Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
I adored Connolly's previous book, so I couldn't wait to read this one. It was cute, but it felt like something was missing. I liked Beth and George individually, but the romance between them felt a little bland. I was more invested in Darla and Shawn's bickering, and I almost wish the book were about them instead. I'm not into flying or planes, so I found the plot to be pretty boring. However, there were some aspects I enjoyed. I admired how devoted Beth was to her family. She took on everyone's burdens, even when she didn't need to, and prioritized everyone's needs before her own. I also liked how supportive George was of her achieving her dreams and how willing he was to help her get there. I don't think it'll be the most memorable read, but it was sweet, and I'll be picking up whatever this author comes out with next.
 |
| Pub Date: 12-16-25 Adult - Contemporary |
Love in Plane Sight- Lauren Connolly: Beth Lundberg has always dreamt of becoming a pilot, but with debts from her mother's medical bills piling up, there's no way she can afford flight lessons. When her brother's best friend, George, takes her up for her first ride-along, it ends with the pair having to make an emergency landing. To make up for the traumatic experience, George offers to give her lessons free of charge. Despite the pair not getting along (George tends to leave a room the moment Beth walks in), Beth jumps at the chance to start living her dream. The more time the pair spends crammed together in a tiny cockpit, the more Beth begins to see another side to George, and she realizes she had him pegged all wrong. Beth knows first-hand the trouble that comes along with mixing business and pleasure, but that doesn't stop her heart from going into a tailspin for the hot pilot. Is she willing to risk her dreams for a shot at love?
I adored Connolly's previous book, so I couldn't wait to read this one. It was cute, but it felt like something was missing. I liked Beth and George individually, but the romance between them felt a little bland. I was more invested in Darla and Shawn's bickering, and I almost wish the book were about them instead. I'm not into flying or planes, so I found the plot to be pretty boring. However, there were some aspects I enjoyed. I admired how devoted Beth was to her family. She took on everyone's burdens, even when she didn't need to, and prioritized everyone's needs before her own. I also liked how supportive George was of her achieving her dreams and how willing he was to help her get there. I don't think it'll be the most memorable read, but it was sweet, and I'll be picking up whatever this author comes out with next.
Rating: 3/5
*Big thanks to the publisher for the copy!
 |
| Pub Date: 6-24-25 Adult - Contemporary |
Finders Keepers- Sarah Adler: In one fell swoop, Nina Hunnicutt lost her boyfriend, her apartment, and her job, and is left with no choice but to lick her wounds back at her childhood home. To Nina's surprise, her ex-best friend/crush/next-door neighbor, Quentin Bell, is also back in town. Nina and Quentin haven't seen or spoken to one another since their friendship crumbled during their summer search for a local lost treasure, but now Quentin wants them to pick up where they left off. Hoping the rumored reward to whoever finds the treasure will help Nina set her life back on track, she reluctantly agrees. As the pair resumes their search, neither can deny the sizzling attraction, but can they work through their past hurts to build a future together?
If Sarah Adler writes it, I'll read it. Her writing is so charming, funny, and heartfelt. Nina is for the anxious overthinking girlies, and I could relate to so much of her inner dialogue. I could see so much of myself in the way she thought and processed things, and despite it being frustrating at times, I couldn't help but root for her. Quentin was a sweet little cinnamon roll of a man whom I couldn't get enough of. I enjoyed learning about their history and how they each harbored strong feelings for one another, but were too afraid to admit them. I loved seeing them work through their issues and grow from them. The progression of their relationship felt real and natural. As I've come to expect from Adler, the banter was bantering and the steamier scenes were perfectly executed. I liked the treasure hunt element of the plot, but overall, the story felt a little too slow at times. Other than that, I thought this was yet another solid release.
If Sarah Adler writes it, I'll read it. Her writing is so charming, funny, and heartfelt. Nina is for the anxious overthinking girlies, and I could relate to so much of her inner dialogue. I could see so much of myself in the way she thought and processed things, and despite it being frustrating at times, I couldn't help but root for her. Quentin was a sweet little cinnamon roll of a man whom I couldn't get enough of. I enjoyed learning about their history and how they each harbored strong feelings for one another, but were too afraid to admit them. I loved seeing them work through their issues and grow from them. The progression of their relationship felt real and natural. As I've come to expect from Adler, the banter was bantering and the steamier scenes were perfectly executed. I liked the treasure hunt element of the plot, but overall, the story felt a little too slow at times. Other than that, I thought this was yet another solid release.
Rating: 4/5
 |
| Pub Date: 8-19-25 Adult - Fantasy |
Hemlock & Silver- T. Kingfisher: The sight of her cousin's death by hemlock sparked Anja's lifelong obsession with poisons. While other girls her age were into horses or ribbons, Anja was buried in medical books, searching for cures to mysterious ailments. Now, decades later, Anja has become a renowned healer, pursuing remedies where others have surrendered. Her peaceful routine shatters when the King arrives: his daughter, Snow, is dying from an alleged poison, and Anja is commanded to use her unconventional skills to save her. But upon reaching the castle, Anja discovers her patient’s illness isn't typical. Along with a stoic guard and a pompous talking cat, Anja uncovers a magical mirror that could either cure Snow—or doom them all.
I've said it before, but it bears repeating: Kingfisher is the queen of dark fairytale retellings. I was eager for her Snow White story, and while elements of the original remain, this tale is uniquely hers. The world-building and magic are subtle but effective. I loved Anja as the protagonist. She was clever, always pursuing answers, and her awkwardness made her endearing and genuine. She was so unapologetically herself, and I loved it. I liked watching her bond with Javier develop into a shy, sweet romance. Snow's illness was intriguing, and though I guessed part of it, I still loved seeing Kingfisher fit the pieces together. The story has gritty moments, but it retains Kingfisher's signature cozy feel. It's easily my new favorite of hers.
I've said it before, but it bears repeating: Kingfisher is the queen of dark fairytale retellings. I was eager for her Snow White story, and while elements of the original remain, this tale is uniquely hers. The world-building and magic are subtle but effective. I loved Anja as the protagonist. She was clever, always pursuing answers, and her awkwardness made her endearing and genuine. She was so unapologetically herself, and I loved it. I liked watching her bond with Javier develop into a shy, sweet romance. Snow's illness was intriguing, and though I guessed part of it, I still loved seeing Kingfisher fit the pieces together. The story has gritty moments, but it retains Kingfisher's signature cozy feel. It's easily my new favorite of hers.
Rating: 5/5
*This post includes affiliate links.
Comments
Post a Comment