I usually like to read books with characters that deal with deep inner struggles and overly dramatic (and eas5 stars
This story. It's just so powerful.
I usually like to read books with characters that deal with deep inner struggles and overly dramatic (and easily conquerable) outer conflicts. So books about suicide? They don't usually make it into my radar. But that's the thing about , since they don't have all the books that might be on your wish list, you can actually diversify from your "usual" type of book, and have a chance to expand your book choices. And I'm glad that I did.
Throughout the book, my main thought was, "Oh, Ellie." Not with disappointment or judgement. Just sadness. I wish I could have been there, in the story, to stop her and help her realize how much she never knew she loved life. Her story is one that should be heard. It was a poignant, thoughtful, and deep reflection on life. The lesson itself is powerful. It may be your life, but you never know how much yours touched another's - just a brush against another's soul or catching the heart of their spirit. My heart ached. And I almost cried. (Which I never cry at movies or books.)
August. The way Ellie's decision affected him broke me. He was perfectly imperfect. I was sure I'd fall for him just as Ellie did. He always knew what to say, he thought about what to say, and he always knew what do to. The loss of Ellie made him loose his confidence at first. He became unsure, and he desperately hoped it wasn't true. I'm glad he found healing at the end of the book.
Regina. Ellie often thought of her mother as weak. As Ellie and I both uncovered the mysteries surrounding her death, I began to think the opposite. Her mother was as strong as any women could be in her situation. She did everything possible to keep her daughter safe from her abusive husband. Sometimes he manipulated the situation before she could stop him, and Ellie would become the target of his belt. But that never stopped Regina from lunging to shield her child. She was a brave mother. She would do anything to protect her daughter. Her dove. (view spoiler)[It hurt so much to know after Ellie's death that she'd been meticulously and silently planning an escape for her and Ellie. She was building up the money, planning the right moment, plotting a way to stay hidden from him forever. If only she could have told Ellie. (hide spoiler)]
Her father. Ah, the poetic justice. (view spoiler)[I always had a hunch that her father was the reason why she committed suicide. She wanted to be free of him because he always had his wife and daughter clenched in his grasp. He controlled them. Every bit of their lives. Beyond work and school, they couldn't leave their house. They couldn't spill milk. They couldn't have playful flour-throwing fights. None of that could happen without violent consequences. So when August threw the punches, it was so freeing. (hide spoiler)]
This one is heavy but hopeful. Definitely should be read by more people. I recommend....more
This one was heavy, but it was also healing and freeing at the same time.
After having thought of writing a story similar to this concept, I or4 stars
This one was heavy, but it was also healing and freeing at the same time.
After having thought of writing a story similar to this concept, I ordered this book from because of it. When I started reading, I found some details I was familiar with, emotions I expected, but I also learned some things about heart transplant and recovery.
My heart goes out to anyone who has had to go through such a process and commit themselves to such a overwhelming lifestyle of scheduled medications and biopsies in order to survive.
But this book also gives hope for more. Even through all of the pain and guilt that the characters go through, this story promises that grief can be overcome after a loss of a loved one or the outcome of a tragic event. No matter the situation, survivors are allowed to move on and heal... when they are ready.
The story of Quinn and Colton is touching in so many ways and serves as a reminder of the ways a life can be saved by a donor.
The main thing that resonated with me while I read this book was home. Miranda Asebedo really captured the rural life and town. Kids in cowboy 4 stars
The main thing that resonated with me while I read this book was home. Miranda Asebedo really captured the rural life and town. Kids in cowboy boots, small businesses, everyone knowing everyone's business, a hill called a mountain, antlers tied onto truck grills with baling twine, a circle driveway parked where the cars park instead of having a garage. Not to mention rival schools, homecoming, and a school with with a tigers mascot - orange and black school colors. All these details washed over me like a comforting wave. I felt at home with this book.
This probably also helped me connect with Trix. She was a girl who desperately wanted home but didn't believe she could ever find it. Once she started having it, she didn' t know how to accept it. Reading bits and pieces that related to my home in this story, helped me feel the yearning Trix was feeling.
