The Wedding Season by. Katy Birchall | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Wedding Season

Author: Katy Birchall

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 384

Publication Date: 5/3/22

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Categories: Contemporary, Romance, Weddings, Relationships, Women’s Fiction

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Four Weddings and a Funeral meets The Wedding Party in Katy Birchall’s The Wedding Season: when a recently jilted bride is forced to attend seven weddings in one summer, her friends devise a series of challenges as distraction.

Freya Scott is getting married. Her wedding to Matthew, her long-term boyfriend, is the first of eight in her calendar this year, and as someone who prides herself on being meticulously organized, Freya is intent on making it the perfect day to remember.

But when Matthew calls things off hours before they walk down the aisle, Freya’s entire life plan goes up in smoke. Humiliated and heartbroken, the last thing she wants is to attend a summer of other peoples’ nuptials on her own.

Fortunately, her friends have an idea: together they devise a series of outrageous challenges for Freya to complete at each event, designed to distract her from Matthew and what might have been. From getting stuck in an old church bathroom and needing to be rescued by the vicar to making out with a barman at a French chateau, Freya realizes that despite herself, she might just be having fun.

By the time the final wedding arrives, she will discover that the road to a happy ending sometimes has unexpected detours, that “I do” is only the beginning––and that perhaps her own love story isn’t over just yet.

Content Warning: Divorce

Freya has been dumped the day before the wedding by her boyfriend of twelve years and to make things worse, it seems all her friends are getting married in the summer! To get over her misery her two besties, Ruth and Leo, come up with a wedding survival guide to get her out of her depression and to enjoy wedding season even though her heart has been broken. She ends up checking off everything on the list and then some.

This story is fun! It gave me Bridget Jones’ Diary vibes with the British humor and words I wasn’t super familiar with like hen do (we in the USA like to stay bachelorette party) so I learned a lot of words. Yes Freya’s heart has been broken so badly but honestly, she has awesome besties and other friends as a support group. On top of that she has her family, even if she hasn’t been close to her mother since her parents divorce but her brother and father are so awesome.

There are a lot of characters in this story, but the main ones stick out. I love Ruth and Leo, they are true best friends! I could feel the love and friendship between this trio. Here and there in the story a new friend of Freya’s will pop in and you just can see how big of a social group they have. It gives you an idea of how much Freya’s had to really just keep her head up throughout everyone’s happy moments but what I like about her is that she is genuinely happy for her friends. She has her moments of missing her ex or breaking down in the bathroom (or the loo) but Freya’s a tough girl and with a good support system she really does carry on beautifully. I thought her challenges were fun, especially when it puts her in the path of Jaime.

I loved her banter with Jaime and it was nice to see her not fall for him right away. Freya is still someone going through a massive breakup and she deals with those messy feelings. But I loved seeing them get to know one another especially since it didn’t start off on the right foot! It’s a very sweet, slow burn romance.

My only issue had to be with when Jamie appears. He comes into the story right before the middle of the story. The beginning was about Freya learning how to cope with Matthew dumping her. It’s what made this feel more like women’s fiction than a full on rom-com. This was more of a story about Freya’s journey to finding who she is without Matthew. She also gets to have a meaningful, truthful talk with her mother who she’s been having some issues with since the divorce. But overall it’s a heart warming story with a happy ending!

Why you should read it:

it’s fun and funny! It has best friends, hen dos, wedding ceremonies, and travel
the romance is a sweet, slow burn
Freya’s character growth

Why you might not want to read it:

a little bit of a slow start

My Thoughts:

This is a heart warming story about a personal journey, friendship, romance and family. I really loved Freya’s journey. She is someone who has her life planned out but when things don’t go as planned she has to figure out how to move on. This was such a fun book and I’m glad I decided to read it.

📚 ~ Yolanda

The Bone Shard Daughter by. Andrea Stewart | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Bone Shard Daughter

Author: Andrea Stewart

Format: ebooks (own)

Pages: 438

Publication Date: 9/8/20

Publisher: Orbit

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, LGBTQ+

The emperor’s reign has lasted for decades, his mastery of bone shard magic powering the animal-like constructs that maintain law and order. But now his rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire’s many islands.

Lin is the emperor’s daughter and spends her days trapped in a palace of locked doors and dark secrets. When her father refuses to recognise her as heir to the throne, she vows to prove her worth by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic.

Yet such power carries a great cost, and when the revolution reaches the gates of the palace, Lin must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her birthright – and save her people.

Content Warning: Death, Violence

This book was a pleasant surprise! I was drawn to the cover – because look at it, it looks amazing. And then I heard some good reviews about it so when I saw the ebook on sale on Amazon, I had to get it.

