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celeste_velocci's reviews
474 reviews
Holiday Homicide by Michelle Powers
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
2.0
This was a holiday horror / slasher novella that was pretty predictable. I thought it would be more of a thriller mystery. It was fine.
The Uninvited Guest by Maria Frankland
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a fun popcorn thriller with lifetime movie vibes. It was set around Christmas so it had the Christmas season element to it as well. A fast paced read and bonus points for a holiday thriller this time of year.
After You've Gone by Margot Hunt
mysterious
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
A quick audiobook listen while home today. I love a fast paced murder mystery. It kept me invested and guessing even though I did guess correctly of who the culprit was. Overall I enjoyed it.
Plan Your Year Like a Millionaire by Rachel Rodgers
hopeful
informative
inspiring
I’m always open to new tips how to shift my mindset in life and business.
Parents Weekend: A Novel by Alex Finlay
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay is my second Finlay book I’ve read. I enjoy thrillers and love a good police procedural mystery as well. This was a good mix of both.
Following five families during a parents weekend at college it did get to be a little confusing until I got all of the characters and families straight. When five students parents come to visit them at school for a parent’s weekend they schedule a dinner outing. The parents all show up to this dinner but all of their children do not.
Told from multiple points of views from the parents , their children , and the lead agent on the case find out what these children did to stop them from showing up to visit with their parents. Are they hurt ? Are they lost ? Are they hiding something they are ashamed to tell their parents?
I felt like a lot was happening and nothing was happening at the same time? You know books like that. I would still recommend it even though it was not my favorite mystery ever.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur books for the early release of Parents Weekend. All opinions are my own. This book is set to release in May of 2025.
Following five families during a parents weekend at college it did get to be a little confusing until I got all of the characters and families straight. When five students parents come to visit them at school for a parent’s weekend they schedule a dinner outing. The parents all show up to this dinner but all of their children do not.
Told from multiple points of views from the parents , their children , and the lead agent on the case find out what these children did to stop them from showing up to visit with their parents. Are they hurt ? Are they lost ? Are they hiding something they are ashamed to tell their parents?
I felt like a lot was happening and nothing was happening at the same time? You know books like that. I would still recommend it even though it was not my favorite mystery ever.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur books for the early release of Parents Weekend. All opinions are my own. This book is set to release in May of 2025.
Four Weekends and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. I loved the characters and the plot. It was pretty predictable what was going to happen or how the characters would be intertwined but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.
I am not a huge romance reader but this book had me smiling and cheering on the main characters. It was a beautiful love story with plenty of lessons about losing someone close, friendship , and love.
I am not a huge romance reader but this book had me smiling and cheering on the main characters. It was a beautiful love story with plenty of lessons about losing someone close, friendship , and love.
The Secret Gift by Daniel Hurst
fast-paced
3.0
This was short and sweet and to the point. I love a good revenge story with a dash of holiday spirit.
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
fast-paced
I really loved this one! This is my first Ali Hazelwood book and I now need to read her entire backlist. I’m usually not a romance girly but this one honestly made my heart happy! I love the trope of childhood friends to lovers. Super cute for the holidays. I wish it was longer because I really did like these characters.
The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? N/A
5.0
I have such an emotional attachment to Molly the maid’s character. I love her quirkiness and her relationship with her grandmother. It reminds me so much of my own relationship with my grandma. I got a little choked up at the end of this! I can’t wait to see what else is in store for these wonderful characters.
A quick holiday novella that puts you in the Christmas spirit and reminds us that our loved ones who are no longer with us are just a thought and prayer away.
A quick holiday novella that puts you in the Christmas spirit and reminds us that our loved ones who are no longer with us are just a thought and prayer away.