and The Tiger Came to the Mountains, though short, captures what I love about her writing. Immediately, she immerses you in the setting and time. The characters feel viscerally real, and in just 50 minutes, you care about them. The repeated phrase “H is for Hippo, L is for Lion, T is for Tiger” reminds you how young they are, even if Machorra is now 13. She is a strong young woman while her brother Melchor is imaginative and kind. This story builds growing tension as you wonder what, if anything, could be outside the cave… or if Melchor’s fever has him seeing things. When Machorra must face a seemingly otherworldly beast, it keeps you on the edge of your seat. * Please read my full review of the entire Trespass collection on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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Mar 2022
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Mar 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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| 9798985601
| 4.12
| 26
| unknown
| Mar 02, 2022
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it was amazing
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Let me preface this review by expressing my sincere gratitude to I, Anonymous for sending me an ARC of Gurzil. I’ve been so happy to connect over the
Let me preface this review by expressing my sincere gratitude to I, Anonymous for sending me an ARC of Gurzil. I’ve been so happy to connect over the past few months and was honored to get an early look at this marvelous book. Gurzil starts off in the aftermath of the fall of the Roman Empire. It’s 543 AD (or CE), and the dragon Gurzil has been dormant for years before seeking to gain power in northern Africa. In Libya, King Alba of Saline has lost control of his kingdom, now little more than a puppet ruler as a sordid new cult takes over. Gurzil wants Alba’s daughter Sabra for his bride, so Alba does what any good father would do: He sends Sabra to safety. Meanwhile, in Britain, George Bertilack engages in war and politics despite his strange dreams. But his fate my lay further south where a dragon wreaks havoc through his cult followers. This book weaves in numerous sources of inspiration, offering a complex retelling of well-known legends, myths, and real history. If you’re well-versed in these, you’ll certainly recognize many names. Several characters come from Arthurian legends, like Morgana, Gawain, and Merlin. There are also numerous groups of people – like the Britons, Saxons, Vandals, and Amazigh – and their interrelated conflicts. Readers familiar with the legends and history may glean more in this book than I did; personally, I only know the basics and rarely read books set this far in the past. I thus had a bit of a learning curve, and it took me a few chapters to get situated, but once I got there, I was all in. Ultimately I found Gurzil to be thoroughly engrossing. In all honesty, this is not a book I would have picked out for myself – it’s a bit of a different genre and style than I normally read, and I probably would have shied away from it at a bookstore. But this is why I’m so happy to be involved with different book communities: It gets me out of my comfort zone, and in cases like this one here, that can be a wonderful thing, because I often find that I like these other books! Gurzil is an example of a book that I wasn’t sure what to expect but ended up loving. There are several point-of-view characters in Gurzil, and the author moves between them from chapter to chapter. Each time a new character is introduced, we also get a few pages of their backstory – their history, their motivations, their relationships with other characters. On the one hand, this can be rather helpful in fully understanding each character. As I went into this without much “working knowledge,” it was valuable for me. But on the other hand, it does also slow down the pace, especially in the first half of the book. Now that the introductions seem to have all been made, I expect future books in the series will be more to-the-point and focused on the action. Indeed, in some ways, Gurzil does feel like a lot of setup for the rest of the series. It’s not a long book – under 250 pages – and with so much backstory and world-building here, it very much feels that it’s paving the way for something much bigger in the upcoming books. This makes me even more excited to keep reading the series. What I liked most about Gurzil is the distinct characterization. The people here range from likable to rather unlikeable. For example, Gunthuris is a slave trafficker who, despite his own childhood, has little sympathy for enslaved peoples. At first I thought I’d like Unahild… but then learned how twisted she is now. King Alba is weak but has my sympathies. His daughter Sabra, though, is a strong and intelligent woman and easily one of my favorite characters. I also quite enjoy her uncle Kaboan. Up north in Britain, George seems set up as the perfect, classic hero, even if it’s as yet unclear how he’ll become connected with all that’s going on in Libya. Morgana is another woman who stands out, though I worry where her story arc will lead in the next book. And big romance reader that I am, I confess that I was also particularly drawn to the potential relationships forming in Gurzil. Connected only by dreams so far, might George and Sabra have a romance awaiting them in book number two? And what will that mean for Morgana and her current situation with George? My curiosity is certainly piqued. I also love the magic that is in display in Gurzil. Of course the titular dragon is an obvious example, but there is also witchcraft and an amazing dream sequence (one of my favorite scenes in the book!) and some shape-shifting hyenas that I find quite fascinating. The cult surrounding Gurzil is bolstered by their leader’s magic, insidious as that is. The book ends on a cliffhanger with a surprising character at its center, and it will leave you ready for the next installment in the series. Badon Hill comes out in late August, and I believe there’s at least one more book to look forward to after that. Gurzil is a complex and captivating story that weaves together legend and history. It offers magic and a wide cast of characters, and whether you’re well-versed in the genre or are a newcomer like me, it can appeal to anyone looking for a fantastical ride. Gurzil is a wonderful start and a book I fully recommend. It is also just the first in the Wars of Wrath series, with Badon Hill coming next this August. Stay tuned for my review of that this summer! * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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1
