Three Days in June by Anne Tyler - A Review

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler isn’t exactly a page-turner. The story takes place over a single weekend during Gail’s daughter Debbie’s wedding, but it’s more about reflection than action. The weekend kicks off with Gail being passed over for a promotion, her ex-husband Max showing up unexpectedly (and bringing a cat he’s fostering), and Debbie revealing that her fiancé has been unfaithful. From there, the book moves between Gail thinking about her marriage, her structured life, and whether she’s ready to take some risks.

There are funny, charming moments with quirky, down-to-earth characters, but I found it a bit lightweight. I was expecting more drama, that classic “dysfunctional family wedding” energy, but it just wasn’t there. Gail was hard to connect with—her decisions often didn’t make sense to me—and most of the side characters weren’t fully developed. Max felt richer and more interesting, which only highlighted the others’ lack of depth.

What I did enjoy was seeing a story centered on an older woman. That’s refreshing in fiction, and it made the book worth reading. Tyler’s prose is always nice—thoughtful and observant—but at times it felt slow and flat. I found myself skimming a bit due to the lack of substance.

The ending is sweet and gives Gail redeems herself but there are a lot of loose ends. What happens with Debbie’s marriage? What really comes of Gail and Max? I wanted more depth and a little more payoff for the characters.

Overall, Three Days in June is a quick, pleasant read, but it left me feeling lukewarm. It’s not bad, but it didn’t have the emotional punch or drama I was expecting from Anne Tyler. A beautiful book cover though!

★★★☆☆

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The No (Self) Doubt Workbook by Molly Burford - A Review

 

The No (Self) Doubt Workbook by Molly Burford

The No (Self) Doubt Workbook is a thoughtful, practical guide for anyone looking to quiet their inner critic and build stronger self‑confidence. While the title focuses on overcoming self‑doubt, the content reaches far beyond that. This workbook offers a well-rounded collection of reflective exercises that encourage personal growth, resilience, and realistic self-compassion.

The structure is inviting and easy to follow, with short, digestible chapters that make it simple to revisit specific topics whenever you need a boost. What stands out most is the variety of activities: designing your most confident life, identifying warning signs of self-doubt, celebrating small wins, and expressing yourself in meaningful ways. The exercises are approachable but intentional, prompting you to slow down and honestly reflect. Some prompts may feel uncomfortable, yet that discomfort often leads to the most valuable insights.

One particularly helpful aspect of the workbook is its emphasis on breaking large goals into manageable steps. It’s a powerful reminder that progress happens through consistency and small actions rather than giant leaps. The book also touches on the importance of being realistic about our limits. We simply can’t do everything, and the encouragement to fill your own cup first is both grounding and refreshing.

Although marketed as a tool for navigating self-doubt, this workbook serves a wider purpose. It explores self-compassion, processing feedback, embracing failure, and staying true to yourself. These themes make it relevant not only for those struggling with insecurity but for anyone committed to personal development.

Overall, The No (Self) Doubt Workbook is a supportive, insightful resource that delivers on its promise. Whether you're looking to challenge your inner critic or simply want structured, meaningful prompts to guide your growth, this workbook is one you'll continue returning to.

★★★★★

Thanks to Adam’s Media and NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review.

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Marple: Twelve New Mysteries - A Review

Marple: Twelve New Mysteries brings together twelve contemporary authors, each offering a new take on Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. As expected with an anthology, the quality varies. Some writers capture the classic tone beautifully, while others drift into styles that don’t feel entirely true to Christie’s character. Still, even the less successful stories show genuine respect for Miss Marple, and the range of settings—from St. Mary Mead to Manhattan, Italy, Hong Kong, and Cape Cod—keeps the collection engaging.

When the stories work, they deliver clever puzzles, sharp observations, and that familiar Marple charm. When they don’t, they still offer interesting experiments with the character. 

Overall - This anthology will appeal most to readers who enjoy seeing familiar characters through new creative lenses. While some stories feel wonderfully true to Christie and others drift into new territory, the collection is entertaining, varied, and clearly written with affection for Miss Marple.

Story‑by‑Story Breakdown

1. Evil in Small Places — Lucy Foley ★★★

Foley captures Christie’s tone and delivers a classic village mystery that feels right for Miss Marple.

