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Recommend this book:
Spirit of Love
Roseanne Beck
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite
Spirit of Love by Roseanne Beck is a beautiful, light-hearted love story featuring a mischievous ghost and an equally mischievous aunt. The story starts with some of the history of Misty Meadow Inn in Cloverfield. It started life as a secret country house for a sea merchant's mistress, but during the Civil War, it was a Union Field Hospital where the wounded Major Charles Wallace was brought. There, he met a nurse whom he fell in love with, but unfortunately, he died from his wounds before he could declare his love. The house fell into disrepair but was renovated and brought back to life by a wealthy railway owner and then bought by Maya Richards and her Aunt Clem, who turned it into an inn, along with their resident ghost, the major.
In Spirit of Love, Major Charles Wallace likes to meddle in guests’ love lives and tries to bring young people together. He is full of jokes, very bad poetry, and has fallen in love with Aunt Clem, who can see him, but Maya is a skeptic and does not believe there is a ghost. In walks Davis Holloway, who works for an acquisitions company that is not honest in how they do business. Davis is in Cloverfield to get the lay of the land for his boss. But the major has other plans for Davis and Maya, and so the fun starts. The major takes the reader on a journey through the lives of the people in Cloverfield, and especially those staying at Misty Meadow Inn. Davis discovers that the town is very different from what he is used to; it is bankrupt due to the previous mayor's antics, and now they have Mayor Fuzz, who is a goat, as the mayor, and lives on Morris Farm. Roseanne Beck reveals one incident at a time; most are absolutely hilarious, some are just funny, and some are sad. But the end of the book is not what is expected. This is a humorous, delightful romance that will lift the reader's spirits even on gloomy days. It is well worth more than one read. I will definitely be reading it again.
Spirit of Love by Roseanne Beck is a beautiful, light-hearted love story featuring a mischievous ghost and an equally mischievous aunt. The story starts with some of the history of Misty Meadow Inn in Cloverfield. It started life as a secret country house for a sea merchant's mistress, but during the Civil War, it was a Union Field Hospital where the wounded Major Charles Wallace was brought. There, he met a nurse whom he fell in love with, but unfortunately, he died from his wounds before he could declare his love. The house fell into disrepair but was renovated and brought back to life by a wealthy railway owner and then bought by Maya Richards and her Aunt Clem, who turned it into an inn, along with their resident ghost, the major.
In Spirit of Love, Major Charles Wallace likes to meddle in guests’ love lives and tries to bring young people together. He is full of jokes, very bad poetry, and has fallen in love with Aunt Clem, who can see him, but Maya is a skeptic and does not believe there is a ghost. In walks Davis Holloway, who works for an acquisitions company that is not honest in how they do business. Davis is in Cloverfield to get the lay of the land for his boss. But the major has other plans for Davis and Maya, and so the fun starts. The major takes the reader on a journey through the lives of the people in Cloverfield, and especially those staying at Misty Meadow Inn. Davis discovers that the town is very different from what he is used to; it is bankrupt due to the previous mayor's antics, and now they have Mayor Fuzz, who is a goat, as the mayor, and lives on Morris Farm. Roseanne Beck reveals one incident at a time; most are absolutely hilarious, some are just funny, and some are sad. But the end of the book is not what is expected. This is a humorous, delightful romance that will lift the reader's spirits even on gloomy days. It is well worth more than one read. I will definitely be reading it again.
Recommend this book:
The Daphne Project
Jacqui Lents
2026 Honorable Mention
324 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
In The Daphne Project by Jacqui Lents, Daphne Patterson, a thirty-something librarian, faces her lowest point. She is betrayed by the man she thought would be forever; she is unemployed, and she is living with her overbearing mother. She needs a new start. But how can she start from rock bottom? Her desperation for change finds the perfect answer when she learns that she has inherited a house in Cobb, Maine, left to her by her great-aunt Florence. She plans to sell the house and start her life anew somewhere else, but all her plans end when she steps into the house. She is flooded with memories of a summer there, and as secrets about her enigmatic aunt begin to surface, Daphne is shocked by another discovery. Her aunt’s suicide might have been murder. Follow her as she connects with townsfolk, probes into the mystery, and even finds romance.
