readingwithkt's reviews
611 reviews

DNF @ 37%. I'd been super excited about reading this book, having heard rave reviews online about it and also having to wait many months for a library hold to come through. As I started listening to the audio, I was reminded of the familiarity of Emily Henry's writing and how much I enjoyed their previous works. However, I became disengaged as I started to have to suspend disbelief in order to buy into the fundamental concept of this story - that the group of close friends wouldn't pick up that something was off between this couple. I found that their snatched moments of conversation and intimacy felt a little forced and uncomfortable, and I didn't really buy into the idea that they were good together. Not rooting for the couple, I saw no other ending for me and this book but to DNF it. Very disappointed, but at least hopeful that another reader can enjoy the library copy.

DNF at 16%. I started reading this at the tail end of last year and just really couldn't buy into our two central characters. Since reading Beth O'Leary's Flatshare, I've been desperate to connect with another of their books. Sadly, it just hasn't happened for me yet. I remain hopeful but unfortunately, this wasn't the book for me.

Thank you to Quercus for the Advance Readers Copy of this book.

DNF at 19%. Perhaps I took the beginning of this book in too many sittings - not allowing myself the time to get fully engrossed in it before falling asleep or moving on to do something else - but I found that I didn't gel with the central characters and my desire to pick this up was low. Sometimes I push on further when I feel that way about a book, but I'm trying to practice letting go of books like that.

Thanks to Canelo for the Advance Readers Copy of this book.

Thank you to Little Brown Group for the Advanced Readers Copy of this title. Note: this review may contain spoilers.

In Moving On, we follow Ellen's life from youth to older adulthood. From aspiring young woman setting out on her own in Galway, Ireland, to busy advertising executive in London, and finally living a quiet life as a successful author back in Galway. Ellen is an easy character to love - kind, honest, and quietly ambitious while still being content with that which life gifts her - and I certainly found myself really rather fond of her. I enjoyed spending time with Ellen, getting to know her and experiencing her life through her eyes. Her story takes all sorts of twists and turns, many of which I saw coming but there were a few surprises along the way. There was a real human element to this book, and I think Roisin Meaney does well to get the reader connecting with Ellen right from the get-go. I enjoyed her days in the bookshop and that chapter of her life possibly the most, though watching her have her daughters and explore new career paths was also really enjoyable. There is quite some hardship in the book too, and our Ellen doesn't have it easy at times. These moments were written very rawly, and I felt at times like I was a friend to Ellen, wanting desperately for her not to have to suffer.

This really was a great book, perfect for readers looking for a light, but heartfelt, read.

 Thank you to Dialogue and Renegade Books for the Advance Reader’s Copy of Alter Ego by Helen Heckety. 

 

This novel follows Hattie as she starts her new life in Wales, her new life in which she will no longer be disabled. Hattie has an invisible disability and she’s tired of people treating her differently because of it, she’s tired of all the things she finds difficult and she’s tired of having to explain herself to others. So she comes up with The Plan - to start anew in Wales. She lands a job and does her best to function in our ableist society, but soon comes to realise that it’s much more complicated than she’d imagined to deny her needs. 

 

I’ll be the first to admit that I was a little unsure of Hattie in the beginning of the book and didn’t really understand why exactly she wanted to get away from her life in London, but she grew on me and my understanding grew as I read on and began to learn her personal history. After about 150 pages or so, I’d say I was really truly rooting for her. Hattie is a strong-willed, determined and courageous young woman. She had had quite a lot of trauma in her life, including parental loss, bullying and ableism. She worked hard to overcome these struggles but ended up holding her head just above water. Inevitably that water starts to creep higher as life’s struggles pile on, culminating in a devastating scene. 

 

I enjoyed the writing style of this one and the author’s use of mixed media (always a hit with me). It had some markings of a debut for me in that I felt that some of the speech felt slightly unnatural and some situations were a little too convenient, but that is also the beauty of fiction, I guess. I thought the messaging in the book was powerful - about self acceptance, self love, and expressing yourself and your feelings. And I simply think everyone deserves a friend as lovely as Aiden. 

 

I’d definitely read more from this author - will be looking out for it, in fact - and look forward to seeing what other stories they choose to tell.