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223 reviews
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Set in a small town, Nineteen Minutes explores the lives of students, parents, and teachers before and after a tragic event shakes the community to its core. The story is told through multiple perspectives, allowing readers to understand the emotions, histories, and struggles of each character. Through these viewpoints, Picoult delves into themes of bullying, social pressures, mental health, and the often unseen consequences of small, everyday actions. The novel raises important questions about justice, responsibility, and whether we ever truly know what someone else is going through.
What happened in Nineteen Minutes is devastating, but it is not without cause. It is the result of wounds inflicted over years—some obvious, some invisible. Bullying is not just a single act; it is a pattern that leaves deep emotional scars. The pain of being humiliated, excluded, and tormented does not fade when the school day ends. For some, it becomes a constant, inescapable reality. And the saddest part? Many people don’t recognize the damage they are doing until it is too late.
This book is a reminder that every action, no matter how small, can change the course of someone’s life. A cruel word, a dismissive laugh, an act of indifference—these things accumulate, shaping how a person sees themselves and the world. But the same is true for kindness. A moment of understanding, a gesture of inclusion, a voice speaking up—these, too, can leave a lasting impact.
Picoult does not ask us to excuse or justify what happens in this book. Instead, she challenges us to look deeper, to understand the complexity of human actions, and to recognize the role society plays in shaping them. Nineteen Minutes is not an easy read, but it is an important one. It forces us to ask: How often do we dismiss someone’s pain? How often do we fail to act when we see injustice? And most importantly, what can we do to ensure that no one feels so unseen, unheard, or broken that they believe there is no way out?
This book is heartbreaking, but it also carries a crucial message: We all have the power to affect someone's life. The question is, will we use that power to hurt or to heal?
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Jodi Picoult has a gift for writing stories that force us to confront uncomfortable truths. Her books do not offer simple answers because life itself is not simple. Nineteen Minutes is one of her most thought-provoking novels, forcing readers to examine the ripple effects of cruelty, isolation, and pain—especially in the lives of young people.
You couldn’t argue the facts; you could only change the lens through which you looked at them.
Set in a small town, Nineteen Minutes explores the lives of students, parents, and teachers before and after a tragic event shakes the community to its core. The story is told through multiple perspectives, allowing readers to understand the emotions, histories, and struggles of each character. Through these viewpoints, Picoult delves into themes of bullying, social pressures, mental health, and the often unseen consequences of small, everyday actions. The novel raises important questions about justice, responsibility, and whether we ever truly know what someone else is going through.
What happened in Nineteen Minutes is devastating, but it is not without cause. It is the result of wounds inflicted over years—some obvious, some invisible. Bullying is not just a single act; it is a pattern that leaves deep emotional scars. The pain of being humiliated, excluded, and tormented does not fade when the school day ends. For some, it becomes a constant, inescapable reality. And the saddest part? Many people don’t recognize the damage they are doing until it is too late.
Taking credit for what a child did well also meant accepting responsibility for what they did wrong.
This book is a reminder that every action, no matter how small, can change the course of someone’s life. A cruel word, a dismissive laugh, an act of indifference—these things accumulate, shaping how a person sees themselves and the world. But the same is true for kindness. A moment of understanding, a gesture of inclusion, a voice speaking up—these, too, can leave a lasting impact.
Jail wasn’t all that different from public school, really. The correctional officers were just like the teachers—their job was to keep everyone in place, to feed them, and to make sure nobody got seriously hurt. Beyond that, you were left to your own devices. And like school, jail was an artificial society, with its own hierarchy and rules. If you did any work, it was pointless—cleaning the toilets every morning or pushing a library cart around minimum security wasn’t really that different from writing an essay on the definition of civitas or memorizing prime numbers—you weren’t going to be using them daily in your real life. And as with high school, the only way to get through jail was to stick it out and do your time.
Picoult does not ask us to excuse or justify what happens in this book. Instead, she challenges us to look deeper, to understand the complexity of human actions, and to recognize the role society plays in shaping them. Nineteen Minutes is not an easy read, but it is an important one. It forces us to ask: How often do we dismiss someone’s pain? How often do we fail to act when we see injustice? And most importantly, what can we do to ensure that no one feels so unseen, unheard, or broken that they believe there is no way out?
