Scan barcode
imlaurenshelton's reviews
62 reviews
Being Mary Bennet by J.C. Peterson
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I didn’t expect this to be a tearjerker. There are so many lovely aspects of the plot of this book and that makes it all the more worthwhile of a read. I truthfully only picked this one up because I saw it said Mary Bennet & was like “isn’t that the sister everyone forgets about?” I love how we just get thrown into the story and the protagonist really sets up the viewpoint of everyone nicely. As she changes so does how you view everyone, which I thought was nice. Beyond that, the story between the sisters, friendships, and love interests were all truly enthralling. It’s not often I am pausing the book to react to something that happened but I did it quite often during this read. I also just found out it’s a series so I will be looking into the other book(s).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Miscarriage, Vomit, Car accident, and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming, Infidelity, Racism, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual harassment
A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Honestly, this was entirely cheesy and completely frustrating. The writing style is creative but this feels like a short story with a lot of filler and fluff that doesn’t really add to the story. It’s not all that well written, very amateur but it’s definitely a lighthearted read that’s pretty easy going and quick to flip through. Annotating every single thought and reaction I had to these characters is what got me through this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Looking for Alaska by John Green
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
This book was okay, the plot reminds me of Paper Towns but with more angst and Alaska is a reflection of Peyton from OTH. The book is well written (duh it’s John Green) and can be enjoyable but the teen angst is nearly unbearable, combined with the vulgarity of these teenagers words and actions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Alcohol
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Religious bigotry, Car accident, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Body shaming
Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Reading this felt like watching a 2000-2010s RomCom, and I admit that I really enjoyed it. Some of the DNF reviews are funny to me because concerns they have are resolved towards the end of the book, but if it’s not your cup of tea then I guess that’s that. It’s very cliche and predictable in every sense but it’s just the right amount of cheesy and emotional to draw the right group of readers in. There are some serious quirks in here and one of the most debatably odd scenes in the book is when the main character uses a cell phone as a vibrator. I don’t advocate for random hook ups or premarital sex (discussion for another day) but even I was like, “there’s gotta be a better way…” and it was just ultimately cringeworthy.
Beyond that, obviously a book about making a baby is going to have sexual content, which I always take a little off for in reviews. However, I am very appreciative to the author that nothing was graphic, though I did just skip through some of these scenes. (Idk, like I get it - they had intercourse, don’t need deets). I think the most important part of this book was the reality brought forth in IVF and loss/grief, I know a little about IVF but I think this book did a great job of showing what that process can look like. I know nothing about losing a parent, but I also think that was depicted well here. Also, one review I saw stated they didn’t know infertility shaming was a real thing - let me tell you, it sure is. I have seen loved ones deal with it and it breaks my heart. Just like single shaming (which is also in this book) is a real thing, somehow both are real and happen often.
The author did an excellent job showing how Gemma grew throughout the book as she experienced certain things and had revelations about herself. As someone who is sometimes too blunt and admittedly, comes off self-righteous, I related to those moments where she blurts things out in the name of honesty. Thankfully, there is character growth and that’s a really great addition to this plot.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I don’t regret it. I think it can be almost informative for friends and family of those enduring IVF to have an idea of what that loved one might be going through. This is a nice, emotional and fun read that could probably be made into a movie easily.
I received my copy of Josh and Gemma make a Baby from Swift & Lewis Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Beyond that, obviously a book about making a baby is going to have sexual content, which I always take a little off for in reviews. However, I am very appreciative to the author that nothing was graphic, though I did just skip through some of these scenes. (Idk, like I get it - they had intercourse, don’t need deets). I think the most important part of this book was the reality brought forth in IVF and loss/grief, I know a little about IVF but I think this book did a great job of showing what that process can look like. I know nothing about losing a parent, but I also think that was depicted well here. Also, one review I saw stated they didn’t know infertility shaming was a real thing - let me tell you, it sure is. I have seen loved ones deal with it and it breaks my heart. Just like single shaming (which is also in this book) is a real thing, somehow both are real and happen often.
The author did an excellent job showing how Gemma grew throughout the book as she experienced certain things and had revelations about herself. As someone who is sometimes too blunt and admittedly, comes off self-righteous, I related to those moments where she blurts things out in the name of honesty. Thankfully, there is character growth and that’s a really great addition to this plot.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I don’t regret it. I think it can be almost informative for friends and family of those enduring IVF to have an idea of what that loved one might be going through. This is a nice, emotional and fun read that could probably be made into a movie easily.
