"The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride


I am thrilled that this title did so well. I am a fan of James McBride and loved "The Color of Water." However, I DNF (did not finish) this title (yet). Try as I might, I could not get immersed and so many other books were calling my name. I will try again.

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"Not in Love" by Ali Hazelwood

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*fanning self*

Whoo! This is a STEAMY one. As Ali Hazelwood states at the beginning of the book, this title is a little different from some of her others, and I am here for it. 🔥

Brilliant woman with career in STEM: ✔️
Handsome and slightly suspect man with career in STEM: ✔️
Great plot with LOTS of sexual tension: ✔️

"Not in Love" has everything you hope for from Ali Hazelwood's latest title, and more. I was offered the chance to read an copy in advance of publication in exchange for an honest review and honestly - I loved it. I would say it's her best yet. If you're not a prude and enjoy the occasional steam between the pages, then Rue and Eli are for you.

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"Just for the Summer" by Abby Jimenez

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a die-hard Abby Jimenez fan, so when I saw the opportunity to read "Just for the Summer" -- in advance of publication day -- for an honest review, I was ecstatic.

Justin and Emma meet because of an "Am I the Asshole" post, which is pretty funny. His charm comes across in every exchange, from the first few DMs, then phone calls, and eventually conversations in person. Though he seems happy and thoughtful, confident and in control of his life, there are complications looming. And every time he dates someone, that person finds the love of their life after breaking it off with Justin.

Emma is an independent woman, good at her job and knows what is coming next. She doesn't need much from anyone and likes it that way. But every time she dates someone, that person finds the love of their life after breaking it off with Emma.

Intrigued? Read "Just for the Summer" to find out what happens and if Justin and Emma's curses are broken.

NOTE: Jimenez books always contain Easter Eggs with mentions of past characters and I love it!

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Everything's Fine by Cecilia Rabess

Everything's Fine by Cecilia Rabess
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I found this very readable; finished it in a day. I'm a shade of grey person and could relate to both Josh and Jess. I became frustrated at how easily she reverted to an accusation of racism when she couldn't understand a perspective or became overwhelmed and frustrated with emotion. I completely understood her passion for activism and I was furious with how she was treated at her workplaces. There was also a scene where she discovered a clothing item that Josh brushed off and maybe in historical hindsight you could explain that away - but man, was I in Jess's camp in that scene. I felt that she had many assumptions about Josh going back to college that she never apologized for as she got to know him better and realized she was wrong.

I was rooting for them together, and still am.

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"Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrille Zevin

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I see review and review gushing over a book, I'll admit that I get a bit bummed out because the hype often doesn't live up to expectations. I prefer that *I* discover how amazing a book is and then delight that others agree, rather than the other way around.

However, this is an exception. I adored this book.

How exactly to classify it? I don't know....it is a love story. And it left me wanting, but not in a let-down way...but because I'll miss the characters and because of some intentionally unfulfilled possibilities.

Way to knock it out of the park, Gabrille Zevin!

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"Yours Truly" by Abby Jimenez

 

A new book from fave author Abby Jimenez is cause for celebration! I appreciate how many of her books weave together loosely connected characters so a new story often gives us a chance to check in old friends. That wasn't really the case in "Yours Truly," though Lola Simone is mentioned.

Drs. Briana Ortiz and Jacob Maddox are our protagonists and they have a delicious back and forth, beginning with major misunderstandings and ending with....well, you'll have to read it to find out!

Family drama, past relationships, old-fashioned correspondence and emotional disabilities all factor in to this delightful rom-com.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! It is a funny, touching rom-com and I wish it could go on forever. I will have a good time recommending and hand-selling this, just like Katherine Centers’ other books. 💛

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