gmberbaum's reviews
122 reviews

Far and Away by Amy Poeppel

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Wow this was just a hug in a book! Far and Away was like the Holiday meets Love Actually where a house swap creates a lot of chaos and a lot of joy. The book follows multiple characters and delivers on the classic HEA. I could not stop reading this book, which had me gripped from page 1. I think my only complaint is that the end felt a tiny bit rushed. Otherwise thoroughly enjoyed and found myself squealing as things fell into place.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
The Land of Frost by Whitney Welsh Gibbs

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this romantasy ARC! The Land of Frost follows Princess Maeve after the overthrowing of her kingdom and she is left alone, nearly for dead. She escapes to an infamous prison to train for her revenge. 

Pros: 
+ Interesting intersection of magic types
+ Events kept me interested 
+ Interesting setting, world-building

Cons:
-Disliked the MMC
-Some of the relationships felt rushed. I couldn’t see how they bonded so quickly. This is especially true for the FMC and MMC relationship. I found their progression confusing.
-The twist at the end was predictable from the very beginning
Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

All the Mothers by Domenica Ruta

Go to review page

emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

All The Mothers follows 3 young mothers who in so many ways may not have been friends but end up creating their own sisterhood of mothers. Domenica Ruta perfectly captures the multitude of extremely complicated feelings that come with motherhood and the life cycle of friendship that is intertwined with them. 

I felt very seen in this book and appreciated the authenticity of the characters. The ending felt a bit rushed, but otherwise thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you NetGalley and Domenica Ruta for the chance to read this ARC!
The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC! 

It’s a Love Story had me captivated from the very beginning. I loved Jane’s awkwardness and how real her character felt. Everything about her and Dan felt really authentic. I also love reading about child actors all grown up and this book definitely delivered on how that world can shape you for better or for worse. 
Paladin's Faith by T. Kingfisher

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Faithbreaker by Hannah Kaner

Go to review page

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

An absolutely incredible ending to an amazing fantasy series. Per usual Hannah Kaner had me on the edge of my seat, made me laugh and cry, and had me fully invested in each of the characters. My heart ached in this book and I just did not want it to end. 
Four Weekends and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Paladin's Hope by T. Kingfisher

Go to review page

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75