So many words. So little time.
Category: books
This was a great writing week! I got in five fiction sessions, and I wrote four book reviews, too: Not You Again, by Ingrid Pierce, Writing on Empty, by Natalie Goldberg, The Darkness Within Us, by Tricia Levenseller, and The Backtrack, by Erin La Rosa(forthcoming).
Happy writing!
Title: The Darkness Within Us
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Chrysantha Stathos has won.
By hiding her intelligence and ambition behind the mask of a beautiful air-headed girl, she has gathered important secrets, earned her father’s constant care, and become a wealthy duchess—all by age nineteen. Now, she is only one elderly, dying duke away from having all the freedom, money, and safety she’s ever wanted.
Or so she thought.
Turns out her little sister somehow snatched the true victory away from her: Alessandra is wedding the Shadow King, the most powerful man in the world. Meanwhile, after the death of Chrysantha’s no-good, lecherous husband, a man claiming to be the duke’s estranged grandson turns up to inherit everything that should be hers.
Chrysantha is enraged. There is no way that she’s going to let some man take everything from her. Never mind that he’s extremely handsome and secretive and alluring with mysterious powers… No, Chrysantha wants Eryx Demos dead, and in the end, a Stathos girl always gets what she wants.
I loved the revolution Chrysantha’s sister seemed to be leading for women’s rights in this, although the relationship between the sisters was pretty terrible. Chrysantha was a good character: I loved her determination, her wit, and her absolute refusal to lose. I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers arc between her and Eryx, and I never quite figured out what was going on with him before the reveal.
Tricia Levenseller is from Oregon. The Darkness Within Us is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Macmillan Children’s in exchange for an honest review.)
Title: Writing on Empty
Author: Natalie Goldberg
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Natalie Goldberg has been writing for the past fifty years. But at the beginning of the pandemic, she suddenly wasn’t able to write anymore. Her imaginative wellspring had dried up, and she was forced to ask herself: what do I do when what has always worked for me doesn’t work anymore?
In this beautifully written, inspiring personal account, Natalie shares her harrowing journey out of creative paralysis and back onto the page. When all of her tried and true methods – meditation, sitting still, writing practice – stopped working, she had to take drastic action. She got into her car and left New Mexico in search of a new inventive source. In her journey through the western states, she visited famous literary sites, searching for the spark that would reignite her ability to write.
If you’re looking for something to inspire you to write, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for something about fear, whining, and lots of self-absorption, you’re in luck. There were no tips to get you past a creative block, just…yeah, whining. Sorry, this was beyond a disappointing read to me.
Natalie Goldberg is a bestselling author. Writing on Empty is her newest book.
(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)
Title: Not You Again
Author: Ingrid Pierce
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Wedding gown designer Andie Dresser is hanging on by a thread. Gaining a following on TikTok for her one-of-a-kind fairytale gowns has earned her a spot at Atlanta’s Fashion Week, but the time and upfront costs to design a full bridal line have stretched her to her limit. When her best friend suggests she sign up for a reality show with a potential $100,000 prize, she realizes the money could allow her to hire some desperately needed help. All she needs to do is marry a stranger—sight unseen—and opt for divorce at the end of filming. No big deal, right?
Architect Kit Watson just returned to Atlanta to help his loving but stubborn mother through a health crisis. However, she’ll only accept his help if he agrees to settle down, insisting he sign up for the matchmaking reality show that’s filming in the area. Willing to do anything for his mom, he finds himself at the altar—on camera—staring at Andie, the woman he abruptly left without explanation seven years ago.
In the blink of an eye, Kit and Andie tie the knot on TV for the world to see. Now, they must live together for eight weeks with cameras following their every move. But as the newlyweds reconnect and sift through their past, old feelings females spark…and old grudges cast a shadow over their “marriage”. With decision day looming, Andie must decide if forgiving Kit for his mistakes—past and present—is worth more than her dreams of success.
I enjoyed this second-chance romance! The reality show parts were annoying—I’m not a fan of reality TV—and I can’t imagine how much stress that would be! I liked Andie a lot, and I enjoyed how her relationship with Kit grew and changed as they dealt with the past and the challenges of the present. This is a sold read, perfect for a weekend binge.
Ingrid Pierce lives in Arizona. Not You Again is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review.)
Title: Beyond Summerland
Author: Jenny Lecoat
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
The German occupation is over. The Channel Islands, the only captured territory within the British Isles, are finally liberated. But the people of Jersey are left as scarred as the landscape. No longer a “summerland” holiday paradise, the island now boils with tension as locals seek revenge on anyone suspected of collaborating with the enemy during the war.
Nineteen-year-old Jean Parris, still adjusting to this fractious peace, is shocked to learn that Hazel, a teacher who lives over her dad’s shop, may be responsible for her father’s wartime arrest and subsequent death in custody. Hazel denies all accusations but has reasons to conceal what really happened.
As rumors of Hazel’s guilt swell to a fury, Jean discovers new clues that suggest there were other, more sinister factors at play. When Hazel learns of Jean’s own ruinous secret, the women form an unexpected bond that sets them apart from the rest of Jean’s family and the frenzied demands for retribution. But in the end, Jean’s need to know the truth about her father may consume everything she once believed about her home, her family and herself.
I found this to be a depressing read, honestly. All the neighbors turning on each other were horrible. The way Jean’s family treated her, and what mean, ugly people they were was depressing. The secondary characters that I liked didn’t even make it through the novel. The writing was solid, I just found the story itself depressing.
Jenny Lecoat is a bestselling author. Beyond Summerland is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Harlequin Trade Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)
Title: Beyond Summerland Author: Jenny Lecoat Genre: Historical fiction Rating: 3.5 out of 5 The German occupation
is over. The Channel Islands, the only captured territory within the British
Isles, are finally liberated. But the people of Jersey are left as scarred as
the landscape. No longer a “summerland” holiday paradise, the island now boils
with tension as locals seek revenge on anyone suspected of collaborating with
the enemy during the war. Nineteen-year-old Jean
Parris, still adjusting to this fractious peace, is shocked to learn that
Hazel, a teacher who lives over her dad’s shop, may be responsible for her
father’s wartime arrest and subsequent death in custody. Hazel denies all
accusations but has reasons to conceal what really happened. As rumors of Hazel’s
guilt swell to a fury, Jean discovers new clues that suggest there were other,
more sinister factors at play. When Hazel learns of Jean’s own ruinous secret,
the women form an unexpected bond that sets them apart from the rest of Jean’s
family and the frenzied demands for retribution. But in the end, Jean’s need to
know the truth about her father may consume everything she once believed about
her home, her family and herself. I found this to be a
depressing read, honestly. All the neighbors turning on each other were
horrible. The way Jean’s family treated her, and what mean, ugly people they
were was depressing. The secondary characters that I liked didn’t even make it through
the novel. The writing was solid, I just found the story itself depressing. Jenny Lecoat is a
bestselling author. Beyond Summerland is her newest novel. (Galley courtesy of Harlequin
Trade Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)
Title: 49 Miles Alone
Author: Natalie D. Richards
Genre: YA
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Four days alone in the desert. Except they’re not as alone as they think. A year ago, Katie and her cousin Aster survived a night that left their world and easy friendship fractured. Desperate to heal and leave the past behind them, they tackle four days of hiking in the Utah backcountry. But the desert they’ve loved for years has tricks up its sleeve. An illness, an injury, and a freak storm leave them short on confidence and supplies. When they come across a young couple with extra supplies on the trail, they’re grateful and relieved―at first. Riley exudes friendliness, but everything about her boyfriend Finn spells trouble. That night, after some chilling admissions about Finn from Riley, Katie and Aster wake to hear the couple fighting. Helpless and trapped in the darkness, they witness Riley’s desperate race into the night, with Finn chasing after. In the morning, they find the couple’s camp, but Riley and Finn? Vanished. Katie is sure Riley is in trouble. And with help a two-day hike away, they know they are the only ones who can save her before something terrible happens. The clock is ticking and their supplies are dwindling, but Katie and Aster know they have to find Riley before Finn―or the desert―gets to her first.
