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Book Reviews

Sarah Penner – The Lost Apothecary

November 17, 2021 by Leah Leave a Comment

I love when people recommend books to me. Sometimes I like them and sometimes I don’t. Several people told me that I needed to read the book, The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. I read the synopsis and put the book on hold in the Libby app. It is classified under magical realism and historical mystery. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, but since so many people said I should read it, I decided to give it a try. My elementary school librarian used to tell us not to judge a book by it’s cover. In this case, I was not about to judge a book by how it was classified. Like in elementary school, there was a good chance a book could surprise me!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

sarah penner

Kindle Paperwhite – (previous generation - 2018 release) Waterproof with more than 2x the Storage, 32 GB, Wi-Fi + Free Cellular ConnectivityKindle Paperwhite – (previous generation – 2018 release) Waterproof with more than 2x the Storage, 32 GB, Wi-Fi + Free Cellular ConnectivityKindle Paperwhite – (previous generation - 2018 release) Waterproof with more than 2x the Storage, 32 GB, Wi-Fi + Free Cellular ConnectivityKindle Oasis Essentials Bundle including Kindle Oasis (Graphite, Ad-Supported), Amazon Leather Cover, and Power AdapterKindle Oasis Essentials Bundle including Kindle Oasis (Graphite, Ad-Supported), Amazon Leather Cover, and Power AdapterKindle Oasis Essentials Bundle including Kindle Oasis (Graphite, Ad-Supported), Amazon Leather Cover, and Power AdapterKindle Kids, a Kindle designed for kids, with parental controls - Rainbow Birds CoverKindle Kids, a Kindle designed for kids, with parental controls – Rainbow Birds CoverKindle Kids, a Kindle designed for kids, with parental controls - Rainbow Birds Cover

Kindles Make the Best Gift!

My Kindle Paperwhite was the best gift I ever got. It is so much easier to slip my Kindle in my purse and take it with me. Since I spend most of my time waiting in car lines or in the parking lot at practice, having something portable is good! Kindles are also good for kids! All they can do on a Kindle is read. So there is no worry about whether or not they are playing games instead of reading. We got our kids a Kindle when they went into 6th grade because they had to have a book with them at all times. At their middle school, backpacks were not allowed, so having a light Kindle in their binder made it easier for them. They also never had to worry about losing points if they finish their book and don’t have something to read.

About The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

From Amazon –

Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.

Meanwhile in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive.

With crackling suspense, unforgettable characters and searing insight, The Lost Apothecary is a subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance and the remarkable ways women can save each other despite the barrier of time.

The Lost Apothecary: The New York Times Top Ten BestsellerThe Lost Apothecary: The New York Times Top Ten BestsellerThe Lost Apothecary: The New York Times Top Ten Bestseller

My Thoughts on Sarah Penner’s Book

I really enjoyed this book! It was written in one of my favorite styles where it alternates points of view of the characters. Some chapters also go back in time. That may seem confusing, but it really isn’t. I felt like I got more information and insight into the characters and the actual plot. My hope is that Sarah Penner will write a sequel to The Lost Apothecary. When I was looking this book, I found an article that this will be made into a series! How exciting is that?! It also stated that the author will be a consultant to the series. So I hope that means it will stay very close to the original story.

Other Books You Should Read

I have read a lot of books lately. Below are my favorites that you should give a chance!

  • It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
  • Verity, Psychological Thriller by Colleen Hoover
  • The Best of Friends by Lucinda Berry
  • Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent

If you’ve read any of those, let me know what you thought! Also, if you have any suggestions for me, leave them in a comment!

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Fiction, Mystery

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

November 16, 2021 by Leah Leave a Comment

My very introduction to Colleen Hoover and her books was to Verity. That book had me from literally the first chapter. I couldn’t put the book down and from that moment, I was hooked on everything by this author! Recently I was on a plane and needed something to read. Right before they closed the doors to the plane, I got a notification that a book I had on hold was finally ready to download. I quickly downloaded It Ends with Us and spent the next three and a half hours reading.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

colleen hoover

Fintie Slimshell Case for 6Fintie Slimshell Case for 6Fintie Slimshell Case for 6Kindle Paperwhite – (previous generation - 2018 release) Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage - 8 GB (International Version)Kindle Paperwhite – (previous generation – 2018 release) Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage – 8 GB (International Version)Kindle Paperwhite – (previous generation - 2018 release) Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage - 8 GB (International Version)AC Charger Adapter Fit for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-reader with 5ft Micro USB Cable(White)AC Charger Adapter Fit for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-reader with 5ft Micro USB Cable(White)AC Charger Adapter Fit for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-reader with 5ft Micro USB Cable(White)

