arizona_foster's reviews
38 reviews

The Good Part by Sophie Cousens

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

This was a beautiful, thought-provoking story about wishing to skip to the 'good part' of life, only to realize that life is always messy and complicated. 

 

Sophie Cousens does an amazing job showing Lucy's shift in responsibilities and priorities as she comes to terms with her 42-year-old self from when she was a single, kid-less 26-year-old. Lucy didn't adjust well initially, making for embarrassing and funny moments, but once she realized this was now her life, everything changed. I appreciated how her mental health was depicted and incorporated into the storyline - imagine waking up with a completely different life and what it would do to you emotionally. With a great support system, anything is bearable. 

 

Felix was one of my favorite characters. He initially assumes aliens took over Lucy's body but agrees to help her find the wishing portal. Felix keeps Lucy honest and, at times, tugs at your heartstrings. 

 

But the part that got to me the most was the ending. Grab your tissues, friends, because it will get you just like it got me. Life is a gift - treasure every moment with your friends and family. 

 

Thank you, Sophie Cousens, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book! 

Bought by Lauren Landish, Willow Winters

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

3.0

Just Don't Fall by Emma St. Clair

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I’m not sure I can say enough about this little gem. I loved everything about this book. 🥰

Practice Makes Perfect is the second book in the When in Rome series and features a lot of the lovable characters we first met in When in Rome. While you don’t need to have read When in Rome to enjoy this book, I’d highly recommend it only because it was such a great read!

I loved Annie from the start in When in Rome and was so happy to learn she was getting her own book. Will was the perfect character to help Annie break through her self-sabotage and boost her confidence. Together, the intensity of their attraction and their fight against it made the book so hard to put down.  

And again, can I just say, I wish I could live in Rome, Kentucky? These townspeople are the best, always looking out for each other. Annie and her family may not always see it that way, but it’s so endearing. I loved the impromptu town hall meetings and how everyone is so interconnected. This time around, the town gave off very strong Gilmore Girls vibes.

I really can’t wait for the next book in the When in Rome series. I have some ideas about who it will be centered around and I’m all for it!

Now, please excuse me while I go add the rest of Sarah Adams’ books to my TBR and preorder The Rule Book, available April 2, 2024.

Thank you Sarah Adams, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

The Beginning of Everything by Jackie Fraser

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

This was a beautiful story about starting over and finding happiness. 

 

Initially, Jess doesn’t reveal much about her terrible relationship with her previous boyfriend, but its effects are apparent throughout the story. She hesitates to receive help from anyone, constantly worries about being a burden, and finds it hard to trust others. 

 

Gethin was amazing with his endless patience. It was like he had a sixth sense for Jess and knew not to push her into discussing anything that made her feel uncomfortable. He supported her in every possible way and was an all-around great character. 

 

The amount of ellipses used throughout the book felt a little over the top. While I understand a majority of it was to help with depicting the flow of conversations, difficult conversations in particular, it broke up the reading flow and sometimes felt unnecessary. 

 

But I loved that the story reads like you were hearing Jess’ thoughts or maybe even reading from her diary. It would start with her mentioning her thoughts and feelings about a particular time or scenario and then place the reader in that time point and conversation. It helped make me feel connected to the main character in a way that Jess didn’t feel comfortable revealing herself to those around her. 

 

Thank you, Jackie Fraser, Random House Publishing - Ballantine, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review! 

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Physical abuse

The Unofficial Disney Parks Restaurants Cookbook: From Cafe Orleans's Battered & Fried Monte Cristo to Hollywood & Vine's Caramel Monkey Bread, 100 Magical ... Dining Destinations by Ashley Craft, Ashley Craft

adventurous informative inspiring

4.0

I decided to try something new this time and was not disappointed. 

 

Ashley Craft wrote other Disney-inspired cookbooks but wanted to focus on the restaurants this time. She provides a glimpse into what makes some of these Disney restaurants unique and how they changed over the years. She also gives some great, fun tips for things to look for or do the next time you're in one of the parks! 

 

This cookbook includes recipes for some of your favorite appetizers, meals, desserts, and drinks from California and Florida parks. If you haven't been to Disney recently, these recipes will help give you a sneak preview of what you can look forward to on your next vacation. 

