Scan barcode
elle_laine's reviews
113 reviews
Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Libby Weeks hides under the pen name "F. T. Goldhero" and releases the most beloved children's book series in the world called The Falling Children. The time has come to write the final book in the series, but Libby receives a diagnosis that changes her life forever. Panicking, Libby searches online for book ideas to save the falling children from peril and bring them into their happy ending. It is there that she encounters Peanut, a child with a wild imagination and a love for the falling children that might surpass Libby's own love for them.
Thank you Stephanie Booth and RBmedia for the audio version of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed here are mine and mine alone.
This was such an unusual and deeply moving book. I adored the characters, even the ones with deep issues. They all had a redeeming quality that is endearing and makes you as the reader want more of their story. Although the plot of the book is unlikely and a bit far-fetched, the way the author writes her characters makes the story feel real and relatable. The characters aren't perfect. But they are doing what they believe is best, and that I can appreciate.
I liked the audio version and the narrator was wonderful at voicing each character. If you are looking for a quirky and unusual book that also brings in the reality of life, this book is the one for you. I recommend the audiobook, but I also know that reading a physical copy of the book would help the reader notice more of the details as some got lost in the reading (probably because of my mediocre listening skills).
Thank you Stephanie Booth and RBmedia for the audio version of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed here are mine and mine alone.
This was such an unusual and deeply moving book. I adored the characters, even the ones with deep issues. They all had a redeeming quality that is endearing and makes you as the reader want more of their story. Although the plot of the book is unlikely and a bit far-fetched, the way the author writes her characters makes the story feel real and relatable. The characters aren't perfect. But they are doing what they believe is best, and that I can appreciate.
I liked the audio version and the narrator was wonderful at voicing each character. If you are looking for a quirky and unusual book that also brings in the reality of life, this book is the one for you. I recommend the audiobook, but I also know that reading a physical copy of the book would help the reader notice more of the details as some got lost in the reading (probably because of my mediocre listening skills).
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Augusta Stern is forced to retire from her job. Her eightieth birthday is quickly approaching, but her (now former) employer thought that she was nearing seventy because Augusta needed to give herself more time with her job. Work is life for Augusta, and she doesn't know what she will do without it, until her niece picks out a retirement community for her in Florida. Rallentando Springs turns out to be quite the surprise, as Augusta comes face-to-face with people of her past, including the man who broke her heart decades ago.
Thank you Lynda Cohen Loigman and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC of this heartfelt story in exchange for an honest review. Every thought depicted here is mine and mine alone.
This book had every element included in it that I love: mystery, love, and a touch of magic. I absolutely loved learning about pharmaceuticals in the early 1900s. The dual timeline gave such a rich perspective into both Augusta's early life and her late life, making the story complete and full. Love was depicted in such a rich way, especially with Augusta's relationships with her great aunt Esther, her father, her sister, her niece, and, of course, Irving Rivkin.
Although I liked the audio version of this book and I liked the narrator, I definitely will want to go back and purchase and read the physical copy. It is too intricate and cozy to not read twice. I absolutely recommend the audio version, but also think about purchasing a hard copy to read too. I know that I missed parts of the story listening to the audiobook.
Thank you Lynda Cohen Loigman and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC of this heartfelt story in exchange for an honest review. Every thought depicted here is mine and mine alone.
This book had every element included in it that I love: mystery, love, and a touch of magic. I absolutely loved learning about pharmaceuticals in the early 1900s. The dual timeline gave such a rich perspective into both Augusta's early life and her late life, making the story complete and full. Love was depicted in such a rich way, especially with Augusta's relationships with her great aunt Esther, her father, her sister, her niece, and, of course, Irving Rivkin.
Although I liked the audio version of this book and I liked the narrator, I definitely will want to go back and purchase and read the physical copy. It is too intricate and cozy to not read twice. I absolutely recommend the audio version, but also think about purchasing a hard copy to read too. I know that I missed parts of the story listening to the audiobook.
Tilda Is Visible by Jane Tara
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Tilda Finch looks in the mirror one day and realizes that she is slowly disappearing. She receives a diagnosis of invisibility, and hers is progressing quickly. The doctor tells her that there is no cure for invisibility, but after meeting with an alternative methods researcher and psychologist, Tilda feels hope rise in her chest. Armed with uncertainty, hope, and willpower, will Tilda be able to help herself overcome her disease and help other women also diagnosed with invisibility?
