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I Hope This Doesn’t Find You | Book Review

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About The Book
Sadie Wen is the perfect student and all-around nice girl, but she secretly vents her frustrations in unsent email drafts. Her most brutally honest messages are aimed at her nemesis, Julius Gong, but she never expects anyone to read them—until they’re accidentally sent out. As her carefully controlled life unravels, the one person who seems to appreciate the real Sadie is the boy she’s sworn to hate.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aqAc9i

My Rating

When I read the synopsis of this book, I thought I was going to get an adorable young adult contemporary. I was hoping it would give me all the feels To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han did. Unfortunately, the book was such a letdown. Once again, it’s making me wonder if I’ve just aged out of the YA genre.

In the book, we follow our main character, Sadie. She’s an overachiever, co-class captain, and an all-around nice girl. But one day, all of her saved email drafts get sent out. Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem, but these drafts contain her “anger emails.” They’re a way for her to vent her frustrations without actually confronting anyone.

As a main character, Sadie was infuriating to me. She let people walk all over her and used the excuse that she was just being nice. She does have a lot of family issues that contribute to her non-confrontational, good-girl personality. However, I didn’t like how little personal growth she had throughout the book.

The romance in this book was probably the worst part—and that’s saying something, considering this is a young adult romance. Sadie’s love interest is Julius, her academic rival and co-captain at school. He received the majority of her rant emails.

“So ready to split me open with a single word, stitch me up again with a fleeting touch.”

Sadly, I didn’t see any real connection between them. They were constantly saying mean things about each other. This book really plays into the tired cliché we’re told growing up that if someone likes you, they’ll be mean to you. I want to say this with all my heart that is not true. It’s not a lesson we should be teaching anyone, let alone young boys and girls.

I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance, but I feel like the author took that trope way too far for a YA contemporary. There were never any real moments where they were actually kind to each other. One of them was always standoffish or convinced the other was toying with them. For high school seniors, they acted incredibly immature.

Overall, the writing was really what redeemed this book for me. I liked the author’s pacing and storytelling. However, I do want to mention that this book almost borders on a bully romance. So, if you’re looking to dip into that genre, you might want to give this one a read. Otherwise, I wouldn’t recommend it as a feel-good YA romance.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR! If you’d like to share this post with other readers and give it a like, that would make my day. Before you go, don’t forget to follow the blog!

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Our Violent Ends | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
In 1927 Shanghai, Juliette must make Roma believe she’s guilty of murder to protect him from the Scarlets, while Roma, still grieving his best friend’s death, is determined to set things right. Amidst rising political tensions and a monstrous new threat, they must team up to save the city. But as they battle danger and secrets, their tangled feelings for each other become the greatest challenge.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hjcxK9

My Rating

This is the exciting sequel and conclusion to the These Violent Delights duology. For some context, it’s a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, and this book picks up right where the first one left off. It’s packed with just as much action and excitement, so be warned there are spoilers ahead!

We once again follow Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov. After everything that happened in the first book, they’re not on the best terms, but their feelings for each other are still there. This creates a lot of tension in the story as they try to navigate their personal drama while dealing with political and dangerous situations.

I actually liked the plot of this book even more than the first one. The slow-burn romance between Juliette and Roma is still there, keeping all the tension and angst without feeling repetitive. I’m honestly amazed at how Chloe Gong kept me hooked, especially since I usually prefer faster-paced romances.

The world-building in this series is so interesting, and all the characters are fun to read about. There’s also another romance in this book that I loved, adding even more to the story. Gong does such a great job creating an immersive world and characters that feel real.

“In this life and the next, for however long our souls remain, mine will always find yours.”

The plot kept me just as engaged as the first book. It builds on everything from book one and ties things together really well. I was hooked from start to finish, enjoying all the twists and surprises.

There was never a dull moment for me. There were some really heartbreaking parts that made me feel so much for the characters, and the ending hit me hard. I’m a sucker for a happier ending in Romeo and Juliet retellings, even though I know their story is always meant to end tragically.

Overall, this was an amazing and satisfying conclusion to Chloe Gong’s duology. I can’t wait to read more of her books, as she’s quickly become one of my favorite authors. If you haven’t started this series yet, I definitely recommend it!

