Review: If You Only Knew by Emily Francis

The heart of the book is about a woman, through letters of shared experiences, reflect upon her journey from being an undocumented immigrant who came here as a young girl, to becoming a teacher. Inspiring and pulls at the heart, her thoughtful letters to her students, giving them hope and solace, shares a part of herself that leaves them feeling loved and appreciated.

I loved everything about this book. I found myself completely immersed in their experiences and empathetic to the plight of their fears, hopelessness and insecurities. Their personal journeys for a better place into a situation where many families are separated, many are alone, have no resources to begin their next chapter really presents a stronger appreciation of the life we have even with its impurities.

There’s been much debate about the subject of young undocumented people but many don’t see the pain they go through and despite their opinion, they are somebody. For all the stories you hear or see, that is the minority. The majority are parents and who selflessly are willing to risk their lives for their children to have a chance to be better than and in many cases, break the cycle of what they desperately want to leave behind.

In a climate where young people are ridiculed and pushed to a place of feeling not good enough, I can only imagine kids such as this who feel inferior to fit in. The insecurities of comprehension with English to assimilate create a barrier that can leave many feeling defeated. Its teachers like this whom they can have a connection that inspires their hopes, dreams and tenacity to persevere. You can be anything you dream you can be becomes tangible rather than a myth.

For every student that has a shared experience, this would be such a wonderful book to read. Not just for the content but the author has made herself available to connect to spare them the unnecessary obstacles and promote confidence and strength that they can pursue their dreams. For teachers in general who work with kids that English isn’t their first language, this would be a great way to get a perspective for them from the experiences of others.

Overall, this was a wonderful read. If you get a chance, this is a wonderful example of someone who worked hard to achieve the American dream and is paying it forward.

Buy on Amazon

Review: The Rise of the Black Quarterback: What It Means for America Jason Reid

I’m not a fan of football but there was something about this book that called me to read it. Before I share my thought about the book, I need to talk about this cover. It has an empowering presence of visuals that draw you in. Unsure if this was intentional or not, the emphasis of the gold lettering of certain elements of the title, speaks volumes before you turn the page. It has a commanding presence. It definitely sets the tone to be game ready with anticipation to dive right in.

Thought provoking and insightful, Rise of the Black Quarterback was a necessary book not only for football fans to broaden their knowledge of important players trailblazed the game but offer a history lesson of how the past paved a way for the present and future athletes that have been bestowed upon them the privilege of being a quarterback. Inspired by his well-received articles from his ongoing series, this book shares of the history and influence of the black players including trailblazers and others that supported their journey.

The commentary expressed in the book gave a voice to many that haven’t been heard. We experience their heartbreaking moments, hardships and discriminations that prevented their light to shine. Jason Reid so eloquently presents their voice through his words to share their experiences. From an outsider, this leaves you inspired from their perseverance through their obstacles to leave their impression on a sport they fought so hard to be a part of.

Overall, for a non-football fan, this book got me excited to learn more about the history of football from this perspective. There are many untold stories I’m sure and hope to see a follow-up to this the book. This has inspired me to check out the series to learn more about other players and their impact to the game. If you love football, this would be a fascinating read that highlights players from the past and currently. With the author’s first account experiences covering the NFL, you will get a more informative perspective that takes you right to the heart of the story.

Get your copy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas

Rosie Graham has a problem. A few, actually. She just quit her well paid job to focus on her secret career as a romance writer. She hasn’t told her family and now has terrible writer’s block. Then, the ceiling of her New York apartment literally crumbles on her. Luckily she has her best friend Lina’s spare key while she’s out of town. But Rosie doesn’t know that Lina has already lent her apartment to her cousin Lucas, who Rosie has been stalking—for lack of a better word—on Instagram for the last few months. Lucas seems intent on coming to her rescue like a Spanish knight in shining armor. Only this one strolls around the place in a towel, has a distracting grin, and an irresistible accent. Oh, and he cooks.

