Book Review: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

Title: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe

Author: Laurie Gilmore

Series/Standalone: Dream Harbor Series (Book #1)

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Smalltown, Adult Fiction

Pages: 286

Publisher: One More Chapter

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"A spicy small-town romance and TikTok phenomenon, perfect for fans of Hannah Grace and Stephanie Archer.

When Jeanie's aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Cafe in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor's gossip at all costs. But Jeanie's arrival disrupts Logan's routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie's happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won't fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes...."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was so much fun! It was exactly what I wanted it to be this was an absolutely excellent time. I finished the audiobook in one day and had an absolute blast with it. If you want a story that is so much set in a place like Star Hollow from Gilmore Girls with the quirk characters, and the small-town vibes, without some of the less savoury plot lines, this is the perfect read for you. Although there is a pretty serious case of Insta-love, it was such a great hallmark-eque read. I can't wait to get into the next one!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Huntress by Kate Quinn

Title: The Huntress

Author: Kate Quinn

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

Pages: 560

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"In the aftermath of war, the hunter becomes the hunted...

Bold and fearless, Nina Markova always dreamed of flying. When the Nazis attack the Soviet Union, she risks everything to join the legendary Night Witches, an all-female night bomber regiment wreaking havoc on the invading Germans. When she is stranded behind enemy lines, Nina becomes the prey of a lethal Nazi murderess known as the Huntress, and only Nina's bravery and cunning will keep her alive.

Transformed by the horrors he witnessed from Omaha Beach to the Nuremberg Trials, British war correspondent Ian Graham has become a Nazi hunter. yet one target eludes him: a vicious predator known as the Huntress. To find her, the fierce, disciplined investigator joins forces with the only witness to escape the Huntress alive: the brazen, cocksure Nina. But a shared secret could derail their mission unless Ian and Nina force themselves to confront it.

Growing up in post-war Boston, seventeen-year-old Jordan McBride is determined to become a photographer. When her long-widowed father unexpectedly comes home with a new fiancee, Jordan is thrilled. But there is something disconcerting about the soft-spoken German widow. Certain that danger is lurking. Jordan begins to delve into her new stepmother's past- only to discover that there are mysteries buried deep in her family... secrets that may threaten all Jordan holds dear."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a great historical fiction read. Th different perspectives really added to the overall plot, and watching how each piece tied together fed the intrigue. I would highly recommend it, especially as an audiobook. The end itself was a bit predictable, but I have found that when it's historical fiction (if you know the history) most of the time that is the case. I look forward to reading more from the author soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Title: When Stars Are Scattered

Author: Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Nonfiction

Pages: 264

Publisher: Dial Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Heartbreak and hope exist together in this remarkable graphic novel about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a Somali refugee to the Newberry Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.

Omar and his little brother, Hassan, arrived in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, seven years ago. Their father was killed the day they left home, and they haven't seen their mother since they joined their neighbours who were fleeing to Dadaab. Now Omar is eleven and Hassan is nine, and Omar has quit school to look after his brother, who has an intellectual disability.

When Omar is given the opportunity to return to school and carve out a future for himself and Hassan, he feels torn. He loves school and could have the opportunity to earn a coveted scholarship to a North American university- and with it a visa for himself and Hassan. But is it worth the risk and heartache of leaving his vulnerable brother for hours each day?

Told in Victoria Jamieson's engaging and accessible graphic-novel style and based on Omar Mohamed's gripping true story, this book is an intimate, important look at day-to-day life in a refugee camp."

My Rating: 5/5

I am currently taking courses to get my library tech diploma, and in one of my classes we were asked to discuss a middle grade age graphic novel, one of my classmates brought forward this one. What an incredibly moving and impactful novel!? For children and adults alike this offers an inside look at what being a refugee in a camp after going through incredibly traumatic life events looks like. I would highly recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Mistake of Magic by Alex Lidell

Title: Mistake of Magic

Author: Alex Lidell

Series/Standalone: Power of Five Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Adult Fiction

Pages: 218

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2018

Format:  Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Three trials stand between Lera and exile. Unless the training kills her first.

Quint magic has never chosen a human before, and the Elders Council is convinced Lera is a mistake.

When the quint refuses to be cleaved apart, the enraged elders give them a choice: exile from Lunos or demotion to the lowest of trainees. Subject again to the humiliations and deadly trials they endured centuries ago, the males now face a new challenge- training Lera to survive.

River, Shade, Coal and Tye will do whatever it takes to keep Lera safe. But Lera will do whatever she must to keep them together- even if it means putting herself in mortal danger."

My Rating: 3.5/5

These are super fun, pretty short romantasy reads. If you are looking for a reverse harem-style read with fae men who will burn the world down for the woman they love (whether or not all of them admit their love), this may be for you. I love picking these up and flying through the story; the smut is also fun. Overall, it was a good time! The only complaint I have is that there isn't a lot of unpredictability in the plot, which is fine if you are ok with that, but I would love just a bit more intrigue. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker

Title: Beware the Wild    

Author: Natalie C. Parker

Series/Standalone: Beware the Wild Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Magical Realism, Paranormal

Pages: 327

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2014

Format: Paperback

First Line: "It's no secret, ours is the meanest swamp in Louisiana."

"It's an oppressively hot and sticky morning in June when Sterling and her brother, Phin, have an argument that compels him to run into the town swamp- the one that strikes fear in all the residents of Sticks, Louisiana. Phin doesn't return. Instead, a girl named Lenora May climbs out, and now Sterling is the only person in Sticks who remembers her brother ever existed.

Sterling needs to figure out what the swamp's done with her beloved brother and how Lenora May is connected to his disappearance- and loenr boy Heath Durham might be the only one who can help her."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This wasn't all I hoped it to be. When I heard about it from someone reading vlogs a while ago, I expected it to be a horror book, but I would consider this more magical realism, rather than horror. I spent a lot of time reading this book trying to see if it was actual magic or an unreliable main character. Along with these factors, I do worry about the way disordered eating was dealt with within the story. I understand that this book was published a decade ago, but for those reasons alone I cannot recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Happy Place by Emily Henry

Title: Happy Place

Author: Emily Henry

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 400

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook (Own Physical Copy)

"Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college- they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now- for reasons they're still not discussing- they don't.

They broke up six months ago. And still haven't told their best friends.

Which is how they find themselves sharing the largest bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group's yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blue week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.

Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they'll all have together in this place. They can't stand to break their friends' hearts, and so they'll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It's a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared glasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week... in front of those who know you best?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was a harder one for me to get into. I do love a good second-chance romance, but something about this one just wasn't for me. Maybe it was the fact that they had been together so long previously, or some of the tropes used within that, but it was hard to not be frustrated with the female main character. While I appreciated the ideas presented throughout, it was just ok for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Distraction by Morgan Elizabeth

Title: The Distraction

Author: Morgan Elizabeth

Series/Standalone: Springbrook Hills Series (Book # 1)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

Pages: 309

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"The last thing he needs is a distraction

Hunter Hutchin's success is due to one thing and one thing only: his unerring focus on Beaten Path, the outdoor recreation company eh built from the ground up after his first business was an utter failure. 

When his dad gets sick, Hunter is forced to go back to his hometown and prove once and for all that his father's belief in him wasn't for nothing. With illness looming, distractions are unacceptable.

Staying with his sister, he meets Hannah, the sexy nanny who has had his head in a frenzy since they met.

When Hunter's dad gets sick, he's forced to leave the city and move back into the small town he grew up in at his sister's house. Ever since he watched Hannah dance into his life, he's finding himself drifting from his goal and purpose- or is he drifting closer to them?

She refuses to make the same mistakes as her mother.

Hannah Keller grew up watching what happens when a family falls apart and lived through those consequences. When it's time, she won't make the same mistake by settling for anyone.

But when the uncle of the kids she nannies comes to stay for the summer, she can't help but find herself drawn to the handsome, standoffish man who is definitely not for her.

Can she get through the summer while protecting her heart? Or will he break through and leave her broken?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was a fun little contemporary romance read. The smut was fantastically written, the plot on the other hand was not all I hoped for. I did appreciate Hannah, as a character because I can relate to her a lot. I did appreciate that Hunter has his own issues, but the lack of communication from Hunter to his family members drives me insane. Miscommunication on this level is hard for me to read because I find it drags on for far too long.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Maybe in Another Life

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 342

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby's guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she's ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she's found him."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was not what I expected when I picked this one up. Taylor Jenkin Reid does a great job of creating the main characters that you root for. Hannah is no different in that regard. I obviously haven't read all of her backlog (I'm working on it). That being said, I found that there were portions of this book where the plot was a little over the top. The well-thought-out changes between the universes were incredible. The friendships we see in both timelines were excellent and overall I really enjoyed my read of it. 

Which book of hers should I read next?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver

Title: A Photo Finish

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, 

Pages: 420

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"I've seen every square inch of Wiolet Eaton's delectable body and she has no idea who I am.

Until now.

What happened between us online, in our chats, was meant to stay anonymous and in the past.

Until it didn't.

It's a small world, but Ruby Creek is even smaller. When I move to the tiny town, the grumpy, facade I've created slips when we're forced to live under the same roof.

Every flush of her cheeks, every time her eyes flare with what, every time she begs me not to stop, the ice I've encased myself in melts. She has me wanting things I can't want. Things I've been dreaming about since I first laid eyes on her two years ago- things I don't deserve.

But my invisible wounds have the power to ruin us both. As a former soldier, I should have the discipline to walk away, but the more I open up to Violet, the more I want to keep her.

I came back from the war a different man, but my scars are older and deeper than anyone knows- and I planned to keep it that way. I planned to keep my secrets hidden.

Until her."

My Rating: 5/5

This has been my favourite so far. Could it be the grumpy sunshine trope, could it be Elsie Silver's ability to tie together relationships from the current books with previous books, or even other series, or is it because this romance was too damn good. The long-term yearning was excellently written and the characters were unique in a way that wasn't unsettling, but also distinguishable. I look forward to continuing the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Queen of Shadows

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #4)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 648

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"Everyone Calaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire- for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past...

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galanthynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena's epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such an interesting instalment in this series. It started out really strong for me and the action near the end was well-paced as well. As a part of the series, I was surprised at the turns that the author chose to make and even more surprised that some plot lines were not pushed to go longer in the series. I am curious to see what happens next in the series. I do love the characters and that's what really keeps me going in this series. I look forward to tangent reading the next two, wish me luck.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny