12 Aug

Posted at 11:24h in Reviews by

Much Ado About Margaret: A Final One-Star Farewell As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on the literary journeys I've taken this year, and I must confess, the latest offering from Gina L. Maxwell, Much Ado About Margaret, has left me with enough questions to fill a novel of its own. After diving into the novel with high hopes, I now find myself wrestling with my disappointment, feeling that I quite unceremoniously ended the year with a one-star read. At its core, the story promises to explore Maggie’s...

26 Jul

Posted at 11:11h in Reviews by

The Truth of You: Poetry About Love, Life, Joy, and Sadness (The Souls Trilogy) – A Heartfelt Exploration Sometimes a book arrives in your life just when you need it the most. As someone who often turns to poetry for solace, I found Iain S. Thomas's The Truth of You enveloping me like a warm embrace on a chilly day. This collection is more than just a series of poems; it's a deeply intimate gathering of thoughts and feelings that speak to universal experiences of love, loss, joy, and...

20 Jul

Posted at 10:33h in Reviews by

Review of Still Here: A Poetry Memoir of Grief & Love by Jenny Smith When I first came across Still Here: A Poetry Memoir of Grief & Love by Jenny Smith, I felt an immediate pull. The title, with its poignant duality—reminding us of loss and the enduring power of love—echoed my own experiences with grief. As soon as I began reading, I knew I had stumbled upon something deeply personal yet universally relevant. Jenny's exploration of her brother's unexpected loss resonated with a raw honesty that compelled me...

10 Jul

Posted at 20:02h in Reviews by

The Story Paradox: How Our Love of Storytelling Builds Our World – A Reflection on Jonathan Gottschall’s Provocative Insights As I settled down with The Story Paradox: How Our Love of Storytelling Builds Our World, Jonathan Gottschall’s latest exploration of the storytelling phenomenon, I felt a familiar thrill akin to revisiting an old friend. Having previously been mesmerized by his earlier work, The Storytelling Animal, I was eager to unravel how he would tackle a more ominous topic: the potential pitfalls of our relentless storytelling drive. Spoiler alert: this...

30 Jun

Posted at 09:00h in Reviews by

Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature – A Tangled Journey of Privilege and Introspection When I first stumbled upon "Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature" by the author, I was intrigued. A memoir that weaves in themes of love and literature offers a promise of rich introspection and heartfelt storytelling. After all, isn’t literature often our best lens for understanding the complexities of life? However, my excitement quickly waned as I delved deeper into the pages of this book, leaving me with a mixture of...

13 May

Posted at 04:08h in Reviews by

Love on Paper: A Charming Rivalry Unfolds When I first received a physical proof copy of Love on Paper from Danielle (thank you so much!), along with the digital ARC from NetGalley, I was filled with excitement. This novel promised a delightful recipe of romance, rivalry, and the enchanting world of writers, which struck a deep chord with me. As an avid reader and someone who has dabbled in writing, I couldn't wait to dive into the literary world crafted by Danielle Parker. The story revolves around Macy Descanso, a...

11 May

Posted at 09:04h in Reviews by

A Heartfelt Journey with An Overdue Match by A.L. Morrow As a book blogger, I often seek stories that tug at the heartstrings while also delivering a healthy dose of charm and humor. So, when I stumbled upon An Overdue Match by A.L. Morrow, I was immediately intrigued by the concept of a matchmaking librarian. Honestly, I was not prepared for how much this delightful tale would captivate me! It turned out to be even more enriching than I had anticipated—a beautifully woven story filled with tenderness, laughter, and...