It’s time for my first half of April book review! I have read a few 5 star books already this month, but like last month, I’m saving them for my Favorite Books post, which will come later in the month. The Amazon links to the books I’ve read are affiliate links and if you use them and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. If you’ve read any of these books or are interested in them, I’d love to hear about it in the comments! I also read The Kindred Spirits Supper Club, which I reviewed separately, and I included a book of poetry, I Am The Rage, in my Poetry and Books in Verse post.
Title: Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet
Author: Laekan Zea Kemp
Genre: YA
Publisher: Little Brown, 4/6/21
Source: The Novl
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 3 Stars
I am not sure why I didn’t love this book about two Latinx teens who are dealing with family dynamics in a restaurant setting. I tried both the audio and the print and I couldn’t seem to get into it. Maybe I didn’t believe in the love story, as it was insta love, which is my least favorite! However, I know others who did really enjoy it!
“Penelope Prado has always dreamed of opening her own pastelería next to her father’s restaurant, Nacho’s Tacos. But her mom and dad have different plans—leaving Pen to choose between disappointing her traditional Mexican American parents or following her own path. When she confesses a secret she’s been keeping, her world is sent into a tailspin. But then she meets a cute new hire at Nacho’s who sees through her hard exterior and asks the questions she’s been too afraid to ask herself. Xander Amaro has been searching for home since he was a little boy. For him, a job at Nacho’s is an opportunity for just that—a chance at a normal life, to settle in at his abuelo’s, and to find the father who left him behind. But when both the restaurant and Xander’s immigrant status are threatened, he will do whatever it takes to protect his newfound family and himself. Together, Pen and Xander must navigate first love and discovering where they belong in order to save the place they all call home.”
This book covered topics included being undocumented and threatened and mental health. One thing I loved in the book was all of the food!
Title: More Than Words
Author: Jill Santopolo
Genre: Romance
Publisher: GP Putnam’s Sons, 2/4/20
Source: Book Swap
Why I Read It: Book Club
My Rating: 4 Stars
My book group chose this book for our next discussion and I recently found myself struggling to remember what it was even about. Well, that’s why I take notes right after I finish a book! Nina is an heiress to her father’s company, but she actually wants to work in politics. She’s expected to be with her best friend Tim, but ends up having feelings for her boss, the mayoral candidate for NYC.
“Nina Gregory has always been a good daughter. Raised by her father, owner of New York City’s glamorous Gregory Hotels, Nina was taught that family, reputation, and legacy are what matter most. And Tim–her devoted boyfriend and best friend since childhood–feels the same. But when Nina’s father dies, he leaves behind a secret that shocks Nina to her core. Soon, Nina begins to see the men in her life–her father, her boyfriend, and unexpectedly, her boss, Rafael–in a new light, finding herself caught between the world she loves, and a passion that could upend everything.”
This was a light read which I’m not sure makes for a great book group discussion, but I’m glad I finally read it! Jill Santopolo has another book out now that I want to get to as well!
Title: Last Summer at The Golden Hotel
Author: Elyssa Friedland
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Berkley, 5/18/21
Source: Get Red PR
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review / Buddy Read
My Rating: 4 Stars
This was such a fun book about three generations of two families who own a resort in the Catskills in NY. Having been to the Catskills many times, I appreciated this setting! The various characters were hard to tell apart at first, although there is a family tree inside the book.
“In its heyday, The Golden Hotel was the crown jewel of the hotter-than-hot Catskills vacation scene. For more than sixty years, the Goldman and Weingold families – best friends and business partners – have presided over this glamorous resort which served as a second home for well-heeled guests and celebrities. But the Catskills are not what they used to be – and neither is the relationship between the Goldmans and the Weingolds. As the facilities and management begin to fall apart, a tempting offer to sell forces the two families together again to make a heart-wrenching decision. Can they save their beloved Golden or is it too late? Long-buried secrets emerge, new dramas and financial scandal erupt, and everyone from the traditional grandparents to the millennial grandchildren wants a say in the hotel’s future. Business and pleasure clash in this fast-paced, hilarious, nostalgia-filled story, where the hotel owners rediscover the magic of a bygone era of nonstop fun even as they grapple with what may be their last resort.”
This was such a fun family drama with lots of interesting characters and family secrets. I loved the parts where the various family members interacted with each other. I especially loved the ending of the book, which I cannot spoil!