Nobody wants to admit to this, but bad things will keep on happening. Maybe that’s because it’s all a chain, and a long time ago someone did the first bad thing, and that led someone else to do another bad thing, and so on. You know, like that game where you whisper a sentence into someone’s ear, and that person whispers it to someone else, and it all comes out wrong in the end. But then again, maybe bad things happen because it’s the only way we can keep remembering what good is supposed to look like.
This book is heartbreaking, but it also carries a crucial message: We all have the power to affect someone's life. The question is, will we use that power to hurt or to heal?
Isn’t it amazing how, when you strip away everything, people are so much alike?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Mass/school shootings, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Abortion
Minor: Rape, Car accident, and Pregnancy
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Reading Little Fires Everywhere made me realize how easy it is to judge people based on the limited version of their lives we perceive. We see their actions, their carefully curated facades, but we rarely see the quiet struggles, the sacrifices, the deeply personal histories that shape their choices. The book made me reflect on how people—both in fiction and reality—often wear masks, not necessarily to deceive, but to survive in a world that demands certain expectations from them.
Despite their flaws, I found myself empathizing with each character because I understood them. Little Fires Everywhere doesn’t tell you who to root for or who is right or wrong; instead, it presents people as they are—complicated, messy, and deeply human. And that is precisely what makes it so compelling.
Ultimately, this book reaffirmed why I love reading: it allows us to step into the lives of others, to develop empathy, and to recognize that no one’s story is ever as simple as it seems.
reflective
slow-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
5.0
How well do we truly know the people around us? Little Fires Everywhere is a novel that challenges this question, reminding us that we often see only fragments of others’ lives—glimpses shaped by our own assumptions, biases, and limited understanding. Through a cast of deeply complex characters, Celeste Ng masterfully unravels the hidden struggles, secrets, and past experiences that shape each person's choices.
Set in the meticulously planned suburban community of Shaker Heights, Little Fires Everywhere follows the intertwined lives of two families: the wealthy, picture-perfect Richardsons and the enigmatic Mia Warren, a single mother and artist, who moves into their rental property with her teenage daughter, Pearl. When the McCulloughs—a well-respected white couple—attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, the town becomes divided, and loyalties are tested. Meanwhile, secrets from Mia’s past begin to unravel, forcing both families to confront uncomfortable truths. With its exploration of privilege, motherhood, identity, and moral ambiguity, Little Fires Everywhere is a thought-provoking story that questions whether we can ever truly understand someone else's life.
This book is not about a grand, sweeping plot; instead, it immerses us in a pivotal moment in its characters’ lives, revealing who they are by peeling back layers of their pasts. Ng masterfully uses flashbacks to give us insight into why each character acts the way they do—reminding us that every decision comes from a history we may not see at first glance.
Set in the meticulously planned suburban community of Shaker Heights, Little Fires Everywhere follows the intertwined lives of two families: the wealthy, picture-perfect Richardsons and the enigmatic Mia Warren, a single mother and artist, who moves into their rental property with her teenage daughter, Pearl. When the McCulloughs—a well-respected white couple—attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, the town becomes divided, and loyalties are tested. Meanwhile, secrets from Mia’s past begin to unravel, forcing both families to confront uncomfortable truths. With its exploration of privilege, motherhood, identity, and moral ambiguity, Little Fires Everywhere is a thought-provoking story that questions whether we can ever truly understand someone else's life.
This book is not about a grand, sweeping plot; instead, it immerses us in a pivotal moment in its characters’ lives, revealing who they are by peeling back layers of their pasts. Ng masterfully uses flashbacks to give us insight into why each character acts the way they do—reminding us that every decision comes from a history we may not see at first glance.
But the problem with rules, he reflected, was that they implied a right way and a wrong way to do things. When, in fact, most of the time there were simply ways, none of them quite wrong or quite right, and nothing to tell you for sure which side of the line you stood on.
Reading Little Fires Everywhere made me realize how easy it is to judge people based on the limited version of their lives we perceive. We see their actions, their carefully curated facades, but we rarely see the quiet struggles, the sacrifices, the deeply personal histories that shape their choices. The book made me reflect on how people—both in fiction and reality—often wear masks, not necessarily to deceive, but to survive in a world that demands certain expectations from them.
Despite their flaws, I found myself empathizing with each character because I understood them. Little Fires Everywhere doesn’t tell you who to root for or who is right or wrong; instead, it presents people as they are—complicated, messy, and deeply human. And that is precisely what makes it so compelling.
