Book Review - Dishonestly Yours by Krista and Becca Ritchie

 

Dishonestly Yours by Krista and Becca Ritchie centers on Phoebe Graves, a woman trying to leave her con-artist past behind as she starts anew in a small Connecticut town. She and her best friend, Hailey, want to escape their previous lives and live honestly. Phoebe and Hailey’s families have been on the run their entire lives, making a career of pulling high-stakes cons on rich and influential people. 

However, their last major con went awry, prompting Hailey and Phoebe to seek a fresh start. They decide to leave without informing their families. While attempting to embrace their new life, Hailey’s brother, Rocky, insists on joining them unless they want him to expose their plans to their parents. 

Phoebe is reluctant to have Rocky live with them due to their complicated history; she has been in love with him since childhood. She fears he won’t be able to live an honest life and may revert to being a con artist. Phoebe and Hailey want to avoid any temptation to return to their old ways, where deception comes easily. 

The novel contains many graphic sexual scenes that caught me off guard. Some readers may appreciate this, but I found myself ambivalent. It felt as though the book was dominated by graphic scenes and lacked a substantial narrative. The repetitive theme of “He doesn’t love me, but then he does something that shows he loves me” was tiresome. There were too many instances like this, and I thought the novel was unnecessarily long, filled with extraneous details. Only towards the end did it seem to improve, but it concluded on a cliffhanger. I also found the dialogue between the characters unconvincing and unrealistic. While part of me is curious about the outcome, I don’t think I would want to continue the series.

Book Review - The House of Broken Bricks by Fiona Williams

 

The House of Broken Bricks by Fiona Williams explores the unraveling of familial and marital bonds in an interracial family in rural England. Tessa hails from Jamaica, but she leaves that part of her life behind when she begins a relationship with Richard. They move to the English countryside, which presents a different experience from what Tessa is accustomed to.

As Tessa and Richard settle into their marriage, Tessa gives birth to fraternal twin boys, Sonny and Max. One of the boys is born with darker skin than the other. This difference creates a rift in family dynamics and stirs complicated feelings of belonging in a place where no one looks like you.

Tessa longs to return home instead of staying in the countryside. She finds solace in cooking Caribbean food and caring for her home. Richard becomes obsessed with tending to his plants, diverting his attention from dealing with and acknowledging the small fractures in his bond with family that threaten to deepen over time.

I found the book to be an adequate read. It switches points of view among all four characters, which sometimes made it challenging for me to remember which son was which. The pacing felt slow at times, and it hints at a significant tragedy that I was able to predict fairly easily. The writing style seemed overly descriptive at times, with not much action taking place. Nonetheless, I would be open to reading more books by the author.  

Book Review - River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

 

River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart is a historical novel about a young woman, Adria Starr, who seeks justice after being saved during the cholera epidemic by a heroic enslaved man. Adria was orphaned during the cholera epidemic in 1833. She was rescued by Louis, who is a slave. Louis remained in Springfield, Kentucky, while those who could afford to leave had fled the city. Louis sacrificed his chance to escape his bondage to care for the sick and bury the dead.

Twelve years later, Louis’s master passed away, and his owner’s children wish to sell him despite what he has done for their family and the city, as he would fetch a high price. Adria, now nineteen, has never forgotten how Louis protected and cared for her when she was a child. She is determined to find a way to purchase Louis’s freedom, but she worries that not everyone will share her views.

The novel is partly based on a true story. It is an interesting read, though it doesn’t feature unexpected surprises or twists. While the book generally maintains a steady pace, it becomes somewhat repetitive and slow at times. I appreciated that the author included the inspiration behind the story. It is heartwarming to learn that people can recognize the humanity in one another, especially in a time when some individuals were “invisible” and regarded as property.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author. 

Book Review - Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon

 

Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon tells the story of two people trying to reconnect after a painful breakup. Christi Reece is desperate for money, which marks a significant change from her former lifestyle. She once had more money than she could spend, but after a series of unfortunate events, her situation has worsened. She needs help, and she is certain her ex-boyfriend, Jack Colby, can provide it for her.

