Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
Ugh, this did not work for me at all. It felt very reminiscent of The Seven Year Slip, just in a different font. Like when someone copies your homework but changes it just enough to get by. I didn't connect with any of the characters, and in fact, kept forgetting Sophie's name while I was reading. There's a very poor love triangle that’s hinted at, but it went nowhere, so it felt unnecessary. I didn't feel like we got enough interaction between Sophie and Rus, so I wasn't invested in the romance. There's also no explanation for the magical realism aspect, so we don't learn how or why Rus got trapped in the garden in the first place. The one thing I did appreciate was the exploration of grief, and Sophie learning to open herself up again. Other than that, this was, unfortunately, a big miss.
I thought the previous book in this series was cute, but it wasn't totally my vibe; however, I had high expectations for this one, and it delivered. I loved the idea of a Grim Reaper and a Guardian Angel falling in love. I was immediately taken with both of our characters. I thought Darcy's feelings of being lost and unsure of what she wants were so relatable, and I liked how steadfast Gabriel was. They also had this bickering banter that I couldn't get enough of. I would've liked a little more out of the actual romance, but overall, I thought it was sweet. The highlight of this book for me was the writing. Borison managed to make a story about death feel so beautiful and hopeful. I don't cry over books, but there were a few moments where my chin was wobbling. I loved how she wrapped everything up, and I'm excited to see where the next book takes us.
One thing about me is that I'm always going to eat up a fake dating trope. It's always so fun, but it's even better when the two characters have secretly crushed on each other for years. I really liked Clarke as a main character, and could relate to her in many ways. She had a tough exterior, and it was satisfying watching her acknowledge and accept her vulnerabilities. And then there was Leith, and what a man he was. He was flirty, kind, hardworking, and caring towards everyone. I loved how he was willing to do anything to protect his family and their livelihood. Like in the previous book, I wish the plot played up the ghosts more. It was just very light on the paranormal aspects. Other than that, I enjoyed this one more than the first book and would still recommend checking out the series.
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| Pub Date: 6-16-26 Adult - Romance |
The Someday Garden- Ashley Poston: Sophie and her best friend Hattie both grew up obsessed with a grand estate on the coast of Maine called Lilymoor. They visited the spot after college and made a pact to come again in ten years, but only Sophie was able to keep that promise. Sophie took on a temporary position as Lilymoor's head gardener and is tasked with preparing the grounds for the estate's bicentennial celebration. Sophie loves the estate, but can't help but feel like something is missing. Then, a door appears. It's never in the same spot, but there is always a grumpy man waiting for Sophie on the other side who can't seem to leave. As Sophie tries to wrangle Lilymoor into submission, she finds the gardens hold their own magic, and she begins to open herself up once more.
Ugh, this did not work for me at all. It felt very reminiscent of The Seven Year Slip, just in a different font. Like when someone copies your homework but changes it just enough to get by. I didn't connect with any of the characters, and in fact, kept forgetting Sophie's name while I was reading. There's a very poor love triangle that’s hinted at, but it went nowhere, so it felt unnecessary. I didn't feel like we got enough interaction between Sophie and Rus, so I wasn't invested in the romance. There's also no explanation for the magical realism aspect, so we don't learn how or why Rus got trapped in the garden in the first place. The one thing I did appreciate was the exploration of grief, and Sophie learning to open herself up again. Other than that, this was, unfortunately, a big miss.
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| Pub Date: 9-15-26 Adult - Romance |
Grim Tidings- B.K. Borison: Darcy is a Grim Reaper who is tired of death. She's been collecting souls for so long that she's lost her purpose. Desperate for a change, Darcy decides that, instead of reaping her latest assignment, she's going to save them. Unfortunately for Darcy, her plans are waylaid by Gabriel, a handsome Guardian Angel who doesn't tolerate Reapers encroaching on his territory. Gabriel doesn't believe that Darcy is here to help, but he's roped into assisting her. As the pair start spending time together, Gabriel realizes that Darcy is different and soon feelings begin to stir. But when Darcy succeeds in her mission, and the Department of Hauntings & Spirits comes calling, she must confront the consequences of her actions.
I thought the previous book in this series was cute, but it wasn't totally my vibe; however, I had high expectations for this one, and it delivered. I loved the idea of a Grim Reaper and a Guardian Angel falling in love. I was immediately taken with both of our characters. I thought Darcy's feelings of being lost and unsure of what she wants were so relatable, and I liked how steadfast Gabriel was. They also had this bickering banter that I couldn't get enough of. I would've liked a little more out of the actual romance, but overall, I thought it was sweet. The highlight of this book for me was the writing. Borison managed to make a story about death feel so beautiful and hopeful. I don't cry over books, but there were a few moments where my chin was wobbling. I loved how she wrapped everything up, and I'm excited to see where the next book takes us.
Rating: 5/5
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| Pub Date: 9-22-26 Adult - Romance |
Free Falling- Lyla Sage: Compared to her twin sister Collins, Clarke Cartwright has always been the tamer of the two. She doesn't mind a quieter life, but trying to piece their family's antique store back together has started to overwhelm Clarke, and being hounded by the ghost of her childhood crush's dad doesn't help matters. Leith Wilkes has always known he'd eventually take over his family's farm, but when a cryptic message from Clarke prompts him to review his father's will, he discovers a clause that changes everything. If he's not married, or at least in a committed relationship, by the time the anniversary of his father's death rolls around, everything gets left to Leith's scummy uncle instead. So, Leith convinces Clarke to pretend to be his girlfriend, but it doesn't take long for their fake relationship to start feeling anything but.
One thing about me is that I'm always going to eat up a fake dating trope. It's always so fun, but it's even better when the two characters have secretly crushed on each other for years. I really liked Clarke as a main character, and could relate to her in many ways. She had a tough exterior, and it was satisfying watching her acknowledge and accept her vulnerabilities. And then there was Leith, and what a man he was. He was flirty, kind, hardworking, and caring towards everyone. I loved how he was willing to do anything to protect his family and their livelihood. Like in the previous book, I wish the plot played up the ghosts more. It was just very light on the paranormal aspects. Other than that, I enjoyed this one more than the first book and would still recommend checking out the series.
Rating: 4/5
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