4.25 stars - Annabel Monaghan let me read your grocery list challenge
"Summer Romance" is a delightful, heartwarming read that's perfect, as the name s4.25 stars - Annabel Monaghan let me read your grocery list challenge
"Summer Romance" is a delightful, heartwarming read that's perfect, as the name suggests, for summer. The story follows Ali Morris, a single mom grieving the loss of her own mom and a rough divorce. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Ethan, a charming guy who brings some much-needed joy back into her life.
Monaghan is great at creating characters that feel real. Ali’s journey of self-discovery is compelling, in a way that feels natural, and her interactions with her kids and the lovable supporting cast add depth to the story. The romance between Ali and Ethan is sweet and (mostly) realistic, with just the right amount of chemistry to keep things interesting.
What sets this book apart is how it handles real-life issues with humor and heart. The cozy, close-knit community setting adds to the book's inviting atmosphere. Monaghan’s writing is engaging, and her knack for weaving in relatable experiences makes "Summer Romance" a refreshing and uplifting read.
Overall, "Summer Romance" is a feel-good book that's perfect for summer. It’s heartwarming, funny, and filled with moments that will make you laugh and cry. If you’re looking for a sweet escape with relatable characters and a charming romance, this book is a must-read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!...more
"Service" by Sarah Gilmartin is an exceptional read that delves into complex themes with an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. The story revolv"Service" by Sarah Gilmartin is an exceptional read that delves into complex themes with an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. The story revolves around three main characters: Hannah, a former waitress at a high-end Dublin restaurant; Daniel Costello, the acclaimed chef facing serious accusations; and Julie, Daniel’s wife, grappling with the fallout from the allegations.
The novel begins with Hannah recalling her summer at Daniel's restaurant, a time filled with excitement and tension, which eventually turned darker as Daniel's attentions became inappropriate. Daniel, on the other hand, is in a state of disbelief as his career and life are threatened by accusations he can barely remember. Julie’s perspective offers a deep and often heart-wrenching look into the life of a supportive wife who is now questioning everything she believed in about her husband and their life together.
The character development is superb. Each character’s voice is distinct and compelling, revealing their struggles, fears, and the facades they maintain. Hannah’s recounting of her past experiences, Daniel’s denial and self-justification, and Julie’s internal battle and realization create a multifaceted view of the story, making it a rich and immersive read.
Gilmartin’s writing shines as she tackles themes of power, abuse, and complicity with nuance and sensitivity. The story is not just about the accusations but also about the impact on everyone involved. The alternating perspectives provide a well-rounded understanding of the characters’ motivations and emotions, making their experiences deeply relatable and real.
The setting of the high-end restaurant, with its intense atmosphere and behind-the-scenes look at the culinary world, adds an additional layer of interest. The detailed descriptions of the restaurant’s operations and the tension-filled environment enhance the overall narrative, making the reader feel immersed in the characters' world.
"Service" is a powerful exploration of truth, lies, and the courage it takes to confront painful realities. It's a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading, prompting reflection on the issues it raises. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a well-written, emotionally resonant novel that tackles difficult subjects with grace and insight.
Anna Bright Is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall is a novel that tries to mix suspense, corporate drama, and a look at female entrepreneurship. Anna Bright Is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall is a novel that tries to mix suspense, corporate drama, and a look at female entrepreneurship. Sadly, it misses the mark on almost every front, making for a frustrating and predictable read.
The story centers on Anna Bright, the CEO of a multibillion-dollar tech startup, who's about to launch her company's IPO. But Anna's got a big secret: her star product, BrightSpot, is nowhere near ready and is essentially a scam. Enter Jamie Roman, a journalist for BusinessBerry, who starts digging into Anna's business and uncovers the truth. This sets off a tense game of cat-and-mouse between the two women.
The writing itself is a big letdown. The prose is awkward and clunky, making it hard to get into the story. Descriptions are bland and don't really paint a picture. The dialogue is especially bad—stilted and unnatural, it feels like the characters are reading from a script. The plot is painfully predictable. The twists and turns are so obvious you can see them coming a mile away, leaving little room for suspense or surprise. Characters are flat and one-dimensional. Anna is just a typical villain with no depth, making it hard to care about her story. Jamie, the journalist, is a bit better but still feels more like a stereotype of an ambitious reporter than a real person.
