Tag Archive for: 5 Stars

The Heartbreak Hotel

The Heartbreak HotelTitle: The Heartbreak Hotel
Author: Ellen O'Clover
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 352
Length: 10h 17m
Narrator: Brittany Pressley
Source: Owned
Reason: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

I loved THE HEARTBREAK HOTEL. It was a delightful story about love, loss, forgiveness, healing, and second chances. I loved both Louisa and Henry, their chemistry and sexual tension. I loved how the author showed grief in all its forms, how consuming it is, how different it is for each person, and that we can heal from our grief.

One of my favorite parts of the book was how the author was able to portray Borderline Personality Disorder without the person being deranged or psychotic. I loved that she explored how it affects the person diagnosed with it as well as the people around them. I especially loved that she showed what BPD looks like without therapy and the healing that can come from consistent therapy.

, ,

As You Wish

As You WishTitle: As You Wish
Author: Cary Elwes
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 272
Length: 7h 1m
Narrator: Cary Elwes, and more
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

What a delightful memoir. It’s definitely my favorite to date. I loved learning about the making of The Princess Bride. It was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look. The audiobook is definitely the way to read AS YOU WISH. Besides Cary Elwes narrating, a lot of the main cast is featured which was truly a treat. 

After I finished listening, I immediately rewatched the movie. It was so much fun to see all the things Cary Elwes and his cast mates talk about. It also made an already enjoyable film that much more enjoyable. One of these days, I’ll actually read William Goldman’s book so I can experience the source material as well.

Additional Narrators: Carol Kane, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Chris Sarandon, Andy Scheinman, Wallace Shawn, Robin Wright, Billy Crystal

The Circus Train

The Circus TrainTitle: The Circus Train
Author: Amita Parikh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 352
Length: 14h 39m
Narrator: Imogen Church
Source: Owned
Reason: BotM Backlist
Rating:

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved THE CIRCUS TRAIN. While I don’t feel like it’s reminiscent of THE NIGHT CIRCUS like the blurb says it is, I thought the story and characters were interesting, rich, and fraught with heartache, challenges, and perseverance.

I loved the concept of a traveling circus by train in Europe before and during World War II. The history helped shape the story and give it more depth. It was very interesting to see World War II from so many different perspectives and locations. I really enjoyed the author’s note at the end explaining the creative license vs. the reality.

The circus itself helped turn an otherwise troubling and deadly time into a life worth living despite the pain. I loved Lena, Theo (father), Alexandre (love interest), and Clara (governess). They all shined and made the story a pleasure to read. I won’t be forgetting this story any time soon.

,

Yours Truly

Yours TrulyTitle: Yours Truly
Author: Abby Jimenez
Series: Part of Your World #2
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 398
Length: 11h 30m
Narrator: Zachary Webber, Kyla Garcia
Source: Library
Reason: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

YOURS TRULY gave me all the feels. I literally laughed out loud a few times, which isn’t common for me when I read. (Chapter 32 is hilarious and the audiobook makes it even better.) I cried and I swore. I loved how Jimenez portrayed anxiety, depression, and trauma in this story. It felt so realistic. I loved that Jacob used skills he learned in therapy when his anxiety became too much for him. It reminded me of DBT.

I loved Briana and Jacob. I loved their sense of humor. I loved their chemistry, banter, and sexual tension. Their romance was so swoony. I swore at them a couple of times because the miscommunication between the two of them was Olympic medal worthy.

The Haunting of Paynes Hollow

The Haunting of Paynes HollowTitle: The Haunting of Paynes Hollow
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Genre: Horror
Format: Audio
Pages: 320
Length: 9h 24m
Narrator: E.J. Lavery
Source: Owned
Reason: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

Wow! I’m so glad I chose THE HAUNTING OF PAYNES HOLLOW as my October Book of the Month pick. It was so much fun! I loved the callback to Sleepy Hollow and the Headless Horseman. I loved the setting, the supernatural legends, the characters, and the big reveal at the end! When I wasn’t reading, I couldn’t wait to get back to the story. I’ll definitely be looking up more books by Kelley Armstrong.