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One S'more Summer (The Campfire Series, #1) by Beth Merlin | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)

As a note, a copy of this novel was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

There's something positively charming about Beth Merlin's prose. One S'more Summer, the beginning of her debut The Campfire Series, is proof of that. When people are quick to refer to a writer's prose as something reminiscent of another writer's, I get a bit skeptical. The buzz is that Beth Merlin is perfect for fans of Emily Giffin or Sophie Kinsella and in so many ways, I see that. There's that quality of classic, easy to read chick-lit to One S'more Summer. Yet, I find, when I compare the three, the way her story develops is done far more gracefully--a feat for a debut author.

You should know that I binge-read the two books that, thus far, make up The Campfire Series. Another thing you should note is that, despite my 3.5 rating of the book, I certainly enjoyed it. It was the perfect book to get into and face a reading slump head-on. There's something sweet about the way Beth Merlin tells the story of Gigi Goldstein. You have these familiar archetypes and plotlines, but the way she navigates them is smart and heartfelt. She makes these themes some-thing of her own and most of all, she makes you love (and feel deeply) for Gigi as she is set on a path all her own. 

 The Last Piece of My Heart by Paige Toon | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 stars)  

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

This was my very first Paige Toon novel and I'm so very glad I picked it up. I was promised a good old fashioned escapists read and that's exactly what The Last Piece of My Heart served me. I loved it for that reason! But also... didn't always connect with it for the very same reason. That sounds odd, doesn't it? Well, I can't think of any other way to put it. There are books that are just so beautifully crafted that they leave a mark on your heart and this is one of those.

Which is why I'm not going to point out the parts of the novel that just weren't for me. Flaws are an ever present aspect of life and literature, and there's just no point in me tackling them in this review because The Last Piece of My Heart was much more than its flaws. And if this is only the beginning of what Paige Toon has to offer? I'm definitely giving her archives a second glance.

I was very fascinated by the plot-line of this book because, frankly, I haven't read many with this POV.

Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell | Rating: ★★☆☆☆

*To clarify, this is a rewrite of an old review, as my thoughts of the novel have changed through the years.  

Ages and ages and ages ago, I loved this book. It is still something I appreciate, on some level, even if my feelings have changed in the years. I certainly loved it all those years ago. Perhaps not as much as the hit HBO television series of the same name, but, it was still up there. Sex and the City was something of a stepping stone for a lot of women through the years and still, I think, holds true even in the years its been off the air. Certainly it's a pop culture phenomenon that still stays highly relevant in popular culture.

I'm always going to appreciate it, and the show, for what they are and how they shaped some aspects of who I became as an adult. I applaud it on many levels but somehow, somewhere along the way, the novel and show have lost their sparkle to me. I don't think I'll feel inclined to reread the book again, in the future, which is strange given I still love the characters from both the novel and show, and have some sense of attachment towards them, but there you have it. It's not that it's a bad novel, it just feels like the older I get the more boring and unappealing it is to me.

First Comes Love by Emily Giffin | Rating: ★★★☆☆

But there is one constant, one thing you can always count on: that not only does love come first, but at the end, it is the only thing that remains. As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way. 

Emily Giffin is known for her heart wrenching and sweet novels, in fact, I daresay she has been iconic in "chick-lit". I must also admit that this kind of bugs me, because there's just something nice about her novels and it goes beyond fluffy, feel good. Does she write novels that are aimed at so-called girly readers? Yes. Is that a bad thing? No. The thing about Giffin and her writing is that she is often dismissed from discussions for this. But the fact of the matter is she sells books for a reason--she is great. First Comes Love is a definite nod to this and builds onto her already strong knack for weaving us heart warming stories with an excellently sweet prose, and strong/feminine characters.

In other words, it's the perfect addition to your summer reading list, even now as the season is winding down. In fact, it is great for all times of the year and while it is not my favorite novel from her, it is still wonderfully pleasing and fans will be grappling for a copy of their own. I was so surprised, delighted, to have received a review copy I nearly tripped over myself on the way home from work just to read it. First Comes Love is a solid addition to her catalog that fans will adore until its very last page. 

Everybody Rise by Stephanie Clifford | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

What a stellar debut! I’m still swooning a bit from its prose and how everything just was.

Which leads to me screaming from my roof: Everybody Rise by Stephanie Clifford is a delight. I loved the vibe of it and while it may not be for absolutely everyone, you really do need a specific taste to enjoy this, it caters incredibly to my taste of literature.

And then some. Truly.

Plus–how bright and gorgeous is that cover? It’s so eye catching and a rare one that actually suits the book. If you are to judge one book on its cover this year, and buy it because HELLO gorgeous, make it Everybody Rise.

I enjoyed this little guy so much–in spite of its flaws and the lack of inclusion on my best of 2015 list, it only JUST missed the cut by one inch–I devoured it in one sitting. I am not exaggerating, I read it so quickly I’m pretty sure I left some sort of road marks on it from going so fast. I wouldn’t be surprised if I accidentally tore some pages.

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave | Rating: ★★★☆☆

Maybe that was just childhood? You hurry up, pick the opposite path, try to make childhood end. Then, as an adult, you have no idea why you were running away. What, exactly, you needed so desperately to get away from.

As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Beyond its gorgeous cover art, Eight Hundred Grapes has many things going for it in terms of intriguing readers. One look at its gripping summary and the promise of fiery emotions/the outcome of secrets will make this obvious.

Its premise alone promises us a trip of secrets and the explosive reactions it leaves in its wake when shocking secrets are revealed. Who can resist, right? Secrets, secrets are SO fun. Readers will instantly be drawn in with this standout in this years chick lit releases. There are many moments you will want to grab your highlighter or tabs to mark various quotes/passages.

Because of this, and its prose which leads to a light way of reading, it’s sure to find a generous fanbase. Eight Hundred Grapes reads in a way that leaves us with a vivid picture without all that much work on our part.