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Leaving Phoenix
Jafe Danbury
2022 Finalist
346 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Leaving Phoenix by Jafe Danbury is a powerful suspense thriller about a young woman, who, in tracking her mother’s killer, discovers more about her dark past. Rose LaFlamme is having an abortion after being impregnated by a ruthless man that she calls the Pirate. This man drops her off at a shady abortion clinic and gives her some money for the procedure. In a miracle, Rose’s aborted fetus has an undetected twin sister which survived that Rose decides to keep. But the Pirate tracks down Rose and kills her. As if the scenario of being a surviving twin of a successfully-murdered would-be sibling is not enough, Phoebe, the surviving child, must set aside the thought that her mother tried to abort her because she wasn’t worth the trouble. She is the key to finding her mother’s killer. Other than that, her quest for the truth, her longing for family, and for connections, needs to be fulfilled.
While reading Leaving Phoenix, the plot sticks with you and you become so invested that you want to find out what happens next, This novel is likely to earn strong reviews by word of mouth. Now is precisely the time for this novel. It is intense and often gripping to read, but it is also highly satisfying as you put yourself in the shoes of a young woman who must unravel her past and face a dark truth. Jafe Danbury displays a well-crafted treatment of tone and pacing, as well as a well-fleshed-out protagonist that you will truly care about. Danbury kneads the tension slowly, allowing Phoebe to accumulate resilience and intelligence as she gets closer to the truth. A must-read for any lovers of suspense and mystery, Leaving Phoenix is a heart-pounding and profoundly suspenseful novel that reaches an enormously satisfying arc.
Leaving Phoenix by Jafe Danbury is a powerful suspense thriller about a young woman, who, in tracking her mother’s killer, discovers more about her dark past. Rose LaFlamme is having an abortion after being impregnated by a ruthless man that she calls the Pirate. This man drops her off at a shady abortion clinic and gives her some money for the procedure. In a miracle, Rose’s aborted fetus has an undetected twin sister which survived that Rose decides to keep. But the Pirate tracks down Rose and kills her. As if the scenario of being a surviving twin of a successfully-murdered would-be sibling is not enough, Phoebe, the surviving child, must set aside the thought that her mother tried to abort her because she wasn’t worth the trouble. She is the key to finding her mother’s killer. Other than that, her quest for the truth, her longing for family, and for connections, needs to be fulfilled.
While reading Leaving Phoenix, the plot sticks with you and you become so invested that you want to find out what happens next, This novel is likely to earn strong reviews by word of mouth. Now is precisely the time for this novel. It is intense and often gripping to read, but it is also highly satisfying as you put yourself in the shoes of a young woman who must unravel her past and face a dark truth. Jafe Danbury displays a well-crafted treatment of tone and pacing, as well as a well-fleshed-out protagonist that you will truly care about. Danbury kneads the tension slowly, allowing Phoebe to accumulate resilience and intelligence as she gets closer to the truth. A must-read for any lovers of suspense and mystery, Leaving Phoenix is a heart-pounding and profoundly suspenseful novel that reaches an enormously satisfying arc.
Recommend this book:
 by Danielle Dexter, a young woman writes about her dating experiences, leading to a path of growth and self-discovery. Excited at the idea of a new beginning, Rachel Parker moves back to her hometown in Syracuse. Though her best friends, Jessie and Leigha, are eager to reintroduce her to the social scene, she ...){kind=link}
Stupid Love
The Salt City Diaries
Danielle Dexter
2022 Honorable Mention
398 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
In Stupid Love (The Salt City Diaries) by Danielle Dexter, a young woman writes about her dating experiences, leading to a path of growth and self-discovery. Excited at the idea of a new beginning, Rachel Parker moves back to her hometown in Syracuse. Though her best friends, Jessie and Leigha, are eager to reintroduce her to the social scene, she is still reeling from a recent breakup and wants to slow down. She ends up dating other people, always hopeful she has finally found the right man for her. Through her blog, she examines each experience and notes the lessons she has learned. The novel also follows her close friends as they navigate the highs and lows of the dating world and support each other through it all.
I loved that Rachel’s story is authentic, which makes it relatable. As the narrator, Rachel is candid and the lessons she discovers along the way while dating are also eye-opening. I also liked that the story is expanded by Rachel’s friends and their own stories. Beyond the world of dating, the novel also masterfully explores the theme of friendship and finding strength in community. Messages about self-love as an important component of any successful relationship, which are explored in Rachel’s blog, are also crucial and serve as practical life lessons that anyone can benefit from. Stupid Love by Danielle Dexter is an insightful and uplifting chick lit novel with realistic characters and surprising turns that mirror the real dating world.
In Stupid Love (The Salt City Diaries) by Danielle Dexter, a young woman writes about her dating experiences, leading to a path of growth and self-discovery. Excited at the idea of a new beginning, Rachel Parker moves back to her hometown in Syracuse. Though her best friends, Jessie and Leigha, are eager to reintroduce her to the social scene, she is still reeling from a recent breakup and wants to slow down. She ends up dating other people, always hopeful she has finally found the right man for her. Through her blog, she examines each experience and notes the lessons she has learned. The novel also follows her close friends as they navigate the highs and lows of the dating world and support each other through it all.
I loved that Rachel’s story is authentic, which makes it relatable. As the narrator, Rachel is candid and the lessons she discovers along the way while dating are also eye-opening. I also liked that the story is expanded by Rachel’s friends and their own stories. Beyond the world of dating, the novel also masterfully explores the theme of friendship and finding strength in community. Messages about self-love as an important component of any successful relationship, which are explored in Rachel’s blog, are also crucial and serve as practical life lessons that anyone can benefit from. Stupid Love by Danielle Dexter is an insightful and uplifting chick lit novel with realistic characters and surprising turns that mirror the real dating world.
Recommend this book:
Broken Like Me
Kaitie Howie
2022 Bronze Medal
356 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Broken Like Me by Kaitie Howie had me spellbound, a story with sophisticated characters and strong plot points. Readers are introduced to two key characters with difficult pasts—Rose and Josh. Rose has long stopped dreaming and believing that life can be better and that a miracle can take away her pain. The only link she has to this world is her fragile new-born baby. When she moves to a new building, she develops a relationship with Josh, one that starts with a meal when they get to know each other’s story. Josh lives with friends in the same building and he has had his fair share of pain. The empathy and bond between Josh and Rose grow naturally and it is like they perfectly understand each other’s brokenness. But when what they have been trying to build from the moment they first met is threatened by the darkness from their past, can they stand together and for each other?
I just love this novel. I love it! The story absorbs you from the very first page and the characters are so beautifully written, so real it is hard to ignore them. Kaitie Howie’s attention to detail, especially when it comes to what the characters feel, her world-building, and plot points are excellently executed. The suspense is there, and it has a solid grip on the reader, forcing the reader to turn the pages, wondering what will happen to Rose and Josh, and the little girl. The prose is stellar; the descriptions are top-notch, and character development is one of the unique strengths of the narrative. From the moment the reader meets Rose, clutching her newborn baby in her arms, following her troubled mind, her reminiscences of her life and painful condition, they are unable to let go. You will stick with these characters through every page in spite of you feeling their pain, hanging onto the weak threads of their hope, and cheering as they face one challenge after another.
Broken Like Me by Kaitie Howie had me spellbound, a story with sophisticated characters and strong plot points. Readers are introduced to two key characters with difficult pasts—Rose and Josh. Rose has long stopped dreaming and believing that life can be better and that a miracle can take away her pain. The only link she has to this world is her fragile new-born baby. When she moves to a new building, she develops a relationship with Josh, one that starts with a meal when they get to know each other’s story. Josh lives with friends in the same building and he has had his fair share of pain. The empathy and bond between Josh and Rose grow naturally and it is like they perfectly understand each other’s brokenness. But when what they have been trying to build from the moment they first met is threatened by the darkness from their past, can they stand together and for each other?
I just love this novel. I love it! The story absorbs you from the very first page and the characters are so beautifully written, so real it is hard to ignore them. Kaitie Howie’s attention to detail, especially when it comes to what the characters feel, her world-building, and plot points are excellently executed. The suspense is there, and it has a solid grip on the reader, forcing the reader to turn the pages, wondering what will happen to Rose and Josh, and the little girl. The prose is stellar; the descriptions are top-notch, and character development is one of the unique strengths of the narrative. From the moment the reader meets Rose, clutching her newborn baby in her arms, following her troubled mind, her reminiscences of her life and painful condition, they are unable to let go. You will stick with these characters through every page in spite of you feeling their pain, hanging onto the weak threads of their hope, and cheering as they face one challenge after another.
Recommend this book:
April Showers Bring Dead Flowers
Book 1 of the Murder on the Vine series
Krista Lockheart
2022 Bronze Medal
216 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
April Showers Bring Dead Flowers by Krista Lockheart is book one of the Murder on the Vine series. Heather Moore is a flower and animal lover who has taken her life in a new direction with a job as a greenhouse director at a local university. She's determined to bring new life back into the garden she inherited with the help of a few animal companions. When she discovers a body, she takes it upon herself to dig up clues and solve the mystery before the killer has a chance to put her in the ground. But it's not all stormy skies, as Heather meets a charming flower enthusiast whose connection with her quickly blossoms into romance.
The opening sets an interesting tone for the story as beautiful flowers are a source of happiness for Heather while also creating an ominous setting for murder. Krista Lockheart does a charming job of building a quirky setting around the love of flowers and animals with writing that establishes a cheery, colorful, and humorous tone. This is a world that you want to be part of and immerse yourself in. It just happens to have a dash of murder. Romance is incorporated throughout with a sweet and genuine relationship that balances out the murder mystery while also creating the sense of a new beginning in her life. Heather and Lars' dynamic starts with their shared love of flowers and then steadily turns into a sweet connection that adds elements of romantic comedy to the mystery. Heather is a character with a great sense of humor and confidence in herself that's infectious, such as her feeling ready to conquer the world and be on top of it. She's a character that you'd want to be friends with in real life. April Showers Bring Dead Flowers is a charming story with a great sense of humor, delightful animal characters, a strong love of gardening, a sweet romance, and a well-written murder mystery.
April Showers Bring Dead Flowers by Krista Lockheart is book one of the Murder on the Vine series. Heather Moore is a flower and animal lover who has taken her life in a new direction with a job as a greenhouse director at a local university. She's determined to bring new life back into the garden she inherited with the help of a few animal companions. When she discovers a body, she takes it upon herself to dig up clues and solve the mystery before the killer has a chance to put her in the ground. But it's not all stormy skies, as Heather meets a charming flower enthusiast whose connection with her quickly blossoms into romance.
The opening sets an interesting tone for the story as beautiful flowers are a source of happiness for Heather while also creating an ominous setting for murder. Krista Lockheart does a charming job of building a quirky setting around the love of flowers and animals with writing that establishes a cheery, colorful, and humorous tone. This is a world that you want to be part of and immerse yourself in. It just happens to have a dash of murder. Romance is incorporated throughout with a sweet and genuine relationship that balances out the murder mystery while also creating the sense of a new beginning in her life. Heather and Lars' dynamic starts with their shared love of flowers and then steadily turns into a sweet connection that adds elements of romantic comedy to the mystery. Heather is a character with a great sense of humor and confidence in herself that's infectious, such as her feeling ready to conquer the world and be on top of it. She's a character that you'd want to be friends with in real life. April Showers Bring Dead Flowers is a charming story with a great sense of humor, delightful animal characters, a strong love of gardening, a sweet romance, and a well-written murder mystery.
Recommend this book:
The Lighthouse
Christopher Parker
2022 Silver Medal
368 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
The Lighthouse by Christopher Parker is centered around Amy, a young woman struggling with the recent death of her mother. Amy does not have a close relationship with her father and she is feeling very alone. When, in an effort to become closer, her father takes her along on an overnight trip to Seabrook, her world will never be the same again. Ryan lives in Seabrook with his father who has suffered a stroke and is unable to work their ranch. Ryan does it all but has kept the financial trouble they are in secret from his dad. The town’s main attraction is an old run-down lighthouse that is rumored to be haunted. Ryan and Amy soon find themselves drawn to each other, perhaps even falling in love. When the lighthouse suddenly sends a bright beacon into the sky, the whole town becomes involved in discovering why. As the magical answers are revealed, Amy must do the impossible and make things right.
The Lighthouse is a perfect combination of the mystical and real life. The Lighthouse offers the reader love, death, mystery, magic, and more. I found it really hard to put this book down and neglected my chores to find out how it ends for Amy and Ryan and was not at all disappointed when I got my answers. This is the first book that Christopher Parker has written but I am hoping there will be many more to come. The Lighthouse has a refreshing tone that can be enjoyed by young and old, male and female. You will have to read this for yourself because I do not want to ruin the story by telling you more. All I can say is you will not be disappointed. I truly believe that this is a must-read winner.
The Lighthouse by Christopher Parker is centered around Amy, a young woman struggling with the recent death of her mother. Amy does not have a close relationship with her father and she is feeling very alone. When, in an effort to become closer, her father takes her along on an overnight trip to Seabrook, her world will never be the same again. Ryan lives in Seabrook with his father who has suffered a stroke and is unable to work their ranch. Ryan does it all but has kept the financial trouble they are in secret from his dad. The town’s main attraction is an old run-down lighthouse that is rumored to be haunted. Ryan and Amy soon find themselves drawn to each other, perhaps even falling in love. When the lighthouse suddenly sends a bright beacon into the sky, the whole town becomes involved in discovering why. As the magical answers are revealed, Amy must do the impossible and make things right.
The Lighthouse is a perfect combination of the mystical and real life. The Lighthouse offers the reader love, death, mystery, magic, and more. I found it really hard to put this book down and neglected my chores to find out how it ends for Amy and Ryan and was not at all disappointed when I got my answers. This is the first book that Christopher Parker has written but I am hoping there will be many more to come. The Lighthouse has a refreshing tone that can be enjoyed by young and old, male and female. You will have to read this for yourself because I do not want to ruin the story by telling you more. All I can say is you will not be disappointed. I truly believe that this is a must-read winner.
Recommend this book:
Dating Mr. Darcy
Love Manor Romantic Comedy Book 1
Kate O'Keeffe
2021 Honorable Mention
300 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Dating Mr. Darcy is the first book in the Love Manor Romantic Comedy series by Kate O'Keeffe. Emma is not your regular girl. She has an activewear business that she hopes will become successful, she is clumsy, and she is determined to a fault. She will do anything to promote her brand and no opportunity is a bad opportunity to get the success she wants. But is becoming part of a reality show worth it? An opportunity is an opportunity, right? So what if she has to put up with the most arrogant man she has ever had the misfortune to meet. Sebastian Huntington-Ross is a handsome fellow but his not-so-charming personality and accent are not worth it. But before she knows it, sparks fly, the chemistry between them ignites and Emma has to stop and wonder, should she put her heart on the line?
Short, sweet, and filled with humor, Dating Mr. Darcy is a quick pick-me-up for anyone who wants to get an instant boost of happiness. I will watch and re-watch it if the story is made into a movie, to be honest. Emma is feisty and she has a spark that makes her shine brightly. Sebastian is the typical haughty British “gentleman” who knows what he wants and how he will get it. The references to Pride and Prejudice, the hilarious first meeting between her and Sebastian, a.k.a. Mr. Darcy, and even their future interactions are part of the fun experience. The setting of the story is modern. Not every author can execute a romantic comedy, but author Kate O'Keeffe nailed it. This fast-paced romance is perfect for some light-hearted entertainment!
Dating Mr. Darcy is the first book in the Love Manor Romantic Comedy series by Kate O'Keeffe. Emma is not your regular girl. She has an activewear business that she hopes will become successful, she is clumsy, and she is determined to a fault. She will do anything to promote her brand and no opportunity is a bad opportunity to get the success she wants. But is becoming part of a reality show worth it? An opportunity is an opportunity, right? So what if she has to put up with the most arrogant man she has ever had the misfortune to meet. Sebastian Huntington-Ross is a handsome fellow but his not-so-charming personality and accent are not worth it. But before she knows it, sparks fly, the chemistry between them ignites and Emma has to stop and wonder, should she put her heart on the line?
Short, sweet, and filled with humor, Dating Mr. Darcy is a quick pick-me-up for anyone who wants to get an instant boost of happiness. I will watch and re-watch it if the story is made into a movie, to be honest. Emma is feisty and she has a spark that makes her shine brightly. Sebastian is the typical haughty British “gentleman” who knows what he wants and how he will get it. The references to Pride and Prejudice, the hilarious first meeting between her and Sebastian, a.k.a. Mr. Darcy, and even their future interactions are part of the fun experience. The setting of the story is modern. Not every author can execute a romantic comedy, but author Kate O'Keeffe nailed it. This fast-paced romance is perfect for some light-hearted entertainment!
Recommend this book:
When We're Thirty
Casey Dembowski
2021 Bronze Medal
324 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Carolina Restrepo for Readers' Favorite
When We’re Thirty by Casey Dembowski is a story about the intricate yet unique love story of Hannah Abbott and her college best friend, Will Thorne, who made a marriage pact on graduation night. This love story transcends typical romantic chick-lit; it is still a fictional love story but somehow it is written as if it had been real somewhere in the world. Will and Hannah’s story is anything but easy. This novel shows how intricate and challenging love can be - even if it seems like the easiest thing to do, it’s not. What sets Hannah and Will’s love apart is the fact that their love was kept alive by their memories and their hopeless romantic perception of their world. For them, knowing who was their person for life was easy, but the hard part was telling each other that realization. Isn’t that how most humans are? They know something in their hearts but doing something about it is the hardest part of it all.
I cannot find the words for how much I loved When We’re Thirty. I screamed NO when I realized that there were less than 10 pages left in the book; I wish this novel had never ended. I will be looking for my Will until I get married (to him, of course). When We’re Thirty is an ideal novel to read when you want to escape daily life; it has personally given me hope in every aspect of life. If I could, I would pack my bags, move to New York, and search the streets for my Will. Casey Dembowski's writing style has left nothing to be desired; the characters come to life from the first second you get to know them. I have only positive things to say about this book. Who knew that those kinds of pacts that everyone makes could come to life one day?
When We’re Thirty by Casey Dembowski is a story about the intricate yet unique love story of Hannah Abbott and her college best friend, Will Thorne, who made a marriage pact on graduation night. This love story transcends typical romantic chick-lit; it is still a fictional love story but somehow it is written as if it had been real somewhere in the world. Will and Hannah’s story is anything but easy. This novel shows how intricate and challenging love can be - even if it seems like the easiest thing to do, it’s not. What sets Hannah and Will’s love apart is the fact that their love was kept alive by their memories and their hopeless romantic perception of their world. For them, knowing who was their person for life was easy, but the hard part was telling each other that realization. Isn’t that how most humans are? They know something in their hearts but doing something about it is the hardest part of it all.
I cannot find the words for how much I loved When We’re Thirty. I screamed NO when I realized that there were less than 10 pages left in the book; I wish this novel had never ended. I will be looking for my Will until I get married (to him, of course). When We’re Thirty is an ideal novel to read when you want to escape daily life; it has personally given me hope in every aspect of life. If I could, I would pack my bags, move to New York, and search the streets for my Will. Casey Dembowski's writing style has left nothing to be desired; the characters come to life from the first second you get to know them. I have only positive things to say about this book. Who knew that those kinds of pacts that everyone makes could come to life one day?
Recommend this book:
Lady Be Good
The Life and Times of Dorothy Hale
Pamela Hamilton
2021 Silver Medal
298 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Pamela Hamilton’s biographical style work of fiction, Lady Be Good: The Life and Times of Dorothy Hale, tells the story of an extraordinary life. In the 1920s and 30s, socialite Dorothy Hale graced high society and elite circles, rubbing shoulders with prominent figures and becoming one of Frida Kahlo’s popular art subjects. Set against glamorous backdrops that include New York’s high society, the Algonquin Set, the art world, Hollywood, and a maelstrom of politics, the novel is a vivid portrait of one woman’s dreams, as well as heartbreaks that led her to end it all by leaping from the sixteenth floor of her Central Park South apartment. It is a story that begins with a dramatic ending, intensifying the narrative as it traces Hale’s journey toward career and romance.
Dorothy Hale may not be a popular figure nowadays, but it is fitting to read about her life and times as a lesson in history. Her experiences defined an era. Fictional narratives of famous figures are often difficult to write because the connection between their existence and creative license can be challenging to reconcile. But Pamela Hamilton writes with such gravitas and dedication, delivering a framework of facts and research assembled with an imaginative pen. Lady Be Good is filled with incidents and anecdotes, and one of the highlights is Hale’s friendship with Clare Boothe Luce. One exciting facet in this tale is that while Hale was able to survive the Great Depression of the 30s, she didn’t survive the depression that plagued her mind. Lady Be Good is an extraordinary work about a remarkable woman in a unique period.
Pamela Hamilton’s biographical style work of fiction, Lady Be Good: The Life and Times of Dorothy Hale, tells the story of an extraordinary life. In the 1920s and 30s, socialite Dorothy Hale graced high society and elite circles, rubbing shoulders with prominent figures and becoming one of Frida Kahlo’s popular art subjects. Set against glamorous backdrops that include New York’s high society, the Algonquin Set, the art world, Hollywood, and a maelstrom of politics, the novel is a vivid portrait of one woman’s dreams, as well as heartbreaks that led her to end it all by leaping from the sixteenth floor of her Central Park South apartment. It is a story that begins with a dramatic ending, intensifying the narrative as it traces Hale’s journey toward career and romance.
Dorothy Hale may not be a popular figure nowadays, but it is fitting to read about her life and times as a lesson in history. Her experiences defined an era. Fictional narratives of famous figures are often difficult to write because the connection between their existence and creative license can be challenging to reconcile. But Pamela Hamilton writes with such gravitas and dedication, delivering a framework of facts and research assembled with an imaginative pen. Lady Be Good is filled with incidents and anecdotes, and one of the highlights is Hale’s friendship with Clare Boothe Luce. One exciting facet in this tale is that while Hale was able to survive the Great Depression of the 30s, she didn’t survive the depression that plagued her mind. Lady Be Good is an extraordinary work about a remarkable woman in a unique period.
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The Accidental Text
Becky Monson
2021 Gold Medal
297 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Renee Guill for Readers' Favorite
The Accidental Text by Becky Monson is a lighthearted romantic comedy. Maggie Cooper always enjoyed taking risks and doing things like skydiving. But, after her mother died, she lost her mojo. She tried texting her mother’s phone, hoping it would be like therapy. Turns out she was texting someone else, and that someone else was a hot guy. Maggie already had a crush on a co-worker, so she was not sure how this would end up, if she would be able to get her mojo back and if she would ever fall in love.
I thought that The Accidental Text by Becky Monson was a fun read. I loved how she was able to make a tough topic into a lighthearted and hopeful one. The story had a great cast of characters. I loved her best friend Hannah; she had a lot of spunk. I thought that Becky Monson did a wonderful job with world-building. Made me wish I could be there. She also did an amazing job describing in great detail the things that Maggie did, like skydiving. I loved the fact that I got an aha moment from a line Maggie’s father said. It was another one of those love triangle tropes, but I loved the way it ended. There is a trigger warning; the story does talk about death, which is what this book is about - the way Maggie handled the death of a loved one. If you have lost a loved one, or love romantic comedies, then I highly recommend this book.
The Accidental Text by Becky Monson is a lighthearted romantic comedy. Maggie Cooper always enjoyed taking risks and doing things like skydiving. But, after her mother died, she lost her mojo. She tried texting her mother’s phone, hoping it would be like therapy. Turns out she was texting someone else, and that someone else was a hot guy. Maggie already had a crush on a co-worker, so she was not sure how this would end up, if she would be able to get her mojo back and if she would ever fall in love.
I thought that The Accidental Text by Becky Monson was a fun read. I loved how she was able to make a tough topic into a lighthearted and hopeful one. The story had a great cast of characters. I loved her best friend Hannah; she had a lot of spunk. I thought that Becky Monson did a wonderful job with world-building. Made me wish I could be there. She also did an amazing job describing in great detail the things that Maggie did, like skydiving. I loved the fact that I got an aha moment from a line Maggie’s father said. It was another one of those love triangle tropes, but I loved the way it ended. There is a trigger warning; the story does talk about death, which is what this book is about - the way Maggie handled the death of a loved one. If you have lost a loved one, or love romantic comedies, then I highly recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Murder Under A Blue Moon
1930s Mona Moon Mysteries Book 1
Abigail Keam
2020 Finalist
284 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
When Madeline Mona Moon returns from a five-month stint in Mesopotamia, she first wants a rest before seeking a new adventure. A cartographer by trade, Mona relies on assignments to keep her head above the bread line and her restless spirit entertained. Unfortunately, in the 1930s, the rest of the world doesn’t agree that women are cut out for this vagabond lifestyle, making her kind of work difficult to procure. Facing a jobless future and an empty larder, no none is more surprised than she when Dexter Deatherage arrives at her door at two in the morning to announce that she, Madeline Mona Moon, is the newly appointed heir to the Moon fortune. Fighting to adopt the appropriate attitude as the lady of the manor, Mona is under constant scrutiny and dangerous threats. She is not to be toyed with, though, no matter how many times someone tries to kill her.
Murder Under A Blue Moon: 1930s Mona Moon Mysteries Book 1 by Abigail Keam is the most delightful novel I have read in a long time. Author Abigail Keam shows off her gift for fantastic descriptions and vivid characterization with the classic setting that revolves around the Moon mansion. The alliteration of all the family names beginning with the letter “M” adds just the right amount of superstitious intrigue for this light-hearted mystery. Mona is the epitome of strong female characterization as she balances her free-thinking, trouser-wearing independence with the softer side of an alluring woman of fashion and wealth. Readers of this mystery will love this book and eagerly await the next installation of the Mona Moon Mystery series.
When Madeline Mona Moon returns from a five-month stint in Mesopotamia, she first wants a rest before seeking a new adventure. A cartographer by trade, Mona relies on assignments to keep her head above the bread line and her restless spirit entertained. Unfortunately, in the 1930s, the rest of the world doesn’t agree that women are cut out for this vagabond lifestyle, making her kind of work difficult to procure. Facing a jobless future and an empty larder, no none is more surprised than she when Dexter Deatherage arrives at her door at two in the morning to announce that she, Madeline Mona Moon, is the newly appointed heir to the Moon fortune. Fighting to adopt the appropriate attitude as the lady of the manor, Mona is under constant scrutiny and dangerous threats. She is not to be toyed with, though, no matter how many times someone tries to kill her.
Murder Under A Blue Moon: 1930s Mona Moon Mysteries Book 1 by Abigail Keam is the most delightful novel I have read in a long time. Author Abigail Keam shows off her gift for fantastic descriptions and vivid characterization with the classic setting that revolves around the Moon mansion. The alliteration of all the family names beginning with the letter “M” adds just the right amount of superstitious intrigue for this light-hearted mystery. Mona is the epitome of strong female characterization as she balances her free-thinking, trouser-wearing independence with the softer side of an alluring woman of fashion and wealth. Readers of this mystery will love this book and eagerly await the next installation of the Mona Moon Mystery series.
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