Overall, Anna Bright Is Hiding Something doesn't live up to its potential. The poor writing, unrealistic dialogue, predictable plot, and shallow characters make it a disappointing read. What could have been an engaging story about female entrepreneurship and corporate fraud falls flat due to its execution.
Thanks to SparkPress for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
“There Is No Ethan" is both an eye-opener and a page-turner, diving deep into the world of online dating and catfishing. Anna Akbari’s part memoir, pa“There Is No Ethan" is both an eye-opener and a page-turner, diving deep into the world of online dating and catfishing. Anna Akbari’s part memoir, part detective story reveals the shocking truth about how easily one can be deceived online.
In 2011, three smart, successful women fell for Ethan Schuman, a man who seemed perfect but was hiding behind a facade of emotional lies. Each woman, caught up in his web, didn’t know about the others. His convincing excuses to avoid video calls and last-minute meetups were accepted because, after all, he wasn’t asking for money, so what could his motive to lie possibly be? Instead, Ethan sought to entangle these women in intensely intimate emotional bonds.
The book follows these women as they independently start noticing cracks in Ethan’s stories and eventually connect with each other to unravel a much bigger deceit. Together, they realize the web of deceit goes much further than they could have imagined and uncover dozens of other victims, showing just how deep and dark the world of catfishing can get. Akbari not only shares her personal ordeal but also paints a broader picture of modern relationships where digital interactions can easily distort reality.
Akbari’s narrative is engaging, pulling you right into the psychological and emotional rollercoaster of her experiences. The book starts with a deep dive into her relationship with Ethan, showing step-by-step how a catfish operates. The latter half feels like a detective story, as the women piece together who Ethan really is.
The book does a great job of showing that anyone can fall prey to such deceit, challenging the stereotype that only the naive get tricked. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of keeping your guard up when forming connections online.
While the book is a gripping read, it could have probed deeper into Ethan’s motivations, which remain somewhat mysterious. Also, the early parts with emails and messages might seem a bit scattered until you get the full picture of the situation.
"There Is No Ethan" is a must-read if you’re into true crime or interested in the psychological aspects of online relationships. It’s a stark warning about the realities of digital dating and the lengths some will go to exploit others. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC—this was a captivating read!...more
somewhat mixed feelings - i loved the first 75% of this and thought the last 25% was a bit weak. HOWEVER, the more i reflect on it, i think my expectasomewhat mixed feelings - i loved the first 75% of this and thought the last 25% was a bit weak. HOWEVER, the more i reflect on it, i think my expectations were for a more bleak, adult ending, and this is really suited for YA! i’m excited to share this with teen patrons! ...more
“I am a reader. I am intelligent. I have something worthy to contribute.”
Monica Wood's "How to Read a Book" is a charming and heartfelt novel about se“I am a reader. I am intelligent. I have something worthy to contribute.”
Monica Wood's "How to Read a Book" is a charming and heartfelt novel about second chances, unlikely friendships, and the transformative power of books. The story follows three central characters whose lives intersect in surprising ways, all centered around a bookstore in Portland, Maine.
Violet Powell is a 22-year-old woman freshly released from prison after serving time for a drunk-driving crash that killed a local kindergarten teacher. Struggling with guilt and isolation, Violet seeks solace in the familiar comfort of books, specifically trying to finish a novel she started in the prison book club.
Harriet Larson, a retired English teacher who runs that very book club, faces the emptiness of her own life with her niece moving out. Harriet's passion for books and helping others gives her life purpose, even as she grapples with her own regrets and the feeling of being undervalued.
Frank Daigle, a retired machinist and handyman at the bookstore, is still dealing with the loss of his wife—the very woman Violet killed. Meeting Violet and Harriet sets off a chain of events that force him to confront his grief and seek new meaning in his life.
The novel is beautifully written, with Wood's trademark insight into human emotions and relationships. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each grappling with their pasts and seeking redemption in their own ways. The narrative shifts between their perspectives, weaving a compelling story of forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the power of literature to heal and inspire.
However, for me, the book was almost too sweet at times. The story leans heavily into its heartwarming themes, which, while touching, occasionally felt a bit saccharine. Despite this, the book club scenes and the discussions about the books the characters read add depth and richness to the narrative, highlighting how literature can foster empathy and understanding.
Overall, "How to Read a Book" is a moving and hopeful story that will resonate with readers who appreciate tales of personal growth and the impact of books on our lives. It left me with a smile and a sense of optimism, even if it was a tad too sentimental for my taste. 3.75 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to Mariner Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own....more
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