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tartan_teapotsandbooks_croft's reviews
300 reviews
To Avenge a Fallen Star by Qilanna Quinn
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow what a debut!! This book was such a phenomenal read. I don't read a lot of science fiction and I have to say this was a great experience and read for me.
The story was excellent and it kept me hooked. The book is so bingeable. In one sitting, I read about 83% of it. I just couldn't stop. The story was captivating. I loved the relationship between Gemma and her friends. Especially Christian.
The characters? I loved them! Christian Holm, welcome to my book boyfriend club! He was wonderful. So patient and so kind. Such a good man. Gemma was a good soul with a difficult mission. Her caring and goodness did shine through though. Imara was sassy and so funny. She was a great addition. Hawk was super nice too. He also knew what had to be done and did it well. Other characters were great and really excelled in the roles they had in the book.
The book was extremely well written and so beautifully described. The story flowed well. There were no plot holes and there wasn't anything that made no sense! The book is written in Gemma's POV and told in third person.
I highly recommend this to you! Even if you don't read much sci-fi or if you love the genre, read this. You will not regret it.
The story was excellent and it kept me hooked. The book is so bingeable. In one sitting, I read about 83% of it. I just couldn't stop. The story was captivating. I loved the relationship between Gemma and her friends. Especially Christian.
The characters? I loved them! Christian Holm, welcome to my book boyfriend club! He was wonderful. So patient and so kind. Such a good man. Gemma was a good soul with a difficult mission. Her caring and goodness did shine through though. Imara was sassy and so funny. She was a great addition. Hawk was super nice too. He also knew what had to be done and did it well. Other characters were great and really excelled in the roles they had in the book.
The book was extremely well written and so beautifully described. The story flowed well. There were no plot holes and there wasn't anything that made no sense! The book is written in Gemma's POV and told in third person.
I highly recommend this to you! Even if you don't read much sci-fi or if you love the genre, read this. You will not regret it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and War
Moderate: Sexual content and Grief
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
2.0
This is a review that will be kept extremely short and sweet. I understand this is a classic and lots of people love this book. It really wasn't for me. I remember enjoying the movie so I was so hopeful. I struggled to connect with the book. I sort of wish that I had just DNF'ed but 162 pages, it seemed pointless. I didn't really like any of the characters. The story wasn't enjoyable either for me. I'm so sorry. If you like classics then please read. I enjoy classic literature but this was just very much a miss for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I've rated 5 ⭐ in the past but it really is only 4.5. I used to round up.
This was a great start to the series. It gave us Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, The Weasleys, Quidditch, Dumbledore and the other teachers. Even the down right disgusting Dursleys. We also got the friendship of Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Unpopular book opinion. I really do not like Hermione. I like her even less as the series winds on. She's just too much of a know it all. I went to school with someone like her and didn't like her either so I think it's rubbed off. The friendship between the three is special and it just gets stronger.
I adore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The world is special, imaginative and immersive. It's a place that's meant a lot to me for a very large chunk of my life.
I love the story of Harry finding our he's a wizarding, learning about his parents and Voldemort. His fame. His talent as a wizard. He's a great MMC. It just feels special watching him grow and face things head on with more bravery than most would have had.
With the exception of Hermione, I do love all the characters. Hagrid especially. He's such a good, kind man. The book is written in third person from Harry's point of view. Which is how it should be.
If you have never read the books or seen the movies I beg you try them. Forget what the author and just enjoy them for what they are. One of the greatest of our time.
This was a great start to the series. It gave us Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, The Weasleys, Quidditch, Dumbledore and the other teachers. Even the down right disgusting Dursleys. We also got the friendship of Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Unpopular book opinion. I really do not like Hermione. I like her even less as the series winds on. She's just too much of a know it all. I went to school with someone like her and didn't like her either so I think it's rubbed off. The friendship between the three is special and it just gets stronger.
I adore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The world is special, imaginative and immersive. It's a place that's meant a lot to me for a very large chunk of my life.
I love the story of Harry finding our he's a wizarding, learning about his parents and Voldemort. His fame. His talent as a wizard. He's a great MMC. It just feels special watching him grow and face things head on with more bravery than most would have had.
With the exception of Hermione, I do love all the characters. Hagrid especially. He's such a good, kind man. The book is written in third person from Harry's point of view. Which is how it should be.
If you have never read the books or seen the movies I beg you try them. Forget what the author and just enjoy them for what they are. One of the greatest of our time.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This was just not my cup of tea. The author did an admirable job with the writing but I just didn't like this at all. I'm so sorry to everyone who loved this!
I was so excited for this one. I saw so many good reviews so I was hopeful. It just fell so flat. Towards the end it just did not make any sense. I'm sure a lot of you nailed it but my logical brain was like what?
