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happyreadings's reviews
87 reviews
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This story follows Orquidea Divina on her history and her inheritance to her family members.
This book was very much magical realism. It reminded me of the Practical Magic series by Alice Hoffman (obviously less witchy). It had very much a realistic idea to it mixed with some unreal stuff. Everything did come together very well in the end, I wasn't sure it would. Overall, this is a great show of magical realism if you like the genre. This is about as much fantasy as I will read. It had great show of family coming together for each other despite their differences.
This book was very much magical realism. It reminded me of the Practical Magic series by Alice Hoffman (obviously less witchy). It had very much a realistic idea to it mixed with some unreal stuff. Everything did come together very well in the end, I wasn't sure it would. Overall, this is a great show of magical realism if you like the genre. This is about as much fantasy as I will read. It had great show of family coming together for each other despite their differences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest and Rape
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, and Grief
Minor: Cancer and Infertility
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Before I get into this review, I just want to preemptively say, I am not a fan of the "the woman is crazy/unreliable/unstable" trope in thrillers. With that being said, I understand the hype with this book. It was really well written and it did build up very nicely. I didn't really care much for the plot twist at the end though so that was disappointing but overall, I thought it was a decent novel. This is also my first Ruth Ware novel so I don't know if there are any others that are better than this one.
This story follows Laura, Lo, a journalist who gets to board a cruise so she can write an article on how luxurious it was. However, that all falls flat when her apartment gets burgled the day prior and now she is full of paranoia and lack of sleep. Things get even worse when she boards the cruise ship: she hears someone get thrown overboard in the room next to her. The only problem? No one believes her. No guests or staff are missing from the boat. So is she crazy or is she telling the truth?
So if this is the type of plot/trope you are into, then this book is right up your alley. However, if this plot/trope is something you are not into, then keep walking, you won't be missing out on anything. Although, if anyone has any other Ruth Ware books to try then I will definitely try them because I've heard she's a great author.
This story follows Laura, Lo, a journalist who gets to board a cruise so she can write an article on how luxurious it was. However, that all falls flat when her apartment gets burgled the day prior and now she is full of paranoia and lack of sleep. Things get even worse when she boards the cruise ship: she hears someone get thrown overboard in the room next to her. The only problem? No one believes her. No guests or staff are missing from the boat. So is she crazy or is she telling the truth?
So if this is the type of plot/trope you are into, then this book is right up your alley. However, if this plot/trope is something you are not into, then keep walking, you won't be missing out on anything. Although, if anyone has any other Ruth Ware books to try then I will definitely try them because I've heard she's a great author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Kidnapping, Murder, and Gaslighting
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book caught me by surprise. I got this book because I loved the premise of the re-introduction of wolves back into Scotland and reading it I loved the information surrounding the wolves. When people started dying and getting hurt, I was terrified for the wolves I felt for them and honestly, I cared more about the wolves than the people.
This book followed Inti and her twin sister, Aggie, as they moved to Scotland so Inti can re-locate wolves back into Scotland. Of course she is fought with this from the townspeople. When someone in town goes missing, fingers start pointing towards the wolves. However, who really are the real monsters in this story?
Inti has a neurologic disorder where she feels what others feel, physically. And I think this brought something really unique to this story telling, especially with her in relation to the wolves. There are so many feelings running through this novel both emotionally and physically. It almost feels like the reader has the same condition as Inti and I thought that was really immersive. Also, the bond between the two sisters was so strong, they're loyalty towards each other is remarkable.
This story is dark, emotional, violent, beautiful, and heartwrenching. I loved the aspect of the wolves. Usually, I can't stand reading books (or watching movies) that involve animals because they always die but this novel I was okay with which was surprising.
The only critique I can think of was the beginning felt a little rushed, I felt like character introductions didn't happen with some characters I was left very confused but I understand this was definitely a show-not-tell kind of novel which I grew more comfortable with. But I just wish the author took more time in the beginning to introduce characters a little bit more.
Overall, this was such an incredible novel that now I need to read more by this author. I know the author has another book called Migrations and it is in relation to birds so I probably will be checking that book out sometime soon.
There are a lot of content warnings with this novel including domestic violence, death, murder, child abuse, animal death, pregnancy
This book followed Inti and her twin sister, Aggie, as they moved to Scotland so Inti can re-locate wolves back into Scotland. Of course she is fought with this from the townspeople. When someone in town goes missing, fingers start pointing towards the wolves. However, who really are the real monsters in this story?
Inti has a neurologic disorder where she feels what others feel, physically. And I think this brought something really unique to this story telling, especially with her in relation to the wolves. There are so many feelings running through this novel both emotionally and physically. It almost feels like the reader has the same condition as Inti and I thought that was really immersive. Also, the bond between the two sisters was so strong, they're loyalty towards each other is remarkable.
