I love the way Tarah writes emotion. I can feel these characters hearts bleeding onto the page and fell in love with them immediately.
I was a young mI love the way Tarah writes emotion. I can feel these characters hearts bleeding onto the page and fell in love with them immediately.
I was a young mom/wife and related so much to the ups and downs of forming a relationship while also trying to figure out who you are and how to raise a child.
I was fully invested in watching Wren and Ellis fall back in love, their growth and communication was beautiful.
One thing I love about second chance are the small but significant things that pop up in the story that are only important and sentimental to them because of their history. This story was full of these moments and I loved every one.
I highlighted so much of this book because Tarah is a master at how she captures emotions and translates them on page.
This book is very spicy so I wouldn’t recommend to everyone but overall I loved the story and the characters so much and nothing felt forced or cringe worthy.
Every word of this book was perfect, when the title came into play I had goosebumps. I am a stickler for a good ending. The last chapter of a book can really affect how I feel overall. The last two sentences of this story perfectly wrapped it all up and made me cry. This a beautiful story about second chances, hope, and fighting for your love.
Favorite Quotes:
“[we] let life chip and file away at us until our edges were too dull to catch on each other and keep hold”
“Time does that, I suppose. When you spend so much of it looking forward to the next thing, it can easily slip out from under you.”
“I’ll beg you every day if I need to. I’m begging you to fight with me, do anything with me. Just be with me.”
“Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it”
“The secret to our independence is our dependence on God, pure and simple”“Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it”
“The secret to our independence is our dependence on God, pure and simple”
This book takes us on a deep dive through the book of Philippians. Randy uses scripture memorization and daily Bible reading to remind us that it is possible to have joy in all circumstances.
Paul wrote this book while imprisoned and spoiler alert his life did not have a happy ending from an earthly perspective. But we know from God’s word that he is with Him for eternity and that’s the best ending there can be.
I particularly loved how Randy pointed us back to the truth that God is sovereign over every aspect of our lives and that we can trust Him and have joy regardless of what is happening. The hope for those of us who belong to Jesus is a life free from suffering with Him forever but while here on earth we WILL face trials. The choice we have is how we will react to them.
I loved how Randy broke this book down into sections and principles that made it easier to digest the many different themes in Philippians. There are journaling prompts and also action prompts at the end of each chapter to put into practice what we learned.
I particularly loved how he started out each chapter pointing us to God’s word and its truth and then segued into a section that would include up to date neuroscience and psychology information that backed up scripture. The science was just bite sized enough that my brain could handle it (I am not a STEM person!)
He also included antidotes that pointed to books, movies, and other stories (fictional and nonfictional) that really drove the point home and made the book feel more engaging than your typical nonfiction read.
This book was so beneficial for me as someone who struggles sometimes to see the good. I tend to focus on the negative and I know that isn’t good for me and doesn’t glorify God. This is a book that I will definitely read again and take more time to journal and participate in the “do” prompts my second time around.
Thank you Nelson Books for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #thejoychallenge #netgalley ...more
3.5 stars I enjoy the way the author describes nature, it feel very immersive. She truly makes me want to go on a hike in the Idaho wilderness. I did a3.5 stars I enjoy the way the author describes nature, it feel very immersive. She truly makes me want to go on a hike in the Idaho wilderness. I did appreciate Emlyn’s character growth and the confidence she found by the end. The mystery did keep me interested and made me want to keep reading. I think this book is a good option for someone who likes the page turning nature of thrillers but can’t handle the anxiety inducing nature of them. (It’s me!)
However, it’s hard to describe without spoiling but the ending left me feeling a bit dissatisfied. I also was a bit underwhelmed by the “Christian themes” they were much more prominent in her previous book and that was what made me love it so much. I wanted a bit more redemption, grace, and hope....more
Pub Date: 4/23/24 Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC.
I had to take a few days and gather my thoughts after reading this bookPub Date: 4/23/24 Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC.
I had to take a few days and gather my thoughts after reading this book. This was my 2nd Emily Henry book and I really loved it. From the very first chapter I was completely enthralled in her characters and storytelling. Being told solely from the FMC Daphne’s perspective made me feel like I was her and her struggles were so relatable to me.
The insecurities she felt, and the difficulty she had feeling like she “fit in”, her buttoned up persona that desired to be more spontaneous but found it hard to make that leap, her relationship troubles with her family and her “almost” in laws, and of course her love of libraries and books.
The ache she felt for a place to belong and to feel wanted and chosen was so beautifully written and made it even more special to watch her “found family” come together.
Ok mushy deep feelings aside… this book was so funny. The snarky internal monologue she had about the terrible situation she found herself in by no fault of her own was so perfect.
