This was another donation to my Little Free Library Shed that I wasn’t sure I would read. But I really need“She swooned, placing a hand to her heart.”
This was another donation to my Little Free Library Shed that I wasn’t sure I would read. But I really needed a distraction read before my biopsy of my tumor/mass that would have me sedated. (As an aside, I happily survived the procedure!)
This is one of the cutest rom-com’s I have had the pleasure to read. I am truly swooning. And, placing a hand over my heart ♥️. Even though there is a bit of we-have-been-here-before and predictability, the story is told in such a way that readers can’t help but want to root for the 2 mains.
Franny has just been let go from her job because of necessary reductions. Heading out to the New York subway towards home, she can’t help but feel this is the worst day of her life. Only to be made worst when her dress gets caught in the subway doors and tears enough that anybody can “see” a lot of her! Frantic, embarrassed and befuddled by this latest horrible thing to happen to her in one day, Hayes Montgomery the Third comes to her rescue and offers his Gucci jacket to cover her.
Not before long, the two seem to have a way of running into each other, and being further embarrassed by their sudden social media attention. Of course, someone would photograph and video the 2 in this crazy unseemly, but interesting looking intimate moment!
With such an unorthodox, but seemingly auspicious beginning, will these 2 be destined to a happily-ever-after?
With a great supporting cast, and the New York area as background, this rom-com is worth spending some time with on any day of the week. Especially with our two awkward, and likable characters, Franny and Hayes. But there will also be more in the cast that will be worth following, too. ...more
This book is an emotional roller-coaster for all the right reasons. Kleenex is recommended!
So, what happens when so much has occurred in your life whThis book is an emotional roller-coaster for all the right reasons. Kleenex is recommended!
So, what happens when so much has occurred in your life which brings on guilt and grief and keeps you from believing you are entitled to a happily-ever-after?
Well, you live the life of Darcy and Carter. Who just happen to find one another in the most interesting way, with so many parallel life experiences, that they don’t necessarily share with each other.
Will they find a way to open up to one another? And, will they be able to come to terms with their complicated past and present, and allow themselves to experience their own happily-ever-after?
So, with these questions in mind (no spoilers from me), let’s just consider that this is what makes this rom-com so readable....more
“Words and good intentions, yes. Many challenges can be solved that way.”
This exquisitely illustrated and written book by the author is filled with po“Words and good intentions, yes. Many challenges can be solved that way.”
This exquisitely illustrated and written book by the author is filled with positivity. It also proves to be a wonderful teacher to children about kindness and bringing goodness in to the world by the actions we take and the words we use.
Readers will have the opportunity to follow this fairy tale through the adventures of Mur, a kitty-knight who dreams of “protecting others, making the world better, and being a symbol of kindness and bravery.”
And, not only will the adventure be fun, it will also provide good learning lessons for kids, along the way. The illustrations by the author are stunning, and certainly showcase his amazing artistry, which will no doubt captivate the adults who read along with the kids.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
“I can’t imagine how there was ever a me without her.”
Don’t you just love a title of a book that perfectly defines itself? A Meet-Cute. And magical on“I can’t imagine how there was ever a me without her.”
Don’t you just love a title of a book that perfectly defines itself? A Meet-Cute. And magical on top of it!! Yes, it is. But not exactly in the way we as readers would expect it. Because, Faye our main, is a mess. Her 10-year relationship, with only 3 months before the wedding, was broken off by her fiancé, Stuart. And, she has a past that reeks with a lot of broken-ness.
So, what is she to do?
Well, readers meet her at her place where she lives and works as a ceramicist. She also has a dog she rescued named Hillel who is quite messy, too. She lives in a contemporary Jewish neighborhood that has now been attacked by racist anti-Semitic flyers and other acts of violence.
So, what could possibly go wrong now?
Instead of heading off to the community meeting to discuss the flyers and determine a community action plan to find who is behind these vicious attacks, she gets herself drunk on the wedding wine and makes herself a pottery Golem.
A Golem you ask? According to the Rabbi, a Golem is an undeveloped substance of the earth, created entirely from inanimate matter, usually clay or mud. And, that is exactly what she creates and buries in her garden while drunk. I know I repeated myself, but this is an important point.
“The Art of Imperfection: What a Jewitch Learned about Craft from a Golem”
The next day, still recovering from her drunken rampage in the garden, Faye rushes off on her bicycle to her friend’s place. But because she is not paying attention, Faye hits Greg with her bicycle and he ends up in the hospital with amnesia.
What is Faye to do now? Could Greg be her Golem?
Well, she kind of adopts him, and lets him stay with her in hopes he can regain his memory. And of course, readers wonder, will this ‘magical meet-cute’ bring these two together? And, who is Greg really? Will he ever recover his memory, and if he does, what will Faye and readers discover about him?
Also, will Faye ever have her happily-ever-after-ending? And, what about Greg – will he?
“You don’t see that something doesn’t need to be perfect to be loveable.”
And, what about the Paper Boys who are spreading all this hate? Who is behind this hate cell? Will this mystery be solved?
You didn’t think I was going to answer all these questions, did you?
This is a delightful page-turner, with a little mystery and romance that will keep readers captivated along with a recipe for magic cakes that appears absolutely delicious....more
This story is about Ellie and how she manages her life with cerebral palsy. The story is written beautifully, and shows a lot of charm, humor and hearThis story is about Ellie and how she manages her life with cerebral palsy. The story is written beautifully, and shows a lot of charm, humor and heart. Ellie’s character is vibrant, vulnerable and cutely sarcastic. And, she loves to bake and shows her commitment through her character on what it takes to practice to become the best version of herself doing what she loves.
Even though the target audience for this book is middle-school age, it is easily readable for adults. As readers, we can’t help but root for Ellie. Ellie is resilient and proves to be a wonderful role model for all kids. Her character also serves as a delightful teaching tool for helping kids understand that dis-eases, even cerebral palsy, do not need to define the person.
How can I not be attracted to a book that boasts one of its “characters,” as a Little Free Library named Eileen? What role will “she” play in this stoHow can I not be attracted to a book that boasts one of its “characters,” as a Little Free Library named Eileen? What role will “she” play in this story that also gives a strong statement to the importance of reading and how books can play an important role in people’s lives?
This is a debut novel. And, this is a story of overwhelming grief and loss, finding forgiveness, acceptance of self and others, complicated families, the possibility of second chances, the love of reading and how it can change a life; and, a Little Free Library named Eileen, that becomes an unknowing conduit to love.
“Brighter days are coming, Eileen. I promise.”
The story begins with a simple statement that may not be as simple as it seems.
“They say it takes one moment to change your life.”
Readers may think it starts when Erin mistakenly leaves her favorite book, “To Kill a Mockingbird” filled with her notes in the margins in a Little Free Library, for an unexpected James to pick up and respond to with his own thoughts and notes in the margins. But it really starts earlier than that, with a lot of life lessons along the way.
Through P.O.V. shared by both Erin and James we learn about their lives, their wants, their needs, and; what it will take to find their way to a happily ever after.
“If I were to have a vision for my life in the future, it would be to continue what I’ve started here. To teach people to love books the way I do.”
Will Erin and James gain self-discovery, and thus find what may have always been there for them to have? Will they inhabit the life they want to truly live? And, will they find a way to happily ever and a happy ending/perhaps a new beginning? What is it that both Erin and James need and want for themselves and what will it take to find it?
It is up to readers to choose patience and hopefulness, in order to enjoy the journey of Erin and James....more
Amira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodneAmira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodness for the distraction and a way out of that messy date. Her decision to go directly to her aunt’s lawyer’s office sets this story in motion. Because now she meets Naveen. The San Francisco lawyer who is working for his uncle’s small practice. Surprisingly, he is also looking for love. Oh, what could this mean in the rom-com world of love matches?
The problem is, Naveen is someone Amira has been matched with before and dumped. Oh no! What will readers be in for now? Well, it is a bit more complicated than a love match. We’ve got criminals in this story and a kidnapping, too. And, here you have this couple, Amira and Naveen who don’t want to be together, suddenly together on a madcap adventure. What is in store for them? Is this how one gets to a HEA?
If you want a light read this book will give you… Silly. Cute. Charming. Entertaining and Fun....more
Meow! Purr! And, yoga! Who could ask for more? How about murder? Yikes!! Let us start with the kitties.
Ashley Branson opens a yoga studio called A PuMeow! Purr! And, yoga! Who could ask for more? How about murder? Yikes!! Let us start with the kitties.
Ashley Branson opens a yoga studio called A Purrfect Pose that helps people find inner peace, because it also provides cats for adoption. But unfortunately, one of her clients is found dead, and her brother is accused of the murder. What will happen to her business now? And, does this mean she becomes a bit of an investigator, too? In some ways this drags the story down a bit, as does her dysfunctional family.
There are so many characters to keep track of in this story that it becomes difficult at times to know who is who. Yet, the premise of a yoga studio with kitties for adoption seemed sweet. Still, it will be hard to imagine what other trouble could occur in future stories for this series. If it involves her family members, that may not be worth following.
3 stars with .5 upward for the kitties for adoption concept! ...more
What happens when as Maid of Honor (MOH) you find out that the groom’s long-time friend just happens to be your ex-boyfriend? And, not only is he yourWhat happens when as Maid of Honor (MOH) you find out that the groom’s long-time friend just happens to be your ex-boyfriend? And, not only is he your ex-boyfriend, but he is the one that mattered to you and it was a not so happy break-up? And, then your very best friend who is marrying the groom decides, why not see if we can get them back together?
Well, what happens is readers end up with this book. Of course, we can guess what will happen next. Right? After all it is a rom-com. Tension. Lust. Will-they-or-won’t-they end up together? If you like this kind of fun, readers will find themselves deep into it. And, of course it won’t be an easy path to happily-ever-after. Why should it – it is that kind of a rom-com!
Personally, I found myself enjoying the distraction for a bit. And, of course, Doug the dog. But the getting to happily-ever-after was just a bit much. Especially when it involved…oh wait, I don’t offer spoilers.
This book was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. So, having the beach as a backdrop and a dog happily walking beside a young woman on a bike, This book was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. So, having the beach as a backdrop and a dog happily walking beside a young woman on a bike, it looked like a light read that I was needing in this moment. Even its subtitle, “second chances come once in a lifetime” seemed enticing. But would the story meet up to this breezy cover?
Dr. Lark Smith is our heroine. She is a twin from a close, loving family, and she is an oncology resident at Hyannis Hospital. As readers, we quickly become attracted to Lark by her character’s smartness and reliability. But it doesn’t take long for us to learn about her own grief and loss of her soul mate years earlier. Apparently, these memories make her new assignment in the Oncology ward too hard to bear, and she is transferred out.
The head surgeon of the hospital, Lorenzo Santini does not like Lark. Nor does anyone else like him. Hmmm…what does this mean in rom-com language?
Lark wants back in to Oncology, and she needs Santini to help. Santini needs Lark’s help with a situation, so now what does that mean for them? A make-believe relationship? Oh no, do we have an idea where this is headed? Will-they-or-won’t-they?
But wait there is more. There is Ellie, and there is Joy. How do their stories play in to all of this?
Told from the alternating P.O.V.’s of these characters, it is best to just be here to figure it out. Maybe friendship and love will find a place between these pages?...more
This is part of a “baby animal series,” that captures the story of a baby sea otter utilizing an actual photograph of a baby otter throughout within tThis is part of a “baby animal series,” that captures the story of a baby sea otter utilizing an actual photograph of a baby otter throughout within the illustrations. It shares what the otter experiences in the ocean, and what he learns from his mother.
Readers will be captivated by the fun and exploration and learning that the otter experiences.
This is a beautifully illustrated story about 2 boys who have the adventure of coming to the ocean. They get to see and listen to all the various lifeThis is a beautifully illustrated story about 2 boys who have the adventure of coming to the ocean. They get to see and listen to all the various life and sounds that it provides.
Readers will be engaged in learning about sea life and sounds that will give them an appreciation of the beauty of ocean life.
This is the story of Wendell, a narwhal, a species of toothed whale that is native to the Arctic. And, Wendell just wants to make music. But for whateThis is the story of Wendell, a narwhal, a species of toothed whale that is native to the Arctic. And, Wendell just wants to make music. But for whatever reason he can’t seem to do it like his other fish friends, because of his tusk. Until one day he learns something more about what he can do.
With fun illustrations, kids will learn about how they can be something more.
There is something on the hill, and it is making field mouse very curious. So, moving through the melting snow, off field mouse goes and collects a loThere is something on the hill, and it is making field mouse very curious. So, moving through the melting snow, off field mouse goes and collects a lot of friends on the way to find out what could possibly be on the hill.
This is a lovely little picturesque adventure for a lot of forest animals moving together to explore what could be on the hill.
It will be a wonderful reading adventure to guide kids to the various types of animals that live in the forest.
“Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day.” – Dylan Thomas
As readers, our first introduction to this motle“Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day.” – Dylan Thomas
As readers, our first introduction to this motley crew of senior citizens (for the most part) is when they are being commandeered by an officer of the law. Everyone has an opportunity to release their reasons for the officer to want to take them in. What kind of past are they hiding from, that all these guilty voices would be rising in this calamitous moment?
“How could you create a future when you had no past you would admit to?”
As it turns out, they all have come to the local senior center to find companionship. Told in multiple P.O.V.’s everyone has their own story and reason for wanting to find others. If nothing else, other than to overcome their own sense of loneliness as they recognize their advanced age and uncertain purpose at this stage of their lives. And, some come with a spectacular attitude.
“Where’s the fun in aging gracefully? Personally, I intend to age as disgracefully as possible.” (Hence: the title of the book!)
But as we connect with their inner lives, we watch how things change for them as they connect with each other. And, our curiosity as readers, especially with that introductory prologue, makes us wonder, who were they really before they were the people they are now?
They are on a mission to save their senior center. And, these gallant six geriatric individuals, along with a young man, an infant and child with his own issues…including a sweet dog named Margaret Thatcher, (or versions of that name) make their own splash into the hearts of readers.
Still, in some ways, it was difficult to fully engage with the plot. The characters weren’t always likable, or even always liking each other (in the beginning) and it took some time to connect with them. But eventually there were moments, out-loud-laugh moments, that made it easier to appreciate and understand them.
This may be a book that readers will just want to sit back, take it in, relax with it, and watch the trouble the characters seem to make. And not take yourself to seriously while enjoying the reading experience.
I understand this might be the first in the “Knockemout” series, which means readers can read this as a stand-alone.
This is a character-driven story,I understand this might be the first in the “Knockemout” series, which means readers can read this as a stand-alone.
This is a character-driven story, with main characters Knox and Naomi the ones readers will be watching most. It can be “spicy” so be prepared for this, as well.
So, how best to describe…
Riveting. Romantic. Steamy. Emotional roller-coaster (may be the reader, as much as the characters!). Likable characters. Great escape. Comfort read.
The book (which could have been paired down a 100-pages or more) still captured the heart and essence of small-town charm, a drama with twists and turns, and characters you truly wanted to enjoy and hope the best for as they worked through their life challenges.
Despite the rushed ending and a plot line that didn’t always feel realistic, readers can’t help but be taken in by the heart-felt, feel-good feeling experienced being in these characters orbit....more
“Happiness, like love, enters through the kitchen.”
For fans of Molly The Maid, if you are looking for a murder at the Regency Grand Hotel, you have co“Happiness, like love, enters through the kitchen.”
For fans of Molly The Maid, if you are looking for a murder at the Regency Grand Hotel, you have come to the wrong place. This actually is a different mystery, one that invites holiday cheer, and love and opportunity for Molly The Maid fans to meet her true love, Juan Manuel.
And, for those who have been following this series, things will all make sense to everybody (including readers) before it does to Molly. If you are new to the series, please start with, “The Maid.”
So, what is going on with Juan Manuel this holiday season? Is he keeping secrets from Molly? And, that is the mystery that Molly ponders. Yet, for anyone else reading this delightful novella, the conclusion even if predictable, is still sweet. ...more
“Spring is always coming, and I know for sure I will always have a dog.”
When life feels uncertain, as it did for Ali, all she needed to do was take he“Spring is always coming, and I know for sure I will always have a dog.”
When life feels uncertain, as it did for Ali, all she needed to do was take herself and her dog, Ferris to the dog park. Little did she know that Ferris might change everything by lifting his leg onto Ethan’s shoe and creating a new beginning for her.
Embarrassing right? But an opening, too!
Readers will get to know Ali as she grapples with grief, with the loss of her marriage, with raising her kids on her own, with possibly finding love again – or is it for the first time? There is a subtleness to the romance with Ethan and the discovery to Ali finding herself that is sweet. We can also appreciate her traversing her grief, the loss of her Mom and, the good neighbor vibes.
And, yet this beginning really opened doors to creating a confidence she didn’t realize she had. Maybe it would enable her to recognize that as a single Mom she already had what she needed and wanted to find something more for herself, for her kids, for her community, for her friends, for her family, that was that something more that was missing while she was still in her marriage with Pete.
“When I’m quiet I can hear my heart yearning for impossible things. I want a perfectly pared-down home, and I want to hang on to every scrap of the past. I want a break from my kids without missing a single minute of their lives. I long for a partnership, and I long for freedom. I long to be enmeshed with someone without losing myself. I want all of it.”
There was something engaging about both Ali and Ethan’s characters, as well as all the supporting ensemble cast, which made it a thoughtful rom-com, summer romance. As readers, you can’t help but root for everyone and hope that they will experience some type of happy ending....more
So, here is the thing. As readers you know what is coming. It is that predictable. We have been-here-before. And, yet you still want it. Because you aSo, here is the thing. As readers you know what is coming. It is that predictable. We have been-here-before. And, yet you still want it. Because you are asking for a summer romance escape. Amirite?
With this one, Clara is the perfect protagonist who is burnt out, dumped and sent off by her boss on a forced vacation. An old friend has asked her to come to a yearly visit to their old summer camp. And, there we find her old “nemesis” who really was her old “crush,” Mack. Now, we are smart readers, right? We know what is going to happen.
The camp is closing. Wait, what? It just can’t! These girls have got to do something about it, right? And, this chemistry between Mack and Clara has to go somewhere, right?
And, that is your story. Will they or won’t they save the camp? Will Mack and Clara get together or not?
Cute, nostalgic summer camp romance. Are you up for the escape and fun of it? Then this is the book for you....more
As I may have mentioned in some previous reviews, in my youth I had cats. I loved their independence, and they fit my lifestyle as I was learning my oAs I may have mentioned in some previous reviews, in my youth I had cats. I loved their independence, and they fit my lifestyle as I was learning my own way in the world.
This book is a beautiful introduction to cats in a gloriously illustrated way. For anyone who is looking to learn about cats, every corner of the book offers an opportunity to teach. With cute pictorials, information paragraphs that tell anyone everything you would ever want to know about kitten “caboodle” this truly is the book readers will want to add to their personal library.
There is also a page on the zodiac of cats with suggested “cat” names. Interestingly enough, the picture showcased for my birth month of the zodiac, Sagittarius, featured a black and white cat, which was my first cat when I moved out on my own, Patches. How did this book know?
The book also shares feline folklore, fun stories on catnaps, ways to please a cat, when a kitty goes on the prowl, kitty moods, famous cats that have been memorialized in books and music; and, so much more.
For the love of cats, this will be a book that all cat lovers will want in their book collection! Especially since it has cut-out pages that open within. Like peek-a-boo moments with information behind the cut-outs. Children will especially love learning about cats in this way!
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