Book review: Ellie and the Harpmaker

 In the rolling hills of beautiful Exmoor, there’s a barn. And in that barn, you’ll find Dan. He’s a maker of exquisite harps – but not a great maker of conversation. He’s content in his own company, quietly working and away from social situations that he doesn’t always get right. But one day, a cherry-sockedContinue reading “Book review: Ellie and the Harpmaker”

100 Days of Sunlight: A fun summer read

When 16-year-old poetry blogger Tessa Dickinson is involved in a car accident and loses her eyesight for 100 days, she feels like her whole world has been turned upside-down.  Terrified that her vision might never return, Tessa feels like she has nothing left to be happy about. But when her grandparents place an ad inContinue reading “100 Days of Sunlight: A fun summer read”

Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck & Fortune: A magical concept that still feels lacking

At the news of her mother’s death, Natalie Tan returns home. The two women hadn’t spoken since Natalie left in anger seven years ago, when her mother refused to support her chosen career as a chef. Natalie is shocked to discover the vibrant neighborhood of San Francisco’s Chinatown that she remembers from her childhood isContinue reading “Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck & Fortune: A magical concept that still feels lacking”

The Goodbye Summer: relatable friendships, but falls flat

Caroline can’t wait for summer to end so that she and her older boyfriend, Jake, can run away together. She decides to spend her last summer at home saving money working at the local aquarium gift shop–and spending all the rest of her time hanging with Jake. Then she meets Georgia, a counselor at theContinue reading “The Goodbye Summer: relatable friendships, but falls flat”

Descendant of the Crane by Joan He: An intricate plot & stunning debut

Princess Hesina of Yan has always been eager to shirk the responsibilities of the crown, dreaming of an unremarkable life. But when her beloved father is found dead, she’s thrust into power, suddenly the queen of a surprisingly unstable kingdom. What’s more, Hesina believes that her father was murdered—and that the killer is someone closeContinue reading “Descendant of the Crane by Joan He: An intricate plot & stunning debut”

Romanov by Nadine Brandes: book review + free wallpaper!

Synopsis and book cover from GoodReads: The history books say I died. They don’t know the half of it. Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the BolshevikContinue reading “Romanov by Nadine Brandes: book review + free wallpaper!”