Navigating Love: A Candid Review of 'The Revenge Game' by Jordyn Taylor

The Revenge Game by Jordyn Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Year read: 2023

"The Revenge Game" by Jordyn Taylor is a mixed bag that delivers thought-provoking elements and frustrating dynamics. On the positive side, the book bravely tackles feminist themes, engaging in honest conversations about relationships, sex, and bodies while skillfully dismantling toxic masculinity. However, the characters Riggs and Alyson, flawed in their own ways, make it challenging to connect with or sympathize with them even as the narrative unfolds.

One significant drawback for me was the narrative structure. The foreshadowing of a future event from the beginning and intermittent updates weren’t engaging for me. Instead of building anticipation, it created a sense of detachment, making it difficult to immerse myself in the present story without constantly pondering the impending incident.

The predictability of the climax was disappointing, and despite my wishful thinking, the story unfolded as suspected. The "rescue" scene, while believable in terms of the rescuer and their actions, felt implausible in execution.

As a fan of YA fiction, this novel has left me hesitant about exploring more stories set in high school. While the book had its moments, character dynamics and narrative structure flaws impacted my overall enjoyment. "The Revenge Game" offers a unique blend of feminist exploration but falls short of delivering a genuinely satisfying and immersive reading experience.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are 100% my own.

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Unveiling the Supernatural Layers: The Skinny on the Jinni

The Skinny on the Jinni by Gloria Lesher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Year read: 2021

I received a free copy of the ebook from BookSirens in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

Blythe Golightly is a retired professor researching the paranormal. It used to be purely academic research until a tragic accident left her with an ability to connect with the paranormal personally. Now, while one of her best friends is dying, Blythe finds herself in the middle of a non-custodial parent kidnapping, international intrigue, and aiding a young woman possessed with a jinni. 

There was a lot going on in this cozy. I loved the older, more self-assured Blythe as the main protagonist in a book that was about 50/50 on characters you will love and characters you will not. Overall, though, I felt like it suffered a lot of first-in-a-series issues, such as trying to hurry through world-building, not fully developing characters, and some timeline errors. For example, a character is said to leave the room to talk to the police but then is still in the room talking to Blythe, then returns from talking to the police! That was definitely missed in editing. I stopped and reread it several times, trying to figure out what was going on in the scene.

The storytelling and writing were clumsy at times as well. A romantic relationship materializes mostly out of thin air toward the end of the book, and some of the descriptions were odd, such as repeatedly referring to a character’s ethnicity long past when the reader should have internalized who that character was and odd turns of phrase such as “beaming at me with indifference”.

That being said, I’ve seen many a cozy series grow and develop over the course of several books. The characters, especially Blythe, Soledad, and Najia, are all likable enough and intriguing enough that I want to know what happens next for them, so I will read the second book, In a Black Monk Funk. I like to give series at least two books before abandoning or committing to them. At this time, there are only two books published in the series.

If you love an older protagonist and a new paranormal entity - a JINNI - then I think you will enjoy this cozy. I have hopes for the series since I think there is a lot of potential for future stories.

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An Enchanting but Mixed Brew: Review of 'Witch is When The Penny Dropped' by Adele Abbott

Witch is When The Penny Dropped by Adele Abbott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Year read: 2023

"Witch is When The Penny Dropped" by Adele Abbott is the 6th installment in the series. While it has its merits, I'm still determining if I'll continue with the rest of the books. On the positive side, the series offers quick, easy reads, and a few characters manage to entertain. It's a great way to while away an afternoon.

One of the drawbacks is that there are a staggering number of books in the series (47 at the time of this review), making it feel like a significant commitment. Additionally, the main character, Jill, comes across as a major pushover, allowing various family members to take advantage of her, which can be frustrating.

The "The Dark One" plotline feels a bit contrived. It's somewhat puzzling that a character so dangerous doesn't draw more attention or effort from the witch community, especially given Jill's supposedly powerful grandmother. It leaves me questioning the consistency of the world-building.

