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People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

With summer coming to an end shortly, it’s time for me to review my favorite read for the summer! I read this book at the end of July and definitely wished I was on these vacations.

Summary: Poppy and Alex have been best friends since their college days. Alex is the more reserved and quiet, while Poppy is his flamboyant counterpart. Poppy is a college dropout turned travel journalist based in New York and he is a school teacher in their small Ohio hometown. However, this has never been a struggle to them. Every year since becoming friends they had taken a trip, except for the past two years when a rift occurred on their last trip. This year Poppy is unsatisfied with her life and decided the way to feel better is to make amends on one last summer trip with Alex. The make it or break it trip to see if their friendship could ever be repaired...or if it could grow to more.

Final Thoughts: I complete adore Emily Henry as an author. She creates fun romances with engrossing plot lines. The will they or won’t they aspect of this book kept me so interested that I just had to finish it in one sitting. Watching Poppy’s memories unfold of all their trips really set up to a big finale for she and Alex. I thought the wedding was it for sure, so I  was glad we had a bit more after that to get things resolved. What I wasn’t glad about was how even after they were “together” before the trip ended that their was a big communication rift where it really just seemed like maybe they weren’t so in love after all-spoiler- they were. All in all it is the best friends to lovers I’ve read in a long time, and I can’t wait for Henry’s next book set for release in 2022.

Rating: 4.5

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Five Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott with Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Laconis

Since the movie adaptation hit Netflix, I finally decided to purchase and read this novel. It was a rare case that I actually watched the movie first.

Summary: Stella is in the hospital, which isn’t uncommon.She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at a very young age and required a lot of treatment at the local hospital where she met her best friend Poe. However, this time around, Stella and Poe meet a new CFer named Will in for a trial treatment. Despite initially infuriating her, Will and Stella grow very close, emotionally. Physically like all with CF they have to keep six feet of distance so that they don’t risk transferring bacteria to one another. It is because of the emotions they have for one another that they take one foot back. Five feet apart at all times. That’s their new rule, but will they be able to maintain it? This book explores the chronic terminal illness cystic fibrosis, friendship, love, and grief. “Its just life, it’ll be over before know it.”

Final Thoughts: Will and Stella. Poe. Barb. Julie. They’re some of the characters in this book. They are unforgettable. Since I finished the book, Stella and Will falling in love has stayed on my mind. But, Stella and Poe’s friendship cannot be overshadowed by such an epic love story. These are people I want to know, and I cried as they were sick or as they lost people and health along the way. They were so fleshed out and real. I regret not reading sooner. Memorable and miraculous. Words cannot even explain. (The movie was pretty darn close too.)

Rating: literally broke my scale

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The Comeback: a novel by Ella Berman

This novel is from the Read with Jenna bookclub developed by TODAY host Jenna Bush Hager. It was the monthly pick from August 2020.

Summary: Grace Turner was known as Grace Hyde until she signed her life away to be a child star at the age of fourteen. Now twenty-one, Grace is suspected to have gone off the deep end. One year ago, during Golden Globes season, with a hit movie Grace vanished to her parents home and cut out everyone from her famous life. When she was just inches from being a household name. Now that she’s returned people expect a tell-all, but that isn’t what she’s here for. Grace has returned to reclaim her life the way she wants it. Then she is faced with Able Yorke, the man who manipulated and controlled her life from the very first movie. She has a secret about him, and she knows the only way to freedom is if she tells. The question is will she?

Final Thoughts: This read was a look into secrets of Hollywood and how drugs/alcohol can make their appearance in the lives of child stars due to manipulation, sexualization, exhaustion, and even borderline abuse for numerous years. Grace is the perfect representation of losing herself because of the actions of Able and mental burnout from growing up without her parents on set. Her personal relationships were a target of this book and we see how she improves, as she stays sober and the book progresses, with her parents, sister, best friend Laurel, and ex-husband Dylan. The only issues I had with this novel was a lack of resolution. I felt as if more loose ends could’ve been tied up or even made more clear in the epilogue, but it does show that Grace is still a bit unsure herself. Overall, a powerful story that needs more hype.

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The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson

A fourth companion novel to the Truly Devious trilogy that concluded last winter. Those are not spoiled in this book nor do you need to read them prior to reading this one, although I do recommend.

Summary: After solving the decades old Ellingham murders, Stevie is home for the summer. Working at a deli is not how she planned her time, but all this changes when the owner of the Sunny Pines camp contacts her. Formerly Camp Wonder Falls, the home of four unsolved murders from the 70s. Stevie and her friends pack up to be employees of this camp, while she works toward solving the mystery with the eyewitness help of the victims friends.

Final Thoughts: I was so glad for another chance with these characters! I  completed adored them the first time around, but this really helped because I    knew them. I had big plans of what to expect and Johnson did not disappoint at all. The mystery was excellent, and the twist was not one that I saw coming. But now that it happened, I couldn’t imagine the story unfolding any other way! The villains are always truly devious in their own rights, and it makes for the best mysteries. Also, needless to say I love Stevie’s relationship with Nate and how it differs from the amazing bond she has with Janelle. And the small touches of romance with David are always nice. I  love this collection with my whole heart. 

