saarahnina's reviews
539 reviews

It seemed good

The novel had a pretty intriguing story line: some bits were cliché ( her boyfriend was cheating on her with her close friend: Clara). Whilst, other bits were extremely unpredictable: Chloe was in an escort service, the details revealed after this bit of information were very shocking.

I disliked how this book wasn't a full novel, it can hardly be called a novel, if anything, since it came across as more of a prologue or a background to the actual novel. I don't plan to read the next one, unless it's free.

I also had a problem with the writing, the flashbacks are of the characters as children, the earliest is at the age of seven. Yet, the children speak uncannily like mature adults- I couldn't look past this.

There is more I had an issue with: I couldn't accept the fact that Jax walked into Chloe's Condo and was intimate with her, despite the knowledge that they hadn't spoken of it and that it must have been unexpected for him.

Oh well, I suppose.

Overall: 5 Stars
Performance: 5 Stars
Story: 5 Stars

"Amazingly realistic!"
Would you consider the audio edition of A Chance for Sunny Skies to be better than the print version?
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast." This review is from my Audible account.

I only had the opportunity to listen to the audio version, but I think it was better- it definitely enhanced the characters and made the story seem that much more genuine.

I can't express how much I enjoyed this, there were so many laughing moments, cringe worthy moments and finally the 'aww' moments. I haven't heard, or even read, many books that portray reality so well- at least in the way they're written. Once I began listening to this I didn't want to stop- it only really took me a while because of my too busy routine. I don't think I could ever get enough of this. The characters were portrayed very well, also: I felt that even though I don't suffer from social anxiety, I could still relate - I hate and shy away from the idea of being in video recordings almost as much as I hate the sound of my voice on record. This book taught the very much needed life lesson that one should take a step out of their comfort zone.The storyline was imaginative, the way Sunny received her wake up call was intriguing. Though it didn't take away the realism: as even she didn't understand the meaning, it was only until later on. During the particularly cringe worthy moments, my thoughts reflected almost the same thing Sunny had been thinking. You don't get many books with characters who are so damn relatable and comedic too. The narrator or performer enhanced the experience for sure. I definitely enjoyed it and will not hesitate in telling my friend's about it. Another feeling I experienced was this sense of intrigue and curiosity, both of which were piqued when Sunny began to experience the visions in her life- I kept wondering how would the next image fit. I'm glad there was no love triangle, instead the book focused on the development of one beautiful relationship.I also loved how despite this having been a romantic book, it wasn't cliché in its romantic element: there was no completely dashing guy, he actually had faults.Oh my, the number of books I have read which feature one 'perfect' man....I'm glad that this doesn't contribute to my list.I am thankful I had the opportunity to hear this, I can't recommend it enough

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
This was definitely a book I would have loved to have listened to in one sitting, but there just ain't enough time.

Move on

As short as it was, it was definitely conclusive. With books like these that is rarely the case. But of course, I'm grateful for it. I loved how the writer explored Billy's feelings, giving us a glimpse of exactly what he saw. In some ways it teaches us not to be judgemental: we first perceive Billy to be an average drunkard, but then later we begin to get these precious but excruciatingly painful glimpses of his past - more specifically, the incident. At one point, my mouth was hanging in shock- I read this in one sitting.

I also found it very relatable: only too often do we hear of school killings, a teacher murdered...As crazy as it is, it's all too easy to dismiss them. In this way, this novel is rare. We hardly ever hear about the heroes, and in the cases that we do, we don't hesitate in subjecting them to fierce questioning. This novel gives you a sense of appreciation for what you have and how we should never take it for granted. Indeed, it teaches a valuable lesson.

So down to earth

This was written in such a straight forward way, it was hardly a narrative more so a guidance. It was realistic in the simplest of ways, some may regard it as having been depressing. I'd argue it was reflective. There were part which I disagree with, parts I didn't understand, but that I guess is growing up.

It's funny I was part of the crowd who had built up all these ideals of their future selves and their future lives, all trying to out beat the others "my dream is better, I want to travel the whole world when I am older".

This novel symbolises the dreams and crushes them, revealing the true reality. A world you have to face, accept and then love, as you are growing up....

It only fit four stars because I felt it became too 'dragging', I understand by my own philosophy that life itself becomes like that, but that doesn't mean we have to like it immediately....I have not yet grown up.

I received a copy through NetGalley.

This was wonderful, a tale that withstands the motions of time. A novel about the importance of friendship, forgiveness, love, redemption, acceptance, trust, in the course of one's life.

