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celeste_velocci's reviews
475 reviews
Rosie and The Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Super fun and cute! Too short of a story for me to rate but it was relatable and fast paced if you’re looking for a quick easy palette cleanser read!
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This story made me smile! Though some parts were difficult and sad with loss and grief overall it was full of life lessons and love. I love stories about grandparents and adult grandchildren relationships. This story was very relatable. I loved listening to it on audio. Biggest take away….Take responsibility for your own unhappiness. Super heart warming I definitely recommend this quick read!
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wow what an amazing read. I would’ve never picked it up if it wasn’t for my book club’s pick of the month. This story is so thought provoking and heart wrenching it’ll have you feeling all of the emotions.
Imagine if you were able to know the time frame of when you were going to die. Would you look? Would you want to know your loved one’s time frame? This book reiterates the message and lesson that we should all live our lives like we are going to die tomorrow. I loved the idea of everyone wanting to leave their mark on the world whether the measure of their life was long or short. This book seriously makes you think and wonder and I cannot wait to discuss it with my book club at the end of the month!
I recommend this to anyone no matter what season you are in life it’ll remind you to LIVE and LOVE. We all can leave our mark on the world. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
I’m not sure if I would want to know what my fate was. I think I would have too much anxiety but then again I worry with the unknown of me and my loved ones. I really am not sure what I would do!
Imagine if you were able to know the time frame of when you were going to die. Would you look? Would you want to know your loved one’s time frame? This book reiterates the message and lesson that we should all live our lives like we are going to die tomorrow. I loved the idea of everyone wanting to leave their mark on the world whether the measure of their life was long or short. This book seriously makes you think and wonder and I cannot wait to discuss it with my book club at the end of the month!
I recommend this to anyone no matter what season you are in life it’ll remind you to LIVE and LOVE. We all can leave our mark on the world. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
I’m not sure if I would want to know what my fate was. I think I would have too much anxiety but then again I worry with the unknown of me and my loved ones. I really am not sure what I would do!
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’m a little bummed out because I had such high hopes for this one and it just wasn’t what I thought it would be! I know everyone said you should listen on audio but I read my BOTM copy. Some things just seemed a little too much and there were a few loose ends that weren’t tied up in the end.
I didn’t really love any of the characters besides the grandma. I did find the dark humor to be entertaining and funny. I would recommend this book to people who are newer to thrillers. I don’t regret reading it but if I didn’t I wouldn’t have been torn up about it.
I didn’t really love any of the characters besides the grandma. I did find the dark humor to be entertaining and funny. I would recommend this book to people who are newer to thrillers. I don’t regret reading it but if I didn’t I wouldn’t have been torn up about it.
The House on Cold Creek Lane by Liz Alterman
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House Imprint for the early release of The House on Cold Creek Lane. This was a popcorn thriller that had major lifetime movie vibes. I found it entertaining but a bit predictable. The last quarter of the book was very quick and I had a feeling how it would all be wrapped up and I was correct. If you are a new thriller reader I think you will definitely enjoy this book. It has a fast paced story line , unreliable narrators, and questionable characters. For seasoned thriller readers like myself I feel that it would be a very predictable read.
This book is about motherhood, family, and grief. It demonstrates the extremes a mother will go to to protect their children. Something sinister is happening on Cold Creek lane. Do you really know who you’re living next to? No one knows what goes on during four walls of a home. Who is to blame for these occurrences of children dying and freak accidents happening? You’ll find out soon enough!
For new thriller readers read this you’ll enjoy it but for seasoned thriller readers I recommend you skip this one.
This book is about motherhood, family, and grief. It demonstrates the extremes a mother will go to to protect their children. Something sinister is happening on Cold Creek lane. Do you really know who you’re living next to? No one knows what goes on during four walls of a home. Who is to blame for these occurrences of children dying and freak accidents happening? You’ll find out soon enough!
For new thriller readers read this you’ll enjoy it but for seasoned thriller readers I recommend you skip this one.