On the positive side, I appreciate that not all the mysteries in the series revolve around murders, as this book includes a subplot about a struggling business. It adds variety to the storyline.

In summary, "Witch is When The Penny Dropped" has its merits with its easygoing style and occasional entertainment. Still, the long series and some frustrating character dynamics give me pause about continuing. If you're looking for a light and undemanding way to spend an afternoon, this series might be worth exploring but don't expect groundbreaking storytelling or character development.




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Unveiling the Potential: A Review of 'Fire & Ice' by Michele Barrow-Belisle

Fire & Ice by Michele Barrow-Belisle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Year read: 2015 

Full disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All the opinions I express here are entirely my own.

There's no denying that this book brims with potential. However, this inaugural installment falls short of fully realizing that potential. The primary issue lies in the need for more rigorous editing. There were moments where the dialogue felt hurried and underdeveloped, so much so that I wondered if I had somehow missed pages in my ebook. Numerous plotlines were introduced and then seemingly abandoned, leaving me longing for closure.

Lorelei, our protagonist, struck me as a character who sometimes bore an uncanny resemblance to Bella Swan from the Twilight series. She appeared to lack substantial growth or development, consistently rushing headlong into situations that landed her in the damsel-in-distress role. When we meet her at the book's outset, she presents as a strong, silent loner with hidden talents. The rapidity with which Lorelei succumbs to swooning over Adrius feels somewhat incongruent with the girl we first encounter.

Admittedly, there were moments of frustration in this book. However, Michele Barrow-Belisle has crafted a captivating world filled with intricate details and vivid descriptions. Despite the book’s challenges, I was irresistibly drawn into the enchanting realm of faerie, brimming with magical creatures and boundless possibilities.

Now, in complete honesty, I won't be reading the sequel, "Bittersweet." While this book certainly intrigued me with its world-building, the character development and plot execution left something to be desired. With this series's potential, I earnestly hope it receives the attention of a skilled editor and undergoes revision. Such a revision could elevate it to greatness, but I'll be exploring other literary realms for now.

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American Royals (American Royals, #1) by Katharine McGee

American Royals by Katharine McGee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

American Royals by Katharine McGee had an interesting premise with the idea of an American monarchy, but it left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied. While I was excited about exploring an alternate universe perspective on American royalty, I found the characters to be hard to connect with or genuinely care about.

Throughout the book, the author invests a lot of time building various relationships, only to crush nearly all of them by the end. This left me feeling somewhat frustrated and wondering about the point of it all. The only character who consistently acted in a manner consistent with their personality was the villainous Daphne Deighton, which made her oddly intriguing in a story filled with characters who seemed to lack depth.

As I considered whether to continue with the series, I took a quick look at the reviews for the second book, and they didn't inspire confidence. It seems that my concerns about the characters and their development may persist in subsequent installments.

While American Royals had a promising concept, the execution didn't fully deliver for me. If you're looking for a more immersive exploration of an alternate American monarchy, you might be left wanting.

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Playing the Witch Card by K.J. Dell'Antonia

Playing the Witch Card by K.J. Dell'Antonia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Playing the Witch Card" by K.J. Dell'Antonia had the potential to be a captivating tale, blending elements of romance, magic, and family drama. However, it fell short of expectations due to several key issues.

The book's first chapter left me feeling disoriented and disconnected from the story. It was filled with emo foreshadowing and references to unexplained elements, making it a challenging start for readers. Additionally, the protagonist's conflicting desires regarding her hometown felt implausible. Wanting to return but rejecting the day-to-day aspects of her hometown life seemed inconsistent and made it difficult to relate to her character.

One of the most frustrating aspects of the book was the main character's stubborn refusal to acknowledge the importance of magic despite clear evidence that it played a significant role in her life. Her flimsy reasons for rejecting it added to the frustration. Furthermore, her decision to move back to her hometown under the ultimatum of "learn magic or leave forever" felt contrived and questionable.