And then there’s Miles… oh my goodness. This guy is her polar opposite and exactly what she didn’t know she needed. He SEES her in a way that no man ever has and the chemistry between them is so undeniable that it never felt like a rebound and you couldn’t help but cheer them on! He’s the eternal optimist to her pessimistic self and the guy that can make a friend anytime anywhere without even trying while she is the girl that watches with awe from the sidelines. I absolutely love couples like this who are opposite but bring out the best in each other.
The setting was perfect for a spring or summer read with the adorable small town full of sweet side characters. Scenes at the beach, library, wine bar, and farm stand. Delicious food and wine…It made the story so cozy.
This book was one that I did not want to put down. I laughed. I cried. I was smiling at the very last line which wrapped the whole book up so perfectly and brought everything full circle.
I highlighted so much of this book… here are a few favorites:
“For someone with the innate social charm of a mounted fish (me), watching Miles befriend this stranger felt like seeing Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel: impressive, but also dizzying. Like any second, he might fall off his ladder and splatter on the marble below.”
“I remember loving a story. Feeling like I was living it. Being, even as a child, bowled over by how something imaginary could become real, could wring every emotion from me or make me homesick for places I’d never been.”
“Things were allowed to be complicated. They were allowed to be messy. We were allowed to disagree and argue and even hurt each other, on occasion, and it didn’t mean it was time to let the revolving door of life carry us away from each other. Sometimes things are hard. They just are.”
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
CW: F words, multiple open door scenes, recreational drug use...more
After loving The Bodyguard and Happiness For Beginners I had high hopes for this book. Both of those books had depth that felt ther✨A R C R E V I E W✨
After loving The Bodyguard and Happiness For Beginners I had high hopes for this book. Both of those books had depth that felt therapeutic alongside a romance filled with undeniable chemistry. This book was really missing both of those things for me.
Although this book didn’t do it for me I know lots of people who have loved it so I encourage you to still give it a try and see how you feel. Here are my thoughts…
THE GOOD:
-My favorite character was Emma’s dad. I highlighted quite a few things that he said and he gave me the heartfelt KC moments that I crave. He taught us how to find joy in the midst of suffering.
-Emma’s sister and boyfriend were also another high point for me. I loved how they were loyal and selfless. Their relationship though short on the page was a highlight for me.
-Charlie had some very swoon worthy moments, when he got out of his own head he was a sweetheart.
-The kisses were written very well. By far the best part of the book. It was the only time I really felt tension and longing between them though.
THE BAD:
-The writing style felt disjointed, there were pages and pages of dialogue. A lot of it was question and answer format. Lots of dialogue was italicized or there were explanation points at the end. It felt like that shouldn’t be necessary to get the point across…
-Then there would be a random change of pace where Emma would essentially “break the 3rd wall” and start talking to me as the reader to explain something. It just made for a very odd reading experience.
-The humor felt forced. I always saw the scenes coming that were supposed to be funny and unfortunately they fell flat for me.
-Emma was all over the place as a character. She was mature one second and then incredibly immature the next. The way she keeps throwing herself at Charlie made me cringe with second hand embarrassment. I really wanted to see her develop a little more self confidence.
-There was also a situation with her sister that she handled very poorly and though there was fault on both sides the sister had to grovel for forgiveness. It felt petty on her end and made me like her less.
-I’m all for flawed characters and love a grumpy MMC but Charlie’s lack of ability to communicate and his tendency to be kind of jerk when he was trying to protect his heart came off a little too strong. It built walls between him and Emma that felt unrealistically easy to tear down in the course of a 6 week budding relationship.
-Because we didn’t get his POV we had to guess as to his true motives for acting a certain way or saying something rude and I didn’t like that very much.
-I really struggle with books where one or both of the main characters are fighting their feelings the entire book. I just want to shake them and tell them to make a decision! The back and forth gave me whiplash and by the end I didn’t even care if they were together or not.
-There was a massive miscommunication plot point thrown in at the end that was then swiftly resolved in a far too simple way and again I felt annoyed by that…
Such a late review but not because I didn’t love it!! This whole series has my heart. Four women who love horses and live on the outskirts of society Such a late review but not because I didn’t love it!! This whole series has my heart. Four women who love horses and live on the outskirts of society find love matches and learn to follow their dreams.
This was the final book in the Belles of London series. Mimi Matthews paints a beautiful picture of life in the city and the country in the Victorian era. Her descriptions really bring the story to life.
Teddy and Stella don’t blend in, but life being what it was at that time they did their best to find ways to fade into the background. They bond over their mutual desire to live a life as more than a wallflower. I loved watching them give each other confidence and strength to embrace who they are.
Finding beauty in each other’s perceived flaws. The slow burn romance was perfection. Mimi writes romantic tension so well, I love the subtle glances and longing that you feel between her characters.
