thoughts on books

Category: Heartwarming

  • we burned so bright by tj klune

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    A very, very enthusiastic five stars (while sobbing)

    A short tale of two elder gays at the end of their life. Well, everybody’s life. The earth is just a few weeks away of being sucked into a black hole. Don and Rodney are in their seventies, having been together 40 years. They leave their home behind and take their rickety RV on a road trip to Washington DC. They meet various folks along the way who at different places in accepting the world’s fate. Some are in denial, others angry, others in a blissful acceptance.

    Throughout the story we learn about LGBTQ history in the US. Don and Rodney have lived through the AIDS crisis, marriage equality, and the passing of so many to violent hate crimes. They are survivors helping those they meet along the way to find peace. The fantasy/sci fi elements are a necessary part of the plot, but the narrative doesn’t go deep into this.

    At its core, this is a love story. I immediately pre-ordered, as I’m eager to highlight and annotate my favorite parts.

    It’s well paced for audio and a great audiobook performance from narrator Kirt Graves.

    Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this outstanding ALC. the best book about the end of the world that I have ever read.

  • BRIGHTER than before by courtney walsh

    Claire is figuring out what the second half of her life is going to look like after heartbreak. Her husband of 23 years, John, cheated on her and is now getting married to the sidepiece, Misty. She can’t bear the humiliation of living in Colorado where her whole community is, and needs to find out who she is apart from a wife and mother. Her divorce newly finalized, she moves to Chicago and makes a list of things she wants to do- get a dog, get real friends, and download a dating app. Her neighbor Miles owns the apartment building she gets and apartment in, and he helps her along the way as she tries dating for the first time, kind of ever.

    This book really made me feel seen. Being humiliated by John was only her first embarrassment, but later when Claire makes mistakes she learns how to pick herself back up and try again. If you like a clean/closed-door romcom with a FMC in her 40’s, friends-to-lovers please pick this up. It is not the complicated and dramatic and sad plot in many lovely books. This one is a lot more like a Hallmark movie, it is perfect in its pure simplicity. The characters do have some tragic back story, but this is not the story, it is more about the every day, the inner dialogue that is perfect for a character learning who they are.

    I loved the text message exchanges between Claire and her adult daughter Minnie, her quirky first dates that go nowhere, and her tiny triumphs. This book was honestly a real joy to read.

    I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

    Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. Book to be published June 8, 2026.

  • flighless birds of new hope by farah naz rishi

    A sweet and heartwarming story about a family- the parents die in an accident and the 3 kids are navigating life without them. There is some toxic family situations as growing up the parents are all about their show cockatoo, Coco. Aden is executor of the estate and his younger sister has been holding things together. Their youngest brother is 13 and still navigating through life and his place in the family. Aden opens the cage and asks Coco to go, then they try to catch her as they monitor her ID chip, like a collar, as she flies across the country.

    The symbolism is pretty in your face here- flying the coop, working together towards a common goal, finding their freedom in their family connection. It isn’t sad as I thought it would be, the narrative mostly revolves around their common mission to bring Coco home.

    the polarizing part is going to be the chapters (these are short/small) that are from the birds POV. On the audiobook she uses a child-like voice for Coco, some people really hate animal POV, but these are heartwarming and charming if you like this kind of thing.

    Audiobook review- easy to follow, sweet and charming audiobook performance.

    Thanks to netGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ALC. Book available now.

  • the underachiever by david a price

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    A delightful YA Dystopian satire that will warm your heart and make you laugh. This speculative fiction read is about AI taking over in the not-too-distant future. Our hero is Wyoming, a dumb yet lovable prep school kid in Washington, DC. He comes from money and doesn’t see the need to try too hard at life. He figures he should interview for Harvard, since that’s where his parents would want him to go. And he would like to “lie in the grass” there, he mentions this several times. However, he crosses paths with Kayleigh, who has been ostracized for seeing that AI may be sentient. Soon Kayleigh and Wyoming need to team up and save the world.

    I stumbled across this funny book offered on NetGalley, it was a delightful surprise. As someone concerns about the rise of AI and the problems it could cause, I also find the teenage boy endearing. Because I am a mom to a teenage boy, who is as smart as he is dumb. The book gave me a lot to think about but plenty of opportunities to laugh. I loved the idea that the AI started putting extra fingers in our art as a way to give humanity “the finger.” Kayleigh was a great foil. The book has a great message without being too heavy handed.

    Also- the acknowledgements are written from the PoV of the main character, who thanks the author, which was creative and really cute.

    Thank you to NetGalley and Houston Street Press for the ARC. Book out now! Congratulations Houston Street on your debut title!

  • dog person by camille pagan

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    I took a minute to write this review because I had to stop crying. One word…. Heartwarming. Written from the POV of a dog, Harold, who is getting older. His owner Amelia died of cancer 6 years ago, her partner Miguel now runs their bookstore solo. That’s another thing! It takes place in an independent bookstore! And the dog tries to help Miguel find love again after Amelia’s passing. The bookstore is on the verge of extinction. So they have to save the shop and find love. Literally it does not get more heartwarming.

    Can you even with all of the sweetness??? The story is exactly as adorable as it sounds. I don’t think Harold’s breed is ever mentioned, but he’s probably a mutt because he is a rescue. But his inner dialogue is very golden retriever energy. He is just as loving, loyal, and unconditionally loving as we know our dogs to be. There is also a 12 year old girl in it- single mom Fiona is our FMC, although I didn’t feel intense chemistry between them it would have been inappropriate in this story.

    Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte press for the ARC. Book to be published April 6, 2026.

  • the forget me not library

    If you are looking for an entirely wholesome light-magical realism heartwarming small town, look no further than Forget-me-not, Alabama. This is one of the most wholesome books I have ever read. Even the inner dialogue is quaint and truly big hearted. There are two POV- assistant librarian and single mom Tallulah, who lives in Forget-me-not with her grandfather. She was divorced 18 months ago. The other POV is Juliet Nightingale. She is a school nurse on a road trip after losing her memories in a lightning accident. Juliet’s car breaks down and starts smoking blue smoke. Their lives are entwined as they get ready for the climax at the town “Flour festival” which highlights baked goods.

    Many thanks to Macmillan as a part of the early listeners program. The audiobook narration was fantastic- the Alabama accent was authentic and pleasant while engaging. The pacing is deliberate and intentional- for me I found the speed I was able to follow best was 2.0. It was easy to follow Tallulah vs Juliet’s chapters.

    Katie was a great child, I loved her personality. There are no major villains in the story, the conflict comes from the characters accepting their destiny. Who doesn’t love a book about libraries and books? Another plus for me was an anecdotal story about a queer character.

    It’s a good story and one you wouldn’t be embarrassed to listen in front of your kids.

    Thank you Macmillan for the ALC ! #macaudio2025

  • before I forget by tory henwood hoen

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    An engrossing tale- a late coming of age story that ends up being incredibly relatable. That time of life where you look from side to side and realize you are the adult in the room. Cricket, at 26, comes back to the Adirondacks to sit with her father, who is healthy aside from Alzheimer’s. Sometimes he doesn’t know her at all. After a tragic accident ten years earlier left a grieving Cricket to lash out at her family, she realizes now she can’t truly reconcile with her father, but she needs to create a new relationship instead.

    Soon she starts to notice that he is able to predict the future in small ways- that the blueberries were ready, much earlier than usual. That they were looking forward to a visit from Seth, who had died years earlier. Together, Cricket and her father co-create a final chapter to determine if he is an oracle.

    Some believe that Alzheimer’s is a gift for the end of life, to forget your hangups, your resentments and regrets. To live fully in the moment and be fully present. This story explores that concept, while at times it is heartbreakingly sad, it is also sweet and touching at others.

    It’s a stunning audio performance from Barrie Kreinik. Inner dialogue with just the right amount of hesitation and insecurity, this is perfect for a long ride or while doing errands. I listened while at a Big 10 football game with AirPods in, everyone around me cheering and I was silently listening and wiping tears from my cheeks.

    Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. book to be published December 1, 2025.

    macaudio2025

  • the book witch by meg schaffer

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    Instant love of this one. This is a story for those who love stories. For everyone that ever had a book boyfriend, who wanted to dive into the pages of a book, or to have a cup of coffee with Sherlock Holmes. It makes me want to go to the library and check out Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, and several Nancy Drew novels.

    I kept thinking of the scene in the Barbie movie when Barbie goes to talk to the creator of the doll, played by Rhea Perlman.

    It’s so so good. I am grateful to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC. Book to be published 4/6/26. I have already pre-preordered a trophy copy.

  • ms mebel goes back to the chopping block by jesse q sutanto

    Mebel (pronounced “Mabel”) is shocked with Henk (pronounced “Hank”) tells her that he is leaving her for their 24 year old chef. Mebel loves being a Chinese-Indonesian “trophy wife,” she plays tennis and shops and has a collection of Manolos and Birkins to die for. She loves being an elder auntie and meddling mom. Mebel wants her life to go back to normal,
    And decides she needs to learn to cook at culinary school in order to win Henk back.

    Michelle Obama once said that when they go low, we go lower. Or something like that anyway. She’s not one to argue with Michelle Obama.

    Hilarity ensues! Mebel is a fish out of water as a first year student surrounded by Gen Z kids who don’t pay her the respect she expects in her culture. And a famous chef, Alain, who looks like George Clooney, is a compelling character who we aren’t sure may become a romantic interest.

    I am telling you right now, son, treat your wife better than how your father has treated me.

    Jesse Q Sutanto created the extremely endearing and lovable Vera Wong, as well as the cozy mystery Aunties series. Mebel is cut from the same mold, but this story has no murder and little mystery. Although there is a little romance, I would classify this as more of a “coming of age” tale except the main character is 63. Mebel is hilarious and a deep character with amazing growth. This is really the kind of story where a one-dimensional caricature becomes much deeper and eventually grows into a better version of themselves.

    “That is nice, but I am Chinese mother, I don’t respect anybody’s privacy. Start the car.”

    Mebel would probably hate that I described her that way. But going along for the journey was certainly entertaining. Suntanto has deep respect for her culture while finding the smart woman within.

    If you like Vera Wong, you’re going to love Ms Mebel.

    Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley for the ARC. Book to be published 4/28/26.

  • mad mabel by sally hepworth

    Seems like a bold statement to make on July 31, 2025… but I think I have just read my FAVORITE book of 2026. I am about to become a book bully to make everyone read this hilarious, heartwarming, shocking book. If you like books that have a feisty octogenarian, quirky memorable side characters, secrets and twisty mystery, and plenty of laughter through tears, have I got a book for YOU. Especially if you cherished Anne of Green Gables as a kid, and always wanted a bosom friend like Diana Barry.

    Elsie knows everything that goes on in her neighborhood, even with her nemesis Imhann. When he ends up dead, precocious neighbor Persephone announcing his demise, Elsie’s hidden identity as “Mad Mabel” comes out. But why is she known as “mad Mabel”? What happened in her young life?

    Told in alternating timelines, we follow the oddball outcast Mabel from age 3, when her younger sister tragically died of polio, like so many in the 1950’s. In the present timeline, Elsie at 81 is charmingly grouchy, annoyed with the police, and begrudgingly ends up with Imhann’s dog Nugget. What is her story? How did she become known as Elsie? And did Imhann die of natural causes or was Elsie behind it after all?

    I was SO sucked into this story, the CHARACTERS- even minor ones, are so real. I roared with feet-kicking laughter, my mouth dropped open with shock at the reveals, and I put down the book to cry real tears. This book is a supreme roller coaster of emotions that you won’t forget. It ABSOLUTELY will be made into a movie. My first choice for playing Elsie is Jane Fonda, but Lily Tomlin would also be phenomenal. Only a skilled actor with incredible range will do.

    The last line of the book? Just about threw my e-reader across the room.

    Seriously this story is just too good for Hollywood to miss it. I can’t wait for you all to read it. It is worth bumping to the very top of your TBR.
    6/5 stars

    Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins press for the ARC. Book to be published 4/20/26