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Mar 04, 2022
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Mar 08, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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ebook
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| B094JM3PDB
| 4.28
| 7,769
| Apr 04, 2019
| Mar 01, 2022
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it was amazing
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not set
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May 31, 2022
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Mar 29, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| 052553900X
| 9780525539001
| 3.91
| 15,903
| May 17, 2022
| May 17, 2022
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it was amazing
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As soon as I saw the description for This Time Tomorrow, I knew I had to read it. It’s about a woman who’s about to lose her father and her chance to
As soon as I saw the description for This Time Tomorrow, I knew I had to read it. It’s about a woman who’s about to lose her father and her chance to spend one more day with him before it’s too late. My dad died nine years ago (in fact, I read this book on the anniversary of his death), and I would give almost anything to get another day with him. I haven’t found a way to time travel yet, but I thought that reading This Time Tomorrow would be cathartic in some way. I love the relationship between Alice and her dad, Leonard. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother has had minimal involvement in her life since then. For the most part, it’s always been Alice and Leonard. Their father-daughter relationship is more relaxed than most, him taking on the role of friend in some respects. It’s sweet to see how close they are and how Leonard loves Alice for who she is. Though I went into This Time Tomorrow expecting it to be painfully emotional, I managed to get through it without crying. (I cry pretty easily, so this was a surprising feat.) For all its depth and its examination of tougher themes (illness, death, grieving), the story is told with a certain amount of levity, too. It’s not funny and silly, nor is it distant and unfeeling; yet somehow, it is just delicate enough that you can sit with the emotion without being overwhelmed by it. The relationship between Alice and Leonard is center stage, but I also appreciated Alice’s friendship with Sam. They’re best friends at 16 and at 40, and though by then Sam is busy with her husband and kids, she’s still a cornerstone in Alice’s life. This is a wonderful example of female friendship that lasts decades, even a lifetime. Sam is understanding and generous, but she’s not afraid to give Alice a gentle push when she needs it. Of course, This Time Tomorrow is also fundamentally about time travel. Unlike some time travel books I’ve read, this one does offer some explanation for what’s going on and how it works. Not a ton, mind you, but enough. When Alice first falls back in time, her reaction and thought process around it is refreshingly realistic. When she tells others what’s happened, they react believably, too. I also quite enjoyed Alice’s thinking through other time travel media she’s seen – Back to the Future, Outlander, even her own father’s book, Time Brothers. How did it work for them, and what’s happening with Alice’s unexpected time travel? Once Alice has determined it is real, she wastes no time in seeing how she can improve the future. Her actions made complete sense to me and are probably more or less what I would do in her situation. I appreciate the believability and realness. The book does become thought-provoking, and I couldn’t help but wonder how much I could change if I went back in time. Could I have prevented my dad’s death? My uncle’s death? Would I be able to change the course of my career? What if, instead of changing for the better, you returned to the future only to have made things worse? One final highlight is how I could empathize with Alice in certain ways. She’s drifted through life, not making great strides in her career or love life. Now that she’s reaching middle age, she wonders if it’s too late. What did she do wrong, and how could she have made more progress by now? But one valuable lesson in This Time Tomorrow is that we don’t need to be on any set timeline. It’s okay if you’re a late bloomer. It’s okay if you never become someone who’s famous or creates something impactful. As long as you’re true to yourself and happy, maybe that’s enough. This Time Tomorrow is a thoughtful and sensitive story about connection, especially between a father and daughter. It’s gentle and sweet, even with its sadder themes. It’s the first book I’ve read from Emma Straub, and I look forward to reading more from her. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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1
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Jun 2022
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Jun 04, 2022
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Mar 18, 2022
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Hardcover
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| 0593336224
| 9780593336229
| 3.46
| 1,473
| Feb 01, 2022
| Feb 01, 2022
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it was amazing
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Ramón and Julieta begins on Día de los Muertos. Julieta is a talented chef at her own restaurant, Las Pescas, which her mom had originally started. Th