This did not make me want to go hiking very much—and I like to hike! Not backcountry hiking, though. I’m too much of a chicken. To me, there weren’t really any surprises here. I expect twists and turns from a Natalie Richards book, so I was on the lookout for signs. This was a quick read, and I enjoyed it for what it was.
Natalie D. Richards is a bestselling author. 49 Miles Alone is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Sourcebooks Fire in exchange for an honest review.)
Title: 49 Miles Alone Author: Natalie D. Richards Genre: YA Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Four days alone in the
desert. Except they’re not as alone as they think. A year ago, Katie and her
cousin Aster survived a night that left their world and easy friendship
fractured. Desperate to heal and leave the past behind them, they tackle four
days of hiking in the Utah backcountry. But the desert they’ve loved for years
has tricks up its sleeve. An illness, an injury, and a freak storm leave them
short on confidence and supplies. When they come across a young couple with
extra supplies on the trail, they’re grateful and relieved―at first. Riley
exudes friendliness, but everything about her boyfriend Finn spells trouble.
That night, after some chilling admissions about Finn from Riley, Katie and
Aster wake to hear the couple fighting. Helpless and trapped in the darkness,
they witness Riley’s desperate race into the night, with Finn chasing after. In
the morning, they find the couple’s camp, but Riley and Finn? Vanished. Katie
is sure Riley is in trouble. And with help a two-day hike away, they know they
are the only ones who can save her before something terrible happens. The clock
is ticking and their supplies are dwindling, but Katie and Aster know they have
to find Riley before Finn―or the desert―gets to her first. This did not
make me want to go hiking very much—and I like to hike! Not backcountry hiking,
though. I’m too much of a chicken. To me, there weren’t really any surprises here.
I expect twists and turns from a Natalie Richards book, so I was on the lookout
for signs. This was a quick read, and I enjoyed it for what it was. Natalie D. Richards is
a bestselling author. 49 Miles Alone is her newest novel. (Galley courtesy of Sourcebooks
Fire in exchange for an honest review.) Book Review: 49
Miles Alone, by Natalie D. Richards
Title: The Year of What If
Author: Phaedra Patrick
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5
Can the future be rewritten?
On the verge of her second marriage, Carla Carter knows she’s found the one. She and her fiancé, Tom, met through Logical Love, a dating agency she founded for the pragmatically minded, and she’s confident that, together, they’ll dispel an old family curse claiming Carter women are unlucky in love.
But when Carla’s superstitious family insists she visit a fortune teller before her big day, the tarot reveals that the love of Carla’s life is not Tom, but one of the men she dated on a gap year—twenty-one years ago. With her wedding just weeks away, Carla sets off across Europe, tracking down her exes from that unforgettable year to prove the fortune wrong. From Spain to Portugal, Italy to France, will one of them be her perfect match? And could a face from Carla’s past help her rewrite her entire family history forever?
I was a little iffy about Carla at first, with her insistence on logic and rules, but she grew on me. I loved her travels, and her bravery in returning to men she had known so long before to see if they were “the one.” Her family was pretty messed up, but I liked their quirkiness. This was a solid, enjoyable read.
Phaedra Patrick is a bestselling author. The Year of What If is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Park Row in exchange for an honest review.)
Title: The Calculation of You and Me
Author: Serena Kaylor
Genre: YA
Rating: 4 out of 5
Marlowe Thompson understands a lot of things. She understands that calculus isn’t overwhelmingly beautiful to everyone, and that it typically kills the mood when you try to talk Python coding over beer pong. She understands people were surprised when golden boy Josh asked her out and she went from weird, math-obsessed Marlowe to half of their school’s couple goals. Unfortunately, Marlowe was surprised when Josh dumped her because he’d prefer a girlfriend who was more romantic. One with emotional depth.
But Marlowe has never failed anything in her life, and she isn’t about to start now. When she’s paired with Ashton Hayes for an English project, his black clothing and moody eyeliner cause a bit of a systems overload, and the dissonant sounds of his rock band make her brain itch. But when she discovers Ash’s hidden stash of love songs, Marlowe makes a desperate deal to unleash her inner romantic heroine: if Ash will agree to help her write some love letters, she’ll calculate the perfect data analytics formula to make Ash’s band go viral.
As the semester heats up with yearning love notes and late nights spent with a boy who escapes any box her brain tries to put him in, Marlowe starts to question if there’s really a set solution to love. Could a girl who has never met a problem she couldn’t solve have gotten the math so massively wrong?
This was a cute read! I really enjoyed Marlow’s POV, and Ash is a great character, too. A teenage boy who reads romances? Totally unbelievable, but awesome. I enjoyed Marlow’s two BFFs, too, but her sister kind of got on my nerves. This ended up being very sweet and fun, and would make a great weekend binge-read.
Serena Kaylor grew up in North Carolina. The Calculation of You and Me is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)
In June, I read 20 books, bringing my total for the year to 108 books. I also DNFed 15 books—yikes! (I think it’s because I was behind on reading, so I was less tolerant and far less likely to keep reading to see if the story picked up). Of those 20 books, three were really excellent.
The Iron Sword, by Julie Kagawa. I’ve been re-reading this entire series since last year, one book a month, and thoroughly enjoyed rediscovering the world and the characters. I’m reading the final book in the series in July, and I’ve never read it, so I’m excited.
The Mountain Between Us, by Charles Martin. This was the last remaining Martin book I hadn’t read—sob—and it was so, so good! He is a master at his craft, and, as always, manages to work the gospel in there between the lines of the fiction. Now I need to watch the movie.
The Rom-Commers, by Katherine Center. I have yet to read a Katherine Center book I didn’t love, and this was no exception. Emma really made me laugh, but so did Charlie. This was a wonderful, fun read.
Title: Heir, Apparently
Author: Kara McDowell
Genre: YA
Rating: 5 out of 5
Freshman year is stressful enough without accidentally being married to the King of England. Of course, Wren Wheeler can’t tell her Northwestern classmates about that; after surviving a narrowly-averted apocalypse over the summer, everyone’s had enough excitement for one lifetime. Wren knows she needs to move on from Theo, but she can’t forget the look in his eyes when he left her on that island in Greece—and also, he took her dog.
When an ill-fated attempt to rescue Comet the Apocalypse Dog turns into a chemistry-fueled reunion with Theo that’s caught by the paparazzi, Wren finds herself under the royal spotlight. Suddenly, she’s a problem for “the firm” to solve, and in order to be protected from the rabid press, she’ll have to fly back to London with Theo. Along for the ride are Naomi and Brooke, as well as Theo’s siblings, including Henry, the brother he’s spent his life being compared to. But because the universe can’t let these two maybe-newlyweds have one conversation in peace, their plane goes down over the Atlantic, crashing on a tropical island in the middle of nowhere.
Stranded with no sign of rescue, the group will have to band together against poisonous animals, catastrophic injuries, a brotherly rivalry, and an ill-timed volcano if they’re going to make it out alive. And, scariest of all, Wren and Theo will have to face their feelings for one another and decide what they want their futures to look like—and if that future will be heartbreak, or happily ever after.
This book was so much fun! Full disclosure: I tried—and failed—to read seven books in a row and ended up DNFing Every. Single. One. That’s definitely a record for me. So, I decided to console myself by reading this. This was the perfect pick-me-up read! It was funny, it was cute, it was romantic…it was perfect!
I loved Wren’s POV of view and voice so much, she captures the confusions and chaos of her life so well. Theo is, of course, super attractive and appealing, despite a few annoying tendencies, and their chemistry is so much fun to read. I loved all the secondary characters, too, even Victoria.
Kara McDowell lives in Mesa, Arizona. Heir, Apparently is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.)
Tomorrow Is Another Day 