Written by a Korean author and set within Seoul, if you‘re looking for a heartwarming story, you may enjoy this book. It is a gentle tale, waving many life principles throughout. At times, the story was a little too precious for me with its self-help esque cliches. At other times, it made me smile. Overall, it‘s quirky and sweet.

This book is in the genre of cozy romantasy. If you‘re looking for an escape, you may find solace in this book. I loved it (and romance is not my go-to genre). The romance angle is present, but it isn‘t heavy-handed. Immerse yourself in a world of magic, enchantment, and jam. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199269577

This is the author‘s debut novel. The book is organized from the perspectives of all three young women. Aspects of historical fiction, such as the abolitionist movement in Philadelphia, are mixed within the ficitional tale. At times, the book felt if it was longer than necessary. However, I learned things I had not known before. So, overall, I recommend it. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6327698340

Set in the 1950‘s amongst McCarthyism and the Red Scare, this book is both a mystery and historical fiction. The book is organized in long-ish chapters from the POV of different female characters residing in Briarwood House. I didn‘t see the twist coming, which is a rarity for me! A bonus: recipes are sprinkled throughout the book. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6289118375

You must not ever stop being whimsical.

And you must not, ever, give anyone else the responsibility for your life.

“Staying Alive” ~ Mary Oliver

This is a character-driven historical fiction book.
The author‘s prose is immersive and engaging. I enjoyed learning about aspects of the Panama Canal that I did not know otherwise.

While some of the story‘s characters are particularly enveloping, other characters feel underdeveloped. I was left wanting more at the end of the book. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5990298220

3.5 ⭐️ This is literary fiction that has historical fiction sprinkled throughout it. Beaird utilizes imagery of 1950s Reno that is intoxicating. The book, especially the pacing, reminded me of an old black-and-white film. There were moments in the book that needed further development and depth. Ifyou enjoy slow-burns with moody, light mystery overtones, you‘ll likely enjoy this book. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127306119

Inspired by one of the minor characters in “Moby Dick,” this book is a slow burn. The reader journeys across the world as 4 generations of women search for the elusive “Ishmael,” a key to their belongingness. If you enjoy women‘s lit fic with a touch of magical realism, keep this book in mind. It will take you on a slow and intentional journey, which sometimes is exactly what is needed. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6043190663

Keegan writes with wisdom and succinctness about complex subjects. With deep insight, she renders visible subjects that are sometimes invisible or minimized. This particular book is an expansion of previous stories Keegan has written about the intriguing and challenging interactions between women and men. Despite its brevity, this book will keep me thinking long after I finished it. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/126262032

3.5 ⭐️: This book is a unique book told via scrapbook style with a variety of real-life, context appropriate ephemera. While the story is surface-level and errs on the side of expected cliches, the unique format makes it an enjoyable and quick read. It would be an interesting gift for someone who loves scrapbooking/journaling and books with a touch of historical fiction. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6001570768

📃: 233

4 ⭐️ I love this author‘s writing. She lives in Alaska, which is evident in the magical and realistic way she writes about it. I recommend this to book for readers who appreciate an atmospheric, seasonal story with a touch of magic. Both joyful and sorrowful, this book had me guessing all the way to the last page about how it would end. I devoured it! Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4521295629

4 ⭐️ If you enjoy gothic mysteries w/ vivid settings, you‘ll likely enjoy this book. The house itself is an enthralling character. The author does a wonderful job of instilling a sense of dark academia into the story while championing a down-on-her-luck character with a suitcase full of tenacity. Mixed w/ the main story is an allegory about agency, female independence, & social status. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65213595

It‘s bw 3 & 4 ⭐️ If you love high fantasy (Dragons! Magic!) and the enemies-to-lovers trope, you‘ll likely enjoy this book. I can appreciate the entertaining factor of this book. I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book when Violet is trying to find her strength and the author spends time world building. I‘ve got gripes, but this isn‘t my usual genre so take with a grain of salt. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922

4 ⭐️ This is an engrossing novel about the power of the narratives we tell about ourselves & others. The author weaves her own familial history of multiculturalism and “people who do not quite fit into the boxes that others have set up for them…Their difficulties are both universal and specific to the times and places in which they live.” I recommend this book for readers interested in understandings of how our life stories are all interwoven.