Ramón and Julieta begins on Día de los Muertos. Julieta is a talented chef at her own restaurant, Las Pescas, which her mom had originally started. The two of them are running a pop-up at the holiday event, and while there, Julieta encounters a man with a guitarrón. He serenades her and they agree to meet up after her shift is over. They only know each other by the fake names they give: Romeo and Juliet. Eventually they end up at his place, but when Julieta sees a magazine cover framed on his wall, she figures out his true identity: Ramón Montez, the son of the man who stole her mom’s fish taco recipe in the 1970s. The man who then turned that into a successful franchise restaurant that has locations all over the country, now selling cheap food and selling out Mexican culture. Julieta leaves Ramón confused and alone. Imagine both of their surprise when he shows up at her restaurant the next day after buying the entire block where it and other shops are located. Ramón’s father plans to replace Las Pescas with a new Taco King, and raise the rent on all the other shops so much that they will be forced out. Julieta and her mom respond appropriately: They kick their new landlords out. However, Ramón and Julieta still have an attraction to each other, and when they have to spend time together working on the restaurant transition, they start to understand each other more. In particular, Ramón begins to realize how negatively his family’s company will impact the Barrio Logan community. Julieta explains where she and other Mexican Americans in her neighborhood are coming from. The Montez family business has turned into a gentrifier – or gentefier, since they themselves are Mexican American and destroying their own peoples’ communities. They also start to genuinely like each other. Indeed, both Julieta and Ramón are realistic characters, flawed but good qualities, too. Julieta is more relatable, and though she does have some negative attributes, most of her story arc focuses on circumstances she must overcome as opposed to personal growth she needs to go through. In contrast, Ramón has plenty of room for improvement. His multimillionaire background and problematic job role could make him irredeemable, but he has commendable characteristics that start to emerge throughout this book. When it comes down to it, he does care about Julieta and the people in her community; he does care about doing the right thing. But with his dad still in charge, it will be an uphill battle trying to prevent his company from devastating Barrio Logan. What I do like about Ramón is how he tries to do right by people. He wants to help Julieta by giving her a good job opportunity and control over that new job. Moreover, he worries that she’s a workaholic, and he helps her find time to relax and unwind every now and then. Ramón also wants to compensate Julieta’s mom for the theft committed against her all those decades ago… somehow. Ultimately, Ramón wants to revitalize their community, not destroy it. Over the course of this novel, he goes through some important evolution and edges closer to being a reformed character. Julieta helps Ramón on this journey in opening his eyes to his cultural identity and how the Mexican American community is affected by gentrification. It’s horrible to destroy a vibrant community just for further profit gains; it strips away culture and further depresses groups of people that are already struggling. And it only adds insult to injury that it’s their own people – Mexicans – doing this to them, planning to replace their family-owned businesses with chain restaurants and franchise businesses. Julieta also encourages Ramón to find an outlet in music again, a hobby he’s neglected for years due to his job. I love the inclusion of music and Ramón’s background in everything from Metallica to Mariachi music. Julieta and Ramón both help each other, slowly but surely. Ramón and Julieta also highlights important family dynamics. Julieta and her mother are close, but sometimes her mom can be a bit controlling over her personal life. Ramón and his dad really don’t see eye-to-eye, and after so many decades of Taco King success, his dad may be too far gone. What do they each stand for? How can they maintain a relationship as everything devolves so much? Ramón’s dad once fought for Latino rights and for Chicano Park; now, it may only be Ramón who keeps that honor alive. I appreciate the brief discussions about therapy, especially that it’s Ramón who openly admits to having had years of therapy. He cares about working on himself and on his relationships with others. It’s great to see therapy normalized, for Latino men and everyone else. Finally, one thing that charmed me early on in Ramón and Julieta is when the characters got a bit meta. While going by the names Romeo and Juliet, Julieta quotes a line from Shakespeare’s famous play, saying they’re star-crossed and can never have a happily ever after. Ramón counters that they’ll just have to rewrite the story instead. Indeed, that is exactly what they did. Ramón and Julieta tackles some big topics, but it’s also a fun and sweet book. Even with thought-provoking discussions, the characters always bring humor and lightness, too. I adored it, both for its deeper themes and for the prevailing love story. This is only the first in a new series – a trilogy, I believe – and I look forward to reading the rest. The next two Love & Tacos books should be about Ramón’s younger brothers, Enrique and Jaime. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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1
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Mar 20, 2022
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Mar 22, 2022
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Mar 02, 2022
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Paperback
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| 9781639102150
| 3.78
| 21,276
| Mar 15, 2022
| 2022
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it was amazing
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Dating Dr. Dil begins on Kareena Mann’s 30th birthday. Too bad her Indian American family – her dad, grandmother, and younger sister – forgot. Althoug
Dating Dr. Dil begins on Kareena Mann’s 30th birthday. Too bad her Indian American family – her dad, grandmother, and younger sister – forgot. Although Kareena has her dream job, her single status – especially in contrast with her younger sister being engaged – has her family looking down on her. Even worse, Kareena’s dad announces his plans to sell their New Jersey house and retire in Florida. Kareena is desperate to buy it, largely because her late mother built it and it has sentimental value. She can’t afford it, and asks her dad for the engagement money he’d set aside for her, but her dad refuses to give her the money until she’s actually engaged. Kareena has only four months to find The One and put a ring on it. Luckily she hits it off with a nice guy at a bar named Prem Verma. Unluckily, their night ends badly and the next day she finds out he doesn’t even believe in love. She’s thoroughly angry at him. When her aunties get involved, they think Prem and Kareena would make a great match. These two aren’t so sure, but Prem does think they could both benefit from a fake engagement. She’d get her money and her house; he’d get his own engagement money and be able to start his health care center. Kareena only wants true love, but Prem tries to convince her of how they’d both benefit from this scheme. Kareena will only agree if her search for Mr. Right fails… and the