When Christi arrives in Hope Harbor, Jack wants nothing to do with her, especially since she broke his heart years ago. He has moved on and built a new life there, leaving no time for Christi. However, it becomes increasingly difficult for Jack to ignore her when she moves into the mysterious cottage nearby. Will they be able to heal from their past wounds?

The novel was an okay read. It didn’t feature any unexpected twists or turns, and it felt very predictable. Even though I didn’t read this book before, the story struck me as uncannily similar to another, creating a sense of déjà vu. The book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I had previously read several other books in the series, and some characters make a reappearance.

I found some of the characters unlikable, and the numerous coincidences undermined the story’s realism. I don’t understand why Christi thought Jack would help her after their rocky breakup. While I recognize her desperation for options, her situation didn’t seem as life-or-death as she portrayed to secure the money. Additionally, the mysterious cottage owner felt random. They didn’t appear to be someone Christi and Jack knew, yet their timing for certain events was always perfect. It seemed illogical for the owner to be a random outsider instead of a local invested in the couple. At times, I felt the story dragged, but Christi’s festival, which she spent much of the book planning, was discussed in only a paragraph or two. I would have loved to see the other locals’ and characters’ thoughts on the event and their interactions with it. Overall, if you are a fan of the series, you would likely enjoy the novel. It explores themes of second chances, forgiveness, and finding faith.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author. 

Book Review - 'By Invitation Only' by Alexandra Brown Chang

 

'By Invitation Only' by Alexandra Brown Chang is about a group of young women chosen to participate in a high-profile debutante ball in Paris. La Danse des Débutantes is an exclusive high-society event that selects prestigious young women each year to join its ranks. Women from all backgrounds are eligible, but only the mastermind behind it, Amelie, decides who can attend.

Chapin Buckingham is the daughter of a famous movie star and rock legend. She seems like the perfect candidate to participate in the event. However, Chapin has her own reasons for wanting to attend, even though she isn’t like the other society girls. Chapin thought she had everything under control to be crowned until the new girl, Piper Woo Collins, caused a stir and made Chapin unsure of her chances of winning.

Piper Woo Collins is the daughter of an EMT. She was chosen to participate after winning the International Science Fair Prize for bioplastic and being featured in Teen Vogue. Piper is down-to-earth, and Amelie believes she can make La Danse more relatable to the masses. However, Piper isn’t interested in participating until they offer her a college scholarship to her dream school, Columbia, if she wins Debutante of the Year.

I thought the book was an okay read. I wish the author had provided more background on La Danse. I had a hard time understanding the purpose of the dance. It didn’t seem like a talent show where participants display their abilities, nor could it have been a networking event, as most of the participants already knew each other. I felt that if I understood the purpose behind La Danse, I might have been more invested in the story. The story felt boring at times because it was predictable. Nothing significant happened until the last few pages of the book, and I was still unsure why that person caused the betrayal, as it seemed out of the blue. If you are looking for a quick read with themes of fashion and female friendships, you might enjoy this one.

Book Review - The White Crow by Michael Robotham

 

The White Crow by Michael Robotham is a thriller about a young police officer, Philomena McCarthy, whose family is being framed for a crime they did not commit. Philomena—who goes by Phil—prefers to keep a low profile in her role with the Metropolitan Police. She doesn't want her colleagues to connect her to her father and uncles, who are notorious London gangsters. Although Phil keeps her distance from her family's criminal activities, she fears becoming an outcast if the truth were known.

While on patrol one night, Phil spots a barefoot child wandering alone. She finds the girl hiding and notices blood on the child’s nightgown. The girl says she can’t wake her mother. Meanwhile, three miles away, a London jeweler is discovered with a bomb strapped to his chest, and his store has been burglarized. The two incidents seem unrelated at first, but soon it becomes clear that something more sinister is at play—something that could threaten everything Phil holds dear: her job, her marriage, and even her life. As the case unfolds, Phil realizes there’s only one thing she’s certain of—she must decide whom she can truly trust if she hopes to survive.