 

I appreciate that Ashley pinpoints the items that may be required when making some of the recipes. The only slightly confusing part was when she mentions using an air fryer, but it's never clearly stated when and for which recipes. 

 

The best part about reviewing a cookbook is testing the recipes; I am forever grateful! 

 

I tried several recipes, followed the directions, and had some really delicious foods. The recipes range from easy to a little more complicated. 

 

I made the Caramel Monkey Bread, Our Famous Cobb Salad (and dressing), Poblano Mac & Cheese, Pomme Frites (and sauce), St. Louis Rib Dinner, Wookie Cookies, and the Honey Buzz. Every recipe was a success for me except for the Wookie Cookies, but the blame is on me, not the recipe. When the recipe states it makes five cookie sandwiches and you end up with tons of cookies, you need to be more generous with the portion size. Even with that little faux pas, the cookies tasted delicious! 

 

I think the only thing I would have preferred was more pictures of how these recipes should look. There were some pictures, but I'm very visual when making or baking food, so I would have loved to see how my results compared to the cookbook. 

 

Thank you Ashley Craft, Adams Media, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. These recipes were delicious, and I will definitely make them again! 

 

The Unofficial Disney Parks Restaurants Cookbook: From Cafe Orleans's Battered & Fried Monte Cristo to Hollywood & Vine's Caramel Monkey Bread, 100 Magical Dishes from the Best Disney Dining Destinations by Ashley Craft

4.0

Not in a Billion Years by Camilla Isley

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This was an excellent enemies-to-lovers romance with lovable characters. 

 

The banter and flirtation between Blake and Gabriel kept the story lively and full of funny moments. Sometimes, I wondered whether they would end up together because Blake is pretty headstrong. Good thing Gabriel is persistent! 

 

I also loved the relationship between Gabriel and his brother - Thomas was a true pesky little brother but, overall, seemed to have the best intentions. 

 

I wasn’t a massive fan of the Epilogue, but I understand why the story ended the way it did. While there wasn’t much of Blake’s best friend, Marissa, in this book, I can’t wait to see what happens in Marissa’s upcoming story. And even though I always say I’m not a series reader, I’m even more interested in Thomas’ story since he was such a fun part of Gabriel’s family interaction. 

 

Not in a Billion Years is recommended for those who enjoy: 

💞 Enemies to Lovers 

👠 Red carpet events 

😏 Banter galore 

🔍 Scavenger hunts 

🚪 Closed-door romance 

 

Thank you, Camilla Isley Boldwood Books Boldwood Book Club and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book! 

The Long Game by Elena Armas

adventurous challenging emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This book started out a little slow even though it started out with a sucker punch for our main character, Adalyn. 

 

While it took me a bit to get into this book, boy am I glad I stuck around! 

 

These characters are outstanding. 

 

I felt terrible for Adalyn in the beginning of this story. She was prim and proper with a love of binders to keep everything orderly. Once she set foot in Green Oak, NC, all that was turned upside down, starting with her first interaction with Cameron. 

 

I loved, loved, loved Cameron, but who couldn’t love a grumpy guy who coaches a children’s soccer team, refers to his two cats as family, and is scared of goats but will still attend goat yoga? Cam’s a total swoon. He reminded me a lot of Roy Kent from Ted Lasso and that’s who I ended up picturing most throughout the book. 

 

And the spice in this book? The banter back and forth between Adalyn and Cameron was fiery and filled with a ton of tension. The pottery scene in this book might rival the pottery scene in Ghost if entered into the same, steamy competition. And oh my god, that was some first kiss… 🥵 

 

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 Spice Rating 

 

I can’t forget mentioning Josie, another amazing character. She’s like a one-person welcoming committee and the biggest sweetheart. I think I saw there’s a book coming out with a storyline just for her and I’m telling you, I’m here for it! 

 

I also loved the unexpected twist at the end of this book. I didn’t see it coming and I didn’t see the cliffhanger coming either. I’m hooked, whether I like it or not. 

 

Snag your copy of The Long Game today, friends! 

 

Thank you Elena Armas, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review! 

 

Also, looking for recipes for what might be Jose’s Campfire Fizz or Cocoa Apple Heart, if anyone knows if they’re real drinks or not!