way things are going, she might need to go with Plan B. But what if these two are more on the same page than either of them realizes? If you’re familiar with The Taming of the Shrew, you’ll likely recognize plot points in this gender-flipped retelling. If you’re like me and haven’t read or seen this particular Shakespearean comedy, that will likely all go over your head, but you’ll still enjoy Dating Dr. Dil immensely. At least I did! First and foremost, I love the characters of both Kareena and Prem. They actually have a lot in common, even if they do butt heads a lot. Kareena is smart, opinionated, and stubborn, yet also sentimental and a hopeless romantic. She has a sensitive side that she hides, and she’s caring, yet she has a temper, too. Prem is equally opinionated and caring, but he’s more practical and a bit confused about how feelings work. His misunderstanding of love is the biggest hurdle that he must overcome to win Kareena’s heart. After a great start and then a horrible, public falling out, Prem and Kareena must move pas their mutual dislike (and distrust) of one another if a relationship – real or not – can work between them. I loved watching them interact, escalating from non-dates to real dates. They slowly regain a tentative friendship, and Prem proves again and again that he’s reliable and actually listens to her. The scene at the coffeeshop demonstrates both and is, honestly, just perfect. The museum scene is another favorite, as is the one following an unexpected Dungeons & Dragons excursion. Swoon to all three! Eventually, deeper feelings develop, but will either Kareena or Prem admit to it? How can they have a future together if they have such fundamentally different desires? Though Prem and Kareena are perfect, her family isn’t. Her family is rather toxic: They walk all over her, don’t respect her, and leave her out of major decisions. I was fed up with all of them throughout the book. However, I did appreciate how Kareena (and even Prem) stand up to them, and at least one of them reforms a bit by the end. Likewise, Kareena’s various dates and dating app interactions only made me glad I’m not looking for a boyfriend. What horrible guys she has to put up with! On the other hand, they both have excellent friends (I can’t wait for their respective books!) and the Aunties are such fun. Speaking of, another thing I loved about Dating Dr. Dil was the inclusion of text conversations, dating app conversations, Indians Abroad News updates, and flashbacks to Prem and Kareena’s first conversation. All four of these add extra dimension and fun to the book. They make it feel all the more modern and accurate in today’s largely digital world. Dating Dr. Dil unfolds very naturally and turns into an adorable love story. By the end, we see the different ways people can express love and how understanding each others’ love languages can make or break a relationship. Dating Dr. Dil is a sweet novel that highlights Indian American culture, love languages, and true compatibility. Kareena and Prem are realistic and likable characters, and I enjoyed following them on their meandering journey to a happily ever after. I can’t wait to read the next two books in this series. The author said the next one will be about Bunty and Bobbi (I’m getting enemies-to-lovers vibes?), and the last one will surely star Deepak and Veera. I’m also intrigued to learn which Shakespearean plays they recreate. I’m ready to read both books now (!), but I expect they’ll arrive in 2023 and 2024, respectively. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
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1
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Mar 23, 2022
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Mar 27, 2022
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Feb 28, 2022
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Hardcover
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| B09HNDHJLS
| 3.80
| 8,226
| May 03, 2022
| May 03, 2022
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really liked it
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Special thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! By the Book immerses reader Special thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! By the Book immerses readers in the world of writing and publishing. Isabelle (Izzy) has worked at her publishing firm for two years and is desperate to either get a promotion or a new job. She sees her chance to prove herself by getting a reluctant writer to turn in his manuscript. Beau is a celebrity contracted to write a memoir, but he hasn’t turned in anything – or even responded to a single email – in the past year. While Izzy spends time with the reclusive Beau in his mansion, they might end up with more than just a finished manuscript. Part of what drew me to By the Book is that it’s a retelling of one of my favorite childhood stories, Beauty and the Beast. As such, I was constantly charmed by the numerous nods to Beauty and the Beast, especially the Disney movie I grew up watching. While Jasmine Guillory made plenty of significant changes to the fairytale (which I’ll dive into in a moment), I do love the elements she chose to retain. Of course, the major themes are there: forced proximity in the man’s sizable home; the man seeming beastly despite his deeply buried good qualities; the gradual evolution from enemies to tentative friends to lovers. But the details made me giddy, and if you know the Disney movie as well as I do, you’ll catch them all: The spelling of Isabelle’s name is unconventional but perfect; Izzy’s publishing firm is called Tale as Old as Time; she and Beau watch a period drama called This Provincial Life; Beau’s WiFi password references a certain French-accented candlestick; I could go on, but there are so many little connections to the original that simply brought me joy the whole time I was reading. There are differences from the original tale, updating it for a modern setting and removing the more problematic elements. Most notably, Izzy is not a literal prisoner in Beau’s mansion; there will be no Stockholm Syndrome between these two! Izzy’s father plays a minimal role here, the dishes don’t dance and sing, the characters aren’t even in France. But in spite of the big changes, By the Book still retains the magic that makes Beauty and the Beast so beloved. I’m the kind of bookworm who loves to read about anything related to books, and in this novel, I enjoyed reading about the different sides to the industry. Izzy works in publishing and spends her days coordinating with authors, reading and