Ultimately, this book reaffirmed why I love reading: it allows us to step into the lives of others, to develop empathy, and to recognize that no one’s story is ever as simple as it seems.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Abortion, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Vomit
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
At its core, The Measure reminds us that life isn’t defined by its length but by its depth. We often hear this sentiment, but in the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget. This book serves as a powerful reminder that what truly matters is how we choose to spend our time, love the people around us, and shape our own stories.
A beautifully written and moving novel, The Measure isn’t just about fate—it’s about resilience, human connection, and the courage to live fully, regardless of what the future holds.
Content warnings: grief, murder, death (moderate), mass/school shootings (moderate), terminal illness (minor), war (minor)
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Summary:
One morning, every adult across the world receives an identical small wooden box, each containing a string of varying length. Soon, the world discovers a profound truth—the length of the string corresponds to the length of one's life. As people grapple with this revelation, society divides into "long-stringers" and "short-stringers," leading to shifts in relationships, careers, government policies, and even love. The novel follows a cast of interconnected characters—each facing the decision of whether to open their box and what to do with the knowledge it holds. Ultimately, The Measure explores fate, free will, and the ways we define the meaning of a life well lived.
Review:
I have always been drawn to character-driven books, especially those that challenge the way we think about life and mortality. The Measure is one of those rare novels that does both, offering a deeply emotional yet thought-provoking reading experience.
What makes this book so impactful is its ability to reflect the anxieties, hopes, and ethical dilemmas we all face. It forces us to ask: If you knew how much time you had left, would you live differently? Would society treat you differently? The way Nikki Erlick weaves together multiple perspectives—each grappling with their own choices—adds a layer of realism and complexity that lingers long after the last page.
One morning, every adult across the world receives an identical small wooden box, each containing a string of varying length. Soon, the world discovers a profound truth—the length of the string corresponds to the length of one's life. As people grapple with this revelation, society divides into "long-stringers" and "short-stringers," leading to shifts in relationships, careers, government policies, and even love. The novel follows a cast of interconnected characters—each facing the decision of whether to open their box and what to do with the knowledge it holds. Ultimately, The Measure explores fate, free will, and the ways we define the meaning of a life well lived.
Review:
I have always been drawn to character-driven books, especially those that challenge the way we think about life and mortality. The Measure is one of those rare novels that does both, offering a deeply emotional yet thought-provoking reading experience.
What makes this book so impactful is its ability to reflect the anxieties, hopes, and ethical dilemmas we all face. It forces us to ask: If you knew how much time you had left, would you live differently? Would society treat you differently? The way Nikki Erlick weaves together multiple perspectives—each grappling with their own choices—adds a layer of realism and complexity that lingers long after the last page.
That the beginning and the end may have been chosen for us, the string already spun, but the middle had always been left undetermined, to be woven and shaped by us.
At its core, The Measure reminds us that life isn’t defined by its length but by its depth. We often hear this sentiment, but in the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget. This book serves as a powerful reminder that what truly matters is how we choose to spend our time, love the people around us, and shape our own stories.
A beautifully written and moving novel, The Measure isn’t just about fate—it’s about resilience, human connection, and the courage to live fully, regardless of what the future holds.
Content warnings: grief, murder, death (moderate), mass/school shootings (moderate), terminal illness (minor), war (minor)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Murder
Moderate: Death and Mass/school shootings
Minor: Terminal illness and War
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
The book’s pacing was its biggest drawback for me. It took me almost four months to finish Belladonna, which speaks volumes about how slow it felt. The plot itself was intriguing, but the execution dragged—this story could have easily been 100 pages shorter. Additionally, the mystery aspect fell flat since many of the twists were predictable well before they were revealed. It was frustrating to watch Signa take so long to piece things together when the clues were glaringly obvious.
That said, Adalyn Grace’s prose was strong, and the gothic atmosphere of Thorn Grove was beautifully crafted. The writing itself was immersive, even when the pacing faltered. I’m still interested in continuing the series, but I sincerely hope Foxglove improves upon the character development, plot, and pacing issues that held Belladonna back.
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Belladonna follows 19-year-old Signa Farrow, a girl who has been surrounded by death her entire life. Orphaned as an infant, she has lived with various guardians—most of whom meet untimely ends. When she is sent to Thorn Grove, the gothic estate of the Hawthorne family, she finds herself entangled in a mystery: her cousin Blythe is gravely ill, and Signa suspects poison. To uncover the truth, she must form an uneasy alliance with Death himself—an alluring, enigmatic figure who has been a shadowy presence in her life for as long as she can remember. As their connection deepens, Signa begins to question the true nature of life, death, and her own powers.