There are a few characters in this story, but the main ones for me are Lin and Jovis. Lin is the Emperor’s daughter and we learn her father is pitting her against his foster-son Bayan, to see who would be his rightful heir. Thing is the Emperor has an obsession. He makes constructs. These are creatures that are made, different animal parts put together to make a new creature. The construct is powered by a human part though – a bone shard taken from children. The Emperor claims these constructs are needed to keep the empire in order, but Lin knows something is wrong. I found the story about constructs so fascinating and so creative!

Outside of the palace, there is Jovis – a smuggler who is trying to pay down his debts and who has his own obsession – with a woman he loves and who went missing years ago. Since she has been gone he has been following clues to find her. I love his personality. He kind of reminded me of Aladdin (in the Disney movie lol) and he found a pet companion named Mephi. I loved their bond. Jovis definitely is that character that keeps the story moving and he gives us a tour of this world the story is set in. He travels to different islands and encounter the people that live so through him we get a lot of the setting.

The romance is between Phalue and Ramani. Phalue is a governor’s daughter, Ramani is a commoner and a rebel. They love one another but Ramani is trying to make Phalue see the plight of the people around them. I’m glad someone had a happy ending in this book because Jovis missing his love, Lin wanting her father’s love…it was tough for a lot of the characters.

Now this story is dark because the bone shards they use for the constructs come from children. There is a ceremony where a child’s shard is taken. The Emperor is like a mad scientist, he’s creating creatures and he doesn’t care about anything else. There are a few reveals in the end which sets up the sequel.

There are some questions I still have about the constructs – because it’s not futuristic, the constructs have instructions written on their shards. And how is it the Emperor is the only one who repairs this many constructs around the empire? There are a bunch of islands in this empire…so I just had a few questions. Maybe there will be more answers in book two?

Why you should read it:

original and creative story about constructs and bone shards
great world building and lots of action, especially if Jovis was telling his side of the story
LGBTQ+ romance rep
bond between Jovis and Mephi (love Mephi)

Why you might not want to read it:

not into high fantasy

My Thoughts:

This story has a lot going on but I thought the author did a good job balancing it all. There are multiple POVs, romance, action, plot twists and detailed world building. I was intrigued with the constructs, and the characters. It’s an entertaining story and I’m eager to read book two to see what happens next!

📚 ~ Yolanda

Weekly Wrap Up | 4/24/22

Aloha friends!

Finally, I had a week to relax! I can’t say I read a lot because I was just too tired at night. But I’m glad I got some downtime after such a busy weekend last week. Now just trying to figure out what I need to get for our trip to the East Coast in 6 weeks. Can you believe we are in the last week of April?

How was your week? Hope all of you are staying safe! Have a fabulous week!

Blog Posts This Week:

Books I Read:

Currently Reading:

Shows/Movies I Watched:

Sanditon (ep.5 & ep 6) – can Charlotte please get a happy ending?

Games I Played:

My Singing Monsters
Just Dance – I had to do some cardio.

Music I Listened To:

Camila Cabello – Familia Album

How was your week? Did you get a lot done? Watch anything good? Read any amazing books or books you didn’t finish? What are you reading?…Leave me a comment below!

💖 ~ Yolanda

Ebonwilde by. Crystal Smith | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Ebonwilde (Blood Leaf #3)

Author: Crystal Smith

Format: ebook (owned)

Pages: 352

Publication Date: 4/12/22

Publisher: HMH Books For Young Readers

Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic, Romance

Get ready to be swept away, seduced, and swindled in the wickedly vicious third and final installment in the Bloodleafseries that Laura Sebastian called “enchanting, visceral, and twisty.”

Welcome to Ebonwilde. Come and find me.

Aurelia’s last words haunted Zan. Left with the task of finding and reviving Princess Aurelia, Zan sets off on his own adventure to find her and return the gift she sacrificed for him—her life. But not all is what it seems, and Ebonwilde is more dangerous than anyone can predict.

Content Warning: Death, Violence

I’m not sure what I was expecting with the end of this series but this one surprised me, sometimes not in a good way.

I love the twists and turns but that came mostly at the ending. I like how the story was resolved and loose ends were tied up. I even liked how everyone is separated but come together to defeat the villain and make everything right. Some people get happy endings, others get a bad deal.

The thing I didn’t really enjoy was the timeline jumping. I understand why it happened, because Zan can basically time jump in the Gray. So there are many things going on at one time, kind of like the webs that the Spinner has to deal with. I did like that parallel. But it could get confusing at times. There is a Then, Now, 1620, 1921 (10 days before Midwinter…etc…)…and it was hard to follow at times. I wish it was a bit more straightforward but that’s what happens with time jumping!