2. The Second Murder at the Vicarage — Val McDermid ★★★

Clever, well‑written, and very faithful to Christie’s style. Familiar characters and a smooth, authentic narrative.

3. Miss Marple Takes Manhattan — Alyssa Cole ★★

Creative setting, but the tone feels more modern thriller than Marple. An interesting idea that doesn’t fully fit the character.

4. The Unravelling — Natalie Haynes ★★★

Clean plotting and a classic mystery structure. Predictable at times but
still engaging and well executed.

5. Miss Marple’s Christmas — Ruth Ware ★★★★

One of the best entries. Warm, festive, nostalgic, and full of Christie‑style charm. A cozy holiday mystery done right.

6. The Open Mind — Naomi Alderman ★★

Intriguing concept, but the tone and modern setting feel out of place for Miss Marple. A thoughtful attempt that doesn’t quite land.

7. The Jade Empress — Jean Kwok ★★★

Strong atmosphere and a memorable cruise‑ship setting. Enjoyable plot, though opinions may differ on whether Miss Marple fits naturally into this environment.

8. A Deadly Wedding Day — Dreda Say Mitchell ★★★

Lively, energetic, and fun. The mystery is entertaining, though Miss Marple shares the spotlight more than usual.

9. Murder at the Villa Rosa — Elly Griffiths ★★★

Told from another character’s perspective. Interesting structure and a vivid Italian setting, but the story feels less “Marple” than others.

10. The Murdering Sort — Karen M. McManus ★★★

An engaging young narrator. The timeline and family connections feel stretched, but the story is still enjoyable.

11. The Mystery of the Acid Soil — Kate Mosse ★★★

One of the more traditional and successful stories.

12. The Disappearance — Leigh Bardugo ★★

Dark, moody, and atmospheric. Bardugo takes bold risks with the character.

★★★

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Summer Ever After by Kourtney Kiesel (Audiobook) - A Review

 

The book starts with a great concept, but the pacing feels much too slow. By the time the characters finally came together, my interest had faded, and I found myself reading on autopilot, missing moments that should have mattered. Cute as it was, this story would have been much stronger as a novella—sweet and fun, but way too stretched out.

The narration wasn’t quite for me. The higher pitch and frequent upward inflection made it a little distracting at times, and I had to take a few breaks. That said, others may enjoy the style more than I did.

No Rating

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Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin - A Review

Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin is one of those quiet, emotional stories that slowly works its way into your heart. It’s about loss, forgiveness, and what it really means to love someone when life has already broken you a few times.

The story centers on Joseph Burns, a Vietnam veteran living alone in the mountains of North Carolina, still carrying the physical and emotional scars of war. When he helps a woman and her children who are lost and in danger, his life begins to shift, eventually leading him back to his hometown in Florida—and back to Allie, the woman he’s loved since they were young. Allie is grieving too, having lost her husband in a sudden, tragic accident and struggling to hold herself together after years of hardship.

Charles Martin is at his best here: reflective, gentle, and deeply human. The book moves through different places and timelines—Vietnam, the Carolinas, Florida’s Gulf Coast—but at its core, it’s about broken people searching for grace. The characters feel real and worn down by life, yet still hopeful in a quiet, stubborn way. It’s not a fast-paced novel, and some readers may find it slow, but if you settle into it, the emotional payoff is worth it.

This story is heavy at times, filled with pain and hard choices, but it’s also full of healing and redemption. By the end, it leaves you with a sense of peace and the feeling that even the most wounded hearts can still find their way home. If you enjoy character-driven stories about love, sacrifice, and second chances, Send Down the Rain is a beautiful, thoughtful read.

Charles martin is one of my favorite authors. 

★★★★★

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When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble - A Review

When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble is the third book in a trilogy, and since I had not read the first two installments, I struggled to find my footing for a good portion of the story. Key background details weren’t fully clear until much, much later, which made over half the chapters feel a bit disorienting.

The novel offers a strong premise, and I genuinely enjoyed the core idea behind the plot. However, there were many small side mysteries and tangents woven throughout, and at times these distracted from the main storyline. With tighter editing and a more focused structure, the book could have delivered a much stronger impact. The pacing occasionally felt slow, and some emotional elements—especially the “woe is me” moments—seemed prolonged.