Lucas offers to let Rosie stay with him, at least until she can find some affordable temporary housing. And then he proposes an outrageous experiment to bring back her literary muse and meet her deadline: He’ll take her on a series of experimental dates meant to jump-start her romantic inspiration. Rosie has nothing to lose. Her silly, online crush is totally under control—but Lucas’s time in New York has an expiration date, and six weeks may not be enough, for either her or her deadline.

Review

After reading The Spanish Love Deception, this was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I’ve been counting it down. I’ve heard mixed feelings about The American Roommate Experiment however, I was determined to read it, and was so sure that I would enjoy it.

I was very wrong, and it pains me to admit that. Let’s start with the basics. It’s a sequel to The Spanish Love Deception; a book that I enjoyed so much that I have three copies of.  This book was to be centered around Lina’s best friend, Rosie, and her cousin, Lucas. It was supposed to be giving roommates, and friends to lovers. Which yay! Two tropes if done well make me sworn.

Unfortunately, this is not the case here. This book felt like the author was provided a list of tropes to check off and a few buzz quotes that’ll go viral on tiktok. It felt like overkill; and they failed at setting up a cohesive and well-developed romance. There were sweet moments that are almost forgettable now. But those moments were few, and the only thing I remember feeling from this book the majority of the time is boredom.

Lucas and Rosie were likable characters and were fast friends. Which is fine. But then we run into the issue of why is this book so slow burn if they already knew they liked each other and had been openly flirting since day one? It seems a little pointless. There were really no obstacles about them being together. And when they got together, there wasn’t this grand moment of joy.

Final Thoughts

The American Roommate Experiment introduces too many tropes and not enough substances to make them feel entertaining nor is able to develop and sustain a memorable romance.  

Review: Typecast by Andrea J Stein

In her debut novel, Andrea Stein brings a contemporary fiction novel that checks all the boxes for a great read. With a premise and characters that you can relate to, this book will have you invested not only wanting to turn the pages but inspire your anticipation for what's to come.

Callie, is someone that I instantly connected with. She is finally coming to a place in her life where she's got it. Making the decision to live in her childhood home takes all the burden off her financially and she is living the life, enjoying her job and just trying to move forward. Then life throws a curve ball. Her sister with family needs a place to stay during their remodel which makes things a little complicated but she is determined to make it work.

When things couldn't get any more complicated, Callie gets news that her ex boyfriend is coming out with a movie about their breakup. Thinking this chapter of her life was behind her, it brings up unresolved emotions that she thought was long past gone. With advice from her sister and friends, Callie begins to wander whether they are right about her and her unresolved feelings with Ethan and how that has affected a progression in that part of her life. Only one problem. A chance encounter with Nina's architect makes Callie see what she could be missing. The problem is, whether her past looming over her head, will she be stuck in her past or take a leap to open her heart to the future.

This book could've gone differently but it had all the charm and brought moments that give you thought provoking reflection that connect you with the characters. The dual storyline allows your curiosity to build and want to invest in their journey. Not just about Callie and her romantic life but her family as well. Getting to know the progression of Callie and Ethan really put things into perspective and brought some unexpected revelations that make those pages turn quick. Most importantly, her own journey was satisfying and rewarding.

The familial aspect of the book embraces the importance of forgiveness and acceptance. There was some unresolved emotions that affected the sisters that was brought to light in a heart pulled moment with resolution that bonded and strengthened their relationship. The insight and love from their parents that balanced everything out was such a wonderful element in the book.

Overall, I loved the book. It all came together well with a wonderful resolution. I can't wait to see what's to come. I'm really excited to read what she has coming next. Make sure you add this one to your reading list.

Get your copy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: The Final Gambit (The Inheritance Games, 3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Avery’s fortune, life, and loves are on the line in the game that everyone will be talking about.