The romance was cute and uplifting.
But I think the main thing about this book is the charm of the story. The "gifts" of the McCabe women kind of serve as a bit of hope for the people in the town for better things coming. And I think this book can be thought of that way too.
I recommend. It's a good read for any time, especially when you need to take a break....more
Okay, this Bride Ship book is definitely the best out of all the ones I've read so far.
Firstly, I think it was because we got to see the rela4.5 stars
Okay, this Bride Ship book is definitely the best out of all the ones I've read so far.
Firstly, I think it was because we got to see the relationship start before Zoe and Abe's marriage and after. We actually got a view of how the two characters would interact after getting married. While this was a little different - seeing as their relationship didn't really get to blossom at all before they took their vows - it did give the reader's a new situation to see in the bride ship novels.
When I first started reading it, I was kind of weirded out because when I met Pastor Abe in the second Bride Ship book, I imagined him as older. But he is actually way younger than I assumed, which made me feel a little guilty for thinking that right away because it's the stereotype I have come across. But, to my defense, Zoe was also surprised by the fact he was so young and *ahem* handsome. ;)
I just love the characters. Abe's shyness was adorable, Zoe's boldness was so strong, and their connection was UNDENIABLE!!!! Such a cute story.
And Will, Lyle, and Violet steal your heart right when you meet them!
When my sister bought these books, I knew she already liked one of the author's other books, but I was still hesitant as I started reading them. I have read at least one Christian novel before, and while the romance was nice and sweet, the message was OVER preached. I love when I can embrace faith while not feeling that the message is being forcefully preached to the choir, and these books so far have done that. God was mention quite often in each, but it felt natural and not like, "You must repent from your sins NOW." I can admire Jody Hedlund for weaving it in, reminding both her characters and the readers that they aren't in life alone.
*happy sigh* I recommend reading this book, after the first two books of course, because there is: romance, kindness, kidnapping, hardship, real relationships, and forgiveness....more
Okay, I have to say that at the beginning, while I totally saw the potential for a really cute relationship between Arabella and 4 stars
*swoons again*
Okay, I have to say that at the beginning, while I totally saw the potential for a really cute relationship between Arabella and Pete, I wasn't entirely devoted to this story. For the first book, I was instantly taken in. This one took a bit longer but I do love these two now.
I might be taking the easy way out by saying this, but WOW! This one had much, much higher stakes than the first book. Not only was there character history that included physical abuse, but there was also disease, prejudice, religion, arrests!
For a while, I couldn't get past Pete's mindset. He seemed a little too keen on "winning" Arabella so the lieutenant couldn't marry her. But he soon realized how important it was to realize that no one could "have" her and was intent on showing her how much he loved her.
Also, I really HATED Drummond. So bad. And Mr. Major! YIKES!
I really how the ending was set up. It definitely felt like the start of a new beginning for our lovely couple. Loved it.
Overall, a very good story. Ready for the next one!...more
A quick, (like, under an hour) version of one of the classics and one of my favorites, Pride and Prejudice. Rewritten in modern language in v4.5 stars
A quick, (like, under an hour) version of one of the classics and one of my favorites, Pride and Prejudice. Rewritten in modern language in various forms like texts, emails, apps, posts. It was hilarious and made me laugh out loud so often that one of my sisters working on homework had to remind me to quiet down.
The only reason that I took half a star off was because of the language. I don't think Lizzy would ever swear, but I guess that was up to author for a "modern" version.
Recommend reading it if you want to catch up with Pride and Prejudice again but don't have the time to read the original right now!...more
I completely fell in love with Joseph and Mercy. Of course, there was the usual handsome guy falls for beautiful girl and vice ve4 stars
*sigh* *SWOON*
I completely fell in love with Joseph and Mercy. Of course, there was the usual handsome guy falls for beautiful girl and vice versa story set-up. But I didn't mind that story line because it felt right and it felt real for the setting and the characters. And both characters were such good people, but it didn't feel forced at all. They were actually good, like genuinely kind, characters. I appreciated that, and I think that was what made me love them as much as I did. I seriously couldn't help feeling for them because the connection they had? It was STRONG! I felt everything they felt, blushed with Mercy, and hurt with Joseph. And I love books that do that.
