I kept putting off reading this book because of its length. Even when I started reading it two days ago, I lamented at how long it would take to read - HA. It was worth it and had to be this epic to truly capture the heartbreaking life of Emilia. Oh what a thought, and the author makes a fantastic case both in the story and in her note at the end. Book #114 in 2024

I loved this book! A bit out there, yes. But that‘s what reading is for me- a place to temporarily escape normality. Merritt is hilarious, Delphie‘s growth is what life is all about, and Cooper‘s dreamy-ness is, well dreamy, even when he‘s broody. A fun, fluffy, romance book full of emotion that I happily read in a day. Book #113 in 2024

A sweet book that reminded me of a novel about Hendrick Groen and his nursing home escapades. Heartwarming and yet full of hilarious drama. I enjoyed this sweet story. Book #112 in 2024

A bit all over the place, but overall a fun read. Who doesn‘t love a tale about witches, a pirate, and 1700s English hierarchy with antiquated rules about the roles of women?! Book #111 in 2024

Tom Selleck is an icon and I couldn‘t wait for his memoir to come out on audible. I enjoyed listening to his story. He made it clear this book was going to focus on his career and wasn‘t going to be about his personal life, but he did give many family anecdotes that made him even more likable. Book #110 in 2024

Not exactly my usual cup of tea, it gets pretty gory and is spicier than my normal read…but I still read it in about 24 hours. I‘m a sucker for a good love story. And two psychopaths who find each other and fall maddeningly in love fits the bill. Book #109 in 2024

Was I planning to read this book in one setting, nope. But that‘s what happened. As a runner, I was immediately drawn in and the promise of a little romance sealed the deal. Not too spicy and few running puns made for a nice evening getaway in my favorite chair. Book #108 in 2024

I really wanted to like this book, especially because I have a pin on my jacket for it. But it was like when you wake up and try to remember your dream but it makes no sense but you write it all down anyway….yeah it was like that. Many thoughts that were jumbled together with just a few connections. I quit and didn‘t finish it. Book #107 in 2024

The story jumps right in after the prologue without much character development, which made it hard to get into at first. I love a good story about deep family bonds, and all the magic made it better! Anne‘s self righteousness made me so mad at the end, she played just as big a part. Overall a warm, cozy read. Book #106 in 2024

So much injustice and death, but stories that we need to hear and never forget. I like the perspective of the dolls POV, it‘s very unique and adds a layer of depth that really brings the stories to life and adds more context to the times. The one doll kind of gives Chucky vibes though.
Book #105 in 2024

If you‘re expecting Midnight Library level writing, you‘re going to be disappointed. The writing is similar to his style in The Humans, which makes for odd transitions, a choppy story about all the mundane details and a backstory about everything. I pulled a few great quotes, but other than that it was just a weird book. Book #104 in 2024

This book dragged on and didn‘t live up to the hype. The rich acted as if they were superior to everyone else and their morals were terribly flawed. There were a couple of red herrings, and while the truth behind one missing child was heartbreaking, the other made sense. Not sure if this was a good snapshot of the 70s era. But honestly, it didn‘t need to be nearly 500 pages long. Book #103 in 2024

I groaned through most of this book and its cliches, but I did not see the culprit coming!!! I saw the red herring and still think he‘s a creeper. Man, Frida got me again in the end. Book #102 in 2024

I wanted to like this book, but it was just too weird. The paranormal piece came out of nowhere and the end romance added absolutely nothing to the story. I wanted a psychological thriller, not a story about has been drunk, idiot man who plots to murder his rich wife, and a creepy AF paranormal serial killer. Book #101 in 2024

Very similar to Backman‘s Ove, but from the POV of a middle aged woman. Phoebe is not as boring as she presents, she‘s very witty and very likeable . Heavy content, but many comedic moments that make it an easy read. Book #100 in 2024

Another fantastic book about a truly messed up sociopath! I love LF and her stories. Told from multiple POVs and several storylines twisted together. Might be my favorite LF book yet! How it all comes together at the end…perfect! Book #99 in 2024

I went into this with high hopes, AP is one of my favorite authors. The town was dreamy and I could feel all the descriptions, but the story was lacking. I was ready to throw my kindle across the room as it was ending. My stomach was in knots but it actually turned out how I hoped. Overall not fantastic, but still a fun romance. Book #98 in 2024