editing manuscripts, and getting books ready for publication. She’s also a writer herself, though she has doubts about her own (unfinished) novel and her talent. Beau has never written a book before, and he’s faced with intense writer’s block over this memoir he owes Tale as Old as Time. It takes all Izzy has to get him to finally start writing, from pep talks to forced writing sessions. It is inspiring to watch these two work through their different roles with books and writing. Beyond their professional relationship, Izzy and Beau must slowly work on their personal relationship, too. Like the Beast we know so well, Beau isn’t exactly forthcoming, and he has a temper, especially when it comes to his writing. He’s cagey and defensive and prone to lashing out. It’s no wonder he and Izzy are rather like enemies when she first arrives in his mansion. But like the original story, these two slowly inch closer to friendship and understanding… and then maybe something else that wasn’t there before. (Cue Mrs. Potts singing “Something There.”) Theirs is a slow-build romance with some setbacks along the way. They bond professionally, over their shared love of food (especially snacks), and even over surfing lessons. Izzy helps Beau come to terms with some family trauma and his fraught relationship with his mom. Beau, in turn, helps Izzy become more confident in herself. Even as their relationship blossoms, things are kept G-rated, allowing all ages to enjoy their love story. I appreciated the attention on mental health and burnout here. Lately I’ve been seeing both more and more in books, and I am completely here for it. Izzy and Beau have some progress to make on those fronts, and readers can gain some perspective from their journey. If you love food, By the Book will be extra delightful: There are a lot of mentions of eating and cooking. It may make you hungry! I’ve heard that Jasmine Guillory’s romances are known for their depictions of food, and that trend has extended to this novel. It got to be a bit much for me as time wore on; I just wanted them to stop eating all the time! But perhaps food really is the way to their hearts. By the Book is a sweet novel perfect for anyone who loves Beauty and the Beast, books about books, and slow-burn romances. It has touches of magic that make it a delightful yet wholly original take on a beloved classic. ...more |
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1
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Mar 28, 2022
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Apr 2022
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Feb 02, 2022
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Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| B098PW1XJW
| 3.85
| 464
| Apr 01, 2022
| Apr 05, 2022
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really liked it
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Special thanks to the publicists at Penguin Random House and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Special thanks to the publicists at Penguin Random House and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! Business Not As Usual is a sort of office romance, even if it quickly moves away from the professional setting. Dreamy Daniels works for the CEO of a startup tech company. They’re looking for investors, and this is how she meets Karter Redford, a venture capitalist (and the son of a popular actor and a famous socialite). Though Dreamy and Karter come from two completely different worlds, and although they maybe shouldn’t get into a relationship, they can’t deny their mutual interest in each other. Can they overcome their differences and insecurities in order to find love? Let’s talk about these characters first. Dreamy Daniels is, in a word, dreamy. She has plans and goals – some more realistic than others – and she’s optimistic, kind, and full of positive energy. She dresses in bold colors and fun patterns (and has an impressive wig collection), and is generally self-assured. Although Dreamy works full-time, she is also attending night school to complete her Bachelor’s degree and is developing business plans so she can someday launch two different start-ups. But Dreamy also has a sensitive side: She’s been let down by her mom and her ex-boyfriend, and both have hurt her self-esteem. She’s sworn off guys… for now. Karter Redford is the son of two celebrities, and though he probably doesn’t need to work, he runs a successful venture capitalist firm. In fact, he’s a workaholic, spending all of his time at the office and leaving little time for a personal life. It’s no wonder he’s had unsuccessful relationships up until now. He’s also mourning the recent death of his friend who had a heart attack at only 40. If Karter isn’t careful – and if he doesn’t slow down and work less – he worries he could be next. Both Dreamy and Karter are generally likable characters, and I especially love how they bring out the best in each other. It’s true, they do have a lot of differences: Dreamy (28) is ten years younger than Karter; she’s poor and he’s rich; she’s vibrant and full of energy and he’s more low-key. Yet they also have a lot in common, from being ambitious and hard-working to being generous. They have mutual respect and an ease between them, even with their disparate backgrounds. One thing that stands out in Business Not As Usual is the narrative around money and class. I can’t speak for Karter and his wealth, but I can identify with Dreamy. I know what it’s like to live paycheck-to-paycheck and not be able to fix the issues in your home and car. Further, it can be hard to accept generosity from someone without feeling like a leech or a burden. Dreamy has numerous financial woes, but she hates it when Karter volunteers to help her out. She doesn’t want to be needy or have to depend on him. She wants to give, not just receive. Dreamy slowly learns to accept some of Karter’s help, but she’s still determined to make her own way. Though it sometimes feels frustrating here, I do admire her resolve. Money isn’t all of it, though. Dreamy’s been told that she’s not sophisticated or educated enough, and that message is mirrored by Karter’s mom. This highlights classism and the unfair disdain poorer people often face. Never mind that Dreamy works hard and has big goals; for some, that’s not enough. But others see her worth, regardless of her background or net worth. (Karter does! Aww!) Further, I enjoy the family dynamics portrayed in Business Not As Usual. Dreamy’s relationship with her own mother is unsteady, too. I appreciate the lesson about not letting others get you down. Sure, their