reading4enjoyment's reviews
119 reviews

Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane

funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-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? It's complicated

4.25

Witty, great characters, and a beautiful story of moving past an unhealthy relationship. This book is more women's fiction than romcom, in my opinion, but the romance is there as well as the fun. As someone who escaped a verbally and emotionally abusive relationship in my early 20s, this was as much about affirmation as it was entertaining to read. Pick this book up and give it a go! I loved Harriet, Cal, Sam, and Lorna as characters. Great character development,they were genuine and fun. McFarlane tackles a tough topic using wit and a happily ever after.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting

Minor: Death of parent

A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.5

A delightfully funny, cozy mystery. I enjoyed Beatrice, the female main character, and Inspector Drake (future love interest perhaps 😉). She's a strong, independent woman in a time when women were supposed to be meek and dependent. I also really enjoyed the humor in this mystery.

Body Movers by Stephanie Bond

funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

This was a fun mystery to listen to on audiobook. Filled with likable characters, laughs, and a lead in to book two, it's definitely a series that I'll continue. 

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is a brilliant dark psychological thriller filled with twists, lies, and truths. Who is lying, and who is telling the truth, though? That's the real question for this book. The story kept me going back for more, and even now, after the conclusion, I want to know what was really true. What a great and disturbing way to leave off. This book is set to come out very soon (August), so get your preorder ready.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Simon and Schuster for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review. 

A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins

emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

I love Kristan Higgins's books, and this new release is no exception. Multiple POV (when the second character starts speaking that first chapter is a little slow, but it picks up), reunions, and self reflection. It's a beautiful story of sacrifice. When you first meet Cindy, you probably won't like her very much, but just wait. 😉
Trigger warning: adoption struggles discussed extensively from all points of view.

In The Weeds by B.K. Borison

funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.25

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Loved, loved the humor between Jacob and Briana! The dual POV between the two main characters is easy to follow and a quick read. I especially enjoyed reading the letters shared between them. The ending is smashing, too.

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Super cute long-term friendship + fake dating = in love all along. I'll definitely read the next in this series

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley

adventurous funny 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? It's complicated

4.0

Super cute with a few surprises along the way. 💕

The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore

emotional funny hopeful reflective 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? It's complicated

4.5

This book came my way through a Scribd recommendation, and I am so thankful that it did. Although the start was a little slow, it was necessary to introduce and build the characters. The book took off for me once the groundwork had been laid. I loved each and every character and was wholeheartedly invested, Mateo and Arthur in particular because these two had great moments  of hilarity. This hodgepodge of people find far more than they anticipate within their friend group/book club. I also enjoyed Arthur's literary quotes and "jabs" 

Lucy Gilmore, thank you for such a beautiful and insightful read that looks deep into the hearts and souls of its characters and also for making me want to reread Anne of Green Gables. 😊