Welcome, book friends!

If you’d prefer to listen to these reviews, you can check out the full episode on The Bookmarks ‘n Blankets Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or listen below.

I’d love to know your thoughts on any of these books if you’ve read them. I invite you to hop over to my Instagram or X (aka Twitter), where you can comment.

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Even though I moved over 1,300 miles in April, from Ohio to Colorado, I still managed to read a decent amount of books. I also found two new favorites that have made it to my top 10 book list of the year.

Here are the stats from April:

• Total books read: 9
• NetGalley ARCs: 4
• Genres:
  • 3 – Contemporary Romance
  • 2 – Christian Fiction (mystery/romance suspense and historical romance)
  • 2 – Fantasy
  • 1 – Contemporary Fiction
  • 1 – Mystery & Thriller
  • DNF – 2 – one hard and one soft
• Formats:
  • 5 – audiobooks
  • 4 – digital ebooks
• Ratings:
  • 2 – 5-star
  • 3 – 4-star (one was 3.5 rounded up)
  • 3 – 3-star (one was 3.5 rounded down)
  • 1 – 2-star
• Marked Off from Lists: 0

April Reading Wrap-Up

Did Not Finish (DNF) Books:

My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Gilli Messer
Genre: Romantasy (Fantasy Romance)
Read more on GoodReads

GR Description: Cassie Greenberg loves being an artist, but it’s a tough way to make a living. On the brink of eviction, she’s desperate when she finds a too-good-to-be-true apartment in a beautiful Chicago neighborhood. Cassie knows there has to be a catch—only someone with a secret to hide would rent out a room for that price.

Of course, her new roommate Frederick J. Fitzwilliam is far from normal. He sleeps all day, is out at night on business, and talks like he walked out of a regency romance novel. He also leaves Cassie heart-melting notes around the apartment, cares about her art, and asks about her day. And he doesn’t look half bad shirtless, on the rare occasions they’re both home and awake. But when Cassie finds bags of blood in the fridge that definitely weren’t there earlier, Frederick has to come clean…

Cassie’s sexy new roommate is a vampire. And he has a proposition for her.

Why I Stopped Reading: I gave up on this book after reaching just 15%. Listening to the audiobook, I found the narrator unappealing. Additionally, the excessive foul language and heavily liberal-leaning comments were off-putting, and I didn’t resonate with the cringeworthy dialogue or the main character. The overall tone felt like a chaotic mishmash of woke messaging. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it, and I won’t be exploring more from this author. Adding to my disappointment, I discovered that the story is based on Kylo Ren fan fiction, which explains why it reads like amateur fan fiction.

Contemporary Romance Books:

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Format: Audiobook: Narrator – Katie Schorr
Spice: Rated R – Open-Door
My GR Rating: 2
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GR Description: Nemesis (n.) 1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.

2) A person’s undoing

3) Joshua Templeman

Lucy Hutton has always been certain that the nice girl can get the corner office. She’s charming and accommodating and prides herself on being loved by everyone at Bexley & Gamin. Everyone except for coldly efficient, impeccably attired, physically intimidating Joshua Templeman. And the feeling is mutual.

Trapped in a shared office together 40 (OK, 50 or 60) hours a week, they’ve become entrenched in an addictive, ridiculous never-ending game of one-upmanship. There’s the Staring Game. The Mirror Game. The HR Game. Lucy can’t let Joshua beat her at anything—especially when a huge new promotion goes up for the taking.

If Lucy wins this game, she’ll be Joshua’s boss. If she loses, she’ll resign. So why is she suddenly having steamy dreams about Joshua, and dressing for work like she’s got a hot date? After a perfectly innocent elevator ride ends with an earth-shattering kiss, Lucy starts to wonder whether she’s got Joshua Templeman all wrong.

Maybe Lucy Hutton doesn’t hate Joshua Templeman. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game. ​​

My Review:

I gave this audiobook a listen. The narrator did a commendable job, though I found the character voices lacked distinctiveness, making it a bit challenging to instantly discern who was speaking. More variation in the voices could have enhanced the experience, but on the whole, it was a decent audio rendition.