I listened to the audiobook edition, and the narrator did a nice job overall. My only challenge was occasionally confusing the voices for Dad and Michael, which made certain scenes harder to follow.

I do appreciate Christian fiction and always enjoy a clean, uplifting read. The faith elements here were gentle and naturally integrated, which is something I value. There is an excellent foundation to this story, and with some refinement in structure and pacing, it could have been truly outstanding. A brief recap or clearer early-story context would be wonderful for readers jumping in without having read the prior books.

I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title and look forward to exploring more of their books in the future.

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Grandma Quotes

 

“Being a grandma is loving without hurry.”

Forgiveness - Quote

"The practice of forgiveness is our most

important contribution to the healing of the

world." – Marianne Williamson 

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey - A Review

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey was a mixed experience for me. The romance is undeniably the highlight—Julian and Hallie’s chemistry is instant and sizzling. Julian completely steals the show: he’s funny, layered, swoony, and obsessed with Hallie’s chaotic energy in the most charming way. Honestly, his character alone could carry the book. The steamy moments are hot, and the first-time experiences with Hallie are written really well, which made the romance feel authentic and engaging.

Hallie is sweet and quirky, and the bookish, wine-country, gardening vibes are cute, but she can be frustratingly inconsistent. She wants Julian, then doesn’t, then wants him again—it got tiring after a while. The side characters, aside from maybe Julian’s sister, don’t add much, and the small-town winery plotline and Corked vs UNCORKED rivalry weren’t explored enough to be compelling. The pacing is slow, and at times the story dragged, especially in the middle, which made it hard to stay fully invested. Miscommunications and predictable moments at the end also made it feel a little flat.

That said, there’s a lot to enjoy. The romance works, the chemistry is palpable, and Julian is exactly the kind of swoony, charming hero you want in a contemporary romance. If you’re here for a sexy, fun, steamy romance with some humor and heart, it delivers—but if you’re looking for depth, strong side characters, or a fast-moving plot, this one may leave you wanting more.

★★★☆☆

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Not in Love by Ali Hazlewood - A Review

I found Not in Love entertaining and a nice change of pace from the usual romance fare, though it did have a few quirks. 

The dialogue is clever and fun—there were lines that made me laugh out loud. And while Hazelwood’s signature spicy scenes are a bit much for me personally, I do appreciate how they show the emotional connection growing between the characters.

What really stood out were the characters. Rue and Eli are complex, with real psychological struggles that shape how they interact. I loved how Eli fell for Rue first and how he genuinely accepts her social quirks—those moments made the romance feel authentic. The friendships and character dynamics were also enjoyable, even if a few side characters, like Hark.

The story can feel a little disjointed at times but the emotional depth, humor make up for it.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

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The Amendment by Kiersten Modglin - A Review

The Amendment by Kiersten Modglin made me pause more than once and say, what on earth did I just read? This series really hinges on one question: are Peter and Ainsley the most unhinged couple ever? Possibly. And honestly, that’s half the appeal.

This is book two in The Arrangement series, and it picks up immediately where the first one ends, so reading in order is a must. The beginning felt a little slower than I expected—especially for Modglin, who usually jumps straight into the chaos—but once the second half kicks in, things get much more interesting. The story starts to twist, the tension ramps up, and suddenly I had no idea where it was heading.

Peter and Ainsley decide to try couples counseling… which, given who they are, is almost funny. Let’s just say it goes about as well as you’d expect. The book is told in dual first-person POV, which adds to the psychological back-and-forth and keeps you locked inside both of their heads—for better or worse.

Did this installment hit as hard as the first book? Not quite. Some of the plot beats felt familiar, and it didn’t bring quite the same level of shock or novelty. That said, I still flew through it. The characters may not be deeply complex, and the story definitely lives in “this would never happen in real life” territory, but the entertainment value more than makes up for it.

The pacing picks up significantly toward the end—and just when it felt like things were really getting good, it stopped. The ending was deliciously unsettling and left me immediately wanting to know who’s going to come out on top. Honestly, these two deserve each other in every possible way.

Overall, while The Amendment didn’t quite reach the highs of The Arrangement, it was still a dark, twisty, fast-paced read that kept me hooked. I had a good time with it and am definitely continuing on to book three, The Atonement, to see how this mess finally plays out.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that are wild, unrealistic, and impossible to put down, this series is absolutely worth the ride.

