Pam
Every Time You Go Away is an interesting read. Why? Because it is often labeled as a romance, and while there is a romance between the two main characters, I don't feel that is the focal point of their story. Rebecca and Ethan are broken, trying to figure out who they are as they reach adulthood. When I say they are broken, I don't mean they are actually broken. I mean that they feel they have been pigeonholed into their traditional roles.
Ethan and Rebecca grow and develop throughout the book as they learn to use their voice and advocate for themselves with their loved ones. The journey is challenging for both of them, but it is needed.
Every Time You Go Away is told through dual POV and multiple timelines. This could be a mess if done incorrectly. But Johnson does a fantastic job of keeping everything sorted and understandable.
Overall, Every Time You Go Away is a fantastic contemporary YA read that anyone can relate to as they read.
I want to thank Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The General and Julia. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
CW/TW: war, cancer, death, racism
The General and Julia grabbed my attention due to who one of the main characters is. Why? Because I am always open to learning more about the American Civil War. Between growing up in the Heart of the Confederacy and having several ancestors who fought in the war, it is something that has always grabbed me.
With my love of the history around the Civil War, my favorite parts of the book revolved around that time. While I did know some about some of the events, it is always great to learn more or see things from a slightly different angle.
The General and Julia is a relatively short book; it comes in under 300 pages but covers an extensive period of time. Chapter one is where readers meet Grant in the year 1843. Chapter 21 is where the readers say goodbye to Grant in 1885. No, that isn't a spoiler; that is just a fact. Every chapter in between takes readers through Grant's life over those 42 years.
Each chapter is told in two parts. The first part takes you to the time and place mentioned at the beginning of the chapter. The second part takes you to the remote cabin in the Adirondacks where the Grant family has gathered out of the public eye while the General writes his memoirs.
Most of the book is written as though readers were shadowing Grant himself through life. But there are a couple that give you a view into the minds of those on the other side of the story.
Not all books with real-life protagonists, especially well-known ones, are easy reads. But this book is an exception to that rule.
Who would I recommend read The General and Julia? Easy, those who enjoy reading books based on actual historical events!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
I will start by saying, I had no idea this book was set in December 2000. Is that a problem? Nope, not at all! There were quite a few nods to that year that brought me some happy memories. Why? Because in December 2000, I was in the process of planning my wedding. When I mentioned the time period to my husband, he smiled as he remembered the storm hitting Ontario that holiday season.
December 2000 was chosen for this book because it was one of the extremely rare occasions that Christmas, Hannukah, and Ramadan occurred simultaneously. Why is that important? Because those are the three holidays referenced in the title. Each holiday is discussed in the context of the story. Maryam and her family share their Ramadan traditions with Anna and others around them. Anna finds someone who she can share her memories of celebrating Hannukah and Christmas. These interactions help the reader connect with the characters and to understand the traditions they may be unfamiliar with.
Let me take a moment to discuss Snow Falls. I am sadly disappointed to know that it is not a real place. There are several small towns throughout Ontario that are similar to Snow Falls. But nothing could be the real place. There are several times the characters remark how much the town feels like a dream location. If someone knows of a town that has a kosher bakery, across from a Turkish coffee shop, and around the corner from a Hakka restaurant please let me know ASAP! Especially if the town puts out all the stops for the holiday season.
Three Holidays and a Wedding is a Hallmark holiday movie in a book. Is that a bad thing? Heck no! It means that this book is a quick, easy read. Perfect for curling up with a hot drink and a blanket. Trust me!
I want to thank St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
CW/TW: death, depression
The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch has been classified as a romance. Yes, the book has romantic elements (and some steamy scenes), but there's more than that. Imogen has spent most of her life chasing the elusive first place in anything-grades, contests, romance, life! She has pursued this goal to the point that she loses herself along the way. It takes a reunion with a childhood friend to help her see that.
The book also discusses mental health, especially depression and grief. Imogen's dad passed when she was young. Fanny is raising her niece after her sister's passing. Eliot has been running since he graduated from high school. Each person is dealing with something, some may be a bit healthier than others. But it is all discussed openly, and with honesty. There are no quick fixes for anyone.
I feel like The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch is perfect for fans of Where'd You Go Bernadette and anything by Jenny Colgan and Phaedra Patrick. There's a certain cozy feeling in this book that just hits just so. If you need a reminder to love yourself, then you should give The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch a read!