Please let me know if you’ve read anything by this author! It would mean a lot if you could like this post, leave a comment, and share it with a friend. If you’d like to go the extra mile to help my blog grow, please consider following it.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

A Touch Of Darkness | Book Review

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About The Book
Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, has always caused flowers to wither at her touch. After a fateful card game with Hades, the God of the Dead, she’s bound by a contract to create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom. As she battles her own limitations and spends more time with Hades, she begins to wonder if her freedom isn’t the only thing at risk—but her heart as well.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4jeBlVd

My Rating

I want to gush about this book and say how amazing it is, but I’m having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. This doesn’t usually happen with my book reviews, so please excuse this one if it isn’t the most articulate. The main takeaway is that I absolutely loved this book and the romance. It’s one of those stories that isn’t particularly fast-paced, but you simply cannot put it down.

In the book, we follow Persephone and Hades, and if you couldn’t already guess, it’s a Persephone and Hades retelling. I didn’t know much about these two going into the book, but I want to mention this in case you’re really into Greek mythology. Persephone is a college student who gets lured into Hades’ world after unknowingly making a bet with him. Persephone isn’t naïve, nor is she afraid to stand up to Hades, which I loved about her.

Hades was very protective of Persephone early on. I adored how it almost felt like he fell in love with her first. Despite his feelings, he didn’t try to control her. He wanted her to see his softer side and understand that he wasn’t the evil god she initially believed him to be. There’s always a reason behind the choices he made and the things he did. I really enjoyed seeing this side of him while he still maintained his strong, intimidating god-like presence.

“Darling, that’s only the start of what I want to do to you.”

The plot was so engaging, and the conflict throughout the book was very understandable. There wasn’t much miscommunication, and let me just say—the spice was amazing! If you’re a closed-door romance reader, you could probably enjoy this book by skipping the spicy scenes, but for me, it was about a four out of five on the spice scale. That said, the book isn’t overloaded with spicy moments—it definitely prioritizes the story over smut.

The writing style was fantastic, and I felt the book ended nicely. I’m curious to see where the next book in the series will go. I especially loved how we got a few chapters from Hades’ perspective at the end. There’s also a book series that tells the same story solely from his perspective. While some might find it odd to read the same story twice, that’s just how good this book was—I’m honestly dying to see the story through his eyes.

Overall, this is such a good book—it’s seriously addictive. It’s a retelling, somewhat romantasy, and spicy read, which are all things I gravitate towards. I honestly don’t think I have any cons for this book, which is rare! It wasn’t too dark or overly insta-lovey—it had more of an ‘attraction at first sight’ vibe, which I found to be a nice touch.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR—do you enjoy mythology retellings? If you love book reviews and all things bookish, don’t forget to hit the follow button before you go!

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Best Books Of 2024!

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Hi Friends,
Today we’re doing my ‘Best Books of 2024’ post! I’m actually super excited to share this, because I had such a great reading year in 2024. I read so many five-star books and discovered a ton of new favorites. It might have actually been my best year since starting my blog, which is crazy to think about! Without further ado, here are the best books of 2024, according to me.


12. Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
This book surprised me, because I didn’t even know it existed until it was recommended to me. I loved the witchy aspects of the story and the romance plot. I had such a good time reading this book, and didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. It’s definitely an underrated gem that fans of romance with magical elements should check out.
Related Post: Witch Of Wild Things | Book Review


11. Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
This is the conclusion to the Violent Delights duology, and as a whole, I truly enjoyed this series. The ending was done so well—I loved so many elements of this book, and the characters are amazing. There were moments when I cried, was shocked, and couldn’t put it down. The ending was intense and fast-paced, keeping me invested the entire time.


10. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
I loved every second of this book. It’s a spicy Hades and Persephone retelling that I think about all the time. If you’re looking for a book with great spice and a compelling plot, this is it. I didn’t know much about the original Hades and Persephone myth going into it, but I had such an amazing time reading it, and I’m excited to continue with the series.


9. Reckless by Elsie Silver
This is part of the Chestnut Springs interconnected standalone romance series, and it came as no surprise that I loved this book. After reading the first book in the series, I knew I’d be obsessed with Winter’s character and connect with her on a deeper level—and I wasn’t wrong. This book features a trope I haven’t read much of, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the pacing and romance, even though I’m not usually a fan of the “older woman, younger man” trope. Winter’s character, and her similarities to me, really made this book special.


8. Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
This cozy fantasy may not be for everyone, but I found it incredibly enjoyable. I loved the world-building and the journal-entry format—it’s such a fun way to tell a story. Emily and Wendell’s characters were great, and their romance was done perfectly. It wasn’t the main focus, but their connection was clear, which I really liked in a cozy fantasy.
Related Post: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries | Book Review


7. How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
I haven’t enjoyed many books by Grady Hendrix, so I went into this one with low expectations—but I ended up sobbing by the end. It completely blew me away and made it onto my best books of the year list. This is a grim horror involving puppets (I know, that sounds wild, but trust me). If you’re a horror reader, give this one a chance—you won’t be disappointed.


