When an audiobook is narrated by the author, one hopes it will be pretty good. I’m not sure if it’s due to Julia Whelan’s background as an actress or the fact that she wrote the words she speaks, but her narration of My Oxford Year is exceptional. She is so expressive that it is easy to get wrapped up in the story.
You Loved Me Once is one big angst fest, but I was in the mood for a little drama and boy did it deliver. Serenity, a gynecologic oncologist with severe abandonment issues, can’t commit to her neurosurgeon lover and colleague, Westin. He is a real catch. I found it hard to believe that Westin would stick around for a nearly 3-year-long friends with benefits arrangement when he clearly wants more from their relationship. He is unbelievably patient, but you get the sense that it’s wearing thin. There are plenty of other women waiting in the wings. Serenity is an incredibly compassionate and confident doctor but so indecisive when it comes to Wes that I was never quite sure of the strength of her feelings for him. This one kept me guessing about whether she would let herself love Westin before losing this man who sincerely loves her, or if she would go down a destructive path. When you add in ethical dilemmas and the difficult subject matter of cancer, my stomach was tied in knots throughout. I didn’t care for the past meets present aspect of the story. The significance was lost on me and I was confused as to why […]
Totally Folked is the first book in the Good Folk: Modern Folktales series, and it took me completely by surprise in the best possible way. The first book in a series usually sets the tone, and Totally Folked is far more entertaining than I expected.
The Mixtape tugged on every single one of my heartstrings.
The Overdue Life of Amy Byler was a really witty and enjoyable read. As a mom myself, I recognized in Amy Byler the constantly frazzled state that comes from juggling the many needs of your children. I can only imagine how much more difficult it must be as a single parent. I admired how hard-working and resourceful Amy became after being abandoned by her deadbeat ex-husband. She is an expert juggler, and it is easy to see why a large part of her identity comes from being needed by her kids. The need to be needed is a key topic that is addressed in the story. Amy’s two girlfriends are a hoot, pushing her to let loose in New York City and giving her advice throughout the book. Her wicked sense of humor and exploration of the city are highly entertaining. Amy and Daniel, a fellow librarian, make a really cute couple, even if the romance aspect is a little on the bland side. I enjoyed all their dates and geeky book talk. The beginning of each chapter is a little treat featuring funny journal entries written by Amy’s teenage daughter. The Overdue Life of Amy Byler is an amusing book that […]
After reading People We Meet on Vacation, one thing is clear: I need a getaway, stat. I was left with a smile on my face and a dozen travel destination tabs open on my browser by the end of the book.
I typically don’t care for love triangles and the drama that comes with them. Crushed souls and occasional instances of cheating aren’t my idea of fun. However, This Is Not How It Ends was a Kindle Unlimited Read and Listen for Free title, and I had a few hours of listening time at my disposal while I worked on a home project, so I figured what the heck. Long story short, even though it went against my instincts, I decided to give the audiobook a try. The verdict: not half bad.
Christina Hovland is an author who is new to me, but I was drawn to the adorable cover and then the synopsis hooked me. I love it when I take a gamble on an unfamiliar author and it pays off. Rachel, Out of Office is a witty and supremely satisfying contemporary romance.
Colleen Hoover has hit me in the feels once again with this poignant tale. She has a knack for creating identifiable and intriguing characters and then weaving them into an absorbing storyline. Romance is an important aspect in the plot, but the heart of Regretting You is the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter.
After reading The Friend Zone, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to learn about Sloan’s journey. I knew her story would be compelling, and The Happy Ever After Playlist is.
The Simple Wild was a solid 5-star read for me and, fortunately, this supremely satisfying sequel is everything I hoped it would be. Wild at Heart is filled with humor and heartwarming emotion. Another 5 stars.
After the longest dry spell, I finally found the perfect book for me at just the right time. I swear the planets aligned and angels sang. I could not sleep until I finished The Simple Wild, and when I reached the end at 4:30 am I had the goofiest smile on my face.