“Letting Go of Yesterday” by Jo Bartlett
Jo Bartlett is one of my favorite authors so I was excited to see she’s started a new series! (Although The Cornish Country Hospital is…
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figuring out who you are
“Like Cats & Dogs” by Lizzie Shane
5 stars. “Like Cats & Dogs” is a great addition to the Pine Hollow series. Readers finally get to learn more about the feud between Mac and Magda that is hinted at in the other books. While reading I thought I foresaw a plot twist but the story played out differently. It was in a good way though! This is a perfect book for fans of the Pine Hollow series, those who love a good an enemies to lovers trope, and of course baking.
“The Break-Up Pact” by Emma Lord
4 out of 5 stars. I’ve read a few of Emma Lord’s previous novels and “The Break-Up Pact” seems to delve into more complex and heavy issues. On the surface, it seems like the novel is going to focus on the fake dating story but it’s much more more than that. Yes, there are some funny rom-com type moments but it’s also about learning to live with grief, changed or different expectations and more. It’s about learning to respect yourself enough to not be pushed around by others or compromise how you want to live your life. The writing was easy to follow and relatable; I’d recommend this to my friends!
“The Last Days of You and Me” by Debbie Howells
5 out 5 stars. “The Last Days of You and Me” by Debbie Howells is a heart-wrenching novel featuring a cast of interconnected characters. Each character is going through their own journey related to loss and grief. They each are learning and reflecting about the meaning of life. It highlights the universal need for friendship and love. It makes you think about what is important to you, the reader. I really enjoyed it and hope to read more by this author.
“The Second Chance Year” by Melissa Wiesner
5/5 Stars. The Second Chance Year is an absolute 5 star read. It’s got so many things going for it. Sadie, the main character, is someone that so many people could relate to. Whether you’re a woman dealing with sexism and/or sexual harassment or a person dealing with any other kind of “ism”. Or, someone wishing they could go back and change just the past because they think if only this was different everything would be perfect. Or maybe you’re trying to figure out what your dreams are and accept that not everyone may understand or even approve. The Second Chance Year by Melissa Wisener is all about learning to be true to yourself and living for the life you have instead of living in the past.
“Postcards From Summer” by Cynthia Platt
5 out of 5 stars. Postcards from Summer by Cynthia Platt is a young adult novel filled with many relatable themes: grief, first love, the innocence of youth, figuring out who you are, navigating family expectations, and the realization that the adults in your life aren’t perfect. The novel is written from the points of view of a mother and daughter when they are both around age 17. In the present, Lexie has always had questions about her mom who passed away when she was a little girl. Her father doesn’t like to talk about her so Lexie has always felt the ache of sadness and curiosity about her. Then, out of the blue Lexie receives a package from the nursing home where her estranged grandmother had been living until her recent passing. Inside, Lexie finds a mosaic chest filled with mementos from her mom’s teenage years. This is how we learn more about Emma’s summers living in scenic Mackinac Island, Michigan. Lexie decides to test the waters of defiance and independence by secretly going to the island in the hopes of learning about her Mom’s past. Throughout this trip Lexie is confronted with more questions than answers… Throughout the novel the reader slowly learns the answers to these questions (as does Lexie, eventually). I found myself anxiously reading chapter after chapter to figure out the answers to these questions. I found some of the characters frustrating at times but one of the highlights of the novel is the character development/growth.. I really enjoyed this novel and give 5 stars.