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hannyc's reviews
74 reviews
Model Home by J. Courtney Sullivan
challenging
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
βοΈ BOOK REVIEW π
Model Home - J. Courtney Sullivan
"Over four seasons Iβve come to know that this is the way of things. Only one-half of a couple ever longs to be on a show about home renovation."
This short story on a reality TV family seemed great from someone who loves HGTV like I do. I loved the concept, just didn't really enjoy the execution. I feel it was a little lake luster & it should have wither been more heartwarming or more sinister. I still enjoyed most of it, and it only took me about an hour to read through. I am on a short story kick currently and this one was pretty decent.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
3.25/5 π
Model Home - J. Courtney Sullivan
"Over four seasons Iβve come to know that this is the way of things. Only one-half of a couple ever longs to be on a show about home renovation."
This short story on a reality TV family seemed great from someone who loves HGTV like I do. I loved the concept, just didn't really enjoy the execution. I feel it was a little lake luster & it should have wither been more heartwarming or more sinister. I still enjoyed most of it, and it only took me about an hour to read through. I am on a short story kick currently and this one was pretty decent.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
3.25/5 π
My Evil Mother by Margaret Atwood
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
BOOK REVIEW ππ
My Evil Mother - Margaret Atwood
"The opposite of mean is doormat."
Such an imaginative short story. I wasn't sure what to expect because I went in blind, not reading the overview. Although it was short, it got me to tear up a little π’ I am absolutely a sucker for a good mom-daughter story & this one brought a lot of emotion in a short time. I did not listen to the narration but it did have one for accessibility.
5/5 π
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
My Evil Mother - Margaret Atwood
"The opposite of mean is doormat."
Such an imaginative short story. I wasn't sure what to expect because I went in blind, not reading the overview. Although it was short, it got me to tear up a little π’ I am absolutely a sucker for a good mom-daughter story & this one brought a lot of emotion in a short time. I did not listen to the narration but it did have one for accessibility.
5/5 π
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
πBOOK REVIEWπ
The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah
"There is no middle ground, no safe place; not here, in the Great Alone."
I did this one 100% audiobook and I have no regrets. Set in Alaska there was some beautiful imagery & read by one of the best narrators, Julie Whelan. I loved this one so much that I fully plan to read it again one day. This is the type of book I would have loved as a teen, even though it deals with so many heavy topics. Triggers for DV, death, near death experiences, etc.
I won't lie, Lenny felt a little young to me at first & it came off very YA but it quickly evolved as Alaska begins to test & age Lenny. I laughed, I cried, & I physically hurt sometimes. All the feels. I cheered for Lenny, Cora, & Matthew the entire time. ππ honestly could not have had a more perfect book, post-Alaskan vacay.
I used to read Kristin Hannah all the time throughought high school & I fully intend to catch up on the books I missed. I also usually do not give so many high ratings but I truly have read some amazing books this summer.
I read this one got a lot of criticism for being unrealistic about life in Alaska, I cant necessarily speak to that so while I was reading it was never something that actively bothered me. Also that it promoted stereotypes about Vietam vets, but I honestly felt it was just Ernt's behaviour specifically not the group of people? Maybe I didn't pay enough attention? π
Borrowed from the Washington Township Public Library (Hoopla)
5/5 βοΈ
The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah
"There is no middle ground, no safe place; not here, in the Great Alone."
I did this one 100% audiobook and I have no regrets. Set in Alaska there was some beautiful imagery & read by one of the best narrators, Julie Whelan. I loved this one so much that I fully plan to read it again one day. This is the type of book I would have loved as a teen, even though it deals with so many heavy topics. Triggers for DV, death, near death experiences, etc.
I won't lie, Lenny felt a little young to me at first & it came off very YA but it quickly evolved as Alaska begins to test & age Lenny. I laughed, I cried, & I physically hurt sometimes. All the feels. I cheered for Lenny, Cora, & Matthew the entire time. ππ honestly could not have had a more perfect book, post-Alaskan vacay.
I used to read Kristin Hannah all the time throughought high school & I fully intend to catch up on the books I missed. I also usually do not give so many high ratings but I truly have read some amazing books this summer.
I read this one got a lot of criticism for being unrealistic about life in Alaska, I cant necessarily speak to that so while I was reading it was never something that actively bothered me. Also that it promoted stereotypes about Vietam vets, but I honestly felt it was just Ernt's behaviour specifically not the group of people? Maybe I didn't pay enough attention? π
Borrowed from the Washington Township Public Library (Hoopla)
5/5 βοΈ
Hide by Tracy Clark
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
βοΈ BOOK REVIEW π
Hide - Tracy Clark
"But silence was complicity, and you were only as sick as your secrets."
