Mini Book Reviews – June 2024: What To Read & What To Skip

Welcome to my regular round up of mini book reviews of what I’ve read this past month!

In my list of mini book reviews, I include everything I’ve read recently that I finished.  I like to share both my five star reads and any misses to help you get a better idea of what you should read or might want to skip.

As always, I love to hear if you agree or disagree with my ratings! Let me know in the comments what you thought of my July 2024 mini book reviews.

 

Jackpot Summer

by Elyssa Friedland

Four grown siblings return to their family beach house to pack it up before their father sells it and three go in on a lottery ticket. When they hit the jackpot, their entire summer is changed…and not necessarily for the better.

It’s such a compelling exploration of what happens after winning the lottery and how it can affect family dynamics.
Elyssa Friedman delivers another unique novel that’s easily readable for summer and has the perfect hint of romance among the other relationships!.  | 5 Stars | Buy From Amazon | Buy From Target 

 

 

 

Tangled Up In You

by Christina Lauren

I was simply enthralled by this retelling of Tangled!! We all know Christina Lauren are incredible romance writers, but it’s clear that they poured their heart and soul into this. When you read the acknowledgments, they even admit that they were begging to write this specific story and finally got the chance to do it!

In this modern retelling, Ren is a young woman who grew up on a homestead and finally convinced her strict parents to let her attend college. She has had ZERO interaction with typical college kid experiences, like iPhones, the internet, and parties. But her kindness and genuine wonder quickly win over the campus.

All except for Fitz, the current golden boy at school. He cannot stand her innocence and do-gooder schtick. When Ren catches him crossing an academic line, she gets him to take her on a road trip to track down the answers to a recent life changing revelation. Through the week on the road, these two open up to each other and develop a tentative trust, amidst a series of adventures that mimic beloved scenes from the movie!

I adored all the wink and nods to the Disney movie!! It was so much fun catching the updated references and seeing how they worked them into this story. | 4.5 Stars | Buy From Amazon | Buy From Target 

 

 

 

The Same Bright Stars

by Ethan Joella

 I just finished this and adored it – perfect for reading at the beach while you’re enjoying local businesses and admiring the waves. A middle age man is facing a troubling decision: whether or not to sell his family restaurant to a corporation that’s been taking over small businesses up and down the shore.

There are so many insightful moments in this – examining legacy, taking chances, supporting our friends and making peace with the past. Plus he explores a variety of relationships, including colleagues, siblings, children, and new love, making it a well rounded and always engaging novel. | 4 Stars | Buy From Amazon | Buy From Target 

 

 

 

As always, I recommend using Libro.fm if you’re an audiobook listener!! Libro.fm directly supports indie bookstores, but costs the same as Amazon’s Audible! You can get TWO audiobooks for only $15 with my link and code CHOOSEINDIE.

 

Ready or Not

by Cara Bastone

I wasn’t expecting to love this since it has a surprise pregnancy trope. However, I heard so many good reviews from friends that I had to give it a shot. A sweet love story in the midst of dealing with all the trials of pregnancy that hit all the right notes.

Eve’s life is turned upside down after a one night stand with a bartender. As she navigates every stage of this unexpected pregnancy, both with the father and her close friend, she tries to untangle her feelings for both of them. 4.5 Stars | Buy On Amazon | Listen on Libro.fm (Get 2 FREE Audiobooks When You Try A Membership!)

 

 

 

 

eBooks:

 

 

Until Next Summer

by Ali Brady

This nostalgic camp romance from writing duo Ali Brady is another smash hit! Former friends join together to attempt to save their childhood summer camp from being sold…and discover new love along the way. You can head to my dedicated blog post for a full review!

 | 4.5 Stars | Buy From Amazon | Buy From Target

 

 

 

Middle of the Night

by Riley Sager

I’ve been working my way through all of Riley Sager’s books, so I was really looking forward to his new 2024 novel!

A haunting tale of a man struggling with the effects of being left behind while his best friend was taken from their tent and murdered two decades ago. When he returns to that house as an adult, he starts untangling what really happened that night.

Sadly, the tension and page turning nature of his other novels didn’t feel present in this one. It’s much more of a slow burn / reveal. So if you don’t mind that style of mystery – give this a shot!  | 3.5 Stars | Buy From Amazon | Buy From Target

 

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