About It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

From Amazon – 

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. And when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life seems too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

It Ends with Us: A NovelIt Ends with Us: A NovelIt Ends with Us: A NovelRegretting YouRegretting YouRegretting YouLaylaLaylaLaylaNovember 9: A NovelNovember 9: A NovelNovember 9: A NovelVerityVerityVerity

My Thoughts on This Colleen Hoover Book

From the moment I sat down on each plane, I started reading and didn’t stop. So it’s safe to say that I liked it a lot! When I initially read some of the reviews, I thought that this was not a book I was going to like. One of the reviewers said, “this book made me stop and think…a lot”. Those reviews usually make me roll my eyes. Don’t get me wrong, I like books that make me think. However, this book didn’t really sound like it would be one of those “thinker” books. Boy was I wrong. Like many books I read, I sometimes start feeling like I know what was going to happen. Usually I like that. This time around, it annoyed me. I thought I knew what was going to happen and I wasn’t impressed. Where was this deep thinking aspect of the book? And then it happened…NOTHING like I thought it was going to and then I saw why this made other reviewer think!

Possible Spoilers

Now please be aware that this next part may contain possible spoilers. I try not to spoil books because my point with this post and every other post on this site is to encourage readers to read the books I have read and enjoyed. You will notice that you never see negative book reviews on here. I do that on purpose. It takes a lot of time for authors to write there books and sometimes the book is for me and sometimes it’s not. So I have chosen to share only the books I have read and liked! With this latest Colleen Hoover book, the two things I wish that was done differently was that Atlas was given a much bigger role throughout the book. I also wish that the scene with Atlas and Lily’s father would have gone slightly different…as in, I wish there were repercussions for Lily’s father.

What Should I Read Next?

In exactly 13 days, I will be having a pretty involved knee surgery that will have me laid up for quite awhile. So please leave me the names of some books that I should read. I am making a list. While I am laid up and watching Netflix and reading, my daughter will be making these delicious copycat Lofthouse cookies! You should try them!


Filed Under: Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance

Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

August 24, 2021 by Leah Leave a Comment

I am a huge Colleen Hoover fan. Anytime I see a book of hers available on Hoopla, Libby, or Kindle Unlimited, I jump to download it. This past week I was browsing Kindle Unlimited and I came across Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher. I instantly downloaded it! And like every other book I have read by this author, I was unable to put it down! I read it in a matter of days!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

Never Never

Twelve South BookBook for Kindle Paperwhite 4, 10th Gen 2019 | Distressed Hardback Full-Grain Leather Case and Viewing Easel with Auto-Wake/SleepTwelve South BookBook for Kindle Paperwhite 4, 10th Gen 2019 | Distressed Hardback Full-Grain Leather Case and Viewing Easel with Auto-Wake/SleepTwelve South BookBook for Kindle Paperwhite 4, 10th Gen 2019 | Distressed Hardback Full-Grain Leather Case and Viewing Easel with Auto-Wake/SleepKindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage – Ad-SupportedKindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage – Ad-SupportedKindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage – Ad-SupportedKindle Charger 6.5 Ft Compatible for All Amazon Kindle Paperwhite,Oasis,Voyage,Kindle E-Reader,Kindle DX Kindle Keyboard Kindle Touch(2nd-11th Gen),Fire HD,HDX TabletKindle Charger 6.5 Ft Compatible for All Amazon Kindle Paperwhite,Oasis,Voyage,Kindle E-Reader,Kindle DX Kindle Keyboard Kindle Touch(2nd-11th Gen),Fire HD,HDX TabletKindle Charger 6.5 Ft Compatible for All Amazon Kindle Paperwhite,Oasis,Voyage,Kindle E-Reader,Kindle DX Kindle Keyboard Kindle Touch(2nd-11th Gen),Fire HD,HDX Tablet

About the Book Never Never

From Amazon –

Together, they have created a gripping, romantic tale unlike any other. “How odd to be made of flesh, balanced on bone, and filled with a soul you’ve never met.”

Charlize Wynwood and Silas Nash have been best friends since they could walk. They’ve been in love since the age of fourteen. But as of this morning…they are complete strangers. Their first kiss, their first fight, the moment they fell in love…every memory has vanished. “I don’t care what our real first kiss was,” he says. “That’s the one I want to remember.”

Charlize and Silas must work together to uncover the truth about what happened to them and why. But the more they learn about the couple they used to be…the more they question why they were ever together to begin with.

“I want to remember what it feels like to love someone like that. And not just anyone. I want to know what it feels like to love Charlie.”