The Daphne Project is a story of a woman rising from the ashes, and her grit and determination to change her life were inspiring. Jacqui Lents’ characters are realistic, and apart from Daphne, who is flawed and utterly likable, I enjoyed characters like Phil. The fishing date was exceptionally written, and I found myself asking questions about a possible future between Phil and Daphne, which kept the suspense consistent in the story. The connection between Fitzy and Daphne is also emotionally rich, infusing the writing with suspense. The mystery about the death of Aunt Florence keeps you turning the pages, wondering if Daphne will find answers. This well-plotted, fast-paced story is the perfect read, and I will be looking out for more stories from this author.
In The Daphne Project by Jacqui Lents, Daphne Patterson, a thirty-something librarian, faces her lowest point. She is betrayed by the man she thought would be forever; she is unemployed, and she is living with her overbearing mother. She needs a new start. But how can she start from rock bottom? Her desperation for change finds the perfect answer when she learns that she has inherited a house in Cobb, Maine, left to her by her great-aunt Florence. She plans to sell the house and start her life anew somewhere else, but all her plans end when she steps into the house. She is flooded with memories of a summer there, and as secrets about her enigmatic aunt begin to surface, Daphne is shocked by another discovery. Her aunt’s suicide might have been murder. Follow her as she connects with townsfolk, probes into the mystery, and even finds romance.
The Daphne Project is a story of a woman rising from the ashes, and her grit and determination to change her life were inspiring. Jacqui Lents’ characters are realistic, and apart from Daphne, who is flawed and utterly likable, I enjoyed characters like Phil. The fishing date was exceptionally written, and I found myself asking questions about a possible future between Phil and Daphne, which kept the suspense consistent in the story. The connection between Fitzy and Daphne is also emotionally rich, infusing the writing with suspense. The mystery about the death of Aunt Florence keeps you turning the pages, wondering if Daphne will find answers. This well-plotted, fast-paced story is the perfect read, and I will be looking out for more stories from this author.
Recommend this book:
Dancing Fools and All That Jazz
B Fleetwood
2026 Silver Medal
440 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite
Clarissa’s Mancunian dance troupe heads to Paris for a prestigious competition, with one performer already missing in action. A series of terrible and comical disasters turns the journey into a nightmare for the group of women. Some have left their problems at home, others carry them along, but each just wants to dance well enough to make their dying friend, Hazel, proud. With relationships crumbling both within the group and back home, and tears and tempers erupting around every corner, the last thing they need is their bitterest rival sabotaging their costumes. But these women will not lie down quietly, and their uproarious revenge creates an unexpected spectacle that captures the media’s attention all the way back to Manchester. Dancing Fools and All That Jazz by B. Fleetwood is a fantastic read—hilarious, poignant, and filled with the resilience of ordinary women.
One of my favorite things about Dancing Fools and All That Jazz by B. Fleetwood is the range of ages. Clarissa’s dancers span from their twenties through every stage of womanhood to retirement. It’s a truly liberating work of women’s fiction, centered on the pure joy of dance despite the performers’ chaotic home lives. Each woman fights a secret battle—mortality, debt, guilt, divorce, or childhood trauma. The multiple points of view offer an in‑depth understanding of each woman’s private agony, with the structure of the narrative itself creating a spectacular, circular movement reminiscent of a Maypole dance. I loved the passion in the pages and the sense of community identity that triumphs over everything. It’s a wonderful study of enduring female strength. Even when she’s buried under life’s troubles, she still finds the courage to dance like no one is watching.
Clarissa’s Mancunian dance troupe heads to Paris for a prestigious competition, with one performer already missing in action. A series of terrible and comical disasters turns the journey into a nightmare for the group of women. Some have left their problems at home, others carry them along, but each just wants to dance well enough to make their dying friend, Hazel, proud. With relationships crumbling both within the group and back home, and tears and tempers erupting around every corner, the last thing they need is their bitterest rival sabotaging their costumes. But these women will not lie down quietly, and their uproarious revenge creates an unexpected spectacle that captures the media’s attention all the way back to Manchester. Dancing Fools and All That Jazz by B. Fleetwood is a fantastic read—hilarious, poignant, and filled with the resilience of ordinary women.
One of my favorite things about Dancing Fools and All That Jazz by B. Fleetwood is the range of ages. Clarissa’s dancers span from their twenties through every stage of womanhood to retirement. It’s a truly liberating work of women’s fiction, centered on the pure joy of dance despite the performers’ chaotic home lives. Each woman fights a secret battle—mortality, debt, guilt, divorce, or childhood trauma. The multiple points of view offer an in‑depth understanding of each woman’s private agony, with the structure of the narrative itself creating a spectacular, circular movement reminiscent of a Maypole dance. I loved the passion in the pages and the sense of community identity that triumphs over everything. It’s a wonderful study of enduring female strength. Even when she’s buried under life’s troubles, she still finds the courage to dance like no one is watching.
Recommend this book:
When the Forest Dreams
A Modern Retelling of The Blue Castle
Andrea Ezerins
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins follows Emma Jablonski, who is living above her family’s Polish bakery on the Upper East Side. A favor draws her into another life. Asked to watch over Veronica Mason, a model recovering from addiction, Emma leaves the routines of bread, church, and long walks in Central Park for paid work inside a world run by money, scrutiny, and quiet rules. At the center is Jake Henderson, Veronica’s cousin, whose authority seemingly stretches from household decisions to all things Emma. After Veronica seriously stumbles and Emma’s health falters, she agrees to a plan that binds her to Jake. When a dream opportunity arrives far from New York, Emma must decide which parts of her life were borrowed, and which were ever truly hers.
When the Forest Dreams is so much more than I expected going in. Andrea Ezerins does a spectacular job of making us love and want to root for Emma, even when we simultaneously want to give her a good talking to. Ezerins breathes life into the whole story with the measured prose of a skilled author and is wholly attentive to all aspects. Emma’s work is a carousel of swirling highs and lows, first in her family bakery, then as caretaker, assistant, pretend partner, and research aide, and Ezerins shows us a woman reaching out for all she can. I love the recurring practice of birdwatching as it gives Emma an inner architecture apart from romance and obligation, marking her as someone more than the sum of those two parts. Overall, this is a wonderful read with a satisfying ending. Very highly recommended.
When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins follows Emma Jablonski, who is living above her family’s Polish bakery on the Upper East Side. A favor draws her into another life. Asked to watch over Veronica Mason, a model recovering from addiction, Emma leaves the routines of bread, church, and long walks in Central Park for paid work inside a world run by money, scrutiny, and quiet rules. At the center is Jake Henderson, Veronica’s cousin, whose authority seemingly stretches from household decisions to all things Emma. After Veronica seriously stumbles and Emma’s health falters, she agrees to a plan that binds her to Jake. When a dream opportunity arrives far from New York, Emma must decide which parts of her life were borrowed, and which were ever truly hers.
When the Forest Dreams is so much more than I expected going in. Andrea Ezerins does a spectacular job of making us love and want to root for Emma, even when we simultaneously want to give her a good talking to. Ezerins breathes life into the whole story with the measured prose of a skilled author and is wholly attentive to all aspects. Emma’s work is a carousel of swirling highs and lows, first in her family bakery, then as caretaker, assistant, pretend partner, and research aide, and Ezerins shows us a woman reaching out for all she can. I love the recurring practice of birdwatching as it gives Emma an inner architecture apart from romance and obligation, marking her as someone more than the sum of those two parts. Overall, this is a wonderful read with a satisfying ending. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Gift
Vintage Vines Series Book 1
C. D'Angelo
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
The Gift by C. D’Angelo is a story of finding one’s destiny and drawing strength and support from loved ones. Since childhood, Toni Agosti had dreamed of joining the LA Philharmonic as a cellist. However, while attending a family wedding in Italy, Toni discovers that one of her ancestors had owned a vineyard in Los Angeles. This discovery ignites a passion in Toni to learn more about her heritage and a feeling that her true calling is in winemaking. The decision creates a conflict with her husband Christian, especially after she discovers she might have a chance of joining the prestigious orchestra. Christian’s true character is revealed, leaving Toni questioning everything she knows about him. Will Toni have the courage to make the right decision for herself, no matter the cost? And how will her family react to a decision that will redefine her life personally and professionally?
