Toni's Book Corner

Tag: book-reviews

  • 7 Books I want to read again

    7 Books I want to read again

    The highest compliment you can give to a book, is that you want to read it again. Not only does it show you enjoyed it, but that you liked it so much you want to read it again, even though you already know everything that happens. This year, I have already read some of my favourite books again, for instance The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah and the entire Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, and they are some of the best books I have ever read. So, in stead of giving you recommendations of great books to read, I will list books that I have already read, but plan to read again sometime, because actions speak louder than words.

    The Favourites by Layne Fargo

    If the fact that I want to read this book again, less than a year after reading it the first time, does not convey how much I enjoyed this book, maybe the fact that I finished it in just over a day will. I was completely invested in the story of Kat and Heath and almost read it in one sitting. After the recent Olympic Games, Fargo’s book is extra relevant, especially for those who enjoyed watching the skating. She transports the classic story of Wuthering Heights to the modern setting of figure skating, where it is mostly the passion and toxicity between the protagonists that is taken from the original. Kat and Heath have been partners on the ice for years, and are skating their way to the Olympics. Their chemistry on the rink continues on into real life, but the way to the top is ruthless. After a dramatic turn at the Games themselves, their years-long partnership falls apart while the whole world is watching.

    Fargo tells this story in a documentary-style, which makes it even more captivating. Each character tells their version of the events so the reader can figure out what actually happened ten years earlier, one piece at a time. Picking up this book means getting swept away in a whirlwind of pirouettes, medals, passion and rivalry, and finding out what lies between ambition and love.

    Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

    After reading Days at the Torunka Café, I was reminded of Bo-Reum’s book . The two have a similar atmosphere, in that they are both comforting, and promote feeling happiness in the little things of life in stead of striving after constant success, forward movement and speed. While reading this novel, it actually feels like you are in the bookstore, surrounded by the other characters, which made me feel incredibly peaceful. I have another book in this genre of healing fiction on my radar, but in the future I will re-read Welcome to the Huynam-Dong Bookshop to get that warm feeling again.

    Anxious People by Frederik Backman

    I recently wrote about Anxious People in my post on 6 books with the most original plot, and this made me realise how much I enjoyed reading this and what a wonderful book this was. Generally, I really appreciate books where the characters are truly developed and feel like real people, and this is definitely true for Anxious People. Not only is the plot unique and well-developed, filled with both fiction and thriller elements, the execution of the storyline is woven into the characters and the human connections they form with each other. The story is a beautiful reminder that we never know what other people are going through, and that we are never truly alone, even though it sometimes feels that way.

    Beach Read by Emily Henry

    As I mentioned earlier, I find it hard to rank Emily Henry’s books in terms of which one is my favourite. I have read most of her books by now, and enjoyed all of them. The reason I specifically want to read Beach Read again, is because the first time was a busy period for me, and I don’t feel like I got to enjoy it to the best of its abilities. Exactly because Henry’s books always make me fall in love with reading, I want to read Beach Read to its full potential. I Particularly enjoyed the setting by the lake and the meta-aspect of the protagonists both being writers. It gives an actual insight into what writing must be like for Henry herself, since I assumed authors often put little pieces of themselves into the subject matter they write about. Plus, I truly enjoyed all of the cameo’s of the books of both January and Gus in Henry’s other books. This was coincidentally the book I read right after The Favourites, so it was a great week of reading for me then.

    Frank & Red by Matt Coyne

    This will come as no surprise if you have read my review on Frank & Red. It was my first favourite of 2026 and really tugged at my heartstrings. The characters truly feel like friends at the end of the novel, which I why I want to read about them again. Since I have already gushed about this book quite a lot on my blog, I won’t write too much about it here, other than that I knew right when I turned over the last page that I would one day read this book again.

    Firefly Lane Kristin Hannah

    It could also come as no surprise that Kristin Hannah features on this list, since I have written many a positive word about her, and as mentioned in the intro I have re-read the Great Alone by her at the beginning of the year. Choosing which book of hers I wanted to re-read next was the most challenging part, and it was a toss-up between Firefly Lane and The Nightingale. I might pick the latter up again in the future as well, but since it is being made into a movie coming out in 2027, I will be more surprised watching it if the contents have moved to the back of my mind a bit more. I vividly remember how I felt while reading Firefly Lane, and it was full of many emotions. Though I have cried with almost each of her books, Firefly Lane really hit me hard, and that is because it is so relatable for many of us. The book shows the power of female friendship, and because I have been blessed by wonderful friends myself, it felt special reading about it. While I am convinced it is not the last Kristin Hannah book I will read once again, it is the next one on my list.

    Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

    Because of my Literary studies and interest in literature I have read many classics and Austen’s books have always been among my favourites. While I have read a few and have read her most famous work Pride and Prejudice multiple times already, I want to read Sense and Sensibility again soon. The first time I read it is already a few years ago, but I love the lyrical writing, reading about a different time, and the characters. It is a love story set in a different time, but still moves me as a reader in the 21th century. And, since the edition I have is incredibly beautiful, I have to honour it by reading it again.

  • Books that are coming to the screen in 2026

    Books that are coming to the screen in 2026

    The last few years has seen a surge of book to movie adaptations with the online popularity of books rising. Although it can go one of two ways when you favourite book is being brought to the screen, it is usually exciting. After seeing both The Housemaid and People We Meet on Vacation, I wanted to list the other upcoming adaptations for myself, so I decided to write a post about it. Here are some book to movie adaptations coming out in the next few months.

    His & Hers by Alice Feeney (January 8)

    I only found out there is already a series out for this Feeney book by doing research for this article. At first I wasn’t going to include it, but there might be others like me, who read and liked the book and don’t know it has recently been made into a series yet. His & Hers is a thriller with a hint of romance and a great plot that keeps you guessing until the very end.

    Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (March 20)

    While I have not read this book yet, I have a copy because I want to get to it soon. I have heard great things about the novel, and since I want to expand my book taste this year I chose Project Hail Mary as the first book to dip my toe back in to sci-fi. It takes place in space, is supposedly funny ánd thrilling, so I expect great things of both the book and the movie.

    Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (April 15) Elle Fanning

    Thorpe has written such an original storyline with Margo as the protagonist. When she falls pregnant, unplanned, she has to find a way to provide for her child and herself, and quickly.

    She is twenty years old, unemployed and about to get kicked out of her apartment when she decides to make an OnlyFans account. With the help of her estranged father, who moves in with her to help care for her child and, oh yeah, is also a famous wrestler, she crafts a series of videos starring a compellingly curious character. When her account skyrockets into succes, she has to ask herself if this is truly the answer to her problems, or just a temporary fix. The book was so cleverly crafted and funnily absurd, that I can’t wait to see how they bring this to the screen. The main role is reserved for Elle Fanning, who will undoubtedly do a fabulous job and other names like Nicole Kidman promise a wonderful movie.

    Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (May 8)

    Like Project Hail Mary, I have this book on my shelf, but still have to read it. Not only did this debut novel gain in popularity last year, but it is a unique concept where themes of loneliness, grief and hope are explored through the narration of an octopus. I am anticipating a wonderful reading experience with this book, but also am intrigued to see how they will bring this to the screen.

    The Odyssey by Homer (July 17)

    As this is an indisputable piece of cultural history, I don’t think I need to give a summary of the book, nor do I think I can. This literary masterpiece is set in Ancient Greece and forms the basis of many other stories, books, movies and so on. Though it has been adapted often before, Ancient Greece and Greek mythology are topics that I am very interested in, so am excited to watch The Odyssey when it comes out in July. With names like Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Christopher Nolan and many more working on this film, I am sure it will be nothing short of inspiring.