6. Powerless by Elsie Silver
Another book from the Chestnut Springs series, and it features the friends-to-lovers trope. I can’t explain why I loved this book so much, but I think it has a lot to do with Sloan and Jasper’s characters. Their personalities made this book so good. I also loved the character development, which is something I really enjoy in romance novels.


5. Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’re probably not surprised to see the third book in the Belladonna series on my best books of 2024 list. This is one of my all-time favorite fantasy romance series, and I recommend it all the time. I’m sad it’s the final full-length book in the series, but I loved how it was wrapped up. As a Blythe fan, I’m so glad we got a book from her point of view.


4. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
If you enjoy lyrical writing and historical fiction with magical elements, this duology is for you! I can’t explain how incredibly well-written this book is, and the plot is like nothing I’ve read before. Iris and Rowan are literal couple goals. Their chemistry was off the charts, and the pacing was perfect—so much happened, and the world-building was incredible.
Related Post: Divine Rivals | Book Review


3. Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
I’ve never read a thriller with such a shocking twist. I couldn’t put this book down and binged it in one sitting. I’m probably late to the game on this one, but if you haven’t read it, you definitely should. If you love mysteries with isolated settings, family drama, and a Halloween backdrop, this book is for you.
Related Post: Daisy Darker | Book Review


2. Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
I had mixed feelings going into this one, but I couldn’t put it down. There were so many moments that had me giggling and blushing. This is the perfect book for someone just getting into the romantasy genre. While there’s actual romance in the book, you can tell where it’s headed, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. The MMC and FMC are perfect for each other, and the ending left me eager for the sequel.


1. Happy Place by Emily Henry
I can’t believe my favorite book of 2024 is a second-chance romance. I’m usually not a fan of this trope, but this book struck such a chord with me. I felt all the feels. I think you have to be in a very specific place in your life to fully appreciate this story, but everything from the characters to the plot, romance, and conflict was perfect. This is a book I’ll be recommending for years to come.
Related Post: Happy Place | Book Review

And there you have it—my best books of 2024! Please hit the follow button so you never miss my new posts, and I’d love to hear your favorite books of 2024 in the comments. Do you agree with my list? Let’s chat!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Worst Books Of 2024!

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Hi Friends,
Today, I’m sharing my ‘Worst Books of 2024’ post. I do this every year, and I always like to include a disclaimer. This is not me hating on anyone who enjoyed these books or the authors. These are simply stories that didn’t work for me or that I didn’t enjoy—and that’s totally okay. Reading is subjective, and it’s perfectly fine to share your honest thoughts about a book. So, let’s dive into my list of the worst books of 2024!


12. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz (Author), Stephen Gammell (Illustrator)
I don’t think this is necessarily a bad book, but there wasn’t much to it. It’s a collection of middle-grade spooky stories. My husband actually read it as a child, and these stories scared him a lot. However, reading it as an adult, I had a very different opinion. Some of the stories are quite cheesy, with a few silly ones and, yes, a couple of creepy ones. Overall, though, it was a very simple book that didn’t entertain me much, which is why it’s on this list.


11. Mistletoe Season by Kathleen Fuller, Pepper Basham, and Sheila Roberts
This is another book I didn’t exactly hate, but I didn’t love either. Surprise, surprise—it’s a collection of short holiday stories. I’ve been pretty vocal in the past about not typically enjoying short story collections, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that this book made this list. Unfortunately, the stories didn’t stand out, and I wasn’t a fan of most of them. It’s not a book I’m likely to remember, and it’s one I probably wouldn’t recommend.
Related Post: Mistletoe Season | Book Review


10. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
I hate including this book on this list or even giving it a rating because it’s a poetry collection, and it’s clear the poems are very personal to the author. However, poetry is a genre I don’t usually read, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. As one of my first poetry collections, I found it a bit too heavy. The subject matter was quite intense and not at all what I anticipated. While I can see how many readers might resonate with some of the poems, I didn’t feel any real connection to them personally.


9. I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang
I had such high hopes for this book, but it ended up being a major letdown. I’m not sure if I’m just aging out of YA, but the storyline didn’t unfold the way I expected, and the romance fell flat. In my opinion, it also sends a really problematic message about teenage love. Overall, I don’t have many positive things to say about this book.