At the heart of The Gift: Vintage Vines Series Book 1, C. D’Angelo’s story is about having the courage and resilience to follow one’s dreams and passion. It felt like the universe was aligning to guide Toni toward her true calling, yet testing her resolve with every step she took. Each of the characters in the story had a significant role in Toni’s growth, ultimately leading her to a deeper understanding of herself. I related to Toni’s struggles as she grappled with balancing her aspirations with the expectations of others. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy narratives infused with cultural and artistic elements, and those interested in the history of winegrowing in the Los Angeles region.
The Gift by C. D’Angelo is a story of finding one’s destiny and drawing strength and support from loved ones. Since childhood, Toni Agosti had dreamed of joining the LA Philharmonic as a cellist. However, while attending a family wedding in Italy, Toni discovers that one of her ancestors had owned a vineyard in Los Angeles. This discovery ignites a passion in Toni to learn more about her heritage and a feeling that her true calling is in winemaking. The decision creates a conflict with her husband Christian, especially after she discovers she might have a chance of joining the prestigious orchestra. Christian’s true character is revealed, leaving Toni questioning everything she knows about him. Will Toni have the courage to make the right decision for herself, no matter the cost? And how will her family react to a decision that will redefine her life personally and professionally?
At the heart of The Gift: Vintage Vines Series Book 1, C. D’Angelo’s story is about having the courage and resilience to follow one’s dreams and passion. It felt like the universe was aligning to guide Toni toward her true calling, yet testing her resolve with every step she took. Each of the characters in the story had a significant role in Toni’s growth, ultimately leading her to a deeper understanding of herself. I related to Toni’s struggles as she grappled with balancing her aspirations with the expectations of others. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy narratives infused with cultural and artistic elements, and those interested in the history of winegrowing in the Los Angeles region.
Recommend this book:
Bride Games
A Hilarious, Heartwarming Romantic Comedy (Book 2)
Beth Carter
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Bride Games by Beth Carter is a contemporary romantic comedy that follows single mom Emma Miller as her dream wedding to the perfect man turns into a nightmare when unexpected drama erupts on her big day. Simultaneously, Emma's best friend, TV star Paige Daniels, faces a career crisis after being targeted by online rumors and mysterious texts. As both women navigate the chaos of love and life, they discover that people are playing games with their hearts, and they must find a way to win. Carter’s sharp comedic timing brings humor to even the most stressful situations, making this highly engaging drama feel lighthearted and fun despite the chaos surrounding its heroines.
I loved the dual stories shifting in and out of the plot and eventually interconnecting. Beth Carter excels at crafting authentic female friendships, with Emma and Paige’s bond providing a strong emotional foundation for the novel. There’s a fine line between events being lively and chaotic and wandering into the ridiculous. But Carter’s skill with realistic dialogue and relationship dynamics keeps things grounded as the conspiracy and mystery of the plot begin to sizzle. I also really enjoyed the detail in Emma's and Paige’s emotional landscapes, and although they come from very different worlds, their similarities show a universal need for connection and safety. That’s even more compelling when we discover the surprising threats that are out to spoil their happiness. All this is paired with brilliant pacing and well-timed twists to keep readers hooked, blending laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt emotions and ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. Overall, Bride Games is a novel not to be missed by romance fans.
Bride Games by Beth Carter is a contemporary romantic comedy that follows single mom Emma Miller as her dream wedding to the perfect man turns into a nightmare when unexpected drama erupts on her big day. Simultaneously, Emma's best friend, TV star Paige Daniels, faces a career crisis after being targeted by online rumors and mysterious texts. As both women navigate the chaos of love and life, they discover that people are playing games with their hearts, and they must find a way to win. Carter’s sharp comedic timing brings humor to even the most stressful situations, making this highly engaging drama feel lighthearted and fun despite the chaos surrounding its heroines.
I loved the dual stories shifting in and out of the plot and eventually interconnecting. Beth Carter excels at crafting authentic female friendships, with Emma and Paige’s bond providing a strong emotional foundation for the novel. There’s a fine line between events being lively and chaotic and wandering into the ridiculous. But Carter’s skill with realistic dialogue and relationship dynamics keeps things grounded as the conspiracy and mystery of the plot begin to sizzle. I also really enjoyed the detail in Emma's and Paige’s emotional landscapes, and although they come from very different worlds, their similarities show a universal need for connection and safety. That’s even more compelling when we discover the surprising threats that are out to spoil their happiness. All this is paired with brilliant pacing and well-timed twists to keep readers hooked, blending laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt emotions and ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. Overall, Bride Games is a novel not to be missed by romance fans.
Recommend this book:
Cinematic Destinies
A Novel
Patricia Leavy
2025 Bronze Medal
232 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy follows Georgia, Albert, and Betty, three siblings in the throes of their careers and juggling relationships, while their parents, Finn and Ella, prepare to renew their wedding vows. Georgia, an actress like her parents, develops a deep connection with Roo while filming in Iceland, but commitment proves problematic. Albert, an aspiring animator, fears coming out to his family and has a push-and-pull away relationship with Ryan. Betty, a dedicated doctor, wrestles with her feelings for Khalil as she prioritizes work over personal life. Meanwhile, Finn and Ella look back on their family’s journey and rekindle their bond. The story shifts between all of their lives as each works to figure life out, culminating in some surprising decisions and solidifying others.
Going into Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy, I did not know that this is the third book in a trilogy, but I was so happy to find that it reads perfectly as a standalone. That said, I've been hooked enough to the Forrester family to go back and read what I've missed. Leavy's writing style is steady and comfortable. There's a calmness to it that is unique, even when addressing the most complicated and legitimate fears. As readers, we get such a great sense of Finn and Ella and who they are as parents and people that there's an underlying reassurance that everything will be fine in the end. Georgia's storyline was the one I most looked forward to when it popped up again on the page. I mean, there is no downside to a literary visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Leavy makes it absolutely heavenly and it felt like I was right there. Overall, the writing, the characters, the little nods of sizzle, and the brilliant family dynamic make this book a winner. Very highly recommended.
Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy follows Georgia, Albert, and Betty, three siblings in the throes of their careers and juggling relationships, while their parents, Finn and Ella, prepare to renew their wedding vows. Georgia, an actress like her parents, develops a deep connection with Roo while filming in Iceland, but commitment proves problematic. Albert, an aspiring animator, fears coming out to his family and has a push-and-pull away relationship with Ryan. Betty, a dedicated doctor, wrestles with her feelings for Khalil as she prioritizes work over personal life. Meanwhile, Finn and Ella look back on their family’s journey and rekindle their bond. The story shifts between all of their lives as each works to figure life out, culminating in some surprising decisions and solidifying others.
Going into Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy, I did not know that this is the third book in a trilogy, but I was so happy to find that it reads perfectly as a standalone. That said, I've been hooked enough to the Forrester family to go back and read what I've missed. Leavy's writing style is steady and comfortable. There's a calmness to it that is unique, even when addressing the most complicated and legitimate fears. As readers, we get such a great sense of Finn and Ella and who they are as parents and people that there's an underlying reassurance that everything will be fine in the end. Georgia's storyline was the one I most looked forward to when it popped up again on the page. I mean, there is no downside to a literary visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Leavy makes it absolutely heavenly and it felt like I was right there. Overall, the writing, the characters, the little nods of sizzle, and the brilliant family dynamic make this book a winner. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
I Think He Knows?