To me, you are a song to a soul that has never known music. Light to someone who has only seen the darkness. You bring out the absolute worst in me, and I become vindictive toward those who treat you in ways I don't care for. Yet you also bring out the best in me - I want to be better because of you. Better for you.
The book’s pacing was its biggest drawback for me. It took me almost four months to finish Belladonna, which speaks volumes about how slow it felt. The plot itself was intriguing, but the execution dragged—this story could have easily been 100 pages shorter. Additionally, the mystery aspect fell flat since many of the twists were predictable well before they were revealed. It was frustrating to watch Signa take so long to piece things together when the clues were glaringly obvious.
That said, Adalyn Grace’s prose was strong, and the gothic atmosphere of Thorn Grove was beautifully crafted. The writing itself was immersive, even when the pacing faltered. I’m still interested in continuing the series, but I sincerely hope Foxglove improves upon the character development, plot, and pacing issues that held Belladonna back.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Alcohol
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
In this memoir, Jennette McCardy shares her painful journey growing up with an emotionally abusive, controlling mother who pushed her into acting, monitored every aspect of her life, and instilled deep-seated guilt and fear in her. She writes about the impact of this abuse on her mental health, including struggles with eating disorders, unhealthy relationships, and the long road to reclaiming her identity after her mother’s death.
I admit: this book triggered a lot for me. Jennette’s mom was like mine when it came to emotional abuse - the manipulation, the guilt, the control. But I’m at a point now where I’m allowing myself to feel everything, knowing that’s the only way to heal. I read this book at the right time.
When I was almost done, I went on Reddit to see what others thought, and it broke my heart how many people related to Jennette’s story - just like I did. But at the same time, it was oddly comforting to know that I’m not alone.
I admire Jennette for her courage to share her truth. In a twisted way, it was refreshing to see my experiences reflected in someone else’s story. Jennette, you’re not alone either. And as my therapist has reminded me over and over: YOU ARE NOW SAFE.
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
5.0
I’ve been wanting to read I’m Glad My Mom Died since it was released, but I didn’t have the courage to. At that point, I hadn’t been to therapy yet, and I was still avoiding confronting my traumatic experiences head-on. One therapy session later, I finally gave in and listened to the audiobook.
In this memoir, Jennette McCardy shares her painful journey growing up with an emotionally abusive, controlling mother who pushed her into acting, monitored every aspect of her life, and instilled deep-seated guilt and fear in her. She writes about the impact of this abuse on her mental health, including struggles with eating disorders, unhealthy relationships, and the long road to reclaiming her identity after her mother’s death.
I admit: this book triggered a lot for me. Jennette’s mom was like mine when it came to emotional abuse - the manipulation, the guilt, the control. But I’m at a point now where I’m allowing myself to feel everything, knowing that’s the only way to heal. I read this book at the right time.
When I was almost done, I went on Reddit to see what others thought, and it broke my heart how many people related to Jennette’s story - just like I did. But at the same time, it was oddly comforting to know that I’m not alone.
I admire Jennette for her courage to share her truth. In a twisted way, it was refreshing to see my experiences reflected in someone else’s story. Jennette, you’re not alone either. And as my therapist has reminded me over and over: YOU ARE NOW SAFE.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Drug use, and Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity
The Crash by Freida McFadden
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
As always, Freida McFadden's books make for good palate cleansers. However, Polly really irritated me, which took away much of the enjoyment. I don’t regret finishing it, but I wouldn’t have minded skipping it either. Overall, just an average read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Rape, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide attempt
The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
One big thing that didn’t sit right with me was how dependent Indy was on other people. She even admitted it herself—she hates being alone. Whenever she was, all her insecurities took over. There was clearly some healing that needed to happen, but the book never really addressed it or emphasized the importance of being okay with solitude.Sure, she and Ryan didn’t immediately get together after she broke up with Alex, but she pretty much jumped from one guy to the next without giving herself space to process a six-year relationship. It felt like she never really took the time to learn how to love herself outside of a relationship.
Ryan, on the other hand, was your typical swoon-worthy romance hero. His acts of service were sweet, but he didn’t bring anything new to the table. He was just another cookie-cutter MMC, the same kind we see over and over in romance books.
