jennastopreading's reviews
423 reviews
The Sweet Spot, by Amy Poeppel
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The last 12 months of my life have been full of a lot of sorrow, a lot of joy, and a lot of pain. At the beginning of this time, I read one of my favorite books of 2022, NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT by Annabel Monaghan. It hit me right in the feels, and now, almost a year later, it has happened again with THE SWEET SPOT. It’s not lost on me that these two stories are the bookends of one of the most trying times of my life, and I love them both so equally and dearly that I want to keep them on my beside table forever.
What I loved about THE SWEET SPOT…
Multiple POVs. A huge, dysfunctional (but mostly lovable) cast. Multi generational, eccentric characters. Most of them living in a house that is so well described and wildly decorated that it is basically a character itself. And, of course, a big goofy dog to round out all the perfection that was this book.
This story had me laughing, tearing up, emotionally connected, and really not wanting it to end. It read like a sitcom with so much heart, it felt that the pages may explode with joy. Full of color, wit, sarcasm, and love, there is no chance that THE SWEET SPOT won’t make my top 10 of 2023.
Books like this one remind me of why I read, and what it feels like to burst with genuine affection for characters that aren’t even real. Escaping into the pages of THE SWEET SPOT was the most excellent ending to the last chaotic year of my life, and provided me with the respite I needed from reality. Thank you, Amy Poeppel for this little gem of perfection. I will cherish this story and characters for years to come.
What I loved about THE SWEET SPOT…
Multiple POVs. A huge, dysfunctional (but mostly lovable) cast. Multi generational, eccentric characters. Most of them living in a house that is so well described and wildly decorated that it is basically a character itself. And, of course, a big goofy dog to round out all the perfection that was this book.
This story had me laughing, tearing up, emotionally connected, and really not wanting it to end. It read like a sitcom with so much heart, it felt that the pages may explode with joy. Full of color, wit, sarcasm, and love, there is no chance that THE SWEET SPOT won’t make my top 10 of 2023.
Books like this one remind me of why I read, and what it feels like to burst with genuine affection for characters that aren’t even real. Escaping into the pages of THE SWEET SPOT was the most excellent ending to the last chaotic year of my life, and provided me with the respite I needed from reality. Thank you, Amy Poeppel for this little gem of perfection. I will cherish this story and characters for years to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Cursing
Minor: Death of parent and Vomit
Under the Whispering Door, by TJ Klune
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
It’s about death and I don’t want to read about death right now
Aesthetica, by Allie Rowbottom
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Toxic relationship, Eating disorder, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Rape, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content, Medical content, Injury/injury detail, and Grief
Stranded Ranch, by Cindy Steel
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Socialite's Guide to Murder, by S.K. Golden
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Murder
The City Baker's Guide to Country Living, by Louise Miller
Did not finish book. Stopped at 56%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 56%.
So bored, way too slow paced, didn't really like the MC
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Vacationland, by Meg Mitchell Moore
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Pregnancy, Infidelity, Dementia, and Death of parent
Moderate: Miscarriage and Cursing