I received my copy of Josh and Gemma make a Baby from Swift & Lewis Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Blood, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Body shaming, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A great Christian children’s book that touches on the importance of Pentecost and that we are all made in God’s image and are fearfully and wonderfully made. It includes Black culture and is geared more for Black girls, per the author’s note - however, this would be a great read for all children. The flow of the story was a bit odd, maybe just the beginning threw me off. The illustration is beautiful and I love the way the words are woven into the pictures. This is an awesome way to introduce discussions with your little ones who may be asking “why are we different” and even to talk about Pentecost. I received this copy of Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit from InterVarsity Press through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
God, Grace, and Horses: Life Lessons from the Saddle by Laurie M. Brock
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
“God, the great I am, loves us, in relationship. God gathers us in the holiness of community, in the miracle of we. We were truly not meant to be alone, neither horses nor humans. Because we were created for this.”
Laurie Brock takes readers on an introspective journey of faith and horses… well it’s more a horse informative read with pieces of faith sprinkled throughout. It was really interesting, to hear the many stories that helped shape her faith and love of horses. I also learned so much more about horses and horse culture. There are a few components of her theology that I don’t agree with 100% and there’s a disconnect in a bit of that, but I was still able to take something away from this book. I am very glad I read this and will definitely recommend it to some friends in the western world. I received this copy of God Grace and Horses from Paraclete Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Laurie Brock takes readers on an introspective journey of faith and horses… well it’s more a horse informative read with pieces of faith sprinkled throughout. It was really interesting, to hear the many stories that helped shape her faith and love of horses. I also learned so much more about horses and horse culture. There are a few components of her theology that I don’t agree with 100% and there’s a disconnect in a bit of that, but I was still able to take something away from this book. I am very glad I read this and will definitely recommend it to some friends in the western world. I received this copy of God Grace and Horses from Paraclete Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher
Death. I honestly love a good tragedy. Even bad tragedies. I like when HEA doesn’t look like rainbows and sunshine. For Full Flight, HEA looks like finding a way to move on past the death of a loved one and grief to continue living life and accomplishing dreams. After an entire novel of falling in love, moving past hardships, Anna’s boyfriend ,Weston, dies in a car accident driving home from her house. There’s no gore here at the final 20% of the book, just a lot of grief and sadness. There is also cursing and brief mentions of sexual activity between minors (which I always take a portion of the rating off for). I don’t think the content is too heavy to be disturbing at all, but felt it deserved mentioning.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
I love this book. I received an ARC from Tantor Audio through NetGalley and I am so ecstatic that I did. Because this book is just good. First of all - it’s not too much, which some may critique, but I like that it doesn’t push too much on the reader. The writing is good enough to guide the reader down Anna’s (& Weston’s) thoughts and expanding on those thoughts without being overbearing and flashy. Ashley Schumacher’s writing is really soothing, no matter the content, it’s intelligent yet easy to read. The words just flow well together.
Because I listened to the Audiobook, I want to highlight the narration from Tina Wolstencroft and Cody Roberts. They did an excellent job performing this story and bringing feeling into it. Because of the ending of the book, I’m glad I listened to this story; it felt like I was listening to a friend and I was much more emotional.
To the meat - I loved the story. I lovetragedy, which this is btw. The outcast kid falls in love with the quirky/odd duck that still fits in, what’s not to love? Oh AND it’s set in small town Texas, which was portrayed excellently. I adored the grappling of faith displayed in here, which happens to a lot of teens that grow up in church/the Bible Belt. No this isn’t a Christian novel, but it handled that topic well in my opinion. My favorite part of this book was the jacket (read the book, you’ll get it). I felt like every conflict in the novel was resolved, everything wrapped up neatly. I do recommend this book and I will be purchasing a paperback for my shelves. It’s one I will probably revisit often.
Because I listened to the Audiobook, I want to highlight the narration from Tina Wolstencroft and Cody Roberts. They did an excellent job performing this story and bringing feeling into it. Because of the ending of the book, I’m glad I listened to this story; it felt like I was listening to a friend and I was much more emotional.