At this point, I think The Windy City series just isn’t for me. Two books in, and neither has left a strong enough impression to make me want to continue. The Right Move followed the same predictable formula, making it pretty forgettable. Even though it was supposed to be a quick, easy read, it took me months to finish because I kept losing interest. I usually love the fake dating trope, but this one felt way too dragged out.
Honestly, there are much better sports romance books out there.
P.S. For some reason, characters popped their shoulders 18 times in this book. It drove me nuts. It felt like the author couldn’t find another way to describe a simple movement or just didn’t bother making them do anything else.
lighthearted
slow-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
2.0
Life has a funny way of fulfilling you, even when it isn't in the way you assumed it to be.
One big thing that didn’t sit right with me was how dependent Indy was on other people. She even admitted it herself—she hates being alone. Whenever she was, all her insecurities took over. There was clearly some healing that needed to happen, but the book never really addressed it or emphasized the importance of being okay with solitude.
Ryan, on the other hand, was your typical swoon-worthy romance hero. His acts of service were sweet, but he didn’t bring anything new to the table. He was just another cookie-cutter MMC, the same kind we see over and over in romance books.
At this point, I think The Windy City series just isn’t for me. Two books in, and neither has left a strong enough impression to make me want to continue. The Right Move followed the same predictable formula, making it pretty forgettable. Even though it was supposed to be a quick, easy read, it took me months to finish because I kept losing interest. I usually love the fake dating trope, but this one felt way too dragged out.
Honestly, there are much better sports romance books out there.
P.S. For some reason, characters popped their shoulders 18 times in this book. It drove me nuts. It felt like the author couldn’t find another way to describe a simple movement or just didn’t bother making them do anything else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Infidelity
Minor: Mental illness and Gaslighting
When We Were by Diana Elliot Graham
I read this almost two years ago, and the story immediately captivated me. It stuck with me for a long time, and I often think about the characters. With the release of Six Morning Kisses, I decided I wanted to experience the emotional impact of this story again before diving into SMK.
Since this is a reread, I can now offer a more objective perspective. For instance, I realize that Ardenis quite an unlikable character. Josh is immature and selfish, which has been clear from the beginning. However, Arden fails to assert herself when necessary; as a result, Josh continues to treat her as if she were his possession. She had countless opportunities to stand up to him, yet she chose not to. Many people warned her about his behavior, but she ignored their advice, which is ironic since she is portrayed as a smart character. Reid deserved better. Although their breakup is painful to witness, it can be seen as a blessing in disguise for Reid. When I first read this, I felt irritated with Arden, but upon rereading it, I am enraged by her inaction.
In summary:
Josh = d*ck
Arden = ignorant
Reid = perfect
I still had a great time reading it and enjoyed the story just as much as I did the first time. Reading When We Were, although painful, is a worthwhile experience—it exposes you to the realities of love and life. It serves as a reminder that certain events are necessary; they shape us and mold us into who we need to become for our future. Yes, it can be painful, but that is the harsh reality of life. The book also emphasizes the importance of being vigilant about the people you surround yourself with, as they can either uplift or break you and significantly alter the course of your life.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Reread Review
Unable to escape into sleep the way normal people do, books have been a comfort, the security blanket, therapy I refused to go to. They ask questions but don’t require answers. They make me think but expect nothing in return. And when I wake up in the middle of the night, they are companions that never complain, either keeping me company as I lay awake of lulling me back into a temporary state of rest.
I read this almost two years ago, and the story immediately captivated me. It stuck with me for a long time, and I often think about the characters. With the release of Six Morning Kisses, I decided I wanted to experience the emotional impact of this story again before diving into SMK.
Since this is a reread, I can now offer a more objective perspective. For instance, I realize that Arden
In summary:
Arden = ignorant
Reid = perfect
I still had a great time reading it and enjoyed the story just as much as I did the first time. Reading When We Were, although painful, is a worthwhile experience—it exposes you to the realities of love and life. It serves as a reminder that certain events are necessary; they shape us and mold us into who we need to become for our future. Yes, it can be painful, but that is the harsh reality of life. The book also emphasizes the importance of being vigilant about the people you surround yourself with, as they can either uplift or break you and significantly alter the course of your life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Ashes of You by Catherine Cowles
What a fantastic book to conclude the series! Throughout the previous four books, Lawson remained a mystery to me, and I never really gave him much thought—certainly not to the point of being excited for his story. I never anticipated that I would end up rating this book five stars!
Hallie was the strongest woman in this series. She faced tremendous challenges and hardships. While I don't intend to downplay anyone else's trauma, her experiences were the most traumatic among all the female main characters. Despite everything, she continued to fight and never gave up on life.
The boys—Luke, Drew, and Charlie—are truly a blessing for Hallie and Lawson. These three brothers are fortunate to be part of the Hartley family, which is filled with love.
I will certainly miss the Hartleys. I shed many tears while reading Ashes of You, not only because of Hallie and Lawson’s story but also because it marked the last time I would get a glimpse into the lives of the Hartleys. Kerry and Nathan deserve a lot of respect for raising such a wonderful and beautiful family, one that you will undoubtedly fall in love with.
Catherine Cowles has gained a new fan in me, and I will definitely explore some of her other series.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
We all have scars. Things that we think might make us weak. But, in reality, they’re usually the source of our strength.
What a fantastic book to conclude the series! Throughout the previous four books, Lawson remained a mystery to me, and I never really gave him much thought—certainly not to the point of being excited for his story. I never anticipated that I would end up rating this book five stars!
You could have the achingly difficult with the profoundly beautiful. Sometimes, the hard made you appreciate the good more.
Hallie was the strongest woman in this series. She faced tremendous challenges and hardships. While I don't intend to downplay anyone else's trauma, her experiences were the most traumatic among all the female main characters. Despite everything, she continued to fight and never gave up on life.
But maybe that fear is good. It means I’m alive.
The boys—Luke, Drew, and Charlie—are truly a blessing for Hallie and Lawson. These three brothers are fortunate to be part of the Hartley family, which is filled with love.
I will certainly miss the Hartleys. I shed many tears while reading Ashes of You, not only because of Hallie and Lawson’s story but also because it marked the last time I would get a glimpse into the lives of the Hartleys. Kerry and Nathan deserve a lot of respect for raising such a wonderful and beautiful family, one that you will undoubtedly fall in love with.
Catherine Cowles has gained a new fan in me, and I will definitely explore some of her other series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Emotional abuse, Rape, and Abandonment
Shadows of You by Catherine Cowles
One of the reasons I love small-town romance is that it introduces me to community life: people looking out for one another, helping each other simply because it's the norm, and neighbors always having your back. Of course, gossip comes with the territory, but sometimes it's a small price to pay for living in a town where everyone knows each other. What I appreciate about reading Catherine Cowles' books is how she perfectly captures the magic of small towns.
I wasn't too fond of Maddie in Echoes of You; her decisions seemed questionable and borderline foolish. However, I’m starting to warm up to her while reading Shadows of You. It appears she shines more as a side character than as the main one. On the other hand, Aspen was so strong, kind, and loving. I knew there was a reason I liked her from the first time I read about her.
Roan and all his brokenness really affected me. This book made my heart ache almost throughout the entire reading experience because of all that Roan and Aspen went through. Some might call it a trauma bond, but I see it as finding the perfect person to help you navigate life toward happiness.
I love it when couples in romance books make sense. Roan and Aspen are perfect for each other. I wish them happiness in their own fictional world.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
We can't always carry our own load. Sometimes, we need help. It doesn't make us weak. It makes us human.
One of the reasons I love small-town romance is that it introduces me to community life: people looking out for one another, helping each other simply because it's the norm, and neighbors always having your back. Of course, gossip comes with the territory, but sometimes it's a small price to pay for living in a town where everyone knows each other. What I appreciate about reading Catherine Cowles' books is how she perfectly captures the magic of small towns.
I wasn't too fond of Maddie in Echoes of You; her decisions seemed questionable and borderline foolish. However, I’m starting to warm up to her while reading Shadows of You. It appears she shines more as a side character than as the main one. On the other hand, Aspen was so strong, kind, and loving. I knew there was a reason I liked her from the first time I read about her.
Roan and all his brokenness really affected me. This book made my heart ache almost throughout the entire reading experience because of all that Roan and Aspen went through. Some might call it a trauma bond, but I see it as finding the perfect person to help you navigate life toward happiness.
Everyone has their struggles, but sometimes I think those who have gone through the worst are the ones with the deepest ability to find joy, even in moments of hardship and heartache.”
I love it when couples in romance books make sense. Roan and Aspen are perfect for each other. I wish them happiness in their own fictional world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting