My review of A Guide to Being Just Friends

Title: A Guide to Being Just Friends 
Author: Sophie Sullivan
Published On: January 17, 2023
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source: Digital (NetGalley)
Pages: 336

Synopsis:

Hailey Sharp has a one-track mind. Get By the Cup salad shop off the ground. Do literally everything possible to make it a success. Repeat. With a head full of entrepreneurial ideas and a bad ex in her rearview, her one and only focus are living life the way she wants to. No distractions.

Wes Jansen never did understand the fuss about relationships. With a string of lackluster first dates and the pain from his parents’ angry divorce following him around, he’d much rather find someone who he likes but won’t love. Companionship, not passion, is the name of the game.

When Hailey and Wes find each other in a disastrous meet cute that wasn’t even intended for them, they embarrassingly go their separate ways. But when Wes finds Hailey to apologize for his behavior, they strike a friendship. Because that’s all this can be. Hailey doesn’t want any distractions. Wes doesn’t want to fall in love.

What could possibly go wrong?

Welcome to day 5 of my review spree.  Today I am excited to share this upcoming release with you all.  I was granted early access to A Guide to Being Just Friends which will be released in January of 2023.  I started this book on July 20th and for some reason, it was taking me a long time to get through some of the beginning chapters.  It wasn't that I wasn't enjoying it but it seemed like the progression was taking some time.  I finished on the 27th and oh my goodness, I can not even begin how shattered my heart became in the last few chapters.  I realized that the slow progression of the story was actually allowing me time to become connected with these characters without knowing it.  Needless to say, the tears were flowing, but I really am a hopeless romantic, corny sap!  I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to checking out the 2 previous stories in this series.  Each book focuses solely on each of the 3 Jansen brothers (Noah, Chris, and Wes)

My Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow! This was a great read. I didn't realize that this was a part of a series, but I would say that it did not affect this story at all. This could definitely be a stand-alone. I love the character progression throughout. The story started, with what I thought to be very predictable, but I was pleasantly surprised with the twists that the plot took. There were times I thought I knew what was going to happen and I was wrong. I really liked that because it made me want to continue to read to see what was going to happen next. I'm kind of sad to know that this was the last in the Jansen brother series but I am so excited to go back and read the other two. I really felt true emotions for these characters as they were exploring new friendships or maybe more. I have to admit, the last few chapters really tugged on the heartstrings and I was not sure how this story was going to end. Tears were shed because I felt my heart shattering for this character because I felt like I knew them personally. I really love when a book can draw the reader in like that. I didn't realize how connected I felt until the tears were rolling. I think Sophie Sullivan is super talented with her words and I am pleased to say that she has a new fan. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the opportunity to read an ARC of this upcoming story! 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound 

So are you interested in checking out Sophie's other books before this one comes out, check them out below! (click each cover to take you to the Goodreads page for each one)  Let me know if you check them out!  I will be reading both, so definitely look out for those reviews to come!

Have an amazing Sunday!  Keep an eye out for my next review coming soon!  Currently working on 2 more books.  I am so happy to be back in the book world and I am so thankful for NetGalley and Publishers for allowing me access to these amazing books to help keep this fire going!

Leah❤

My review of 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humorous Memoir

Title: 28 Diasatrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humorous Memoir
Author: Poppy Mortimer
Published On: May 10, 2022
Publisher: Poppy Mortimer 
Source: Digital (NetGalley)
Pages: 322

Synopsis:
Poppy Mortimer is hungry for love. Will she find The One, or lose her appetite for men, forever?
Smart, attractive, and fueled by wide-eyed optimism, Poppy Mortimer leaves rainy England to start a new life and find the perfect man-in exotic Australia. Surely somewhere out there, a Chris Hemsworth impersonator is just waiting to whisk her off her feet and show her the real charms of 'Down Under'.
But as Poppy launches into 28 dates, ranging from the outright hysterical to borderline traumatic, it becomes clear she's going to have to kiss a few frogs-assuming she doesn't croak first. From the seven-foot giant with a disturbing workout practice to the exclusive party that turns out to be a lot more than just cocktails and canapes, Poppy starts to wonder if she should sue Disney for giving her false hope.
With gusto, humor, and a lot of heart, Poppy digs deep into her past as a child of divorce, and her ongoing journey as a modern woman and devoted romantic. Through laughter, tears, and characters that are truly stranger than fiction, Poppy won't stop until she finds true love-or something even greater.
Fans of Bridget Jones's Diary and Sex and the City (or any person who wants to feel better about their own dating life) will love this book.

Happy Saturday and welcome to day 4 of my review spree.  This one, I cannot even begin.  I got access through NetGalley and began reading on July 21.  As I started the 1st chapter, I knew I was going to love this book.  I literally started laughing out loud from her descriptions of her oh-so-exciting dating experiences.  I could not get enough as I was reading through each date and seeing where poor Poppy was going to end up next.  I am pleased to say that I have been added to the list to review any upcoming books and I couldn't be more excited.  I literally started telling everyone I knew that they needed to read this book.  Absolutely hilarious and honestly one of the only books that made me laugh out loud as I was reading!  Poppy is a gem for sure!

