Hula was the May pick for my library book club. Yes, I just finished it after starting it in April. It was also the first unofficial book club with @hi_achievers_tutoring (teachers follow her!)

I gave it 4 stars because it did not capture my full attention. It was too easy to put down and not want to pick it right back up. Hence why it took two months to finish.

It was very educational for me especially with Megan reading and explaining so much I had NO clue about regarding Hawaiian culture. It saddens me that natives have been through so much for what is rightfully theirs. To be a native and not be able to prove it because of paperwork made up by government is heartbreaking. To have land but have so many restrictions on what can be built and how and when. Then not be able to afford to build because items are so expensive. I feel what native Hawaiians have experienced and continue to do so is overshadowed.

Hula is so much more than a pretty dance. It is the story of their ancestors. It is beauty, sadness, heartbreak, and love. If you watch and listen closely you will feel all emotions.

The plot twist was the best I’ve read in a bit. I had to stop, think, and reread to make sure I read what I read.

When I read future books set in Hawaii I will have more knowledge to see deeper into the stories.

This is the debut novel from the author and a second book, The Pohaku, has been released.

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This was a fantastic psychological thriller but not a 5 star read for myself. I give it 4.25 because I was left a bit unsatisfied by the ending. I have questions that will never be answered.

Erin and Mark are planning a very lavish wedding and honeymoon. They have a very nice house and are ready to start their married life. Until Mark loses his job. Changes must be made to everything. Problem is Mark doesn’t share all the changes with Erin until the last nanosecond. Unfortunately, on the honeymoon things go sideways and their life as they know it has imploded.

I can’t share my entire thoughts as it would ruin the twists and turns. I want you the reader to be as flabbergasted as I was in certain moments. I wanted to throw the book but couldn’t because it was on my kindle and we don’t throw Windle the Kindle.

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Oh my stars. Our Perfect Storm was a 4.75 read maybe a 5. I’m still processing.

A slow burn romance with a bit of spice. So beautifully written. I have never thought George was a sexy name but this George is perfection.

Best friends since childhood George and Frankie were inseparable until George took a job far away. On the day of her wedding she wakes up to a letter on her pillow from her fiancé Nate saying he can’t marry her. Frankie ends up living with her parents and isn’t sure how to move forward. Frankie and George decide to share the experience of her already booked honeymoon. What transpires between them are what fairy tales are made of.

This was my first Carley Fortune and definitely will not be my last.

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The Rainy Day Bookshop was the perfect motivation to walk on my treadmill. My fibromyalgia has been in a flare for close to a week. Weather change, grown kid worries, and maybe pushing myself too much. It’s all good though! 

Rosie misses her daughter and granddaughter. Her daughter, Emma, fled not long after the death of her dad. Rosie asked Emma to come home to help run the bookshop while Rosie’s mom recovers. She with secrets she has carried for years. Rosie is running the family construction business but her heart is at the bookshop. A tale of family, grief, and second chances at love. 

@raeannethayne always delivers my idea of a clean read with no detailed romantic scenes and no foul language. You are always guaranteed a good read. 

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June pick for Reading Together at my local library.

It was a 3.75 star read for me. The blurb on the back of the book does NOT match what the book was about. Lots of triggers: Su-c-de, rape, physical abuse, drugs, and same s-x relationships.

None of those triggers was my issue. My issue was I felt the book read more like YA rather than adult. Some storylines seemed so important than 💥 it was dropped or not completed. It does have a good twist.

It brought lots of discussion and gave each of us new thinking points. One member works with VA mental health and it was very interesting to hear her thoughts.

Will I reread? No. Would I recommend? Not really.

A delightfully fun rom-com aboard a cruise ship.

JoJo is supposed to marry Pearce but Cooper, JoJo’s best friend, shows up seconds before walking down the aisle. Jojo realizes Pearce is not the man for her. She leaves the church with Cooper and less than 24 hours later Cooper is back in London. Just wait the circus of circles has just begun. JoJo’s older sister Ashley is getting married on a cruise ship. Ashley has everything and I mean everything planned. Jojo thinks she needs to be with Finn, her first kiss. Cooper wants JoJo. All I can say is what transpires on this cruise ship is a guaranteed hilarious time.

I laughed my way through this book. Katherine Center has a knack to make miscommunication hilarious.

If you like fake dating, one bed, and miscommunication you will enjoy this new release.

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Wow, this book starts out with a punch to the gut and keeps on punching. I felt so much of Addie’s pain. It seemed no matter which way she turned her heart kept getting broken. Addie is no shrinking violet to pain involving the heart.

It is finally wedding day for Addie and Simon or is it? A blast from Simon’s past shows up with devastating news. Addie runs to her safe space, her great aunt’s home she was gifted. In her search to stay busy she finds a well kept secret and family mystery to solve.

I was so shocked at how this book started that I couldn’t wait to turn the page. Simon has never been on my good side from the beginning. This book confirms my feelings toward him!

I can’t wait to continue to the next book.

Lauren Elliott was a master at writing cozy mysteries. If you have followed me from the beginning you know the first book in the series was not a favorite but the more I read the series the more I enjoyed it. LE made you want to continue and she was not shy to give you shockers! The cozy mystery world lost a great light when she passed.

Currently this entire series is on Kindle Unlimited.

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The perfect Sunday afternoon reading. I immediately curled up and read for hours. 

Claire finds herself back home with her teenage daughter on Nantucket  after learning her husband wanted a divorce to marry his pregnant lover. Even after Claire told him she was pregnant with their second child. As she works through the divorce she finds she doesn’t need all the expensive things her husband bought her. She opens a luxury second hand shop on Nantucket and finds sometimes simple is better. 

If you have read any of Pamela Kelley’s Nantucket Beach Plum Cove series you will find joyful Easter eggs hidden throughout Nantucket Second Chances. 

Pick up this clean women’s fiction today for great summer read. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher/PR team, with no requirement to leave a review. The above review is in my own words and my own opinion. 

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When They Met Again by Leslie Gould is a story that reminds you to never give up on something or someone. The old saying “ if you set it free and it comes back it was meant to be” is a strong theme throughout.

Joanna finds herself in love with Jacob but Jacob isn’t one to settle down. Adam has loved Joanna from day one but he knows Joanna doesn’t return that feeling. Adam leaves for Pinecraft to try and get past his feelings. Those feelings resurface when Joanna vacations in Pinecraft after a break up with Jacob. Can Joanna convince Jacob they are meant to be or is she really meant to be with Adam?

I’ve not read many Leslie Gould books and I really enjoyed this book. The cover caught my eye. I will say the first few chapters were rough going but then the story found its pace and took off. I will read more by this author when the chance arises.

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A beautiful story to remind us what is on the outside in no way promises what is on the inside.

Clara has led a hard life but she hasn’t let that keep her down. She suffered devastating injuries and pain as a small child from a grease fire. She has stayed at home to be there for her mom after her father’s death. With no encouragement from her mom, she believes she will always be single. She still has dreams of being a wife and mom. Those dreams hold promise when Tim visits his family to help on the farm. Can they work past what is holding them back?

I have loved all SSG’s books but this one has become a favorite. It has knocked her Christmas book, Peace, to second place. Peace has been number one for years.

If you haven’t tried SSG’s books yet my question is WHY???

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