So pleasantly surprised with this Goodreads win today! 😍

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The premise may seem deceptively simple, but each story is a beautiful invitation to reflect. I often felt quite moved while reading; the last three stories especially spoke to me. This is the kind of book that I imagine you could take away something new from it each time you read it, and each reader would have something different resonate - much like the characters themselves make the meaning in the gifts and books from Sayuri Komachi.

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I thought this was a wonderful summer read that nailed the everything-ness of life. I loved hearing from a female character in her fifties. Rocky‘s voice was compelling and memorable, equally funny and piercing. I was an extra guest on this family beach vacation, along for the ride for every emotion, memory, and meal.

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3.5 stars rounded up! This is a sweeping, character-driven story that starts and ends with a bang, but did drag a little for me in the middle. I was sometimes frustrated with Patch‘s character and the way all the female characters revolved around him. It just seemed clear it was written from a male perspective. It‘s certainly a worthwhile read, though, and I‘ve seen lots of rave reviews from other readers. 🎧

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This didn‘t quite hit me in the feels the same way her other series did - I feel like she has grown as an author - but I‘ll admit the cinematic ending got me! It‘s a special touch that there is actually a song to go with each chapter. I also would have loved a lot more of their dog! 😁🐶🎧

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This book is the epitome of why reading is so freaking delightful and beautiful. I‘d dare this book not to seduce you, but how could it not imprint on your mind and burrow into your heart? I‘m half-tempted to re-read it again already. How do I say goodbye? I just adored it. #BOTM

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This literary mystery enveloped me completely in its world, drowning out everything else with the richly drawn characters, immersive setting, and layered plot. I was spellbound. The audiobook narration is also fantastic. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, but be prepared that you won‘t want to put it down, and it will linger long after turning the final page. 🎧

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This book had some interesting things to say and was framed in a cool way, but the characters were just so unlikeable and the story was unsatisfying. Some aspects actually reminded me a bit of “Piglet”, but I found that book much more compelling.

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A modern-day fairytale, a warm hug, a shot of serotonin. This series is pure loveliness. 🎧

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This twisty mystery has immaculate vibes. In an ancient forest during a summer solstice celebration, the rich people at “The Manor” behave badly, long-held secrets are uncovered, and justice is finally in demand. I loved the very end. Nature always finds a way. 🦅

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It took me a moment to wrap my head around this intricate high fantasy world. I certainly admire how creative and unique it is, and I did enjoy the Holmes and Watson dynamic between Din and Ana, but I think a lot of other readers will enjoy this more than I personally did. I didn‘t feel a strong emotional attachment; it feels like a story that feeds the brain more than it captures the heart. #Aardvark #AardvarkBookClub

I loved “The Wishing Game”. I‘m so excited for this one! 😍 #BOTM

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This novel is so of-the-moment and revels in the mightiness of books. It‘s not necessarily realistic or overly nuanced, but it‘s heartening and hopeful. It deals with serious topics, but it‘s also fun to read. I would highly recommend reading this as an audiobook; the narration is incredible! 🎧

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Sure, at times the events in this romcom are over-the-top and immature, but there is also a healthy dose of sweetness and delightful silliness. I do think it could have been a bit shorter, but the story was mostly endearing and fun and transported me to dreamy Greece!

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I appreciated the concept, creativity, and characters of this cozy fantasy farce. For a book that I thought was going to be really fun, though, I was surprised to feel a little like I was just “pushing through” to finish it. I would have liked if this had more depth and better pacing. I do love the cover. #Aardvark #AardvarkBookClub

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This is only my second read by Abby Jimenez, but I love how her romances feel really authentic and multifaceted. Justin and Emma‘s story captured my heart (and made me laugh)! I‘m realizing I should have read these books in order since they‘re slightly interconnected… but now I‘m looking forward to reading Alexis and Daniel‘s story last to complete the “Part of Your World” series! 🎧

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2.25 stars. It‘s such a gift that you can travel through books, and especially in the summer months, I love taking a literary vacation! 😆 The French Riviera setting and food descriptions on this “trip” were lovely, but I just never really connected with the story or characters. 🎧

