Pam
3.5 rounded up to 4
Originally, I was leaning towards a 3 star rating. Why? Because there is so much discussion of hatred towards Jewish people. So why did I bump it up? Because of the authors comments at the end of the book, explain that the Protocols are real, and still being used to push hate even though they've been prove false.
I want to thank Grove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Shining Brightly. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
If you are looking for a feel-good holiday story, this book is not for you. If you are looking for a book set during the holidays that offers an honest look at life, especially the uglier side of it, then this book may interest you.
Ronja is a child, and the holiday season fills her with wonder, joy, and hope. Isn't that what the holiday season is about? Melissa is a teen who has seen enough and knows enough not to let the shine and sparkle of the season get to her. Their father has an addiction, one who can't see what he's doing to his daughters. There is no mother about it, so it falls on Melissa to be Ronja's parents.
The story is told through Ronja's eyes; as such, there is a certain childlike curiosity about things and a certain childlike resilience. Sometimes, her thoughts jump to conclusions that only a child can make, but she is determined to do what needs to be done.
While this book is set during the holidays, it doesn't have to be read during the holidays. As much as the story revolves around selling Christmas trees, it also revolves around struggling to survive when those around you cannot help you as they should.
A Legend in the Baking is the second book in the Fake It Til You Bake It series, but you don't need to read the first book to understand it. You can find my review for Fake It Till You Bake it here. Characters from the first book appear in this book, but there aren't any spoilers from this book for the first book.
A Legend in the Baking focuses on August, one of Sugar Blitz's owners, and his teammates Donovan and Nicolas. Sloane is a social media wizard and Dononvan's little sister. August and Sloane have known each other for several years. Because of their history, there are several will they or won't they moments throughout the book. There is minimal spice until you get around 75% of the way into the book. There is a whole chapter dedicated to nothing but spice.
Besides their history, Sloane and August have something else in common: both have issues with their dad and feel they deserve the love of others. Sloane wants to make it in life on her terms without relying on a man, including her brother. August felt as though he never mattered to his father.
While a third book has not been announced for this series, I hope Nicolas gets his own story. Doesn't everyone deserve love? In the meantime, I will be on the hunt for my own perfect cupcake shop! But you should read A Legend in the Baking.
I want to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A New Lease on Death. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
CW/TW: discussion of suicide, domestic abuse
A New Lease on Death is the first book I've read by Olivia Blacke, but it won't be the last. Blacke's writing style does take a bit of getting used to. Or maybe it was the fact that I wasn't able to give myself over to the story as much as I had hoped. How dare life get in the way of reading!
This book is set in Boston, and many details to help sell the setting. Many of these are through the conversations between the characters. You can pick up on the inflections when they talk about Jakey, Markie, and Scotty. There are also a few references to being a “Southie,” which is how someone from the neighborhood known as South Boston is often referred to. And, of course, there's mention of Dunkin' being everywhere and the best place for coffee and donuts.
The story is told from Ruby and Cordelia's point of view. It is easy to know who you are seeing things from, as each chapter is labeled with their name. This is especially useful when Ruby starts working at the company Cordelia worked for before her death.
Who should read A New Lease on Death? Everyone! But especially if you enjoy reading books with unexpected characters. How many cozy mysteries have you read with a ghost as one of the people working to solve the mystery? As such, the story has a darker vibe, but it's still a cozy mystery people should 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 Countdown. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
The Christmas Countdown is a fun read set in a small town in western New York. Part of me was a bit annoyed when I started reading the book. Why? Because Fallbrook, the town the book is set in, is described as being in upstate New York. That automatically makes me think it's near the Canadian border. But the vibes it gave were that it was closer to New York City. The more I read, the more I realized it's closer to Buffalo than New York City. As someone from New York, I know that part of the state is considered Western New York. I know it's a bit nitpicky, but it's a battle I've had many times with people from New York and not New York. The part of New York I'm from is called Northern New York or Upstate New York. But that's a discussion for another day.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Callie is someone I could relate to. She's heartbroken, but she's always been cautious with what she says and does. She's just trying to protect her heart. Anita is someone who I wish I could be. She's daring and willing to seek adventure. But above all, she loves her sister and wants to see her happy and smiling again. Marco is someone trying to survive the holiday season. He's a baker and super busy with orders. He's concerned about his business and protecting his heart.
Fallbrook's setting is perfect for the holiday season. The town is mad for Christmas, and there seem to be daily activities leading up to December 25.
Overall, The Christmas Countdown reads much like a Hallmark holiday movie. And I am okay with that. Those movies are comfy and cozy. And who doesn't need more comfy and cozy in their lives?
I want to thank Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Treasure Hunter's Club. All opinions presented here are my own.
The Treasure Hunter's Club grabbed my attention because of the stories it's being compared to. What stories? Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone and The Goonies. One is a favorite book from last year, and the other is an all-time favorite movie. Do those comparisons hold water? I have to say, kind of. I won't go into more detail because I don't want to ruin the story for you.
This story is rich with a large cast of characters and is narrated through multiple timelines. The original story told in captivating flashbacks, begins in the 1920s. The central part of the story unfolds in the current timeline, 2023-2024. With multiple generations involved, the story is brought to life through various voices, keeping you engaged.
The Treasure Hunter's Club is a real page-turner. You'll find it nearly impossible to put it down, as you're constantly on the edge of your seat, eager to discover if anyone will uncover the long-lost treasure.