words can string, but ultimately, we must trust ourselves and find our own self-worth. Similarly, it’s important to recognize which broken relationships are worth mending, which may take time, and which aren’t worth it at all. The fraught relationships here are dealt with realistically. For his part, Karter’s character arc (beyond the cute romance) is learning to overcome his workaholism. Dreamy helps him do this, unconsciously at first, but eventually, she exerts her influence to slow him down. He really needs to delegate more! Ultimately, I loved seeing how Dreamy and Karter lift up one another. They can both learn from each other and treat themselves better. One final thing I’ll just mention here – in the interest of avoiding spoilers – is the one element of Business Not As Usual that was a bit more silly. Dreamy is 100% sure she will win the lottery, and soon. I understand the hope the Lotto can provide people, but the way things went here didn’t seem that necessary to me. I would have liked a slightly different course, but I can also see why the author chose this outcome. Sorry this is vague, but once you’ve read it, you’ll know! Business Not As Usual is a sweet and quirky novel with some important discussion around money, class, workaholism, and self-esteem. Dreamy and Karter are both lovely characters, and they make for a fun and quick read. This was only my first novel by Sharon C. Cooper, but I would love to read more from her. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 14, 2022
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Mar 19, 2022
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Feb 02, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| 0593197240
| 9780593197240
| 3.90
| 1,592
| Feb 22, 2022
| Feb 22, 2022
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it was amazing
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*A more in-depth version of this review is available on my website. You can also watch my video review here. The Crenshaws are at it again, this time u *A more in-depth version of this review is available on my website. You can also watch my video review here. The Crenshaws are at it again, this time urging their eldest, Max, to marry. To push back against his dad’s manipulations, Max starts up a fake courtship with Lady Helena March, a young widow who’s struggling to garner respect and support for her new charity. They can both benefit from this fake engagement, but what to do about their very real attraction to each other? The Lady Tempts an Heir offers a lot of excellent themes. First, I love how Helena and Max are each vividly real and multidimensional characters. Helena is charitable and determined, yet fragile and afraid to start a (real) relationship. Max is fiercely devoted to his younger sisters, a loyalty he may extend to Helena. I also appreciate the relationship between Max and Helena. They respect each other, but they also argue a fair bit. Ultimately, their relationship has sturdy foundations that allows them to be open and honest with each other. My favorite part of their relationship is how Max always comes to Helena’s defense, no matter who puts her down. He reliably stands beside her and strives to lift her up so she can accomplish her goals and earn respect. Like the previous two books in the series, The Lady Tempts an Heir also includes wonderful examination of social and political issues relevant to 1870s England. Between Helena and Max, we get plenty of discussion of women’s rights, workers’ rights, the double standard women face regarding having children, and the problems of colonialism. I applaud the characters - and Harper St. George! - for these thoughtful perspectives and progressive ideals. The Lady Tempts an Heir is a romantic and steamy novel with strong characters, multifaceted family ties, and greater discussions surrounding society at large and the rights people have. It’s another 5-star installment in the Gilded Age Heiresses series, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! ...more |
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1
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Feb 08, 2022
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Feb 11, 2022
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Jan 26, 2022
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Mass Market Paperback
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| B093YRT594
| 4.39
| 209
| Feb 01, 2022
| Feb 01, 2022
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it was amazing
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One of my most anticipated books this month was Black Love Matters: Real Talk on Romance, Being Seen, and Happily Ever Afters, edited by Jessica P. Pr
One of my most anticipated books this month was Black Love Matters: Real Talk on Romance, Being Seen, and Happily Ever Afters, edited by Jessica P. Pryde. This collection of essays is about the importance of romances that highlight Black characters, experiences, and joy. It’s perfect for February – both Black History Month and the month of love (thanks, Valentine’s Day) – but should be required reading regardless of the time of year. This book features contributions from a range of Black romance authors, some of whom I’m already familiar with and some I’ll be adding to my TBR now. Black Love Matters offers a range of essays that each home in on a unique theme related to Black romance. Some talk about the kinds of relationships we see in romance, a specific trope or element, or intersectional identities in Black romance. Others examine why Black romance is vital, whom it’s for, or its place within romance more generally. The essays also range in style: Some are more academic and based in hard research, while others come across as more personal and rooted in the individual experiences of the author and those in their close circle. Regardless – or perhaps because – of the diversity between these essays, all are powerful in their myriad ways. Before I move on to the rest of this review, I should preface it by saying I am perhaps not the target audience for Black Love Matters (nor for romances by Black authors). I am a white woman, and these books are not necessarily meant for me, and they do not center whiteness. I have not experienced racism, I’ve never faced a lack of media starring people who look like me, and I recognize the privilege I have. However, I am committed to diverse reading and lifting up diverse authors and books. This book is certainly important for Black readers in particular, but I also believe it’s important for romance readers of all identities