Characters I hated? I can easily answer that question. Mr. Scott. He was a serious piece of work. He reminded me of Mr. Collins from Pride & Prejudice but evil. Mr. Scott was the preacher and a chaperone on the bride ship. But he took his "chaperone" position a little too far and was constantly against Mercy because he couldn't stand that Lord Colville was falling for Mercy instead of one of his two daughters. (view spoiler)[ It literally was scary for Mercy because Mr. Scott personal was going to make sure she married someone before the bride ship returned to England. He signed all these men up to meet with her and try to convince her to marry them. (hide spoiler)]
My only regret is that I couldn't read this book more quickly because of distractions like, you know, college. But I was motivated to get my to-do list done and finish it today and that's what I did. On to the next one!
Wow. Sooooo much better than Girl Gone Viral by Arvin Ahmadi. I recommend this over that one if you want a strong and realistic story about str5 stars
Wow. Sooooo much better than Girl Gone Viral by Arvin Ahmadi. I recommend this over that one if you want a strong and realistic story about strong women.
I bought this book on a whim from because a) it seemed like my kind of book, 2) the synopsis intrigued me, and d) I loved the cover. (And for some reason, I couldn't resist listing these like Buzz from Home Alone. ...more
I think Jane Austen mainly wanted to convey lessons in her writing, which I'm sure every author intends to do. I find that out all of all the b5 stars
I think Jane Austen mainly wanted to convey lessons in her writing, which I'm sure every author intends to do. I find that out all of all the books I read or the shows I watch, only the ones I have seen from Jane Austen have stuck with me the most, simply because the underlying meanings are timelessly connected to life. I have had a long history with Austen. I practically grew up on BBC's 1995 Pride & Prejudice, thanks to my older sisters. (Thanks, guys!...more
Well, apparently I haven't read this book for 3 years. A travesty. I was trying to fJanuary 2025 Review
5 stars - because why would I change my rating?
Well, apparently I haven't read this book for 3 years. A travesty. I was trying to figure out what to read next, and this book came to mind multiple times. Then, when I was describing it to my sister, I was like, yup, that's the one I want to read next.
Ugh, I love Hadley and Archer so much (view spoiler)[(I mean, a guy who end up spending so much time with you at the hospital without complaint and and is wanting to take careful care of you? Fictional guys just raise the standards for the real world...) (hide spoiler)]. And his extended family. And how the plot of this book feels so seamless. And how all the characters really do feel like they exist.
I'm so glad this book exists.
October 2022 Review
5 stars
When a nice girl is trying to help the "bad" guy in books, I usually am not impressed by that trope. I'm always like, "Girl, you can NOT change him." But In 27 Days is different. Because instead of our main girl falling into the "I can change him" trap and reinforcing this unrealistic and hurtful idea in dating and society that girls can tame the bad boys, this book doesn't make Hadley try to change Archer for who is - she's tasked with trying to change his outlook on life. And maybe comparing the bones of this book to that cliche trope doesn't make sense, but Gervais could have very easily turned the plot down that path. But she didn't. She made changing his mind have a purpose and reinforced the meaning of life in the process. Other than her writing, that's what's so compelling about this story.
You can also tell that Hadley's drive isn't "I can change him," it's "I want to help him." And I think this really shows what Gervais is trying to get across. Learning how to genuinely want to help people even in the smallest ways can show love, even without knowing each others name. We show we care that the person we see before us is a human being. So good.
Another thing I love about this book is the Catholic reference. A meaningful talk with a priest and a fundraising event are things I love to see depicted in movies and books, especially when they are done well.
This is a book that is always going to be on my bookshelf, sitting with my favorites!
May 26, 2020: Hardcover version Review 5 stars
Guys, this book. I still get all the feels even though this published, hardcover version of the Wattpad sensation by @honorintherain has many changes within the front and back cover. And, even though I loved the first version through and through, I do feel like this published version is a little more realistically plotted out. And I also liked that we actually got a closer look at Archer's family than before. Carlo became a teen with more than just stereotypical guy feelings, which I found was surprisingly what I didn't know I was looking for. And, okay, I almost can't believe I'm saying this, but I was super glad that there was less kissing. In the original, once they started being in a "relationship," they did it all the time. Which can be cute and all, but for me, the relationships in books loose something when they start kissing so much. It makes it a little less cute of a relationship for me to read. I never knew why I felt this way before until I came upon a writing pin on Pinterest that said the couple in your story shouldn't have to kiss to be cute. And I so agree. I liked Hadley and Archer being a little unsure of where they stood with each other because that seemed real for them. I mean, their relationship felt real and adorable in the original, don't get me wrong. I just appreciate how Gervais changed the level of their relationship for publishing because it showed me that she was able to exercise changing things in her writing and still end up with a relationship everyone will want to ship. Of course, though, that meant getting rid of some key cute moments that were in the original, but sometimes an author has to do that. At least, we still have them in the original version on Wattpad!
Anyway, so good, so cute, and more developed. If you have already read the Wattpad version, you might want to pick this one up. I felt I got to see a little more of the New York City of Hadley and Archer's story. I learned more about the families of the characters and I also liked how Hadley had some actual friends. And it's a good book for while being stuck at home.
May 10, 2020: Wattpad version Review 5 Stars
*happy sigh* This was a book that gave me ALL the feels -- a sign of a good book. ;) Seriously, the Alison Gervais made it super easy to feel exactly what Hadley was feeling. Embarrassment, shock, hurt, tired... everything Hadley could be feeling, I felt it too.
I rolled my eyes at my sister when she said she totally ships Hadley and Archer, but now that I've made it to the end of the e-book version, I have to agree. Just think about their adorable relationship has me pink in the cheeks and thinking of them as book relationship goals. So cute! I love them!
Hadley is a super strong, female character. She makes a seemingly impossible deal with Death, stop Archer from committing suicide, and then it turns into something life-threatening and a race against time. Such a cool concept.
And Archer. He's great too. I think words can't actually describe him or Hadley. You forget about what they look like and just read them as real people. They truly are real-feeling characters.
Anyway, I'm off to read the hardcover edition now since it's slightly different. I'll see what I think about the differences. Totally recommend for a cute relationship and life-changing story!...more
Another fun addition to the Wells and Wong Detective Society cases. A murder on the Orient Express! How novel! Robin Stevens' nod to Agatha Chr4 stars
Another fun addition to the Wells and Wong Detective Society cases. A murder on the Orient Express! How novel! Robin Stevens' nod to Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express set up a great challenge for Daisy and Hazel for book three of the series. I love a good laugh as well as some clever characters! I had a laugh about Daisy reading Murder on the Orient Express on the Orient Express!
I didn't quite see who the murderer was, but I guess I was partially right. (view spoiler)[I guessed that it was Madame Melinda, but she was only an accomplice to Mr. Daunt. (hide spoiler)]
As for the fourth book, I am really looking forward to reading it. Another murder at Deepdean School for Girls? I wondered if that would happen again, but I didn't think it'd be so soon after the first murder there! But sadly, I can't get my hands on it because the libraries in my area closed as a precaution to limit the spread of the coronavirus. But once it's safe to order it, I will be doing just that!...more
Marie Benedict just has a really amazing, truly beautiful writing. There were many moments that I wish I could remember the pages of some extre5 stars
Marie Benedict just has a really amazing, truly beautiful writing. There were many moments that I wish I could remember the pages of some extremely vivid writing but unfortunately I can't. Here is one quote that put me in awe. "The picnic table was covered with gleaming silver, etched blue porcelain plates, fine Belgian table linens, and crystal bowls filled with cut peonies, even though the field brimmed with sunflowers. The juxtaposition of the finery against the rustic background seemed incongruous. The Carnegies and their guests seemed to be enjoying nature as if behind a glass. As if the rustle of the wind and the buzzing flies couldn't penetrate their world." (pg 107-108) Doesn't that just make anyone else's jaw drop at how vividly the scene is portrayed? It's almost like Benedict is an expert artist, painting the scene on a canvas instead of typing words on the page. So good.
I just LOVE this era and am often curious about details of this period. So I even noted some information for my own interest. The romance is heartbreaking. As a reader, I felt the heartache from both Andrew and Clara. There's was the tragic love story that could never end the way they deserved it.
Only, we don't know if a girl like Clara Kelley was the person who forever changed Andrew Carnegie into a man for the people. Maybe she was or wasn't but this book is still super well-written and gorgeous. ...more
I think I should first off explain that my 3 star review for this book may be because I took over a mon3 Stars
*Full review to come!*
Okay. Let's begin.
I think I should first off explain that my 3 star review for this book may be because I took over a month to read it. I started reading this on March 24, near the beginning of my area's COVID-19 isolation, thinking that staying home everyday until further notice would be great for reading. And then I found out that my life has actually gotten more busy than if I had to go to school everyday. Balancing college classes around spotty internet, watching an unhealthy amount of TV, working on knitting a sweater without a pattern, and spending 5-6 hours of my waking hours working on the family farm hasn't helped give me a lot of time to do any reading. And I guess it was my fault that I watched TV, went outside when my brain felt like mush, or read a book on Wattpad when I should've been reading this book instead. And honestly, I feel bad that I took so long to read What I carry when any other time, I would have read a book like this in a week or less. So, even after everything I just explained before, I still come to the conclusion that it is partially my fault that I didn't like this book as well as I think I would have any other time of my life.
Okay. We have that out of the way. Let's start with characters. I wasn't a huge fan of Muir, which makes me feel like I should be arrested or something. I understood her story - as well as any non-foster child can anyway - and felt sad for her. But I also felt angry because she blinded herself to how much the people around her loved her. She didn't want to feel dependent or be a nuisance to anybody. But even after relying on Francine - who I adored, by the way - Muir still had the "adulting" thing down. She can totally take care of herself, in theory, but having a few T-shirts, pants, skirts, shorts, floss, toothpaste, a toiletry bag, and one suitcase to live off of doesn't make up for taking care of the "being human and emotional" side. Muir knew deep down that this was true for a long while, and even as she made friends with Kira (who is literally the greatest friend ever found in a book) and made more than friends with Sean (who is honestly too good to be true), Muir still had this inner battle between staying and leaving. It was a relief when Muir finally admitted that she was tired. Tired of living on her own and overly depending on herself, which is physically and mentally exhausting. And the ending was just the cute, positive conclusion that I needed.
Now, your probably wondering WHY I didn't like Muir. And I don't really know exactly why. It's mostly as I read the book, I felt like her personality and her opinions and judgments were verbally abusive, which may be well deserve slap in the face to people who "think" they "understand" everything about any of these situations. But I just couldn't handle the constant negative thinking and constant "hate on whites" attitude she had, even as she was white herself. I know whites aren't the greatest in the world, it's obvious from history that they're NOT. I generally feel that skin color shouldn't be used against anyone, even if they have been prejudice or done something equally illegal. Sometimes people just can't see where they are wrong and misunderstand. I think we all just "see" skin color too much and make very wrong opinions and stereotypes based off it. This book was both combating that and enforcing it at once through Muir, which got on my nerves. I just had to take some things in the story with a grain of salt.
All right, I'm done. The last thing I'll say is that the story inside is still as beautiful as the book cover. ...more
From the beginning, this book was a bit different than the first. Firstly, the suspect was someone close to the family and secondly, the lead u4 Stars
From the beginning, this book was a bit different than the first. Firstly, the suspect was someone close to the family and secondly, the lead up to the murder took longer since there was plenty of evidence hidden within the first chapters.
For a moment, I thought I knew who it was. But Stevens is good at throwing her readers a plot-twist, so it made me second guess. Her plot twists make me feel totally lost! But in the end, I was right. Except for the fact that I changed my mind multiple times throughout the book. I think I had an easier time figuring out the murderer this time only because the suspect list was so limited. Or maybe it was because I knew what to expect from a Detective Society novel this time around. I did my own deductions, though I didn't have any evidence to prove my suspicions, like Daisy and Hazel (along with their two assistants Kitty and Beanie) had to go searching for during the duration of the murder and the case-solving.
Finally, I can say that I think this series is something special. I definitely want to keep going with it because it is extremely clever and funny. And there's plenty of good suspense! I read the part at the end of the book with the third book's sneak peak, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading it soon!...more
I really liked this one, except the only thing that kind of let me down was New Castle. It was cool how the author created a castle in the moun4 stars
I really liked this one, except the only thing that kind of let me down was New Castle. It was cool how the author created a castle in the mountain with glowing mosses and glow worms lighting up the halls. But I couldn't entirely convince myself that a person could live in a mountain like that, no matter how many mosses there were to dimly light up the halls and rooms of the castle. The people there could see everything in great detail, which maybe people can adapt to such conditions if they live their for so long, but I also can't believe that anyone could live for very long with little to no sunlight. And they made the observation that the King was dying at such an early age because of it but I'm inclined to think that a person cannot live years in complete darkness. Those are just some thoughts I have on New Castle. While it was cool and different, it just didn't work for me.
From the beginning, I was sucked into a very unique world of life on the water. Personally, Varenia sounded like a dream, minus the starving and having to dive into dangerous waters for food and pearls. I found the selection of the most beautiful Varenian girl to be an interesting concept. It was bachelor-style but different in how it was considered an honor. I knew from the synopsis that Zadie would be chosen, but that Nor would have to take her place because of an accident. (view spoiler)[I was a little horrified at Zadie, how she made Nor touch her with the jelly fish to scar her and "damage" her so that she wouldn't be made to go to marry the Prince. Being a twin myself, I don't know what I would've done in Nor's place. Hurting your twin so irreversibly, even if it wasn't on purpose, would be so hard to deal with. I was kind of hoping that some other girl, desperate to become a princess, would have harmed Zadie to ruin her right before the ceremony. And then, even with her scar, they would choose Nor because she is the most beautiful as she is the identical twin of the girl they would have chosen anyway. (hide spoiler)] I was excited but wary when Nor was being sent to what she's always dreamed about: land. There she could finally have adventure.
But yet again, she was held back and made to act and do as others wanted. Right when they got on land, they shoved her in a carriage and then shut her up in a mountain castle. She was just as held back as she ever was in Varenia, perhaps even more so. Prince Ceren, her betrothed, was chilling and repulsive. (And I really had the urge to cut his long hair, because it made him so much more gross, even though there is no way I could do that.) Not a person she could trust or fall in love with at all. Prince Talin was ever the gentleman but was always getting Nor in trouble. To be honest, I didn't trust anyone in Ilara besides Ebb, Nor's maid and friend. I kind of thought that the brothers were in it together for a while.
The romance. I'm sorry, but I kind of wished that Ceren would have kept showing his unexpected tender side to Nor, helping her fall in love with him. I know, I know. I almost can't believe what I am saying myself. I wanted a love triangle. There I said it. But only because the romance between Talin and Nor felt too easy. And I know I just said that Ceren wasn't a person Nor could fall in love with, but that one moment she had when she saw just how much he wanted to be chosen and loved before Talin cracked my heart open a bit. And there was always the lullaby reminder of the lionfish. Ceren's warnings about his "lionfish" brother never amounted to anything. I kept expecting something to pop up about Talin, but nothing every happened. It just all happened too easily. (view spoiler)[ And we don't truly know if Ceren is actually dead like Nor thinks. He had her blood heal him. (Which is gross and he was scary when he was chasing after her in the cave.) What happens if he can know heal just as quickly as Nor? (hide spoiler)]
I do have to hand it to the author. I didn't see the end coming at all! Most of the time, the longer it takes for me to read a book, the more time I think about the story and the who, what, when, where, and why about it. Usually I can figure out what is going to happen and then my sister is like, "What! You figured it out!?" But this one caught me by surprise, most likely because Talin kept all the right information to himself.
And finally, the next book coming out after this? You will definitely find me reading it! Recommend!...more
This was such an enlightening read! I once saw a documentary about Hedy Lamarr but that was years ago and I only really clung to the idea of he5 stars
This was such an enlightening read! I once saw a documentary about Hedy Lamarr but that was years ago and I only really clung to the idea of her being somehow involved in cell phone technology and the fact that she had six divorces in her lifetime. Upon opening the book and reading it, I was quickly humbled. I can't believe that I had thought of her as shallow! She was such an amazing woman both on screen and, more importantly, off the screen. This book dives deeper into who Hedy Lamarr truly was, going beyond the masks she wore throughout her life. This book has left me both sad and inspired all at once, which might seem like an odd combination, but it's truly what I'm feeling. Marie Benedict does a wonderful job capturing every bit of Hedy Lamarr and revealing Hedy through the 1930's and 40's. I can definitely say that Hedy Lamarr or Hedy Kiesler, as she was known before her Hollywood days, is definitely role model material.
I really recommend to those who love a good historical fiction, especially WWII era. I'm excited to read Benedict's other books!...more
This one was a super quick read because I quickly got invested in our character Cassie Hanwell. She is a firefighter who is undoubtedly strong 4 stars
This one was a super quick read because I quickly got invested in our character Cassie Hanwell. She is a firefighter who is undoubtedly strong and capable, but since she is a female many of her male colleagues underestimate her abilities. She constantly proves herself and is willing to keep proving herself to her fellow firefighters because that's what it is going to take to earn their respect. But one guy, the rookie, sort of gets in the way because he's the guy she never knew she needed. And that goes against the "no dating firefighters" rule. But after holding back her emotions for so long, suddenly there is no holding them back.
I thought that the banter in this one was pretty good between Cassie and the rookie (the guy who they call the rookie so much that you forget his real name). And this book also pulls at your heartstrings and REALLY stresses the strength of love and forgiveness. For Cassie, love and forgiveness always seemed like a weakness until she is forced to live with her mother after beating up a gross creep from her past, thus needing a new position, and having to take care of her sick mother.
I also liked how Center captured the "family feel" of Cassie's crew. It really did feel like C-shift was just one big family, especially at the end. I think that helped the crew actually represent real people in my mind rather than just reading random names and nicknames on a page.
This book wasn't really a show of emotion until the end when you can read just how happy Cassie is now that she has everything she needs and daily practices love and forgiveness. (view spoiler)[Not to mention the creep finally got what he deserved. (hide spoiler)]
Anyway, yes, I definitely recommend this read for anyone who is totally ready to get swept away. The book itself is awesome, the cover is spot on, and the characters feel so real - what's not to like? Give it a go! (view spoiler)[I do have one comment after reading this book: Everyone just always looks at Cassie and says she needs a hug. Hernandez, her mom, Josie, Rookie, Captain, the crew... it's seriously a thing. It's a little funny and weird at the same time since at first Cassie is always telling people not to hug her. (hide spoiler)]...more
This is the third book I've read from Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka. I'm sad to say I'm a little disappointed with the ending. I3.5 stars
This is the third book I've read from Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka. I'm sad to say I'm a little disappointed with the ending. I get that it's totally realiztic and completely understandable, but I am still left dissatisfied. I wanted Fitz and Juniper to be able to support each other for much longer than 10 days. I wanted a sure ending. But I suppose it did fit with the "living in the present" point the whole book made. Still... just wanted them to have their forever, but felt like the ending was a bit abrupt.