8. What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
This is another book I was told was amazing, but for me, it was a miss. It’s an adult mystery thriller, and I expected the mystery to be fast-paced and shocking. However, I found the book slow, and the plot was very predictable. There were no jaw-dropping plot twists, and I saw the ending reveal coming.


7. Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
I really wanted to like this book, but the plot just wasn’t executed in a way I enjoyed. Sadly, my overall enjoyment while reading it was lacking. I will say that the ending was fairly interesting and somewhat surprising. However, it didn’t make up for the book as a whole, which felt very underwhelming and not enjoyable to read.


6. A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
I am so frustrated that I bought into the hype behind this book because it’s not a romance I think should be romanticized at all. Again, this is a YA novel, so I had to keep that in mind while reading. But the ending was horrible, in my opinion. I honestly cannot believe the author went that route—it really made me angry. It’s not a book I think should be as popular or raved about as it is.
Related Post: A Thousand Boy Kisses | Book Review


5. A Game Most Foul by Alison Gervais
This is another YA book that I just didn’t enjoy. I liked the mystery plot and the Sherlock Holmes element. However, the story didn’t flow well, and I felt that many aspects didn’t quite work. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style or the characters. It was an easy read, but nothing special.
Related Post: A Game Most Foul | Book Review


4. Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison
This book had so much promise in the beginning, but I was really upset by the end. I will say, though, please take this with a grain of salt, as I might be a bit dramatic with my feelings. However, some of the characters’ actions—especially those of the female main character—really frustrated me. The ending was probably what caused me to drop this book’s rating significantly. Let me just say, I literally almost threw my phone across the room while listening to it.


3. We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
I don’t understand why people say this is one of the best horror stories they’ve read. For me, there were too many unanswered questions, and the ending felt a bit open-ended. It seemed like the author was trying to be experimental and make this an elevated horror story, and maybe that’s what it is, but I just didn’t get it. That said, I’m not on the hype train for this book.
Related Post: We Used to Live Her | Book Review


2. Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn
This book had many good things going for it, but the love story was probably its downfall, which isn’t ideal since it’s a romance. One thing to note is that this is a second-chance romance, a trope I typically dislike. However, I’m slowly warming up to it, which is why I decided to give this book a chance. I feel like if the author had taken a completely different approach to resolving their relationship, I might’ve liked it more. But honestly, I didn’t care for the male main character or all of his excuses.
Related Post: Resting Scrooge Face | Book Review


1. Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
I had heard nothing but good things about this book, and the cover is adorable, but unfortunately, I don’t want to say I hated it, but I really hated it. Everything about the friends-to-lovers trope, the characters, the writing style, and the plot just didn’t work for me. There are many other things about the book that I didn’t enjoy, and it was almost a DNF for me, which should tell you how much I disliked it.
Related Post: Lovelight Farms | Book Review

There you have it—my Worst Books of 2024. It was actually a challenge making this list because I’ve had a very good reading year. In the comments, let me know if you agree with any of my thoughts on these books. Feel free to share some of the books you didn’t like in 2024. And, as always, hit the follow button so you never miss a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Kingdom of Sweets | Book Review

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About The Book
Twin sisters, cursed by their godfather, lead starkly different lives. One Christmas Eve, an enchanted Nutcracker transports them into the magical Kingdom of Sweets, where one makes a dangerous bargain with the mysterious and powerful Sugar Plum Fairy.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4guBouk

My Rating

This is a standalone fantasy and a retelling of The Nutcracker. I really enjoyed the author’s original take on the story and how fast-paced it was. The plot follows twin sisters Clara and Natasha, whom I found to be very interesting. Clara is cursed to embody light, while Natasha is cursed as the dark twin. Both sisters bear heavy burdens because of their gifts, and the story explores how these curses shape their lives and choices.

The plot was quite dark, but I found it fascinating. It really delves into how envy can fuel a person’s actions and the lengths someone will go to when they feel wronged. Natasha, the protagonist, was such a complex character. Although she’s initially portrayed as understanding and deeply loving toward her sister despite her dark curse, her actions throughout the story reveal that she does have some real darkness within her.

The worldbuilding in this book was incredible. The magical realm Johansen created was vivid, immersive, and at times even creepy, which added to the darker tone of the story. I also appreciated how the theme of forgiveness was explored—though forgiveness is offered in some cases, one can never truly forgive someone who has wronged them. As for the ending, it was intense, shocking, and very well done. It kept me guessing right up until the last page.

