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sophs_mood_reading's reviews
396 reviews
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I always knew from the name of the period that the Great Depression was a very hard time but wow this book took on that and tripled it.
Elsa Martinelli life had never been one of joy but when the 30’s hit her life on the dust bowl turn devastating. The farm is failing, her husband is a drunk and the land is killing the crops, animals and her children. She must make a decision to attempt to save them.
This novel depicts the physical, mental and emotional struggle of one family in the depression. Told in a duel point of view of mother and daughter it is a beautiful tale of heartache, determination and fear.
The imagery makes you taste and feel the dry heat and dust. You really are transported to the time.
It also highlights how easily human nature can attack an outsider or newcomer and how easy people can take on the “Us and Them” mentality to justify cruelty and injustice.
Warning I did tear up a couple of times so be aware if reading in public.
Elsa Martinelli life had never been one of joy but when the 30’s hit her life on the dust bowl turn devastating. The farm is failing, her husband is a drunk and the land is killing the crops, animals and her children. She must make a decision to attempt to save them.
This novel depicts the physical, mental and emotional struggle of one family in the depression. Told in a duel point of view of mother and daughter it is a beautiful tale of heartache, determination and fear.
The imagery makes you taste and feel the dry heat and dust. You really are transported to the time.
It also highlights how easily human nature can attack an outsider or newcomer and how easy people can take on the “Us and Them” mentality to justify cruelty and injustice.
Warning I did tear up a couple of times so be aware if reading in public.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Child death, Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, and Abandonment
Fate Calls the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Oh my lord! I’ve always loved this series and I must admit I was worried where this book would go after the second and that it was just dragging on the story. Well I am happy to admit I was very, very wrong.
This third instalment flips everything you think you know about Layala and Thane on its head and I loved it! We have new characters, new plots, new bad guys and new hero’s and I have a new book boyfriend!
I can’t say much without spoilers but J.M Kearl has served up a plot change that is a chefs kiss quality and has me desperate for the next instalment.
Only reason this wasn’t 5 stars was the word hump was used again and it’s just juvenile (and she wasn’t talking about something on a camel).
If you haven’t started this series go do it now!
This third instalment flips everything you think you know about Layala and Thane on its head and I loved it! We have new characters, new plots, new bad guys and new hero’s and I have a new book boyfriend!
I can’t say much without spoilers but J.M Kearl has served up a plot change that is a chefs kiss quality and has me desperate for the next instalment.
Only reason this wasn’t 5 stars was the word hump was used again and it’s just juvenile (and she wasn’t talking about something on a camel).
If you haven’t started this series go do it now!
Maame by Jessica George
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Maame: Woman; the responsible one.
When a nickname becomes a life burden. This is what life is for Maddie. The youngest child and only daughter of a family in London. Her mother flees to Ghana for years at a time, her brother is too busy and her father has Parkinson’s and relies on her for his care.
But is this all life is for Maddie, can she change, does she want to change, she better google it.
This novel is about the beautiful self discovery of a 25 year old woman who’s family put to much on her and others around her take advantage of her.
I loved how her story unfolded, life forced her to change and question her life choices, her mental state and who she wants to be, all with the help of a google search.
This was a beautiful insight into family dynamics, mental illness, discrimination and found family.
At first I got annoyed by Maddie’s googling every question she had and talking out loud to herself but as the book continued I realised why she did it and why it was needed.
Highly recommend this read but there are some triggers so be kind to yourself.
When a nickname becomes a life burden. This is what life is for Maddie. The youngest child and only daughter of a family in London. Her mother flees to Ghana for years at a time, her brother is too busy and her father has Parkinson’s and relies on her for his care.
But is this all life is for Maddie, can she change, does she want to change, she better google it.
This novel is about the beautiful self discovery of a 25 year old woman who’s family put to much on her and others around her take advantage of her.
I loved how her story unfolded, life forced her to change and question her life choices, her mental state and who she wants to be, all with the help of a google search.
This was a beautiful insight into family dynamics, mental illness, discrimination and found family.
At first I got annoyed by Maddie’s googling every question she had and talking out loud to herself but as the book continued I realised why she did it and why it was needed.