The novel is the second in a series, but I was able to read it as a standalone. I thought the book was an okay read—it lacked suspense and surprising twists. I had mixed feelings about Phil as a character; at times, she shows impressive intellect, while at others, I found myself questioning her common sense. She manages to identify one of the masterminds, yet when a stranger asks her to betray someone she loves, she does so without hesitation?! Still, I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

  

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen is a graphic novel about a young Vietnamese American boy who struggles to connect with and come out to his immigrant parents. Tien loves his parents, but he is afraid to tell them a secret he has been keeping. He fears that it will change everything between them.

One way Tien enjoys spending time with his family is by reading fairy tales and stories from books he borrows from the local library. Like most kids, it’s hard to connect and communicate with their parents, but Tien doesn’t know how to express his feelings in English because they are still learning and struggle with the language. He is unsure if there is a word in Vietnamese to explain what he is going through.

The graphic novel weaves together fairy tales and the struggles of Tien and his family. I found the book to be interesting and easy to read. There are no unexpected twists and turns, and most of the fairy tales may be familiar to readers. I liked the fairy tale portion of the graphic novel the most. The artwork is detailed and beautifully executed. The book explores themes of familial connection, friendship, identity, and happy endings. I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Second Time Around by Melody Carlson

 

Second Time Around by Melody Carlson is about Mallory Farrell, an empty nester who inherits her grandmother's dilapidated tourist shop in coastal Seaport, Oregon. When Mallory receives news of her inheritance, she thinks the best and most sensible thing to do is sell it. While inspecting the property, she crosses paths with one of her childhood crushes, Grayson Matthews. 

Grayson is interested in buying Mallory’s property because her store is in a prime location, and he needs it to complete his plans to redevelop the business district and create a new outdoor mall for the town. Mallory vehemently opposes the idea, believing the outdoor mall will ruin the small-town vibe the area has. She decides to renovate the store and transform it into a home décor shop. 

Mallory successfully renovates and restores the store to its former glory. However, the apartment above the store where she lives remains in a sorry, decrepit state. Mallory is thrilled that her store has caught the attention of a popular renovation TV show producer. Her excitement wanes when she realizes that her apartment will also be showcased in the TV segment. Mallory must race against the clock to update her apartment, as the town needs the business the TV show will bring in. 

The novel is a clean romance featuring themes of second chances and personal reinvention. It is a quick read with no surprises. I thought the book was just okay. I found some secondary characters to be strange and juvenile in their actions. I also do not understand why the characters and the TV show would be so interested in showcasing her apartment. If Mallory felt uncomfortable showcasing it, even though she is an interior designer, she should have remained firm. If you enjoy novels with a Hallmark movie vibe about small-town romances, then you might enjoy this one.

Book Review - Go with the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann

 

Go with the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann is a graphic novel that follows four high school friends who challenge period stigma and advocate for menstrual equity. Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are four sophomores at Hazelton High. They are tired of not having access to period products at school. They are frustrated that the administration would rather spend money on new uniforms for the football team than invest in female health. They decide that things need to change. However, one of the girls chooses to take matters into her own hands and pushes the limits of their friendship. This leads the rest of them to question the power of their voices.

The graphic novel reminds me of the book Free Period by Ali Terese. It has very similar premises. The graphic novel is presented in a monochromatic style. The book is entertaining as it shows how the different characters navigate high school. It provides educational facts about menstrual cycles and highlights that different people are affected in various ways. While I would be open to reading more graphic novels by the authors, I would prefer they weren’t about the same subject as this graphic novel.

Book Review - The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher tells the story of a young Amish woman seeking independence and purpose while grappling with faith, family, forgiveness, and love. Ruthie Stoltzfus loves her family, but she is uncertain about her future. She isn’t sure if she wants to get baptized and remain in the faith or pursue another path since she has passed the GED. She has saved up money, but she just doesn’t know which direction to take. 

Patrick Kelly is on a journey to learn more about the Amish and to convert. He travels to Stoney Ridge, giving himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and immerse himself in the ways of the “Plain People.” Patrick is determined to make the most of his time at Stoney Ridge, especially during the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor. However, there is someone standing between Patrick and Ruthie. Luke Schrock, Ruthie’s next-door neighbor and ex-boyfriend, is a well-known troublemaker who is headstrong and stubborn in his rebellious ways. Nevertheless, he is determined to win Ruthie back. 

The novel is a quick and straightforward read with few plot twists or surprises. It is the third book in the series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. While I may have missed some character nuances, I was still able to follow along. The book showcases some of the “problems” within the Amish community and highlights the negative effects of excessive wealth. It was intriguing that both Ruthie and her aunt fell for men who were a bad influence while ignoring those who truly cared for them. As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” If you are a fan of the author’s other Amish books, you might enjoy this one.

Book Review - The Partisan by Patrick Worrall

 

The Partisan by Patrick Worrall is a gripping Cold War thriller that follows two young chess prodigies entangled in a deadly game of espionage, secrets, love, and betrayal across the East and West. In the summer of 1961, the conflict between the East and West became more dangerous. Both sides fought to gain the upper hand. Yulia and Michael are two young chess prodigies from opposite ends of the world who meet at a chess tournament in London. The pair feel drawn to each other, but little do they realize that they are pawns in a perilous game.

Shadowing them is Greta, a Lithuanian resistance fighter relentlessly hunting down dangerous men across the globe. Vassily is Yulia’s bodyguard and protector during her competitions. He is also a spymaster for the USSR, known for his cunning and significant influence. He appears to be two steps ahead of everyone until Yulia meets and falls for Michael. 

I thought the novel was an okay read. There were many elements at play, making it at times difficult to keep track of everything. The narrative shifted back and forth between time and characters. I expected the main focus to be on Yulia and Michael, yet they seemed secondary at times. The book felt long-winded and overly drawn out on occasion (i.e., Yulia’s and Michael’s dull conversations). At other times, the story hinted at a deeper plot, but we received no further details or context, or it was delivered in a convoluted way. I enjoyed Greta’s storyline the most and wished the novel had primarily focused on her. I found it hard to get into the story otherwise. I would be open to reading more books by the author, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to seek them out. 

Book Review - Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

 

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix is a horror tale about a coven of rebellious teenage girls who discover real magic and the consequences that accompany it. In St. Augustine, Florida, there is a home called Wellwood House. This house is for girls who become pregnant at an inconvenient time. The girls are either unwed, too young, or considered promiscuous. The house shelters unwed mothers, allowing them to have their babies in secret and then give them up for adoption. This way, the girls can return home to their families as if nothing ever happened.

In the hot summer of 1970, fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at her new home. She is pregnant and terrified since her dad dropped her off without saying goodbye. Under the care of Miss Wellwood, she meets about a dozen other pregnant girls, like her. Rose is a hippie who insists that she will find a way to keep her baby, and they will escape to a commune together. Holly is a strangely mute girl who is barely fourteen. Zinnia is a musician who plans to marry her baby’s father.

Everything the girls do, eat, and discuss is controlled by the adults who claim to know what’s best for them and their babies. Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft. The book contains power, something the girls have never had before. As they take revenge on those who hurt them, they realize that power can easily be destroyed as it is created, and everything comes with a price.

The book was an interesting read. I thought it would go one way, but it ended up going another. I felt that the book portrayed the Wellwood house and its occupants as strict and devious individuals who wanted to hurt the girls. However, I believe they were acting in what they thought was best for babies. I was expecting them to be monsters who sold children and were using the Wellwood house as a baby factory.

I anticipated a lot more horror or frightening moments. The novel primarily focuses on the young women trying to deal with situations beyond their control. While the book does have a few moments where witchcraft takes center stage, it didn’t feel spooky or scary. Perhaps because the book started strong but then dragged, it was only towards the end that it began to get good. I would still be open to reading more books by the author, as he writes very well, and his characters are well-developed.

Book Review - Unearthed: A Lost Actress, a Forbidden Book, and a Search for Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust by Meryl Frank

 

Unearthed: A Lost Actress, a Forbidden Book, and a Search for Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust by Meryl Frank is a family memoir about a woman searching for the truth surrounding her cousin’s death.  As a child, Meryl always remembered people telling her that she resembled her cousin, Franya Winter. Meryl’s aunt Mollie was the keeper of the family’s history and stories. When Mollie passed away, she entrusted Meryl with this legacy, along with a small Yiddish book that Mollie forbade her from reading.

For many years, Meryl honored Mollie’s wishes, but she remained curious to learn more about Franya. Meryl knew that Franya was a celebrated actress in Vilna before World War II. However, there was much about Franya that Mollie chose not to share, including the circumstances of her death. The book serves as part history and part exploration of acceptance and closure.

The book was an engaging read. I learned many interesting facts about the Holocaust that I hadn’t known before. However, it was somewhat challenging to read at times due to the prevalence of death and chaos. It also felt like it sometimes detracted from learning more about Franya and Meryl’s journey.

I had expected the book to focus more on Meryl’s quest for her cousin. The author spent considerable time sharing her reflections and insights. I appreciated reading about the various connections Meryl formed during her journey. The book isn’t lengthy, but it can be quite dense to absorb in one sitting.  In the synopsis of the book, it is called the book a “thrilling mystery,” but I do not feel that this accurately depicts the content, as it is often dense with facts and slow-paced at times.

Book Review - Quickly, While They Still Have Horses: Stories by Jan Carson

 

Quickly, While They Still Have Horses: Stories by Jan Carson is a collection of short stories that focus on relationships and the lives of people in Northern Ireland. Each story has a distinct theme. In one tale, a man eagerly awaits his girlfriend's visit to his hometown, yet despite his pleas, she remains firm in her decision on not visiting his hometown. In another story, a young girl can see the ghost of a car’s former owner. Additionally, a young couple is so enamored with each other that they fail to notice their small baby making its way toward the sea.

I found the book to be an entertaining read, with some stories being humorous while others carry a darker edge. Some readers might not appreciate the tales involving the harm of small children. There were a few stories that I didn’t enjoy as much, but overall, I found the writing to be beautiful and engaging.  I liked the book and would definitely read more by the author. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, especially since I was initially hesitant to dive in!

Book Review - Cousins in the Time of Magic by Emma Otheguy

 

Cousins in the Time of Magic by Emma Otheguy is about three cousins who discover a magical portal that transports them into the past. Jorge, Camila, and Siggy have always been told by their eccentric Tía Xia that history is filled with magic. The three cousins are very different from one another: Jorge is a daredevil, Camila is a dreamer who loves animals and spends her time reading, and Siggy is an aspiring influencer who manages to score an invite to an exclusive party. While they’ve always known their aunt to be aloof and secretive, everything changes when they discover a mysterious diamond-encrusted sword—clearly a clue to something much bigger.

As they search for answers about the sword, the trio stumbles upon a magical portal that transports them to the year 1862. They quickly learn that while the past holds many wonders, it is also filled with danger. In order to return home, they must ensure the sword is delivered to General Ignacio Zaragoza before the historic Battle of Puebla in Mexico—the event that would later inspire the Cinco de Mayo holiday. To succeed, the cousins must rely on their individual strengths and work together to protect history without accidentally changing it.

The novel was an okay read. I wasn’t familiar with General Ignacio Zaragoza or the details behind Cinco de Mayo, so I appreciated learning more about that history. I liked that the author included Latin American history and culture, and that she clarified which characters were fictionalized. However, I can’t quite pinpoint why, but nothing in the story really wowed me or made me feel invested in continuing with the rest of the series. I believe young readers who enjoy time travel adventures—especially those with a Latinx background—may connect with this story more deeply than I did. It’s a great starting point for learning about aspects of Latin American history that are often left out of traditional history books.

Book Review - This Book Might Be About Zinnia by Brittney Morris

 

This Book Might Be About Zinnia by Brittney Morris is a heartfelt coming-of-age novel that follows Zinnia on her emotional journey to find her birth mother. In 2024, Zinnia Davis is focused on writing her personal essay for her college application to Harvard. However, when an admissions representative hints that her adoption story “lacks heart,” she realizes she needs a new angle if she wants to be accepted into her dream school.