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Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and the Six, Reid once again delivers a masterpiece in her latest novel.

Summary: Mick Riva has four children, all legendary in their own way. Nina a surfer/supermodel, Jay a surfer, Hud his photographer, and Kit the adored youngest sibling. This book takes place at the Riva summer party, the party everyone wants to be at. Each Riva has a secret to this night, will they choose to share it with each other or leave it all behind? But before they decide, the party will be out of control. The tabloids will write themselves. Only then will the siblings tell. It all will be over before the Riva mansion goes up in flames in the early morning hours. Life as it was will never be quite the same as was it was. But the siblings are tough, they’ve done this before, and they will do it again for each other.

Final Thoughts: Reid has always made impressions on me with her books. This one has hit me the hardest. With secrets and struggles each Riva was so relatable in terms of their humanity. The story was compelling and I loved the flashbacks to the relationship between June and Mick as well as she and the kids. Purely raw human emotion in the best way.

Rating: 5/5

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The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel by Laura Dave

This book was the May pick for Reese Witherspoon Book Club, which she called “the ultimate page turner.”

Summary: Hannah Hall had been married to Owen for one year, when he goes missing leaving his sixteen year old daughter behind with her. On the day of his disappearance he manages to smuggle a note to Hannah saying only “Protect Her.” Her being Bailey, who is not happy to have a stepmother at all. Later they find out his job had gone under leading to several arrests, but Owen has fled when the authorities are saying he could be found innocent. Why did he flee? Because Own Michaels is not who he says he is..or is he? Hannah and Bailey set out to find their own answers after sources inform them there is no trace of Owen’s elaborate past. Hannah must listen to the words left by her husband and protect Bailey even if that includes being a willing sacrifice to the demons of the past and giving up any chance of finding Owen again. In the end, is it worth it? Most of all what happens to the strained relationship between Bailey and Hannah?

Final Thoughts: This novel posed a lot of questions, and it did give the answers. There was suspense that could take your breath, but it was resolved. The read was a pretty decent thrill ride with some really interesting scenes. It is the kind of book that you want to read in one sitting, even if you aren’t really sure if you like it. That was my problem. Even when the book was finished I    could not figure out if I  truly liked what I had just read. It was enjoyable to “solve” the mystery, but I found it didn’t live up to some of my standards especially being from the book club list. However, it is a good for a quick read to get you out of a reading slump.

Rating: 4/5

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Go the Distance by Jen Calonita

This book is apart of the Disney film “what if” anthology series. It is the eleventh to be published, and the fourth that I have read. It is safe to say I love these books.

Summary: What if Meg had to become a Greek god? After the events in the movie, things did not end so happily ever after with Zeus denying Hercules request to become mortal to stay with Megara. This led to Hera granting her a quest to complete in ten days time if she truly loved the young god. Her reward would be becoming a goddess to spend eternity with Herc. With some help from familiar friends she accepts the quest and sets out to complete it. her quest? To rescue her ex-love’s wife from the clutches of an angry Hades. Hard enough as it is, but on the way she must answer to herself, is she truly in love with Wonder Boy and willing to commit? “When you let someone into your heart you allow them to see all sides of you-even the vulnerable side.”

Final Thoughts: Growing up I was for sure a Disney kid, and as a pre-teen I read Percy Jackson. Of course I found out the movie and the actual myth didn’t quite match, but the movie stayed one of my favorites. Therefore, I was pretty excited for this release even if I let it sit on my shelf for awhile before reading. Honestly, it was everything I wanted it to be. Calonita really did these characters so much justice and I feel as if she really stayed true to them. Definitely a new comfort read solely based off of its nostalgia and how great the storytelling was.

Rating: 5/5 

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The Paris Library: A Novel by Janet Skeslien Charles

For this review I have selected one of my E-reads. This book is historical fiction, and is based on the very real story of the American Library in Paris, France during the years 1939-1945 from the perspective of Odile, a librarian. Her perspective chapters are paralleled by her neighbor, Lily’s life interacting with Odile beginning in 1983 and the years that follow. “Books and ideas are like blood; they need to circulate, and they keep us alive.”

Summary: This is a book about consequences and relationships starting with Odile in her homeland, Paris, where all her dreams are at her fingertips. She receives a job at the American Library in Paris and has friends, even a beau. They all stay together to form a resistance in the library to circulate and deliver books illegally to people who are not supposed to have them when the Nazi occupation began. The end of the war changes the trajectory of her future with a betrayal of the worst kind. Prompting her move to Montana where Lily, the other narrator tells her story throughout her teenage years. They build a withstanding friendship and we see how Odile steers Lily into adulthood, and tries to guide her away from the mistakes that haunt her past while also learning of what truly happened in Paris as the story progresses.

Final Thoughts: Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and this book made me remember why. The author had accurate details of this real life library during the real event, even down to the characters that she included to help tell the fictional story of Odile. It was awe inspiring to know that there were real people included in the book that did these real things. It was a great read with limited flaws. With that being said I have to mention, I was not fond of Lily during the majority of her chapters, but I did enjoy that she was the vessel used for transporting us into Odile’s past. Having her chapters made anticipation grow to get back to the WWII era of Odile’s youth, and she was used tastefully as a character even if she wasn’t very likable. It took me less than a day to complete this read and all in all I’m very glad to have read it.

Rating: 4.7/5

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Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

For my third review, I have chosen Yoon’s most recent (also third) novel “Yes, falling in love requires a leap of faith. But people only jump because they don’t know what the ground looks like.” All of her books have been so magical, but this one has by far been my most favorite. Let me tell you why.

Summary: After the divorce of her parents, Evie is certain that true love doesn’t exist, and any form of romance is a waste. Her sister does not see this in the same light, and goes through in Evie’s opinion far too many relationships too quickly. Then, something strange happens. At a leave one/take one side of the road library, Ev takes a book called Instructions for Dancing, and begins to see visions of what the future holds when people in love kiss. That book leads her to La Brea Dance Studio where she meets X, her new dance partner for the upcoming competition. In a constant struggle with herself, the character must learn what love truly is and if she is willing to stay until the very end.

Final Thoughts: This book. This. Book. It tore my heart out, left me speechless, and left tears in my eyes. I learned so many things about cynical approaches to love, and how falling in love is the part that matters. Not what comes after. That can wait until after the here and now is over. These characters were so amazing. The story was so real. I truly fell in love with them, with this novel. And I would do anything to read it for the very first time again. Words fail to describe the beauty of this work. Nicola Yoon has outdone herself once again. For this I  have no complaints, it will truly be one of my forever favorites. Love is the question and the answer and the reason to ask in the first place.

Rating: ∞/5, 

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Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee

“Life is a balancing act, and the better you get at juggling, you get at living.” This was the first book I have had the pleasure to read by Stacey Lee. Based on what others have said, I know that her delivery of this book was as spot on as ever in the author’s artistic wheelhouse. 

Summary: This novel is a historical fiction work set aboard the ship of dreams on her maiden voyage in April of 1912. Valora Luck, a British-Chinese acrobat, boards the Titanic in hopes to find her semi-estranged twin brother, Jamie. Her goal is to convince him to perform with her on the ship for another passenger, who is part owner of the Ringling Brother’s Circus and to make it to America despite the ongoing Chinese Exclusion Act. Her plan is not going as she thought from the very beginning as she must become a stowaway onboard the ship and impersonate a first class woman. The other major conflict, aside from the law against Chinese immigration, is that Jamie is no longer interested in their childhood tricks they previously used to supplement the family income. As the story progresses we see the love between the twins, the family that Jamie has found, and the minimal touch of love interests for each twin. All has worked out miraculously until the fateful day of the sinking where one push of the ocean changes everything.

Final Thoughts: When I was younger, for some reason my favorite thing was to learn all about the Titanic, The Magic Treehouse did not help this either. So now that this book released when I am older was very exciting. I definitely had very high expectations, and I was not disappointed just not exactly satisfied. The book was charming for sure, and the characters evoked emotions, both positive and negative. The issue for me was definitely the divisive ending that Lee chose for the novel. We are not able to cover every persons escape from the doomed ship, and we learn that Val makes sacrifices for her brother even in that dreadful hour. I knew a “happy” ending would not happen, but I was unprepared for one such as that especially with how rushed it felt compared to other elements in the story. However, as a whole, the writing style, and the plot itself was very immersive. So much so I often forgot the tragedy of the setting, and I did enjoy reading it. I will still definitely be recommending this book.

Rating: 4.7/5

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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

For my first review, I have chosen my most recent read. This book is a retelling of the Iliad by Homer. I was hooked by page 41, where the first quote of many, took my breath away. “But is it not a sort of genius to cut always to the heart.” And that is precisely what this read did.

Summary: From the tales of Patroclus in his days as prince and then exile, to the days of he and Achilles during the Trojan War. Miller spun a beautiful tale painting the years as they changed and what each marked for the duo. Friendship and blurred lines to lovers until the end or even thereafter as each soul took their place in the Underworld. Soulmates in the truest form.

Final Thoughts: For me, this was an immaculate read. The way the story ebbed and flowed took hold of me to the point it was as if I had never known the story at all. There was the tragedy I knew was coming, but as Patroclus narrated his and Achilles’ story I  could not even dread the inevitable end. To revisit it in this form was one of the best things that could have happened. With the popularity that proceeded the book, I was a bit hesitant to have my hopes up knowing it couldn’t be that good. This was proven wrong as the way Miller told the tale as potentially no other has done made the longest lasting impression on me personally. The love and loyalty of Patroclus is unmatched even as he watches his most beloved be consumed with pride, only to watch Achilles crumple without him in the spirit world. On the other hand, the love Achilles clearly held for Patroclus being what drove him to find his end was utterly soul crushing, but beautiful all the same. All in all there are no complaints only praise for a book such as this one.

Rating: 5/5, an all-time favorite