Welcome to Litsy!

This one was a miss for me. Liked the child characters and not much else - the pacing seemed really off.

#SpringSkies

This Oahu-set family drama I read & enjoyed last month had a bit of a #SurpriseEnding 🏝️

#ReadAway2024

I ended up finishing this one last night & overall I enjoyed it even though it had a stronger start than finish. A highlight for me is that it‘s set in La'ie on the north shore of Oahu so lots of recognition of beaches & places & (although it‘s been 23 years) that feeling of being a new resident of Hawai‘i. The characters, especially the kids, were likable & while the ending felt rushed and a bit too neatly tied, it‘s still a pick.

Saturday morning errands: bookstore, gas station, grocery store... Stopped by my new neighborhood coffee shop to read for a bit. Even as an introvert, I appreciate friendly service & the barista remembered my name from last week, impressive! This time I tried their chai latte with oatmilk, made “dirty” with espresso. They made a mistake & added 4 shots!😱She offered to remake but I hate waste. I guess you could call this a “filthy” chai latte!😆⬇️

This family drama set against a Hawai‘i backdrop makes for an engaging listen! Lindsay and her three children use her husband‘s insurance benefits to relocate from rainy Portland to an aging motel on Oahu. With multiple perspectives and looking back with a strong focus on financial ups and downs, this feels fresh and with a few surprising turns. The chaotic and action-packed ending felt a bit abrupt to me but I really enjoyed listening!

I love stories about families who have to find their way, especially after a traumatic loss like losing a spouse/parent. I also enjoyed the fact that this was a "fish out of water" story. The book also has a second chance love component that really added to Lindsey's own healing. The children in this book are wonderful as they try to reinvent themselves and heal from their own sadness and sudden change to their lives and all they knew.