Ria

Please don't hate me. Ducks flying things at my head

I remember why I quit reading this around book five. Let's hope that this time I can keep pushing forward.

This was very informative and though it was slow at times and a struggle to keep up with all the dates, I enjoyed this. Marie Antoinette is one of my most favorite historical figures, certainly in the top ten spot, and this was a pleasant surprise with how good this was. I loved the historical details and notes and records, all seemed accurate and on point. There were times I had to stop and think over what I've read and other times I had to translate a word or two. As I rarely read nonfiction these days, this was enjoyable and I'm definitely giving it 5 ⭐.

This was a simple yet beautiful middle grade story, featuring multiple stories within a story of a girl seeking to change her families fortune and fate. It had friendship, dragons, and even talking goldfish! It was enchanting and I loved every bit of it. 5 ⭐!

This was beautiful and a modern retelling of Little Red Riding Hood that was fully believable and realistic. 5 ⭐!

Yay! Another 5 ⭐ read from one of my top favorite authors and what is it about this author and teeth?

TW: killing a family pet, both a dog and a chicken. I get that was because pets aren't allowed to join them when they were forced to go elsewhere but ouch. That hurt. 2 ⭐. It was good writing but I was not prepared.

From what I've read, it's a dictionary of unusual words, and many are completely new to me. I read about fifteen pages on Wayback Machine and decided I definitely need to buy this! 5 ⭐

TW: sexual assault

I'm not sure the other triggers because I dnf'd this 50 pages in. This was not my cup of tea, y'all. The writing was disjointed and clunky. The three main characters I just did not like. I gave it my best and I'm just not liking it at all. After checking out other reviewers, I'm definitely not going to finish this one. Not for me. 1.5 star rounded up for the catchy title.

Actual rating 2.5 ⭐ rounded up. This was a tough one to read. Not because of the Great Depression which was vaguely mentioned here and there “times were hard”, but while I liked Ida, I just wasn't drawn into the story as much as I wanted to be. Also taking place in Georgia, this story tried being heartwarming but I just wasn't feeling it. I may try the second book, but I doubt it.

This was soooo cute.

Swapping back and forth between past and present, this gothic tale was absolutely haunting and atmospheric and excellent. I was curious to see where this was going. I feel this is 4.5 ⭐. And definitely an author to look into further.

What is it about parents that don't believe a child when they are clearly telling the truth and even had evidence from another parent before them? Accusing a child of lying when the child has never done so before? I understand that this is an early reader book and it decent writing, however there were a few questionable things here that made me raise an eyebrow. The kids choice at the end of the book after a treasure hunt for example. The way the parents didn't piece together who the boy was that was there, and then let them be friends after the boy got Allen into trouble, despite the boy hadn't meant to.

This was still a heartwarming story, though, and a fast read. Certainly had a bit of mystery and a spooky atmosphere. Old haunted houses are a favorite trope of mine and this was well handled.

2.5 ⭐ rounded up.

This had a light hearted feel to it, but it also had it's rough moments. TW for house fire, and hoarding, and loss of a loved one. Also brief mention of drug use. I spend through this in a day and it was a very good read. I enjoyed the characters and atmosphere and I definitely am curious about more from the author. 5 ⭐!

I really appreciate when authors put in trigger warnings at the front of the book!

Tried a couple chapters, it's not for me. I'm just not interested in cowboys at the moment. Maybe I'll try again later.

This was an overall fun, delightful read even with the bits of racism within. Though this was written years ago it still read perfectly fine. I enjoyed the whole thing. Actual rating 4.5 ⭐ rounded up.

Guys, I tried but I just couldn't get into it. It was weird and I didn't connect with the characters at all. I'm dnf'ing at 40%. I just don't think this one is for me. Love the Vietnamese rep, but the story itself just wasn't working for me. 3 ⭐.

I wanted to like this more but it was slow and I just couldn't keep my interest on it. It was good writing and around an important subject matter in history, however I just had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. I may try to reread this one again in the future. For now I'm giving this a solid 3 ⭐.

I managed 50 pages but just could not get into it. It dragged and though it started out strong I just slowly lost interest the more it dragged on. 2.5 ⭐ rounded up.

This was annoying and I dnf'd at about 50 pages. Pass.

A fun cozy fantasy with a hint of mystery and a delightful romance. 5 ⭐! RTC

Novels in verse aren't usually my thing but I appreciate what the author was writing here. I also gave an extra star for adding trigger warnings about suicide/depression/self harm.

Read in one sitting. RTC!!! 5 ⭐!!!

Okay, okay, okay. Hype well earned. I'm thrilled to have an arc of this seriously amazing book. RTC