What age group is this book intended for? It's a great question. Dandy, the driving force of the book, is a teen. Peter is 40, and Cass is in her late 20s. Several of the other characters are in their 80s. This diverse age range ensures that anyone who enjoys mysteries and treasure hunting will find something to love in this book.
I want to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. All opinions presented here are my own.
Reading The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is like drinking tea while wrapped up in your favorite blanket. Or you are spending time with your beloved grandparent. It's also a reminder that you can't control everything and don't always know what someone else is doing.
Augusta is approaching a milestone birthday when we first meet her. She's forced to face reality and has to finally retire. Then, she's a teenager grieving over the loss of her mother. Her journey is one that many of us can relate to, making her story all the more compelling.
Each chapter begins with a clear timeline, guiding us through Augusta's life. In the 1980s, she was a woman dedicated to her family and a career in helping others, yet she struggled to accept love from anyone outside her family, particularly men. In the 1920s, she was a girl navigating grief and adolescence. These timelines vividly illustrate how Augusta's experiences shaped her character.
A few chapters focus on Irving in the 1920s and 1980s. This gives us the chance to see his side of the story and understand his actions and regrets.
Ultimately, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern delves deep into the human experience, touching the reader's heart and soul. It's a story that resonates and lingers long after the final page is turned. For this profound experience, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. I eagerly await more literary gems from Lynda Cohen Loigman.
I want to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Can't Help Falling in Love. All opinions presented here are my own.
Can't Help Falling in Love is the first book I've read by Sophie Sullivan, but I doubt it will be the last. The writing is easy to follow, and the descriptions of the settings are wonderfully descriptive but not so over the top that they're unbelievable. The cast of characters is a varied group.
A romance is not a book one often expects to find character growth. Okay, maybe there is some character growth in romances. But in Can't Help Falling in Love, there is quite a bit of growth and maturing from several characters. Lexi is stuck in her feelings of failure because her life wasn't where she wanted it to be after hitting several bumps. Gwen is grieving and isolating herself from the world. Even Will is afraid to stand up to his family and tell them how he feels. As the book progresses, those three start having their moments of growth and clarity.
Can't Help Falling in Love is a breath of fresh air in the world of romance novels. It's a compelling read, proving a romance can be steam-free and still captivate readers. While the book does feature some passionate kissing, it's the emotional connections and personal development that take center stage. The scene where Will and Lexi share a bathtub perfectly shows how the book adds a touch of romance without crossing any boundaries.
Can't Help Falling in Love is a book that will make you want to cheer for the characters. Who doesn't want to see a twentysomething struggling with self-confidence and constantly feeling like they don't have their life in order? Who doesn't want to see that person gain that self-confidence? I know I've felt like the world is out to get me, and everyone else is doing better. Trust me, you'll root for the characters and their relationship.
I want to thank Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Death at the Sanatorium. All opinions presented here are my own.
CW/TW: murder, mutilation, death, illness, alcohol abuse, domestic violence
Death at the Sanatorium is as immersive a read as one can expect from a mystery. You're thrown into the middle of a mystery from the first page. No, it's not the one at the book's center, but it's still a stressful mystery. You could say Jónasson slams his foot on the gas and barely lets up. When he does, it's enough to let you catch your breath before he slams it down again.
Death at the Sanatorium skillfully weaves three timelines and multiple POVs. Each chapter is titled with the year and the character we are with, making it easy to follow. The timelines, set roughly 30 years apart: 1953, 1983, and 2012, are seamlessly integrated, ensuring you're never overwhelmed.
From my research on Death at the Sanatorium, it appears to be the end of a series and possibly the beginning of another. But don't worry if you aren't familiar with the series because Jónasson ensures you won't feel like you're missing anything. The book is a standalone masterpiece, welcoming both new and returning readers.
Death at the Sanatorium is the second of Jónasson's books that I've had the pleasure of reading, and it certainly won't be the last. His writing style, often compared to Agatha Christie and other Golden Age mystery writers, is a delight for any mystery lover. If you enjoy Christie's work, you'll also appreciate Jónasson's.
I want to thank Amazon Crossing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Time to Rise. All opinions presented here are my own.
The synopsis for Time to Rise neglects to mention that this story is set around the Christmas season. While that isn't a killer for me, it was a surprise. Thankfully, the way the story is told, the season is a minor character. Yes, it's set in a bakery at Christmas time, so there's plenty of discussion of seasonal treats. There's also a discussion of the decorations. But Christmas isn't a main character. Does that make sense?
Most of the story is set in a current timeline, but a few chapters hop back to 1945. Initially, those chapters feel out of place and need to be clarified. But the more you read, the more you understand that addition to the story. The time jumps happen every 3-5 chapters and are always labeled so the reader knows what happens.
There are a few toxic relationships in the book. One is between Henrik and his father, Haase. He always seems to be trying to one-up his children. Why would a parent do that? The other relationship issue involves the executive producer of the show.
Who would I recommend read Time to Rise? Do you enjoy opposites-attract romances? Or ones that are enemies to lovers? What about a book whose primary setting is a reality TV show? Or a book featuring a bakery? If you say yes to one of these, you should give Time to Rise the time of day.
3.5 rounded up to 4
I questioned whether this book was a romance or a mystery when I started reading it. It was close to 30% of the way in before the mystery showed up. Like seriously? Several of the early chapters could have been cut out with no problems.
As I listened to the audiobook, I also had an issue with the narrator and where her emphasis was on some words.
Doubt I'll continue with the series.