The characters were only. The Faust family were extremely creepy and a bit over the top but I guess they had to! We needed to be drawn into the house and it's history right? Eve was a good mental health rep but she was just okay as a character. The rest of the characters were fine. They helped move the story along.
The book is all in third person from Eve's POV. There are some interludes with documenrs such as transcripts and web page excerpts.
The book was written well enough and it was very descriptive. The plot, I know I have said it but it just wasn't for me. I tried so hard to like it and I was hoping it would have me on the edge of my seat. I'm just sorry that it didn't. I'm glad that the people who loved this did!
If you like horror or LGBTQ fiction I recommend it.
I was so excited for this one. I saw so many good reviews so I was hopeful. It just fell so flat. Towards the end it just did not make any sense. I'm sure a lot of you nailed it but my logical brain was like what?
The characters were only. The Faust family were extremely creepy and a bit over the top but I guess they had to! We needed to be drawn into the house and it's history right? Eve was a good mental health rep but she was just okay as a character. The rest of the characters were fine. They helped move the story along.
The book is all in third person from Eve's POV. There are some interludes with documenrs such as transcripts and web page excerpts.
The book was written well enough and it was very descriptive. The plot, I know I have said it but it just wasn't for me. I tried so hard to like it and I was hoping it would have me on the edge of my seat. I'm just sorry that it didn't. I'm glad that the people who loved this did!
If you like horror or LGBTQ fiction I recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Murder On The Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This wasn't all that bad. The ending was a bit flat for me I think. The story was good and some tough issues were raised. I liked that. Having a preemie baby made me bubble. I keep wee preemies close to my heart. I was one myself born at 30 weeks in the 80s. I digress. I liked the majority of the characters. Grant was just vile. I wish I could call him everything in my head but I won't! The book itself was well written and descriptive. The book is written in third person from the majority of Roz's POV. We also have some chapters from the POVs of Meg, Ember and The Killer! I do recommend this. It was a good wee read.
My December Darling by Lauren Asher
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So this is my first Lauren Asher. It certainly won't be that last. I might have to visit the Lakefront Billionaires!!! I loved this novella. It was extremely cute and cosy. The story was fun and I really enjoyed it! I loved all the characters were great. Lauren you have given me another book boyfriend. Doctor Luke Darling is like the sweetest and kindest man! I just adored him. I liked that dynamics with Catalina. It was lovely watching their relationship unfold. The book is written in first person from the dual POV of Luke and Catalina. This worked so well. If you want to squeeze in any final reads before 2025 I highly recommend this one!
The Christmas Book Hunt by Jenny Colgan
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is one of my favourite novellas I have ever read. Jenny you're an absolute master at writing such beautiful and heartfelt stories. The story had everything you could ask for in a Christmas story. Except for great auntie Violet being sick. That made me cry! Mirren did such a wonderful thing in trying to locate the much treasured book. The story was so well written. It was very emotional. All of the characters were amazing. I was so happy that Carmen, Mr. Mccreadie and Ramsay had a small part. I really hoped they would! The book is written in third person from mostly Mirren's POV. There is the odd wee bit from Theo and Violet. If you're looking for a quick read to add to your 2024 tally, I really recommend this!
Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden
dark
tense
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
3.0
This book wasn't too bad. It wasn't one of her best but it wasn't bad either. It gave off some vibes of the Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window. The writing was good and descriptive. The story was well structured too. The plot was decent and well thought out. The characters themselves all had their own flaws and I struggled to like them. The book was written in first person from multiple POVs - Quinn, Claudia, Rosalie & Rob. This worked pretty well in the context of the book. I think you still read this but read some of her others first such as Never Lie.
One More Christmas at the Castle by Trisha Ashley
lighthearted
medium-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? No
2.0
This book was okay. I'll be honest. I found it a bit tedious to get through. Some of it felt repetitive and predictable. It's such a shame as I had high hopes for this one. The writing itself was fine. The book didn't have to be as long as it was. We didn't need the whole month Dido was there pretty much documented. The book was in first person. The majority was from Dido's view point. There were little interludes scattered here and there from Sabine. I think I would have preferred it to be from Sabine's POV in it's entirety. I felt that it might have worked better and the book would have been shorter. I don't really recommend it. Please read it if you want to though. Don't take my word as gospel
Christmas at the Cat Café by Jessica Redland
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this book. The cats were all fantastic and I did have a good cry near the end. Reading about Tabby's journey with accepting her diagnosis was like I was reading about me in those early days. Her struggles were mine and I can completely relate to her. The story itself was well written and the characters were all amazing. Especially Tom and Tabby's family. Most understanding people ever. Not everyone is about fibromyalgia. The idea of a cat café is awesome. They sound like fun! The book is written in first person entirely from Tabby's point of view. This worked well as it allowed the reader to understand what was going on better. I really recommend this to you all!