The character of Flair is unlikable and comes across as a know-it-all who is willing to disregard the well-being of others to achieve her goals. Rooting for her or becoming emotionally invested in her journey was challenging. Ultimately, unlikable characters, a rushed plot, and unlikely and bizarre character choices hindered the story's potential.

While the publisher's description promised a blend of "Gilmore Girls" and "Practical Magic," the execution fell short of delivering on this enticing premise. Overall, "Playing the Witch Card" had potential but failed to live up to it due to these issues.

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Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper

Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

**Three-Star Review: Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper**

"Witches Get Stuff Done" by Molly Harper presents a mix of magical intrigue and charming characters in a debut installment that promises potential for future growth. While the story's premise and characters are engaging, notable issues hinder a complete immersion into the magical world the author is building.

One of the book's main setbacks lies in its continuity and spatial positioning. The occurrence of characters hugging across counters or moving unconscious individuals with implausible ease disrupts the reader's ability to suspend disbelief. The concept of time becomes somewhat muddled, as when a "few days" are only two days. Such discrepancies are distracting and prevent the seamless flow that a fantasy story demands.

The novel's pacing leans toward the brisk side, resulting in whirlwind relationships and difficulty keeping track of time progression. Relationships that develop rapidly might leave readers struggling to invest fully in the emotional arcs. However, despite these pacing issues, the characters shine as the book's redeeming quality. Their likability and distinct personalities contribute to the overall appeal of the story.

As a first installment in a series, some leniency in judgment can be granted, acknowledging the space for growth and development. The publisher's description of the book alludes to a promising foundation, witchy powers, a ghost-filled mansion, and a captivating coven dynamic. This initial offering lays the groundwork for future exploration of the magical world, allowing room for the series to mature and evolve.

One notable misstep in the book is the awkward placement of a single explicit scene. It feels out of sync with the overall tone and pacing, detracting from the story's cohesion. The impression is that the book tries to cater to a broad audience but attempts too many angles, resulting in a slightly disjointed reading experience.

In conclusion, "Witches Get Stuff Done" introduces readers to a world of magic, ghosts, and potential sisterhood, with engaging characters that mitigate some of the narrative's shortcomings. While continuity, pacing, and thematic focus detract from a fully immersive experience, the groundwork laid for future books in the series offers hope for improvement. Those willing to overlook the initial hiccups might find themselves eager to see how the world of Starfall Point evolves in subsequent installments.

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Cookie Dough or Die by Virginia Lowell

Cookie Dough or Die (Cookie Cutter Shop Mystery #1) by Virginia Lowell

Publisher: Berkley Books

Publication date: April 5th 2011

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I will receive a small amount of the sale, at no cost to you. It helps me make a little money to support my book reviewing hobby. Thank you! 

Publisher's description:

My review:

This book is the October pick from the Cozy Escape Book Club. This choice was a bit different for me since I prefer cozy mysteries with either a paranormal element or with cats... bonus points if it has both. This book does have a cute, little dog though!

It was a fun read, though it took some time to really get into it. Sometimes the dialogue between the two main characters was a struggle to figure who was saying what line. This did become a bit easier as you got to know the two characters better. As with many first-in-a-series, the world-building was a bit clunky at times and trying to do too much all at once. In particular, I felt like the main character Olivia could have been better developed. There were hints at her personality, but I never felt like there was a full picture of her created. Her business partner and best friend, Maddie, and her quirky mother, Ellie, were well-developed and delightful characters.

While the way the crime was solved was clever, I'm not sure how an entire series can be built on cookie cutters. Some of the choices the characters made in pursuit of answers seemed even more sketchy than usual for cozy mystery heroines. As is my usual practice, I will read the second book in the series at some point to see how it continues to build. I always like to read at least the first two books before I make a final decision on continuing a series. However, I didn't like it well enough to pick up the second book immediately. I'm pretty hit or miss on culinary cozies so I can't say if my "meh" status on this book is the genre or this particular book. I'll let you know later once I get back around to the second book.

Between Wild and Ruin by Jennifer G. Edelson

Between Wild and Ruin by Jennifer G. Edelson

Publisher: Bad Apple Books

Publication date: December 2020

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I will receive a small amount of the sale, at no cost to you. It helps me make a little money to support my book reviewing hobby. Thank you! 

Publisher's description:

Truth, like love, isn’t always obvious.

Seventeen-year-old Ruby Brooks has never had a boyfriend. After moving to small-town La Luna, New Mexico following her mother’s untimely death, boys aren’t even on her radar. Ruby just wants to forget the last horrible year and blend in. But when she discovers an ancient pueblo ruin in the forest behind her house and meets Ezra, a bitter recluse whose once-perfect face was destroyed in an accident he won’t talk about; Angel, La Luna’s handsome sheriff’s deputy, and Leo, a stranger who only appears near the ruin, Ruby finds herself teetering between love, mystery, and other worlds. What happened to Ezra’s face? And why is she so attracted to the one boy in town everyone despises? As Ruby unravels her own connections to both Ezra and the pueblo ruin, she’ll learn surfaces are deceiving. Especially in the heart of New Mexico, where spirits and legends aren’t always just campfire stories.

About the author:

From the author’s website: In a Godzilla-sized nutshell, I grew up in Los Angeles, dropped out of high school, rebelled the hell out of my teens, and spent a couple of rocky years dabbling in everything from car stereo sales, to animal rescue, to scalping concert tickets, to waiting tables. After quickly learning that limitations suck, I went on to complete a B.A. in Fine Arts-Sculpture with a minor in Criminology at the University of Minnesota and later, a J.D. in law school.

My review:

I received a digital copy of this book from BookSirens. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

I have read other fantasy fiction set in the American Southwest (check out the Shards of History series by Rebecca Roland). For that reason, I wanted to love this book. With all the awards (see below) it has won, I had high hopes. I did enjoy looking up the landmarks mentioned throughout so I could get a sense of what the landscape looked like. Unfortunately, I did not love the book. The world-building was lacking and rushed. Relationships were shallow… and rushed. The main character was a series of opposite personality traits that didn’t really mesh. I don’t regret reading the book. I did consider reading the second in the series (though other reviews I read for it changed my mind on that front).  

While I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it either. It is an interesting setup. I just wish it had been fleshed out more and less rushed when the “big reveal” came. Fantasy always asks us to suspend our disbelief but this took that suspension request a little too far. There are likable and loyal supporting characters and the history of the area is interesting. I would recommend it for anyone who loves the Southwest and magical realism (and doesn’t mind love triangles - another miss for me).  

Fun stuff:

** First Place Winner — Young Adult Fiction: 2020 Arizona/New Mexico Book Awards

** First Place Winner - Young Adult Fiction: 2020 National Federation Press Women

** Gold Medal Winner (First Place) - Young Adult Mythology/Folklore; 2020 Reader's Choice International  

** First Place Winner - Young Adult Fiction: 2020 New Mexico Women's Press 

Review: Dream Eater by K. Bird Lincoln

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Dream Eater by K. Bird Lincoln

Publisher: World Weaver Press

Publication date: April 4, 2017

My rating: 3 stars out of 5

Publisher's description

Koi Pierce dreams other peoples' dreams.

Her whole life she's avoided other people. Any skin-to-skin contact--a hug from her sister, the hand of a barista at Stumptown coffee--transfers flashes of that person's most intense dreams. It's enough to make anyone a hermit.

But Koi's getting her act together. No matter what, this time she's going to finish her degree at Portland Community College and get a real life. Of course it's not going to be that easy. Her father, increasingly disturbed from Altzheimer's disease, a dream fragment of a dead girl from the casual brush of a creepy PCC professor's hand, and a mysterious stranger who speaks the same rare Northern Japanese dialect as Koi's father will force Koi to learn to trust in the help of others, as well as face the truth about herself.

My review

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

Dream Eater is based on ancient legends. While the legends of many different cultures are referenced, Japanese legends are most represented here along with some Pacific Northwest American legends.