    Verity by Colleen Hoover (Oktober 2)

    Many of Hoover’s books are getting adapted recently, but I have not watched any of them yet. The adaptation of Verity one I will definitely watch though, since I both enjoyed the book and Dakota Johnson is starring as the main character alongside Anne Hathaway. When the cast is that strong, the movie has to be too.

    The Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collings (November 20)

    Another book I have not read yet, but I will without a doubt watch the movie. I have read the original trilogy way back when they had just come out, and was captivated by them, like so many of us. The movies were possibly even better, and when The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes came out, I watched the movie without having read the book. If I get to it first, I still want to read the latest novel, but if not I will gladly watch the movie when it comes out.

    The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (2027)

    While this one is not planned for 2026 and does not have a definite release date yet, I simply had to include it in this list. As you may know, Kristin Hannah is one of my favourite authors and The Nightingale was the first novel I read by her. The storyline is captivating, heartbreaking and devastatingly relevant today. Set during World War II in France, it follows two sisters who take different paths in the war. The roles will be filled by the Fanning sisters, which I think is an excellent choice for these roles and I am incredibly excited to watch this move whenever it comes out.

    Beach Read by Emily Henry (2027)

    It is hard to pick a favourite Emily Henry book, but Beach Read is definitely in the top for me. After watching People We Meet On Vacation, I am even more excited to watch all of her other adaptations, if they are set to follow the same trend of colourful settings and great casting. Knowing that Phoebe Dynevor is already cast as January, I am confident this adaptation will be at least just as good as the previous book, if not better. Though we are still waiting for an official release date, it is already on my radar for 2027.

    If you watch any of these adaptations or read the books, let me know what you thought of them. And if there are more book-to-screen adaptations that I have missed, be sure to let us know as well.

    Follow me on Instagram @tonis_bookcorner

  • Favourite Book of February: The No-Show by Beth O’Leary

    Favourite Book of February: The No-Show by Beth O’Leary

    Like last month, I wanted to review my favourite book of the month that has passed, since it is now March. However, I have been a bit too enthusiastic in writing my review for Days at the Torunka Café right after finishing it, because now it turns out to be my favourite book of February. But, never fear, I have read many great books so I decided to review my second favourite book of February which was The No-Show by Beth O’Leary.

    I have mentioned O’Leary’s books multiple times already on my blog, but that is because I truly enjoyed all of the books I have read by her so far. The storylines are original and her characters unique, displaying both depth and growth. The No-Show was no different, and it is also the first romance book I read that had a big plot twist in it.

    When three different women get stood up by the same man on Valentine’s Day, you are not inclined to like this man. Siobhan has a breakfast date with Joseph, Miranda is waiting for her boyfriend Carter at a lunch place, and Jane needed a fake date to her colleague’s engagement party, for which she asked Joseph Carter. The story involves three very different women, whose only similarity is that they get stood up by the same man.

    What I enjoyed so much about The No-Show, is that O’Leary creates a situation in which the readers cannot easily root for the male protagonist, but eventually warm up to him. It is hard to give my full thoughts on it without spoiling the book, but when going in to it, you know that it is a romance book. As I read about Joseph’s situation with all three women, I kept thinking: there has to be an explanation for this, right? All the while believing there was to way O’Leary could write her way out of this situation.

    Like all of her books, the characters were well fleshed out, and I was rooting for everyone to get their happy ending. Siobhan is the first character we meet, and she is fierce, passionate and fiery, a real go-getter. Miranda is similar to her in that aspect, since they are both very strong characters. Her occupation as a tree surgeon made her really cool in my opinion, and I enjoyed the interactions with her co-workers. She has a softer side as well, which is something she shares with Jane who is a real sweetheart. She is kind and more introverted, set in her routines, but that is because she has some bagage from her past. Finding this out feels like a plot in itself, but it was also wonderful to see how the people around her cared for her and wanted her to get out of her shell. While they all go through an evolution, Joseph is the character who grows the most. While he comes across as chaotic, and sometimes deceitful, he is going through hardships of his own and in the end I found him a very likeable character.

    The side characters added to the plot and showcased different types of relationships and what they can bring: love, friendship, family, colleagues, hardship, loss, forgiveness and growth. As a reader, you can see the compatibility Joseph has with each of these women, and at times I didn’t know who to root for. The plot makes it so that you don’t know what to think the entire time, and while it can seem like there is no good possible ending, it all works out.

    If my review of the book intrigues you, don’t wait any longer to give it a chance, because it really is worth your time.

  • 6 Books with the most original plot

    6 Books with the most original plot

    Sometimes we read to have something familiar, to find comfort. When we know what we like, it is easy to look for similar books, because those (probably) won’t let us down. Sometimes, however, we want something new, something unique, something we have never read before. Some formulas are tried and true, but when a unique plot comes along it can peak your interest like no other and draw you in from page one. If you are looking for a book exactly like that, this post is for you as I will share six books I have read with an original plot.

    1 (and 2) Swept Away and the No-Show by Beth O’Leary

    O’Leary truly is the queen of original plots, no one does them like her. It was difficult to choose only one of her books, so I chose two.

    Swept Away is O’Leary’s latest release and I enjoyed it as much as her other books. When Lexi and Zeke meet at the pub, chemistry draws them to each other, and a passionate kiss leads to a night spent together of a home boat. Though Zeke was looking for true love and Lexi’s only interest was a no-strings-attached situation, they quickly find their difference in expectations the last of their problems. Going to the deck the next morning shows they are surrounded by water, more water, and then even more water. Lost at sea with a boat that is not equipped to sail and low on supplies, Zeke and Lexi will have to find a way to survive; both their adventure and developing feelings for each other…

    The No-Show is a story of three women with a date on Valentine’s Day. Siobhan is waiting for her breakfast date with Joseph, Miranda is at the restaurant for a lunch date with Carter, and Jane is at her co-worker’s engagement party, waiting for her fake date of the evening: Joseph Carter. One Valentine’s Day, three women, and no Joseph Carter to be found. O’Leary not only creates a unique concept with The No-Show, but her execution is equally captivating. This story is not what it seems, and the characters will take you along on a journey of waiting, heartbreak, and love.

    Another honourable mention is The Flat Share, O’Leary’s debut novel with an equally interesting premise. To learn more about this book, read my post about romancebooks without a third act breakup.

    3 How to Kill Men and Get Away With It by Katy Brent

    The title of Brent’s debut speaks volumes, and the book delivers on it. When Kitty Collins notices a man following her after a night out, what starts out as defending herself ends in a murder. No one is around, and it was surprisingly easy. When the body is discovered, days pass and Kitty finds herself completely off police’s radar. Could it really be that easy? Does that mean she should do it again?

    Brent writes a compelling story about a strong female character taking matters into her own hands. It is dark, twisted, hilarious and extremely entertaining.

    4 Anxious People by Frederik Backman

    Have you ever gone to an apartment viewing when suddenly a completely incompetent bank robber runs in and politely takes you hostage? Or, have you ever robbed a bank and have things escalate to you running into an apartment building to hide from the police, where you accidentally take a group of people viewing that apartment hostage? Probably not. But, if you want to read about this exact situation, you should pick up Anxious People. If you know Frederik Backman, you will know that he is not a thriller author, so this novel is a portrayal of different characters, their situations and how they all end up in their current situation. While the strangers in the apartment are anxiously huddled together, the story unfolds into a beautiful study of people in different stages of life who come together in this difficult situation and find their way of it. It is full of twists, turns, revelations and heartwarming people.

    This is my personal favourite Backman novel (out of the ones I have read), and I truly think it is one of those books almost everyone can enjoy.