To the meat - I loved the story. I love
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, and Car accident
Once and for All by Sarah Dessen
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
As a teenager, I enjoyed Sarah Dessen on multiple occasions. My favorite book of hers will forever be Lock & Key. I admired how she had the talent to talk about serious matters with grace and poise, highlighting the subject of the content matter rather than creating flash to draw readers in. So much about this book I love, first and foremost the revolving door of weddings (because I will always enjoy a good book with a wedding). I love Louna’s mom. I’m a hardcore fan, I think she’s funny and I completely understand her bitter (“cynical”) outlook on life, especially after what her husband did, but look at what she (and William) managed to do, while raising a child. William is the touch of love that’s needed throughout, always giving comfort and gentle nudges where needed. I sympathized with Ambrose, I saw a lot of my brother in him - especially with the tape dispenser scene. He’s just a young man trying to do right and people find him pre-emotive my annoying; of course there are some things he just gets utterly wrong, such as his revolving door of women and dates and animal theft behaviors. He’s the perfect charming, main-character-loves-to-hate love interest. I did not care for Jilly, I thought she was pretty self-centered and from my perspective, most of her actions towards Louna had an end-goal of helping herself out. As for Louna herself, she’s a character where my feelings get complicated. From what she experienced, I understand her anguish and bitterness towards love - but I don’t understand her dislike of Ambrose, not really. If she was someone who truly admired and believed in love and the process of monogamy, I would understand the dislike. However, she was built up as a cynical character who learned to hate love after listening to her mother and William after all these years. What Ambrose does shouldn’t affect her feelings about him, and yet she hates him instantly (coincidentally when he decides that he likes her). Her character was very wishy-washy, and maybe that’s in part to the consistent time jumps back and forth from present to a year ago.
At the end of the day, everyone gets their HEA and I did enjoy the book. However, I took off a star for the teenage sex (I don’t care if it happens in real life, I don’t like the idea of pushing teens to have sex) and the unlikable-ness of Louna. I think there’s an issue where all the supporting characters are more well-liked despite their flaws and the main character is meh. I would recommend this even still to anyone looking for a lighthearted summer romance.
At the end of the day, everyone gets their HEA and I did enjoy the book. However, I took off a star for the teenage sex (I don’t care if it happens in real life, I don’t like the idea of pushing teens to have sex) and the unlikable-ness of Louna. I think there’s an issue where all the supporting characters are more well-liked despite their flaws and the main character is meh. I would recommend this even still to anyone looking for a lighthearted summer romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
Moderate: Mass/school shootings and Car accident
Minor: Cursing, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
This book, for its majority, is lighthearted and sweet. There are a few things to be wary of though. There is mention of school shootings throughout, none in graphic detail, but one of these shootings did result in the death of the main character’s boyfriend. She struggles with her grief throughout the novel, it being only months after the death. There’s also underage drinking, alcohol in general, cursing, and teen sex (mentioned after the fact). There is also a mention of her father dying from a car accident when she was a toddler, which she has no emotion about because she never knew him. But later this comes full circle, as her current love interest is thought to have been in a car accident (he wasn’t) and this scene may be disturbing to anyone who has experienced the like.
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I will have a better review later. For now, I want to say that John Green always wraps up his stories so beautifully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cursing and Toxic friendship
Aza has severe mental illness, it’s not identified but it could contain indicators of OCD & severe hypochondria and germaphobia. I don’t say this to diagnose the character but as a warning to anyone who may identify with those disorders that this content may be disturbing. Lots of medical content, therapy, etc… and mentions of death of parents, in mild detail throughout the entirety of the novel. There’s moderate cursing and a pretty toxic friendship, which was brushed under the rug to make amends.
Cold by Mariko Tamaki
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Unfortunately, a quick comparison can be made to The Lovely Bones and as much as I tried not to, I feel that comparison became apart of my reading process for Cold by Mariko Tamaki and may have influenced my perspective of the book. The book is pretty fast-paced and short, and yet I felt that filler in the book was not very enjoyable. I normally enjoy suspense/thriller novels, especially YA but this was a more character-driven story than plot-driven and that may be where the disconnect lies. I’m not a fan of the constant cursing or of stories that include teenage sex, regardless of what teenagers are doing in real life. This story has that and more, including: cursing, sex, death, murder, pedophelia (accusations), homophobia (accusations, LGBT+ themes, and violence. I think this book may be a great story for some readers, I’m just not one of them - but I did make sure to finish the book to see if it would change my perspective (it didn’t). I think I may have liked the story better if there had been more context and backstory to some of the filler scenes; the bones of this story are great, I just wish there was more meat. I especially wish there had been more depth to Georgia and Mark’s relationship as siblings, which may have changed the importance of the last few chapters.
I received an Audio ARC of Cold by Mariko Tamaki from Macmillan Audio through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an Audio ARC of Cold by Mariko Tamaki from Macmillan Audio through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.