This as an easy read. Not at all complex. I did like the changing POVs but the characters are all stereotyped. I could forgive Tegan since she was theThis as an easy read. Not at all complex. I did like the changing POVs but the characters are all stereotyped. I could forgive Tegan since she was the ‘victim' but the rest of the characters are some degree of crazy. I wasn’t surprised by the twists since they were predictable. While the baby 'Tuna' (cringe) and Sadie appear to be the main concern, none of these adults seem fit to be parents. So the happy ending feels unlikely. All of the triggering behaviors here don’t add up to entertainment (for me). This novel definitely follows the author's style but it’s not a book I’d recommend....more
Five stars for the first half, three stars for the second - averages out to four stars. This novel had a great start and I was initially all in. As GrFive stars for the first half, three stars for the second - averages out to four stars. This novel had a great start and I was initially all in. As Grady’s grip on reality slips, the narrative slips too and it becomes repetitive and less compelling. The remoteness of the island seems unlikely in today's world; to have a functioning community with only 25 residents in that remoteness also seems unlikely. It got creepy and not in a good way. I think introducing a female bestselling author would have brought the point home in a more interesting way instead of the conclusion we got. I’m disappointed. Maybe should have gone with three stars overall. ...more
These recipes aren’t too complicated and are presented in typical Jamie style to encourage people to cook healthy food at home. I didn’t find any new These recipes aren’t too complicated and are presented in typical Jamie style to encourage people to cook healthy food at home. I didn’t find any new recipes to try but, as always, it’s worth a look....more
This is a solid novel. All of the characters are likeable, and seem mostly real (and very accepting). There might be some triggers here but the story This is a solid novel. All of the characters are likeable, and seem mostly real (and very accepting). There might be some triggers here but the story is about healing. The coping skills Gemma uses can work for some, but I’m glad it was just incorporated into her personality and not played for laughs. I think I’d go a little bonkers too if I believed I’d met my baby after 18 years - multiple perspectives give insight into that kind of situation. Good theme of healing from trauma and moving forward....more
This novel is fluff, but a fun premise to find yourself immersed in your favorite romance book series in real life! I don’t follow romance series at aThis novel is fluff, but a fun premise to find yourself immersed in your favorite romance book series in real life! I don’t follow romance series at all, but do read occasional romances to take a break from heavier fiction. I liked the atmosphere and the fantasy element of stepping into a place that existed in the books Elsy read so often that it did feel like coming home. She did kind of give in to it pretty quickly, but it’s fiction after all. There weren’t any real surprises, this was meant to be HEA and it delivers. I felt it was somewhat unevenly paced, the dialogue is very basic and the characters aren’t fully formed (but they're NOT real so I guess it’s okay?). Lots of choppy syntax errors (cringe) but this is a fine, fun novel if you're not expecting literature....more
I would almost give this novel five stars. I’ve consistently given this author four stars for previous books. This was SO good. Not too crazy twisty bI would almost give this novel five stars. I’ve consistently given this author four stars for previous books. This was SO good. Not too crazy twisty but the twists were subtle, I had some theories, and then OMG. The storyline was really compelling, and I had a lot of empathy for Camilla. These felt like real people in a sad situation. I was a little let down, right at the end, that it wrapped up so quickly even though the last 'act' had some realistic points. Still, this is a great ride. Read this author! ...more
Beautifully photographed, each recipe has a 'why this recipe works' forward. America's Test Kitchen always puts out terrific books. I borrowed from thBeautifully photographed, each recipe has a 'why this recipe works' forward. America's Test Kitchen always puts out terrific books. I borrowed from the local library and copied out one recipe. I recommend taking a look. ...more
I’m grateful I did not read the negative reviews ahead of time. They do have some valid points but I am grateful that I read this dark fairy tale withI’m grateful I did not read the negative reviews ahead of time. They do have some valid points but I am grateful that I read this dark fairy tale with an open mind. At times it was frustrating but also lyrical and poignant, with love at the center of it all. I was completely taken in by the setting, and reminded of the bare bones pioneer life of the 'Little House' series (which I also loved). Birdie and Arthur were both selfish, flawed characters and we see their doomed love affair sometimes through young Emaleen's eyes. The adult characters were solitary but wanting to belong while somehow keeping their separateness. *He loved them, they were family after all, and he wished them happiness, but that wasn’t the same as enjoying their company.' I have wanted to read 'the Snow Child' for years but never did ; I think it has a similar dark theme. In this novel, I believe love is the main factor - love of nature, love of life, love of family, love of possibilities - knowing that the cost of an open heart must be paid in order to experience it....more
This is a beautifully photographed book that covers many categories of home storage. It’s somewhat repetitive as these kinds of guides often are, for This is a beautifully photographed book that covers many categories of home storage. It’s somewhat repetitive as these kinds of guides often are, for the reader only looking at specific areas. While this is an ideal method of organization, with more than adequate space, I personally am looking for ways to maximize the storage in my smaller home and that is not the goal here. Still, this is an inspiring and lovely book....more
4.5 stars. This novel is an excellent debut, clever and twisty. The multiple POV's work well with the pacing and I stayed interested the entire way. T4.5 stars. This novel is an excellent debut, clever and twisty. The multiple POV's work well with the pacing and I stayed interested the entire way. The characters aren’t necessarily likeable, but they are understandable and their types do exist in the real world. People's lives do get blown up in this way, either by their own doing or as collateral damage in someone else's plans. This would be a great film, and seems to almost be written with that in mind. I had considered the big twist as a possibility, and it was well played. I’d have given five stars except for the final pages, which I felt were unnecessary....more
Great premise, don’t overthink it - just enjoy the evolution of Bob and how it impacts Vi's life and choices. Some good commentary on feeling like an Great premise, don’t overthink it - just enjoy the evolution of Bob and how it impacts Vi's life and choices. Some good commentary on feeling like an outsider, finding meaning in your life and what we absorb from media, this novel will mean different things to readers depending on their own experiences. It’s mostly fluff, it doesn’t go deep since it does require you to believe the fantasy. I rarely feel like a novel has been over edited but there was a lot untapped here. Still, makes you think. I look forward to more from this author. Pet peeve: proofreader's failure page 176�'a cake with Elliott's face sits ON the kitchen with a star-spangled congrats�.' Sits IN the kitchen, likely....more
I do not like the graphic novel format but I was curious about this one since it’s gotten a lot of recognition. Still not a fan of the genre but feel I do not like the graphic novel format but I was curious about this one since it’s gotten a lot of recognition. Still not a fan of the genre but feel like the author gave some insight into the Buddhist beliefs and culture while still keeping it open to all the feelings of grief and loss. Hopefully readers will get some comfort from this....more
On par with her earlier cookbooks, these recipes are healthy options eliminating added sugars and using healthier ingredients. I’m not huge on sweets On par with her earlier cookbooks, these recipes are healthy options eliminating added sugars and using healthier ingredients. I’m not huge on sweets but did flag one recipe to try. I viewed this in the ebook format through my local library system. I recommend all of Seinfeld's cookbooks. ...more
Another solid novel by this author. I liked that the characters were all ‘normal' and there weren’t any crazy twists. The adults in this story have liAnother solid novel by this author. I liked that the characters were all ‘normal' and there weren’t any crazy twists. The adults in this story have lived their lives. Here is a favorite sentence: *Why had I, who truly loved my husband - at least in the on-again-off-again, maybe/maybe-not, semi-happy way of just about any married woman�* I recommend this book....more
The plot was very predictable so this was a slightly suspenseful novel that was an easy read. The female characters were nuts and the male characters The plot was very predictable so this was a slightly suspenseful novel that was an easy read. The female characters were nuts and the male characters were dumb. Not sure about the whole turtle obsession. Really not sure how the police, parents, and other classmates didn’t connect the dots - I felt the conclusion was completely unlikely. This author has other better written books. ...more
I enjoyed the setting and the characters though some were really over the top. Good counterbalance to some of the heavier themes here. Snowbirds are pI enjoyed the setting and the characters though some were really over the top. Good counterbalance to some of the heavier themes here. Snowbirds are prevalent in the community I live in and they do seem to shed some of their baggage in their retirement/vacation lifestyle. It’s an opportunity to take stock and reevaluate what’s important in life and relationships as well as a reminder to stay open to random encounters and live in the moment - which this novel demonstrates. The search kept the drama going with good use of the journal and the back story informing Grant's and Kim’s mindset. After all the build up, the ending felt short. Still a good representation of this time of life with a bit of suspense....more
This author consistently tackles diagnoses that are misunderstood with great insight and empathy. It was a tricky read for me since it triggered a lotThis author consistently tackles diagnoses that are misunderstood with great insight and empathy. It was a tricky read for me since it triggered a lot of my family trauma. And it made me appreciate that my own DNA cocktail only includes depression. The manic episodes in the novel are unsettling - I’ve only witnessed mania from the outside but I feel the author accurately captures the chaos. Bipolar disorder impacts not only the individual but their family, friends, workplace. On a lesser note we also learn about amateur stand up comedy which seems like an odd choice but does give a welcome break from the emotional heaviness. Channeling bipolar energy into creative outlets and performances happens more than most people realize. If you know, you know. Proceed with caution if this is triggering for you....more
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