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This is a smart, slow-burn suspense novel with juicy twists, toxic family dynamics, and a thoughtful critique of social media and influencer culture. I thought it was brilliant how formats like podcast episodes and Reddit threads were incorporated - it made it feel so current and brought the mystery to life. 🎧

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Why did it take me so long to read a book by Abby Jimenez?! Sometimes romances leave me feeling lukewarm, but this truly warmed my cold, cold heart. It‘s so tender and heartfelt, but also funny. It had that special sauce. Now I have to read the rest of her books! #BOTM

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I‘ve been in the mood for a thriller set in a fun location, and this fit the bill! I was interested in Ellery and her story right away. There wasn‘t much suspense or action for most of this, though, and I wasn‘t emotionally invested in the mystery. There was too much explaining instead of storytelling. 🎧 #reesesbookclub

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The “enemies to lovers” trope is on another level with a tragic backstory the two main characters must overcome while working together in the writers‘ room for a book-to-screen adaptation, producing a love story that‘s romantic, steamy, and emotional. 🎧 #reesesbookclub

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A fun Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery with an intriguing premise! I would have liked if the characters had been more fleshed out, but I thought both timelines were engaging and I enjoyed puzzling things out with the protagonist. #Aardvark #AardvarkBookClub

Treating myself with my #Aardvark #AardvarkBookClub box this month!!

I already read “This Summer Will Be Different” and thought it was great! 😊

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3.25 stars. The writing style of this book wasn‘t my favorite - it felt “young” even though this is an adult novel. Regardless, I was entertained by the adventure and could see it playing out on the screen. I thought the poison maiden mythology was particularly interesting. My mouth dropped with a reveal at the end!

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3.75 stars. This hit the “fun thriller” spot! Is it believable? No. Did the main character make many questionable decisions? Yes. But it grabbed my attention right away, kept me guessing, and was overall a darn good time! 🎧

Going with this #BOTM pick for June! I really enjoyed “The Knockout Queen” by this author 🙂

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Entertaining enough, just formulaic and not much of a spark to set it apart. 🎧

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I feel conflicted rating this. It‘s excitingly unique. Thought-provoking. The characters are vividly portrayed. I enjoyed the twist and the ending. But I can‘t get past that it was hard for me personally to get into and get through at times. It‘s one I definitely want to continue to think about and process, though, (rather than forget about it and move on), which I think counts for a lot. #BOTM

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Look no further if you‘re in the mood for a fun summer romance! Be prepared to daydream about traveling to Prince Edward Island, crave fresh oysters, swoon over the chemistry between Felix and Lucy, and miss your best friend. 🎧

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Now THIS is a thriller!! I can‘t remember the last time a book had me on the edge of my seat like this one! It‘s propulsive without being a mindless popcorn read; the plot was layered and had a lot to say. The tension was agonizing and I was riveted. If you were moved by the “American Nightmare” docuseries, I think you would love this.

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Elin Hilderbrand‘s books feel like going on a summer vacation! Well… this one in particular might feel like watching a reality show drama of a summer vacation. Grab your popcorn and a beachy drink and be carried away to Nantucket (without even leaving your own house)! 🎧

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This is the second book I‘ve read by Emily Austin, and I just really enjoy her writing and characters. There‘s an alchemy in the way she mixes comedy and heartache, which results in a compulsively readable, heart-piercing, uniquely tender narrative.

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The premise of this book was such an intriguing mental chew toy! In practice, it got repetitive and didn‘t have the depth I had hoped for. Some of the husband situations stressed me out. Still a fun, light read! #BOTM

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I enjoyed reading a story inspired by Norse mythology and the audiobook narration was great! I didn‘t really connect with Freya, though, and this dragged for me a bit in the middle. I probably won‘t continue with this series, but I‘m glad I gave it a try! 🎧

May #BOTM picks are up! 😀 I‘m going with this one this month! 🥰

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A fast and twisty read, but a little predictable at some points and too implausible at other points. The characters‘ motivations were underdeveloped and didn‘t always make sense. I loved Peter Swanson‘s “The Kind Worth Killing” and preferred that “Strangers on a Train”-inspired book over this one. 🎧

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I was surprised by how short this read is, and despite that, these coming-of-age vignettes really pack a punch. The prose is very poetic and there were many beautiful, quotable passages that I wanted to highlight. I can see why Sandra Cisneros is a celebrated Latina author.

