bookworm – Dee’s Reading Tree

reviews

The Measure

February 7, 2023February 7, 2023 Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Eight ordinary people. One extraordinary choice.

It seems like any other day. You wake up, pour a cup of coffee, and head out.

But today, when you open your front door, waiting for you is a small wooden box. This box holds your fate inside: the answer to the exact number of years you will live.

From suburban doorsteps to desert tents, every person on every continent receives the same box. In an instant, the world is thrust into a collective frenzy. Where did these boxes come from? What do they mean? Is there truth to what they promise?

As society comes together and pulls apart, everyone faces the same shocking choice: Do they wish to know how long they’ll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge?

The Measure charts the dawn of this new world through an unforgettable cast of characters whose decisions and fates interweave with one another: best friends whose dreams are forever entwined, pen pals finding refuge in the unknown, a couple who thought they didn’t have to rush, a doctor who cannot save himself, and a politician whose box becomes the powder keg that ultimately changes everything.

My Review:

I love books that dive into the human condition, and this one had such a unique thought provoking premise. I enjoyed the multiple POV’s, which worked so great because different people will always choose different paths, and as a reader I wanted to find out how their paths would end and how they interconnected. What if you looked? What if you didn’t? What if your partner had a short string? I was satisfied to learn the answers to all my questions by the end. I found myself turning page after page and finishing it in one day. Pick it up and you won’t regret it, just make sure you have time to read it all because you won’t want to put it back down.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, and all opinions on this blog are my own.

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The Thursday Murder Club

November 6, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

Bookmark Pictured is for Sale in my Etsy Shop

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.

But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it’s too late?

My Review:

This was such an amazing cozy mystery. I fell in love with all the characters. How is that even possible? There were so many I had a hard time keeping them straight at first, but once I got the hang of all the names it was smooth sailing from there. These old people were hilarious. The detectives were great. The husbands and the side characters were also amazing. I mean, I even had a hard time disliking the people I know I was probably supposed to hate, but they were all so genuine I had to like them. I did not solve the whole mystery until the end, and I love when that happens. The Thursday Murder Club has my heart, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

If you liked this review, visit my Pango Store where I sell all the books I read for a fair price and in great condition.

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The Guest List

September 3, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

the guest list book by lucy foley — Visit my Bookstagram

Author: Lucy Foley

Published: June 2, 2020

Pages: 330

Goodreads Rating: 3.89/5

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, and all opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The bride ‧ The plus one ‧ The best man ‧ The wedding planner ‧ The bridesmaid ‧ The body

On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.

But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.

And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?

My Mini Review:

This is a five star read mainly because I did not see that coming! I’ve read so many books that it’s hard for me to be surprised by a twist or an ending, and this one surprised me on both counts. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I just had to keep reading until I uncovered all its mysteries. It was very plot driven, and Foley did a good job flawlessly switching timelines. The characters had all the qualities that make for a good story. They were interesting, realistic, and had unique backgrounds and personalities. There were some surprising twists, and that “aha!” moment that keeps me coming back to this genre, you know that moment when you finally figure it out? I’m definitely going to have to read more from this author. I highly recommend this one to all Mystery/Thriller and who-done-it fans.

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WWW Wednesday

September 2, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

This is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions: What are you reading now? What did you just read? What will you be reading next? Now on to the books!

Disclaimer: All opinions on this blog are my own.

What I’m reading now

I’m currently reading three books in different formats:

-Splintered (#1) by A.G. Howard (audio book is free if you have an audible membership right now, and this one has been on my TBR forever)

-Rules of Engagement by J.T. Geissinger (e-book is free on kindle unlimited and I needed something funny and light to read)

-Blood and Honey (Serpent and Dove, #2) by Shelby Mahurin (the hardback just arrived yesterday and I’m super excited to start it!)

the vanishing half book by brit bennett — Visit my Bookstagram

What I just read

-The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett -you can read my review here.

-The Shadows by Alex North -review coming soon

-The Guest List by Lucy Foley -review coming soon

These are the books I plan to read next, all subject to change of course

-The Lost Book of the White (The Eldest Curses, #2) by Cassandra Clare

-Fable (#1) by Adrienne Young

-Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Let me know what your WWW’s are in the comments!

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September TBR

August 31, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

I have some anticipated reads coming up in September so I’m super excited about those. I also have a tentative list of other books to choose from. I tried to include different genres so that I always have something to choose no matter what mood I’m in. Tell me about your most anticipated September books in the comments!

Disclaimer: All opinions on this blog are my own. If you are interested in purchasing any of these books, please consider using my Amazon affiliate link by clicking on the pictures and/or links and I will receive a small fee, but your book will still cost the same.

the lost book of the white by cassandra clare eldest curses book 2 — Buy on Amazon

The Lost Book of the White (The Eldest Curses, #2) by Cassandra Clare

This one will hopefully arrive on my doorstep on its release day September 1, and I cannot wait!

blood and honey by shelby mahurin serpent and dove book two — Buy on Amazon

Blood and Honey (Serpent and Dove, #2) by Shelby Mahurin

This one should also be arriving on my doorstep on September 1, and I’m going to have trouble choosing which one to read first!

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

Paolini hasn’t written anything since the Eragon series, which I loved, so I’m really looking forward to this one. It will be released September 15, and I have already pre-ordered it, but it might take me the rest of the month to read since it’s a massive 880 pages!!

Other books I plan to pick from:

-Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices, #2) by Cassandra Clare

-From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

-Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

-The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

-The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

-What You Wish For by Katherine Center

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WWW Wednesday

August 26, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

It’s time for another WWW Wednesday post! This week has flown by, and I can only hope the rest of the year does the same. I’m super excited for Fall, but I hate that many of the Fall activities, like taking my kids trick or treating, will not be possible this year. We will still be decorating some pumpkins, which is another one of my favorite things. What are some Fall activities you are looking forward to?

This is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions: What are you reading now? What did you just read? What will you be reading next? Now on to the books!

the shadows by alex north book — Buy on Amazon

What I’m reading now

I’m currently finishing up The Shadows by Alex North and Wolfsong by T.J. Klune. Both are great books and I cannot wait to tell you all about them.

What I just read

I just read The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet, and it was an amazing book but I haven’t had a chance to write a review yet.

What I will be reading next

I’m super excited for all the September releases that I have been waiting for a while for. I have pre-ordered all of them and I cannot wait to get them in the mail 🙂

-Serpent and Honey (Serpent and Dove, #2) by Shelby Mahurin releases September 1.

-The Lost Book of the White (The Eldest Curses, #2) by Cassandra Clare releases September 1.

-To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini releases September 15.

Let me know what you’re currently reading in the comments!

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WWW Wednesday

August 18, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

This is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions: What are you reading now? What did you just read? What will you be reading next? I can’t believe we are already half-way through August, and I’ve barely made a dent on my TBR. Help! I’ve just been in one of those moods where I lose interest in all the books I pick up. I’ve also been dealing with my first-born starting Kindergarten in the middle of a pandemic. I finally just decided to home school him for the time being, until all this is over. It’s what I felt was right for my family. To all the parents out there struggling with what to do, just do what feels right and what works for you and your family. Every situation and child is different. Lets not judge others and just offer our support in any way we can in these difficult times. Now on to the books!

What I’m reading now

As you guys know, I usually read three books at a time in different formats. I’m currently reading Wolfsong (Green Creek, #1) by T.J. Klune in ebook form, and I’m really enjoying it. I recently discovered Klune’s books after reading The House in the Cerulean Sea, and I completely fell in love with his writing. His characters are so adorable, they are the kind of people you root for during the whole book. I’m also rereading the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas because I haven’t reread them in a while and I was missing them. I had never listened to the audio books before and I’m loving it. I’m also reading The Shadows by Alex North, the hardback. I loved The Whisper Man by him and I’m liking this one too. I’m new to the concept of lucid dreaming and I’m enjoying learning about it.

Midnight Sun Twilight book five by stephenie meyer — Buy on Amazon

What I just read

I just read Midnight Sun (Twilight,#5) by Stephenie Meyer, you can click on the link to read my nostalgic ramblings. I also read Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, which I really enjoyed. It quickly became my favorite book by these authors.

What I plan to read next

Seeing how I’m enjoying the Green Creek series by T.J. Klune, I’ll probably continue on to book two. I also plan to keep rereading the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. This might all change with my mood though since I’m unfortunately a mood reader.

Let me know what you are reading in the comments? Or any recent books you’ve read that you think I should read!

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The Happy Ever After Playlist

August 7, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

the happy ever after playlist book by abby jimenez picture — Picture taken by me. Buy book on Amazon.

Author: Abby Jimenez

Published: April 14, 2020

Pages: 401

Series: The Friend Zone, #2

Goodreads rating: 4.26/5

For fans of: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Domestic Fiction, The Friend Zone, Beach Read

Good to know before you read: explicit sex scenes, substance abuse, grief

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can’t seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a “take me home” look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker’s owner reaches out. He’s a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.

Well, Sloan’s not about to give up her dog without a fight. But what if this Jason guy really loves Tucker? As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can’t deny a connection. Jason is hot and nice and funny. There’s no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?

