Time sure feels like it’s flying these days. It’s hard to believe we’re already in March! My reading life was rather wonky this month. I gave up on The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks, read half of Slow by Brooke McAlary, and started the audiobook for Everything is Figureoutable.
Before I Let Go – 4.5 Stars! (5 Hearts!)
Yasmen and Josiah Wade had the perfect marriage and a life to be proud of. But when they faced heart wrenching loss and deep grief, their love couldn’t find a way through. Now, two years after their divorce, they have become the picture-perfect co-parents while running a successful restaurant together. When they start to explore the idea of moving on in new relationships, they both wonder if they’re truly ready to let each other go.
I loved reading about mature, older couples with some real relationship history behind them. When they went through two huge losses, it didn’t surprise me that depression and grief tore them apart. I loved how Kennedy Ryan gave us glimpses of their before and during marriage, so we could root for them despite their divorce. There is an outstanding Pro-Therapy message throughout the book and I wanted to scream YESSSSSS off the rooftop many times! Yasmen and Josiah’s chemistry was constant and fierce and I enjoyed the slow burn of their re-romance. If triggers are a concern for you, please look into the content-warnings before reading this one.
“Depression is a liar. If it will tell you no one loves you, that you’re not good enough, that you’re a burden or, in the most extreme cases, better off dead, then it can certainly convince you that you’re better off without the man you love, and that ultimately, he’s better off without you.”
I read this one with Becca and Nicole as part of A Dose of Romance Bookclub on Fable. You can also see my other reviews for Kennedy Ryan books here and here. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Books that take place after marriage:
All Your Perfects – 5 stars
Bromance Book Club – 4 stars
Every Wrong Reason – TBR
If you have more recommendations, please let me know below.
The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie – 4 Stars! (4 Hearts!)
When Lolly was 13, she made a list of 5 things she wanted to accomplish in her life (fall in love, open a restaurant, live in another country, etc.). Now a month before her 33rd birthday she’s feeling down because nothing has been completed. Her crazy Aunt Gerdie gives her 3 magic lemon drops that allow her to live a single day in a life she wished she’d had. Lolly must decide which regrets she would like to change, but every alternative life comes with a hidden cost. Will Lolly learn to stop living in the past, in order to live a joyful life?
I picked up this book, because Nicole chose it as her recommendation for the Foodie Reader in the 2022 gift guide. I loved the quirky group of characters with the added touch of magic and whimsy in this one, it reminded me of Garden Spells (one of my OG faves). I appreciated the author reminding us that there are hidden costs or consequences of every life choice. When one door opens, another door closes. The book alternates between present day and when Lolly was a teenager and found her one true love, and I was most drawn to that part of the story. Overall, it was a heartwarming, feel good story, that left me wondering – what regrets would I change if I could?
“You don’t need magic to change your life. You just need to follow your bliss as best you can. If you follow the light, no matter how dark the circumstances, things will come out right in the end. That’s the true recipe for joy in this life.”
Books where magic meets food:
Garden Spells – 5 Stars
Midnight at the Blackbird Café – TBR
A Kind of Paradise – 5 Stars! (4 Hearts!)
This was a read aloud to my 11-year old daughter. I discovered it on this podcast episode and after seeing the copy I immediately checked it out from the library. We both loved it!
Jamie Bunn made a big mistake at the end of the school year that leaves her socially mortified and in big trouble. As punishment she has to spend her summer vacation volunteering at the public library. She soon meets a library full of amazing characters and learns a great deal about life all while fighting to save the library from closure.
I loved the cast of characters, their personalities and their backstories, made it impossible not to root for them. It was heartwarming and huggable. I loved seeing the growth in Jamie (and her enemy Trina), adored the community and their fight to save the library. This was a great, positive, uplifting middle grade book for kids and adults alike, and we highly recommend it!
Looking for more book recommendations? Check out all of my book posts here!
What was the last book you hugged?
Stephanie Ann Affinito
I am so glad you enjoyed A Kind of Paradise! I’m adding The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie to my TBR!