My Thoughts on This Book

Well, if you couldn’t tell from the opening paragraph, I am completely a fan of this book. Not only is Never Never a great mystery/suspense novel, but it is also a great romance story. This Young Adult novel was interesting from the very start. Imagine walking into class one day and not knowing anyone around you. If that isn’t strange enough, imagine not having any memories. Even your own name! Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher do a fantastic job getting you to feel something for characters Silas and Charlie. One of my favorite things is how this book is written with alternating points of view from Silas and Charlie’s perspectives.

Never Never: The Complete SeriesNever Never: The Complete SeriesNever Never: The Complete SeriesMaybe Now (Maybe Someday)Maybe Now (Maybe Someday)Maybe Now (Maybe Someday)Losing Hope: A NovelLosing Hope: A NovelLosing Hope: A NovelVerityVerityVerityIt Ends with Us: A NovelIt Ends with Us: A NovelIt Ends with Us: A NovelUgly Love: A NovelUgly Love: A NovelUgly Love: A NovelNovember 9: A NovelNovember 9: A NovelNovember 9: A NovelRegretting YouRegretting YouRegretting You

Why You Need Kindle Unlimited

First of all, Kindle Unlimited is a totally affordable book membership with Amazon. For just $9.99 a month, you get to borrow as many books as you want (10 out at a time)! There are thousands and thousands of books that are part of Kindle Unlimited. I’ve had this membership for years and love it. I have found so many great authors as a result of this membership. Check out the Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans here. Your first month is 100% free! And the other nice thing…you don’t have to have a Kindle Paperwhite (though it is my favorite thing ever)…you can read on your iPad or phone with the Kindle app!

What Should I Read Next?

Please, please, please leave me a comment and tell me what I should read next! I will be having knee surgery soon and I will be laid up for MONTHS! While I will be watching a heck of a lot of Netflix, I will also be reading. I need to build that “must read list” now!

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance, Young Adult

The Selection Series – The One

June 21, 2021 by Leah Leave a Comment

One of my favorite book series right now is The Selection Series by Kiera Cass. I got hooked on this series when I read book one, The Selection. When I read a series, I love when I get the opportunity to read each book, one right after the other. Unfortunately, this series is pretty popular right now and I had to wait a little while before being able to read book three, The One. However, let me tell you, the wait was worth it! I really didn’t think Kiera Cass could wow me anymore than she did with The Selection, but she did! This book had me up early to read and staying up late at night to continue reading. Part way through the book, the fourth book in the series came available and I made sure to snag it!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

the one

E-Reader Charger, AC Power Supply Charger for Kindle E-Reader Paperwhite 3 Oasis E-Reader Voyage E-Reader with 5FT Charging CableE-Reader Charger, AC Power Supply Charger for Kindle E-Reader Paperwhite 3 Oasis E-Reader Voyage E-Reader with 5FT Charging CableE-Reader Charger, AC Power Supply Charger for Kindle E-Reader Paperwhite 3 Oasis E-Reader Voyage E-Reader with 5FT Charging CableKindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage + 6 Months Free Kindle Unlimited (with auto-renewal)Kindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage + 6 Months Free Kindle Unlimited (with auto-renewal)Kindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage + 6 Months Free Kindle Unlimited (with auto-renewal)Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover (10th Generation-2018)Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover (10th Generation-2018)Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover (10th Generation-2018)

About The One

From Amazon – 

America Singer searches for her happily ever after in this swoon-worthy YA dystopian romance, perfect for readers who loved Veronica Roth’s Divergent, Lauren Oliver’s Delirium, or Renée Ahdieh’s The Wrath & the Dawn.

Entering the Selection changed America Singer’s life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she arrived at the palace, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she’s made her choice . . . and she’s prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Throughout the entire book, I had to fight the urge to skip to the end and find out what happens. I don’t mean that in a bad way either! Have you ever read a book that literally couldn’t wait to hurry up and finish? That is this book and series for me. I want to get to the end so bad, but I also don’t want the book to end, either! What book is like that for you?

The SelectionThe SelectionThe SelectionThe Elite (The Selection, 2)The Elite (The Selection, 2)The Elite (The Selection, 2)The One (The Selection, 3)The One (The Selection, 3)The One (The Selection, 3)

Appropriate Age for this Series

The One is a YA (young adult) book. I have read a lot of YA books and while the genre is typically for 12 and up, sometimes the subject matter of the book is not something I would want a 12 year old reading. You can get away with sex and other mature topics in YA books because the main character is typically between 15 and 19 years old. Sex is most definitely a topic that some older teens deal with. With this series, however, sex is not really a topic at all. So knowing that, I would definitely say that this is a great series for 12 year olds and up! Shoot, I’m 40 years old and I absolutely love the books! They are quick reads and enjoyable. Two things that are very important when it comes to finding a good book, in my opinion!

