Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another outstanding book by Amanda Cox! I am devouring her books because she is such a skilled storyteller. She has a wonderful way of drawing you into the story right away and making you genuinely care about the characters and what happens to them. I was so sad when this book ended. I found myself wishing I could continue on with these characters and see where their lives took them after everything they had been through. The book does a good job of bringing everything to a satisfying close, and there is no cliffhanger, but I still just didn't want it to end!

This book reminded me quite a bit of The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. However, I felt that this story allowed me to get much more deeply into the characters and their histories, rather than focusing as much on the lighthouse itself and the duties involved in running it. This book is really about the people, their stories, and the things they experience. While the lighthouse plays a very important role in the story, the technical aspects of operating one are not the main focus.

Predictability: Low.  Near the beginning of the book I thought I knew what was going to happen, but I was thrown for a pleasant surprise when it turned out differently. 

Once again, I couldn't put this book down. I stayed up way too late reading and finished it in a little over 24 hours! I only have one more of Amanda Cox's books left to read, and I'm already sad that I'll soon be out of new books from her.

What is this book about?
Joey Harris leaves her small town to escape the fallout from a lawsuit involving her family. She takes a temp job restoring an old lighthouse on a remote North Carolina island, hoping for a fresh start.
While there, Joey discovers mysterious pages from the lighthouse keeper’s log describing dangerous rescues at sea. When strange events begin happening, the islanders believe the ghost of the former keeper and his daughter, who disappeared during World War II, may be responsible.
As Joey investigates the lighthouse’s history and separates fact from local legends, she uncovers a tragic love story from the past that may still have unfinished business in the present.

If you would like to read this book you can find it here. 

If you would like to read the first book you can find it here: The Edge of Belonging, and you can find my review of it here. 

If you would like to read her second book you can find it here: The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, and you can find my  book review of it here.

If you would like to read her third book you can find it here: He Should Have Told the Bees, and you can find my review of it here. 

I consider this a 5-star book and a 5-star author. I highly recommend it!

September 22, 2026 – Started Reading

September 23, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Chiaverini.
To preface, I am a sewist. I sew apparel and I machine embroidery, and I sometimes quilt, so this book appealed to me. I'm not saying you should be a crafter to enjoy the book, but it really was easy to understand the sewing aspects mentioned.
The book is about Sarah and her husband, Matt. They move to a small town and Sarah struggles to find a job. In the meantime, she agrees to help an older lady, Sylvia Compson, prepare her family estate, Elm Creek Manor, for sale. As part of her compensation, Sarah is taught how to quilt by this crabby elderly woman, who is a master of the craft.

During their lessons, Mrs. Compson reveals how her family was torn apart by tragedy, jealousy, and betrayal, It is a fascinating story in my opinion. The characters are relatable, their emotions and stories draw you into their lives. It is fairly predictable, yes, but that doesn't stop me from loving the book. Honestly, I couldn't put it down. I started reading it one morning and finished it in one day. It was engrossing and fantastic. It made me wish I had a group of friends and a quilting guild like the ladies in the book.

Mrs. Compson reveals parts of her past little by little and it is completely gripping. I was all in and wanting to keep reading to find out more. I was happy with the ending, even if it was somewhat predictable. I was equally excited and happy that this is a series and I am looking forward to continuing to read the story.

I see that some people do not enjoy the book and honestly I don't understand why. It is a captivating story and totally engrossing. I would recommend it to anyone.  It makes me want to get into my sewing room and start another quilt, lol. 

If you are interested in reading this book you can find it here.   

September 12, 2026 – Started Reading

September 12, 2026 – Finished Reading

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 Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow!! This book had me at the first chapter. It was an amazing book by Amanda Cox. I have read her other books The Edge of Belonging, and The Secret Keepers of Old Grocery. Both were exceptional.  This is the third book she wrote, but they are all stand alone books. I love her writing style. it completely draws me and and the characters are so real.
This book was nothing short of excellent. I read it over two days. There was a passage in it that really hit a raw nerve in me - in a very good way. It described something about myself that I never realized.
The book grabs at your soul. There is a lot of sacrifice and learning to trust between the characters stories. I was so invested in the lives of Beck and Callie. I was torn between the two sides and angry at other characters. I won't explain that as I want no spoilers.
My heart broke reading parts of this story and was slowly put back together as it went on. It was a true roller coaster of emotions as I read it. I experienced so many emotions - confusion, anger, contempt, worry, suspense, hope, happiness - and not in any order. It was a wonderful read and I have ordered another Amanda Cox book because I simply cannot stop reading them. She is an amazing storyteller.
I have read her other books The Edge of Belonging, and The Secret Keepers of Old Grocery. Both were exceptional.  This is the third book she wrote, but they are all stand alone books.  

Book Description: Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business--one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.

If you would like to read this book you can find it here. 

If you would like to read the first book you can find it here: The Edge of Belonging, and you can find my review of it here. 

If you would like to read her second book you can find it here: The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, and you can find my  book review of it here.

I consider this a 5-star book and a 5-star author. I highly recommend it!

September 09, 2026 – Started Reading

September 11, 2026 – Finished Reading

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 Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am absolutely drawn to how Amanda Cox weaves a fascinating story throughout her novels. She bounces between the present day and the past, slowly unveiling pieces of each timeline and leading you through a story that beautifully unfolds. The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is no exception.

When Sarah returns to her childhood home and wants to run the old grocery business with her mother and grandmother, she discovers that her mom wants to close the store. Her mom has always seemed to push Sarah out of the small town where they both grew up, but Sarah may have other ideas.

Grandma Glory Ann starts the story back in 1965 when she confesses to her family that she is pregnant with her deceased fiancé’s baby. In those days, this could be a scarlet letter that ruined a family’s reputation. From there, the story moves between the present day, following Sarah as she tries to get her life back on track, and Glory Ann’s story from the 1960s through the present. Interwoven throughout the story is the mother’s perspective as well.

It is absolutely enthralling and captivating, and you quickly feel like you know these characters. There are so many emotions woven throughout the story, along with moments that may completely blow your mind. It was an amazing story that I absolutely could not put down. I read the book in one day because it pulled me in so completely. I felt like I was right there in the grocery store with them, experiencing everything alongside the characters.

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here.  

If you would like to read the first book you can find it here: The Edge of Belonging, and you can find my review of it here. 

If you would like to read her third book you can find it here: He Should Have Told the Bees, and you can find my  book review of it here.

I consider this a 5-star book and a 5-star author. I highly recommend it!

August 25, 2026 – Started Reading

August 25, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult

The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I did not enjoy this book at all. I kept forcing myself to try to muddle through it, but I just could not find it interesting. Normally, I enjoy anything involving Egyptian history, but this book was so detailed and descriptive that it felt more like a scholarly text than a story.

The book felt cold and without purpose to me. I could not connect with the characters, and the character development just wasn’t there. I never felt engaged in the story or invested in what was happening. Instead, it felt like I was reading a textbook for school rather than a book for enjoyment.

I’ve enjoyed other books by Jodi Picoult, but unfortunately, this one wasn’t one of them.

Hard pass for me.

August 23, 2026 – Started Reading

August 25, 2026 – Shelved

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 Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and WOW! I can already tell you it will not be my last. I will definitely be reading more of her books! Beneath a Prairie Moon is a standalone novel—not part of a series—though I desperately wish it were because I am not quite ready to say goodbye to these characters!

The story begins with a woman who runs a matchmaking service. She receives letters and payment from sixteen men in Kansas who are hoping to find brides. Rather than simply sending the women off to marry these men, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She brings along a particularly troublesome bride who has already been returned several times and sets off for Kansas herself. Her plan? To teach the men of Kansas a little proper etiquette and, more importantly, what it really means to be a good husband before she sends any of the women to marry them.

What follows is a story filled with humor, romance, unexpected plot twists, and meaningful spiritual lessons. I laughed, I cried, and I was completely invested in what was going to happen next. I started reading this book late one night and finished it the following day because I simply could not put it down!

One of the things I particularly enjoyed was getting the perspectives of many of the townspeople and the women throughout the story. Seeing the events unfold through different viewpoints added depth to the characters and made the little community feel wonderfully alive. There are quite a few storylines woven throughout the book, and Sawyer does a wonderful job bringing them together.

On a predictability scale, I would say that some parts of the story were fairly predictable, but there were enough twists and surprises to keep me thoroughly engrossed. Even when I thought I knew where the story was headed, I still wanted to keep reading to see how everything would unfold. Near the end of the book a shocking turn takes place.

I also felt that this book had a similar feel to Amanda Cox's books, which is probably a big part of why I loved it so much. It has that same combination of heartfelt storytelling, engaging characters, emotional moments, and back and forth between characters own perspectives naturally throughout the story.

My biggest complaint? I desperately wanted a sequel! I was not ready to leave these characters behind, and I would happily read another book following their lives and seeing where their stories take them next.

The only slightly negative thing that I would mention is that I was on this incredible journey into these peoples lives and the book was amazing. There was a build up and an event near the end of the book and the last maybe 10 pages wrapped it all up quickly. I wish that it had gone more slowly over those parts of the story. Plus I wanted to know what happens next!!

If you enjoy historical fiction with romance, humor, faith, memorable characters, and plenty of heart, I highly recommend Beneath a Prairie Moon. This was such a delightful read, and it has definitely made me a new Kim Vogel Sawyer fan!

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

August 16, 2026 – Started Reading

August 17, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

For some reason, I just could not get into this book. I really wanted to enjoy it, especially because I normally love Amish fiction, but unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me.

The biggest issue I had was that the stories were simply too short to allow me to become invested in the characters. The book is made up of 18 “short tales,” but most of them felt more like very brief essays or snapshots than fully developed stories. Many were only around 5–8 pages long, which didn’t give the characters, relationships, or situations enough time to develop. Just as I started getting interested in someone’s story, it seemed to be over and another one would begin.

I also struggled with the fact that the stories didn’t seem to have much connection to one another. I kept waiting for the different pieces to come together or for there to be a larger storyline tying everything together, but that never really happened. Because of that, I found it difficult to feel emotionally connected to the book as a whole.

I rarely stop reading a book before finishing it, but I ended up putting this one down about halfway through. There just wasn’t enough substance to keep me engaged, and I found myself wishing the individual stories had been longer and more developed.

That being said, I know that every reader is different, and someone who enjoys very short, simple stories may appreciate this collection much more than I did. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me. Not every book is for everyone, and this just wasn’t my book.

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

August 9, 2026 – Started Reading

August 10, 2026 – Shelved

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 Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

At Morning's Light by Lauraine Snelling (Book 2 of Home to Green Creek Series)

At Morning's Light by Lauraine Snelling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Continuing on with the *Home to Green Creek* series by Lauraine Snelling, Book 2 picks up where Book 1 left off. It continues the story of Amalia, a Norwegian immigrant who came to Iowa to start a new life. She is raising Ruthie, an orphan in her care, while also running a boardinghouse until Ruthie comes of age. In this book, Amalia’s cousin makes the journey across the ocean to immigrate to Iowa and help her with the boardinghouse. We see more characters in this book to fall in love with as well as book 1 characters to continue reading about their journeys.

This book was just as good as the first—and I loved it! There is quite a bit more sadness and heartache in this story, but there is also love, healing, and faith. The characters take you on an emotional journey, and you find yourself laughing, crying, and feeling every emotion right alongside them.

I won’t give away any spoilers, but when I finished this book, I immediately wanted to pick up the next one. I am fully invested in the lives of these characters and can’t wait to see what happens next!

Unfortunately, the third book in the series hasn’t been published yet, so now I have to wait to find out what comes next. I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this series!

If you would like to read this book, At Morning's Light, you can find it here. 

If you would like to read my review of the first book in this series, Land of Dreams, you can find it here. If you would like to read the first book you can find it here. 

August 8, 2026 – Started Reading

August 10, 2026 – Finished Reading

View all my reviews

Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling (Book 1 in the Home to Green Creek Series)

Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**5 stars!** Completely engrossing! I was attached to the characters and their stories right away.

I have lived near Decorah, Iowa, all my life, and I am also very Norwegian, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to pick it up. It felt like it could have been connected to my own family tree. My grandpa came to the Midwest from Norway with his mother when he was just two years old, so I especially loved reading about what life was like for Norwegian immigrants during those days.

The challenges, faith, and endurance of the characters were so refreshing to read about. I found myself becoming completely invested in their lives and finished the book in just three days!  The book had be thinking a lot about how I could help others more in my life.  Amalia is so open to serving others and grounded in her Faith.  It was inspiring.  

I loved this book so much that I ordered the second one in the series right away. I want to keep following these characters and find out where their lives take them. Of course, I immediately looked up the third book, only to discover that it hasn’t been released yet! 😭 Now I’ll have to wait, which will be hard because I need to know what happens next!

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

If you would like to read the second book in this series, At Morning's Light, you can find it here. 

If you would like to read my review of the second book in this series, you can find it here. 

I’m also excited to discover that Lauraine Snelling has several other series that look amazing. I’m so happy to have found a new author whose books I know I’m going to love!

**Book Description:**
On the ship to America, Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson makes a solemn promise to a dying mother, vowing to watch over her five-year-old daughter, Ruth. Together, Amalia and Ruth trek to Iowa to claim the farm and former boardinghouse that Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. Struggling with an empty house and scarce resources, Amalia resolves to return the boardinghouse to its former purpose, aided by the kindness of strangers and the resilient spirit of her young charge.

August 3, 2026 – Started Reading

August 6, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down. I read it all in a single day because I was completely engrossed from the very first chapter. The story pulled me in immediately, and I found myself deeply invested in both the characters and their journeys. Every time I thought I could put it down, I wanted to read just one more chapter.

This was my first book by Amanda Cox, and it definitely won't be my last. Her writing is beautiful, emotional, and incredibly engaging. She has a way of making her characters feel real, and I connected with them instantly. While there were a couple of moments that were somewhat predictable, they didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book at all. The emotional depth and character development more than made up for it.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the way each chapter alternated between the present and the past. The transitions felt seamless and added so much depth to the story. Each chapter set in the past revealed pieces of the characters' histories that helped explain what was happening in the present, making every revelation meaningful. Instead of interrupting the flow, the dual timeline made me even more eager to keep reading.

What stood out most to me was the message of healing, forgiveness, and hope. The book beautifully shows how broken people can come together, face their pasts, and find restoration in unexpected ways. It was emotional without feeling overly dramatic, and the relationships felt authentic and heartfelt.

I honestly loved every minute of this book from beginning to end. There wasn't a single part I didn't enjoy, and I can easily see myself reading it again in the future. If you're looking for a beautifully written, character-driven novel filled with heart, emotion, and hope, I highly recommend this one. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time.
(I have already picked up another book of hers to read).

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here.   

If you would like to read her second book you can find it here: The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery. and you can find my review of it here. 

If you would like to read her third book you can find it here: He Should Have Told the Bees, and you can find my  book review of it here.

July 30, 2026 – Started Reading

July 30, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading!

 ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker

Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars If I could give 100 stars I would. 

loved it. loved both. deep and emotional

I'm so glad the author chose to make a sequel to the much beloved book Pax. This one was just as good as the first, though just as painful to read. I really don't understand how this is a kid's book. I'm a grown woman and I find the book extremely deep emotionally and it is so intense and so sad. I know this book is about healing, but I cried so very much.
I didn't want the story to end. I finished the book in two days. This book picks up with Pax and his mate having a litter of pups. The land is devastated in the after effects of war. Pax must find a better home for the family with more food, clean water, less people, etc. He sets off to find this and I will not put in any spoilers. But this story gripped me heart and soul from beginning to end.

 
I want more. I am fully invested in the lives of these beautiful foxes. I wish the author would write another in the series about them; sadly she said this is the last novel on them. 😢

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

October 28, 2025 – Started Reading

October 30, 2025 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Light Between Oceans is a beautiful story of Tom Sherbourne, a man whose war service and the unspeakable horrors he has endured have made him quiet, repressed and unable to express his feeling with ease. Grateful for the solitude lighthouse keeping affords him, he moves from post to post as a relief keeper, never staying in one place too long. When he’s posted to Port Partageuse to relieve the last keeper (who it turns out went mad) on the remote Janus Rock, 100 miles off the coast of Western Australia, he is able to enjoy the isolation such a distant locale affords – that is, until he meets the passionate, day-dreaming Isabel who awakens him to the joys of feeling again.

Writing to each other, they maintain contact and a slow and welcome romance develops into a relationship. But when Tom takes his new wife, Izzy, to this wild outpost of Janus Rock, the idyllic life Tom and Isabel thought they would have, one where they create a perfect family, unravels. 

I loved this book! What a great story telling author. I will definitely check out her other book.

This is a great story that draws you right in. Amazing characters, great detail and captivating read. I couldn't put it down. Many emotions. Sad ending, but fitting. I loved every bit. Would recommend. 

I have since found out that there is a movie made after the book.  I am excited to find the movie and watch it now to see how closely it follows the book. 

If you would like to purchase this book you can find it here. 

October 28, 2025 – Started Reading

November 17, 2025 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

The Light Through the Leaves - Glendy Vanderah

The Light Through the Leaves by Glendy Vanderah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really great read. There were times I cried, times I was like "no no no" and times the hair on my arms stood up. I was fully immersed in the story and I enjoyed it.
The characters were believable and the story progressed without stalling.
I would love a sequel to find out what happened to a family torn apart by a child abduction.
5 stars. Very recommended.

If you are interested in this book you can purchase it here. 

April 30, 2021 – Started Reading

September 12, 2021 – Finished Reading 

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

Review: Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman

Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It was a fast read, I didn't want to stop reading. I finished it in two days because the story just drew me in. I laughed, I cried, I was surprised.
This book is plain perfect, I didn't want it to end. I am glad it is in a series so the story can continue.
I love how Beth Wiseman writes. The characters and story come to life. She doesn't avoid hard topics and even though these are love stories they are not sticky sweet ones.

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

 READING PROGRESS

January 27, 2021 – Started Reading

January 29, 2021 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading!

Kristin

Review: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Miguel Ruiz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second time I have read The Four Agreements. The message is soothing, the writing flows well. There is some repetition and the writing is simple, but the message is beautiful and worth the read. Some of the points made in the book hit so close to home for me. It is a short read and an enjoyable one. 

 

READING PROGRESS

December 9, 2020 – Started Reading 

December 31, 2020 – Finished Reading

Review: The Great Alone

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book should come with a warning.
I got the book to read because I thought it was about a family trying to survive in Alaska. You know, homesteading, self-sufficiency, surviving. Instead I got a book with tons of violence, mental health issues, and chock full of domestic violence. This book triggered so much for me. I found my mental health suffering. Things I have buried long ago came to the surface. I got about 2/3 the way through and let the book sit awhile. I decided now to shelf the rest of it. It is super rare that I do not finish a book but this one took me to all the dark places and made me feel horrible.
The book is dark, depressing, and nothing like what I thought.