to read it. We can all benefit from reading these essays, and I personally found Black Love Matters to be very eye-opening, informative, and impactful. One thing that stood out to me early on is how profoundly sad it is that so many of these authors grew up without seeing themselves in media, and especially not seeing HEAs or joyous stories for people like them – Black, but perhaps also queer, or Latinx, or disabled. As a white woman, this was not my experience – I’ve seen white people in movies and books my whole life. It breaks my heart that Black people and those of other minorities haven’t had the some privilege I had. We’ve come a long way by now, as some of these essays describe, but we still have much farther to go. Some of the essays that I found most impactful were those that talk about intersections within Black romance. Adriana Herrera had one of the best essays, in which she describes the need for media highlighting Black Latinx people. Indeed, most Latinx actors we see in film and TV – even to this day – are lighter skinned. But many Latinx people are also Black, and they have had minimal representation in media. Another essay that captured my attention was Kosoko Jackson’s contribution about Black Queer love. He’s the only writer I know who is writing about Black gay characters, and as he details in his essay, this is an intersection we too rarely see in media. Jessica Pryde wrote an essay about interracial relationships in romance. Did you know that the majority of Black-authored romances that gain wider popularity star a white person as the love interest? It’s most often a Black woman who gets her HEA with a white man. And while it’s wonderful to see interracial relationships (I’m in one myself, with a Latino man), it’s also important to see romances starring two Black leads who find love together. One of the last essays, by Sarah Hanna Gómez, was also one of my favorites. She combined research, personal experience, and a healthy dose of humor for a particularly memorable chapter. Really, it’s a mic drop of an essay. Perhaps the only essay that didn’t fully connect for me was by Jasmine Guillory. She’s a popular and beloved author, and she’s known for incorporating food in her romances. Her essay explores why she associates food with love, and while it’s an interesting and sweet piece (pun intended), I wasn’t sure how it fit with the rest of the essays here. I wasn’t sure how it was particular to Black love. Black Love Matters has made me re-think the romances I’ve picked up and the ones I’ve read, and I know I have a lot of room for improvement in terms of how much diversity is present in my books and in who writes them. In the past few years, I have been reading a lot more romance and, simultaneously, reading more diversely in general. However, I have now noticed a blind spot in my reading: There isn’t much overlap between my two aforementioned trends. I intend to remedy this and read more Black romance going forward. Black Love Matters is a thought-provoking and important collection of essays. It’s perhaps the only nonfiction about the romance genre I’ve read, but I hope there are others like it. I also appreciate how it examines the intersection between race and media; it feels like the kind of course I would have taken in college. Regardless of your race, Black Love Matters is an excellent book that is worth reading and learning from. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * Special thanks to Goodreads and Berkley Random House for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 2022
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Feb 08, 2022
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Jan 21, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| 9781542036146
| 3.84
| 2,011
| unknown
| Jan 11, 2022
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really liked it
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The Wedding Setup focuses on a smaller cast of characters. First we meet 28-year-old Ayesha and her mother, her Amma. They are seven years in the afte
The Wedding Setup focuses on a smaller cast of characters. First we meet 28-year-old Ayesha and her mother, her Amma. They are seven years in the aftermath of losing Ayesha’s older brother, Ajay; her father had passed away some years before that. The loss shattered their world, and Ayesha in particular hasn’t been the same since. Once a feisty and opinionated young woman, she now is meek and emotionally closed off. After losing her brother, she’d also pushed away his best friend – and the love of her life – Emmitt, and dropped out of her MFA program. By now, she’s overworked and still grieving, directionless and just a shell of her former self. Right before her going to her best friend Bela’s wedding, Amma tells Ayesha she needs to hurry up and find a husband and have children. And Amma has just the man in mind: an ob-gyn who just arrived in Chicago. Conveniently, he’ll be at the wedding. Ayesha is not interested, but promises her mom that she’ll give him a chance. Little does she know that she’ll also run into Emmitt again. Should she rekindle her romance with him? Or choose this gynecologist her mother picked out? The Wedding Setup is a heavier and more emotional story than I expected from such a short page length. Sonali Dev packs a lot of heart in, focusing on Ayesha’s grief, indecisiveness, and loss of self. Ayesha is in denial about a lot of things, and is unwilling or unable to face her own fears. Instead of following her own dreams, she’s fallen into a habit of just trying to please her mother: work at her restaurant, marry the man she chooses, and be the gentle daughter she’d always wanted. More than a cheery romance, in The Wedding Setup, we see how someone who truly loves you can help in your darkest moments. Though I haven’t yet read any of Sonali Dev’s other books, it seems that she’s known for weaving tougher themes into her romances. It can also be compared to Helen Hoang’s latest novel, The Heart Principle. The Wedding Setup is an emotional story in which love – both romantic and familial – can be what helps a person find herself again. It’s sweet and succinct, and by its end, we see how Ayesha is ready to rediscover who she is, what she wants in life, and who she wants in it. It’s a lovely and quick read with a depth that will stay with you. Though only a short story, The Wedding Setup leaves an impact. It’s a great introduction to Sonali Dev and makes me even more eager to read her other books, includes her Rages series and her Bollywood series. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
Notes are private!
