Review: Bad Luck Bridesmaid

Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zoey Marks feels like every wedding she is in is cursed. This is because for 3 weddings, none of brides went through with the union. Zoey isn't sure how she feels about love and marriage until she meets Rylan. Rylan is everything she wants and more but when he proposes, Zoey is terrified.
Then Hannah, Zoey's best friend tells Zoey she is getting married. Zoey is happy for her friend but scared to be in the wedding and jinx that happy day. Plus, Rylan will be in attendance. Zoey really needs this wedding to take place because she thinks it will give her the guts she need to get Rylan back and accept his proposal.
For me, this was a great story of a character coming into herself. A journey of her self-discovery. It took a little while but I understood her story and even her fears, There were some funny scenes as well. There were a lot of times I questioned if Zoey really knew her mind and what she wanted. She had a lot of angst and to see her finally work through them and look at things from another perspective was satisfying.
Some might not like the ending, but I got it. For the woman Zoey was, she made the right decision. My favorite story was actually Hannah's. Her storyline warmed my heart. I found myself rooting for her to find her courage and her truth.
I would definitely read more from this author.
Thank you #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: Miss Pearly's Girls

Miss Pearly's Girls by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miss Pearly is sick and all she wishes is for her four daughters to return home and reunite. But the Bell ladies are each battling a past secret that is a deterrent to their reunion. Maxine, Leslie, Star and Stella must work through each of their past, their secrets and decide whether if holding onto past pain is more important than healing, than their future as a family.
Family dynamics come to play in this read and there was a lot to unpack in this tale. ReShonda tackled a lot of sensitive subjects with her skillful storytelling. I loved how this story focused on the power of the matriarch's love because it was their love for her that brought them home.
I think this would be a great book club read because it will open doors for a lot of discussion. So many secrets and buried truths that had to break free. Yes, lots of thought-provoking discussions.
Memorable Quote: "When you walk in happiness, negativity can't stay long."

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Review: Murder in Westminster

Murder in Westminster by Vanessa Riley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder in Westminister is the first in a historical mystery series which portrays a woman of color as the heroine. Lady Abigail Worthing has discovered the body of Juliet, her neighbor's wife, on her property. But she is surprised when her neighbor, Henderson, offers her an alibi - especially since she was at an abolition meeting. Abigail wonders who in London's high society is responsible for killing Juliet and decides she needs to find out, potentially putting her own life in danger. 

Listen, all I can say is that I absolutely loved this book! I was privileged to read an advanced copy and let me tell you, you will enjoy the beginning of this series. First the title: Intriguing. And, this is rare, but I liked all the characters. Wilson, Mary, Vaughn. Great side characters. I loved how the author built the tension in the story. I read this in hours.
I thought the writing was sharp. I loved the sense of humor throughout. I loved the storylines - even with the dogs.
The symbolism with the fence... That's all I can say. I think Vanessa Riley has found her niche!

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Review: I Am Enough

I Am Enough by Grace Byers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Diana O’Toole has her life all mapped out. She has the perfect partner in life, a surgical resident by her side. They had goals but then, everything went off track. Then Covid-19 hits the world while Diana and Finn were supposed to be on on their dream vacation. Finn stays behind to work but Diana goes alone.

But upon her entrance to the island, everything shuts down and she will have to navigate a life in the moment, that is unplanned.

Jodi Picoult can write about anything. It took me awhile to get into this book but once I did, I had to keep going. I was caught up in Diana's world. There were so many profound statements that it felt like the author also went along on the journey along with her character.

The descriptions, the scenes were so vivid. I felt like I have visited this wonderful place because of her words. I enjoyed the takeaways. There were so many themes: self-discovery, self-love and forgiveness.

Memorable quotes:
"Busy is just a euphemism for being so focused on what you don't have that you never notice what you do."
"You may not be able to choose your reality. But you can change it."

Thank you#Netgalley for this read.

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Review: The Bad Boy Experiment

The Bad Boy Experiment by Reese Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I haven't read all the books in the Bourbon Brothers series but this was such a great, quick read. Renee Lockwood returns home and ends up giving bad boy Cole Abbott a second chance. He is a real estate developer and she is back to restore her aunt's farm.

They are competitors for the same land but each are caught up with a passion bigger than them. I enjoyed this story and I think others will as well. I loved seeing Cole's interaction with Renee's son - that aspect of the storyline was heartwarming.

Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin

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