My Mini Review:

I had a love-hate relationship with this book. For a book with the word “happy” in the title, it was actually really sad. The story dealt with themes such as overcoming grief, and struggling with substance abuse. It started out as a really nice story with a cute dog linking these two strangers together. Then, when I thought the story was all done and these two people had overcome all their differences and the main character had struggled more than enough, the story didn’t end. Instead, the plot went on this dramatic downward spiral with no end in sight and a lot of what I thought were unnecessary struggles and depressing moments.

It surprises me when almost all the characters in a book are all likeable, but unique in their own ways. My favorite of course was Tucker, since I am a sucker for smart dogs. I also enjoyed the friendship between Sloan and Kristen. The romance was a slow-burn one, which I felt was realistic given the fact that Sloan was still grieving. I liked that Sloan and Jason had good relationship role models, starting with their parents, and in Kristen and Josh. There was an emphasis on caring for family and friends and being there for them when they need you. I recommend this book if you love Romance and you can deal with some unnecessary drama.

Have you read this one? Are you planning to read it? Let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comments!

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Prediction Book Tag

July 29, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

Illuminae Files series by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff and the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien — Pictures from Goodreads

I found this book tag on Sophie’s Corner, her blog is amazing and this looked like a very fun tag! Just like Sophie, I am a major mood reader so this will be a bit hard for me, but I will do my best. If you are reading this, then consider yourself tagged, and please tag me back so that I can read your answers. Now on to the books!

Obsidio Illuminae files book three by amie kaufman and jay kristoff — Picture taken by me. Buy book on Amazon.

Prediction for my next read

I’ve been rereading the Illuminae Files, so my next read will definitely be Obsidio (Illuminae, #3) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. I’ve been reading along with my husband, who is reading them for the first time, and it’s really fun! I’ve also just started to read The Hobbit (I know I know where have I been?). I’ve seen the movies, but I’ve never read the books so I’m doing that now and then I will be moving on to The Lord of the Rings. I’m in an epic Fantasy type of mood lately 🙂

The hobbit book by j.r.r. tolkien — Buy on Amazon

Prediction for my next five star read

I’m predicting The Hobbit will be a five star read for me since it’s such a classic and so many people have such great things to say about it. Obsidio will of course also be a five star read. I guess you can say I will be having a good next few days!

Prediction for my next one star read

Like Sophie said, I don’t read books that I know I won’t enjoy. If I start reading a book and I’m not enjoying it I usually stop. I feel bad giving books one star ratings, because the author probably worked really hard on it and it could just be I wasn’t in the right frame of mind for it, or it just wasn’t for me. Also, I don’t like bashing books online. If I really didn’t like a book I would rather just quietly put it away and give it a two star rating on Goodreads and move on.

Prediction for my next love interest/ cool character

In the Hobbit movies I really loved Bilbo Baggins. I’m hoping I will love the book character just as much ❤

the hobbit and the lord of the rings series books by j.r.r. tolkien — Picture from Amazon (click to buy)

Prediction for my next book buy

I will definitely be buying the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books. I really like the hardback editions I’ve seen around online, so I will be hunting those down. For now I’ll be reading the e-books I got from my Library. It’s so handy that I have a Library that offers that option and I’m aware a lot of people don’t have access to e-books they can borrow. I wish more public Libraries did this.

Prediction for my next book to give me a hangover

I’m predicting I will be in a major hangover after I’m done with the Illuminae Files. That’s the main reason I’m starting this other major Epic Fantasy series (The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings) along with it so that I will have something to keep me reading and I don’t land into a dreaded reading slump.

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The Bromance Book Club

July 24, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

the bromance book club book by lyssa kay adams — Picture taken by me. Buy book on Amazon.

Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Published: November 5, 2019

Pages: 352

Goodreads Rating: 3.95/5

Series: The Bromance Book Club, #1

For fans of: Romance, Sports Fictions, Humor, Get a Life Chloe Brown, Beach Read, The Happy Ever After Playlist, Well Met

Good to know before you read: explicit sex scenes

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The first rule of book club: You don’t talk about book club.

Nashville Legends second baseman Gavin Scott’s marriage is in major league trouble. He’s recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it’s the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gavin realizes he’s let his pride and fear get the better of him.

Welcome to the Bromance Book Club.

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville’s top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it’ll take a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for this hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife.

My Mini Review:

This was a very cute romantic read. The story was fast paced and full of humor. It dealt with marital problems, child rearing, and family drama, but in a very light-hearted way. There was some unnecessary drama towards the middle, which is what made me dock one star from my rating.

I thought the fact that Gavin had a speech impediment was very unique, I personally have never read a book where the main character has one. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series, but I’m not sure if I will like Liv, Thea’s sister, as the main character, since I did not like her very much in this book. Overall, I would recommend this book to all Romance fans.

Have you read this one? Do you plan to read it? Let me know in the comments!