Happy New Year! I apologize in advance for the long blog. I realize this is a little late as I have spent the end of 2023 and beginning of 2024 trying to get my shop up and running (future me here, it is now nearing October 2024 and my website is still not published; will be soon, fingers-crossed). I ended up putting some of my digital products on Etsy, hoping to generate some money to help get my shop running. I have had a few days where I was unmotivated and I attended a funeral out of state. Now, I am putting the gears in motion and decided to plan out various blog posts while trying to finish and finalize physical and digital products.

First things first, my 2023 wrap-up. I have not read a book since 2015/2016 due to college classes - and no college required reading does not count in my book. I will be discussing the books I read in order from start to finish. I will also give my rating of the book and a brief explanation of my thoughts. Keep in mind, my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are not in the field of literature, but I have taken a few literature and writing electives during the first two years of completing my Bachelor’s. I am trying to follow a combination of layouts of monthly wrap-ups from book-tubers and other reading blogs.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Pages: 324

Published by Berkley in June 2022

Genre(s): fiction, historical fiction

star rating: ★★★★☆

I found this to be an interesting story about Bella da Costa Greene and how she comes to work for J. P. Morgan as a curator for his personal collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork. You eventually learn that she has a secret she has been hiding, one her father does not agree with. Benedict and Murray’s descriptions of Bella’s travels around the world and of her family’s life keeps you hooked and wanting to know more. Even when she runs the risk of having her secret be discovered. There is some romance between Bella and Bernard Berenson, an art collector, in which there is a some spice later in the book (not sure how to rank spice in books). There is also a missed romance between Bella and J. P. Morgan. I gave this four stars because as I write this review a year later, I can’t really remember much of the book. What I do remember is feeling the intrigue to know more about whether Bella can keep her secret hidden and wanting to know what happens with Berenson. I did enjoy the story and I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction with a hint (or a lot) or romance.

Still Star-Crossed by Melinda Taub

Pages: 336

Published by Delacorte Press in July 2013

Genre(s): fiction

star rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5 stars, will probably be for sale soon, check mercari and poshmark)

I will admit, I am not a huge fan of Shakespeare and I have only read his works in school, but the summary of this book drew me in. I mean, who else wants to know what happens after Romeo and Juliet die? I was a little disappointed but not with the story itself. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was a fast read for me, but I was not expecting the entire book to be written in Shakespearian style. I also felt the book went on for longer than it needed to. This could have been written in novella length or short story length instead of 336 pages. Without giving anything away, there were times where I felt certain plot points were unnecessary to know. I do recommend this book to lovers of Romeo and Juliet who want to know what happens to their families after they pass. Do they mend their grievances or are they still angry with one another? Or will someone in one one of the families force the grievances to continue? Overall, I gave this book 2.5 stars but don’t let that stop you from reading the book.

The Girls in Navy Blue by Alix Rickloff

Pages: 384

Published by William Morrow in November 2022

Genre(s): historical fiction

star rating: ★★★★★

This was when I realized I what reading a 5-star book felt like as I haven’t read in so long. It has been years since I felt immersed in a book or did not want to stop reading. “Just one more chapter” or “I’ll go to sleep soon” were phrases I said to myself quite often when reading this book. I would also tell my mom about it and discussed all of my theories about the characters, as this was told from two perspectives, Blanche Lawrence and Peggy Whitby, and in two different time periods, 1918 and 1968. In grade school, I was only told that women worked in factories at home. This book helps provide a perspective of what women as Navy yeomanettes in Norfolk, VA during World War I. There is a hint of romance from what I remember (feel free to correct me - I am writing my thoughts a year later as I never wrote them apparently). This book kept me hooked in wanting to know more of how Blanche and Peggy fit together and why Peggy’s estranged Great-Aunt left her the house.

The Inheritance Games Trilogy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Pages: 372 (The Inheritance Games)
352 (The Hawthorne Legacy)
368 (The Final Gambit)

Published by Little Brown and Company in:
July 2021 (The Inheritance Games)
September 2021 (The Hawthorne Legacy)
August 2022 (The Final Gambit)

Genre(s): fiction, YA

star rating: ★★★★★ (the whole trilogy and individually)

The Inheritance Games:
This was one of many books I got for Christmas. I had seen several book-tubers I follow read this trilogy and the synopsis really intrigued me. Is it okay to say I was hooked from the first two chapters? I told my mom the next day that I had never wanted to run to the bookstore so fast to get the rest of the books when I just started reading the first book. Needless to say, we went to the bookstore and I bought book 2 and 3. This was also the first set of books, after taking a break from reading, that I have read the fastest; I believe I spent at least one week on each book. The last set of books I probably read this fast is either Red Queen series or the Selection series. I loved Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s writing style. I was always left questioning the connection between Avery and the Hawthornes, and believe me I honestly thought she was related to them. I don’t want to give too much away. If you love riddles and mystery and a book that will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more, then this is for you (just my opinion).