Kids' Review: The Happy Hollisters by Jerry West

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The Happy Hollisters by Jerry West
Publisher: Doubleday & Company, Inc. 
Publication Date: 1953
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Publisher's description (from Amazon on the reissued books)

Hooray, The Happy Hollisters are back! First published in 1953, these charming mystery-adventure stories, faithfully reproduced, are now available in paperback for the very first time! Written for boys and girls between the ages of six and twelve, The Happy Hollisters are wholesome books, with an accent on humor and good, clean fun. Integrity always pays off and right wins over wrong. Parents, grandparents, and teachers will love these books for their healthy celebration of life in simpler times. Kids will be thrilled with the fast-paced action and will not want to put them down. This is a perfect gift for the young reader in your life!


The adventures for the Hollisters begin as soon as they move into their new house on the shore on Pine Lake in Shoreham. First, the moving van carrying their toys and their father's important new invention disappears. Next, they learn that their house may be haunted, with a treasure hidden somewhere inside! Right away they all set out to solve these mysteries. Each one of the Hollister children - Pete (age 12), Pam (10), Ricky (7), Holly (6) and Sue (4) - plays an important role in finding clues, along with their parents who are always ready to join in on the excitement. Even Zip, the collie, and White Nose, the cat, are part of the family, and find thrilling adventures of their own. As the Hollisters explore their new town and make friends, they discover what happened to the moving van, and learn more about the mystery surrounding their new home. Excitement abounds when a secret stairway is discovered. Then, on the trail of a mysterious intruder, their chase leads them to a deserted hut on nearby Blackberry Island. Over seventy action-packed illustrations make the story- and the Hollister family- so vivid that the reader has a feeling of really sharing in on the adventures of this lovable and interesting family.

My review

How times have changed! The Happy Hollisters (Book 1) was published in 1953. Four books were published in the series that year. The series continued to be published until 1969 with a  total of 33 books in the series. The series was similar to The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, both in it being a youth mystery series and in the listed author being a pseudonym. Unlike the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, which each had multiple authors all publishing under the same pseudonym, The Happy Hollisters were all written by the same author, Andrew Svenson, who modeled the Hollister family after his own family. 

There are five children in the Hollister family, ranging from ages 4 to 12 when the series starts. Its target audience was a little younger than The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew with their teenaged protagonists. I grew up reading my mother’s Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books but had never heard of The Happy Hollisters until we learned of it in my daughter’s writing curriculum. A search at the local library found nothing so I posted on Facebook to see if anyone had a copy we could read.  We were in luck!  A friend, who had grown up reading them, had recently bought quite a few of the books so she could share them with her daughter. 

Back to that “how times have changed” statement. Boy howdy! I’m not going to get into the pros and cons of letting our children run wild still like the “old days”, but the places and situations these children got themselves into with little adult supervision or intervention is just terrifying! The youngest nearly drowns at one point (unsupervised… fortunately an older sibling sees her) and then later catches her dress on fire! Two of the girls, who know they can’t canoe well, take the canoe out by themselves and are then washed up on a lake island by a storm (because, naturally, they dropped their oars).  On the island, one is nearly sucked under by quicksand (this book was apparently a little ahead of its time since the height of the quicksand trope didn’t peak until the 1960s).  

Even setting all the imperiled, unattended children aside, this book is pretty dark for a children’s book. The Hollisters had a van full of their belongings stolen when moving to their new house… and now there is an intruder paying almost nightly visits. Regularly, the children are the detectives with the parents and the police seemingly doing nothing to help solve the mystery. All this being said, I can also see where this book would be super exciting to a kid. The kids go on great (albeit dangerous) adventures and help solve a crime!  And, probably most importantly, get theirs toys back.  I imagine Miss R’s review will be very different than mine. We did read this together, which I would recommend for younger kids so you can have a conversation about why some of the choices the kids made were not the safest or best.  The series went out of print in 1983 but has been reissued in paperback and ebook starting in 2010 so even if your local library doesn’t have it, it is available again on Amazon and in many other libraries through WorldCat. 

