jenspagesandponderings's reviews
276 reviews

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle presents an intriguing premise: what if you knew exactly how long each relationship would last? Daphne Bell’s love life is guided by slips of paper with names and durations. From brief encounters to longer relationships, she’s always known when they’d end. But when she receives a paper with just a name—Jake—her world is turned upside down.

Rebecca Serle’s writing is smooth and engaging, making it easy to get lost in Daphne’s story. The novel delves into the complexities of love, commitment, and destiny. As Daphne navigates her relationship with Jake, she grapples with the uncertainties and truths about herself and her future.

This book is a captivating exploration of what it means to be single, to find love, and to define these experiences on our own terms. It’s a thought-provoking and emotional read that fans of Rebecca Serle will appreciate. 

Lulu Dean had the promise to be a great book. The first part set up the story nicely and introduced a plethora of characters. Beverly Underwood and her arch-enemy, Lula Dean, are central figures in the tiny town of Troy, Georgia. Beverly is on the school board, while Lula becomes a local celebrity by attempting to purge public libraries of "inappropriate" books, replacing them with what she considers worthy literature in her own front-yard lending library.

The twist comes when a local troublemaker restocks Lula’s library with banned books, sparking unexpected changes in the lives of the town’s readers. As Beverly and Lula run against each other to replace the town’s disgraced mayor, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown.

While the ending brought everything together well, the middle felt bogged down by heavy-handed political and social correctness. It slowed the story and felt repetitive. Nonetheless, the book was good enough to finish, though not compelling enough to revisit. For those interested in a story of small-town politics and the impact of literature, it’s worth a read. 

The Next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine continues the saga of Daphne and Amber Parrish in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Amber, now a prominent socialite, finds her world unraveling as her imprisoned husband Jackson is about to be released. Meanwhile, Daphne, who left Bishops Harbor after her divorce, returns when her daughter runs away, leading to a tense reunion.

The plot is filled with twists, but at times it felt overcomplicated and lost some of the sharpness that made the first book so compelling. The characters are still entertaining, and the story had its gripping moments, but it didn't quite live up to the expectations set by The Last Mrs. Parrish. It was good enough to finish, but not enough to make me eagerly anticipate another sequel. For fans of thrillers and tales of betrayal, it's worth a read, but temper your expectations. 

The Quit List by Katie Bailey is a delightful summer romance. Holly Greene is on a mission to find her Prince Charming, but fate throws her a curveball in the form of Jax Grainger, a sexy bartender with a cynical view of love. Jax is witty, smart-mouthed, and undeniably charming—everything Holly is trying to avoid in her quest for true love.

The dynamic between Holly and Jax is filled with sharp, witty banter and sizzling chemistry. Holly's determination to stick to her dating checklist gets hilariously derailed by Jax, leading to a series of entertaining and heartwarming moments. While Jax isn't the Prince Charming Holly set out to find, he might just be the unexpected twist her love story needed.

Bailey’s writing is engaging and filled with humor, making this a perfect read for lazy summer days. This was my first Katie Bailey book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ll be rushing to read her other works. For those who love a good opposites-attract romance with a side of humor, this one is definitely worth picking up. 

This book left a bad taste in my mouth. Set during a Cape Cod family vacation, it aims to explore midlife changes and family dynamics, but misses the mark spectacularly. The main character, Rocky, is insufferable - a hypocritical narcissist who turns menopause into a horror show. Her refusal to seek treatment, despite past willingness, makes everyone miserable. The supporting cast is equally frustrating, ranging from passive-aggressive to entitled. Only the grandparents escape my ire. Despite high recommendations, this novel struck all the wrong chords. It's a shame, as the premise had potential. I needed a palate cleanser after this one. Sometimes, highly recommended books just don't click. 

 Nicholls' epistolary novel hit all the right notes for me. Set in 1896, it follows three friends - Tirzah, Sophia, and Polly - as they navigate early adulthood through a series of letters. The format perfectly captures their distinct voices and the era's charm. As a sucker for letter-based novels, I was hooked by the witty exchanges and personal dramas. It's like Jane Austen with a dash of YA energy. The audio version was particularly engaging, bringing their correspondence to life. While it's not groundbreaking, it's a solidly enjoyable read that scratches that historical fiction itch. A 4-star gem for anyone who loves a good period drama with heart. 

 "All the Colors of the Dark" left me with mixed feelings. Set in 1975 Missouri, it blends mystery and coming-of-age elements, but didn't quite hit the mark for me. Patch's heroic act saving a wealthy girl should've been gripping, but I found myself unmoved. While the premise intrigued me - mixing serial killer suspense with romance against a backdrop of societal change - the execution felt lacking. The writing was okay, but I expected more depth. Unlike others who were deeply affected, I finished the book feeling "meh." It's a solid 3.75-star read for me - decent, but not the emotional rollercoaster others described. 

 Ren, a sheltered off-grid genius, meets Fitz, a calculated player, at Corona College. Their immunology assignment sparks an unexpected road trip, challenging their preconceptions and life plans. While the premise feels rushed and far-fetched, the story explores themes of self-discovery and unexpected connections. Despite its Disney princess roots, the novel struggles to fully captivate, resulting in a middling 3-star experience that may appeal more to fans of reimagined fairy tales than skeptics. 

Beatriz Williams, a master of historical fiction, delivers another captivating tale in Husbands & Lovers.  This dual-timeline novel weaves together the stories of Mallory Dunne, a single mother in 2022 America, and Hannah Ainsworth, a Hungarian refugee and diplomat's wife, navigating a new life in 1950s Cairo.  Bound by a mysterious family heirloom, their narratives intertwine in a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of family secrets.

Mallory's world is thrown into turmoil when her son requires a life-saving kidney transplant.  Desperate for a donor, she embarks on a quest to uncover her family history, leading her to the shocking truth of her mother's past.  Meanwhile, in richly detailed Cairo, we meet Hannah, a woman rebuilding her life after the devastation of war.  A passionate yet forbidden affair threatens her newfound security, forcing her to make a heart-wrenching choice that will ripple through generations.

Williams' strength lies in her ability to craft vivid characters with depth and complexity.  Mallory's fierce determination to save her son resonates deeply, while Hannah's struggle to find love and belonging in a foreign land tugs at the heartstrings.  The supporting characters, from the enigmatic hotel manager in Cairo to the loyal friend in contemporary America, add further layers to the tapestry of the story.

The dual-timeline narrative is expertly handled, with each chapter seamlessly transitioning between past and present.  The historical details of Cairo in the throes of revolution are particularly captivating, transporting the reader to a bygone era filled with opulence and political intrigue.

Husbands & Lovers is a compelling read for those who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery and romance. It explores the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring connections that bind families across generations. If you're a fan of Beatriz Williams' work or simply enjoy well-crafted historical fiction with strong female characters, this is a book you won't want to miss.

"A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets" by Kate Khavari promises a thrilling continuation of Saffron Everleigh's adventures, but unfortunately doesn't quite bloom to its full potential. 

The introduction of Elizabeth's brother Nick adds a new dynamic, but the first half of the book struggles to find its pace. Thankfully, the second half picks up, redeeming the story somewhat and keeping it rooted in intrigue. 

Saffron's journey through 1923 London, navigating murder mysteries and government conspiracies, offers moments of excitement. However, the unresolved tension with Alexander and the sudden appearance of Nick feels more like narrative thorns than compelling plot elements. 

While the book ends on a cliffhanger that ensures I'll return for the next installment, it doesn't leave me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Saffron's story. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.