Regarding the story, quite a few aspects didn’t sit well with me. Despite the hype surrounding the book, I struggled to grasp its appeal. Admittedly, the writing is engaging and enjoyable, which I can see why people appreciate it. However, labeling it as a true enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy feels misleading since neither character harbors genuine animosity toward the other. This aspect left me feeling disappointed. Additionally, I found both characters to be grating, cringe-worthy, and lacking depth. The juvenile and monotonous nature of their interactions only enhanced my frustration. Moreover, the narrative felt overly prolonged, testing my patience as it dragged on. By the end, I was ready for it to be over and found myself skipping through parts of the audiobook out of sheer disinterest.

One of the major issues for me revolved around Lucy’s constant fixation on her petite stature throughout the entire book. It became repetitive and distracting—alright, we get it, she’s small, can we please move on? Furthermore, her dynamic with Joshua felt more driven by lust than genuine love, which was frustrating. What bothered me the most, though, was Lucy’s inconsistent behavior. She’d daydream about being intimate with him, yet when the opportunity arose, she’d pull back, sending mixed signals. It left me questioning her intentions—did she truly want him or not? Her indecisiveness and immature actions made it difficult to sympathize with her character.

Joshua didn’t fare much better in terms of likability. Perhaps if we had his perspective, the book would have been more compelling, but he came across as smug, arrogant, manipulative, and toxic. It felt like he was constantly hiding his true emotions and engaging in behaviors to avoid confronting them—a trait common among younger characters, but nonetheless frustrating to witness.

It’s no secret how predictable the storyline is, with the clear indication that they don’t actually despise each other but desire to be together. While this lack of surprise wasn’t unexpected, the manner in which the narrative unfolded to reach that point was disappointingly executed.

There is language in this book along with some steamy kissing scenes and one spicy scene toward the end. I skipped past that part because I prefer closed-door romances. 

I picked up this book out of curiosity about the movie adaptation. Reading the book before watching the film, I found the movie to be better, mainly because the characters felt more tolerable and less irritating on screen. Although there were some differences between the two versions, the movie remained largely faithful to the source material. Overall, I found much more enjoyment in the movie than in the book. If you’ve already seen the movie, I’d suggest skipping the book, as it doesn’t add much to the experience.

Overall, I found certain aspects of the story enjoyable. The banter between the characters was engaging, although it did become grating at times. A highlight for me was the section where Lucy falls ill and Joshua steps up to care for her—it was genuinely heartwarming. While the ending was predictable, it still managed to be satisfying, with the final grand gesture leaving a positive impression.

I’d suggest giving the movie a watch, but I wouldn’t recommend the book. As for reading more from this author, I don’t think I will — her writing style is not a good fit for me.

Love & Chickens by Kasey Morris

Format: NetGalley ARC – Digital ebook
Spice: PG-13 to R – Open-Door (not too graphic)
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads

GR Description: Three years ago, Madeline Bennett was at the peak of her chicken-showing career. Then, everything changed for the worse.

George Cooper, an arrogant English poultry judge, discounts Madeline’s prize rooster at The National, the biggest and most important bird show in the United States. That same night, an accident simultaneously cripples her leg and kills almost the entirety of her prized flock.

Now, Madeline is back on the show circuit, trying to start over. What she isn’t prepared for is seeing George again–the man whom she’s come to consider her most ‘fowl’ enemy.

Feathers fly, and, despite a frustrating attraction that develops against their mutual better judgment, Madeline decides she’s done with George for good–until an investigation into a corrupt poultry judge on the show circuit forces the pair back together.

My Review:

I really enjoyed this entertaining, sweet romcom, involving <i>lots</i> of poultry. It was easy to read and get immersed in this story. It was also short and only took me two days to read it. I read the first half of the book in just my first sitting. I got completely engrossed in this enemies-to-lovers romance story. 

There is some language, a few kissing scenes, and one spicy scene that I would rate P-13, verging on R, but it’s not too graphic and doesn’t last long at all. 

I had such a fun time learning about chicken breeding/showing. You can tell that the author either did a lot of research or has experience in this feathered world. It really came through her descriptions, which helped to engross me more in this book. I thought the settings were unique and fun. I’ve never read a book about poultry shows and judging. It took me back to my childhood days when my family would go to the state fair, where we visited all the animal buildings/tents and watched some animal showings. Definitely read the author’s note at the end, where she gives more info about chickens and showings, which was really interesting. Also, who knew chicken politics was a thing?! 😆 I appreciated the drama and conflict we saw with some shenanigans happening. It made me laugh and was a nice touch to keep it entertaining. 

I thought the pacing was perfect. Nothing ever slowed down for me. I loved all the different locations and settings. We travel between the U.S. and England. I was never bored and kept wanting to know what would happen next. However, some scenes felt a bit rushed, while others didn’t feel like there was enough detail and description. I thought some could’ve been a bit longer to feel more satisfying. 

I enjoyed getting to know George and Madeline. They were easy characters to like and root for and were relatable. They also had great chemistry together, and the banter was engaging. Madeline deals with a disability after being in a severe car accident. I loved how it never stopped her from pursuing her dreams, and she continued to live her life to the fullest. She was a very determined, headstrong, independent, and admirable woman. However, she did have a bit of a temper and often overreacted. I thought her reasons for not liking George initially were a little extreme. So the whole enemies-to-lovers felt forced and weird. I’m also not the biggest fan of this romance trope so it could’ve just been me and my preferences. I also would’ve liked to have seen her stand her ground a bit more toward Chad when she was assisting him in judging shows.

I liked watching the romance unfold but at times, some scenes, specifically the intimate scenes, came out of nowhere and felt awkwardly placed in the story. I would’ve liked more buildup. It’s also a surface-level, shallow romance so I would categorize this as more of a fluffy, sweet, and cute romcom instead of a dramatic, serious love story. I wish there were a little bit more depth to the romantic relationship and character development, but it’s not that kind of story. So it’s easy to let those elements slide. 

I also liked the side characters and their interactions with Madeline and George. With Patricia, Madeline’s friend, we get some friendship conflict. With William, George’s godfather, and Lily, George’s sister, we get some family conflict. So this story goes beyond romance with these other relationships, which I appreciated. It kept the story interesting and not tiresome with only one plotline. 

Overall, I was surprised by how much I liked this story. It was so delightful, funny, charming, and fun. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, sweet romcom and want to learn more about poultry showings, then I highly recommend this book!! I would love to read more from this author. 

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh

Format: NetGalley ARC – Digital ebook
Spice: None – Closed-Door
My GR Rating: 5
Read more on GoodReads

GR Description: Kelsey Worthington always dreamed of being a writer, but she’s settled into a routine of helping other people tell their stories in her job as a junior editor. She doesn’t go outside of her comfort zone. Her relationships are safe. Her job is secure. Her existence is stable. And she’s great with that.

And then, the accident.

While she’s in the hospital overnight, she meets an older woman named Georgina Tate–a glass-ceiling-shattering, wildly successful businesswoman. Georgina sacrificed everything to become the woman she is today, but now, with a pair of failing kidneys and only a handful of months left to live, Georgina is forced to come face-to-face with her regrets. Kelsey is forced to reckon with her own list of “things I’ll do someday,” and she starts to ask a simple but life-changing What if I said yes to all the things I normally say no to? And The Yes Plan is born.

It takes some convincing, but Georgina finally agrees to go along with Kelsey on her Summer of Yes adventures. The two of them set off to see what might be out there waiting for them if they simply open themselves up to it. Together, they say yes to whatever comes their way–a whole day being tourists in their own New York City, dinner with strangers, a convertible that is far from practical but so much fun. But when Kelsey springs a surprise visit to Georgina’s son Hayden and Georgina’s ex-husband (who is not so much of an ex), the older woman is less than thrilled. But this is where the true journey begins.