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Extended family vacations can literally be hell! 😆 Haunted house stories aren‘t always my thing, but this one had an amazing Italian setting, really interesting family dynamics, and a serious creep factor. It was so cinematic - I could see the book play in my mind like a movie. My brain immediately cast The White Lotus actors as these characters, with the brilliant Aubrey Plaza as Anna.

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It was fun to be whisked away on an adventure in the Pacific Islands, complete with pirates, sentient tattoos, and sea dragons! I wanted more from this, but I can appreciate it for what it is. 🎧

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A book‘s great gift is that through its pages, you can be transported to another time and place and gain insight to a life different than your own. My favorite historical fiction novels teach me something about our past and inspire me to research more on my own while also delivering a memorable story. ⬇️

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The first book is definitely the best, but I still enjoyed the conclusion to this trilogy! It was fun to see the characters return to the aunties‘ homeland in Indonesia, and of course, follow the chaos that ensues. The humor and heart of Meddy and her aunties will stick with me!

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It‘s a great feeling when you can‘t stop reading a book (even willingly doing some extra chores to give yourself more time to listen)! It ends a bit abruptly, but the second half is full of suspense. The interesting characters are well-developed and the social commentary is sharp. I enjoy listening to Joshilyn Jackson narrate her own books, and her daughter also does a fantastic job with the narration of the protagonist‘s daughter.🎧

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Short stories aren‘t really my favorite format, but I‘ll read anything GennaRose Nethercott writes with delight and awe. This collection is hauntingly beautiful - enchanting, weird, and deep. They‘re the kind of stories that are so interesting to see what others took from them, the kind that would reveal another layer with each re-read. My favorites were “A Diviner‘s Abecedarian”, “The Thread Boy”, “A Lily is a Lily”, and “Homebody”.

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Overall, this was a compelling read examining class, race, and gender inequities in the academia and art worlds. It was also interesting to go down an internet rabbit hole learning about Ana Mendieta, the Cuban artist whose life (in part) inspired Anita de Monte‘s character. Anita‘s sections were passionate, vivid, and urgent; I thought they were the most impactful. 🎧 #reesesbookclub

Also got two #Aardvark picks this month! I already had “James” on hold from the library 🙂

I‘m looking forward to this #BOTM pick, which I hear will also be the Read With Jenna pick for this month! 🥰

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Annie Bot is incredibly immersive, emotional, and timely. I couldn‘t help but picture Margot Robbie as Annie (even though she‘s not described as looking that way), and “What Was I Made For?” could have been this book‘s soundtrack. Packing a feminist, empathetic punch, it left me with more food for thought than concrete answers. #BOTM

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I‘m fairly certain that if I were lucky enough to travel to Ireland, I could stop by the fictional Ardnakelty and step right into this story with Cal, Trey, and Lena. This novel is definitely a slow burn, but in Tana French‘s expert hands, it‘s worth it. I read that she is working on a third book with these characters, and although I miss the Dublin Murder Squad series, I‘ll gladly follow her wherever she wants to take her readers! 🎧

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“Why would I ever let someone who drafts make-believe football teams make me believe I should be embarrassed by my interests?”

Listening to this book is like having a sleepover with your wise and hilarious best friend, your late-night heart-to-hearts brimming with nostalgia and epiphanies. I wasn‘t familiar with Kate Kennedy before listening and we‘re not quite the same age, but I felt instantly connected. ⬇️

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This book has an addictive quality, and because of the podcast element, really shines in the audio format! For a twisty murder mystery, I was surprised to also find myself chuckling throughout the book. I think it‘s a solid, fun, standout read for fans of this genre. 🎧