★★★☆☆

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What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella - A Review

I am floored...  I went into What Does It Feel Like? knowing almost nothing about it—only that readers were raving. I borrowed the audiobook from my library, pressed play, and within minutes realized I might be in trouble. As a mom of five who was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with my youngest twenty years ago, I knew this story would stir memories I don’t often revisit. And yet, nothing could have prepared me for just how deeply Sophie Kinsella’s autobiographical novella would cut…and heal.

This book is raw, funny, heartbreaking, and astonishingly hopeful. Kinsella fictionalizes parts of her own experience, rearranging some events and changing names, but the emotional truth is unmistakable. Her signature humor—bright, quirky, and disarming—shines even in the darkest moments. There were scenes that shattered me and scenes that made me smile.

Sophie approaches her own trauma with immense courage, vulnerability, and a stubborn spark of optimism that refuses to go out. I deeply applaud her bravery in sharing something so profoundly personal with her readers.

The novella follows Eve, a mother of five and a beloved novelist, who wakes in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. She soon learns she has survived an eight‑hour surgery for a stage‑4 glioblastoma. What follows is an intimate and moving account of recovery: relearning how to talk, walk, write, even remember Christmas carols. The moments where Eve Googles survival statistics—terrified yet determined—broke me. But what remains constant is her devotion to the ordinary magic of everyday life: walking hand‑in‑hand with her husband, loving her children fiercely, fighting her way back to herself one tiny step at a time.

It’s also impossible not to feel inspired. Sophie Kinsella’s humor, light, and resilience never fade, even as she confronts some of the most frightening words a person can hear.

Beautifully written. Brutally honest. Utterly unforgettable. Ugh my heart is still feeling it...

Five stars. Absolutely.

★★★★★

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The Arrangement by Kiersten Modglin - A Review

The Arrangement by Kiersten Modglin is one of those thrillers that hooks you immediately and refuses to let go. From the very first chapter, the tension is there—and just when you think you’ve figured out where things are heading, the story veers off in a direction you absolutely won’t see coming.

I don’t often get genuinely surprised by psychological thrillers anymore, but this one managed it. There was a twist so shocking that I actually had to stop and reread the page to make sure I hadn’t misunderstood. Moments like that are rare, and they’re what made this book stand out for me.

This was my first time reading Modglin, and I’d compare her style to Freida McFadden: fast-paced, easy to read, and straightforward, but packed with twists that keep you glued to the story. The plot moves quickly, the chapters are short, and it’s very easy to say “just one more chapter” until suddenly you’re done.

The story follows Ainsley and Peter, a married couple struggling in their relationship who decide to open their marriage under a strict set of rules—each gets one designated night a week to date someone else. What could possibly go wrong? Ainsley’s date doesn’t go at all as planned, while Peter seems far more comfortable bending the rules. What he doesn’t realize is that Ainsley may already be several steps ahead of him… and that’s where things really start to unravel.

That said, I knocked off a star because the plot does stretch believability as it goes on. At one point, it crossed into “this would never happen in real life” territory for me and felt a bit silly. Still, the entertainment value was high enough that I didn’t mind too much.

I also listened to part of this on audiobook, and the narrators did a great job bringing both perspectives to life. The dual POV added to the tension and made the mind games even more engaging.

Overall, The Arrangement is a quick, twisty, and highly addictive psychological thriller. It may not be perfectly realistic, but if you enjoy jaw-dropping twists, messy characters, and stories that keep you guessing until the very end, this one is absolutely worth reading. I finished it already desperate to start book two.

★★★★☆

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Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood - A Review

Problematic Summer Romance had a slow start for me, with Maya initially testing my patience, but it ultimately won me over. Hazelwood’s dual timeline—blending Maya’s backstory with the present-day wedding in Sicily—helps explain her quirks, making her a relatable, layered protagonist.

Conor, as expected from Not in Love, is prickly and complex. His strained relationship with his father provides insight into his actions, making him more sympathetic despite his flaws. Their romance is messy, realistic, and deeply engaging.

Hazelwood excels at creating intelligent, strong female characters, and Maya shines in her mix of wit, vulnerability, and chaos. The ensemble cast, including callbacks to Eli and Rue, adds humor, depth, and balance to the story’s emotional beats.