Also, the love triangle bit was breaking my heart. I refused to believe it was happening and was thinking, this cannot end this way! Why now? I was getting upset. There were people dying that I didn’t want to die. Of course you have to read and find out what happens in the end and it is beautiful how it ends but I think it took a confusing way to get to there.

The thing I love about this series is the mythology and questions about power and how it affects people. I found this particular book fascinating because it touched on present day issues like like when a virus ravages a community. Or when a radical figure uses his power influence a group of people and cause chaos.

It was always about Aurelia in the beginning and her choices. Now we know why but I did like that in this last book, it took all of them, a collective effort, not just Aurelia, to save humanity. I like that we get to see other characters and their relationships. I loved all the reveals – but they really did come all at the end.

Why you should read it:

to finish the series
great world building and the story did tie up loose ends
love how the characters are complex, each has a role, and our heroine isn’t perfect

Why you might not want to read it:

first part is slow because many different perspectives and timelines happening
a love triangle (but read it to find out what happens)

My Thoughts:

I loved that this book tied up the loose ends and really did a nice job ending the series. I just wish it wasn’t such a confusing timeline for me – but that could be my fault for not rereading book two. I recommend doing so, so you are reacquainted with the whole cast of characters. I didn’t like the love triangle because it was so sad and bittersweet. The ending of this book was an emotional rollercoaster with twists and turns and your faves are not guaranteed to survive. I’m glad I got to finish this series. Book two was my favorite of the three, but I really did love all the reveals in book three.

📚 ~ Yolanda

Quotes from the Book:

Hope was such a pernicious, perilous thing. A rope to promised safety that could lead instead to the brink of a chasm, with no quarter for retreat or net to catch your fall.”
– Crystal Smith, Ebonwilde

And I will keep choosing you, every day, every hour, every minute, for as long as I live.”
– Crystal Smith, Ebonwilde

Everything that had ever separated us, every lie, every loss, every hurt, mistake, and misunderstanding, now became what dragged us back to one another.”
– Crystal Smith, Ebonwilde

I don’t believe that who we are is ever set in stone. We are transitory creatures—every day, we wake up as someone new, changed just a little bit by the experiences of the day before. Who we were is always a part of us, but it doesn’t determine who we are, nor who we can still become.
– Crystal Smith, Ebonwilde

First Lines Fridays | 4/22/22

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?

Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
Finally… reveal the book!

“Father told me I’m broken.”

⬇️

Can you guess what book it is?

Did you guess it? Have you read this one? I’m reading this one right now and loving it so far!

📖 ~ Yolanda

Castles in Their Bones by. Laura Sebastian | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Castles in Their Bones

Author: Laura Sebastian

Format: hardcover (borrowed)

Pages: 514

Publication Date: 2/1/22

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Categories: Young Adult, Kingdom Politics, Fantasy

A spellbinding story of three princesses and the destiny they were born for: seduction, conquest, and the crown. Immerse yourself in the first book in a new fantasy trilogy from the author of the New York Times bestselling Ash Princess series.

Empress Margaraux has had plans for her daughters since the day they were born. Princesses Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz will be queens. And now, age sixteen, they each must leave their homeland and marry their princes.

Beautiful, smart, and demure, the triplets appear to be the perfect brides—because Margaraux knows there is one common truth: everyone underestimates a girl. Which is a grave mistake. Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz are no innocents. They have been trained since birth in the arts of deception, seduction, and violence with a singular goal—to bring down monarchies— and their marriages are merely the first stage of their mother’s grand vision: to one day reign over the entire continent of Vesteria.

The princesses have spent their lives preparing, and now they are ready, each with her own secret skill, and each with a single wish, pulled from the stars. Only, the stars have their own plans—and their mother hasn’t told them all of hers.

Life abroad is a test. Will their loyalties stay true? Or will they learn that they can’t trust anyone—not even each other?

Content Warning: Death, Violence

This gave me Three Dark Crown vibes and sometimes The Bridge Kingdom but way less dark and intense.

I liked the three sisters and their back stories. They were born to be wives of Princes in neighboring kingdoms with plans of their mother taking over each kingdom. That is the plan, but when the girls are aways from their mother – plans start to change.

Sophronia, is the soft hearted one and already half in love with her Prince. Beatriz, is the pretty one and placed in the most extravagant kingdom. Daphne, is the cunning and cold one and she’s place in the most northern kingdom which lacks a lot of comforts and luxuries her homeland of Bessimia is known for. It did take a moment to get each girl and their personalities situated in my head. I had to make sure who’s perspective I was reading, by checking each chapter title.

