Tittle           : A Refuge Assured

Author        : Jocelyn Green

Pub Date    : February 06, 2018

Pages          : 413

My Rating   : ★★★

The Summary

Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never thought that her line of work may endanger her life. However, in revolutionary France, forcing the nobility and those linked with them to the guillotine is a death sentence. Vivienne runs away to Philadelphia but discovers that the same dangers are present in the French Quarter, where enthusiasts for the revolution are threatening the life of a small boy who has been entrusted in her care and who some believe to be the Dauphin. Can Azilum, a French settlement, provide long-term safety?

Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new administration has enacted a repressive tax that affects his family, he hardly recognizes the democracy he fought for. He merely wants to till the soil on his hard-won property in Azilum, but he soon finds himself sucked into the Whiskey Rebellion's mounting unrest. They will be brought together in unexpected ways to battle for the peace and safety they wish for when he meets a stunning young Frenchwoman who has just relocated from Paris.

My Review

Sadly, I don't think this book is among the best historical works. I'm not suggesting that this story lacks specifics or isn't enjoyable, though.

As much as I tried, I just couldn't connect with the main character, Vivienne. Her characters seem a little flat and too slow to me. For example, I couldn't make her seem to be extremely independent. She appears to be dead. Liam is the same way, I find his personality to be uninteresting.

I was also somewhat surprised by the writing style. I find that it is only marginally out of chronological order for this novel's historical period.

If you're wondering why I persisted in reading it until the end, it's because I adore how much political history this book has. It perfectly balances elements of the French Revolution.

Overall, I continue to give this book the highest recommendation to everyone. Simply put, I came across a few points that didn't apply to me.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : The Accidental Text

Author        : Becky Monson

Pub Date    : January 06, 2021

Pages          : 331

My Rating   : ★★★★★

The Summary

Maggie Cooper was formerly an adventure-loving person. Jumping from airplanes was simple. Now she lacks the courage to even approach a colleague about a date. She starts texting her recently departed mother's phone as a form of self-therapy. The only issue is that the number has been transferred, and for weeks she has been unintentionally texting a stranger her most private thoughts and feelings. There have also been some less profound texts, such as those in which she expressed her admiration for the butt of a coworker.

Maggie is beyond embarrassed when the unaware stranger who has more in common with her than he'd want to admit, Chase Beckett, texts her back. But as the messages and nights go by, Maggie comes to see that Chase's wit, charm, and guidance are just what the doctor prescribed. However, will it be sufficient to raise her back to the clouds? Her heart, what about it? Can she take a chance on the man receiving her unintentional texts in exchange for a leap of faith?

My Review

Another unexpected novel that wasn't, in fact. Although it still has some funny and cute moments, this novel is truly sad, heartbreaking, and heartwarming, contrary to what I had anticipated.

The writing is actually very appropriate and the language is very suited for today's times, so for me it's a passable despite the fact that I really don't like the writing style. Instead, I try to think from the tale and the author's direction going.

What prompts me to offer a 5 instead of a 4 is my appreciation for how, although being fiction, this story is more true to life than I had originally thought. I can't entirely blame the story if it initially seems too slow since when we lose someone (it doesn't have to be about death), a part of us is lost and it seems like our vitality has been sucked up.

You guys don't need to fear because this novel has a growing cast of characters. Development is carried out in a friendly manner. If a Christmas-themed movie based on this story were to be made, I could completely picture it.

That kind of love, which appears so simple yet is difficult to achieve, is when we meet someone when we are at our lowest points but still choose to be together and decide to help one other improve.

I wholeheartedly recommend this if you enjoy a touching tale of hope and fulfillment, and I sincerely hope it works for you as well.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

The Summary

A well-known writer of literary fiction, Augustus Everett. Bestseller romances are written by January Andrews. He eliminates every member of his cast when she writes a happily ever after.

They are diametrically opposed.

They actually have nothing in common other than the fact that they will both be residing in nearby beach cottages for the next three months, being broke, and suffering from writer's block.

They eventually come to an agreement to break out of their creative ruts: January will write the next Great American Novel, while Augustus will spend the summer penning something upbeat. This happens one foggy evening. He'll take her to interview surviving members of a remote death cult, and she'll take him on field trips fit for any rom-com montage (obviously). All readers will complete books, but no one will find true love.

My Review

Okay, it turns out that my choice to read Beach Read last was a great one! I at last understood the riding buzz that everyone talks about. If you remember from earlier, I didn't really enjoy the previous two books because I didn't find them interesting. However, this book has changed everything.

First off, I thought the MC's names, January and Augustus, were such an adorable match! How did you even come up with that? These two seem to be a match made in heaven.

I'll be honest, I figured this would be another leisurely summer read, but I was mistaken. Both MCs have intricate backgrounds that are dark. Despite this, I admire that there are developed personalities.

As I already mentioned, the trigger warnings include child abuse, alcoholism, death, etc. so be ready for it.

Overall, the story is still heartwarming, and everything about it is perfect. The plot isn't too slow or disjointed. Please give it a shot if you're seeking for a light summer read with an emotional theme you can relate to.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Author        : Beatrix Potter

Pub Date    : Originally Published 1902 

Pages          : 72

My Rating   : ★★★★★

The Summary

The first Beatrix Potter classic is The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Frederick Warne initially released The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902, and it continues to be one of Beatrix Potter's most well-known and beloved stories.

Among all children's writers, Beatrix Potter is regarded as one of the most well-liked. She began writing stories featuring animal characters including Mrs. Tiggy-winkle, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-duck, Mr. Jeremy Fisher, and Tom Kitten after having her debut book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Her witty, vivacious stories and exquisite pictures have ingrained themselves into childhood. Beatrix Potter used the proceeds from the sale of her novels to purchase Hill Top, a farm in the English Lake District where she later established herself as a farmer and prize-winning sheep breeder.

Beatrix Potter bequeathed the National Trust 14 farms and more than 4000 acres of farmland in the Lake District when she passed away so that the region she cherished would be preserved and enjoyed by future generations. The original 23 stories by Beatrix Potter are still published by Frederick Warne today, along with a wide variety of different formats, such as baby books, activity books, gift books, and sound books. The first of Beatrix Potter's 23 small books is The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

My Review

One of my favorite children's novels will always remain The Tale of Peter Rabbit. When people look at me with judgment every time I say, "Yeah, I'm still reading and watching children's books and shows," I don't care what they think.

The narrative centers on a cheeky rabbit who steals vegetables from his neighbor and is caught. His family includes his parents and three triplet siblings named Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail.

The plot of this novel is not as complex and in-depth as one seen in children's literature generally, but the illustrations are what really make it popular. It is absolutely lovely and calming to look at, and it perfectly illustrates all of the written elements in the book.

And in my opinion, the illustrations in children's books are what give them their lasting power. Everyone who has children at home should definitely think about reading this to them.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : Pride and Prejudice

Author        : Jane Austen

Pub Date    : Originally Published 1813

Pages          : 279

My Rating   : ★★★★★

The Summary

Jane Austen's 1813 publication of Pride and Prejudice is a novel on manners. In the landed gentry society of the British Regency, the novel follows Elizabeth Bennet, the primary character, as she struggles with concerns of manners, upbringing, morals, education, and marriage. Elizabeth is the second of a rural gentleman's five daughters who lives close to the made-up town of Meryton in Hertfordshire, just outside of London.

Pride and Prejudice, which is set in early 19th-century England, follows the five unmarried daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet after the wealthy and eligible Mr. Bingley and his status-conscious companion, Mr. Darcy, have moved into their neighborhood. The eldest Bennet daughter, Jane, immediately wins Bingley over, while Darcy struggles to fit in and frequently quarrels with Elizabeth, the second-eldest Bennet daughter.

Despite having been written by Jane Austen around the turn of the 20th century, the book continues to rank among readers today as one of their favorites. With over 20 million copies sold, it has grown to be one of the most read novels in English literature and is well-received by academics. Due to contemporary enthusiasm in the work, a lot of dramatic adaptations as well as a profusion of novels and stories that mimic Austen's endearing characters or themes have been produced.

My Review

This book never ceased to amaze me! The writing ability is, in my opinion, really difficult, yet it makes you feel as though you are in a dream. Jane Austen does a great job of capturing the atmosphere of England in the 1800s, down to the smallest of nuances that influence how people perceive you.

I also like that everyone had a chance to shine and that we could understand their perspectives. Here, the emphasis is not just on romance. It also imparts valuable life lessons such as the importance of families, of making the right choices, and of being married to someone you can't live without.

As fantastical as it may sound, this timeless tale has touched the hearts of all people for a century. This book serves as living proof.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : Little Women

Author        : Louisa May Alcott

Pub Date    : Originally Published 1868

Pages          : 449

My Rating   : ★★★★★

The Summary

Originally released in two volumes in 1868 and 1869, Little Women is a book by American novelist Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888). In response to her publisher's request, Alcott pounded out the novels quickly over a period of months. The story, which is largely based on the author and her three sisters, chronicles the lives of four sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March as they grow from girls to women.