Zinnia knows very little about her birth parents—until her favorite author releases a short story titled Little Heart, about a princess with a heart-shaped birthmark on her forehead who was separated from her mother at birth. Zinnia becomes convinced that the story was written by her birth mother as a way to reach out to her.

In a parallel storyline set in 2006, teenager Tuesday Walker is struggling to return to high school after being out for months due to a medical procedure and a devastating personal loss. She copes by writing in her journal, but after a traumatic incident causes her to lose it, she finds herself reliving her grief all over again.

The novel is told through alternating perspectives between Zinnia and Tuesday. I found the book to be an okay read—it had a few twists and turns, though many were predictable. One detail that stood out to me as confusing was the part where Zinnia travels to Brooklyn (or NYC) and sleeps under houses to stay warm. As a native New Yorker, I found this unrealistic, as there aren’t homes like that in the areas mentioned. It would have made more sense if the author had said she slept on a park bench.

Aside from that minor pet peeve, the book was entertaining. At times, I was frustrated with Zinnia’s behavior—she was so laser-focused on her own goals that she overlooked what her friend Milo might have been going through. Still, the story held my interest through to the end, and I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Growing Home by Beth Ferry

 

 Growing Home by Beth Ferry is a charming story about the pets at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive discovering the true meaning of friendship and home. Ivy, a beloved houseplant, is adored by Jillian Tupper, the daughter of the family, who showers her with love and attention—much to the dismay of the actual family pet, Toasty the goldfish. Toasty believes he should be Jillian’s favorite, not Ivy.

Toasty’s jealousy only grows when Jillian surprises Ivy with another plant: Ollie, a sweet violet who loves to sing and befriend everyone. Soon after, Arthur, a wise and curious spider, arrives. Having broken his legs, Arthur must stay at Ramshorn until he recovers. With more “rivals” in the house, Toasty becomes increasingly frustrated by the competition for Jillian’s affection.

Out of irritation, Toasty splashes the plants with water from his tank—unaware that doing so gives them magical powers. It turns out Toasty’s fishbowl is no ordinary tank, but a magical object created by an alchemist and imbued with powerful magic. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could cause great harm. So when a mysterious man begins snooping around, Toasty, Ivy, Arthur, and Ollie must put aside their differences to protect their home and the family they all love.

This book is a delightful and heartwarming read. The black-and-white illustrations are charming and well done. The story strikes a great balance of humor and heart, and it’s a joy to watch each character grow and find their voice while working together. It’s a wonderful story for young readers, with gentle lessons about friendship, family, and belonging. I’d gladly read more books by the author.

 

July 2025 Empties!

 

I can't believe it has been a few months since I did an empties post. Also, to be fair, I can't believe it is already July. I feel like the year moves so quickly and slowly at the same time. I did manage to finish a lot of goodies, let's get to it!

The Wet n Wild Hello Kitty collection had come out earlier in the year. I had gotten a few things, but my favorite was the lip mask. It had a creamy texture and smelled so good. It reminded me of cotton candy. 

The Dove Turmeric Milk and Lemon Drop soap smells amazing! I had bought a few products from their new plant milk line, and they all smell so great. The only downside is that one bar of soap was almost $6 a bar. The bar had a creamy lather, and it washed out cleanly. It left the skin feeling soft and smooth. And did I mention how great it smells? Sadly, it doesn't last longer than a standard bar of soap. 

The Sandawha Camellia Flower Cream Mask reminds me of the Fresh Lotus Mask. It is gel-based with a rose color, and it has pieces of flowers in the gel. It does look kinda of gross on skin, but it leaves skin looking brighter. It works almost as well as more expressive masks. 