Two stories of love, forgiveness, regret, romance, and finding a way to live a fearless life intertwine as these two women make an indelible impression on each other. And it all starts with a simple “yes.”

My Review:

This was my first dive into this author’s work, and now, I’m fully committed. I can hardly wait to delve into her other books if they’re anything like this one. I completely adored Kelsey and Georgina, captivated by their narratives. I found myself cheering for both of them every step of the way.

The author’s descriptive prose was incredibly immersive, deepening my connection to these wonderful characters. Their compelling stories made it difficult to put the book down; I was invested in their fates and eager to uncover the next twists. The narrative flowed smoothly, maintaining an engaging pace, while the plot held my interest with its intrigue. The romance was sweet and endearing, and I particularly valued that there is no language or spice (closed-door romance), which I appreciate. 

The central concept of this narrative brought to mind the film “Yes Man,” starring Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel, albeit with a refreshing twist featuring two female protagonists, one older and one younger. Their journey of a lifetime unfolds in a manner that is both highly entertaining and deeply moving, offering moments of hilarity, heartbreak, and profound uplift. Prepare to experience a rollercoaster of emotions as this book elicits laughter, tears, and moments of heartfelt connection. Embedded within its pages are numerous thought-provoking themes touching on the essence of life itself: navigating past trauma, embracing second chances, not giving up, it’s never too late, the power of forgiveness, the importance of family, and the enduring nature of love and grace. This book was so impactful that now I want to buy a physical copy to revisit its pages, annotate its wisdom, and relive its poignant moments time and again.

I’ve never connected with a character as much as I did with Kelsey. She resonated with me on so many levels, from her professional life to her personal quirks. She’s just so relatable – bold, daring, quirky, ambitious, and absolutely adorable. I loved her! 

Georgina’s charm lies in her unique personality. She may come off as grumpy and cynical but beneath that tough exterior beats a tender heart. She yearns to connect with others, but her past has left her guarded. Striving to maintain a facade of strength as a business mogul, she grapples with the choices she’s made, sacrificing personal fulfillment for career success. Now, she’s wrestling with a tide of regrets.

The character development journey for both Kelsey and Georgina was absolutely incredible. Witnessing their growth and positive transformations was such a joy. Plus, the dynamic between them was pure gold, leading to some seriously hilarious moments. They’re like the perfect duo—grumpy meets sunshine, and it works brilliantly.

Romance plays a delightful role in this tale, adding sweetness and entertainment. It was a treat getting to know both love interests and seeing them charm the women they adore. The blend of romance, comedy, and women’s fiction created a captivating mix that kept me hooked.

Beyond just a narrative about a road trip between two women, this story embodies the essence of friendship, hope, and embracing life on your own terms. It beautifully illustrates the power of choice—whether to say “yes” or “no” to the people and experiences that shape our journey. 

This story was truly beautiful, deeply moving, and left a lasting impression on my heart. 

Prepare to reflect on your own life and relationships with loved ones after finishing this book. Highly, high recommend!! This is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year!!

Christian Fiction Books:

Without a Trace (Book #1 in the Rock Harbor series) by Colleen Coble

Format: Audiobook: Narrator – Devon O’Day
Genre: Romantic Suspense | Mystery
Spice: None – Closed-Door
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads

GR Description: It’s been months since the crash. K-9 search-and-rescue worker Bree Nicholls knows the chances of finding her husband and son in the vast wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula grow more remote by the day. But her heart and her faithful dog, Samson, demand she keep searching.

Deep in the woods, a young boy wakes in a tiny cabin. He’s being nursed back to health by a reclusive woman, but he can’t figure out why she calls him by a name he doesn’t recognize. Or why she’s calling herself his mother. He wants to leave, but as winter sets in, his very life depends on her care.