“Who really knew, after all, how the old fairy tales died, or where the story might end?”

That said, my biggest issue with this book is that it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. While I enjoyed it while reading, and there were so many strong elements, I don’t think it’s a story I’ll remember a year from now. For a book with such compelling characters and themes, it’s a bit disappointing that it doesn’t stand out more in my memory.

Even so, I think this story will appeal to many readers, especially those who don’t usually gravitate toward Nutcracker retellings. One of my favorite aspects was how the author took inspiration from The Nutcracker but turned it into something completely original. The darker, more complex direction she chose to take really brought new life to the story.

Overall, I did enjoy the book while I was reading it. It really is a story that shows how we are made up of both light and dark parts, and that no one is truly all light or all dark. While it might not have made a lasting impact on me, I still think it was a wonderful retelling and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh twist on a classic holiday tale.

In the comments, let me know if you have ever seen the actual ballet production of The Nutcracker. Sadly, I have not, but I have read some great retellings of the story. Don’t forget to like this post and share it with other readers. And if you would be so kind as to hit the follow button, that would be amazing.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Merry Ever After | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Evie, a single mother seeking a fresh start, has no room for romance—until rugged farmer Luke tempts her to break her no-dating rule. While Evie is set on keeping things casual, Luke is determined to prove he’s in it for the long haul. In this steamy holiday short story, opposites attract as they explore whether love is truly worth the risk.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3P7Bs7d

My Rating

This is one of those fast and easy holiday novellas that you can read in one sitting. It’s part of the Amazon Originals Under the Mistletoe collection of short winter romance stories. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t my favorite. I had high hopes because I’ve heard amazing things about Tessa Bailey’s books, but the plot just didn’t work for me.

The romance felt very insta-lovey, and we didn’t get to know the characters well. Of course, it’s a novella, so it’s challenging to include significant character development or show a deep connection growing between two characters in under 100 pages.

“Maybe it’s the holidays that have me wishing for . . . more out of this simple life of mine.”

Still, I wanted more from the story, and I didn’t get much of a holiday vibe from it. That said, I did enjoy the writing style and appreciated the single mom aspect of the story. However, everything felt rushed—it was basically, “I like you, you like me, let’s be together forever.”

Overall, I’d probably pass on this one since there isn’t much substance to the story. That said, the spice was pretty good—I’d give it a 2.5 out of 5 on the spice scale. And as always, I’m a fan of books that include an epilogue, so I appreciated that the novella wrapped up with one.

In the comments, let me know if you’re a fan of holiday novellas! Don’t forget to like this post and share it with all your bookish friends. Please hit the follow button so my blog can continue to grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Resting Scrooge Face | Book Review

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About The Book
Nola dreads Christmas in her charming hometown of Bright Harbor, but a mysterious letter from a fellow holiday Scrooge might change everything. Unbeknownst to her, the pen pal is Caleb—the boy who broke her heart—sparking a secret, flirtatious correspondence. As old wounds and new feelings surface, can they overcome their past to write a love story worth keeping?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/406LdIY

My Rating

I was not a fan of this book at all. I hate saying that because I could see how much potential the story had, but the delivery fell completely flat. This is a first-love, second-chance, holiday romance novella. It’s a very quick read, and the plot initially captures your interest.

Unfortunately, I hated the direction the author took with the story. I wanted so much more for the female main character. I understood that they were both teenagers when they broke up, but the male main character’s excuse for breaking her heart and essentially ghosting her was that he was immature (valid) and that he thought she deserved a life outside their small town while he was meant for small-town life. That reasoning felt so lame.

“I can’t imagine that someone who despises Christmas as much as I do would have gold stationery.”

I hate when characters make decisions for other characters. And now, suddenly, she’s “the one that got away”? No, she’s the one you pushed away. It also felt like he only wanted to rekindle their relationship because she was staying in town. So, would he have wanted to be with her if she were leaving again after the holidays? If you love someone, here’s a thought: go with them. Home isn’t a place—it’s who you’re with.