Favorite Quotes:
“His injury wasn’t the whole of him. It wasn’t even the most interesting part. It irked him to no end that, for some people, it was the only thing worth noticing.”
“It didn’t just sadden her. It made her doubt her worth. That was the power of words. Especially harsh words from someone you’d once loved.”
“You deserve more than a life in the background.”
“She’d been made so small for so long, the words hadn’t existed to articulate the wild yearnings within her. But no longer.”
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC!
This is book 4 in a series (can standalone) Romance: closed door...more
4.5 stars…the more I thought about this book the more I loved it.
That was a wild ride. I had a couple of hang ups with some plot choices that made me4.5 stars…the more I thought about this book the more I loved it.
That was a wild ride. I had a couple of hang ups with some plot choices that made me hold back on my rating a little bit but the story had me wanting to find out what happens next and I will most certainly be reading the next book. Overall it was very entertaining! I loved the enemies to lovers situation and all of the dramatic moments definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. I also cried so that’s always a win for me.
Side Note: I personally do not think this book should be marketed as teen/YA. Please check content warnings.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
There was just a bit too much miscommunication and denial of feelings in this story for my personal taste. It took Gerard and Etta such a lo3.5 stars.
There was just a bit too much miscommunication and denial of feelings in this story for my personal taste. It took Gerard and Etta such a long time to realize that they loved each other! There were also too many side conflicts going on. A lot of the storyline was characters fighting. I did love the way the story ended but it was too little too late.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I loved the characters and animals in this story (Sage’s passion for adopting unwanted animals was so sweet!)
I enjoyed the PNW beach setting (I was rI loved the characters and animals in this story (Sage’s passion for adopting unwanted animals was so sweet!)
I enjoyed the PNW beach setting (I was raised in a small town on the Oregon coast) there was even a reference to Bend which is close to where I live now.
The puns and quirky side characters made me smile. I love how Sage found joy in the mundane and learned to appreciate the people who took care of her when she needed them.
Fisher being a chef and wanting to cook for Sage was so steamy (pardon the pun - IYKYK). He was on his own journey of self discovery, I loved his character development.
After suffering loss Fisher meets a kindred spirit in Sage and she helps him find his way. They seem to find themselves drawn to each other and quickly discover that they bring out the best in each other.
This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it overall though there was a bit more spice than I generally prefer to see on page.
CW: several open door sex scenes and a significant amount cussing.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
After reading Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker last year and loving them both I was so excited to receive this ARC.
Graham and AAfter reading Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker last year and loving them both I was so excited to receive this ARC.
Graham and Anna have always seen each other as enemies but a little forced proximity causes them so see each other from a new perspective. This is a perfect summer read with the cozy small town seaside setting!
Graham is an underdog working hard to provide a better life for his family. He bears a heavy burden for his age but Anna brings out the best in him and becomes an ally over time. They are both stubborn and have a lot of pride but they learn to let their guard down for each other.
I appreciated their healthy communication. Once they let their walls down they are open and honest with each other and respect each other as equals. This book made me smile and feel so happy. Such a lovely swoony regency romance.
Things I loved: -sassy banter -playfulness/teasing -exploring the cozy beach town -library visit -the most abordable game of “words” -playing on the beach -the most tension filled waltz -us against the world -“can I keep you forever?”...more
4.5 stars This book made me laugh and cry. There were deeper themes of grief and depression but handled in a way that didn’t feel too heavy. It was a h4.5 stars This book made me laugh and cry. There were deeper themes of grief and depression but handled in a way that didn’t feel too heavy. It was a heartfelt romance and also about finding yourself after realizing that you are lost. Very relatable and tender. The scenery was beautiful and perfect for a quick summer read. Closed door romance.
#netgalley #summerromance ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Penguin Group/Putnam Books for the eARC....more
A tender romance, wonderful side characters, second chance is one of my favorite tropes and this one was so perfect. There’s something so cozy about hA tender romance, wonderful side characters, second chance is one of my favorite tropes and this one was so perfect. There’s something so cozy about her books it feels like watching a well loved episode of friends. 1 open door scene (low explicit)
I loved how Nora was confident in herself and her love for bright colors and little quirks made the story so much fun to read.
Derek was a goner for her from the get go and I loved how we got to see his POV. The sweet gestures he did for her had me melting in a puddle the whole time.
Overall I loved this book so much. Second chance romance is one of my favorites. The memories and history that they shared prior to this book added so much depth to the story and made it that much sweeter watching them find their way back to each other.
If you loved The Cheat Sheet you will love this book too. Bree, Nathan and The Sharks all make appearances in the best way!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this eARC. All thoughts are my own....more