Compelling, heartbreaking, and very impactful. I did not see that end coming! Betrayal, double crossing, and deep rooted mistrust. Such a fantastic book. Book #97 in 2024

A fictional story about 3 families who are connected through the very real event, the Miracle on the Hudson. The POVs flowed very well and the main character development was captivating. Very engaging and beautifully written! Book #96 in 2024

Well if evil sociopaths are your thing, then this one is for you because the FMC is unhinged. Full of teenage drama and cringy angst, the story weaves back and forth from past to present. Many people joke about being a ride or die friend and this book pushes that limit. Book #95 in 2024

This much anticipated sequel was just as lovely as I expected. The children‘s antics were hilarious, “I can talk to cauliflower and I‘ve named the all Peggy.” Chauncey might be my favorite because he takes things literally and is unapologetically himself all the time. Book #94 in 2024

Schwab has become one of my favorite authors. She writes mostly about magic‘s afterlife- ghosts and other supernatural beings. This is a middle grade book. It held my attention and I enjoyed it. Nothing gruesome or gory- just some great ghost hunting. Book #93 in 2024

A decent book about middle aged women who found friendship in a book club. Didn‘t hold my attention and it fell flat for me. The characters were annoying and their stories didn‘t add much to the whole of the book. Book #92 in 2024

Our Sept. library book club pick. I prefer fast paced, psychological thrillers, so I didn‘t initially enjoy this book. But I kept going and ended up really liking it. The River is a slower paced mystery with some action but more back story than anything else. The character development in this book was in depth and fantastic. Book #91 in 2024

Magical realism and full of feelings. I enjoyed the magical bits and the love Sage has for everyone in her life. The writing is good, but the story is a little immature for women who are supposed to be almost 30. Book #90 in 2024

I almost DNF‘d this book. For subject matter that is fascinating, it was just so poorly written. The author introduces it as nonfiction but then adds emotions, anecdotes, and stories that are made up because there‘s no way of knowing any of those details. It‘s common knowledge that the Bender‘s were never caught and no one ever interviewed them. You can‘t present nonfiction then write in fictional details to make it sound better. Book#89 in 2024

I knew this was a psychological thriller going in, but what a roller coaster. I stayed up late twice past midnight to finish, I just couldn‘t put it down! The last twist is nuts and I had to go back and read a few things to make sure I remembered how she described him, and damn it does pan out!!! Book #88 in 2024

Funny and cute but almost too many witty quips all at once and all the time. Jack helped Elsie see that she was being controlled, but the way he handled her was pretty controlling too. He gave her space to be honest with herself, but he forced her into it. A little more spice than I like near the end, but an overall fun romance peppered with alot of physics anecdotes. Book #87 in 2024

This story is about Blackburn, the caretaker of the local cemetery. I had to keep reminding myself of that because it was easy to become immersed in the lives around him. The language is simple but the story is deep and rich. A study about connection, grief, and most of all true friendship. Book #86 in 2024

The second book in the Good to the Last Death series, another fun book by Peterman. More funny quips from Daisy, her friends, and her gram with a lot of ghost and immortal drama. This book gives some answers to the first book and adds new twists that pave the way for the next one! Book #85 in 2024

Set during WWII when the men were called to duty and the women were called to the factories, this is a tale about the lies surrounding Big Tobacco and what happens when old white men continually tell women their place is at home raising babies. Southern women are a force of nature, sometimes that‘s a curse but it can be a blessing when it‘s time to stand up for what‘s right. Book #84 in 2024

The sequel to Vicious, and while sometimes it felt long and drawn out, it was really good! Hard to put down and FULL of action. I need a third book because clearly there‘s MORE!! Book #83 in 2024

The sequel to Next of Kin, focusing on Lane and Matt. I enjoyed this one more. Lane‘s anxiety made her very relatable. She needed someone like Matt, oh wait, I think we all need a total package like Matt!! Book #82 in 2024

Ugh, I really wanted to like this one, but the MMC was whiny and pathetic. Sure he has some nice qualities, but overall I think he‘s sub par. You don‘t tell someone you‘re soulmates and then fall for the closest hot girl and then get mad when you realize you squandered 15 years away. I saw the ending surprise from a mile away and the last bit in the book was so cheesy and unrealistic it hurt. Book #81 in 2024

