For me a slow start, but a beautiful ending

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and sadly took my time reading this. It took a bit for me to get into it, and I kept picking up other books in my TBR pile.

Then, suddenly I was into it and ended up really enjoying it.

It's not quite the typical storyline, but the various narratives were compelling.

The ending was particularly well done, and beautiful

Beverage Pairing: I would pair this with a nice Merlot

A bit bland for a thriller

What We'll Burn Last by Heather Chavez
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Perhaps aspects of this plot were too similar to the book, Things Don't Break on Their Own (Which I rated 4 stars), but this just didn't work for me.

There were few likable or even believable characters. There were plot holes as well in terms of the investigation (or lack of at the time of the disappearances).

The story dragged a bit and even the fire chapters weren't as intense as I felt they would have been.

I did think Leyna was an ok character as was Dom, but I didn't completely love them. The others were just kind of blandly awful.

However, I didn't stop reading since I wanted to find out what exactly happened. The resolution was just ok. It was obvious from the start who Ellie was, and I wanted to see how that all played out.

Beverage pairing: Hmmm, perhaps a nice cold Pinot Grigio in case the mild fire scenes feel sweltering.

Well written fantasy

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this, and read it right after another book set at basically the same time-frame. So, that was a bit of a coinicidence.

I thought the characters were well developed, the magic was intriguing for the most part, and the love story was okay.

Bardugo's writing is what captivated me the most though.

Beverage Pairing: Water or any truly thirst quencing drink is best.

Fascinating premise

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started this initially on a Kindle, but ended up finishing with a hardcover version.

It took me a bit to get into it, but I am very happy I read it. I enjoyed both timelines, though was at times frustrated with Melina and various decisions that were made by her.

The author's note and references etc at the end are worthy reading too.

I had not heard of Emilia Bassano prior to reading this. This whole premise is fascinating.

Beverage Pairing: Perhaps a variety of tea blends