Title: The Bookstore On The Beach
Author: Brenda Novak
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Mira, 4/6/21
Source: Uplit Reads
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 3 Stars
The Bookstore on the Beach would be a perfect read for a beach vacation. It took me awhile to read, and it isn’t short, so I think it would be perfect for grabbing on the beach! It is about three generations of a family, all who are going through various issues and keeping secrets from each other. There was a lot going on!
“Eighteen months ago, Autumn Divac’s husband went missing. Her desperate search has yielded no answers, and she can’t imagine moving forward without him. But for the sake of their two teenage children, she has to try. Autumn takes her kids home for the summer to the charming beachside town where she was raised. She seeks comfort working alongside her mother and aunt at their bookshop, only to learn that her daughter is facing a huge life change and her mother has been hiding a terrible secret for years. And when she runs into the boy who stole her heart in high school, old feelings start to bubble up again. Is she free to love him, or should she hold out hope for her husband’s return? She can only trust her heart…and hope it won’t lead her astray.”
The secrets kept by the family members were surprising – especially the grandmother’s. I felt like there was a lot crammed into one book! It wasn’t a favorite for me, but I do see it as being a good book for picking up on the beach or by the pool this summer.
Title: The Lost Apothecary
Author: Sarah Penner
Genre: Historical Mystery
Publisher: Park Row, 3/2/21
Source: Kathleen Carter Communications
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review / Buddy Read
My Rating: 4 Stars
This dual timeline book takes place in London in the present day as well as in the past. It was really fun and interesting and made me want to be a researcher!
“Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries. Meanwhile in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive.”
I really liked this book, including both the past and present timelines. I have heard others say they didn’t like reading about the present, but I appreciated it as well. I did not like Caroline’s husband as he was very manipulative! You may have to suspend disbelief to appreciate this story, but I found it a lot of fun. This book contains infertility, miscarriage, and infidelity.
Title: One Two Three
Author: Laurie Frankel
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Henry Holt / Macmillan Audio, 6/8/21
Source: libro.fm
Why I Read It: Highly anticipated read!
My Rating: 4 Stars
One of my favorite books that I read last year was This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel, so I was very excited to read her new book One Two Three. I entered so many Goodreads giveaways to try to get an early copy! When it became available as an advanced listening copy on libro.fm, I was so excited! While the narration of the book was great, I couldn’t help but wonder if I missed some things while listening and not having the print book in front of me. I have since received the print book from the publisher and hope to go back over some parts!
“Everyone knows everyone in the tiny town of Bourne, but the Mitchell triplets are especially beloved. Mirabel is the smartest person anyone knows, and no one doubts it just because she can’t speak. Monday is the town’s purveyor of books now that the library’s closed―tell her the book you think you want, and she’ll pull the one you actually do from the microwave or her sock drawer. Mab’s job is hardest of all: get good grades, get into college, get out of Bourne. For a few weeks seventeen years ago, Bourne was national news when its water turned green. The girls have come of age watching their mother’s endless fight for justice. But just when it seems life might go on the same forever, the first moving truck anyone’s seen in years pulls up and unloads new residents and old secrets. Soon, the Mitchell sisters are taking on a system stacked against them and uncovering mysteries buried longer than they’ve been alive. Because it’s hard to let go of the past when the past won’t let go of you.”
The concept of the book is so sad – it’s a town that has been ruined due to a chemical plant dumping into their river. Almost everyone who lives there is effected due to birth defects, cancer, and other disabilities. The book is narrated by the triplets and their voices were so unique and interesting. It’s a book that is both sad and hopeful and I definitely recommend it.
Title: When You Wonder, You’re Learning
Author: Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski
Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Hachette Go, 4/20/21
Source: The Motherhood
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review.
My Rating: 4 Stars
This was a very interesting book about how Mr. Rogers was intentional with his programming, in his goal to allow kids to wonder and therefore learn. Mr Rogers’ main lesson was that of kindness and empathy to others, as he realized that caring relationships were key to growing up and thriving. This book highlights the fact that Mr Rogers did everything on his show with intention, from the way he looked at the camera to the colors on his set. He was always purposeful with the ways he allowed kids to wonder.
