More mini reviews from books I’ve enjoyed to varying degrees over the last few weeks.
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: March 19, 2009
This was an extremely emotionally taxing book, but it was incredibly impactful. Wintergirls is a story about Lia’s overcoming her grief from recently losing her friend Cassie, and her struggles with her relationship with food and her body dysmorphia. It is hard to read at times, and the writing style is sometimes jarring, repetitive, frantic, or piecey – reflecting Lia’s thoughts and state throughout the story. I can’t say I enjoyed reading this, but I know it’s not going to be something I soon forget.
A Thousand Miles by Bridget Morrisey
Rating: ★★★★☆(4.5 Stars)
Release Date: June 21, 2022
This was so great. I loved Dee and Ben’s relationship, even though we don’t get to see flashbacks of their friendship when they were younger (my biggest complaint) I believe they have this rich, long history will all the familiarity and care that comes when two people know each other for so long. And then getting to see then start their friendship again after 10 years, it was so easy for them to just earnestly care about each other from the jump, and I loved seeing it. There a lot of heart and humor in this story as both Dee and Ben are facing their own struggles (Dee more professionally, and Ben more personally) but the levity all of their inside jokes bring was perfect. It a story of connection, finding your person, and finding your happiness.
The One Who Loves You by Pippa Grant
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5 Stars)
Release Date: July 12, 2022
I had fun with this, but I never really connected with the characters or their journey so I didn’t quite care as much as I wanted to. This has all the Schitt’s Creek vibes though, so if you’re looking for a smalltown riches to rags romance, this will be perfect. But I wish that some of the townspeople were more important to the story, Teague is really the only one we get to know becuase he’s the love interest. But I did really appreciate that he and Phoebe’s relationship developed over the story, even if they did have a few heart eyes aimed at each other in the beginning.
Final Offer by Lauren Asher
Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: January 31, 2023
What an amazing end to this series. I couldn’t be happier. I love a second chance romance because there’s so much history to explore and the tension and pining are always top tier. And Cal and Lana have a complicated history and I liked seeing them explore that and try and work through their issues to be together now. Yes, some of the problems are solved a little easily or we don’t get to see the full journey of the struggle, but I still liked seeing the development there.
What books have you been reading lately? Share below.
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