Quick Review: Tessa & Weston: The Best Christmas Ever, by Abbie Emmons
Quick Review: The Fiction Writer, by Jillian Cantor
A quick reminder: Support Authors!
Well, that did not take long! Olivia Sparrow, author of Secret of the Sassafras, saw my review after I mentioned her on TikTok and she responded. To say this made me happy is an understatement. I love supporting authors! Since becoming a beta reader I have really learned a lot about the amount of work that goes into writing a story and getting a book out into the world. Especially for a debut author!
So be sure to write reviews for those books you read! Leave them on Goodreads, Amazon, and whatever social media platform you prefer. The best way to motivate your favorite authors to keep writing books that you love is by sharing feedback.
Happy reading! (And reviewing!)
Secret of the Sassafras, by Olivia Sparrow
I’ve said it before, some books just show up in your life at the right time. Such is the case with Secret of the Sassafras, by Olivia Sparrow, a debut novel I only learned of two days ago.
I discovered this book and its author on TikTok as I’ve tried to (cautiously) enhance my social media presence this past week. In doing so, I saw a clip of someone lauding this book and saying she wished more people knew about it. I was curious about the plot, the title and gorgeous cover grabbed my attention, so I decided to push it to the top of my reading list.
The book is, in a word, lovely. The story of “twinless twin,” Gemma Ellsworth, it takes us on an emotional journey of loss, healing, friendship, forgiveness, and learning to trust in love and happiness once more. It is one of those stories with a quiet power, one you do not realize while you’re reading it, but feel deeply as everything weaves together in its conclusion.
If I had one criticism to make, I would say that the ending is a bit abrupt and left me wanting more. But, perhaps, that is what the author wanted and she is setting us up for a sequel. Whether or not that is true and, despite the abrupt ending, this is a story worth reading. It will leave you with a warm blanket wrapped around your heart and a desire to tell the most important people in your life how much you love them.
An excellent book and an impressive debut.
9/10 Stars
(Available on Hoopla and on Amazon)
100 Days of Sunlight, by Abbie Emmons
One of the great things about having bookish friends spread out across the country (and world) is that everyone’s different life experiences direct them to different kinds of books. Case in point, my friend, Kristy Whilden, a d/Deaf author who owns and operates the Hands Up Silent Theatre in New Jersey. She gravitates towards books with main characters who are “differently abled,” and was the person who led me to the amazing book The Butterfly Girl a few months ago (which I regret to admit does not have a review on this site.) Recently, Kristy posted a new list of books she’s read with differently abled characters. 100 Days of Sunlight was on it.
We begin by witnessing a horrific drunk driving accident that leaves 16 year old Tessa Dickinson with cortical blindness, a supposed temporary condition that should correct itself when swelling in her brain is reduced. But, there are weeks of darkness ahead and Tessa is a young poet whose prose focuses very much on visual imagery. To say that the rug has been pulled out from under her is an understatement.
When her grandfather places an ad in the local paper for a teenage typist to help Tessa, she is livid, and demands he cancel it. He does, but not before it is noticed by Will Ludovico, the 16 year old son of the newspaper’s owner. Will has had his own physical challenges, but his confidence and optimism make him certain that he can help Tessa adjust and find joy, despite her situation.
Much of the story is a push-and-pull between Will’s determination and Tessa’s frustration. But these are kind, smart, good-hearted young people. They are at an age where they are still learning about life, attraction, and the meaning of true beauty and love. Any reader with a sensitive soul will adore these two main characters. And, like many of the best stories, find some personal messages to take away and apply to their own lives. I know I did.
I highly, highly recommend 100 Days of Sunlight. It is perfect for this season that emphasizes gratitude and for anyone who is looking for renewed hope in friendship and goodness towards others.
A very worthy 10/10 stars!
Scan and follow!
Quick Review: The Unmaking of June Farrow, by Adrienne Young
Quick Review: Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
Quick Review: Saving Grayson, by Chris Fabry
Quick Review: Christmas Spark, by Cindy Steel
I’m trying something new here! Introducing “Quick Reviews,” a brand new category with my blog and Goodreads ratings of certain books. The purpose is to be able to document books here without feeling the pressure of writing lengthy reviews each time. Usually, but not always, they will be books that made less of an impression on me. But sometimes they will just be time savers. Here’s the first one!
Two Historical Romances by Emma Melbourne…
Riding on the heels of the previous rom-com post, a well-written historical romance requires a lot of the same balance of great characters, banter, plot, and pacing. Here are two that succeed. They’re fun, they’re clean, and I found a new author. A win x 3! The stories work in tandem, so read them together and read them in order.
Miss Fleming Falls in Love and The Mysterious Mr. Oliver, by Emma Melbourne, were two of my favorite reads last month.
Miss Fleming Falls in Love: We begin with Miss Amelia Fleming, a spirited young woman who is trying to settle her father’s gambling debts after his death. Desperate, she visits the Earl of Langley, who won a fortune from the family estate. Again and again, Amelia offers different solutions to pay back what is owed, never quite knowing the exact amount. Again and again, Langley steers the conversation away from money and into a battle of wits. Like two magnets, these characters attract and repel each other repeatedly. Every meeting is full of clever dialogue and prideful rebuffs. I enjoyed this book immensely! 9.5/10 Stars
The Mysterious Mr. Oliver picks up soon after Miss Fleming ends. This time we are entertained by Amelia’s beautiful younger sister, Isabelle and land agent, Mr. Oliver. While visiting her sister at Stonecroft, a country estate, Isabelle looks for a quiet setting to write a book. In doing so, she intrudes upon Mr. Oliver’s work cottage, prompting a rocky beginning to their relationship. But, feelings cannot be denied. Isabelle is tenacious and Oliver has a secret. Like its predecessor, this book is a wonderful read with well-developed characters that are a joy to know. 9/10 Stars
The Bookish Collective
I tried, I really tried. Is it readable?
This, my friends, is The Bookish Collective, assembled by the fabulous Patty Noonan. She is the admin for LiterALLy BOOKiSh, an extremely fun, creative, supportive book group on Facebook. So pick your poison. Do you prefer FB groups? FB book sales? Instagram? Storygraph? (Haven’t tried that one yet, but people love it.) Pango? Blogs? (Shoutout to this blog–see it?) There is a potpourri of options.
The possibilities are endless and so are the book choices! Each one has their primary focus so, if you go exploring, you are bound to find something you enjoy.
Happy Reading!
Readwithkristie.com 