The book is funny, romantic, and charmingly chaotic, with the Sicilian setting enhancing the story without overshadowing the characters. The audiobook is particularly enjoyable, capturing both humor and tension, and clarifies pronunciations like Kaede’s name.

While repetitive reminders from Conor about their age difference occasionally slowed the pacing, the story remains a delightful, page-turning romance full of banter, tension, and heartfelt moments.

★★★★☆

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Peacock Austin Energy

Found this peacock chilling in a birdbath like it’s his personal spa.

Beating the heat. Zero urgency. Absolutely on brand for Austin.

 

First‑Time Caller by B K Borison - A Review

First‑Time Caller by B K Borison has a genuinely fun setup. The writing flows well, the pacing tries its best, and the overall vibe often feels like a nostalgic 90s rom‑com—which I loved.

That said, the book is simply too long for the story it’s telling. There are stretches that drag, moments that could’ve been tighter, and it easily could have been 300 pages without losing anything important. Because of that, my interest dipped around the halfway mark.

I really enjoyed the family dynamics and Lucie’s character, plus the sweet early chemistry and banter. But Aiden lost me as the story progressed—his emotional unavailability made it hard to root for him, and I never fully bought their shift from flirtation to love. For a single‑parent romance, I also wished for more meaningful interactions between Aiden and Lucie’s daughter.

Still, it’s a cute, well‑narrated, and entertaining read with great side characters and several genuinely heartwarming moments. If you enjoy slow‑burn romances with charming premises, this one may still hit the spot.

★★★

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Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries by Tonya Kappes - A Review

Mae West goes from champagne brunches to living and owning a campground after the FBI wipes out her life thanks to her husband’s Ponzi scheme. 

Mae rolls into town expecting to sell the place and move on. Instead, she trips over not one but two dead bodies, making her the world’s most reluctant crime magnet. Meanwhile, the locals—half friendly, half giving her the side‑eye because her ex stole their life savings—provide enough gossip to power the entire state.

This book is cozy, cute, and sometimes downright silly. Mae can be as oblivious as a goldfish, and the lead investigator acts like he got rejected by a Hallmark audition and never recovered. Some characters feel half-finished, the editing could be tighter, and I can already sense a love triangle brewing like bad coffee.

But honestly? The small‑town charm works. The supporting cast is fun, the ending twist is solid, and the whole thing is an easy, breezy read. If you want a serious, fast‑paced mystery, this isn’t it. If you want something light, quirky, and happily ridiculous in places, this will hit the spot.

And yes, I’ll be reading the next one.

★ ★ ★ ½

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84 Charring Cross Road by Helene Hanff - A Review

|One of My All-Time Favorite Books

84 Charring Cross Road by Helene Hanff is, without question, one of my all-time favorite books.

Told entirely through real letters, it chronicles the twenty-year correspondence between Hanff in New York and Frank Doel of Marks & Co.. What begins as a simple request for hard-to-find classics slowly unfolds into a deeply touching friendship built on wit, kindness, and a shared love of literature.

Hanff’s sharp humor and big-hearted generosity shine through every page, while the quiet warmth from London makes the story feel intimate and real. The book is short, but its emotional impact is lasting. It’s about books, yes—but even more about connection, loyalty, and the beautiful ways strangers can become dear friends.

Charming, poignant, and utterly timeless. Five stars, always.

★★★★★

Forgiveness - Quote

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” 

Lewis B. Smedes

Healing - Quote

 

"Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives." – Unknown 

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara -A Review

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is definitely not one of my usual selections. But it is, without question, one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. The way Hanya Yanagihara captures despair, grief, tragedy, and pure, raw emotion is absolutely fascinating. Her writing is immersive and deeply affecting in a way that lingers long after you’ve put the book down.

That said, I strongly recommend reading trigger warnings before picking up this title. It is incredibly heavy and emotionally intense.

It’s also a very lengthy book—I can’t tell you how many times I dropped my phone on my face or knocked my glasses off while falling asleep reading it. I definitely missed having a paperback in my hands for this one.

I look forward to reading more of Yanagihara’s work because her talent is undeniable, though I would personally prefer different storylines in the future.