Thank you Jane Tara and Crown Publishing for the ARC of this delightful novel. All opinions written here about this book are mine and mine alone.
This was a fascinating book. I liked how realistic it was with the addition of invisibility. It really spoke to women's issues in today's society. The addition of some romance was delightful and helped the story progress in a way that draws the reader in and gives it a completeness. I also liked how it ended. It just felt right but was also unexpected.
I definitely recommend this thought-provoking book. It is different from any other book I've read and I really enjoyed how the author brought together the story.
Thank you Jane Tara and Crown Publishing for the ARC of this delightful novel. All opinions written here about this book are mine and mine alone.
This was a fascinating book. I liked how realistic it was with the addition of invisibility. It really spoke to women's issues in today's society. The addition of some romance was delightful and helped the story progress in a way that draws the reader in and gives it a completeness. I also liked how it ended. It just felt right but was also unexpected.
I definitely recommend this thought-provoking book. It is different from any other book I've read and I really enjoyed how the author brought together the story.
Mistletoe Season: Three Christmas Stories by Kathleen Fuller, Sheila Roberts, Pepper Basham
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
A reconnection with a high school flame. Too many mishaps with mistletoe kisses. And an embarrassing encounter with a prince. Three different girls in three different stories all find love during the Christmas season.
Thank you Sheila Roberts, Kathleen Fuller, Pepper Basham, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audio version of this collection of short stories. All thoughts and opinions here are mine and mine alone.
I greatly enjoyed each of these delightful short stories. They brought out the joy of the holiday season and gave such cozy vibes. The characters were lovable and easy to get attached to and cheer for as the stories progressed. I think each story was the perfect length for a short story. Each story was like an episode-length Hallmark movie, light-hearted, not very deep, and perfect for chilly weather!
I absolutely loved the audiobook version of these short stories. The narrator was excellent with giving life to each of the characters. I definitely recommend the audio version for the upcoming colder weather and holiday season!
Thank you Sheila Roberts, Kathleen Fuller, Pepper Basham, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audio version of this collection of short stories. All thoughts and opinions here are mine and mine alone.
I greatly enjoyed each of these delightful short stories. They brought out the joy of the holiday season and gave such cozy vibes. The characters were lovable and easy to get attached to and cheer for as the stories progressed. I think each story was the perfect length for a short story. Each story was like an episode-length Hallmark movie, light-hearted, not very deep, and perfect for chilly weather!
I absolutely loved the audiobook version of these short stories. The narrator was excellent with giving life to each of the characters. I definitely recommend the audio version for the upcoming colder weather and holiday season!
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Frank receives a call that he has been waiting for for a very long time. He has not seen his only daughter since their fall out years ago, but all of that is about to change as she tells her father of some very big news: she is getting married. But she isn’t marrying just anyone. She is marrying the son of one of the richest men in the country. The wedding festivities take place at a sprawling camp owned by the wealthy family that has been turned into a wonderful getaway. Frank, along with his sister and her foster child, move into the camp for the week, and it soon becomes apparent that things are not what they should be.
Thank you Jason Rekulak and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. All thoughts expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I greatly enjoyed this book. It is twisted and slightly disturbing, but in a very realistic way. There were never any freaky occurrences or jump scares (except for the daddy long legs - eek!) and I really liked that about this book. I was 100% engaged for the entirety of the book. Some people may criticize this book’s lack of creepiness, but I liked that I could root for certain characters and root for the downfall of other characters. Some books gain popularity in all of the characters being disturbed and unlikeable, but this one actually has quality characters. Don’t get me wrong though; this book had its fair share of twists and turns that will leave you shocked.
Another element of this reading experience that made it more enjoyable was that I got to enjoy the audiobook version of the book. I really liked the narrator and his use of vocal differences for the different characters. I could always follow who was speaking even though there was only one narrator.
I highly recommend you add this audiobook to your fall TBR. It is an engaging story and gives the perfect slightly creepy fall vibes!