Detective Harriett Foster is on the trail of a serial killer in Chicago after personal & professional tragedies in her life. I enjoyed that the side character perspectives were described, making them not really feel like side characters at all.
All the characters are refreshingly diverse & the book hits on real life issues in policing. Dialouge was witty, deep, & real. π€ it did feel slightly long winded in the end to me but I appreciate the detail. Can't wait to read the second book when it comes out.
Won a Kindle copy in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author, the publishers, & goodreads for introducing me to this wonderful series that I DEFINITELY plan to continue.
4/5 π
Hide - Tracy Clark
"But silence was complicity, and you were only as sick as your secrets."
Detective Harriett Foster is on the trail of a serial killer in Chicago after personal & professional tragedies in her life. I enjoyed that the side character perspectives were described, making them not really feel like side characters at all.
All the characters are refreshingly diverse & the book hits on real life issues in policing. Dialouge was witty, deep, & real. π€ it did feel slightly long winded in the end to me but I appreciate the detail. Can't wait to read the second book when it comes out.
Won a Kindle copy in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author, the publishers, & goodreads for introducing me to this wonderful series that I DEFINITELY plan to continue.
4/5 π
The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donlea
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
BOOK REVIEW ππ
The Girl Who Was Taken - Charlie Donlea
"Darkness had forever been apart of her life. She looked for it and flirted with it. Became quaint with it and charmed it in a way foreign to most."
This is my favorite book of Charlie Donlea's. Nicole & Megan go missing at the same time, only Megan manages to escape. Livia, Nicole's sister searches for answers. The imagery in this book was so intense. This feels like a book written as a movie, it felt so real I could see it in my head.
I couldn't decide what book I wanted to start on my honeymoon so I had my husband choose. Claps for him because it was amazing. I did my best to note clues I thought were important, & I was thoroughly convinced I knew who it was 50% in. I definitely was NOT. The ending took me completely by surprise. I will be thinking of this book for a long time.
5/5 π
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
The Girl Who Was Taken - Charlie Donlea
"Darkness had forever been apart of her life. She looked for it and flirted with it. Became quaint with it and charmed it in a way foreign to most."
This is my favorite book of Charlie Donlea's. Nicole & Megan go missing at the same time, only Megan manages to escape. Livia, Nicole's sister searches for answers. The imagery in this book was so intense. This feels like a book written as a movie, it felt so real I could see it in my head.
I couldn't decide what book I wanted to start on my honeymoon so I had my husband choose. Claps for him because it was amazing. I did my best to note clues I thought were important, & I was thoroughly convinced I knew who it was 50% in. I definitely was NOT. The ending took me completely by surprise. I will be thinking of this book for a long time.
5/5 π
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
Swingers by Marnie Vinge
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
π BOOK REVIEWπ
Swingers - Marnie Vinge
"I feel like we're all keeping secrets. Each of us has that one thing- that one experience, that one thing you did or said, that one part of your life- that we'll go to our graves with."
When I saw the title of this one, I knew I had to give it a read. Ended up being a great decision. Psychological thriller packed with drama & a little bit of spice. Kim is hosting a spicy party π₯³ when her husband turns up dead. It's true that everyone is a suspect. πΆβπ«οΈ
I will admit, there were times in the beginning where I wasn't sure I likes where it was going but I was happy to be proven wrong. There were so many quotable moments, and I feel like the dialouge was so real & fit the tone of the story.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
4.5/5 βοΈ
Rounded up to 5 for Goodreads
Swingers - Marnie Vinge
"I feel like we're all keeping secrets. Each of us has that one thing- that one experience, that one thing you did or said, that one part of your life- that we'll go to our graves with."
When I saw the title of this one, I knew I had to give it a read. Ended up being a great decision. Psychological thriller packed with drama & a little bit of spice. Kim is hosting a spicy party π₯³ when her husband turns up dead. It's true that everyone is a suspect. πΆβπ«οΈ
I will admit, there were times in the beginning where I wasn't sure I likes where it was going but I was happy to be proven wrong. There were so many quotable moments, and I feel like the dialouge was so real & fit the tone of the story.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
4.5/5 βοΈ
Rounded up to 5 for Goodreads
Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
πBOOK REVIEWπ
Those Empty Eyes - Charlie Donlea
"You tried to disappear, but we know where you are."
Alex Quinlan is searching for answers about her past & it gets MESSY. Love the time jumps & perspectives from many characters. It's muddy at first, but once you wade through the pay off is so worth it.
Another fantastic read from Charlie Donlea to get me out of my reading slump. I love the return of one of my favorite characters, won't say who to keep the surprise for others! I also have to show some appreciation for his ability to write a strong female character & not sexualize her. Every female lead he writes is unique & has inner strength in their own way.