The Hawthorne Legacy:
I will be honest, apparently I never wrote my thoughts down for either one of these books, so I am trying my best to remember them. I do like how we learn more about each brother’s father and what their connection is with each book. And the huge plot twist of the series - the other Hawthorne (I want to give a spoiler, but at the same time I don’t; so I’ll just leave this here). In this one, Avery has a DNA test done to prove she is not a Hawthorne, at least not by blood. Avery continues to be pulled into riddles and games, that are just as twisted as the first. These games show her that there is a deeper connection to the Hawthornes as well as someone who really wants her out of the picture. I do have to agree with some of the reviews that the synopsis made it seem like there would be more romance than what there was, but I think Avery said she wanted to finish the riddles before making a decision on who she loves (i.e., having a clear head). I also agree that the beginning was nothing but filler. However, I think the filler is useful in showing the depths of Avery’s thoughts. To me the book would not be any good if we just read about Avery’s connection without having to go through the riddles that were left behind for them to figure out. Still a great book that left me wanting to know and read more with each chapter.

The Final Gambit:
As mentioned in the first book, Avery needs to stay, or rather survive, in the Hawthorne house for a year. In The Final Gambit, Avery is nearing this deadline, but she is still living a dangerous game. Avery is asked for help by a mysterious guest who could change everything for Avery as the games continue. If each book didn't end in a way that would imply another book was coming, then I would have said the books didn't have to go for so long. However, it almost seemed like Avery was being given a test in each book to prove why she was worthy of inheriting the Hawthorne house and fortune. I will admit the brothers, Grayson in particular, really annoyed me with the push back of not wanting Avery to inherit what was given to her. I like that the brothers eventually came around and that, in a sense, shows that they were able to see the bigger picture.

The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Pages: Unabridged Audiobook Version

Published by Little Brown and Company in August 2023

Genre(s): fiction, YA

star rating: ★★★★☆ (4.75 stars)

I was hesitant to move forward with what most book-tubers believed to be the fourth book in the series. They mentioned how they thought this was more of a book with two novellas than a continuation. As mentioned in a previous blog, I later learned The Brothers Hawthorne is a bridge novel that comes before The Grandest Games series in the Inheritance Games SAGA. As a result, I purchased the book on audible and I do plan on buying the physical copy down the road. I will say this was not entirely a 5-star read for me as I wish we either had each brother’s point of view or one brother’s point of view. I felt the book focused more on Jameson - or maybe I just felt his story was more interesting. (small spoiler ahead) In one of the books from the trilogy, Grayson does kill his father, with reason and in this book we see Grayson feeling like he owes his father’s family. Whenever Grayson’s half-sisters find themselves in trouble, he is there to help them out. I feel like Grayson didn’t really have much going on with his story that was exciting or interesting, which made it feel like he had less chapters compared to Jameson.

On the other hand, Jameson’s story was interesting. He is the last brother to learn who his father is. His point of view starts by telling you something happened in Prague and Avery wants to know, but Jameson refuses to tell. Eventually Jameson’s father comes into the picture and asks for a favor. Jameson refuses but still goes through with his plan, nonetheless. Jameson’s story is filled with riddles and games, which left me wanting to get back to his point of view more so than Grayson’s. Xavier and Nash still appear in the story, just not as much. I do wish we got to know what they were experiencing. However, with the way The Final Gambit ended, it makes sense to focus on these two as they learn who they are and who they want to be. The Brothers Hawthorne is definitely good about bridging The Final Gambit with The Grandest Games, which I am excited to pick up and read. I know I can’t tell anyone what to read, but I recommend not skipping this book as it provides insight to the two brothers and their inner struggles, which make them stronger.

Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict

Pages: 322 and unabridged audiobook version

Published by Sourcebooks Landmark in October 2018

Genre(s): historical fiction

star rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.75 stars)

I was honestly disappointed reading this book. I started reading my physical copy and ended up listening to it on audible. This was the second book I read in which I gave a low rating, but it was the first book I really wanted to DNF and came close to doing so. I just felt bored with it. The audio book made it a little better, but I felt let down by it compared to The Personal Librarian. There were parts of the book where I just wanted to scream at the other characters for: (a) assuming the identity of Clara Kelley, and (b) forgetting where they came from. It was like the Carnegies became rich and forgot their origin and humble background. I know this is fiction and the storyline is good but I had higher expectations after reading The Personal Librarian. I don’t know if this has anything to do with how many authors contributed to the book, but it felt like something was missing or maybe it was a rushed novel. I was left wanting more and wanting this to be re-written or edited at the same time.

From here I will start my January Wrap-up. I only read one book this month, which I had actually started in December 2023.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and Translated by Geoffrey Trousselot

Pages: 272

Published by Hanover Square Press in November 2020

Genre(s): novel, fiction

star rating: ★★★★☆ (4.75 stars)

I did read the reviews of the book on Goodreads after finishing the book and I had to ask If I read the same book as them. I think I became so immersed in the book due to the one character that constantly sits in the seat in which people can time travel from. I really want to know her story (spoiler, it is not told in this book). The book is broken up into four short stories that I sometimes had to wonder if they were meant to flow from day to day or why the author wrote them in a way that made it seem they were out of order. Despite this, I was very intrigued as I always wished I could change certain things about my past, even if it didn’t change anything about my future. The message was very clear with this book: your past is not meant to be changed no matter how much you want it to; you just need to focus on the present and let the future be whatever it may be. I will be buying the rest of the series at some point, or asking for them for Christmas as I really want to know about the girl who will not move from the chair when asked. If you’re looking for a fast read or even a change in genre, I recommend this one.

bridge of scarlet leaves by Kristina McMorris

Pages: 420

Published by Kensington Books in June 2019

Genre(s): novel, fiction

star rating: ★★★★★ (6+ stars if I am being honest)

At the end of January, I started bridge of scarlet leaves and finished it March 5, 2024. I know this is a long time and it is not because I hit a slump. I would have finished it in February, but I didn’t want the book to end. I did spoil the ending - sort of - as I was looking to see how many pages there were, but it didn’t take away from the story. I did feel for Maddie and Lane as they eloped the day before Pearl Harbor had been attacked and all of a sudden people just turned on them the next morning, including Maddie’s brother. They weren’t even aware of what was going to happen when they decided to get married. I don’t want to spoil much of the book, but I love the Maddie was willing to stick by Lane no matter what happened, even if that meant living in one of the relocation camps.

I loved Kristina McMorris’s writing style. I love the depth she provided to the characters and how the characters overcame everything that was thrown at them. Did I cry at the end? Yes, but not as much as I probably would have if I hadn’t skimmed the ending early on. While reading, I was reminded of two different movies. The first was Unbroken, which I connected to Maddie’s brother, TJ. This connection happened later in the book, so I won’t explain completely how; but if you have seen the movie you will know what I mean when you read this part. The connection has to do with the events or experiences not so much the people. The second movie that I was reminded of was A League of Their Own, one of my all-time favorites. This is in connection to Maddie’s friend, Jo, who joins the All-American League, which is mentioned briefly, I believe around the time Maddie goes to the relocation camp with Lane. For some reason, I feel like there was also a person named Jo in the movie.

March TBR

For the month of March, I plan to read the following:

Mid-February, I decided I would try out switching screen time for reading. Basically, what I chose to do was take my weekly average from the previous week and split the number of hours between Monday and Friday, giving me, for example, 1 hour and 19 minutes to read each day. I started this challenge during the last week of February (2/25 to 3/1). I guess you could say I failed as I was only successful Monday and Tuesday; on Wednesday, I had read for 40 minutes. The reason is that my family had to travel for a funeral on the 1st of March (last day of challenge) and Thursday my mom and I had spent the day running errands. As a result, I am planning to finish the reading challenge by 3/12.

I hope to continue this challenge each week for the rest of March or possibly taking the monthly average for February and splitting it between the remaining days of March. Feel free to send me book recs, ideas for reading challenges, and ideas for future reading blogs at blueoceans.sanddollar@gmail.com or comment down below.

Just a note about what I mentioned previously: I will not buy an entire series without reading the first book. I feel like I wasted money on a series or set of books if I end up not liking the first book. I realize I can always sell them if I did buy the whole set, but I would feel bad especially if a family member is the one that paid for it. My thoughts may be different if I like the author’s writing style, but even then I would probably think twice. I know people have different views on this so don’t send me any hate. I was just raised on not letting your wants hurt you and with money being tight now-a-days, I have to think twice. At the end of the day, if I like the first book, I will eventually end up asking for the rest either for Christmas or within a few days or weeks of reading the first book.