Thank you Jason Rekulak and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. All thoughts expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I greatly enjoyed this book. It is twisted and slightly disturbing, but in a very realistic way. There were never any freaky occurrences or jump scares (except for the daddy long legs - eek!) and I really liked that about this book. I was 100% engaged for the entirety of the book. Some people may criticize this book’s lack of creepiness, but I liked that I could root for certain characters and root for the downfall of other characters. Some books gain popularity in all of the characters being disturbed and unlikeable, but this one actually has quality characters. Don’t get me wrong though; this book had its fair share of twists and turns that will leave you shocked.
Another element of this reading experience that made it more enjoyable was that I got to enjoy the audiobook version of the book. I really liked the narrator and his use of vocal differences for the different characters. I could always follow who was speaking even though there was only one narrator.
I highly recommend you add this audiobook to your fall TBR. It is an engaging story and gives the perfect slightly creepy fall vibes!
Rockin' Around the Chickadee by Donna Andrews
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
In the midst of the holiday season, at a true crime conference, an unsavory character makes everyone's lives miserable. And then he turns up dead. This leaves the investigators with a long list of people who might have a motive to kill him. Meg Langslow is there to help, as usual, but this time, her job includes keeping her pregnant sister-in-law cool and calm. Can she juggle keeping everything in line and helping to unearth the killer?
Thank you Donna Andrews and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook copy of this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I absolutely love a good cozy holiday mystery. This one was definitely a fun one! The only thing I could have wished for more of is a stronger holiday vibe. Other than that, I greatly enjoyed following along with Meg in the investigation. This is the first Meg Langslow book by Donna Andrews that I have experienced, and it left me with wanting to go back and learn more about Meg's family and friends in the previous books.
I am really glad that I got to experience this book in the audio format. It is the perfect book to listen to as it is easy to follow while also being entertaining and mysterious. My recommendation is to definitely pick up this holiday mystery as the holiday season begins and colder weather rolls in!
Thank you Donna Andrews and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook copy of this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I absolutely love a good cozy holiday mystery. This one was definitely a fun one! The only thing I could have wished for more of is a stronger holiday vibe. Other than that, I greatly enjoyed following along with Meg in the investigation. This is the first Meg Langslow book by Donna Andrews that I have experienced, and it left me with wanting to go back and learn more about Meg's family and friends in the previous books.
I am really glad that I got to experience this book in the audio format. It is the perfect book to listen to as it is easy to follow while also being entertaining and mysterious. My recommendation is to definitely pick up this holiday mystery as the holiday season begins and colder weather rolls in!
Vilest Things by Chloe Gong
adventurous
dark
tense
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? No
3.0
Calla Tuoleimi is no longer just a subject under the rule of Talin’s king. She is now one of the elite and she will do everything to make changes in the kingdom. Anton Makusa, still smarting after Calla’s betrayal, is no longer just a figure from the past. He is the present. He takes over August’s body, making him the next king after Kasa’s death. But he doesn’t fool Calla. And then strange and deadly things start happening in the kingdom and it is up to Calla and Anton to determine the shape the kingdom will take in the future.
Thank you Chloe Gong and Saga Press for the eARC of the second book in the Flesh and False Gods series. All opinions expressed here are mine.
My first thought of this book is that I did not expect it to be so political. The whole book until the very end was about the different groups in the kingdom that wanted their views to be the most important. It was difficult to keep up with who everyone was and what exactly the characters wanted. From reading the first book in the series and then reading this one months later, I definitely forgot some of the politics of the world. Sometimes a repetition of world building and occurrences are necessary in the second book of the series even if it might seem repetitive. I definitely needed it and I spent the whole book trying to play catch-up.
If you really loved the first book, then I definitely recommend you read the second even though the premise of it is very different than the first. I just did not care very much for this book even though I liked the first book. I found it difficult to pick the book up and continue reading.
Thank you Chloe Gong and Saga Press for the eARC of the second book in the Flesh and False Gods series. All opinions expressed here are mine.
My first thought of this book is that I did not expect it to be so political. The whole book until the very end was about the different groups in the kingdom that wanted their views to be the most important. It was difficult to keep up with who everyone was and what exactly the characters wanted. From reading the first book in the series and then reading this one months later, I definitely forgot some of the politics of the world. Sometimes a repetition of world building and occurrences are necessary in the second book of the series even if it might seem repetitive. I definitely needed it and I spent the whole book trying to play catch-up.
If you really loved the first book, then I definitely recommend you read the second even though the premise of it is very different than the first. I just did not care very much for this book even though I liked the first book. I found it difficult to pick the book up and continue reading.
A Little Less Broken: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole by Marian Schembari
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Marian Schembari recounts her life as a child, teenager, and adult struggling with undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder. Schembari received an official diagnosis in adulthood, but the journey to that point was not an easy one. From being bullied, to moving across the world, to struggling to maintain a job, Schembari dives into her life and openly invites the reader in to give us her experience as an adult diagnosed with autism.
Thank you Marian Schembari and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook version of this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
This was probably a difficult story to tell, but Schembari tells it in such a way as to leave the reader with knowledge of someone’s experience in a world catered to neurotypical individuals. I find real-life accounts, such as this one, so valuable for readers. It shows a difference of how people are raised and shows how everyone struggles, but some people struggle more because of the expectations placed on us as humans, and specifically on girls and women.
I really loved that the author narrated her own memoir. I always appreciate it when an author is able to narrate, and this book was no exception. It makes the story so much more raw and real and like the author is telling the reader her story in person. I highly recommend the audiobook.
Thank you Marian Schembari and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook version of this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
This was probably a difficult story to tell, but Schembari tells it in such a way as to leave the reader with knowledge of someone’s experience in a world catered to neurotypical individuals. I find real-life accounts, such as this one, so valuable for readers. It shows a difference of how people are raised and shows how everyone struggles, but some people struggle more because of the expectations placed on us as humans, and specifically on girls and women.
I really loved that the author narrated her own memoir. I always appreciate it when an author is able to narrate, and this book was no exception. It makes the story so much more raw and real and like the author is telling the reader her story in person. I highly recommend the audiobook.
Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
5.0
There has been a murder committed in the lush community on West 74th Street in Manhattan. And the only person who witnessed the murder is out to accomplish her own purposes. No way is she going to give up her secrets to the police. Eddie Flynn is on the job as John Jackson's defense attorney for the case. He knows Jackson is telling the truth when he says he did not murder the victim. But how can he possibly figure out who did when all evidence points to Jackson?
Thank you Steve Cavanagh and Atria Books for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I greatly enjoyed this domestic murder mystery! I loved reading about the process of going through court for a murder charge and learning more about how to sway a jury. This whole book was like an episode of an epic police or lawyer show, such as The Lincoln Lawyer, but better! I liked how Cavanagh uses several different characters' voices to tell the story through their individual eyes. And I really liked how the storylines connected. I will definitely have to go back and read the other Eddie Flynn books.
This book comes out in March of 2025, and when it does, I highly recommend you pick this one up! It is a delight from start to finish, and the perfect read for anyone who enjoys a good high-stakes lawyer-oriented mystery.
Thank you Steve Cavanagh and Atria Books for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I greatly enjoyed this domestic murder mystery! I loved reading about the process of going through court for a murder charge and learning more about how to sway a jury. This whole book was like an episode of an epic police or lawyer show, such as The Lincoln Lawyer, but better! I liked how Cavanagh uses several different characters' voices to tell the story through their individual eyes. And I really liked how the storylines connected. I will definitely have to go back and read the other Eddie Flynn books.
This book comes out in March of 2025, and when it does, I highly recommend you pick this one up! It is a delight from start to finish, and the perfect read for anyone who enjoys a good high-stakes lawyer-oriented mystery.
Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
•Ren is not your typical teenager. She grew up on a farm performing chores and completing school at home for as long as she could remember. But all of that is about to change as she embarks on a new journey at Corona College on a scholarship. Her parents are far from pleased, but somehow they let her go. And her life will never be the same again.
•This was a lovely modern retelling of Tangled! I really enjoyed the characters and how the story progressed. I didn’t get super strong Tangled vibes, but I definitely enjoyed the story for what it was. I definitely recommend!
{c o l l e g e}
{c h a n g e}
{l i e s}
{r o a d t r i p}
{r e a l i t y}
{m y s t e r y}