Miss R's review

It was a good book - dark, but it has a happy ending. Like most kids' books do. I suggest it for kids who like spooky books. I wouldn't suggest reading it right before bed because it can get you a little scared. 

I liked Holly because she was pretty adventurous. I liked Pete because he was pretty cool but the downside is that he attacks his neighbor Joey who does not-nice things but he shouldn't attack him. He should use his words. I liked Ricky because , of course, he is adventurous like Holly. I liked Pam because she was super enthusiastic. I liked Sue because she was really unsafe and it was amazing how unsafe she was (can you see how sarcastic I'm being?). It worried me that a 4 yo caught her dress on fire and she almost drowned!

I recommend it to kids who like action, mysteries and dark humor.    

For more reviews of books for children and teens, check out Booking Mama’s feature, Kid Konnection, posted on Saturdays. If you’d like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children’s books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, you can go to her site to leave a comment and your link .

Crenshaw: A Heartfelt Tale for Young Readers

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Year read: 2017

My review

Oh! The feels! This book will get any parent right in the feels. It is told from the perspective of Jackson as his family is going through really hard times (again!). We all want to protect our children from the harsh realities of the world, especially if those harsh realities involve our own personal finances!

Jackson knows what's going on - he's a big kid and wishes his parents would just level with him instead of trying to pretend everything is happy-go-lucky all the time. And just as things are getting really bad, fact-loving, scientist-wannabe Jackson finds his old imaginary friend, Crenshaw, has shown back up in his life.

Crenshaw turns out to be Jackson's Jiminy Cricket, helping him through a really tough time. He is a big, funny cat who always has the right advice. Jackson wishes Crenshaw away - after all, he's too old for imaginary friends - but just like a real friend, Crenshaw isn't going anywhere as long as Jackson still needs him.

This book covers some pretty dark topics for a book aimed at elementary kids - homelessness, sick parents, and hunger. It would have been hard to pull off in an age-appropriate manner without the plot device of a funny, imaginary friend. For all of Crenshaw's necessity and likeability, I still think he wasn't as refined or as integral to the story as he could or should have been. Either go with the fantasy element of an imaginary friend or not. He felt underdeveloped. I still really liked the book, though, and would love to have my own big, fluffy Crenshaw following me around.

I would recommend this as a read-aloud with your kids. There are a lot of big topics in here that kids are likely going to have questions about and will need a parent's immediate and heartfelt answers. And it's pretty scary - the idea of losing your home and a sick parent. Common Sense Media has a few talking point questions you might want to discuss with your kids. This is not a light and fluffy read, but I recommend it. This is exactly the story that helps develop empathy for others, and we need more empathy in the world - now and always.

Miss R's review

It was a pretty cool book. I like that it's kind of sad and touching. In the end, it's not the happiest, but it's pretty nice. I don't want to spoil it.

Crenshaw is a cat. I liked to imagine him as a purple cat, but he was supposed to be black and white. He tries to help Jackson be safe. He doesn't really get to come and help Jackson that much. It's only when an imaginary friend's real friend needs help that they can come to help them. I think it was a really cute book. I loved Crenshaw.

It would be good for kids who don't mind a bit of sadness in their books. It might be too much for kids who are super sensitive to sad stuff.

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A Charming Yet Superstitious Journey: Lost Under a Ladder by Linda O. Johnston

Lost Under a Ladder by Linda O. Johnston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Year read: 2017

Are you searching for a whimsical story set in a town steeped in superstition? If so, this book might be the one for you. While some aspects may leave you scratching your head, it's worth diving into for the endearing characters and unique setting.

The story occurs in Destiny, a town where superstitions rule the day. The word "superstition" appears frequently, which can get repetitive. The author establishes early on that this town is built on superstitions. Still, the word is overused in various forms throughout the book.