Question Series Book 2
Melissa Baldwin
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
I Think He Knows? Question Series Book 2 by Melissa Baldwin is a romantic comedy that follows the life of Serena, a kindergarten teacher navigating the complexities of her profession, and her crush on Coach Cam, the head PE teacher at her school. Serena’s day-to-day interactions with her young students portray a genuine love for her job despite the chaos and challenges she faces. Her friendship and eventual romantic tension with Cam add intrigue and anticipation, keeping the reader engaged and rooting for their relationship to blossom.
Melissa Baldwin’s writing style is fluid and engaging, with well-timed comedic moments that lighten the narrative. The pace sometimes slows, especially where the school dynamics and Serena’s introspections on her feelings for Cam are explored in depth, and allow for character development. The addition of new characters, like Lilly, the new assistant principal with a mysterious past connection to Cam, introduces new twists and turns, making the story more dynamic and complex. This subplot enriches the narrative by adding suspense and speculation about Cam’s past relationships and how they impact his interactions with Serena. I Think He Knows? Question Series Book 2 is an enjoyable read that combines the elements of a workplace romance with the relatable struggles of everyday life. The author successfully captures the essence of her characters’ emotions and the setting of a bustling elementary school, making this book a recommended read for those who enjoy rom-coms with a dose of reality and laughter.
I Think He Knows? Question Series Book 2 by Melissa Baldwin is a romantic comedy that follows the life of Serena, a kindergarten teacher navigating the complexities of her profession, and her crush on Coach Cam, the head PE teacher at her school. Serena’s day-to-day interactions with her young students portray a genuine love for her job despite the chaos and challenges she faces. Her friendship and eventual romantic tension with Cam add intrigue and anticipation, keeping the reader engaged and rooting for their relationship to blossom.
Melissa Baldwin’s writing style is fluid and engaging, with well-timed comedic moments that lighten the narrative. The pace sometimes slows, especially where the school dynamics and Serena’s introspections on her feelings for Cam are explored in depth, and allow for character development. The addition of new characters, like Lilly, the new assistant principal with a mysterious past connection to Cam, introduces new twists and turns, making the story more dynamic and complex. This subplot enriches the narrative by adding suspense and speculation about Cam’s past relationships and how they impact his interactions with Serena. I Think He Knows? Question Series Book 2 is an enjoyable read that combines the elements of a workplace romance with the relatable struggles of everyday life. The author successfully captures the essence of her characters’ emotions and the setting of a bustling elementary school, making this book a recommended read for those who enjoy rom-coms with a dose of reality and laughter.
Recommend this book:
Kissing Toads
Danissa Wilson
2025 Gold Medal
222 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Kissing Toads by Danissa Wilson is an engaging exploration of the quest for love through the metaphor-laden journey of kissing toads to find a prince. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the late 20th century, the story follows Annie, a young woman whose romantic misadventures reflect the shared experiences of a generation navigating the complex waters of love. Annie’s story begins in her youth, shaped by her mother’s strong influence and societal pressures to find a partner. This establishes the foundation for a series of comical yet disheartening romantic entanglements.
First and foremost, the pop culture and nostalgia are second to none. Anyone who’s ever had a ceremonial mock wedding, remembers the avocado era, or dated a guy who always brought along a parade of friends, won’t want to miss Danissa Wilson’s book. The narrative is rich with cultural references that anchor the reader in the period, from the early days of online dating to the social norms that shaped relationships. Her writing style combines sharp wit with smooth, flowing prose. Annie’s evolution from a wide-eyed romantic to a self-assured individual is beautifully portrayed, with each “toad” she encounters teaching her more about her desires and boundaries. In the face of tragedy, readers see a new side of Annie as she confronts the challenges of grief and resilience, uncovering aspects of her character previously hidden by her carefree romantic adventures. Kissing Toads is also a feminist critique of the expectations placed on women to secure happiness through marriage. It challenges these notions subtly and directly, making it a powerful read for contemporary audiences.