This story is dark, emotional, violent, beautiful, and heartwrenching. I loved the aspect of the wolves. Usually, I can't stand reading books (or watching movies) that involve animals because they always die but this novel I was okay with which was surprising.
The only critique I can think of was the beginning felt a little rushed, I felt like character introductions didn't happen with some characters I was left very confused but I understand this was definitely a show-not-tell kind of novel which I grew more comfortable with. But I just wish the author took more time in the beginning to introduce characters a little bit more.
Overall, this was such an incredible novel that now I need to read more by this author. I know the author has another book called Migrations and it is in relation to birds so I probably will be checking that book out sometime soon.
There are a lot of content warnings with this novel including domestic violence, death, murder, child abuse, animal death, pregnancy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Medical trauma, and Death of parent
We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
We Are the Brennan's is a family saga that centers on the daughter, Sunday, after she leaves her home unexpectedly to move to L.A. only to come back 5 years later. The family has questions but also problems of their own and they need Sunday's help.
Denny and Kale are running the family restaurant but each of them have their own secrets. Denny is drowning financially and is doing everything he can to keep the business afloat. And Kale is still trying to get over his high school sweetheart, Sunday.
When Denny gets a loan from a shadowy character, it brings up Sunday's past and the shame and grief that came with her leaving. Together, the family has to figure out how to fix their mistakes while also acknowledging their family's secrets.
I loved this novel a lot more than I was expecting. I felt like I was part of this family and I also felt like I was part of an episode of Shameless. This had family drama but also had family love and togetherness. I loved Sunday and Kale's story; I couldn't get enough of their second chance romance. I would love more of this family saga. Overall, this was a fantastic debut and I can't wait to read more from this author
Denny and Kale are running the family restaurant but each of them have their own secrets. Denny is drowning financially and is doing everything he can to keep the business afloat. And Kale is still trying to get over his high school sweetheart, Sunday.
When Denny gets a loan from a shadowy character, it brings up Sunday's past and the shame and grief that came with her leaving. Together, the family has to figure out how to fix their mistakes while also acknowledging their family's secrets.
I loved this novel a lot more than I was expecting. I felt like I was part of this family and I also felt like I was part of an episode of Shameless. This had family drama but also had family love and togetherness. I loved Sunday and Kale's story; I couldn't get enough of their second chance romance. I would love more of this family saga. Overall, this was a fantastic debut and I can't wait to read more from this author
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Miscarriage, Grief, and Medical trauma
Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
Couldn't get into it and book was way too long and drawn out. Will probably just watch the TV series from now on.
Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
This was definitely the Summer Beach read of the year for me. The beach, romance, family, love, betrayal vibes were all over this book.
This book follows Ama and Omar Tanner's who build their life on Oak Bluffs, an affluent Black community. They take in these goddaughters Perry, Olivia, and Billie. Every summer they spend it at the house on Oak Bluffs but as they grow up they start to separate from each other. However, this summer, Ama wants all the girls together this summer. At the end of the summer, Ama is going to give the house to one of the three girls.
Over the summer, Ama reveals to them all the secrets shes kept from them, especially how they are all connected to Ama and Omar. This releases anger and betrayal in the group and each girl goes off on their own, but eventually all coming back to Ama with forgiveness.
This was such a wonderful summer read, I can definitely see myself coming back every summer to reread this book. I absolutely loved it. Once you start reading you get sucked in to the setting and getting involved in these women's lives. Overall, it shows how difficult love and relationships can be, but nobody's perfect and everyone is deserving of forgiveness.
This book follows Ama and Omar Tanner's who build their life on Oak Bluffs, an affluent Black community. They take in these goddaughters Perry, Olivia, and Billie. Every summer they spend it at the house on Oak Bluffs but as they grow up they start to separate from each other. However, this summer, Ama wants all the girls together this summer. At the end of the summer, Ama is going to give the house to one of the three girls.
Over the summer, Ama reveals to them all the secrets shes kept from them, especially how they are all connected to Ama and Omar. This releases anger and betrayal in the group and each girl goes off on their own, but eventually all coming back to Ama with forgiveness.
This was such a wonderful summer read, I can definitely see myself coming back every summer to reread this book. I absolutely loved it. Once you start reading you get sucked in to the setting and getting involved in these women's lives. Overall, it shows how difficult love and relationships can be, but nobody's perfect and everyone is deserving of forgiveness.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Grief
The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was a such an unsettling novel about a town in the middle of a heat wave and the devil. When Sal shows up unexpectedly after Autopsy Bliss sent out an invitation for the Devil to come, he claims he's the devil. A thirteen year old black boy in the middle of Breathed, Ohio. The Bliss family takes him in with no questions. When accidents happen when Sal is around, people in the town are too quick to blame it on him, the devil.
Fielding, Autopsy's son, becomes close with Sal and learns where Sal came from and the trauma he went through with his abusive family. However, word spreads of Sal being the devil and a cult forms. Things escalate at the end of the summer when the cult takes it too far and the heat becomes too much.
This book was a lot but if you've read Betty, by Tiffany McDaniels, then you'll understand this is her kind of story telling. This story had a lot of lessons mostly being not to judge something just because we're told that it is bad.
Fielding, Autopsy's son, becomes close with Sal and learns where Sal came from and the trauma he went through with his abusive family. However, word spreads of Sal being the devil and a cult forms. Things escalate at the end of the summer when the cult takes it too far and the heat becomes too much.
This book was a lot but if you've read Betty, by Tiffany McDaniels, then you'll understand this is her kind of story telling. This story had a lot of lessons mostly being not to judge something just because we're told that it is bad.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racism, Suicide, and Murder
A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
This was the first novel in the book series, Electra McDonnell. It follows Electra (Ellie), during WWII and her family is exploiting all the empty homes and robbing them of valuables. During the day, they are a family of locksmiths, at night they are a take on the modern Robin Hood.
When Ellie and her uncle get caught robbing a house by the government they are given an ultimatum: join their cause to retrieve some documents in the wrong hands, or go to jail. Obviously they choose the first option.
Since this book was in Ellie's perspective, I felt it was fast paced because we didn't get to see a lot with her. A lot of things happened in the background or she wasn't included with some spying. So I hope for the next book, or books, we see her more involved with things.
Another thing I hope that gets more involved is the love triangle that has begun in this first book. I think I was expecting more romance, but I'm sure the next books will go into further detail about it. But so far we have Ellie and her long time friend, Felix who is easy going but just came back from the war due to an injury. Then we have Ellie and Major Ramsey, who is the person in charge of their mission. But I just don't know which side to choose because I need more story.
Overall, I think this was a great beginning to a great series that I hope continues.
When Ellie and her uncle get caught robbing a house by the government they are given an ultimatum: join their cause to retrieve some documents in the wrong hands, or go to jail. Obviously they choose the first option.
Since this book was in Ellie's perspective, I felt it was fast paced because we didn't get to see a lot with her. A lot of things happened in the background or she wasn't included with some spying. So I hope for the next book, or books, we see her more involved with things.
Another thing I hope that gets more involved is the love triangle that has begun in this first book. I think I was expecting more romance, but I'm sure the next books will go into further detail about it. But so far we have Ellie and her long time friend, Felix who is easy going but just came back from the war due to an injury. Then we have Ellie and Major Ramsey, who is the person in charge of their mission. But I just don't know which side to choose because I need more story.
Overall, I think this was a great beginning to a great series that I hope continues.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Murder
56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This story follows Ciara and Oliver who meet up right before the Covid-19 quarantine happened in Ireland. The whole situation was interesting. They both just moved into town and had gone on a couple dates and once quarantine hits, Oliver invites her to stay with him for the 2 weeks so they can get to know each other better.
However, 56 days later, a dead body is found in his apartment.
I found this story really interesting in the beginning just because both characters had their own suspicions and paranoia about who they were seeing and I thought that was reasonable considering they barely knew each other before moving in together. However, the Garda characters I found to be awkward and I was left kind of confused on how they were handling the case, since this book had multiple timelines.
The ending was a let down for me, because, even though, I didn't guess the ending correctly 100%, I got the gist of what was going to happen. The last bit, I really felt bad for Oliver and what had happened but then he suddenly changed and he was apparently the bad guy? I felt that twist was unreasonable and unneeded.
Overall, I felt this story could have had a little bit more suspense but I did like the premise of the story, I just felt like it had too many twists and turns at the end that were unnecessary.
However, 56 days later, a dead body is found in his apartment.
I found this story really interesting in the beginning just because both characters had their own suspicions and paranoia about who they were seeing and I thought that was reasonable considering they barely knew each other before moving in together. However, the Garda characters I found to be awkward and I was left kind of confused on how they were handling the case, since this book had multiple timelines.
The ending was a let down for me, because, even though, I didn't guess the ending correctly 100%, I got the gist of what was going to happen. The last bit, I really felt bad for Oliver and what had happened but then he suddenly changed and he was apparently the bad guy? I felt that twist was unreasonable and unneeded.
Overall, I felt this story could have had a little bit more suspense but I did like the premise of the story, I just felt like it had too many twists and turns at the end that were unnecessary.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Suicide and Death of parent