Meditations for Mortals Oliver Burkeman

Meditations for Mortals Oliver Burkeman (NetGalley ARC pub date 10/8) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I read this on and off, aiming at first for one chapter a day as suggested but then missing chunks and reading chunks. I am considering purchasing a hard copy as there are sections I’d like to underline or annotate. Despite it being based on some previously published newsletters (to which I subscribe), it was well put together and felt fresh and relevant. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This started off fine, then got weirder and weirder. I considered bailing but stuck through a sagging middle and enjoyed the last third which felt more signature Haig. Four stars rounded up since it felt so uneven.

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This took me a little to settle into but I really enjoyed it and found it a good comfort read. I found myself revisiting the characters in my mind and may consider picking up some of the books that are referenced in the novel. I'll also look into the author's other works.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

The Wedding People by Alison Espach ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I thought this would be light and funny, but a summary did say it had a dark premise and is grim in parts. At 14% in, I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading. I gave it one more try and finished it. I think the author lays it on too thick at the start but then smooths it out. I felt frustrated by the caricature-like nature of some of the characters and it felt longer in places than needed, but overall appreciated how it came together. I enjoyed what it was saying about being human and how many of us share the same fears and doubts.

The Black Bird Oracle (All Souls #5) by Deborah Harkness

The Black Bird Oracle (All Souls #5) by Deborah Harkness ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 This had a great combo of magical cozy autumn vibes while taking place over the summer. I felt like it dragged in a few spots and could have been shorter than 464 pages, but overall I really enjoyed the new characters and setting that were introduced.

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This started a bit slow and the characters sometimes annoyed me, but it was propulsive and I sped up my reading once I hit about the halfway mark. I will continue reading the series.

Time’s Convert (All Souls #4) by Deborah Harkness

Time’s Convert (All Souls #4) by Deborah Harkness ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had low expectations based on reviews, and it did seem 100-150 pages longer than it needed to be, but it was still fairly enjoyable and I like the backstory on Marcus more than the part featuring Phoebe's transformation. Excited for the next book.

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ There were some serious themes mixed into this fantasy novella, along with illustrations which were fun. I appreciated the postscript regarding the experiences of women in Korea.

Second Tide’s the Charm by Chandra Blumberg

Second Tide’s the Charm by Chandra Blumberg ⭐⭐ Science nerds, ocean settings, second chance romance. I loved the premise but the execution was not there for me. Unfortunately, the formatting errors and lack of editing for the ARC I received didn't help but I found the writing stilted and just not a very interesting plotline. It felt repetitive and lacking in dramatic tension. Maybe this would have been a better fit as YA novel but it just felt like alternating long-winded inner monologues of two emotionally immature people with a beautiful backdrop and setting. I really wanted to and tried to like this but it did not hold my interest. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed this and liked the ending, but overall the tone of the book was really quite dark and sad. The frequent shifting of character perspective and timeline was often jolting and hard to follow, I think it would have been smoother with less shifts and it also dragged at times as a result.

Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand

Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was fun with lots of little easter eggs and bringing in characters from past books. I still have a few books from her backlist so I didn’t feel super final. I enjoyed all the pickleball references. It was a nice summer treat.

A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny

A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really enjoyed this with all its nuances, art references, and character development.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 This was enjoyable and uplifting, but I found Rom-Commers funnier. Fun to catch the character tie-in even though I read the two books in the wrong order. Looking forward to MMD author talk.

Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness by Pooja Lakshmin

Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness by Pooja Lakshmin ⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed a podcast with the author, but I don’t know that the book added much for me. The problems women face are largely structural, don't waste all your time on faux self-care, don't turn wellness into more productivity/achievements, set boundaries and take pauses. This book was heavy on the mini-anecdotes of clients, but it started to feel repetitive quickly and I skimmed a lot.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sometimes, a book that makes you feel good is just the thing. For me, this was reminiscent of Beach Read and Nora Goes Off Script. The story was a little silly but I enjoyed it anyway. This was my first book by her so I'll definitely check out her backlist.

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This went in directions I did not expect. It engaged me pretty early on (although I think it could have been tighter/shorter). The ending was all a little too tidy, but it was overall a pretty fun read. The cover made it seem like a lighter, beachier read than it was.

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland ⭐⭐⭐ I struggled with finding the characters frustrating, and I think the story is spread too thin shifting perspective between the four siblings and a bit the dad as well. I appreciated that the characters showed growth, but not as much as I’d have liked and their evolutions felt really thin. There were some parts where I chuckled so it was pleasant enough, but I had enough of this family when the book was done.

100 Afternoon Sweets by Sarah Kieffer

100 Afternoon Sweets by Sarah Kieffer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ How silly of me reviewing this ARC when now I want a print copy to bake with! Gorgeous photos and clear descriptions. I particularly have my eye on Cranberry Caramel Upside-Down Cake, Toasted Sesame Blondies, Lemon Cake Squares, Pecan Espresso Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, Passion Fruit S'mores Pie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars, Coffee Blondies, Cherry Pie Bars, Caramel Rhubarb Shortbread Bars. The section on buttercreams will definitely up my cake game. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 This was a fun romp with loveable characters, themes of found family and defying expectations, and a lot of humor. I enjoyed the portrayal of people at different stages of life coming together and being kind of ridiculous. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (NetGalley ARC 7/2) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This initially reminded me a bit of My Brilliant Friend. This is a story fundamentally about women’s friendship and a great way to learn about Iran’s history through a beautiful story. There were also luscious descriptions of food along the way and my heart aches for the experiences of the women of Iran but also of women everywhere during this time period of backsliding when it comes to women’s rights. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.