I think the story moved very evenly between the three perspectives which was really nice but I think I wanted a bit more intensity. I wanted the stakes to feel high for these sisters but I didn’t quite feel it. They knew their duties and knew their own personalities, so it played out how their mom anticipated. There is very limited romance in the story, lots of political intrigue and betrayal.

I did like the magic system of the wishes but would like to learn more about it and the stardust. I was definitely captured by the story and kept reading to see what would happen next.

The twist in the end made me a bit sad but I feel liked Daphne’s story will be one to watch. Will she help her sisters or follow her mom’s plan? It ends in a cliffhanger of course so I feel like I have to read book two just to know what Daphne will do.

Why you should read it:

court politics
it’s got stardust magic, and sisters meant to infiltrate other kingdoms
entertaining story

Why you might not want to read it:

the story didn’t wow me – but try it out if you like court politics!

My Thoughts:

Perfect for fans of kingdoms and court politics. Like I said in the beginning it had the Three Dark Crowns vibe but with a little Bridge Kingdom (the sisters infiltrating other kingdoms). I loved the bond of the sisters and it was interesting to see how each would carry out their plans in the places they were sent. There is little romance, lots of betrayal and a cliff hanger ending. Will definitely be reading book two to see what happens next.

📚 ~ Yolanda

WWW Wednesday | 4/20/22

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Sam over on Taking on a World of Words.

The idea is pretty simple, every week you dedicate a post to the three W’s:

What are you currently reading?

What have you just finished reading?

What are you going to read next?

What are you currently reading?

What have you just finished reading?

What are you going to read next?

Gotta get through a few blog tour arcs that are coming up soon!

Happy Reading!!

~ Yolanda

Happy Book Birthday | New Releases | 4/19/22

Happy book birthday to these new releases!

Return to The Meridian with New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse’s sequel to the most critically hailed epic fantasy of 2020 Black Sun—finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Lambda, and Locus awards.

There are no tides more treacherous than those of the heart. —Teek saying

The great city of Tova is shattered. The sun is held within the smothering grip of the Crow God’s eclipse, but a comet that marks the death of a ruler and heralds the rise of a new order is imminent.

The Meridian: a land where magic has been codified and the worship of gods suppressed. How do you live when legends come to life, and the faith you had is rewarded?

As sea captain Xiala is swept up in the chaos and currents of change, she finds an unexpected ally in the former Priest of Knives. For the Clan Matriarchs of Tova, tense alliances form as far-flung enemies gather and the war in the heavens is reflected upon the earth.

And for Serapio and Naranpa, both now living avatars, the struggle for free will and personhood in the face of destiny rages. How will Serapio stay human when he is steeped in prophecy and surrounded by those who desire only his power? Is there a future for Naranpa in a transformed Tova without her total destruction?

Welcome back to the fantasy series of the decade in Fevered Star—book two of Between Earth and Sky.

#Wibbroka is back with another swoony YA–this time tackling long-distance relationships, in a novel based on their own romantic history.

If high school seniors Siena and Patrick were a superlative, they’d be the Couple Most Likely to Marry. They’ve been dating for three solid years, and everyone agrees they’re perfect for each other. But with college on the horizon, Siena begins to wonder whether staying together is the best idea. Does she really want to be tied down during possibly the most transformative years of her life? So she makes a decision to break up with Patrick, convincing herself it’s for the best. Before she can say the words, though, he beats her to the punch: his family is moving out of state. Caught off guard by the news, Siena agrees to stay with Patrick, believing their relationship will naturally fizzle out with time and distance. But over a series of visits throughout the school year, Siena begins to see a different side of Patrick–one that has her falling in love with him all over again.

Nami’s continuing adventures as she fights to free her friends.

It’s been ten months since Nami narrowly escaped the Four Courts and Ophelia’s wrath. Ten months since she was betrayed by someone she once considered a friend. Someone she poured her heart out to. And now her family here in the afterlife are gone, captured, and Nami is utterly alone.

On the run, only steps ahead of the AI forces pursuing her, and desperate to free her friends, Nami must take the allies she can find, even if she doesn’t fully trust them. And as she tests the limits of her own power, she must also reckon with the responsibility that entails.

Stakes are high as Nami navigates old enemies, unexpected allies, and an ever-changing landscape filled with dangers and twists at every turn. Along the way, she’ll learn powerful truths about who she can trust and the sacrifices that must be made in order to fight for a better, freer world for all.