I adored the grandmother's relationship with her granddaughter: They were so close, and Grams shared such beautiful wisdom through the pages of her diary. The diary itself was a valuable gift, it reunited the family in the most genuine of ways and made such a difference in the lives of so many.

The novel inspired such intrigue, that there were points when I couldn't get enough of Cornelia's lifetime. Whilst I am not a Christian, I do believe in God and Jesus, so it still related to me and I felt this urge to connect with God through this. This novel really did offer such precious lessons.

I only gave it four stars because I felt the novel was incomplete in some ways as though a huge chunk was missing: Stuart never found out about Cornelia's other daughter, nor did Jimmy or her father. It was as though she never faced up the courage to do it, whilst the pages of her diary inspire another young girl to do what she wasn't able to, it came across as slightly hypocritical.

I appreciated the tales of loss, I was nearly teary eyed when Jimmy began calling his niece Corny, mistaking her for his dead sister. It became too much. I sympathised with him, but then rejoiced on the concept o r rather the misguided delusion that ignorance is bliss.

Sweet romance

I liked this, I felt it only too easy to relate to. There aren't many books in which I can relate to more than one character. I find myself to be reserved, shy and then stubborn.

But, of course, those weren't the only grounds for my enjoyment: I was drawn in by the story, I do always appreciate a good back story (and whilst it was nothing fanciful, extraordinary or dramatic, it certainly was real).

In the same way, I adored the setting and the circumstances Leah finds herself in- to live in a small town, have a library in my house, converse about novels and shared experiences, have a rocking chair...They have always been dreams for me.

I have made this book a favourite, it has inspired me very much on the type of man I wish to call my husband. I will not settle for any less! At this point, I'm not sure if I'm joking or I'm serious.

I received this through NetGalley.

This was such a stunning portrayal of the life of a young adult. I related to pretty much all of it. We are very much alike, though we are human after all. I pretty much bookmarked all the way through this book. It all related to me. I do happen to hate making everything about myself, so I digress.

Let's talk about the drawings, they were mighty fine depictions and they, alone, were enough to make me laugh...

I must recommend, I feel it to be my duty as a book lover

I received this from NetGalley
I enjoyed this book, so much so that I finished it within hours of starting it. It was a stunning portrayal of a woman who begins to come to terms with the truths of the world, as she opens her eyes and gradually rejects her naivety. I saw myself in the character of Mia, whilst I have not suffered such a tragedy (thank.God) I felt in some ways we were alike. For one thing, we both have a certain degree of contempt towards fairy tales.

I must say that the most unique aspect of this read, was the writing style. I loved the metaphors, the symbolism, they were stunning and the book,in my perspective couldn't have been written better. From the bird, the moth, the butterfly, the wolf, the cat....it never became too much. This book has made it to my favourites shelf. I feel that this is a novel much suited for an English literature class. Who knows? I'll give it a couple of years.

I also, of course, loved the story: particularly the back story of the characters Zak and Mia. It was realistic, whilst beautifully fictional. I loved the lessons it taught (guilt should be let go of), the narration idea was cool, and sweet. I wish we'd have gotten to know Robin a bit better.

I could go on forever, but I rather you read it and formed your own opinion.

Funny, comedic and truly honest

Not written for the serious people, nor for the naive. None of that which is written should be taken seriously. At first, I read this believing it was a novel rather than a 'self help' book. In any case it is neither.

It is a collection of essays mocking love. I enjoyed it, it made me smile more times than I can remember. It was helpful in the sense that most of the generalisations regarding men were seemingly realistic. I will read again, and please note I am no fool: this was a free book.

Mr. Cartwright (when saying your name it sounds awfully akfully akin to Mr. Can't Write. This is of course, sincerely, false. Unless I was to.take your editor's word for it.) Anyway, what I initially wanted to say was that you are free to use my testimonial, though I'm not sure you'd want to.

This book was extremely witty, humorous and well written.
At first, I was a bit reluctant to read it I though that it may be more sexual in its portrayal of love, (I advise: do not judge a book, written by this author, by its cover). It was a fantastic read, I wouldn't change any part of it.

Viscount Sheffield was portrayed as kind, clever and quite charming. Whilst, Amelia was stunning in her foresight and ability to think of everything. They made a good team. I appreciate how there was no 'love at first sight', instead it was a gradual process. I'd have liked it to have been longer, but then we can't have everything. This quickly became a favourite. I have four favourites, as of yet. And it's funny, how I like them all for very different reasons.

I'd also like to mention that whilst I was reading this, I didn't look at how much was left at all. Usually, I become impatient and want the book to end because I either have to sleep or do some homework but this book was very distracting (in a good way).