Meanwhile, Bree’s relentless determination to find her family has uncovered a violent crime. With the help of Park Ranger Kade Matthews, she discovers the violence may be linked to the plane crash that took her family. Could solving the crime bring her peace with her own loss? Or, more incredibly, reunite her family?

Set in the untamed beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Rock Harbor novels draw readers into the life and adventures of a canine search-and-rescue team as it unravels the secrets of an enchanting wilderness.

My Review:

This was my first Colleen Coble book, and I found it thoroughly enjoyable. I opted for the audiobook version, and the narrator’s performance was exceptional, really bringing the story to life. As someone interested in romantic suspense, I appreciated the plot, though I felt it leaned more toward the suspenseful elements. While the story captivated me, I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more emphasis on the romantic aspects.

Exploring a K-9 search-and-rescue worker in a book was a first for me, and I found the plot utterly fascinating. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan provided a rich and engaging backdrop that added depth to the story. The murder mystery had me guessing from start to finish, and the unexpected twist ending completely took me by surprise—in the best way possible. Each character was well-crafted, and delving into the lives of the town’s residents was a delight. The conclusion tied everything together beautifully, leaving me with a heartwarming sense of satisfaction.

As a reader who prefers Christian fiction with a subtle approach to faith elements, this story struck a good balance for me. It integrated faith naturally into the story without feeling overly preachy, which suited my taste perfectly.

This book explores themes of loss, grief, forgiveness, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Bree’s journey, the author reminds us that healing and hope can emerge from even the darkest of circumstances.

Overall, this story is a triumph of storytelling, blending suspense with heartfelt emotion in a way that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. Whether you’re a fan of mysteries, romance, or simply love a compelling narrative, this is a captivating and inspiring novel. 

Highly recommended for anyone seeking a beautifully crafted tale of courage and determination. I will definitely continue in this series and read more books by this author.

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham

Format: NetGalley Digital ebook
Genre: Historical Romance | Fairytale Retelling
Spice: None – Closed-Door
My GR Rating: 5
Read more on GoodReads

GR Description: Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love.

Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis’s appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family’s affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only discarded Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing niece.

At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn’t a romantic job, but she’s hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building–and is thrown in the path of the town’s mysterious bachelor.

Otis’s wounds are deep, but as Sadie’s friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. The mystery of his long-lost niece, however, is more complex than either could have imagined, and Sadie may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.

My Review:

I was completely captivated by this narrative. Among all of Rachel Fordham’s works I’ve read so far, this one stands out as my ultimate favorite. It’s a brilliantly crafted retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, using a fresh twist of this timeless classic. Every element, from the storytelling to the characters, and especially the romance, had me utterly enchanted.

Throughout the tale, my heart fluttered with delight at this fresh take on a classic fairytale. The early twentieth-century setting, along with the unique locations and events, added a delightful charm to the narrative. The writing was so immersive and meticulously detailed that it transported me effortlessly to the early 1900s, allowing me to experience the story alongside the characters. What’s more, I appreciated the author’s skill in avoiding excessive descriptive passages, ensuring a seamless journey back in time.

Otis and Sadie quickly became endearing protagonists, earning my unwavering support as their story unfolded. Exploring their personalities was a joy, witnessing the gradual blossoming of their romance. This love story delves far beyond superficiality; it’s enriched with profound emotional layers and intricately woven backstories, drawing me even closer to the characters. Witnessing their growth and transformation was deeply gratifying, underscoring their remarkable strength. Their impact lingers in my thoughts even weeks later, a testament to their enduring presence. I also appreciated that this is a clean romance without any spice or foul language.

The book also delves into some profound themes, offering valuable insights on confronting past traumas, making sacrifices for family, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. It was one of those reads that I just couldn’t tear myself away from; I finished it in just a couple of days. I laughed, cried, and swooned along with the characters on their journey. This touching story truly resonated with me, leaving a lasting impact. There are some very sweet scenes and emotional moments, as well as some wonderful life lessons to learn. It’s exceptionally well-written, charming, and heartfelt—a narrative that will linger in my thoughts for a long time to come.