READING PROGRESS

November 5, 2020 – Started Reading

December 28, 2020 – Finished Reading

Review: The Summer Wives

The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It took forever for the story to start. I couldn't get into the story.
It was boring. The characters are not very likeable or relatable.
The story was beyond predictable which was annoying. It is a story about rich, privileged
kids doing whatever they want, acting how they want. Superficial issues.

The only good part of the story was I enjoyed how the characters lives intertwined, tangled, untangled, and then intertwined again.

I struggled to finish the book. Just as I read the last page it got good and the story ended. I wanted to read the story after the last page of the book; that story seemed more interesting. Sort of ends on a major cliffhanger.

I would not read it again.

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READING PROGRESS 

November 10, 2020 – Started Reading

November 16, 2020 – Finished Reading

Review: Magic Lessons

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story was well written. There are basically 3 sections to the story: When Maria was a little girl, when she was on her own/teenager, and then when she is older. Each part draws you in and you don't want to put the book down. I finished reading this in three days it was so good. As I was reading the book I kept getting this feeling that I knew this story somewhere - there were parts that were familiar. And then I looked it up and it hit me "Practical Magic." This book is apparently the prequel to that. It tells the beginning of the Owens women's story.

I was angry at times with this story - why do all books have the woman be stupid and do things for love even if they know how dumb they are? Why do they chase a guy that wasn't good to them? Just once I want a book where the woman knows how stupid the guy is and doesn't chase him. Just once I want that woman to pick the good guy, the right guy.

Regardless, this is a story about smart women that do stupid things because of their emotions. It pulls you into the story and you will be sad when the book ends. Some parts are a little wordy, and some parts could do with more explanation. Overall, a really good book.

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 READING PROGRESS 

October 20, 2020 – Started Reading 

October 23, 2020 – Finished Reading

Review: Where the Lost Wander

Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rarely is a book 5 stars to me. This book was an excellent read with many feels throughout it.

I wish the prologue wasn't there. After reading it, the immense sorrow I felt, made the rest of the book feel different. The prologue tells of a very important event in the story about 3/4 the way through. Then the book starts at the beginning and leads you up to that prologue and after. So the whole time I'm reading the book I am filled with sadness and dread because I already know what is going to happen 3/4 the way in. This doesn't take away from the book's greatness. I was still sucked into the lives of these people emigrating across the Oregon Trail.

Part of the fun of this book was reading about the travel across the Oregon Trail. Like any kid that grew up in the 80s and 90s I played "the Oregon Trail" game on the computer for school. It was fun to read about the places I had already been aware of from the game. It was like putting the game to life with real people. I knew where they were on their journey, I knew where they were going, and I remember the hardships my "settlers" faced at certain parts so I sort of knew what was yet to come.

I wish there was a sequel, the book was that good. I didn't skim any pages, I was thoroughly engrossed in the story the entire time. It took me 2 days to read but only because I had other things to do too. Nothing was predictable or stale, the story was awesome. 

READING PROGRESS

September 14, 2020 – Started Reading

September 14, 2020 – Shelved

September 16, 2020 – Finished Reading

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Review: Waiting for Hope

Waiting for Hope by Karen J. Hasley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in the series started out great. The first half kept me interested and I enjoyed the story of Hope's journey. About halfway through is when the book became super predictable and not as fun to read. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't exciting or new either. It was the same old "broken girl from wrong side of the tracks meets handsome rich guy; they fall in love but don't want to acknowledge it; tragedy happens and they realize they can't live without each other." This type of story has been written time and time again. If I hadn't wanted to read book 3, I probably wouldn't have finished book 2. It was nice to learn some of the things that happened between book 1 and 2 though; I enjoy reading about Lou's family.

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READING PROGRESS

July 13, 2020 – Started Reading
July 22, 2020 – Finished Reading