Other Books You May Like

I always have my Kindle with me. Like I told my husband this past weekend, you just never know when you will be stuck somewhere and you can find time to read! A running joke between us is one time my husband cut his hand really badly. As he was wrapping it until we went to get stitches, I was running around trying to find my Kindle to take with us. It was 8 pm on a Saturday night. The ER is ALWAYS crazy and a super long wait for non-serious emergencies! I’ve linked below some other Kiera Cass books you may like!


Filed Under: Book Reviews, Fiction, Young Adult

The Selection by Kiera Cass – Selection Series

May 4, 2021 by Leah Leave a Comment

The other day, I was on the Likewise app looking for book recommendations. Which, if you haven’t checked this app out, you need to! Simply by putting in the books, movies, TV shows, and podcasts that you like, the app starts suggesting other things you may like! How cool is that? Check out my profile on Likewise. Anyway, the app suggested a YA book series (you know how I love series books) by Kiera Cass called The Selection. Most importantly, there are five books in the series, which is something I love, so I decided to give the book a try.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

selection

[By Kiera Cass ] The Selection 5-Book Box Set: The Complete Series (Paperback)【2018】by Kiera Cass (Author) (Paperback)[By Kiera Cass ] The Selection 5-Book Box Set: The Complete Series (Paperback)【2018】by Kiera Cass (Author) (Paperback)[By Kiera Cass ] The Selection 5-Book Box Set: The Complete Series (Paperback)【2018】by Kiera Cass (Author) (Paperback)Happily Ever After: Companion to the Selection Series (The Selection Novella)Happily Ever After: Companion to the Selection Series (The Selection Novella)Happily Ever After: Companion to the Selection Series (The Selection Novella)The Queen: A Novella (Kindle Single) (The selection)The Queen: A Novella (Kindle Single) (The selection)The Queen: A Novella (Kindle Single) (The selection)

About The Selection by Kiera Cass

From Amazon –

Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals…

It’s the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s love.

Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamorous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.

Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they don’t know is that America has a secret – one which could throw the whole competition… and change her life forever.

My Thoughts on The Selection

Normally, this type of story wouldn’t be something I would gravitate towards. However, when I was reading the description, it reminded me of Hunger Games meets Divergent meets a fairytale and I became interested. Right from the get go, I was loving this book. I don’t know if there is a movie based on these books or not, but there should be a movie! Like every other book I really get into, this book only took me about two days to read. I immediately tried to download the second book, but I had to put a hold on it at the library. As a result, not being able to read the next book in the series right now is absolutely killing me!

Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle including Kindle Paperwhite - Wifi, Ad-Supported, Amazon Leather Cover, and Power AdapterKindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle including Kindle Paperwhite – Wifi, Ad-Supported, Amazon Leather Cover, and Power AdapterKindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle including Kindle Paperwhite - Wifi, Ad-Supported, Amazon Leather Cover, and Power AdapterKindle - Now with a Built-in Front Light - Black - Ad-SupportedKindle – Now with a Built-in Front Light – Black – Ad-SupportedKindle - Now with a Built-in Front Light - Black - Ad-SupportedKindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage – Ad-SupportedKindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage – Ad-SupportedKindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage – Ad-Supported

Deals on Kindles

Right now, Amazon is running amazing deals on their Kindles! Above, I linked a bundle with my favorite Kindle, the Paperwhite. I also linked the Paperwhite separately. The middle Kindle is only $64 right now! It has a front light, 8gb of storage, and would make the perfect gift for any reader in your life! What makes that Kindle different from the Kindle Paperwhite is that it has a lower resolution and it is not waterproof. While you’re checking out the Kindle’s, be sure to also check out the Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans.

Other Books to Read

Subsequently, I’ve read quite a few books this year. As a result, a few that I think you should check out are:

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

Verity, Psychological Thriller by Colleen Hoover

Minka Kent, The Watcher Girl Thriller

Becky Watts, The Evil Within

Leave me a comment with what book I should read next! I am always looking to add books to my “must read” list! Above all, the genre doesn’t matter! I like all different types of books. In fact, if you have a memoir or nonfiction book you recommend, let me know!

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance, Series, Young Adult

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Hi!! My name is Leah Kanaan and besides being with my husband and kids, my greatest pleasure in life is reading! I am an aspiring author and would love to have my books published one day! Take a look around and hopefully you find a new book to read and enjoy!
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