First book reviews of the year! Finishing up some Christmas/winter ones and jumping in with a great start. I wanted to get this posted since the interest in Christmas things tends to go away around this time of year. I still have more Christmas books I didn’t get to. Isn’t that how it always goes? Also, not trying to be dramatic….but I think my favorite book of the year is already read. Such a big statement for mid-January isn’t it?
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
This book immediately grabbed my attention, it was such an interesting plot. Phoebe books herself a night in a fancy hotel she once saw in a magazine with plans to commit suicide. When she gets there, she realizes that she is the only guest that isn’t part of a wedding. She befriends the Bride in an elevator and somehow gets roped into the wedding festivities. Because of where Phoebe is in life, she doesn’t hold back and her honesty and snark is so refreshing throughout the book. I LOL’d and gasped so many times and just truly enjoyed this journey. The author was able to take a heavy topic and make it relatable and enjoyable. The characters were all lovely, the pacing was perfect and I just cant stop smiling as I think back on it.
I consumed this book via audiobook, and the narration was fantastic and contributed to my overall enjoyment.
Bottom Line: Read it!!! This will make my favorite book of the year list for sure, which is a strong statement considering it is January!
A Winter Wish by Emily Stone
Emily Stone had become a must read for me each winter after loving Always, In December. Sadly, A Winter Wish isn’t my favorite from her. Before I say anything, I want to say that it wasn’t a bad book and I did enjoy it overall. I loved the idea of a travel company that wanted to create experiences and memories for people while learning different cultures and supporting local establishments in those areas. It was really cool. There was a lot of personal growth in Lexie which I appreciated…but I just didn’t love her in the book so it made it hard to connect. She was a bit immature and flakey. And while I do enjoy a well done enemy to lovers, I didn’t feel that magic spark between Theo and Lexie. Perhaps it was because we didn’t get to know Theo as well as some of the other characters in the book?
Bottom Line: Overall, I enjoyed the storyline. It was well developed, but maybe a bit too long and drug out. The different locations for settings was fun and I loved the travel company. It was well written, just not my favorite from the author.
*I received a copy of A Winter Wish from Netgalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.**
Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst
I am torn on how I want to review this book. There was some decent banter and steamy moments that were enjoyable. But I did find the leading lady a bit immature. I didn’t love how she felt she had to have heartbreak to be able to write. I am not a writer, so maybe I am wrong in thinking there are other ways to get a good book. Also? A club for women who were scorned about Brick? So cringy and weird. I also hated the ending. If you read this, would love to know what you thought about it.
Bottom Line: This one kept me entertained, but had cringy moments and I truly hated the ending.
**I received a copy of Book of the Month from Netgalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.**
The Co-Op by Tara DeWitt
I have mixed feelings on how I want to review this book also. On one hand, I did find the plot entertaining. I do love a good enemies to lovers/second chance romance. There is also a fake marriage thrown in, and while I love that as well, I wasn’t a fan of how it was handled in this book for some reason. It was like it was skimmed over in certain ways, but also not, since it was a big deal to maintaining it look good for Deacon’s mom. The romance in general had a bit of a weird ick factor for me since their grandmothers had a relationship. I know they aren’t in any way related, but still. Weird. I also found LaRynn super immature. This entire book is basically how these two have zero communication skills with each other, adding to the immaturity factor of LaRynn.
It definitely had good moments too. I was entertained throughout. I liked the forced proximity and some of the banter. It had a small town feel, which I always enjoy. The spice factor was up there and I really enjoyed the epilogue.
Bottom Line: Read it
**I received a copy of The Co-Op from Netgalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.**
The Blood Sugar Balance Cookbook by Meredith Mann
I have followed Meredith aka The Peachie Spoon on Instagram for a very long time. She is a local to me, so I love that. Her recipes and information she shares is SO helpful. I love this cookbook. It has amazing recipes that my whole family enjoys and tricks to keep your blood sugar stabilized and feeling your best. I love that each recipe in the book includes nutritional information so you know can tract your carbs, protein, and fat macros. Highly recommend grabbing this!
**I received a copy of The Blood Sugar Balance Cookbook from Netgalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.**
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