Highly recommend this read but there are some triggers so be kind to yourself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I’ve been wanting to read this book but always had some hesitation with all the hype. I wasn’t disappointed with the love story between Alex and Henry. It was beautiful. A prince of England and first son of America hiding their love for each other to protect their families.
There were some great side characters and beautiful raw moments between the MMCs.
My only let down was the huge focus on the presidential election. I understand it is a huge part of Alex’s life but god I find American politics boring and didn’t feel it needed such a huge roll in the book. Especially as Henry’s life seemed to only warrant a couple of pages. (Yes I know you can’t vote out a Prince) it was just a bit much.
I was so glad we didn’t have to focus on a massive third act breakup but i think the book could have ended a chapter or so early.
There were some great side characters and beautiful raw moments between the MMCs.
My only let down was the huge focus on the presidential election. I understand it is a huge part of Alex’s life but god I find American politics boring and didn’t feel it needed such a huge roll in the book. Especially as Henry’s life seemed to only warrant a couple of pages. (Yes I know you can’t vote out a Prince) it was just a bit much.
I was so glad we didn’t have to focus on a massive third act breakup but i think the book could have ended a chapter or so early.
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Ok well this was a lot. Greek mythology is never simple and never a straightforward story, I know this from Stephen Fry’s versions. This book held true to this trend.
Stone Blind is a retelling of the Medusa myth but more from her point of view. Of course, because there are many players in this tale we get a whole lot of storyline’s and points of view.
I loved how Medusa is not painted as an evil villain in this book and you really do feel sorry for her. Perseus is also portrayed as a bit of a dick (sorry but it’s true) which was also a nice break from the Hero mentality.
I loved the multiple points of view but at some stages it got a bit confusing and well a lot (there was a chapter of the snakes opinions which seemed to drag a bit). Also one chapter we were literally being yelled at, and though I understand why it was there (to change the well known narrative) it was a bit condescending.
It was a good way to learn about Greek mythology but I did finish wishing it had been more of a descriptive narrative and less dialog.
Stone Blind is a retelling of the Medusa myth but more from her point of view. Of course, because there are many players in this tale we get a whole lot of storyline’s and points of view.
I loved how Medusa is not painted as an evil villain in this book and you really do feel sorry for her. Perseus is also portrayed as a bit of a dick (sorry but it’s true) which was also a nice break from the Hero mentality.
I loved the multiple points of view but at some stages it got a bit confusing and well a lot (there was a chapter of the snakes opinions which seemed to drag a bit). Also one chapter we were literally being yelled at, and though I understand why it was there (to change the well known narrative) it was a bit condescending.
It was a good way to learn about Greek mythology but I did finish wishing it had been more of a descriptive narrative and less dialog.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, and Abandonment
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Continuing my foray into murder mysteries I thought I would grab this as I’ve seen it all over bookstagram.
Pippa is a senior student preparing her major project for school and of course chooses the obvious topic, the murder of a fellow student 5 years prior.
We thus head into a Nancy Drew-esque drama as Pip does her “research” / meddling / investigation / recklessly endangers herself all to clear the name of the supposed killer (who is also deceased).
Obviously I can’t say much more as it will give away the “who done it” but there are some great twists and false leads that keep you guessing until the end. And I did not guess correctly.
As in many a murder mystery (on book or screen), I got extremely frustrated when Pippa would go into situations such as the woods at night or to confront someone by herself, seeing that’s a great way to get yourself killed. Plus it’s highly unrealistic that someone who this they have figured out the cold blooded killer, would then just stroll up to them and be all “so I know what you did”. But is suppose we wouldn’t have the drama if she didn’t.
As it is set around teenagers it is a very teen thriller vibe book. But all the same I enjoyed the twisted path it took me on.
Pippa is a senior student preparing her major project for school and of course chooses the obvious topic, the murder of a fellow student 5 years prior.
We thus head into a Nancy Drew-esque drama as Pip does her “research” / meddling / investigation / recklessly endangers herself all to clear the name of the supposed killer (who is also deceased).
Obviously I can’t say much more as it will give away the “who done it” but there are some great twists and false leads that keep you guessing until the end. And I did not guess correctly.