Highly, highly recommend!!

Contemporary Fiction Book:

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

Format: Audiobook: Narrator – Scott Brick
My GR Rating: 3
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GR Description: The irascible A. J. Fikry, owner of Island Books – the only bookstore on Alice Island – has already lost his wife. Now his most prized possession, a rare book, has been stolen from right under his nose in the most embarrassing of circumstances. The store itself, it seems, will be next to go.

One night upon closing, he discovers a toddler in his children’s section with a note from her mother pinned to her Elmo doll: I want Maya to grow up in a place with books and among people who care about such kinds of things. I love her very much, but I can no longer take care of her. A search for Maya’s mother, A. J.’s rare book, and good childcare advice ensues, but it doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the transformation of both bookstore and owner, something of particular interest to the lovely yet eccentric Knightley Press sales rep, Amelia Loman, who makes the arduous journey to Alice Island thrice each year to pitch her books to the cranky owner.

My Review:

I decided to read this book after noticing its movie adaptation on a streaming app. Wanting to experience the story in its original form first, I chose to listen to the audiobook. The narrator did an excellent job, and at around seven hours long, it’s a relatively short listen. By speeding up the playback, I managed to finish it in a single day while working.

Initially, the story failed to capture my attention, leaving me bored and on the verge of giving up. However, I decided to stick with it, and it did improve to some extent. The arrival of the baby, Maya, added intrigue as I became curious about how the bitter, cynical, cranky middle-aged protagonist would manage this infant. There were some genuinely heartfelt and tender moments between A.J. and Maya. However, when A.J. decides to adopt her, the story glosses over the complexities of the adoption process, making it seem much easier than it actually is, especially for a single man. This aspect didn’t feel realistic for such a complicated issue.

I enjoyed getting to know A.J. throughout the story. Initially, he was quite off-putting, but as the narrative progressed, I began to warm up to him. He grapples with a lot of intense emotions—loss, grief, and depression, among others—so his behavior is understandable. When Maya enters his life, we see his icy heart begin to thaw as he grows attached to this unexpected little girl and takes on the role of a single parent. The story is filled with sweet, funny, and tear-jerking moments. Be sure to have tissues handy, as it’s an emotional journey. I found myself tearing up multiple times while listening to the story, and again when I watched the movie.

I also appreciated how this story caters to book lovers. With A.J. owning a bookstore and his love interest, Amy, being a bookseller (aka sales rep), there is plenty of discussion about books, reading, and buying them.

Additionally, I loved the setting of the coastal island with its small-town bookshop vibe. The story beautifully incorporates one of my favorite tropes: found family.

What I didn’t particularly like was the frequent cursing throughout the book. I felt that it wasn’t necessary to have so much foul language. However, I did appreciate that it features a closed-door romance without any explicit content.

I also found the frequent huge time jumps in the story unsettling and unexpected, lacking a smooth transition or buildup. Suddenly jumping forward ten years or more felt disjointed and disrupted the flow I was hoping for. Additionally, I was put off by what felt like emotional manipulation at times. The story seemed to rely on many clichés to evoke emotions from the reader, which came across as exploitative.

The movie was decent, featuring good actors. Like the book, it’s neither the best nor the worst adaptation. It stayed fairly faithful to the source material, which I liked. There were some inevitable differences, but they didn’t detract from the story. I’m glad I read the book before watching the movie because if I had seen the movie first, I might not have been motivated to read the book. In this instance, I think I actually preferred the movie over the book. (Plus, it’s a lot shorter.)

Overall, both the book and movie are decent. While I’m not sure if I would personally recommend them, if the plot intrigues you, perhaps give one (or both) a try. You might find them more enjoyable than I did. For me, they were just okay and not particularly memorable. However, I’m willing to try another book by this author to see if I prefer a different story of hers.

Fantasy Books:

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer

Format: NetGalley ARC – Digital ebook
My GR Rating: 3
Read more on GoodReads

GR Description: As boys, best friends Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell went missing in a vast West Virginia state forest, only to mysteriously reappear six months later with no explanation for where they’d gone or how they’d survived.

Fifteen years after their miraculous homecoming, Rafe is a reclusive artist who still bears scars inside and out but has no memory of what happened during those months. Meanwhile, Jeremy has become a famed missing persons’ investigator. With his uncanny abilities, he is the one person who can help vet tech Emilie Wendell find her sister, who vanished in the very same forest as Rafe and Jeremy.

Jeremy alone knows the fantastical truth about the disappearances, for while the rest of the world was searching for them, the two missing boys were in a magical realm filled with impossible beauty and terrible danger. He believes it is there that they will find Emilie’s sister. However, Jeremy has kept Rafe in the dark since their return for his own inscrutable reasons. But the time for burying secrets comes to an end as the quest for Emilie’s sister begins. The former lost boys must confront their shared past, no matter how traumatic the memories.

Alongside the headstrong Emilie, Rafe and Jeremy must return to the enchanted world they called home for six months—for only then can they get back everything and everyone they’ve lost.

My Review:

Having thoroughly enjoyed The Wishing Game last year, I eagerly anticipated Meg Shaffer’s highly awaited sophomore book. However, upon reading it, I found myself rather disappointed. It didn’t quite meet my expectations. I was hoping for a more whimsical feel, with richer fantasy elements akin to C.S. Lewis’s Narnia. Instead, it came across as a diluted tale of trauma with only a sprinkling of fantasy.

The story started strong as we delved into Jeremy and Rafe’s mysterious disappearance for six months in their youth, only to resurface without explanation. This mystery had me hooked, especially when Emilie entered the scene, seeking help to find her long-lost sister. I anticipated being whisked away into a fantastical realm for an exhilarating adventure. However, my excitement dwindled rapidly when the two male leads reunited after 15 years. Their palpable tension hinted at unresolved issues, compounded by simmering sexual tension that eventually revealed their past romantic involvement. Essentially, the narrative pivoted into a tale of a gay couple grappling with past trauma, with sporadic fantasy elements thrown in. It veered drastically from my expectations and preferences, ultimately not aligning with my taste in reading material. There is some language but no spicy scenes. 

To be honest, I couldn’t quite warm up to the two male leads. They didn’t strike me as particularly likable, and I struggled to connect with them. Moreover, the fantasy elements felt lackluster and uninspired. The world-building was sorely lacking, and the supposed “adventure” they embarked on in the magical realm fell flat for me—it just didn’t hold my interest. Character development also seemed to be lacking. Overall, the execution felt disjointed, as if the book couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be a mature drama or a whimsical fantasy tale. That said, I did find Emilie’s storyline and her relationship with her sister engaging and enjoyable.

Unfortunately, this book missed the mark for me even though it had so much potential. I managed to finish the entire book out of sheer interest, but I wouldn’t personally recommend it. I didn’t hate it but I also didn’t love it. However, if the premise intrigues you, it might be worth a try. Yet, it didn’t quite resonate with me, and I’m uncertain if I’ll explore more works by this author in the future.

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

Format: Audiobook: Narrator – Brittany Pressley
My GR Rating: 3 (3.5)
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GR Description: In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is waiting for fate to find her. The Farrow women are known for their thriving flower farm—and the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line. The whole town remembers the madness that led to Susanna Farrow’s disappearance, leaving June to be raised by her grandmother and haunted by rumors.

It’s been a year since June started seeing and hearing things that weren’t there. Faint wind chimes, a voice calling her name, and a mysterious door appearing out of nowhere—the signs of what June always knew was coming. But June is determined to end the curse once and for all, even if she must sacrifice finding love and having a family of her own.

After her grandmother’s death, June discovers a series of cryptic clues regarding her mother’s decades-old disappearance, except they only lead to more questions. But could the door she once assumed was a hallucination be the answer she’s been searching for? The next time it appears, June realizes she can touch it and walk past the threshold. And when she does, she embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future but also uncover the lingering mysteries of her small town and entangle her heart in an epic star-crossed love.

My Review:

This is the second book I’ve read by this author. While her writing is beautifully lush and lyrical, creating an immersive experience, I found myself disappointed once more. I really wanted to enjoy it more, but it fell short for me again.

I listened to the audiobook and I loved the narrator, Brittany Pressley. She’s quickly become one of my favorite narrators. She did an amazing job. 

This story has a very slow start, so if you enjoy slow burns, you might appreciate this book. However, I didn’t become fully invested or interested until about 30% in. I kept waiting for something significant to happen, but when it finally did, it felt lackluster and disappointing. I was bored throughout and kept hoping for something big to happen, but it never really came. The delayed explanations and tedious buildup also added to my frustrations with the book.

The time travel explanations were somewhat fuzzy and confusing, leaving me lost during some sequences and unsure of what was happening. However, I did enjoy the twists and surprises toward the end of the book, which caught me off guard.

Overall, I felt compelled enough to keep listening to the audiobook because I wanted to know what happened in the story, so it wasn’t all bad. I was curious about the mystery surrounding the women in this family. While I enjoyed the characters, I didn’t connect with them deeply, but I did care about their fates and rooted for a happy ending, which I got. It wasn’t a terrible read, but it wasn’t great either. I thought it was an interesting plot, but the execution was lacking. 

If you enjoy small-town settings with a mystery, a touch of magical realism, and second-chance romances, you might really like this book.

I might give this author one more chance to find a book I can rate higher, but ultimately, she may not be the author for me. If the plot intrigues you, I recommend checking out this book, but I suggest going in with low expectations.

Mystery & Thriller Book:

Everyone is Watching by Heather Gudenkauf

Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Brittany Pressley
My GR Rating: 4 (3.5)
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GR Description: The Best Friend. The Confidant. The Senator. The Boyfriend. The Executive.

Five contestants have been chosen to compete for ten million dollars on the game show One Lucky Winner. The catch? None of them knows what (or who) to expect, and it will be live streamed all over the world. Completely secluded in an estate in Northern California, with strict instructions not to leave the property and zero contact with the outside world, the competitors start to feel a little too isolated.

When long-kept secrets begin to rise to the surface, the contestants realize this is no longer just a reality show—someone is out for blood. And the game can’t end until the world knows who the contestants really are…

My Review:

Despite the mixed reviews this book has received, I found it incredibly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyed it. Listening to the audiobook narrated by Brittany Pressley was a delight; her performance really stood out to me. Her ability to bring each character to life with distinct voices and personalities made the experience even more enjoyable. In fact, she has quickly become one of my favorite audiobook narrators.

Is this the most mind-blowing mystery thriller I’ve ever encountered? No. Did it redefine my literary world? No. But was it a blast, full of surprising twists? Absolutely! This book feels like a “light-hearted” mystery thriller, unburdened by heavy themes, and simply focused on delivering a good time. Its relaxed approach was a refreshing change of pace. The pacing was spot-on, compelling me to keep listening eagerly, chapter after chapter, to unravel the unfolding events. It was packed with action, ensuring I was never left bored.

It felt like Clue meets Squid Games or Survivor (on steroids!). Each participant in this gripping game has their own compelling reason to win the cash prize money at the end. This setup made it enticingly easy to be misled by the cleverly placed red herrings woven throughout the narrative.

I found the story deeply compelling, keeping me on edge with its mysteries. I became emotionally invested in several characters and found myself rooting for their success. The narrative was both gripping and ingeniously crafted, seamlessly weaving all the story threads together by the conclusion. As for the final twist, it blindsided me completely, which is a delightful rarity in mystery thrillers—I’m not a fan of predictable endings, so this was a welcome surprise.

Having read my first book by this author, I’m now eager to explore more of her books. If you’re in search of a quick, fast-paced, and engaging mystery thriller, I highly recommend this one, especially the audiobook.