    5 The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincebergs

    Three wives have had enough of their terrible husbands and their terrible marriages. When an investment went wrong a few years ago, Hank, Larry, Andres and Dave have cleared their savings and have nothing to show for it. After a tragic event, the women find out their husbands have taken out high life insurance policies. This discovery on top of the sufferings of their marriages has the women come up with a retirement plan of their own. One that will make them rich, husbandless and set for the future. One that involves… murder. What they don’t realise, is that their husbands have a plan of their own. When both situations start to collide, the future doesn’t look so rosy anymore.

    This lighthearted book with twists and turns is filled with humour, tension, and characters who don’t have the faintest idea about what they are doing.

    6 The Wedding People by Alison Espinach

    One hotel, one wedding, and one person who is at the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe she is exactly where she is supposed to be? When Phoebe Stone arrives at the hotel, she finds herself the occupant of the only room that is not rented out for a big wedding. Undisturbed, she plans to go ahead with her scheduled weekend, but that is without taking the bride into account. Lila has been planning her wedding for months and is not about to let a divorced, depressed stranger ruin it with her dark plans. One elevator conversation introduces the two women to each other, and will derail all of their best-laid plans.

    This novel is filled with friendship, love, tough decisions and finding our way in life.

  • 4 Inspiring Memoirs

    4 Inspiring Memoirs

    Memoir as a genre of books is one I have come to enjoy and appreciate over the last year. During my commute to work, I wanted to listen to audiobooks and though I prefer reading fiction, when listening to a book I actually prefer non-fiction. Consequently, I have discovered a number of memoirs that I really enjoyed. In this article, I will list my four favourites.

    1 The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bisschop

    While the title is a little misleading, (I went into this thinking it would mostly be about her time on Gilmore Girls), I was pleasantly surprised. Bisschop talks about her entire career in the showbusiness and her personal life, as the two have always been closely intertwined. When listening to a memoir, it is always so much better when it is narrated by the author themselves, and Kelly Bisschop did a wonderful job doing so. I have only one word to describe both the book and Kelly Bisschop herself: Fabulous.

    2 Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz

    The subtitle is a clear indication of what her memoir is about: Life on a Cult TV Show (While Also in an Actual Cult!). The most important takeaway for me is that you can never truly judge a situation as an outsider if you have never been through it yourself. People, myself included, often think people who join a cult are really naive to be manipulated as such and fall into the trap. Reading from the perspective of a person who went through it, shows exactly how it can happen, and that it is never as black and white as it seems. Lenz opens up and places herself in a vulnerable position, both in the book itself and by writing it. Not only does she share how she got into a cult, but also how she got out, which shows her strength.

    3 The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

    Everyone knows Britney Spears as a true pop icon of the 2000s and her life was led in the spotlight. Articles and photographs show a woman going crazy after the pressure of fame got too much, but in The Woman in Me, Spears finally gets to tell her own story. It is a heartbreaking one, and while I hope the media and paparazzi have changed since then, it is still important for these stories to come out. Not only so Spears can move forward, change the narrative about herself and her family and regain control over her life, but also to make a difference for the next generations.

    4 I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

    With this title, McCurdy instantly drew the attention of thousands of people, and it sets the scene for how extreme the relationship with her mother was. This book is about more than that relationship, but also about growing up as a child actress on famous Nickelodeon shows and the struggles she endured because of her controlling mother and problematic director. Despite what the title might imply, McCurdy manages to convey her story in a respectful way, displaying a level of maturity and strength that I really admire. Similar to The Woman in Me, this book is important for exposing the toxic circumstances many actors and singers had/have to work in, and ensuring improvement.

  • Historical Fiction around the World

    Historical Fiction around the World

    One of the things I enjoy about reading is that it allows me to continually learn new things. The genre that lends itself the most to this, aside from non-fiction, is historical fiction. This article will take you around the world and through history via some of my favourite books. From 1860s Japan, through World War II in Europe to America in the late nineteenth century. Buckle up, grab a camera and get ready to travel through time.