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
I want to thank Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Defector. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
CW/TW: war, death, murder, poisoning, animal cruelty
Initially, I wanted to read this book because I know what the author did before writing. In Canada, Chris Hadfield is a household name, and it has nothing to do with his ability to play hockey. Hadfield is a household name because he was a fighter pilot turned astronaut. When I requested the ARC of The Defector, I was drawn in by the synopsis and was unaware it was part of a series. So, earlier this year, I read The Apollo Murders and became even more excited to read this installment in the series.
Kaz is a US Navy pilot who can no longer fly due to an injury he sustained on a training mission. Instead, he finds himself on the technical side of things. His flight experience, the training he pursued post-injury, his security clearance, and his knack for being in the right place at the right time find Kaz in the middle of some highly classified activities.
Overall, The Defector is a fully immersive read that you could easily spend hours reading without noticing the time pass! When you initially look at the number of chapters in the book (over 70), you may feel overwhelmed. But don't be; many of those chapters are only a few pages long.
While The Defector is the second book in a series, I feel you should be able to read this and understand what is happening without reading the first book. Yes, there are references to the events of The Apollo Murders, but they are not ones the reader has to know about to understand this book. That said, a few character interactions may seem a bit strange without the knowledge of the prior book. But those interactions are not integral to this storyline.
As someone who has never flown a jet, I was ignorant of the technical jargon surrounding such machines. The good thing is that Hadfield takes the time to explain the essential details to the reader without telling you about it. Does that make sense? He uses the characters to figure things out to help readers understand. This is especially evident near the end of the book as Kaz finds himself flying an unfamiliar plane.
If you, or someone you know, enjoys reading books about military espionage, you should read The Defector by Chris Hadfield! You won't regret it.
I want to thank St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Traitor in Whitehall. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
4.5 stars round up to 5
A Traitor in Whitehall is a super fun read. It is one that you will find hard to put down. Trust me, I found myself annoyed when I had to stop reading because of life. I had to know what was going to happen next.
Evelyne Redfern is a young woman from a well-connected family. She grew up with the world, especially in England, knowing her family's story. But instead of hiding who she was, she owned it. There are times that Evelyne feels a bit immature or naïve, but she grows throughout the book and uses her experiences to help in the investigation.
David Poole is a handsome man that Evelyne is warned to stay away on her first day at the job. Within a few days, the two are working together to solve their separate investigations. There are plenty of will they won't they kiss moments, and I can't wait to read more in the series to see their relationship grow.
Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What about starting a new series? Or books featuring characters that enjoy reading? What about reading mysteries? If you've answered yes to any, and especially all, then you should give A Traitor in Whitehall a read!
I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Love of My Lives. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
3.25 stars rounded down to 3
Love of My Lives is a quick read with plenty of will they or won't they tension. When they finally do, the scene fades to black.
The descriptions of San Juan, and even more so the rainforest, make the reader want to book a trip ASAP. Everything is described as warm and welcoming, with the rainforest lush and green. There is also a discussion about Puerto Rico being ravaged by storms and earthquakes and struggling to rebuild due to a lack of government assistance. Along those lines, there is also a discussion about tourists, especially those from the “Mainland” (aka Americans), buying properties to rebuild and take from those who live on the island.
Overall, Love of My Lives is a decent read. Madi loves love and wants to find her perfect soul mate. And there is nothing wrong with that. But at times, she tends to be a bit immature about it. As the book progresses, she starts to mature about love.
If you're looking for a quick read, with closed door intimacy, than you should give Love of My Lives a read.
I want to thank Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Christmas Wager. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
The Christmas Wager is a quick fun read. In many ways, it gives Hallmark vibes. Small town that loves Christmas? That is Maple Falls. Big city hotshot shows up to buy a local business? That's basically what Bella is there to do. A sexy family member stops the sale? That's exactly what Jesse does. Nosy town folks? Sounds like several people in town. A happy ending? What do you think?
Honestly, I would love to visit Maple Falls for myself. There are so many wonderful sights to be able to see and experience. Though I could do without the prospect of an avalanche. But to be able to wander around a store like Always Noelle could be so much fun.
Yes, The Christmas Wager is a romance, and that means there's bound to be some intimate moments. Cassidy wrote some wonderful scenes that lead up to those moments, but they are all fade to black. Yes there is a scene or two in the bedroom, but all that happens is some cuddling and talking. The scene fades to black before anything too intimate happens.
Do you like watching Hallmark movies? Or reading about Christmas in a small town? What about a story that offers the main characters a chance for healing and growth? Then you should read The Christmas Wager.