Despite being a book for girls, Little Women stood out from the prevailing canon of children's literature, especially for girls. The book focused on three main themes "domesticity, work, and true love" all of which are interconnected and essential to the realization of its heroine's unique personality.

My Review

Even though I'm an adult, I still adore the book, just as I did when I first saw it at the age of 15 in my father's library room. This very amazing work of art has made me appreciate the value of family, especially in this time and age.

Since I'm the only girl in my family, I think their sisterhood bond is so endearing that I wish I had one myself. This book teaches us not just about family but also about values such as forgiveness, hard effort, standing up for what you believe in, gratitude, patience, and so forth.

Every piece I read made me wonder, Will I make it through the war years? Many people today have forgotten the ways of the past due to how much better our lives are now, which is understandable given that we must adapt to the times. However, how many of us complain frequently and place blame instead of showing gratitude and moving forward in an effort to improve ourselves?

Due to the fact that it is based on the author's early life, this book truly has a profound message and wonderful story-telling. The more you read, the more you will become engrossed in a delightful way, even though it may start out slowly.

It has been demonstrated that this timeless classic book has been handed down from generation to generation. I advise reading it while savoring a cookie to get into the holiday spirit :)

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : The Party Crasher

Author        : Sophie Kinsella

Pub Date    : October 12, 2021

Pages          : 368

My Rating   : ★★★★

The Summary

Nearly two years have passed since Effie's adored parents separated, shattering her perception of the lovely, joyous childhood she enjoyed. Since then, she and her father have grown apart, and she's started a war of words with Krista, his gorgeous but much younger lover. And now for more shocking information: Greenoaks, the sprawling Victorian country property that Effie has always considered home, has been sold.

Effie is first left off the guest list when Krista chooses to hold a lavish "house-cooling" party. However, she later receives a "anti-invitation" (perhaps because she referred to Krista as a gold-digger, but it was primarily a joke and Krista absolutely earned it). Effie declines, but later realizes there is still a treasured childhood object buried in the house. Her only option is to break into Greenoaks while everyone is having a party in order to collect it. Effie discovers the secrets Greenoaks holds are not limited to the dusty corridors and secret attics she spent her childhood investigating as she wanders throughout the house, hiding beneath tables and peering through trapdoors.

Effie overhears talks, learns things, and starts to see her family in a different perspective as she observes how her sister, brother, and father act when they believe no one is looking. When Joe, the man who had once been her true love and had long since broken her heart, crosses her path, more secrets start to come to light.

Will Effie respond to these information? Will she enter the gathering and take a seat with her family or will she remain hidden? And, in all honesty, why did she return to Greenoaks? Over the course of one blowout party, Effie comes to the realization that in order to face her future, she must be truthful with herself and face her past.

My Review

This book is really entertaining! What an orderly household. There were some funny moments that made me smile. The female main character, Effie, is incredibly feisty and funny, and I find myself laughing at all of her insane ideas. Her sister Bean will always be there for you and is such a sunshine ball.

The plot, scenario, and all of the characters have been written with great care. But below, it kind of breaks your heart. victims of parental divorce who harm their children. You learn that your father has a younger-looking, gold-digging girlfriend and that your childhood house has been sold.

Overall, this tale is extremely uplifting and fun. Although there is some romance, it is not the main subject. Of course, there are some little issues, but you can live with them.

I recommend you guys if you're looking for family-friendly comedies that will make you smile.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

The Summary

The circus shows up out of the blue. There are no prior announcements. Simply said, it is there now where it wasn't yesterday. The canvas tents with the black-and-white stripes inside offer a completely unique experience filled with stunning wonders. Le Cirque des Rêves is its name, and it only operates at night.

Behind the scenes, however, a furious contest is taking place between Celia and Marco, two young magicians who have been raised and schooled by their erratic teachers specifically for this purpose. They both had no idea that this was a game where only one could survive. Despite the risks, Celia and Marco quickly fall in love, sparking a chain reaction of perilous consequences and putting everyone's lives from the performers to the audience in jeopardy.

My Review

This novel has a really interesting plot with some mystical elements. I must admit that I was initially quite enthusiastic. But the first chapter read slowly, and I was completely right after that. The story and the dialogue are both a bit flat and lifeless.

Even the character development falls short of what I was hoping for. I start to wonder, "What are they doing?" and "Are they supposed to do this or that?" Or maybe it's because I had too high of expectations for this novel.

To be really honest, what I enjoy most about this book is how masterfully the author weaves enchantment and magic into each and every syllable, causing us to wonder what we would do if we were actually there and envision how it would feel.

Unfortunately, the development has very much ruined my life. If you try not to be really absorbed while reading, it was a passable book, but I still wish it had been as good as the summary.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : Tidewater Bride

Author        : Laura Frantz

Pub Date    : January 05, 2021

Pages          : 416

My Rating   : ★★★★★

The Summary

Selah Hopewell appears to be the sole female resident of the Virginia colony who has no desire to be married. True, James Towne has a disproportionately large number of men and very few women. However, Selah is already busy helping her father out in the family business. She is currently in charge of a ship arriving with tobacco brides who need to be taken care of as they sort through all of their potential suitors.

In the settlement, Xander Renick is arguably the most qualified tobacco lord. His extensive holdings produce valuable harvests, and his role as a go-between for the colonists and the potent Powhatan nation that surrounds them makes him vital. But Xander is already wed to his company and still laments the death of his wife, the Powhatan chief's daughter.

Can two people who are passionately independent find contentment and happiness on their own? Or will they find out that everything they've been lacking in life has been available to them the entire time?

My Review

I can definitely say that Laura Frantz is one of my favorite authors! I've just read this author's first novel, but I fell in love with it right away. I prefer this genre's form of historical romantic literature.

Because of the historical information mentioned, as a historical enthusiast I must remark that the author did a really fantastic job of research. As a result, this is fiction, yet you can't avoid the fact that you're going back in time to the first centuries. The plot itself is a well executed slow-burn romance.

What I also adore about this novel is that Selah, the female main character, is a strong, independent lady, especially in the 19th century Virginia, when gender roles were very constrained. Even though Xander has a complicated personality and a complicated past, he still comes off as a likeable man who I can still relate to.

Every single page of this book is worth reading, and I have to say that this is the ideal way to write a fill-in narrative that doesn't drag on for too long.

This novel is a chef's kiss, so if you love historical fiction as much as I do, you should add it to your library.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : When Twilight Breaks

Author        : Sarah Sundin

Pub Date    : February 02, 2021

Pages          : 365

My Rating   : ★★★★★

The Summary

1938, Munich American foreign correspondent Evelyn Brand is driven to expose the increasing autocracy in Nazi Germany as well as to establish her value in a field that is controlled by men. She needs to balance this on a precarious line. She risks being deported or worse if she displeases the administration. She won't be able to offer the voice of the oppressed, awaken the people back home, or give a voice to the oppressed if she doesn't report on important stories honestly.

In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

My Review

I seriously have no words.

This book is amazing in every way! Everything is really perfect. The writing, plot, place, research, and characters. I like how this book can transport you to the time of World War II. Writing a novel that draws inspiration from a historical period is difficult.

I'll classify this book as heavy since it will make you feel deep pain. Evelyn, a journalist covering Nazi atrocities, and Peter, a professor of linguistics, were both Americans living in Germany in the late 1930s, and this slow-burning romance was primarily focused on the danger they faced.

I won't give anything away, but this is a must-read if you enjoy this kind of literature! I recently came upon such a gorgeous book.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : Hook, Line and Sinker (It Happened One Summer #1)

Author        : Tessa Bailey

Pub Date    : March 01, 2022

Pages          : 385

My Rating   : ★★★★

The Summary

King crab fisherman Fox Thornton has a reputation as a sexy, carefree flirt. Everyone knows he’s a guaranteed good time in bed and out and that’s exactly how he prefers it. Until he meets Hannah Bellinger. She’s immune to his charm and looks, but she seems to enjoy his… personality? And wants to be friends? Bizarre. But he likes her too much to risk a fling, so platonic pals it is.

Now that Hannah is in town on business, she is staying in Fox's extra bedroom. She is aware that he is a famed ladies' man, but they are only close friends. She also has a hopeless infatuation on a coworker, and Fox is the perfect guy to help her with her dreadful love life.

What will happen when Fox falls head over heels in love with Hannah and Hannah can't help but fall in love with everything about Fox as time goes on? It's torturous to see her flirt with another guy, but maybe Fox will win Hannah over if he can face his demons and show her that he is all in?

My Review

I advise reading the Bellinger Sister's first novel, "It Happened One Summer," before reading this one.

They both seem to me to be younger versions of Brenda and Tessa. hotter, cornier, more playful, and flirtatious. I would definitely make friends with them if they were in real life. Fox is a guy you're going to have a crush on, and Hannah is such a delightful personality.

In comparison to the previous novel, this one is generally lackluster and slow to get going, but it is still well worth reading because of the adorable relationship.

It was simple to read and would be a good summer read.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.