Finding Your Purpose by Christine Whelan
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
I’ve decided I won’t be rating self help books but will be giving it a yes or no to read and this was a yes! I really needed this! I love to listen to self improvement books on audio. It’s almost like it’s hearing a pep talk you needed. It was a very positive and informative book about life’s ups and downs and the ability to find our purpose. I liked how this book gave step by step details about how to rewire our way of thinking and speaking when speaking about our goals, life, dreams, aspirations , and purpose. I even took some notes in my journal while reading and paused when the author said to pause and reflect. I recommend this book for whichever season of life you are in!
If You Tell a Lie by Lucinda Berry
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3.5 stars! Thank you Lucinda Berry, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for the early release of If You Tell A Lie. This was a popcorn thriller that had some twists and turns and really made you question all of the narrators throughout the book. I did guess part of the twist at the end but it did keep me guessing until the final pages.
This book follows a group of girls who got together each summer at a camp. They all had their own unique stories and struggles.. I like the psychology aspect of the book that honed in on each of the character's personal issues and psyches. It showed why and how they made choices as teenagers and why and how they made choices in their adulthood as well. One lie in their teenage years changed the course of their lives forever. All it takes is one simple thing to set things in motion. I enjoyed the alternating timelines throughout the book and the characters. At one point I was questioning everyone and everything. A lot of crazy took place in this book!
If this is on your TBR read it. It's very mysterious and will keep you entertained as a summer vibe thriller. I am looking forward to reading more of Lucinda Berry's work.
This book follows a group of girls who got together each summer at a camp. They all had their own unique stories and struggles.. I like the psychology aspect of the book that honed in on each of the character's personal issues and psyches. It showed why and how they made choices as teenagers and why and how they made choices in their adulthood as well. One lie in their teenage years changed the course of their lives forever. All it takes is one simple thing to set things in motion. I enjoyed the alternating timelines throughout the book and the characters. At one point I was questioning everyone and everything. A lot of crazy took place in this book!
If this is on your TBR read it. It's very mysterious and will keep you entertained as a summer vibe thriller. I am looking forward to reading more of Lucinda Berry's work.
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a classic “who dun it” with so many characters that had the motive for the crime in the book I really had no clue who it was. I had my suspicions but they were wrong which rarely happens I usually can figure out the mystery by the end.
This book is fast paced and had major Apples Never Fall vibes. A wealthy family of 2 parents and 3 adult children who celebrate a holiday together have no idea that that night the parents will be brutally murdered. From character to character from twist to turn you’ll be captivated by this sinister story. Who killed this elite couple? You’ll find out by the end of this book…the story gets wrapped up in a bow!
This book is fast paced and had major Apples Never Fall vibes. A wealthy family of 2 parents and 3 adult children who celebrate a holiday together have no idea that that night the parents will be brutally murdered. From character to character from twist to turn you’ll be captivated by this sinister story. Who killed this elite couple? You’ll find out by the end of this book…the story gets wrapped up in a bow!
Mad Love by Wendy Walker
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fast audio book with great production. I enjoy an audiobook that’s full of a lot of action so it keeps my attention. My only complaint was that there was so many characters in this that I was finding it difficult to keep everyone straight. If this was a physical or kindle book I would be able to reference back but I did replay some parts just to be sure I knew what was going on.
This is a domestic thriller that if you are paying attention you will enjoy. Twists and turns until the very end which is all I ever ask in a thriller! Audible original has a lot of gems I always like to check out what they have and this didn’t disappoint.
This is a domestic thriller that if you are paying attention you will enjoy. Twists and turns until the very end which is all I ever ask in a thriller! Audible original has a lot of gems I always like to check out what they have and this didn’t disappoint.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5⭐️ I adored this book!!! I need to find a Miles and after this book I know he exists out there! As someone with not the best luck when it comes to dating I found this book very relatable and real. I absolutely loved the story line and the characters. I loved that it touched on childhood trauma and how it affects our life and relationships as adults. I’ve only read one other Emily Henry book and I didn’t love it but wow this one definitely changed my opinion! It made me emotional and smile while reading! It is an inspiring and hopeful story and if it’s on your TBR I would recommend you read it and if it’s not then add it! I’m not always a romance girly but this was just enough to make my heart happy!