Borrowed from the Washington Township Public Library
5/5 βοΈ
Those Empty Eyes - Charlie Donlea
"You tried to disappear, but we know where you are."
Alex Quinlan is searching for answers about her past & it gets MESSY. Love the time jumps & perspectives from many characters. It's muddy at first, but once you wade through the pay off is so worth it.
Another fantastic read from Charlie Donlea to get me out of my reading slump. I love the return of one of my favorite characters, won't say who to keep the surprise for others! I also have to show some appreciation for his ability to write a strong female character & not sexualize her. Every female lead he writes is unique & has inner strength in their own way.
Borrowed from the Washington Township Public Library
5/5 βοΈ
Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
βοΈ BOOK REVIEW π
Just the Nicest Couple - Mary Kubica
"The truth sometimes lies in what we donβt say, rather than what we say."
Two couples, one missing husband, & a whole lot of mystery. This one had me guessing and I didn't see the end coming till a few pages before. I admit I was totally not on the right trail π I felt it was very suspenseful at times, emotional, & even a little romantic at times.
Overall, this is a solid book but just not one of my favorites. I felt there were things that seemed important but just didn't really tie in to the story in the end. I was left a little confused by some parts of the story because of that. I definitely think other people should read it though because it did receive a lot of 5 star reviews from others π€
Borrowed from the Avon-Washington Township Public Library (this was on hold for months π )
4/5 π
Just the Nicest Couple - Mary Kubica
"The truth sometimes lies in what we donβt say, rather than what we say."
Two couples, one missing husband, & a whole lot of mystery. This one had me guessing and I didn't see the end coming till a few pages before. I admit I was totally not on the right trail π I felt it was very suspenseful at times, emotional, & even a little romantic at times.
Overall, this is a solid book but just not one of my favorites. I felt there were things that seemed important but just didn't really tie in to the story in the end. I was left a little confused by some parts of the story because of that. I definitely think other people should read it though because it did receive a lot of 5 star reviews from others π€
Borrowed from the Avon-Washington Township Public Library (this was on hold for months π )
4/5 π
The New Couple by Alison James
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
π BOOK REVIEWπ
The New Couple - Alison James
"She & her husband may live under the same roof, but they couldn't be said to live together."
This was a GREAT story. Love the idea of a mysterious couple moving the the block. The thriller vibes were definitely there & I also loved the writing style/language of the book.
I was super engaged for the first half, but my attention faded in the second half. I feel like the big twist came a little to early for my taste. The epilogue didn't give me what I was looking for either. That being said, I am totally willing to try another book from this author!
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
3.75/5 βοΈ
Rounded up to 4 for Goodreads
The New Couple - Alison James
"She & her husband may live under the same roof, but they couldn't be said to live together."
This was a GREAT story. Love the idea of a mysterious couple moving the the block. The thriller vibes were definitely there & I also loved the writing style/language of the book.
I was super engaged for the first half, but my attention faded in the second half. I feel like the big twist came a little to early for my taste. The epilogue didn't give me what I was looking for either. That being said, I am totally willing to try another book from this author!
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
3.75/5 βοΈ
Rounded up to 4 for Goodreads
The Forgetting by Hannah Beckerman
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
BOOK REVIEW ππ
The Forgetting - Hannah Beckerman
"But sometimes being scared of something is precisely the reason you need to do it."
Favorite book of the year so far. A story of two women, one whose recently lost her memory and the other whose husband you quickly learn is hiding something. I don't think I've ever been gaslit by a book before, but I'm here for it ππ€£ I felt like it took me WAY too long to figure out what was going on, and even when I did, I didn't β οΈπ€
Super mysterious, suspenseful, & in the end it held a deeper meaning than I expected. I did about half of this one as an audiobook & often found myself laughing out loud, gasping, and yelling the occasional 'omg'. The narrator's voice was relaxing & I will absolutely be looking to read more from Hannah. Triggers for DV & some potential ones that would give spoilers.
5/5 π
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
50% Audiobook
The Forgetting - Hannah Beckerman
"But sometimes being scared of something is precisely the reason you need to do it."
Favorite book of the year so far. A story of two women, one whose recently lost her memory and the other whose husband you quickly learn is hiding something. I don't think I've ever been gaslit by a book before, but I'm here for it ππ€£ I felt like it took me WAY too long to figure out what was going on, and even when I did, I didn't β οΈπ€
Super mysterious, suspenseful, & in the end it held a deeper meaning than I expected. I did about half of this one as an audiobook & often found myself laughing out loud, gasping, and yelling the occasional 'omg'. The narrator's voice was relaxing & I will absolutely be looking to read more from Hannah. Triggers for DV & some potential ones that would give spoilers.
5/5 π
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
50% Audiobook