Magic, time travel, a little gore that came out of nowhere, and overall fantastic writing!!! I enjoyed every bit of this book (ok minus the gore but it made the villain as scary as she needed to be). A battle of good vs evil with vivid descriptions and a likable cast of characters. If you loved Addie LaRue, you‘ll love Cassie! Book #80 in 2024

Another Heartland List book for middle grade readers, and I enjoyed it. Told from the POV of Res, a rover built to go to Mars, and Sophie, whose mom worked to build and code Res. Res has thoughts and feelings, despite being programmed as a robot. Beeps and boops. Sophie writes letters to Res, a cathartic way for her to handle her feelings and we get to watch her grow up through her letters. Book #79 in 2024

Once I got past reading the words “my mate” 4765346 times and the overused endearment “Feyre darling,” I enjoyed this book more than the previous three. I like that there‘s more than one POV and it gives more depth to each of the main characters. I‘m hoping the next two include more of Elaine and Nesta. Book #78 in 2024

Another book club pick, the topic was Exotic Escapades. I guess time travel is the exotic part. No one goes anywhere and the entire book is set in the same cafe. The rest of my review is in the comments, buckle up I have thoughts on this very meh book.
There‘s no explanation of how the chair/ cafe came to be. Also, who is the ghost woman?! We are teased about her but then given NOTHING. And after the fourth story, it just ends. (More in comments)

A sweet, unfolding story full of chemistry and big emotions. This is a perfect, fun summer read. I wish we got Felix‘s POV, that‘s the only thing that could‘ve made this better. Book #76 in 2024

I really enjoyed the CPS pieces, reminded me why I worked in that field for as long as I did. There was a lot of cheesiness and a little spice. Chloe went through so much as a child, it‘s amazing how strong, resilient, and wise she really is as an adult. Book #75 in 2024

“The truth is, fragile things rarely fair well in the world. More often, they farewell to it.” Another Heartland List book and I mostly enjoyed it. I don‘t think the pieces from long ago fit where they were, but this was a good story. The writing is YA, so it‘s a bit choppy and the story is step by step. Book #74 in 2024

Oh heck yes, this book takes place in Leavenworth, KS and that where I was when I started it! I was pulled in immediately and enjoyed the wild ride. Plenty of interesting characters and good action. Told from multiple POV‘s and just a darn good mystery thriller. Book #73 in 2024

Meh, when does friends with benefits not lead to at least one person or both wanting more? I liked the premise of making it about birding- it almost sounds fun. The last third of the book is nothing but smut, but thankfully it‘s not degrading so it wasn‘t too cringe. Book #72 in 2024

Oooh I love sociopaths, especially when one has a God complex and they try to justify murder. The writing is fantastic and the plot was fun. I had a hard time putting down this paranormal, time jumping masterpiece. VE Schwab has done it again. Book #71 in 2024

Predictable and smutty, which is not my thing at all. What kind of grown person refers to a woman‘s vagina as her sex?! She has no problem using other erotic terms, but then does that. This is the second author I‘ve found that does this and it makes a two star book become a one star book. The plot would almost be okay if it weren‘t for the degrading sex scenes. Book #70 in 2024

I‘m working my way through the Heartland List, for a literacy conference later this year. A fun middle grade book told by a dog who is hilarious and gives the best descriptions. “The ducks know nothing.”Book #69 in 2024

A collection of indigenous stories about 12 people who are unknowingly connected and about to collide at powwow.Incredible and poignant,this was an amazing book that brings to light part of America‘s atrocious past and how it still impacts native Americans generations later.Full of historical details and personal traumas.This is not an uplifting story,but the best historical fiction works aren‘t cookie cutter happily ever afters. Book#68 in2024

A fun, quirky book about a psychic that runs into a real ghost who convinces her to help save his family farm. Charlie is a hypocrite, but other than that he‘s your average farmer who‘s too tough to face his feelings. Lots of fun banter, sexual tension for most of the book and then a few raunchy sex scenes. Book #67 in 2024

A very impactful account about high school students in 2017 who were involved in an Instagram account created to post racist memes. Fast paced and very well written, Slater did an amazing job researching and writing. The creation of social media has severely shaped several generations and it‘s not getting better. My middle schooler will be reading this. Book #66 in 2024

What a fun book, but that‘s no surprise because KC is one of my favorite authors. Very funny, witty banter, and passion-no, it‘s not spicy- it‘s about feeling the passion someone else has for something through writing. I really really like how Katherine Center tells stories. Book #65 in 2024