tessa_talks_books's reviews
1121 reviews

Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen

4.0

At times, we all crave a story that wraps us in a comforting embrace. Seven Summer Weekends is precisely that kind of narrative. It exudes warmth and comfort in every aspect, leaving me with a sense of tranquility.

The aspect that deeply resonated with me was the emotional journey of Addison and her aunt.  As Gicky grapples with her diagnosed illness, she sets up a series of heartwarming experiences for Addison to learn about and remember her after her passing.  The visits each weekend from friends of her aunt, the beach house and all it contained, and the neighbors who all knew and loved Gicky - all wove together to create a rich tapestry of relatable and authentic emotions.

The setting of Seven Summer Weekends is a true paradise. A beach house  brimming with cherished memories and love, nestled in a picturesque and artistic beach town—it's a setting that sparks the imagination. The place's self-sufficiency adds a layer of inspiration, making me yearn for a similar retreat. From the first page to the last, the setting serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

The romance in Seven Summer Weekends is a journey of growth and understanding. While I initially craved more of an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, their relationship evolves into something more profound. They meet each other's needs and work well together. Some miscommunication goes on and some baggage to overcome, but these challenges strengthen their bond. By the end, their relationship is not just nice but thoroughly heartwarming, leaving n with a sense of satisfaction and warmth.

If you are looking for a warm-hug type of story, Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen is the book you should pick up today.

Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb

4.0

Bird watching and romance? Definitely! But you do not need to be a bird enthusiast to enjoy this book. The author cleverly weaves in the hobby of birding, using it as an impetus for the characters' journeys and the beauty they discover in unexpected places. I know little about birds, but that did not impede my reading enjoyment. It made me want to take a moment and notice the beauty of nature in my everyday surroundings. 

One of the most endearing aspects of this book is the relatability of the characters' transitional periods. Life is full of unexpected changes, and the author skillfully captures these moments - from navigating the complexities of single life in your 40s, to the joys and challenges of new motherhood, to the daunting task of career change in your 40s, and even the bittersweet transition of a teen's senior year and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

The first half of this book may have been a bit slow, but it was merely setting the stage for the unexpected turn of events. Once the flirting and the romance kicked in, the pace picks up and the story becomes unexpectedly spicy - quite a surprise! The romance between Celeste and John was a slow burn, but their chemistry was undeniable, drawing you in with their opposites attract dynamic. 

This was a great debut, and I recommend it if you love - well - love! The author's writing style is engaging and the narrative approach is a mix of introspection and dialogue, which adds depth to the characters and their relationships. 

Mind Games by Nora Roberts

3.75

Mind Games by Nora Roberts is not just another thriller. It's a unique blend of paranormal, serial-killer thriller, romance, and coming-of-age plot threads. The coming-of-age element is particularly significant as it follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and empowerment, adding depth to the overall narrative. All these threads are woven into a complex and mysterious story that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I loved the paranormal aspects. They reminded me of a paranormal ability that Terry Goodkind wrote about in his thriller duology, starting with The Girl in the Moon. It's chilling and creepy, and it held my attention thoroughly. It also provided all of the tension in the story, which kept the pace up.

The romance in 'Mind Games' blooms in the middle section, radiating a lovely and heartwarming aura.  The tension, though slightly contrived, is balanced by the endearing chemistry between Thea and Ty.  The family story and the emphasis on roots,  particularly in the spiritual context of Appalachia, foster a sense of connection and love that resonated deeply with me.

Overall, this is a creepy and entertaining read.

When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips

4.0

Before writing this review, I had to sit with my thoughts about When We Were Silent for a few days.  Make no doubt about it - this is one incredibly tough read. It delves into topics such as societal silence in the face of injustice, the psychological impact of trauma, and the struggle for personal identity in a hostile environment. Still, it is also very eye-opening and thought-provoking on these topics we don't want to think about but need to.  It is frighteningly impactful, authentically illuminating, and handled with so much skill that it's hard to believe this is a debut book.

My encounter with this narrative was a fortunate blend of reading and listening.  India Mullen's portrayal of Lou, the first-person narrator, was nothing short of atmospheric, drawing me deeper into the story and holding my attention.  The subtlety of her delivery, mirroring the shifts in timelines and focus, was a testament to the authenticity of the character's voice, making me feel like I was being personally confided in.

Events in the current day have propelled Lou back to her past, forcing her to relive a story that tragically defined her for the rest of her life.  She's dealing with a world that refuses to listen to her, despite her repeated attempts to be heard and seen.  Her journey takes her through a series of heart-wrenching experiences, but as the tale unfolds and the mystery from the past is exposed, it reveals a life-altering truth that shook me to my core.

As I've already emphasized, this is not always an easy story to read or listen to, but its message is incredibly important. It's a message that needs to be heard, understood, and acted upon.  So important, that the power of the last sentence-a sentence that encapsulates the entire journey of the protagonist and leaves a lasting impression-still gives me chills.

Attached At The Hip by Christine Riccio

4.0

 Attached at the Hip by Christine Riccio is a delightful romcom, set in a reality competition game reminiscent of Survivor, but with a unique speed dating-type vibe. It's a perfect blend of romance and comedy that kept me entertained from start to finish.

Orie Lenox is an AcroYoga Influencer with her sister Lark, who keeps getting increasingly frustrated because Orie cannot make any decisions independently.  She doesn't even live independently, choosing to live in her parent's basement.  Orie doesn't love her boyfriend, who she's been with since she was a teen, but she can't even decide to end that relationship.  When things spiral out of control, Orie sends her try-out tape to Survivor to prove that she can act independently. And the rest is just pure entertainment.

The story, while engaging, could have benefited from some trimming. The detailed narrative, while adding depth, at times felt excessive, making the reading experience a bit lengthy.

But it is so much fun! The relationships are messy.  The challenges are compelling.  The strategies are inherently flawed. And even the bad guys are charming.  So, so messy! And I loved that!

Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins

5.0

 Prepare to embark on an emotional roller coaster with Kristan Higgins's Look on the Bright Side. This book had me laughing, crying, and loving, a testament to its ability to deeply engage and captivate. The characters and the unique blend of a tragic love story and a traditional fake dating rom-com create a narrative that is both complex and emotionally rich, leaving a lasting impression that I won't soon forget.

When the meanest doctor in the hospital asks Lark to be his fake girlfriend for family events (including a wedding) over the summer), Lark couldn't imagine anything worse.  But with the promise of introductions she needed to secure an oncology position, she didn't feel she could say no. This begins the romcom story thread in a tale encompassing four different story threads and three different amazing women.  Needless to say, it's complex and multi-faceted, and I loved all of it!

Usually, this is the portion of the review where I tell you about my favorite aspects, but in Look on the Bright Side, all aspects are my favorite. It takes on so much and delivers even more. I couldn't tear myself away from the book and never once wanted to. The characters are fascinating, even the mean doctor nicknamed Dr. Satan. They are all complex and well-developed, with intricate layers that make them as real as someone I can reach out and touch.

Look on the Bright Side is perfection—a story that will evoke all of your emotions and leave you satisfied. 

Swiped by L.M. Chilton

4.0

 Swiped by L.M. Chilton is a uniquely captivating narrative, blending the contemporary world of dating apps with the chilling suspense of a serial killer thriller.  This fusion serves as a compelling mirror to our society, keeping the reader engrossed in its twists and turns.

Gwen Turner, a frequent dating app user, finds herself on a series of disastrous dates. Each one is worse than the last, so she blocks every guy after just one date.  However, when these men start turning up dead, Gwen is the only one who realizes that someone is targeting her past dates, staging their deaths at the locations of their disastrous encounters.

The story swiftly alternates between Gwen's disastrous dates and the unfolding murder mystery. This unexpected blend of genres is truly captivating. The fast pace, characteristic of a serial killer story, keeps the reader engaged. The unreliability of Gwen's narration, like the cherry on top of a dessert, adds to the mystery, making it even more puzzling.

Swiped is the perfect blend of genres that entertained and delighted me. 

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

5.0

 

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is not just a rom-com about writing rom-coms. It's a deeply emotional and character-driven story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately, feel completely satisfied. The emotional journey of the characters, the twists and turns of the plot, and the satisfying conclusion all contribute to a story that left a lasting impression on me.

The emotional depth of 'The Rom-Commers' is what truly sets it apart. It's not just a light and fluffy rom-com; it’s a story that took me on a profound emotional journey, leaving a lasting impression on on my heart and mind.

The characters in The Rom-Commers brought me great joy - alone and together.  Emma, a talented writer, has put her career on hold to care for her father, who was in an accident and then diagnosed with a disorder that requires around-the-clock care. Her decision to work with a famous screenwriter, Charlie Yates, is driven by her passion for writing and the push that she gets from her father and sister, who insist everything will be fine in her absence.  Conversely, Charlie is a grumpy and renowned screenwriter who is initially resistant to the idea of writing a rom-com, a genre that’s clearly outside his comfort zone.  However, their collaboration proves to be pure magic,  with each complementing the other’s strengths and weaknesses.

The Rom-Commers is a full-bodied romantic comedy that brought me immense joy and left me emotionally spent. The story, the characters, and the emotional depth of the book all combined to create a reading experience that I can't wait for others to enjoy.

 

In Our Stars by Jack Campbell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.

It’s just not the book for me. The characters or story don’t have anything to connect to. It lost me with the whole alien versus human debate early in the story.

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

5.0

 I read/listened to The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean and found myself thoroughly riveted by both formats.  This is a story about Ellie Black, who disappeared two years ago and just as mysteriously returned, at the books opening, to her hometown.  As Detective Chelsey Calhoun, haunted by disappearance and death of her sister 20 years ago, delves into Ellie's case, she uncovers a web of secrets and personal demons.  The story is a gripping exploration of the human psyche and the lengths we go to protect others.

I loved the unique aspect of the audio version, which featured an ensemble cast of narrators.  Each narrator voiced a different character, bringing them to life in a way that I found it easy to believe.  This added a dynamic element to the storytelling and made it easy to follow and enjoy.

I loved the atmosphere and suspense. It was perfection.  The setting of Washington State, with its dense wooded areas, plays a significant role in the story. It adds a layer of mystery and isolation, creating an environment that is both beautiful and eerie. This setting is a perfect backdrop for a story like this, and it actually gives it an air of authenticity that makes plausible deniability easy.

I also loved the characters.  They are not just names on a page, but complex, layered individuals, authentically damaged from past events.  For instance, Chelsey, the protagonist, is not just a detective but a woman with a troubled past.  Her marriage, which is not just a side plot but a significant part of the story, adds so many more layers to the narrative than it would have had otherwise.

What truly captivated me in The Return of Ellie Black was the mix of mental health disorders and challenges that would naturally arise from a long-term abduction and genuinely shocking twists and turns.  The psychology of the story lulled me into a false sense of security, making me think I knew what was coming. But the events managed to floor me on more than one occasion, leaving me in awe of the author's storytelling prowess.