“We‘re considered soft when we show emotion. Considered weak if we do not like boasting. If anything stings the arrogant, it is intelligence wrapped in elegance. Do not mind if your power is never spoken. You quietly own your territory in this vast ocean.” This book that @Gissy gifted me is lovely for morning contemplations.

@jenniferw88 @AllDebooks Thank you for hosting #naturalitsy #midsummerswap. @Gissy I love *everything* that you chose for me. I‘m so excited for the books, candle, tea, book holder, book mark, summery containers, and the mindfulness journal. This box contains so many perfect choices for me. I appreciate the care and thoughtfulness you put into the swap. Also, thank you for including a gift for my fur baby. ❤️

4.5 ⭐️ From the backdrop of 1960s Iowa to the glittering lights of 1970s Hollywood, this book tells the story of 3 women forging their path in life. The story covers their friendship of laughter, joy, pain, and secrets. I recommend this book for fans of Firefly Lane and Call the Midwife. It‘s a beautiful tale about the bond that can be created between women. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58482480

4 ⭐️ Told from the POVs of the 3 main characters, the plot is centered on their experiences as they are called to Block Island to help produce a revival of Shakespeare‘s “Much Ado About Nothing.” As they rev up for opening night, Timonthy, Amy, and Sam grapple with their life choices, societal expectations, familial tensions, and the meaning of the good life. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5576509368

3 ⭐️ This is a soap opera of a book! f you‘re looking for an easy, breezy thriller, this book will likely cleanse the palate. Told from the POVs of all four friends, I found the book to move quickly. Some of the characters drove me crazy, yet, the story was engaging enough for me to keep going, and I enjoyed the plot‘s setting. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62919401

Have a #botm haul on its way for June! I had already pre-ordered Elin Hilderbrand‘s newest book, or I‘d have also added that one to the box.

In anticipation of the first camping trip of the season, I purchased this book buddy pillow from a local craftmaker. It‘ll be perfect for the tent! Happy Long Weekend to all my fellow readers. 📖 🏕️ 🔥

I‘m enjoying this light summer read, especially while soaking up the sun on the patio.

Good Morning! This book is soooo good.

3 ⭐️ I recommend this book for readers who enjoy books about stories, especially the power of imagination. I found the writing to be a bit cumbersome. I enjoyed learning about the real-life Operation Pied Piper. Something about the writing failed to transport me, however. The story‘s format is primarily from one narrator‘s voice, & alternates between 1940/ 1960. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61964751

4 ⭐️: If you‘re a fan of Kate Morton, you‘ll likely enjoy this book. It has her signature writing style: atmospheric and heavy on character development. I found the story to be lengthier than I thought necessary; however, the mystery pushed me to finish the book. I enjoyed the generational span that is the format of this book, and I appreciated its look into the complexities of motherhood. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61683285

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5 This book is about secrets, mental health, and relationships. How well do we know the ones we love? I recommend this book for readers who like mysteries. I listened to the audio version and found it to be an atmospheric and easy listen. The storyline alternates between the POV of two women, alternating between their past and present. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60784540

💥 Barbara Kingsolver‘s most recent book wins a Pulitzer Prize. I‘m still trying to finish this audio book. It‘s beautiful writing yet heavy content for this sensitive human‘s soul.

Current Situation: Zen Garden Bliss.

I‘m loving my newest purchase for my office bookshelves - a book flower vase! Happy Saturday.

May‘s #botm box arrived just in time for a rainy low-key weekend.

Sometimes, all I need is reading under the moonlight, sitting by my best buddy, and listening to the wind chimes being tickled by the wind.

My May #botm choices. I‘m excited for all three!

I recommend this book for fans of stories that include a host of small-town characters. I found the book to be engaging, and it would make for a good book club choice or beach read. The length time space on some chapters compromised the flow of the chapters, especially with multiple narrators. So, there are parts that feel underdeveloped. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61653268

“Hope is often misunderstood. People tend to think that it is simply passive wishful thinking: I hope something will happen but I‘m not going to do anything about it. This is indeed the opposite of real hope, which requires action and engagement.”

Happy Publication Day! 🧀 🍺

4.5 ⭐️ I recommend this book for fans of historical fiction. The story is a well-researched novel (read the Author‘s Note!) with an engrossing storyline. The author did not shy away from writing about the cruelty of racism and slavery, yet, she honors the bravery and kindness of enslaved humans at the time of the fire. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61273814

Hope y‘all are having a fantastic weekend. 💕

Hi, Litsy Pals. Whatcha reading this weekend? I started the tagged book last night, and can‘t wait to get back to it. Also, I‘m in search of some good beach reads. Last year, I read The Hotel Nantucket and The Shore. I‘m looking for similar books. Romance is one of my least favorite genres, so I‘d prefer recs of beach-setting books that do not have romance as the main storyline. Happy Fri-Yay.

4 ⭐️ I recommend this book for fans of historical and literary fiction. From the author of the memoir, “The Glass Castle,” comes a novel that transports readers to a Prohibition-era Deep South. I found this book to be a page-turner and devoured it! Sallie Kincaid is not a faultless human, but she is a character I can stand beside as she pushes back against arbitrary societal rules. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5463987657

My bookish zen garden is open for today‘s beautiful afternoon. One more day of Easter Break. ☕️ 📖 🐶 ☀️

3.5 ⭐️ The author immersed@the reader in the setting of this thriller - The Outer Banks. Most of the book is told from the POV of one character, but the plot does occasionally switch to different POVs at the time of tragic accident that is at the core of this story. I found it to be a slow burn at first then become a page turner. The twist in the plot was wholly satisfying. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61273351

Book mail is the best mail. My #botm arrived + some other books I ordered. Easter Break begins for my college tomorrow. Perfect timing for book mail.

4 ⭐️ Spanning 3 time periods, this is a novel that weaves the stories of 3 women. It highlights women‘s stories, female resilience, and the connectedness of women. I recommend this book for fans of Sarah Addison Allen and Paula Brackston for the vivid imagery, the magical realism, and the strong feminine energy. Domestic/sexual violence is prevalent, yet the story is empowering. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5378239944

5 ⭐️ Claire Keegan is a wonderful storyteller. Her seemingly simplistic, short stories are packed with emotion and authenticity. Her writing heeds the attention & heartstrings of readers who appreciate stories about ordinary life, human complexities, & a larger message about the power of connection. If you‘re looking for a quick read that‘ll pack a soul punch, pick up this book. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5431000735

3.5 ⭐️ I recommend this book for fan or light mysteries and stories with a hint of magic. From the author of “The Lost Apothecary,” this book is an entertaining, Victoria-era whodunnit. I enjoyed the atmospheric writing and the gothic aesthetic. While the final reveal did not surprise me, I found the plot engaging. I was pleasantly surprised by the WLW 🏳️‍🌈 storyline. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61109069

The first episodes of the television adaption of Naomi Alderman‘s 2016 feminist sci-fi novel “The Power” have dropped on Amazon Prime. The first season will be nine episodes. The first three premiered yesterday. The series is so good! The music is 🔥.

I was not thrilled with the April #botm choices since I had already bought myself the new Jeanette Wells book. However, I really wanted the tagged book as an add-on, so I decided to go with an easy thriller read for my April choice.

3 ⭐️ If you enjoy young adult fantasy & romance, you may like this book about dark faeries. The book is written from Emily‘s POV and as journal entries. I didn‘t love the actual story/ writing, but romance is one of my least favorite genres so that is likely the reason. I wanted the story to center more on Emily‘s academic study. 😅This is the 1st book of what will become a series. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5328539206

5 ⭐️ This is a short story, yet the number of pages does not diminish the beauty of its prose. Keegan writes w/ conviction, gifting readers a story about the power of kindness & the role of personal values in decision-making. Loosely reminiscent of the Magdalen Laundries, I recommend it for fans of historical fiction who are looking for a book that can be read in a day. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58662236

I did not expect to be bowled over by the book as much as I was. The genre can be best described as fantasy horror with a Wild, Wild West setting. The plot is sometimes quite violent, so I do not recommend it for readers who steer away from such stories. That being said, I was immersed in the writing and engrossed by the creativity of the social critique that lies within the story. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5378366628