To inherit billions, all Avery Kylie Grambs has to do is survive a few more weeks living in Hawthorne House. The paparazzi are dogging her every step. Financial pressures are building. Danger is a fact of life. And the only thing getting Avery through it all is the Hawthorne brothers. Her life is intertwined with theirs. She knows their secrets, and they know her.

But as the clock ticks down to the moment when Avery will become the richest teenager on the planet, trouble arrives in the form of a visitor who needs her help—and whose presence in Hawthorne House could change everything. It soon becomes clear that there is one last puzzle to solve, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers are drawn into a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player.

Secrets upon secrets. Riddles upon riddles. In this game, there are hearts and lives at stake—and there is nothing more Hawthorne than winning.

Review

I need another book. Not a want but a strong need. This book did not disappointment. Correction, none of the three books in this series did. Like the two before, I was on the edge of my seat with every page. The mystery of it all was highly addicting. And The Final Gambit is an almost perfect ending to this series. 

Every mystery was crafted so intricately and completely unpredictable. Something would be revealed, and my mouth would drop. I hadn’t seen it coming. So many juicy twists and turns with so many layers. I really enjoyed seeing Avery’s growth and her relationship with the Hawthorne boys change from the first book until now.

I really enjoyed reading in Avery’s POV every time there was a change challenge she rose to that challenge. She truly was the “IT Girl.” And the main character.

I do think this series could have done with a love triangle, considering there was obviously always a clear choice. And Avery picked that clear choice. I won’t spoil, but I was happy about the choice, considering that was who I was rooting for. However, I could see how some people were annoyed with the “love triangle”.  One romance I will spoil, is Nash and Libby. They were so sweet. And if there was potential for another book, I would want more to them. The tiny sprinkles that we got of them were golden.

Final Thoughts:

The Final Gambit was an entertaining and exciting end to this great series. 

Review: A Lot Like Christmas by Jennifer Snow

From sipping hot chocolates at the local festival of lights to early morning dessert deliveries, Jessica and Mitch rediscover the spirit of the holidays. But when the 25 days of Christmas are over, will their romance be over, too?

We are back in Blue Moon Bay for the second book in the series, A Lot Like Christmas by Jennifer Snow. You will be warmed to see some old friends and get swooned with the unexpected gift the holidays can bring. As they say, love will find you when you least expected.

Jessica Connolly has not had success in the relationship area. She has a wonderful life, surrounded amazing family and friends but is only missing one thing. As what seems like the only baker in the town, she seems to be gifted the task to design the cakes of her ex boyfriends. Add insult to injury, for every breakup that happens, they seem to find their person which she has been coined the lucky charm for guys to find the one with everyone but her. So what else can she do but throw in the towel.

Mitch Jameson is the perfect guy except for the fact that he seems to be able to commit to everything but a relationship that would have him settled down in one place. He rather spend his life traveling the world with Doctors Without Borders. With his annual trip home for the holidays, he's not looking forward to conversations that seem to swarm around this topic. He just wants to enjoy the time with his family and head out. Only this holiday brought something unexpected to mix, a certain beautiful baker not only caught his attention but has his heart questioning what he really wants.

With the holidays almost over and his time to leave Blue Moon Bay approaching, will Mitch follow listen to his heart or follow his dreams?

I really enjoyed this book and feel it was a wonderful continuation of the first book in the series. It was nice to see Sara and Whitney. Jessica is the character that you just want to finally get a chance at happiness. She is such a lovable character and I love the relationship between her aunt and her friends. Mitch, not only being a doctor but has so many qualities that would be perfect given the opportunity to meet the right person. You can't help not root for them.

It was nice coming back to Blue Moon Bay and all the sweetness and charm it has and can't wait to see what's to come in book three. The characters complemented with their family and friends in this small town setting really invite you into their lives. I'm so bummed that the next book will be the last in the series so if you haven't read the first, back read to catch up. The next and last book in the series will be A Lot Like Forever. If you haven't got a chance to read the series, it's a nice one that you should check out.

Buy on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org