Review: Falling for You by Becky Wade

/

Falling for You, was my introduction to Becky Wade. I’m a sucker for second chance romance stories but this one had another dimension to the plot that perked my interest from the beginning. To be honest, I was a bit on the fence about my feelings as I read the book. No reflection on the quality or the story but I have to LIVE through the characters in books like this to be emotionally invested in them. I don’t know, maybe because I’m spoiled by the first person perspective in books like this but I wanted to feel them instead of reading about them. No big deal, it was still a nice read. 

It wasn’t until after the book that I saw that this was the second book in The Bradford Sister Romance series. I can’t validate if you should read the first or not because this is the first book that I read but I’d read it just in case there if there’s something you need to know to stay on top of the series. I enjoyed her writing style and I thought it was a genuine, personal touch she added to the end of each chapter. There were snippets of information through texts, letters and other fun ways as an extension of the characters. She worked that in really well and it gave us a little more intimacy with the characters. 

The book was driven by two storylines. The first being the “reconnection” between Willow and Corbin. I’ll admit at first I was a little judgy reading that this was a football player and a model. I was going to give up on them (not the book) but both had experiences that affected their lives and was given a second chance to be in the right place at the right time to possibly make things right. This only happened really due to the other storyline in the book involving the disappearance of one his relatives years back. His niece discovered a box in her grandmother’s closet and wanted help in finding out what happened to her. 

Being a fan of Willow’s, not knowing that she dated Corbin, felt a connection to her and sought out her help with this mission. These two storylines blended well for a nice read that brings the readers into their lives and their journey to find the truth and a possible shot at love again.

Just to let you know that there were elements of spirituality. This is a Christian contemporary romance that has characters that their faith is incorporated in their life. There is a balance of other characters where it wasn’t a part of their life. I always like to share that with you for those of you who aren’t spiritual. Overall, it was a nice, clean romance that will leave you happy and satisfied. The other plot uncovered in the book was definitely interesting as it unfolded with some unexpected twists to that story. Like I said before, I’m not sure about the first book so read that just in case and then add this one to the list to put on the TBR. 

Review: Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter

/

It’s not too far off to say that Hamilton: The Broadway Musical is one of the best musical there is. Every aspect of it is genius. So it is not surprising that the companion book is genius as well. Both casual and diehard fans will enjoy Hamilton: The Revolution. It’s an insightful look into the popular musical that does not feel dull or pointless. It is filled with so much content.

First and for most, it is a beautiful book. It is a little bit smaller and lighter than a school textbook, however, it is not as plain. It has the look of a book that could have potential been from that era. The sides of the pages are sort of ruffled on the side and have a yellow tint to them. The physical look add so much to aesthetic of the book.

Next, the content. There is around 200 plus pages of interesting and entertaining content. Photos from the Broadway musical laminates the pages. It is hard to get tickets to see Hamilton, so even a glimpse at the stage production is interesting.

A huge portion of the pages are fill with song lyrics. In addition, several lines from different songs have annotations on the side. Hamilton is not a 100% accurate portrayal of Alexander Hamilton’s life. Some details were changed by the creator. And many annotations within the lyrics provide the true account of what happened.

Another interesting things that I found was that well also focusing on the show itself, the book does take time to highlight each cast member and their contribution to the show. That was inspiring in some way.

Final Analysis

Hamilton: The Revolution is essence a user guide and companion book to the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. There is countless amount of material that is never dull or repetitive.  

Review: The Widow's Watcher by Eliza Maxwell

/

I’m not sure where to begin with this book but I will tell you that I had my concerns at the beginning because I wasn’t sure where it was heading. Once we got to that lake, there was no turning back and it takes a life of its own. I don’t want to give up too much because there are some major plot points that I feel is best to experience on your own for you to enjoy the book rather than me talking about it. So, I’m going to just share my general thoughts about it without revealing too much.

The Widow’s Watcher left me feeling good but really puts you in the mind and heart of two people who have been faced with the bottom pit of despair and hopelessness. Jenna Shaw, lives with the guilt of a tragedy that changed her life. It left her empty and heart broken. Taking her to point of emotional no return, she planned and made a decision that many people in the bottom of hopelessness have done but at the last moment was stopped by someone who wasn’t going to let that go down on his watch. 


Lars, who at first seems rough around the edges, has some pain of his own. Living with his own tragedy, he saw this as a chance to give someone hope and a reason to keep living. Not at all thrilled at the intervention, they slowly become friends and let their guards down. As they share their experiences, Jenna learns about his past which fueled her curiosity to find the answers that he never got. When the truth comes out, secrets from the past shatter everything but lead their journey to redemption, forgiveness and hope.

Overall, this book turned out to be very good. The friendship that developed between Lars and Jenna and the journey to get answers for him really made this book a page turner. The beauty of their friendship was special because they saved each other which was very touching. You really understand their pain, especially through the other characters and their relationships with them. Once their journey in the book took off, I wasn’t expecting the book to head in the direction it did but as the plot is layered up, it will leave you very satisfied in the end. I’m recommending adding this to your TBR!

Review: Echo Moon by Laura Spinella

/

In the third installment of the Ghost Gifts series, we move forward once again, this time 16 years. This time the focus is not on Aubrey's gift, but her son, Pete’s gift. We learn that after the incident when Pete was 12 that his dreams were not just that, but instead visitations to a past life. Esme, a mysterious presence in Pete’s life is at the root of everything. Between bloody battles and horrific scenes, Pete is haunted by not only the ghosts he encounters but by his dreams. Pete who has spent years running from this side of himself must now set off to figure out how this past life connects to his present. Through a series of perfectly timed events and encounters, Pete finds just how many ways people can be connected. This book takes you on a journey of past and present to solve who was Esme, why does Pete dream of her death, and was he responsible for it? 

Review: What About Us by Emma Tharp

/
Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

If you read What About Her, than you know that the book ended with a shocker. I'm on the fence with saying that What About Us can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book before this to get an understanding of the backstory to fall into place for the why's to be answered in the second book. What About Us was unexpected with the plot twists and leaves me very satisfied with my unanswered questions.

What About Us, picks up from where it left off in book one. Never a dull a moment with some suprising plot twists that spiced up the book unexpectedly and makes things a little more interesting with secrets revealed from the past year that make Kate question everything. Her best friend has been missing for almost a year with no clues or information to what happened to her and then she gets a phone call that changes her life forever. In book two, everything comes out in the open and secrets get revealed that change everything. Most importantly, where does that leave Kate and River? 

I'll admit, initially I wasn't a real fan of River and Kate during book one but I found myself taking a liking to them now. What happens at the end of book one influences the dynamic of their relationship and becomes a game changer by forcing them to make a decision that breaks their hearts in this book. The problem with this is when you make a decision to make someone else happy, you lose sight of the path of your own happiness. Kate has a hard time dealing with her choice, not to mention the added pressure of River not wanting to let go. Then something bad happens and it forces Kate to face what her heart really wants but can time heal their wounds.

Overall, I'm glad that I got the answers that I had desperately wanted to know. I wasn't expecting the story to go the way it did but really enjoyed where it went it. I really think that the secrets that get uncovered about Kate's best friend will really hit home with those who've gone through the same thing. This book really got deep in their heads and hearts which made it more likeable. If you haven't checked out book one, grab that one so you can catch up before you read this one. 

Review: Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson

/

I’m always excited to dive into a new series by an author, especially one that I absolutely love. Then There Was You, the first book by Miranda Liasson in the Angel Falls series, didn’t disappoint. There is such beauty in the way Miranda writes her novels that embraces romance and relationships in a way that is just so sweet and real.

I love when two people that you don’t think would ever fall for each other are each “meant to be”. You wouldn’t think that if you were in Sara Langdon’s shoes considering that coming home to Angel Falls was the last place on earth she’d ever want to be. Humiliated and heart broken, her fiance ditched her before her wedding for someone he used to date. Everything about her hometown was a bad reminder of everything that she thought was going to be. Never wanting to comeback, she put aside her feelings to help her grandma deal with an illness.

While on rotation on a shift at the hospital, the first person she sees is the one person who ruined her wedding. Not seeing Colton Walker since then brought back so many emotions that has her wandering if she could deal with things. Determined to avoid him at all costs, an unexpected moment happens between them that becomes a real game changer. Things happen for a reason in people’s lives and sometimes the person who might be your “meant to be” is right in front of you but you don’t realize it. You’ll have to read to find out what happens but it is definitely worth it!

Overall, Then There Was You was definitely what I’ve come to love about Miranda. I thought as always, she brought us a wonderful story that you just can’t help falling in love with. She always creates such wonderful characters and the relationships between them are always genuine and sincere. My favorite parts of the book were the grandmas. I loved the familial influences on the characters and the traditions incorporated of that unity and support. I know you will enjoy this book. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Perhaps, maybe Rafe and Kaitlyn? Well find out. Add this one to your reading list!