I am always looking at ways to be more eco-friendly. So last year, I had bought the Myni system and forgot about it. The set comes with one bottle and two powders that you mix with water to make shower gels. I had gotten the green tea one. I can hands down say, I realize why this company is no longer around. The body wash had a slimey gooey consistency that didn't really lather, and the scent!!! It smells like hot trash. I couldn't smell it without trying to vomit. Absolutely, one of the worst-smelling thing I ever tried.

Is there anything you used this month that you would recommend? 

Book Review - Barefoot by the Sea by Roxanne St. Claire

 

Barefoot by the Sea by Roxanne St. Claire follows a woman named Tessa Galloway, who desperately wants to have a child, but life keeps getting in the way. Tessa is known as the nurturer in her friend group and is a talented gardener, managing to create a prolific and beautiful garden at the resort in Barefoot Bay. However, the one thing she wishes to grow the most remains out of her reach.

Tessa yearns to be a mother. While her friends believe that the right guy will eventually come along, Tessa is unwilling to wait. She is searching for the perfect donor and is not interested in just anyone. Her fortunes might change when the resort hires a gorgeous and charismatic new chef, John Brown, who sparks her interest and makes her wonder if she wants something more with him.

John Brown is on the run and desperate to reclaim his old life. It has been three years since he was placed in the witness protection program, forcing him to leave his toddler twins behind to keep them safe. To regain custody of his twins, he must prove that he has a stable life, which includes having a wife. John finds himself falling for Tessa, but she seeks someone who can be honest and open with her. Unfortunately for John, he harbors many secrets that could jeopardize the safety of those he loves if revealed. Will this pair find a way to achieve their desires?

This book is the fourth novel in the series, and although I read the previous book, Barefoot in the Sun, I believe I could have followed the story without reading any others in the series. I didn’t enjoy this novel. It felt like there was too much filler, and the overall storyline seemed far-fetched. I don’t understand how being married would make someone a better father. Also, why would he be unable to get his children back if the police managed to capture the bad guys?

The romance and the element of Tessa’s alleged infertility felt unbelievable, and it was annoying how everything was neatly resolved at the end. In the previous book, Tessa discusses her desire for children, so it seems odd that she assumes she is infertile without a medical diagnosis.

While the characters in this book weren’t completely insufferable, they still had their annoying moments. There was one recurring character, Zoe—the lead in the previous novel—who continued to be bothersome in this book. When Zoe noticed her friend struggling with the idea of a fake wedding, she selfishly chose not to help her. Tessa herself could be quite unbearable; she despises it when others keep secrets, yet she conveniently keeps them from her friends. The dialogue between some characters was cringe-worthy, leaving me to wonder if people truly acedlike that; it felt exaggerated and over the top.

I did enjoy Tessa's interactions with her friend’s daughter, Ashley. However, Ashley’s subplot was cute but predictable and likely unnecessary. After reading two books from this series, I've concluded that I am not a fan of the author. She tends to write implausible stories with largely annoying and obnoxious characters. If you enjoy steamy beach romances and don’t mind outlandish storylines, you might find more enjoyment in this novel than I did.

Book Review - Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

 

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds tells the story of a teenager, Will, who grapples with the decision to avenge his brother Shawn's death. Growing up in their neighborhood, Will and Shawn learned the rules of engagement: no crying, no snitching, and seek revenge.  After Shawn is brutally gunned down, Will understands what he must do. He retrieves the gun that Shawn had hidden and intends to avenge him.  While waiting for the elevator to confront the person,  he is certain of his target. But is Will completely confident? As he enters the elevator, a mysterious individual steps in and begins to question Will’s motives. The elevator stops at each floor, and someone new boards who shares their perspective on Will’s intentions. It’s a long way down, and does Will change his mind, or will he gain clarity on his course of action?

I previously read another book by the author, All American Boys, and found it enjoyable, so I decided to give this one a chance. Initially, I was surprised by its poetic verse style and felt hesitant to continue reading.  I'm glad I persevered, as the novel proved to be intriguing, and the writing style added an engaging element. The book maintained suspenseful moments, making me eager to see who else would enter the elevator with Will. Although some pages were sparse in words, their impact was profound. I would be open to exploring more works by this author.