Book Club Reads
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text.
This Spells Love by Kate Robb
4 Stars
Have you ever wanted to redo a life choice that you regret? Bad boyfriend/girlfriend? Bad move? Why did I put my foot in my mouth? “This Spells Love” provided Gemma Wilde with a one-month glimpse into what would have happened had she not met with her ex-boyfriend. One love spell recommended by a very interesting aunt, and a kiss with her “best friend (?),” Daxon McGuire, and Gemma wakes up in a world where she not only didn’t meet her ex, but didn’t meet Daxon, either. And the story takes off from there. It was interesting to see how one choice can change the trajectory of a person’s life. How it can change the trajectory of your career path (she was able to open up her dream store, Wilde Beauty), your environment (she moved into a basement apartment rather than being in her beloved condo), and your relationships (the friends that you would have made or not made, the people who would give you opportunities in life or not). And your choice can not only affect your life, but the life of others around you. Gemma is a flawed character. She allows some of her insecurities to negatively affect Dax and her sister, Kiersten. Admittedly, you want to reach into the pages to shake her and go “why?” But she is able to learn from these flaws and acknowledge that Dax has been the love her life; and that Kiersten has her own dreams and wishes for herself.
Gemma and Dax’s relationship was wonderful to see, as their love and friendship for each other blossomed beyond time and space. And I appreciated that Gemma grew wiser from her experience. As it is a rom-com, you expect a happy ending, and this book does not disappointment.
Review by Stephanie
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text.
The Inmate by Freida McFadden
2.5 Stars
I felt that Brooke was represented as an immature, not fully developed character. Her inner thoughts did not ring true for a late 20 year old, nor as a mother. She was highly unlikeable in the flashbacks, and in the present, she annoyed me when she kept describing Tim as hot and kept wavering on who she believed was guilty. The same immaturity is true for Tim, who appeared as if he was still that same 17/18 year from the flashbacks.
The ending was too convoluted for me. I wish the author had gone with the plot point of Shane and Tim working together, because adding in the mother being complicit just seemed too unrealistic and random for me. The reasons for the killings also didn't make the most sense, though I guess that aspect is the most realistic because people kill each other all the time for no good reason.
It was interesting to see that Josh was responsible for killing Shane, which adds another layer to the story and leaves readers with questions, particularly: will Josh end up just like his father?
Review by DJ
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text.
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
4.5 Stars
I love stories where:
1. people fall in love with ghosts
2. the writing is meaningful and just forces you to stop and take a breath
3. the humor is well-delivered and unexpected (in a good way)
This book had all three, plus a heavy dose of grief, found family, and shitty exes.
Review by DJ