Kate Clayborn

3.5 stars rounded up. This book was adorable and light, the perfect summer read that handled some interesting topics. Although the story never mentioned the pandemic, I think the story really tackled some very relevant, very real issues people are having.

Georgie is coming home. She's moving back home after she's lost her current job and isn't sure what she wants anymore. She feels like a mess, a mess she's always been, and doesn't know who she is anymore or what she wants from life.

Levi is our other POV. He's had a rough upbringing and has just recently really carved a spot out for himself in the world. As long as he can keep to himself, keep is life simple, it will keep going well and he can just keep on keeping on.

But Georgie and Levi collide right in the beginning of the story and their journey together, to sort out who they are and what they want - was a cute ride. I like that Levi's and Georgie's lives felt very different and their struggles unique. I like that Georgie's best friend is also dealing with some very real issues - is she leading the life she wants or the one she always thought she should?

And Hank. The most adorable character in the whole story is the dog and he honestly rounds out the story in a way that will make it stick with me. He was just so cute and I loved that both Georgie and Levi had full conversations with Hank about their lives.

all in all, this is a good Book club book and I'm looking forward to chatting with my book club tonight about it. I love that there is a discussion guide in the back.… (more)

Impulse from the library's 'big read' on overdrive/libby. Struggling through a Deep Freeze in the Midwest and having trouble focusing on anything less light.

No time to write up the review atm, but my highlights on the ebook are:

"garlicky sautéed carrots"

I love that Reid reads library books at home at night, and that Meg is only mildly surprised, and also pleased.

New word, want to learn meaning and to use in word games: chyron.

Love the lesson in friendship. Besties may not be comfortable being friends the same way when adults as they were as kids, but they can still love each other and learn new ways to be good to & for each other.

I, too, want the 'hidden message' line of stationary products. I'm glad Meg decides for herself what she wants. I will try my hand at just for fun lettering & sketching. I'm not sure I fully understand, yet, what makes it worth a profession, but I guess everyone has different values.

I'm still not sure what a 'swoonsh' is.… (more)

Jess has spent ten years raising her half-sister Teagan and keeping a low profile, hoping no one will ever discover that the guy their mother disappeared with was the conman Lynton Baltimore, the focus of a popular podcast. But when Teagan, now eighteen, invites the podcaster into their lives, Jess reluctantly agrees to participate in a search for her mother and her mother’s infamous boyfriend.

I felt intense empathy for Jess. I was also really interested in seeing a portrayal of sisterhood when there’s a significant age gap between sisters. (I feel like more often it’s the Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, sisterhood dynamic that is seen in fiction. I have no idea if this is an accurate impression, for what it’s worth.)

I was less invested in the other half of this romance, Adam, the podcaster’s assistant. I don’t even know if that’s an accurate description of his job. I mean, he’s a decent guy and a perfectly acceptable romantic interest for Jess and I liked meeting his family, but, subjectively speaking, his part of the story just wasn’t as compelling.

Maybe part of that is because I’m not into podcasts?… (more)

Maybe at another time in my life I would have enjoyed this more. I really wanted to like this one.

It took me almost a year to finish, not a good sign, but not a nail in the coffin. I kept going thinking it would start getting interesting and ended up wanting to skim page after page. It felt "cluttered" - too many side characters of little impact and long inner monologues that started to get repetitive. Both the "fic" and the revelation of Levi's history were underwhelming. I suppose a 1 star is harsh, but it's rare that I look back wishing I would have dnf'd a book after finishing it.

I see plenty of other readers like this one, which is great. If you're looking for a lighthearted Hallmark-style romance, this could be a good one for you.… (more)