pickJess is squatting in an empty house when the owner suddenly shows up and she has to run away again. She fears the worst when she returns a few days later, but finds a note from the owner who invites her to stay. They meet, strike a bargain, and Jess helps fixing and furnishing the house. When Gethin moves in, Jess stays as his lodger. Soon it feels like they are more to each other than landlord and lodger, or even good friends. But even though ⬇️
so-soI really loved The Bookshop of Second Chances and I wanted to love this but it was…ok? I appreciate that it was allegedly about people in their 40s but they could‘ve been 25 and it wouldn‘t have changed much. I only held out because I thought there was going to be some big reveal about Jess‘s ex. Eh. A lot of dialog. Not much plot. I guess if you want something cozy and sort of nice, here‘s your book. Will I still read her next book? Probably.
pickAn imperfect romance novel but one I thoroughly enjoyed. I get the feeling I‘d love Jackie Fraser IRL. Her writing just clicks for me.
Why is it imperfect? It‘s bit of a ridiculous premise. Some suspension of disbelief is required. I think Fraser‘s self-aware and does her best to acknowledge the improbability of the situation. By the book‘s conclusion, there‘s at least one unaddressed loose end - & the end we get is more telling than showing.👇🏻
#12Booksof2023 For these twelve days of Christmas I‘ll be sharing my favorite audiobooks of the year.
pickJune and her little sister and their mom are at a homeless shelter now after losing their dad, and Mom is catatonic- Tyrell‘s been at Huey House for 3 years now, since his dad went to jail. Life isn‘t perfect there, but friends and special shared moments help a lot. Well written!
#Pantone2023
#DashingDecember Day 2
#Rushathon Day 17
And here's another fun photo challenge #DecemberDreams hosted by the lovely @Eggs and @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks that can also be used for #WinterGames points
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @Kay.the.bibliophile
#SantasBookshELVES
pickThanks for the recommendation, @BennettBookworm ! This was a really well done book about a girl experiencing homelessness and navigating her relationships with family and friends. Educators would definitely benefit from reading this.
My husband is not a reader (aside from hunting regs & articles 😄), however he fully supports the fact that reading is not enough for me, I need to own/write in my own copies. I'm a re-reader & like to revisit the best passages that I have underlined & annotated. Anyway, he did some early shopping for my birthday & came home with these. I'm so excited - I've had Ragged Company on my TBR for so long!! And how beautiful is that Embers cover?! 😍
so-soMy wishes on the ending were not granted,
I‘m at a bit of a loss on the rating. As this is YA I wouldn‘t recommend it for that audience—kids got it rough enough already; don‘t make it harder on them.
I choose this pic for the dog (“India street dog 😢)
I could not, would not *ever* sell my dog. CA Mega Millions is currently $159 Million.
I win it, first thing I‘m gonna do is GET MORE DOGS! 🐕
I liked that both MCs are middle-aged and with a bit of life experience under their belts. Both have had rough breakups. Both have had interesting but completely different lives so far. So, do opposites really attract? I found this a hopeful #romance with believable characters and believable problems.⬇️ 2mo