Instant Cooking with Six Sisters' Stuff: A Book Review

I don't often use cookbooks. Probably because I don't often cook. But this cookbook made me actually excited to start cooking and using my Instant Pot more! I found this cookbook really beautiful—there are clear, gorgeous images for every single recipe, and the layout of the pages makes it easy to read and understand the recipe. I also love how many different recipes there are: basic foods, main dishes, side dishes, snacks, drinks, and desserts. I think this is the only Instant Pot cookbook I'll ever need. I will say that this cookbook requires you to already be familiar with an Instant Pot and have access to some additional accessories. But overall, this book is perfect for whoever wants to use their Instant Pot to make delicious recipes. 

Overall: 5

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Wide Starlight: A Book Review

The cover and the whimsical description of the Northern Lights and finding a lost mother immediately drew me to this book, The Wide Starlight. And sure enough, the beautiful descriptions of Norway match the beautiful cover. However, I didn't feel as connected to the story. It boils down to me not loving magical realism. I just can't seem to wrap my brain around it, which regrettably seems to be the point of magical realism. Anyways. I couldn't connect with Eli because I questioned some of her choices and thought processes, and the fairy tale stuff didn't seem to fit in with the world and aesthetic of the book sometimes. I enjoyed the flashback portions because those seemed solidly in place with the story. But everything else just didn't fit. Still engaging though, with beautiful scenery and some interesting characters.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, NetGalley and Razorbill, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Find Me in Havana: A Book Review

I loved Serena Burdick's novel last year, The Girls with No Names, so I was excited to pick up Find Me in Havana. Unfortunately, I just didn't love it. My biggest critique is the second person, switching points of view format. It did serve the story by giving us an adult perspective and a child perspective, especially when adult content was happening. But it was rather confusing at times, and I didn't feel as connect to the characters as I otherwise would have. I also didn't like the pacing of the book. We get snippets of the future while the story is told in the past, but then when we get caught up to the future, everything is rushed. It deflated the ending a little, and it failed at inspiring me. So while this book is dramatic and has some good history in it, it just didn't work for me. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 2
Overall: 2

Trigger Warnings: suicide, drug overdose, sexual abuse, rape, domestic abuse, kidnapping 

Thank you, NetGalley and Park Row Books, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Camelot Betrayal: A Book Review

I really enjoyed the first book to this series, The Guinevere Deception, so I was excited to read The Camelot Betrayal too. The second book continued with the unique magic system, epic quests, mystery surrounding Guinevere's origins, and Guinevere's complicated relationships with Arthur, Mordred, and Lancelot. However, I was surprised that almost all the conflicts in this book were continuations of the first book's subplots. This sequel had almost nothing to do with the Dark Queen, and it didn't really answer any questions about the main plot and Guinevere's identity. Because of this, I was a little annoyed at parts. But I'm still really looking forward to the last book so I can get my questions answered and continue with all the characters I love. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, NetGalley and Delacorte Press, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Arctic Fury: A Book Review

I was pleasantly surprised with The Arctic Fury. The premise drew me in: in 1853, a party of twelve women brave the arctic to lead an expedition to find the lost Franklin Expedition. The story is told in alternating timelines though. The second timeline follows the leader of the group, Virginia, during her trial where she's accused of murdering one of the women. I found both timelines fascinating and engaging, and the way Greer Macallister weaves them together is impressive. I could barely put this book down. I'd highly recommend if you're into historical fiction!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Written in Starlight: A Book Review

First off, love the cover. Isabel Ibañez is extremely talented. Second, my high hopes were a little dashed with this one. I loved Woven in Moonlight, but Written in Starlight felt too conventional, too frustrating at times, and too boring. I struggled most with the romance (or really lack thereof). Manuel and Catalina reminded me of Alina and Mal from the Grishaverse trilogy . . . and I didn't especially love both of their romances. The reasons keeping Manuel and Catalina apart weren't enough for me, and I was never really rooting for them in the first place. 

Overall, I'm disappointed in this book. But there was some good character development with Catalina, and I really enjoy Isabel Ibañez's writing style. I'll definitely give her future books another chance. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Gentleman and the Thief: A Book Review

It's been a long time since I've read a 19th century romance, and I forgot how fun and innocent they can be. The premise of The Gentleman and the Thief is fun: a gentleman who secretly writes stories to support himself falls in love with a music teacher who secretly steals back her family treasures. There's also a secret society and a suspicious gambling den. What could go wrong? 

I enjoyed reading this for the most part. The two main characters, Hollis and Ana, are lovable and the plot progresses well. But if I'm being honest, everything was simply lackluster. The romance wasn't thrilling, the plot wasn't tense enough, and sometimes I got confused with all the little details with the society and the criminals' backstories. I think this is the second in a companion novel series though, so that could be my fault coming in late. 

Overall, it was cute. It was fine. I don't think I'd recommend it to just anyone, but people who enjoy "proper romances" would probably enjoy this one as well!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!