Overall, this book was a no for me. I completely apologize for this rant of a review, but you can probably tell I had a lot of issues with the story. On a lighter note, I did enjoy the secret pen pal aspect of the plot, and there were quite a few funny moments throughout the story.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. If you didn’t know, it’s available on KU and Audible! Don’t forget to like this post, and you can make my holiday by giving the blog a follow. Your support truly means the world to me.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Cruel Winter With You | Book Review

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About The Book
Pediatrician Jamie Malek finds herself snowbound with Marc, her best friend’s younger brother turned tech billionaire—and the one she let get away. As a blizzard rages outside and sparks fly inside, old wounds and buried feelings resurface. What starts as a simple request for a roasting pan becomes an unforgettable winter’s night of rekindled connection.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/49PfSha

My Rating

This is a fun, Christmassy novella that you can read on a single (and preferably snowy) winter’s night. It’s part of an Amazon Original collection called Under the Mistletoe. As a huge fan of Ali Hazelwood’s work, I knew I’d probably adore this book—and it came as no surprise that I was right.

Despite being under 100 pages, this story was very well thought out. I felt like I got to know a lot about the characters in such a short period of time. The plot was engaging, and I really enjoyed the romance.

This is a forced proximity, best friend’s brother romance, with an age gap where the female main character is older. I loved the connection between the two characters, and let me just say, the male main character was such a green flag! Although the Christmas vibes weren’t very prominent, it still felt like a delightful winter romance.

“Next year, when we fly home for the holidays, we’re going to do it together.”

Overall, I loved everything about this story, and the ending was so satisfying. While it does include a bit of the miscommunication trope, I didn’t mind because it felt realistic. There is some spice in this book, but it’s not overly steamy—I’d give it about 1.5 out of 5 on the spice scale. If you’re looking for something quick and enjoyable to read this winter, I definitely recommend giving it a chance.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book! Don’t forget to follow the blog so you never miss any of my bookish posts. Also, if you could take a moment to head over to my Facebook page and give it a like, I’d really appreciate it.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Three Holidays And A Wedding | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Seatmates Maryam and Anna bond over a turbulent flight to Toronto, sharing their deepest hopes and fears—unaware that Maryam’s longtime crush, Saif, overheard everything. An emergency landing leaves them snowbound at the whimsical Snow Falls Inn. As Maryam connects with Saif and Anna discovers unexpected love, both women find the magic of the season in the unlikeliest of places.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3P3iui3

My Rating

This was a sweet winter romance that followed two young women with very different lives and struggles. When their worlds collide, they form an unexpected friendship and create some holiday magic. I found this book to be a heartwarming holiday read that offered more than just romance—it contained a surprising amount of depth.

In the novel, we follow Maryam, a Muslim woman traveling to Toronto with her family for her younger sister’s wedding. She is strong and level-headed, always putting others first. While snowbound in a small town, she begins to reevaluate her life and take steps to heal from past heartbreak. I especially enjoyed watching her personal growth throughout the book. She reminded me a lot of my mother, who, coincidentally, has the same name

The story also follows Anna, who is traveling to Toronto to spend the holidays with her boyfriend and his family. Although she tries to put on a positive and optimistic front, she is still grieving her father’s death. She is also struggling with feelings of loneliness. While snowbound, she starts to realize that she may have been merely playing a role in her own life. I loved watching her emotional journey unfold.

I found the bond between Anna and Maryam to be wonderful. It was clear that this friendship was something both of them needed. It was nice to see how protective Maryam was of Anna. I liked that Anna appreciated everything Maryam did for her family. It was kind of Anna to offer help whenever she could, even to people who were essentially strangers. The relationship Anna had with Maryam’s grandfather, along with his close bond with Maryam, was really touching. He served as a wise voice for both of them.

“Who doesn’t secretly love holiday movies?”

In the story, Ramadan, Christmas, and Hanukkah all happen around the same time, which offered great representation. I especially liked how open Anna was to learning about Ramadan and her fond memories of celebrating Chrismukkah. One of the highlights of the plot was how it seamlessly included three different cultures and holidays. The authors did a great job incorporating these holidays into the story.

As for the romance, it was really well done. I enjoyed both love stories. They were somewhat predictable and had a Hallmark-movie vibe, but they were sweet and satisfying. Maryam’s romance follows a second-chance, childhood-friends trope. Anna, on the other hand, finds herself attracted to someone unexpected.

Overall, this story is about love, family, faith, and the joy of the holiday season. One aspect I didn’t love as much was that, at times, the story felt like two separate narratives. They were connected only by being set in the same town and featuring overlapping characters. However, the authors did a great job of blending the plots together seamlessly in the end. While it wasn’t a standout book for me and the story didn’t feel as engaging as I had hoped, I truly appreciated how it celebrated multiple cultures, making it a unique and diverse holiday read.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your winter reading list. If you’d like to help my blog grow, please like this post and share it with other readers. Another way you can support the blog is by following it, which is completely free to do.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny