avigail's reviews
1144 reviews

Middle-grade genre is a genre that has evolved very much since the days I was of middle-grade age.
Today, parents and teachers have books that can be read to their children and students, and there are so many things about the books and the characters.
One of these middle-grade books is Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller. Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All is a heartwarming and humorous tale that will captivate me because I cherish stories of unlikely friendships, community, and self-discovery, and in my opinion, makes it a perfect fit for middle-grade readers and anyone who's ever felt like they're searching for their place in the world. Magnolia Wu is a plucky young heroine navigating her childhood's ups and downs.
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All features a spirited and determined 10-year-old protagonist, Magnolia, who embarks on a mystery-solving adventure through the streets of New York City, uncovering secrets and connections along the way. With its lighthearted and emotional tone, this book may be the perfect blend of mystery and adventure.
Only after finishing the book did I recognize the author's name: Chanel Miller, who also wrote Know My Name (the truth be told, I haven't read her memoir, but I know that I will soon).
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All fell into my hands because I subscribed to MyTBR.co and my biologist, Connie. I appreciate the recommendation because I enjoyed reading the book and listening to the author narrate the audiobook.

 

Camilla Isley's writing is very entertaining, and I like that in this story, Blake and Gabriel get to know and connect before they start their relationship. They both have good communication skills, even if they have some not-so-good communication skills. I like their meet cute.
The premise of Not in a Billion Years is a humorous romance and business-driven story; I enjoyed the witty banter and second-chance romance between two strong-willed entrepreneurs as they navigate their competitive yet undeniable attraction. The slow-burn relationship is done very well, and the secondary characters are delightful. I will continue with the series because not only did I devour the book in two sittings, but there were so many LOL moments.

 

What do you do if a child you know is mistreated at home, even abused, and you don't have good encounters with the police?
Mobile Library is a poignant and intriguing novel that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate stories about the transformative power of human connection, the resilience of the human spirit, and the idea that even in the darkest of times, love and understanding can be found in the most unexpected places.
David Whitehouse finds a way to build an adventurous tale of found family and resilience. Mobile Library explores the complexities of human connection and the power of relationships to heal emotional wounds, with themes of found family and its lighthearted, emotional tone. The novel and story promise a captivating and emotional journey that will resonate deeply.
At first, I had difficulty connecting with the characters and the plot. I believe I didn't connect with Bobby, our main character, maybe because of our age difference. But after the 20% mark, something clicked, and I needed to know what would happen to Bobby, Sunny, Val, Rosa, Bert, and Joe. If you haven't read Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and you want to read it, don't read the Mobile Library because you will get the ending spoiled. If you don't mind being spoiled, then go ahead.
I liked a couple of quotes, especially for us bibliophiles. One of them is: " 'In every book is a clue about life,' Val said. 'That's how stories are connected. You bring them to life when you read them, so the things that happen in them will happen to you.'
'I don't think the things that happened in books will happen in my life,' he said.
'That's where you're wrong,' she said. 'You just don't recognize them yet'." 

 Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley & Canelo Escape for the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I also apologize for reading and writing the book review after publication.
I wanted to read a holiday book as we headed into the holiday season. I picked it up while browsing my long TBR because The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop fits some reading challenges.
The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop is a tale of a small-town charm and festive atmosphere, with a dash of romance and British humor. I appreciated the feel-good, uplifting spirit of Seren's journey as she brought joy and festive cheer to the residents of Tinstone. On the other hand, I had some trouble with Daniel's grumpiness and his feelings that the world was against him. The only ray of sunshine that manages to get in his life is Serene. Or the star of his eyes, as the meaning of Serene's name in Welsh is a star.
I get tired of the miscommunication trope for the third-act breakup; there are other ways to do it. This is also why I love Aunt Nelly, Serene's aunt, and Daniel's grandpa, Edwin. I like the wisdom they give to the young couple in life. I like how the author, Lilac Mills, brings three generations together with a happy message about the holiday season.
The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop is a sweet, cozy Christmas romance fitting for this Holiday season. 

 In Death series, I started on another reading challenge, and I always read the e-book while I listen to the audiobook narrated by Susan Ericksen. She does the accents so well, and you can differentiate the characters based on the voices she acts. Seduction in Death is an installment in the series that shows you that even in the future, power and money are something that people can truly deal with and will do everything they can to keep. People don't care about close relatives or friends. They will do whatever that no one stands in their way. In the In Death series, there is one exception: Roarke.
Once again, J.D. Robb takes us on a journey of gripping and suspenseful reading of futuristic romantic suspense, mystery, and detective fiction. Seduction in Death is a complex, electrifying story with a strong, intelligent female lead and a dash of romance. I like how, through this part of the series, we find out that Lut. Dallas and Roarke are about to celebrate their first anniversary. Even though each book in the series is about a different murder, you need to read the series for the linear relationship between Eve Dallas and Roarke and the secondary character that, with installments, I enjoy more and more. 

The Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series needs to be read in order because, yes, the murder that Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is in Three Pines to solve, but the series has a larger plot that is taking through the whole series. A Fatal Grace is a perfect book now that we are about to enter the holiday season.
The author, Louise Penny, manages with her writing to create an enlightening and atmospheric mystery that explores the complexities of human relationships, the beauty of the Canadian wilderness, and the darker secrets that lie beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic small-town life.
A Fatal Grace seems like a perfect match for readers who like to explore the mystery theme, albeit in a more atmospheric and character-driven way. It is set against the backdrop of Three Pines, a small Quebec village with an intricate plot and clever detective work. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is a mix of Hercules Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, but he cares more; you can see it in his relationship with his wife and Jean-Guy, his deputy.
The first of the two books in the series is slow and grotesque, but as you continue with the series, it becomes more interesting. I consumed the book by listening to the audiobook while reading the physical book.