  My Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

These dates had me literally laughing out loud.  I am very familiar with the online dating scene in which some of these stories begin.  I can not imagine how Poppy is still around to be able to tell these stories.  I mean I am very happy that she is but she definitely got herself into some interesting situations. Poppy's writing style is so relatable and made me feel like I was chatting with a friend. I really enjoyed this read and I couldn't put it down. I really liked the "What I learned" section of each date.  I liked how she shared the humorous side that she was now able to see from these outrageous dates but was able to share important words of wisdom to her readers. Very descriptive and I felt like I was on a date with her! Awesome read and will definitely recommend it!!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |  Indiebound

So if you are looking for a humorous emotion-filled story, make sure to add 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humorous Memoir to your TBR.  In the comments below, please share any disastrous dates you may have had!  I'd love to see what others have experienced!!

Have a wonderful Saturday and I will see you tomorrow for my review of A Guide to Being Just Friends by Sophie Sullivan.

Leah❤

 

My review of Long Story Short

 

Title: Long Story Short
Author: Serena Kaylor
Published On: July 26, 2022
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: Digital (NetGalley)
Pages: 320

Synopsis:
Growing up homeschooled in Berkeley, California, Beatrice Quinn is a statistical genius who has dreamed her whole life of discovering new mathematical challenges at a school like Oxford University. She always thought the hardest part would be getting in, not convincing her parents to let her go. But while math has always made sense to Beatrice, making friends is a problem she hasn’t been able to solve, so her parents are worried about sending her halfway across the world. The compromise: the Connecticut Shakespearean Summer Academy and a detailed list of teenage milestones to check off. She has six weeks to show her parents she can pull off the role of a "normal" teenager and won't spend the rest of her life hiding in a library.

Unfortunately, hearts and hormones don't follow any rules, and there is no equation for teenage interactions. When she's adopted by a group of eclectic theater kids, and immediately makes an enemy of the popular—and, annoyingly gorgeous—British son of the camp founders, she realizes that relationships are trickier than calculus. With her future on the line, this girl genius stumbles through illicit parties, double dog dares, and more than your fair share of Shakespeare. But before the final curtain falls, will Beatrice realize that there’s more to life than she can find in the pages of a book?

In this sparkling debut from Serena Kaylor, Long Story Short is a YA rom-com about a homeschooled math genius who finds herself out of her element at a theater summer camp and learns that life—and love—can’t be lived by the (text)book.

Welcome to Day 3 of my Review Spree!  Another NetGalley book here.  This book's description and cover really caught my attention.  I know, never judge a book by its cover, but there is something about a good cover that draws me in.  This just filled me with that butterfly in your stomach feeling.  This looked like something that would make me feel good.  I definitely wasn't wrong.  I guess I am a good judge.  Ok, ok...Leah, calm down.  However, I was very excited to read this one and I was also happy to know that it had not been released yet to the public.  Reading an advanced copy of a book is just so exciting to me.  It's like a secret club that only the coolest kids get invited to.  I mean it isn't wrong!!  Only the cool kids are reading all the best books these days!!  I started reading this one on July 16th and finished on the 20th.  Long Story Short was published this past Tuesday the 26th. I am definitely going to be keeping an eye out for more from Serena in the future!! 

  

My Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Omg!! I absolutely loved this story. Beatrice has to be the best character ever.  A genuine self-evolution story with an enemies-to-lovers twist. I could not stop smiling throughout each page and also feel everything she felt.  I was the awkward, "smart" girl growing up, so I was definitely there in her social interactions.  However, I feel like she was much more outgoing than I could ever be, lol.  I loved the way the story progressed and the rest of the characters were just spot on.  I loved the inclusiveness and diversity of personalities used.  Kudos to you!   The way that they all come together and interact is so genuine and very sweet.  The perfect sprinkle of outgoing characters to find as friends, enemies, and love interests. Fantastic read!!  Not to mention, the story takes place at a theater camp.  Umm, yes, please!  I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a feel-good read. To me, this story contained relatable situations and real emotions that arise throughout.  Very much enjoyed this read!!  I am looking forward to seeing if Serena will continue on this story.  Do not want to have any spoilers, but I really need to know what happens next!!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |  Indiebound 

So where are my theater geeks at?  Tell me if you could attend a theater camp, what play would you want to be a part of and who would you want to play?  I'm pretty sure if you know me, you would know I would 100% be a part of Hamilton. I would want to play Angelica!  Let me know in the comments below and then add Long Story Short to your TBR ASAP!!

Have a fantastic day and I will see you tomorrow with my review for 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir by Poppy Mortimer.  You definitely do not want to miss this one!! 

Leah❤

My Review of The Hotel Nantucket

Title: The Hotel Nantucket 
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Published On: June 14, 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company 
Source: Digital (NetGalley)
Pages: 368

Synopsis:

After a tragic fire in 1922 that killed 19-year-old chambermaid, Grace Hadley, The Hotel Nantucket descended from a gilded age gem to a mediocre budget-friendly lodge to inevitably an abandoned eyesore — until it's purchased and renovated top to bottom by London billionaire, Xavier Darling.  Xavier hires Nantucket's sweetheart Lizbet Keaton as his general manager, and Lizbet, in turn, pulls together a charismatic, if inexperienced, staff who shares the vision of turning the fate of the hotel around. They face challenges in getting along with one another (and with the guests), overcoming the hotel's bad reputation, and surviving the (mostly) harmless shenanigans of Grace Hadley herself — who won't stop haunting the hotel until her murder is acknowledged.

Filled with the emotional tension and multiple points of view that characterize Elin's books (The Blue Bistro, Golden Girl) as well as an added touch of historical reality, Hotel Nantucket offers something for everyone in this summer drama for the ages.

Let's continue this review spree with the next book that I received access to on NetGalley.  I had heard this book mentioned by so many people as being a great beach/summer read.  Well, I am a teacher on summer break, so I thought why not request.  I was pleasantly surprised when they accepted my request since it had been a while since I was really active with reviews.  I started this book on July 13th but I only made it through the 1st chapter and thought, I don't know if this book is for me.  I went on a day trip to the Zoo the next day, so I forgot all about it.  Finally, on Friday, July 15th, I picked up the book again and thought I better give it another shot.  I am so glad that I did because 8 hrs later, I had finished this book and was craving more.  I searched Elin Hilderbrand and saw she had so many other stories to read and I was so excited.  So I hopped onto Thiftbook.com and ordered a few.  So expect those reviews to follow later on this year.

My Thoughts 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What an awesome story! Not my usual book to pick up and I was presently surprised. Loved the character progression and the way each chapter had me searching for more. It was definitely a book I didn't want to put down. The easy-flowing storyline with twists and turns is not as predictable as one may think. I'm interested in reading more from Elin Hilderbrand now!  I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a story that is going to keep you guessing and having each chapter sucks you in more and more to learn what will we find out next.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound 

Let me know if you have read or are interested in reading The Hotel Nantucket down in the comments.  I will love to chat about the book with someone!

Have an amazing day and I will see you tomorrow with my review for Long Story Short by Serena Kaylor!

Leah❤

My Review of What If Love Is The Point?: Living for Jesus in a Self-Consumed World

Title: What If Love Is The Point?: Living for Jesus in a Self-Consumed World

Author: Carlos & Alexa PenaVega

Published On: June 28, 2022

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Source: Digital (Netgalley)

Pages: 240

Synopsis: Overflowing with both laughter and honest reflections, What If Love Is The Point? shared Carlos and Alexa PenaVegas' incredible story - from the red carpet, Spy Kids movies, and Big Time Rush to Dancing with the Stars to marriage and now parenthood.

Let's start my week of reviews with the book that ignited that fire inside me to find what makes me happy.  I was chosen as a member of the launch team for this amazing book. *Cue Excited Happy Dance Here* I was granted access to the title through NetGalley.  I began reading this book on my Kindle on July 7th and I just could not put it down.  Since I did have to sleep, BORING, I finished the book the next morning.  I was pleasantly surprised with how this book made me feel and how it encouraged me to seek changes in my own life.

My Thoughts

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow! This book was incredible. The real, raw truths that both Lex and Los shared really spoke to me and encouraged me to listen to their words. I'm in a season of my life where I feel like things are good and spiraling out of control all at the same time. I love that they share the "simple" things that they do daily to listen to and follow your creator. I couldn't put this book down and it really made me think and ask myself questions. I felt real emotion while reading. Some parts made me laugh, while others tugged on my heartstrings. I also liked reading from both prospective and getting to see a situation from every angle. I appreciate them sharing this story with the world. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for more out of life and love and want to see that living and following your spiritual word is really the true guidance you need!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound 

Have you read What If Love Is The Point?  Will you be adding it to your TBR?  Let me know in the comments!

Have an amazing day and I will see you tomorrow with my review for The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand!

Leah❤

Books I have read for the month of July

So since I have gotten back into reading recently, I wanted to share with you all what books I have read so far.  I am on a 12-day streak and I have completed 4 books and I am currently working on 2 more.  I want to have all 6 finished by the end of July.  Over the course of this week, I will be sharing my reviews of each of these titles and where you can get your own copies!

Please also share any recommendations that you think I would be interested in reading.  I will also be open to reviewing stories for authors, so make sure to reach out if you are interested!  Thank you so much and enjoy!