★★★★

Visit your local library, I did.t

Morning in the Goat Barn

The herd was busy exploring the barn this morning, moving in and out of the doorway like they had a full schedule to keep. A couple of them settled right in to share breakfast, while the youngest bounced around the ramp, testing out every board like it was part of a new playground. Even the cat stepped in to supervise, clearly deciding the goats needed a little extra oversight. It’s always fun watching everyone fall into their own routines, each with a different idea of what farm life should look like.

 

Hack that Dish by Todd Wilbur - A Review

Todd Wilbur’s Hack That Dish is an engaging, well‑organized cookbook that delivers exactly what fans of restaurant copycat recipes crave. The table of contents is grouped by restaurant and dish, making it easy to jump straight to favorites such as:

• Applebee’s Spinach & Artichoke Dip
• Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup
• Lazy Dog Crispy Deviled Eggs
• P.F. Chang’s Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
• Panda Express Blazing Bourbon Chicken
• Walkers Shortbread

The book even includes a helpful tutorial on how to “hack” recipes yourself—a fun and empowering addition for home cooks who want to go beyond the provided dishes.

Each recipe includes background information on the restaurant that inspired it, clearly highlighted ingredient lists, and numbered step-by-step instructions. I especially appreciated the “Top Secret Hack Sheet” and “Field Notes,” which add depth, guidance, and behind-the-scenes insight into the recreation process. Many recipes also feature beautifully plated photos of the finished dish.

The layout is exceptionally user-friendly. Prep time, difficulty level, and serving size are all clearly labeled, making planning effortless. Overall, this is a very well-designed cookbook that is easy to read, easy to use, and packed with clever culinary inspiration.

My only suggestion would be to include more photos—because the ones that are included are gorgeous, and additional images would only enhance the experience.

A fantastic cookbook. Buy the hard copy and display it proudly in your kitchen.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez - A Review

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez had a lot of potential, and there were definitely moments I enjoyed, but overall it felt a little uneven. Marcela, the librarian heroine, is relatable and charming, especially in her love of books and the library scenes, which are a dream for any book lover. I liked the focus on representation, body positivity, and Mexican-American heritage, and there were cute, swoony moments with Theo that I did genuinely enjoy.

That said, I found Marcela frustrating at times. Her indecision and overthinking dragged on longer than necessary, and some of her choices—like lying or running from someone who genuinely likes her—felt unnecessary. It made her growth feel inconsistent, even though the story was clearly trying to show her working through her self-doubt. Theo is sweet and emotionally open, but even with him, some of their interactions felt like they were overly convenient for the plot.

The story itself can feel a little messy. The relationships—romantic and familial—are soap-opera level dramatic, and a few subplots felt like filler rather than meaningful character development. I also felt that some of the bookish or modern details, like extended chatroom conversations, went on too long and didn’t always add to the story.

Still, there were plenty of things I liked. The chemistry between Marcela and Theo is undeniable, the San Antonio setting added charm, and the bookish details made it a fun read for anyone who loves libraries, reading, or quirky romantic touches. The writing is warm and approachable, and there’s a sweetness to the romance that works.

Overall, this is a cute, light contemporary romance with a lot of heart, but it’s not without flaws. If you’re looking for a fun, bookish romance with messy relationships, swoony moments, and relatable characters, it’s worth a read—but don’t expect a perfect story.

★ ★

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The Found Echoes of Singing Trees by Kaby - A Review

The Found Echoes of Singing Trees by Kaby, Narrated by Shridhar Solanki is a charming adventure story perfect for children ages 6 and up. It follows Louey, the curious orange cat, as he travels with his companions Chloe and Bassy—and several delightful new friends they meet along the way—to uncover why the echoes of the ancient Forest have begun to fade. Their mission to restore the Forest is not only magical but essential to keeping Marsimble alive.

One of the book’s strengths is how it weaves information about animals, plants, and ecosystems naturally into the narrative. It highlights the importance of caring for nature and respecting the land in a way that feels accessible and engaging for young readers. Although lengthy descriptions can sometimes pull me out of a story, the vivid depictions of flowers, plants, and woodland creatures were beautifully done and added to the enchantment.

Shridhar Solanki’s narration is energetic and expressive, bringing the characters and setting to life. The pacing of the audiobook is smooth and enjoyable, making it easy to follow. My only note is that the overall length may be a bit much for younger children, especially those new to longer stories.

★★★★

Thank you to BooksGoSocial Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.