Okay, I have a bone to pick though. My favorite of #Wibbroka's (yes, I read the acknowledgements to get the hashtag right) books is If I'm Being Honest. I felt I could live Cam's life and loved that she found a quirky nerd who was undeniably perfect for her. At the end of Cam and Brendan's relationship, I was sure they would forever work it out. Time of Our Lives brought Cam and Brendan back WITH AN ARGUMENT!!! Just to give Fitz and Juniper an extra dose of uncertainty. I guess I can forgive it because they saw Cam and Brendan again, saw that they worked it out, and everything but even the old characters that I loved and knew felt wrong. I can forgive it, but I wasn't very happy with it.
Juniper. I probably related to her the least. I didn't care for the rudeness and disrespect that she gave her great aunt. She was cool and everything, but the disrespect for family didn't work for me. I was glad she grew out of it.
Fitz. He was great. Glued to his dictionary, a reader, funny in an socially awkward kind of way... I related. Not that I read through a dictionary of unique words to comfort myself, but I could totally understand needing something material to ground yourself when everything around you could change for the worse when you least expect it.
The two of them had cute, giggly moments and then arguments that I felt didn't need to be. Something just didn't work quite right. They just met but then had huge arguments and then everything was okay very quickly. I kind of wish that Matt would have been more involved -not that we need love triangles- but just to have something else make it more difficult for the two to come together. Matt went out of the picture VERY easily. And I liked him too, so I kind of wish he hadn't been totally dropped from the book. And honestly, I felt Fitz slowly shift into Matt when he was with Juniper. Not totally or completely, but subtly. He changed, and obviously he had to to make this book mean something, but I didn't like how physically focused he was about Juniper. I wanted more admiration of words and being in awe about smarts and whatever from him.
Then end. I was left with questions. Every life has questions but for books, unless there's a sequel, they should be answered. What is going to happen with Lewis and Prisha? Will Lewis be able to follow his real dreams? What is their mom's state actually like when they get back? Is there more from Juniper's abuela? What is Tia's story? Could there be more to her always scolding Juniper than we know? Did Fitz's dad ever care about this college tour trip? Will Fitz contact his birth mom? What colleges were Juniper and Fitz actually thinking about choosing? I don't know the answers to any of these questions. Maybe these questions aren't the point, but to feel more deeply connected with the main characters, I feel I could use the knowledge.
So, it was good, it was quick, it was cute. I laughed out loud in the beginning. Felt sad and happy at the right parts. I just would have liked a little more....more
I knew coming into this one that it was a middle school book, but it caught my attention a long time ago on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ because of the fun Britis4 stars
I knew coming into this one that it was a middle school book, but it caught my attention a long time ago on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ because of the fun British title, Murder Most Unladylike. I finally decided to read it this month. And I gotta say... I got schooled by a middle school book. I never saw who the actual murderer was! Stevens did such a good job giving all of the characters motive! I thought at one time that all the staff was in on it.
And this is also a really funny read. When I ordered this book from the library, I thought I'd give this series a trial run by seeing how I liked this first book. And now I think that I will read the next one. I want to see who's murder Wells and Wong Secret Detective Society solves next.
(view spoiler)[And also, was it just me or did that wink Inspector Priestley gave Hazel mean something other than being humorous? I mean, read the scene.
... [Daisy] put out her hand for the Inspector to take. He shook it solemnly (I was now more certain than ever that he was not being serious), and then turned and held out his hand for me. I shook it, feeling suddenly rather shy. I looked up at him out of the corner of my eye and had a shock when I caught him winking at me. I dropped his hand, horribly embarrassed, but when I looked at him again his expression was as polite as ever.
You see what I see? Something is definitely happening here! (hide spoiler)]
Anyway, this is a fun, humorous, and clever murder mystery. I look forward to reading the next book in the series of Wells and Wong mysteries....more
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