The plot itself might seem a bit far-fetched at times. Rory, the protagonist, visits Destiny after her fiancé tragically dies moments after walking under a ladder. Her quest? To determine whether superstitions hold any truth. It's a daring move and not one many would make. Once she arrives in Destiny, Rory, a pet store manager in her hometown, finds herself thrust into an unexpected role. The local pet shop owner, who doesn't know Rory, asks her to manage her business while she recovers. It's a questionable decision, both by the business owner and Rory. Still, it serves as a plot device to move the story forward.

Despite the occasional clunky plot device, the characters in the book are genuinely likable. Rory's character grows on you, as do others like Justin and the quirky residents of Destiny. As the background story unfolds, you see the potential for an enjoyable series. Whether I'll continue reading the series is up in the air. Still, one more book before making a final judgment is worth considering.

In summary, while this book has its quirks, it offers an endearing cast of characters and a charming, albeit superstitious, setting that may be worth exploring further. Read it to see if it's the start of a series you'll want to follow.




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Finding Love Among Flowers: A 3-Star Review of 'Cards from Khloe's Flower Shop'

Cards From Khloe's Flower Shop by Isabella Louise Anderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Year read: 2017

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

Khloe owns a flower shop - her dream come true. Every day, she helps customers find their happily ever after by providing stunning floral arrangements and, most importantly, heartfelt cards of sentiment. However, after having her heart broken, she's sure she will never find her own happily ever after. Well, she very nearly jinxes it with her bizarre behavior toward the handsome love interest who enters her door one day. I wanted to shake her on more than one occasion. Her character was real, but I'm not sure that Derek's acceptance of her oddball behavior was realistic. 99% of men would have run to the hills with the first hint of her serious trust issues.

Gabby and Connie were both more interesting than Khloe. I loved Gabby and rooted for her to find happiness again after losing the love of her life. The new relationship was pretty sugary sweet, but that was totally okay! Because you really could see a situation like hers. And poor Connie. While I think the reason why the "mean girl" was so awful was a bit forced, I have definitely seen horrible people target someone with low self-esteem like Connie and just torture them. And her choices in dealing with several situations were very realistic.

The sexy scenes didn't all seem to fit in the same book. Some were pretty chaste and only hinted at intimacy; others were steamier. Nothing too explicit, though (no throbbing love muscles), and the words used were scientific or common usage terms. I am NOT a fan of sexy scenes, but nothing here was objectionable. The best friend talked a little too much about sex, and it did start to get annoying... do people really talk that much about sex with their best friends?

All in all, this is a feel-good tale about three women finding love. The men were all charming and pretty standard chick-lit "awesome." Having more flower shop cards in the book would have been fun. It's a sweet, light read. It's suitable for a day at the pool or curled under a blanket with hot tea.




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An Unusual Day in Portland: A Review of 'Today Will Be Different' by Maria Semple

Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Year read: 2017

We're back in Portland, revisiting the world of Maria Semple's previous masterpiece, "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" I absolutely adored that book, often finding myself in fits of laughter as I flipped through its pages. The writing style was refreshingly unique, and it spun an entertaining tale in its own quirky, roundabout fashion. "Today Will Be Different" isn't a direct sequel, but keen-eyed readers will spot familiar places like Galer Street School and even a mention or two of characters from Bernadette's world. 

But let me be frank—this book doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor. Our protagonist, Eleanor, comes across as incredibly scatterbrained, manic, and, well, downright self-absorbed. She begins the day with a resolution that "today will be different," yet as events unfold, it becomes painfully evident that, for all its wild twists, this day isn't all that different from her usual routine. She harbors disdain for her best friend, treats her son poorly, and is so wrapped up in her own world that her husband opts to withhold an important aspect of his life because he doubts her capacity for understanding and support. Eleanor is not a likable character by any stretch of the imagination. 

Now, there's merit in exploring unlikable characters in literature, but I struggled to find that value here. Nevertheless, I gave it three stars for its well-crafted writing and moments of genuine humor amidst all the chaos. The humor certainly shines through at times. However, I can't wholeheartedly recommend this book. If you're new to Maria Semple's work, I'd suggest starting elsewhere, and if you're a fan of "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" don't invest your time hoping for a similar experience.

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