Review: The Lady Meets Her Match

The Lady Meets Her Match by Gina Conkle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book, but it was nothing special. Claire and Cyrus were fun characters. I wasn't quite as drawn into this story as some of the stories I've read. It was good, but the non sexual tension didn't work for me. There was too much foreshadowing of events for my liking. That said I did enjoy the sexual attraction between our main characters find the build up there to be very engaging.

The book cover was a disappointment as at no point did I think the characters were wearing the clothes on the cover. The dress was a different color. Also, Cyrus has long hair, and Claire's hair is much blonder than the image. That might be the most disappointing part of this book, that the cover which was already not one of my favorites failed to match with the book.

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Review: Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing. Yes, it seems a little odd to say about a book about mental health. I would normally say I do not suffer from any mental health issues, but that wouldn't be true as I have a phobia that while isn't often present when it manifests itself is debilitating. As a result, I connected with many things in this book.

Besides a good laugh, a few tears, and amazing narration this book offers something to those that don't suffer from mental illness, a glimpse into the life of someone who does, and that is what I found most compelling. Also, the spoon theory really spoke to me. I have struggled with gastrointestinal issues and some days I just can't do the things I want to do, and now I'm just going to tell people "I'm sorry I can't do that because I'm out of spoons." I'm looking forward to their confused expressions.

You should really listen to this audiobook, it is one of the best I've heard in a long time.

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Review: Firelight

Firelight by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was good, but it wasn't what I expected. It was a bit of urban fantasy but with a historical setting. I normally don't love urban fantasy. (Its the shape shifters and vampires. Thankfully, this didn't have those.) I can't say this was the exception. It was enjoyable and I liked Miranda and Archer, however, I think the tension of what exactly is he went on a little to long. It was good but knowing where the next in the series is headed I don't think I will be reading it.

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Review: Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I thought this would be good since I have liked Jennifer Donnelly's other books. However, I didn't really end up liking this as much as I had hoped. It was written for a younger audience and the set up of the story was interesting but I didn't find the story one that held my attention. I also didn't think that there was anything new added to the retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This felt a lot like the movie and I was looking for something that added to the original story. While this had differences I didn't feel like the story ended up being that different from the original. If you want a truly original and new take on the story of Beauty and the Beast I would recommend Hunted by Meagan Spooner. It was amazing where as this book was just okay.

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Review: Maybe Not

Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is Warren and Bridgette's story. I enjoyed reading it and was drawn in for the time it lasted. The short nature of novellas means you feel like you have just gotten to know the character and it is ending. I already have a feel for Warren and Bridgette from Maybe Someday, so I was alright with the short nature. I also liked seeing the overlap between the novels. Of course, this is is Warren and Bridgette's story so don't expect to see a lot of Ridge and Sydney. Getting to know both these characters a little more was fun and I'm glad I read the novella.

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Review: The Bear and the Nightingale

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was not what I was expecting but in a good way. It is historical fantasy but in a form I have not come across before. This was a world I almost believed could have been real. The Russian fairytale elements blend seamlessly into the story and it is easy to become a part of the world.

Vasya, our main character, is not even born when the story so we get to see her grow into a young woman of intrigue and danger. The village does not understand her, and therefore they fear her. She is able to hide her strangeness to some extent, and her brother protects her as best he can. However, her abilities to ride bareback and see the spirits make her seem like a witch to the village that is drawn in by Christianity and forgetting the old beliefs. That is something I really loved about this story how it blends everything together: fairytale, history, and every day life.

This is one of those books I don't want to tell you anything about because I think you should read it and discover all the wonders it holds for yourself.

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