As in many a murder mystery (on book or screen), I got extremely frustrated when Pippa would go into situations such as the woods at night or to confront someone by herself, seeing that’s a great way to get yourself killed. Plus it’s highly unrealistic that someone who this they have figured out the cold blooded killer, would then just stroll up to them and be all “so I know what you did”. But is suppose we wouldn’t have the drama if she didn’t.
As it is set around teenagers it is a very teen thriller vibe book. But all the same I enjoyed the twisted path it took me on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Bullying, Racial slurs, and Racism
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a cute book. We have Annie, the small town florist who is the innocent, virginal, sweet town angel and Will the tattoo wearing, player, body guard to Annie’s future popstar sister in law.
Annie can’t get a date or keep a man to save herself so of course her sister in law decides Will on his down time should teach her how to be a good date. (Because of course that’s the first thing you think of when your SIL is single).
Therefore we dive into a duel point of view, small town, fake dating romance. This was everything it promised to be. We have the quirky, nosy town people, the Insta lust/love couple too afraid to admit what they really feel and best of all multiple mentions of pirate romance novels (yes you read that correctly).
Will you guess everything that will happen (nearly yes) will you giggle at moments (yes again) we aren’t going for Pulitzer here peeps. It’s not exactly closed door romance. Maybe more behind the curtain lol but if you want a fun little romance then I recommend you give it a go.
Annie can’t get a date or keep a man to save herself so of course her sister in law decides Will on his down time should teach her how to be a good date. (Because of course that’s the first thing you think of when your SIL is single).
Therefore we dive into a duel point of view, small town, fake dating romance. This was everything it promised to be. We have the quirky, nosy town people, the Insta lust/love couple too afraid to admit what they really feel and best of all multiple mentions of pirate romance novels (yes you read that correctly).
Will you guess everything that will happen (nearly yes) will you giggle at moments (yes again) we aren’t going for Pulitzer here peeps. It’s not exactly closed door romance. Maybe more behind the curtain lol but if you want a fun little romance then I recommend you give it a go.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
“The two were together, so the two were the same: The girl, the King… and the monster they became.”
A great ending to a dark fairytale duology. I was worried how this book would go after the ending of the first as I didn’t think I would enjoy the change in characters. Well I was wrong.
Two twisted crowns leads on from the first straight into the action. We continue with multiple points of view and this really helps to keep the story and action going.
I can’t say much because, well, spoilers! But what I will say is we lead into a new path of plot and story as well as a new romance and I often found myself reading well past my bed time as I didn’t want to put it down.
As in the first I loved the magic system in this book as it’s so unique with chosen magic from the providence cards as well as the infection of magic from the mist.
This book did get more fantasy intense (if that’s a thing?) with a quest and spirits and trials/barters
I do feel like I had a couple of questions at the end that weren’t fully answered but they probably as I wanted to have a more in-depth answer rather than a simple line or two (assuming editing came into that!)
A great fantasy duology that I’ll continue to recommend.
A great ending to a dark fairytale duology. I was worried how this book would go after the ending of the first as I didn’t think I would enjoy the change in characters. Well I was wrong.
Two twisted crowns leads on from the first straight into the action. We continue with multiple points of view and this really helps to keep the story and action going.
I can’t say much because, well, spoilers! But what I will say is we lead into a new path of plot and story as well as a new romance and I often found myself reading well past my bed time as I didn’t want to put it down.
As in the first I loved the magic system in this book as it’s so unique with chosen magic from the providence cards as well as the infection of magic from the mist.
This book did get more fantasy intense (if that’s a thing?) with a quest and spirits and trials/barters
I do feel like I had a couple of questions at the end that weren’t fully answered but they probably as I wanted to have a more in-depth answer rather than a simple line or two (assuming editing came into that!)
A great fantasy duology that I’ll continue to recommend.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Holy moly, what a great read. This isn’t your run of the mill romance novel. Firstly we meet Sally who is a writer on The Night Owls commonly known as TNO, this is basically a fictional version of Saturday night live and the first half of the book revolves around a week long on set from the development to performance of an episode. The host Noah is a singer/songwriter, gorgeous and also a great guy which of course starts having instant chemistry with Sally. But is isn’t a movie, it’s real life so Sally the no one isn’t going to end up with the dreamboat celebrity (that only happens for the male nobodies on the show).