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Jan 06, 2022
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Jan 07, 2022
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Jan 08, 2022
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ebook
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| B08H2BQQG6
| 4.02
| 48
| unknown
| Apr 01, 2021
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it was amazing
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Special thanks to NetGalley and Canongate Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! The Fugitives opens in late Special thanks to NetGalley and Canongate Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! The Fugitives opens in late-2010s Sudan. Rushdy is an English teacher who feels that he lives in the shadow of his late father, one of the founding members of a popular jazz band called the Kamanga Kings. Rushdy’s Uncle Maher (his mother’s brother) was another founding member of the band. Although the Kamanga Kings have been inactive for decades now – and indeed, several of the members are dead and the rest are getting old – Rushdy and his uncle are surprised when they get an exciting invitation one day. The Kamanga Kings are invited to perform in Washington, D.C. at a special music festival. With some encouragement from Rushdy and his best friend Hisham, the Kamanga Kings reform with old members and new ones. This Sudanese jazz band is determined to play at that American festival. The first thing that drew me to The Fugitives is that it’s about a jazz band. Other than books and reading, my other big passion is music, and I always love reading novels that are about music in some way. Early on, The Fugitives includes some beautiful portrayals of music and of a love of music. Rushdy describes how important music is to him and his family; he describes the different influences that informed the Kamanga Kings’ unique sound. As a music lover myself, I could identify with Rushdy’s appreciation of songs, instruments, and performance. I admit that I’m not very familiar Sudanese music, nor African music more generally. The only African artist I listen to much is K’naan from Somalia. So for me it was a treat to learn more about Sudanese music and the different sounds that make it up. It inspires me to seek out music from different artists around the continent. However, from a political standpoint, The Fugitives also provides some interesting information surrounding music’s place in Sudan. Music has a history of enlightening people and inspiring progress, and it’s fascinating to learn how music has been considered dangerous by Sudan’s government. Beyond my passions for books and music, I also love travel – though that can be quite expensive and difficult, especially in a pandemic. And so armchair travel is invaluable. Here, readers get a glimpse into what Sudan is like, particularly its culture. I loved the chance to learn more about Sudan, its recent political history, its geography, and its people. Though The Fugitives starts off in Sudan, most of the book is actually set in the United States. I enjoyed getting to see America through a traveler’s eyes and seeing the different instances of culture shock or just confusion at Americans’ ways. As a person who has lived abroad and is married to a man from another country, I’m familiar with some judgments people around the world have about Americans. For example, many think we smile too much or that our friendliness seems odd. We get some of that perspective in this novel, and I found it to be fun and charming. However, The Fugitives also doesn’t shy away from tougher and more serious themes. The book is set during Trump’s administration and his horrible Muslim travel ban. As you might recall, Sudan was on the list of banned countries. This novel offers perspectives on immigration, asylum, refugees, the travel ban, and the way Americans think about foreigners. These Sudanese musicians have to fight stereotypes that they’re terrorists or trying to stay in the United States illegally. It’s not heavy-handed, but I found that The Fugitives offers some valuable discourse on these important topics. Early on, it seems that The Fugitives has a clear story arc plotted out; surprisingly, about halfway through, the story goes in another direction. At times it feels a bit meandering, but ultimately I love how it comes together by the end. Without getting into spoilers, it ties together music with bigger themes in a climatic way that I found inspiring. The Fugitives is a wonderfully written, musical, and thought-provoking novel that crosses Sudanese and American cultures. It’s charming and fun, a little bit adventurous, and filled with heart. I will be recommending it to everyone I know. This is my first book by Jamal Mahjoub, and I’m eager to read more from him, so stay tuned for additional reviews of his books. * Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! * ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 08, 2022
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Jan 15, 2022
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Jan 06, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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my rating |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 3.50
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really liked it
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Apr 24, 2022
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Jun 21, 2022
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| 4.40
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it was amazing
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May 21, 2022
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May 23, 2022
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| 3.12
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liked it
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May 10, 2022
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May 12, 2022
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| 4.28
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really liked it
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Jun 27, 2022
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May 03, 2022
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| 3.82
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really liked it
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Jun 17, 2022
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May 03, 2022
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| 3.90
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Apr 05, 2022
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Apr 26, 2022
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| 4.04
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it was amazing
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Apr 19, 2022
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Apr 26, 2022
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| 4.33
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it was amazing
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Mar 29, 2022
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Apr 07, 2022
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| 3.81
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it was amazing
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May 04, 2022
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Apr 02, 2022
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| 4.00
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really liked it
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May 10, 2022
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Apr 02, 2022
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|
| 3.96
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really liked it
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Apr 11, 2022
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Apr 02, 2022
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| 3.78
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it was amazing
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Mar 14, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
| |||||
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| 3.40
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it was amazing
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Mar 10, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
| |||||
|
| 3.68
|
really liked it
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Mar 15, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
| |||||
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| 3.27
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it was amazing
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Mar 13, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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| 3.30
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really liked it
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Mar 12, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
| |||||
|
| 3.97
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liked it
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Mar 11, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
| |||||
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| 3.39
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liked it
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Mar 06, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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| 3.88
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it was amazing
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Mar 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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| 4.12
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it was amazing
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Mar 08, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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| 4.28
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it was amazing
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May 31, 2022
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Mar 29, 2022
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| 3.91
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it was amazing
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Jun 04, 2022
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Mar 18, 2022
| |||||
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| 3.46
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it was amazing
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Mar 22, 2022
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Mar 02, 2022
| |||||
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| 3.78
|
it was amazing
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Mar 27, 2022
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Feb 28, 2022
| |||||
|
| 3.80
|
really liked it
|
Apr 2022
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Feb 02, 2022
| |||||
|
| 3.85
|
really liked it
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Mar 19, 2022
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Feb 02, 2022
| |||||
|
| 3.90
|
it was amazing
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Feb 11, 2022
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Jan 26, 2022
| |||||
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| 4.39
|
it was amazing
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Feb 08, 2022
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Jan 21, 2022
| |||||
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| 3.84
|
really liked it
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Jan 07, 2022
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Jan 08, 2022
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| 4.02
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it was amazing
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Jan 15, 2022
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Jan 06, 2022
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