Are you getting any new books this week? Happy Reading! ~ Yolanda

Bookish Merchandise I’d Love to Own | Top Ten Tuesday | 4/19/22

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. Please check out her website for more TTT topics!

This week’s topic is: (freebie topic)

Bookish Merchandise I’d Love to Own

So I saw this on instagram and on tiktok. I love the idea of scrapbooking the books I read plus I have SO much sticker paper when I was making stickers with my Cricut. I got the mini version first, which only contains 100 book spaces and it’s REALLY mini. This bigger one holds 1000 books so I think I could chronicle about 10 years of reading in this book! And it’s hardcover so…I think I will buy it and start it in 2023 since I already have the mini one.

You can find it at Amazon: CLICK HERE

I’m sorry but years of reading has really messed up my posture and neck! Lately because I’ve been reading more in order to have content to post for this blog, I noticed I get tight neck muscles and shoulders – which can lead to some mid headaches. I was a massage therapist for almost 10 years and I kinda miss getting monthly massages (for free from co-workers). Since I’ve been a stay at home mom, it’s been less massages because of less time to schedule them. So I’m eyeing out one of this neck massagers.

You can find it at Amazon: CLICK HERE

This looks amazing! And I’m going on 2 trips this year, back to back – hence why the massager appeals to me. But this book seat looks amazing too! You can carry a book or ipad in it and prop it up.

You can find it at Amazing: CLICK HERE

We need these to mark those special phrases and quotes or details you find in a book. I actually really need a bunch of these because my little post-its aren’t cutting it – even though they are cute.

You can find it at Amazon: CLICK HERE

I’m all about comfort at this age! This looks amazing since I read in bed a lot. But I feel like my kids would take it for themselves to use for their ipads lol.

You can find it at Amazon: CLICK HERE

How cute are these reading list bookmarks? And it’s a digital product so you can make it at home if you have a printer. It’s from WithLoveMelissaPrint on Etsy. CLICK HERE

I love this shop on Etsy called mysecretcopy. I’ve bought stickers on there before and her stuff is just so pretty and cute. I’m eyeing this magnetic bookmark set. It’s so pretty! CLICK HERE to check out the listing and her shop.

How amazing are these bookmarks from StephsBookTherapy on Etsy? It’s book boyfriend bookmarks!!! lol so clever. CLICK HERE to check it out.

I found this item at jaclynneanne on Etsy. What a wonderful idea especially if you are the type of reader who loves to be surprised! I don’t know if going on a “blind date with a book” would work for me since I’m such a mood reader but I love this idea. According to the listing it looks like you can choose the genre and look at that cute packaging. CLICK HERE

How cute are these soaps in the shape of books?! 🥰 I want it! I found this on Etsy from a shop called NewLeafCandleCo – these would make such good gifts for a book lover. I might have to try a few of these. CLICK HERE

What did you have on your TTT? ~ Yolanda

Weekly Wrap Up | 4/18/22

Aloha friends!

What a weekend.

Started off last week Sunday with a Passover Seder meal for the kids at the Jewish Temple they attend for Sunday School. Our official Passover Seder meal took place on Friday – I went minimal with the preparation this year because our Easter Sunday Egg Hunt was taking up the bulk of my preparation. Saturday the kids and I cleaned up the house, hubby’s back was out again so he couldn’t really help, I was exhausted. Sunday was our Egg Hunt party and it was so nice spending it with family again! My daughter had fun with her girl cousins, they are around the same age (3-5). The boys are older ages 9-16 so they were more in their own worlds (on their phones 🙄 lol). Once upon a time years ago it was those group of boys running all over my yard in the Egg Hunt 🥲 – now they are too cool for it or whatever lol.

But honestly, 2 years of not hosting parties at my house and without full caffeine now…I was so tired last night and crashed at 8pm. 😳 My body aches today and I woke up with a headache (I was dehydrated from running around all day yesterday) – had to drink a lot of water this morning to get my headache to go away. But today is a school day, so it’s back to the grind for me son. But this means there is only 6 more weeks of school for him and then my first vacation in 10 years!! And our first real family trip after that to the East Coast. Wow…so many things happening. I hope all of you had a Happy Passover, and Happy Easter if you celebrate.

How was your week? Hope all of you are staying safe! Have a fabulous week!

Blog Posts This Week:

Books I Read:

Currently Reading:

Shows/Movies I Watched:

Games I Played:

My Singing Monsters

Music I Listened To:

Miley Cyrus – Attention (live album)
Camila Cabello – Familia Album

How was your week? Did you get a lot done? Watch anything good? Read any amazing books or books you didn’t finish? What are you reading?…Leave me a comment below!

💖 ~ Yolanda