Kissing Toads by Danissa Wilson is an engaging exploration of the quest for love through the metaphor-laden journey of kissing toads to find a prince. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the late 20th century, the story follows Annie, a young woman whose romantic misadventures reflect the shared experiences of a generation navigating the complex waters of love. Annie’s story begins in her youth, shaped by her mother’s strong influence and societal pressures to find a partner. This establishes the foundation for a series of comical yet disheartening romantic entanglements.
First and foremost, the pop culture and nostalgia are second to none. Anyone who’s ever had a ceremonial mock wedding, remembers the avocado era, or dated a guy who always brought along a parade of friends, won’t want to miss Danissa Wilson’s book. The narrative is rich with cultural references that anchor the reader in the period, from the early days of online dating to the social norms that shaped relationships. Her writing style combines sharp wit with smooth, flowing prose. Annie’s evolution from a wide-eyed romantic to a self-assured individual is beautifully portrayed, with each “toad” she encounters teaching her more about her desires and boundaries. In the face of tragedy, readers see a new side of Annie as she confronts the challenges of grief and resilience, uncovering aspects of her character previously hidden by her carefree romantic adventures. Kissing Toads is also a feminist critique of the expectations placed on women to secure happiness through marriage. It challenges these notions subtly and directly, making it a powerful read for contemporary audiences.
Recommend this book:
Back to Her Future
The Gen X Series
Cary J Hansson
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Back to Her Future is a work of fiction in the women’s fiction, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life subgenres, and is part of the Gen X series penned by author Cary J Hansson. The plot follows Meryem, abducted from England to Turkey as a teenager and now, thirty years later, liberated and affluent in Dubai. Her father's confession sends her back to London, where she reunites with childhood friends Alma and Sammy for an impromptu 80s weekend, triggering memories of her abduction and straining their bond. Through a blend of history, everyday life, and tragedy, Hansson crafts an unforgettable narrative exploring friendship, resilience, and self-discovery in the face of trauma.
Author Cary J Hansson puts heart and soul into crafting an immersive and highly emotional novel, navigating Meryem's journey from victim to empowered survivor. Meryem's mantra of looking out for herself is an interesting double-edged sword, showing both strength and vulnerabilities as she tries to protect herself from the world, but also be part of it. The author balances this incredibly well in the narrative, and the interplay between past trauma and present-day struggles is poignant as a result, highlighting the complexities of healing and rebuilding relationships. Hansson's writing skillfully weaves together nostalgia, emotional depth, and suspense with fluidity and confidence, keeping readers engaged until the final page with never a dull moment in the storyline. The novel delivers a powerful thematic punch on the importance of friendship and the hidden resilience we find amidst adversity, which is a deeply worthy message to take away. Overall, I would certainly recommend Back to Her Future for fans of poignant women’s drama.
Back to Her Future is a work of fiction in the women’s fiction, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life subgenres, and is part of the Gen X series penned by author Cary J Hansson. The plot follows Meryem, abducted from England to Turkey as a teenager and now, thirty years later, liberated and affluent in Dubai. Her father's confession sends her back to London, where she reunites with childhood friends Alma and Sammy for an impromptu 80s weekend, triggering memories of her abduction and straining their bond. Through a blend of history, everyday life, and tragedy, Hansson crafts an unforgettable narrative exploring friendship, resilience, and self-discovery in the face of trauma.
Author Cary J Hansson puts heart and soul into crafting an immersive and highly emotional novel, navigating Meryem's journey from victim to empowered survivor. Meryem's mantra of looking out for herself is an interesting double-edged sword, showing both strength and vulnerabilities as she tries to protect herself from the world, but also be part of it. The author balances this incredibly well in the narrative, and the interplay between past trauma and present-day struggles is poignant as a result, highlighting the complexities of healing and rebuilding relationships. Hansson's writing skillfully weaves together nostalgia, emotional depth, and suspense with fluidity and confidence, keeping readers engaged until the final page with never a dull moment in the storyline. The novel delivers a powerful thematic punch on the importance of friendship and the hidden resilience we find amidst adversity, which is a deeply worthy message to take away. Overall, I would certainly recommend Back to Her Future for fans of poignant women’s drama.
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