“Playful and practical, When You Wonder, You’re Learning introduces a new generation of families to the lessons of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. By exploring the science behind the iconic television program, the book reveals what Fred Rogers called the ‘tools for learning’: skills and mindsets that scientists now consider essential. These tools—curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and more—have been shown to boost everything from academic learning to children’s well-being, and they benefit kids of every background and age. They cost next to nothing to develop, and they hinge on the very things that make life worthwhile: self-acceptance; close, loving relationships; and a deep regard for one’s neighbor.”
The book contains sections on curiosity, creativity, communication, collaboration, and connection, all to teach today’s parents and educators what Mr Rogers always knew – that “the more kids feel that they matter – that someone accepts them just the way they are – the better they tend to do.”
Title: Kate In Waiting
Author: Becky Albertalli
Genre: YA
Publisher: Balzar and Bray, 4/20/21
Source: Library ARC Giveaway / Book Sparks
Why I Read It: Anticipated read.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Gabbie and I both enjoyed this sweet story of Kate and her best friend Andy, who both develop feelings for their summer crush, Matt, who moves to their town and ends up playing Kate’s romantic interest in their school play – Once Upon a Mattress. Meanwhile, Kate’s brother’s friend Noah seems to be hanging around a lot, which makes us wonder if he could be a possible love interest as well.
“Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theater rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway. But when Kate and Andy’s latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off-script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson. Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson’s friendship.”
Kate In Waiting was full of representation – not just Jewish representation but also Black, Asian, trans, and there is even a character who uses a wheelchair. The theater setting was fun and there was a later reveal about one of the characters that I could definitely relate to. One thing I didn’t love was the name Kate had for the jocks – f boys. This was repeated quite a lot throughout the book. Overall, this was a fun YA that will especially be appreciated by those who do theater!
Title: The Extraordinaries
Author: TJ Klune
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Macmillan Audio, 7/14/20
Source: Library Audio App
Why I Read It: On my TBR
My Rating: 4 Stars
TJ Klune wrote The House in the Cerulean Sea, my favorite book from last year, so I really wanted to check out this one as well. It was … interesting? It immediately reminded me of The Incredibles, as it featured people with super powers living among every day humans.
“Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right? After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick’s best friend (and maybe the love of his life).”
There were parts of this book that were hilarious and fun and other parts that were just kind of annoying. My rating is truly for the audio narrator, as he did a wonderful job expressing each of the characters. Nick has ADHD and is queer. His friends are queer as well. One of my favorite parts of the book was the relationship between Nick and his father. And Nick’s thoughts on a ship name for Batman + Superman. Superbat? Or Man Man?
Title: Station Eleven
Author: Emily St. John Mandel
Genre: Literary / Dystopian Fiction
Publisher: Knopf, 9/9/14
Source: Book Swap
Why I Read It: On my TBR
My Rating: 4 Stars
Station Eleven is about the aftermath of a pandemic. It makes one thankful that Covid-19 was not anywhere near as devastating as the flu described in the book, which killed people within hours and led to the break down of society. This book features a variety of characters who are all interconnected and traces what happened to each of them after the flu struck.
“Kirsten Raymonde will never forget the night Arthur Leander, the famous Hollywood actor, had a heart attack on stage during a production of King Lear. That was the night when a devastating flu pandemic arrived in the city, and within weeks, civilization as we know it came to an end. Twenty years later, Kirsten moves between the settlements of the altered world with a small troupe of actors and musicians. They call themselves The Traveling Symphony, and they have dedicated themselves to keeping the remnants of art and humanity alive. But when they arrive in St. Deborah by the Water, they encounter a violent prophet who will threaten the tiny band’s existence. And as the story takes off, moving back and forth in time, and vividly depicting life before and after the pandemic, the strange twist of fate that connects them all will be revealed.”
I really liked the way the characters were connected and trying to figure out which person became the prophet. While this is a literary or character driven book, having many characters to follow made it readable for me. The ending was a bit disappointing, leaving you to wonder, which was obviously the point, but not my favorite thing with books. I can see this one being discussed in college literature classes for sure!
There you have it – 10 of the books I read this month (please, you don’t need to comment that I read a lot. I know.) Of these books, 8 were print and 2 were audio books. Genres ranged from contemporary to historical to dystopian!
Have you read any of these books or do you want to? What have you been reading lately?
