Category Archives: Romance

April 30, 2014 · 9:40 pm

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry

18293427Title: The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Source: from publisher for She Reads Book Club
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary: I am on a roll with wonderful books that make me cry. This book was beautifully written with well-rounded, believable character and a very enjoyable focus on books.

A. J. Fikry, owner of Island Books, has become something of a loner. After his wife’s death, his bookstore is doing poorly and he’s doing his best to push away help from friends and family. However, as A. J. deals with a mysterious package which appears in his store, he slowly realizes that he needs help. Beginning to reach out to others, he begins to change his life and the lives of those around him for the better. Continue reading →

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Filed under Literary, Romance

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April 29, 2014 · 6:22 am

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

12000020Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Author: Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Source: library
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary: This was perfect.

"Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison, and Dante is a know-it-all with a unique perspective on life. At first glance, they seem worlds apart when they meet at the swimming pool. However, as they spend time together, these two loners form a deep and transformative friendship. Through this bond, Ari and Dante discover life-changing truths about themselves and the kind of people they aspire to become."

If you’re managing a book club or tracking your reading, Latenode can help automate key tasks like organizing book recommendations, scheduling meetings, or sharing notes and discussion points with group members. This can ensure smooth communication and allow more time to reflect on powerful stories like Ari and Dante’s.

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10 Comments

Filed under Fiction, LGBT, Romance, Young Adult

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April 8, 2014 · 6:26 am

Vintage

VintageTitle: Vintage
Author: Susan Gloss
Source: from publisher for TLC Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Summary: This is a beautiful, amazing, wonderful book which explores female friendship and stands as a powerful testament to the idea that the modern women can be anyone she wants to be.

As I may have mentioned once or twice, I love books where people’s lives intersect and they all become happier as a result. This is one of those stories. At the beginning, I thought I might be getting tired of that story. I thought this particular story might feel clichéd and exactly like all the others. However, the more I read, the more I was convinced this was something special. The writing did remind me of The Wedding Bees or Lost Lake. Susan Glass does a wonderful job creating a vivid world with a cheerful atmosphere. Her writing is bright and colorful, making reading this book a delightful experience. Initially, I wasn’t sure I liked the fashion references, especially since I’m not fashionable enough to get all of them. I did, however, think the idea of focusing each chapter on one item from Violet’s store (described at the beginning of the chapter) gave this book a unique character. I eventually got used to the in-chapter fashion references too.
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25 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Fiction, Romance


March 25, 2014 · 7:02 am

Where I Want To Be

20877119Title: Where I Want To Be
Author: Cortney Roudebush
Source: from author for review
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Review Summary: Although this book seemed like a good fit for me, I didn’t love the writing, the obsessive focus on dating bothered me, and I couldn’t relate to the main character.

Olivia Goldstein has a very successful career in LA, but her timidity generally prevents her from enjoying life. She doesn’t like her career, has few friends, and rarely dates. The only thing she truly enjoys is wine. With some encouragement from her best friend, she makes one of her first spontaneous decisions and enrolls in a wine class in Napa Valley. Once there, she begins to make friends who teach her about wine and talk her into being more courageous about dating. Although she starts her trip certain that she’d like to return to LA, by the end of the summer she’s not so sure. Continue reading →

8 Comments

Filed under Fiction, Romance

Tagged as , , , , , napa valley, , wine

February 17, 2014 · 9:01 am

The Wedding Bees

The Wedding BeesTitle: The Wedding Bees
Author: Sarah-Kate Lynch
Source: from publisher for TLC book tour
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Summary: This book was so happy and warm, comfortable and charming, it was a pleasure to read.

Sugar may be on the run from her life in the South, but her past still travels with her in the form of the bees she raises and her sweet Southern manners. Although her neighbors in Manhattan are skeptical of both at first, they quickly realize that Sugar and her bees are changing their lives for the better. Now they just need to get Sugar to realize that she deserves as much help and love as she shows everyone else. Continue reading →

14 Comments

Filed under Fiction, Romance

Tagged as bees, , , , fun, happy, honey, NYC, , southern charm, southern lit, sweet

January 10, 2014 · 8:32 am

Somewhere In France

Somewhere in FranceTitle: Somewhere in France
Author: Jennifer Robson
Source: from publisher for TLC book tour
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Summary: This was a touching romance perfect for the time period, yet touching on issues relevant to women today.

Lady Elizabeth Neville-Ashford has always thought fondly of her bother’s friend Robert since as a child he encouraged her to pursue her dreams. A surprise meeting years later reveals him to still be equally supportive and their mutual attraction is obvious. However, Elizabeth’s mother disapproves of Robert almost as much as she disapproves of Elizabeth’s career aspirations. The war and encouragement from friends give Elizabeth the courage to break with her parents. As an ambulance driver she is eventually sent to the front, where she is reunited with Robert (a surgeon). Although they are reunited, his fear for her safety is a strain their relationship might not survive. Continue reading →

23 Comments

Filed under Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance

Tagged as , , , england, france, , , , women, WWI

December 14, 2013 · 8:04 am

Soundbites About I’ve Got Your Number

13133451Title: I’ve Got Your Number
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Narrators: Jayne Entwistle
Rating (Story): ★★★☆☆
Rating (Narration):★★★★☆

I’ve Got Your Number is light romantic comedy in which Poppy’s loss of her phone leads her to pick one up from a trashcan. Sam Roxton, whose personal assistant owned the phone wants it back but Poppy is desperate to hang on to it because she’s also lost her engagement ring and can only get news about it through the phone. As you can probably guess, the story sometimes surpassed the bounds of believability, but it was a fun adventure throughout. Overall, I thought it was a pretty standard romantic comedy and would make an excellent movie because someone funny is always happening. However… Poppy, while really witty and a ton of fun can also be an interfering, cowardly, stupid woman. There were times I loved her for her good points, but other times I found her so frustrating I almost hoped things didn’t work out! Overall, quite average. I thought the narration was very well done, especially the emotion with with the narrator told the story. Also, bonus points for singing. I did, however, sometimes find the whiny edge to her voice almost as annoying as Poppy.

10 Comments

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