Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango, A Review

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Book Description

A moving novel in verse in which a lost dog helps a lonely girl find a way home to her family . . . only for them to find family in each other along the way. From the Newbery Honor Award-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All.

Laura Rodríguez Colón has a plan: no matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. Can you blame her? It’s tough to make friends as the new kid at school. And while staying at her aunt’s house is okay, it just isn’t the same as being in her own space.

So when Laura finds a puppy, it seems like fate. If she can train the puppy to become a therapy dog, then maybe she’ll be allowed to visit her parents. Maybe the dog will help them get better and things will finally go back to the way they should be.

After all, how do you explain to others that you’re technically a foster kid, even though you live with your aunt? And most importantly . . . how do you explain that you’re not where you belong, and you just want to go home?

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Arango has taken a difficult situation and captured it in a way that is beautiful, poignant, heart-wrenching, and authentic. Her writing style, in verse, is accessible to all readers and shines the spotlight on the emotions that Laura, our main character feels.
This book explores foster care, specifically kinship care, in a way that I have not seen. While there are situations that are less than ideal (to sugarcoat it) there are many situations where family members do step up and in to care for children and this is where Arango focuses her exploration of what that entails. I thought she captured Laura's emotions and then the outward expression of those emotions so perfectly. Every adult should read this to gain a glimpse into the hearts and minds of kids when they act in ways we frown on.
I also really appreciated that nobody was demonized in this book. She handled the shortcomings of Laura's parents through a gracious lens. (spoiler: highlight to read)  When Laura recognizes that those around her think she's better off "now" but all she knows is that she loves her parents, they love her and she simply wants to be home --- what a call-out to society and how judgemental we can be Laura's (continued) love for her parents is so obvious and I thought Arango was smart to emphasize that children caught in these situations LOVE their parents and that we (society) should do better to acknowledge that as work is done to help parents and keep kids safe at the same time. (spoiler: highlight to read)
The book ends with a letter from Laura's mom and while I get the hopeful element of that being necessary in a middle grade book, my heart also hurt because I know many kids are still waiting for that little piece of hope. I loved the way Sparrow (the dog) was at first a means to an end for Laura and then became more. I loved how her aunt slowly grew from awkward, not sure how to navigate the situation into an aunt who found ways to show Laura she loved her and she was important to her. They both grew as individuals and as family.

I received a dARC from the publisher via NetGalley; this is my honest review. I loved this book so much, highlighted so many bits that I will add a physical copy to my library.

I received a dARC from the publisher; this is my honest review.

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Windswept Way, a Hope Harbor novel by Irene Hannon, A Review

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Book Description

Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life.

Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn't sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor's isolated property, but her presence is none of his business--until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There's no room in his life--or his heart--for romance.

Yet, as these three hurting people join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate that has known too much sadness, they may also find healing, hope, and happiness for themselves.

Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal and love blooms.

Review

I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

While this book is the ninth in the Hope Harbor series, it can be read as a standalone. This is the only book I've read in the series but the small town cast of characters enhanced the story and it wasn't confusing at all.
Windswept Way is the name of a road along the Pacific coastline that leads to a Victorian mansion that is the home of a recluse and loads of local rumors. Ashley sees the potential of the mansion as an events venue and strikes out to revive the historic home, with help from Jon, a war vet with visible scars that have made him leary of forming connctions in the small community. Ashley is also nursing a broken heart but they each see the kindness and generosity in each other and love blossoms.

I will say that I had a hard time settling into this book. The story premise was fine, the writing is fine it was very slow paced. Maybe I was also short on time. It sat unread about 1/3 of the way in for weeks. But as I came back to it and kept reading, it was okay and I was thinking it would be a two star read for me. It really redeemed itself in the last third of the book which drew me in more than the earlier portions of the book had. The final third of the book is filled with deep insight and I tabbed so many pages! The way Ashley and Jon both addressed their worries over a relationship between them - internally and with each other - was mature and absolutely refreshing. No whiny angst that drug on for pages, no beating around the bush with each other....I had to add a star which I did not see coming!
I certainly plan to pick up more by Irene Hannon and look forward to encountering the people in Hope Harbor again (Charley, the clergy and those seagulls!)

I received a ARC from the publisher; this is my honest review.

I gave this book: ★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

With Every Memory by Janine Rosch, A Review

 

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Book Description

After a tragic accident robs her of the last nine years of memories, Lori Mendenhall comes home to a family completely different than she remembers. As her memory returns and past secrets resurface, it will take all of them to repair what's been broken and find a new future together.

Review

I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Devasting car accidents and the life altering repercussions are one of the scenarios that can stress me out. This book explores how the loss of memory can impact the healing process after such an accident occurs in a family.
I really liked the dual POV's between Lori, the mother and Avery, her daughter. They offer dueling perspectives of their family life as one can't remember and the other can't forget. As the story unfolds and Lori's memory returns, I found my opinions and reactions to the charcters shifting as more is revealed about each one.
I found the marriage relationship between Lori and Michael frought with tension and then Xander and Avery's friendship and budding dating relationship was the exact opposite, there were definitely cheesy moments that had my shaking my head with a grin, while acknowledging that Rosche was capturing the teen experience pretty decently.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the story but was left disappointed by the lack of faith components in the book. Sure, it mentioned going to church --- but that was it. I didn't see any of them reaching out to the Lord for strength, guidance, wisdom or restoration like I would expect in a book from a Christian publisher. This is why I ultimately gave it 4 stars.
I received a copy from the publisher; this is my honest review.

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Second Time Around by Melody Carlson, A Review

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Book Description

Who doesn't love a second chance?

When empty nester Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother's run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon, it seems the only sensible thing to do is to sell it. But when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the property in order to complete his plans to redevelop the funky town's business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property herself.

With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home décor shop called Romancing the Home--all while trying to ignore the depressing and decrepit apartment she's living in on the second floor. When the shop catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer, Mallory is thrilled--until it becomes clear that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well.

She's tempted to abandon her dreams and the town under a cloud of shame. But perhaps there's more to Grayson than meets the eye. Can he swallow his pride, change his plans, and help Mallory romance her own home--and possibly her life?

Review

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

This book is a great slice of life story with a tiny bit of romance thrown in. It's absolutely refreshing because the main character is a mature woman, who has raised her children, built a successful business, and then has an opportunity to take a new path. It is Christian Fiction, although I do think the majority of that was more in the first half of the book, and then not as strong in the second. Carlson explores the idea of second chances in a variety of ways in this book that were authentic and touching.

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Her Fixer Upper by Emily Kerr, A Review

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Book Description

Unable to afford their own homes, two friends decide to buy a renovation house together as a project. What could possibly go wrong…? Freya dreams of owning her own home. Charlie is struggling to get a mortgage. When the two old friends bump into each other on a night out, Charlie jokes that buying together would solve all their problems. He doesn’t expect Freya to say yes, let alone yes to a less-than-perfect fixer upper. Nobody said renovating their dream home would be easy, but will Charlie and Freya fall out of love with the house, or in love with each other… 

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Quite enjoyed this clean rom-com. It was a little (lost) friends to lovers and a little dating of convenience. I really liked the friendship/interactions between Charlie and Freya; they were a great balance for each other. And while there is a HEA, it wasn't all neatly tied up in a picture perfect way - which made this feel very true to life! Life is messy and has set-backs and this couple absolutely has to deal with those.
This book was completely told from Freya's point of view and there were times when I really, ReaLly wished Charlie's perspective had been part of the story too. But that doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the book and I will definitely read more by Emily Kerr.

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels, A Review

 

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Book Description

An Immersive Story of Music, Struggle, and Starting Over from an Award-Winning Author

Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he's not sure he'll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989--as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible--Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels enchants with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs--if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning.

Review

Oh what a gem of a book!

I was drawn to the title of this book and loved the point in the book where it comes together with the story and just makes so much sense. 

I'm not even sure I realized it was a guitar on the cover when I requested it. Beginning the book, it is clear that music is a strong theme in the book. I like music, but I wouldn't say that it is something I think about very much. I am definitely a "it's in the background" sort of listener. 

Beginning the book, I wasn't sure about the protagonist Michael and how I would relate to his story and music. I read the final sentence in chapter 3 and realized that I was hooked and invested in this story.  While it seemed at the moment that romance would be the central theme of the book, it quickly became clear that this is not a romance book. I don't want to give away story elements but this is a beautiful book that explores family, hurt, forgiveness, generosity, and finding oneself.  Love is present, but that's not what the story is about.  

Some other things I liked:

* There is so much music in this book and Bartels does an excellent job of keeping it from being pretentious.

* I loved the quiet faith the Wheelers shared with Michael. As more of his story was revealed, I found their acceptance and inclusion of him into their life inspiring. 

* While Michael and Natalie are young, this is not a New Adult book. Bartels approaches the common experience of passion, goals, drive that is indicative of this era in a thoughtful and realistic manner. 

Bonus touches that added to the enjoyment of reading this book:

1. The cover somehow manages to have raised areas mimicing the guitar strings. I thought the cover was okay - but as I read the book, it became clear that it is PERFECTION for this story. 

2. Instead of chapters, there are tracks along with an A side and a B side, pulling the music theme into the tiniest detail.

3. Somewhere in the first third of this book, I wrote a note to myself at the beginning that the book:  this book needs a playlist. why don't books come with QR codes to things like that? And then I turned the last page, and there were 3 QR codes to music for this book. I can't wait to re-read this book with the music playing along. 

Bravo Erin! I can't imagine this book not being in my top 5 for the year. 

Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of the book to review. These are my honest thoughts.

I gave this book: ★★★★★ 

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green, A Review

 

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Book Description

An impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European Front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they share more in common with each other than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

If you love books that feature books, read this.
If you enjoy historical fiction, read this.
If you are looking for strong female characters, with lots of character development, read this.
If you are want a WWII narrative with a domestic focus, read this.

The Blackout Book Club showcases four women, from different backgrounds and no connection to each other, who form a bond over books and learn the value of community and friendship. Green also includes many bits of life and the domestic war effort that are easily overlooked in World War II.
This will be on my best of the year list, no question.

I received a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley; this is my honest review.

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin, A Review

 

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Book Description

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers in her poor Mexican village. But she can't stay safely over the border in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Assessing the situation, he steps in to rescue Liliana from traffickers. If he can keep his secrets at bay, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

Melissa Koslin throws you right into the middle of the action in this high-stakes thriller that poses the question: What is the price of freedom?

Review

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Wow - what a book!
Captivating story from the very beginning. This book focuses on human trafficking, which gets very little attention in proportion to the major crime problem that it is. I liked how Koslin brought focus to the issue without including graphic detail that would make it difficult for many readers to read. Liliana is a strong character, who really personifies the "I never saw myself as a victim" mentality. Meric is a man with an intense sense of right and wrong and the conviction to seek justice for those who are taken advantage of. Their past experiences with human trafficking - hers, very recent and his rooted in trauma his mother faced - draw them together in a shared vision of doing what they can to help.
It was so sweet how both Liliana and Meric selflessly cared for the other, thinking that they needed to put aside their personal feelings so that they other could heal. They both needed the other to truly see them and to trust them.
I really enjoyed this story - thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review. 

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Summer of Grace by Karen Jones, A Review

 

(book cover via NetGalley)

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Book Description

Ten-year-old Gracie sits on the backyard picnic table, hugging Brown Hound, wiping her nose on the dog’s fur. Her daddy is sending them both to her grandmother for the summer. They are too much for her high-strung mother.

It’s 1951 on the NC family farm when Gracie and Brown Hound meet the family. Great Granny Jane smokes a pipe and is fast with her cane, Miss Emily is loving but firm, and Jane, her cousin of the same age, has a swashbuckler’s heart.

It is wild and heady freedom, far from her mother’s scorn and her father’s indifference. The girls hunt for ancient graves, sneak visits the conjure woman, fight, make up, and sleep in the same bed, tangled like puppies.

But there is also Marcell, the solitary woman who keeps the house. Her dark skin shines but not her eyes; her history is mysteriously entwined with the family, and for some inexplicable reason she hates dogs. Gracie and Jane must fix this before Brown Hound gets sent away.

Can the girls unearth Marcell’s secrets? Why must they find a missing grave? And what time-worn promise exposed will reveal the family’s hidden past?

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

I loved the title of this book: The Summer of Grace. So much could be explored within that.  It is listed on NetGalley in General/Women's Fiction as well as Teen & YA - which had me intrigued.  

The writing structure "feels" middle grade to me but doesn't feel childish.  All I know is I enjoyed it very much and was curious to see what else the author wrote; I look forward to seeing future works from her in this same vein.

Grace is a young girl who is ignored largely by her mother and scolded when she garners her mother's attention. She is sent to her grandmother's farm for the summer to give her mother a "rest".   She is apprehensive but thrives in the simple country setting and loving guidance of not only her grandmother but other extended family as well.  

This book also explores the impact of segregation, lynchings and racism through Marcell's storyline.  While the girls were originally motivated to help Marcell for selfish reasons, they begin to understand her as they uncover the past one secret at a time.  

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it