April 2022 Book Reviews

This month's reads include everything from what I am predicting with be in my Top 5 Romance category to one that I would recommend one to my grandmother. 😂 

February 2022 Book Review

 

The Most Unexpected Book This Month.

What I thought I was getting in requesting this How to Fake it in Hollywood by Ava Wilder was a cutesy, fluffy, rom-com.  What I needed up getting was a journey that took me all across the map of emotions.  I fell in love with Grey, Ethan and their story. I rooted for them getting caught up in their romance, I felt anguish for them as things fell apart and ultimately held my breath waiting to see how all the things would align to bring these two characters back together.  How to Fake It in Hollywood was magnificently written to showcase not just a relationship between two famous people trying to rejuvenate their careers but to highlight the insecurities, strengths and challenges that they overcome to love themselves and others.

Grey and Ethan are brought together by their mutual publisict under the guise of fake dating to rejuvenate their careers.  At their first meeting, sparks fly and they sign up for a 6 month commitment.  What ensues is the story of their foray into taking their relationship public, the struggle of past ghosts that haunt them and the journey of making their way back to each other.

Publication Date: June 14, 2022, Pre-order Now!
Rated R: sexual content, language, minor character identifying as non-binary.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House/Ballentine for the ARC.

The Book That Made Me Cry and Want to Immediately Reread It.

Have you ever experienced a book that you read it and when you finish it your heart is full and even though you know how it ends you want to re-read it again because you just adored the characters and their story?  Well, that exact feeling is that By Any Other Name gives. 😂 

We are introduced to Lanie, a romance editor who loves her job and her fiancé who met every single one of her nintey-nine items, her list for a perfect partner.  This list was complied after reading her first Noa Calloway novel.  And in Lanie's world, once a Noa Calloway fan, always a Noa Calloway fan! Lanie's editing position is with the publishing house that discovered and works exclusively with Noa Calloway.  Unfortunately for Lanie, Noa Calloway is behind on delivering her newest novel and the deadline is looming.  Through a turn of events, Lanie is tasked with the important job of pulling the next great piece of romantic literature from the mind and heart of Noa Calloway.  If she does this, she will keep the promotion she's always dreamed of!  

If you love...

... New York, this book is for you!

... adorable date-like situations that just make your heart squeeze from the preciousness of it all, this book is for you.

... seeing characters develop into their own and find someone who brings out the best in them, this book is for you.

... an ending that might could possibly bring tears to your eyes in while you're in the bathtub wanting to savor every word {not that I would know from experience 😂}, this book is for you.

Publication Date: March 1, 2022, Pre-order Now!

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group, Putnam

January 2022 Book Review

For January I saw that Molly's Reading Adventure was encouraging a NetGalley Read-a-thon to catch up and clear out the back log of advanced reader copies sitting in the Kindle.  Since I had quite a few, I decided to join in!  

Friday Favorites: 1.7.2022

The first week of 2022 is coming to a close.  Fifty one weeks remain and out of that 352 days until Christmas! 😂

Hello 2022!

A poem for the New Year:

Twenty twenty two coming through!

May we conquer the things we want to do, be faithful to God and love big too.

May our days be guided by His hand as we pray for our family, our friends and our land.

Let's get it done, let's have some fun and celebrate at year's end when it's all done!

2021, You Were Fun But Now You're Done.

Twenty twenty one, you sure were fun.

We made memories that I'll cherish dear.  

You afforded me time with loved ones far and near.

We took adventures - some by plane, some by car.

Some miles away and some not far {from our couch}. 😂

The days held Legos, drawing, playing, laughter, tears, encouragement, reading, fort building, battling of fears.

We held onto what we know to be true: God's amazing Word and His unending love for me and you.

Wrapping up the latest three sixty five, I find myself grateful to be in this time, to be alive. 💙

2021 One Second from Sara Cozad on Vimeo.

Third Grade Planet Project: Out of This World!

This year Winston had what I consider his first big school project - a planet project!  He was tasked with researching and presenting on an assigned planet.  He received a list of questions he had to answer and include in his final presentation.  The teachers also provided a list of ways that the students could showcase the information.  

Add these to your To Be Read List!

It's another round of Sara's Books that should be on your "I need to read these" list! 😂  And here.we.go!

Lockdown on London Lane by Beth Reekles takes place right as one of the first lockdowns due to the current pandemic making its way into building.  Tenants find themselves waking up to notes beneath their doors stating that their building is on lockdown for one week with no one in and no one out.  This creates unique situations for each flat owner including two individuals who were only supposed to be a one night stand, the couple who has newly started dating and a wedding decorating party to name a few.  I knew I was going to enjoy this book when within the first five pages I had laughed out loud!  When the book ended, I kept clicking my Kindle turn page button because I wanted to know more about the characters!  Lockdown on London Lane releases in February 2022 but is on pre-order now!

Thank you Net Galley and Wattpad Books for the ARC of this book!

Have you heard? Winston is in Third!

A new school year is upon us with Winston starting third grade!!  He has grown in inches and in maturity and I'm not sure that my heart is ready for it.  I told as friend the other day, there are times I miss the sweet little baby moments but it really is a joy and a hoot to have a front row in seeing their personalities, likes and dislikes and dreams take shape.