We then skip forward two years to pandemic America and follow Sally as she finds her footing in this new normal including an email from that pop star who was on the show 2 years ago. Some of the novel is then a series of emails back and forth before we switch back to a real time narrative.
I lapped this book up. The TNO chapters were as if we got a sneak peak on the workings of SNL and I found it fascinating, it was great to have an interesting background plot and learn some things while the romance storyline was flowing well. In the acknowledgements the author references an amazing amount of research into the subject and it’s probably why the novel feels so realistic and not fantasised subplot.
The rest of the book is really thoughtful and even though there are moments when the FMC puts her foot in it, they aren’t annoying, unrealistic antics like pretending to be someone else or wearing a costume to disguise yourself you find in some books, but highly realistic “f#%k! Why did I say that” moments.
Only reason I think I didn’t give 5 stars is the novel started so well and so differently to so many contemporary romances but it went back to usual pattern of 3rd act break up which I’m not sure was needed.
There are funny moments, heart breaking moments and some wonderful thoughts into the modern day gender roles and presumed rules of dating.
We then skip forward two years to pandemic America and follow Sally as she finds her footing in this new normal including an email from that pop star who was on the show 2 years ago. Some of the novel is then a series of emails back and forth before we switch back to a real time narrative.
I lapped this book up. The TNO chapters were as if we got a sneak peak on the workings of SNL and I found it fascinating, it was great to have an interesting background plot and learn some things while the romance storyline was flowing well. In the acknowledgements the author references an amazing amount of research into the subject and it’s probably why the novel feels so realistic and not fantasised subplot.
The rest of the book is really thoughtful and even though there are moments when the FMC puts her foot in it, they aren’t annoying, unrealistic antics like pretending to be someone else or wearing a costume to disguise yourself you find in some books, but highly realistic “f#%k! Why did I say that” moments.
Only reason I think I didn’t give 5 stars is the novel started so well and so differently to so many contemporary romances but it went back to usual pattern of 3rd act break up which I’m not sure was needed.
There are funny moments, heart breaking moments and some wonderful thoughts into the modern day gender roles and presumed rules of dating.
A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
If you ever wanted to mix Agatha Christie with Jane Austen then you have found your book.
A Most Agreeable Murder takes place at a country manor ball where the guest of honour is a single man with a fortune (and therefore must be in want of a wife) unfortunately for him that is not what he gets but instead his death brings a halt to the ball.
Thus our heroine must use all her wits to help solve the who done it, as the assistant to Mr Drake, an inspector who happened to be travelling with the deceased.
We get to follow the pair around the house as they question the suspects (ahem sorry guests) and discover clues. All while danger continues to lurk.
This was a fun who done it which made you think it’s been solved a couple of times before you are mystified again.
There is a little slow burn romance that seems to be blossoming but due to etiquette at the time it’s barely a flicker.
The story ends with the options of continuing as a series which could be fun.
I did find the book a little long and some of characters ridiculous (the sea captain who only spoke in puns related to sailing, or Daniel and his rhymes) but over all it was a fun, easy read.
A Most Agreeable Murder takes place at a country manor ball where the guest of honour is a single man with a fortune (and therefore must be in want of a wife) unfortunately for him that is not what he gets but instead his death brings a halt to the ball.
Thus our heroine must use all her wits to help solve the who done it, as the assistant to Mr Drake, an inspector who happened to be travelling with the deceased.
We get to follow the pair around the house as they question the suspects (ahem sorry guests) and discover clues. All while danger continues to lurk.
This was a fun who done it which made you think it’s been solved a couple of times before you are mystified again.
There is a little slow burn romance that seems to be blossoming but due to etiquette at the time it’s barely a flicker.
The story ends with the options of continuing as a series which could be fun.
I did find the book a little long and some of characters ridiculous (the sea captain who only spoke in puns related to sailing, or Daniel and his rhymes) but over all it was a fun, easy read.