    1 The Last Concubine by Lesley Downer

    This book takes place in 1860s Japan and follows eleven year old Sachi. When princess Kazu travels through a farmer’s village on her way to the palace to marry the Shogun, she notices Sachi. Kazu decides to bring the girl along as her servant, confidante and to eventually offer her as a concubine to her husband. The Last Concubine is a beautiful story, intertwined with Japanese history from the Edo time period. The novel largely takes place at the palace, portraying customs that are wildly different from western culture. Set against the backdrop of a changing country, you are emerged in a world where tradition has to make way for modernity.

    Downer is a historic, has lived in Japan for over fifteen years and is fluent in the language. The novel is rooted in historical facts and taught me a lot about a time and place I hardly knew anything about.

    2 The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

    While Hannah has written multiple novels that take place in the past and feature specific time period and events, I chose The Four Winds. It centers around an important event in 1930s-1940s America and Canada that I previously knew nothing about: The Dust Bowl. In typical Kristin Hannah fashion, she weaves a heartbreaking story about adversity and resilience within the backdrop of this agricultural and environmental disaster that many people suffered from. The protagonist, Elsa Martinelli, has not had an easy start, but she has finally built the life she has dreamed about. Working on the farm of her in-laws is hard work, but finding a family and place to belong to makes it worth it. When tragedy strikes and a drought holds the Great Plains in an iron grip, Elsa is suddenly faced with making the hardest decision of her life. Does she stay at the land she loves but might prove unsalvageable, or fight for a better future for her children in California, a place described as paradise.

    Reading this novel has given me so much awe and respect for the strong people who lived through this, a hardship I can not even imagine.

    3 Sea of Memories by Fiona Valpy

    World War II is one of the most popular historical fiction topics and therefore features twice in this list. Sea of Memories is a love story, set in both Scotland and France. It starts in 1938, when seventeen year old Ella is sent to a Île de Ré, A French Island. She meets and falls in love with Christophe, and as many of us do when we are young and in love, she feels incredibly free. The feeling is short lived however, as times are grim. With a war on the doorstep, Ella is called back to Scotland. Desperate to oppose, she stays and joins the French resistance. With hardship and war surrounding her, the summer with Christophe on Île de Ré only floats farther away.

    Sea of Memories is a story that shows the incredible bravery of many people, when they had every reason to be scared.

    4 The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin.

    The story starts in 1939 and also centers around WW II, but this time it takes place in England. When Grace arrives in London, it isn’t at all what she had envisioned. War is on the doorstep and the only employment she can find is in a dusty bookstore, with a patron who is not keen to have her there. But when Grace discovers the beauty of reading and storytelling, she finds the strength to fight back.

    The Last Bookshop in London is a story about coming together and building a strong community, even in the hardest of times. Portraying the power and endurance of literature, this book is perfect for all readers. 

    5 Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo

    This story is told in a dual timeline, partly taking place in 2017 New York, and partly in 1946 Genoa, Italy. When Vincenzo and Giovanna fall in love, they believe their differences in descent is the greatest obstacle. He is the son of a count and she is the daughter of a tailor, but their connection is so strong that they do everything to make it work. When political tensions rise in their country, the young lovers realise that their differences are even greater, and betrayal from both sides shatter their love, and future with it. Dozens of years later, an engaged couple in New York bring their grandparents together to pose for a painting. When past and present come together, secrets come to light once more and everything changes. 

    While Stars in an Italian Sky is more on romance than some other historical fiction books, I still enjoyed learning about the time period and events that formed the backdrop to this novel. The period after WWII was still a difficult one, with political unrest throughout Europe. While some choices seen easy from an outsider’s perspective, this story shows that every decision has consequences. When in a different position, we might also choose differently.

    6 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

    In 1952, Kya is six years old. Her mother and her older siblings leave their home to get away from an abusive and alcoholic husband and father, but they don’t take her with them. Living isolated in the North Carolina Marshes, Kya’s father teachers her to survive, but when he too eventually leaves, she is left to fend for herself. Growing up away from society, as an outsider, Kya faces prejudice and harassment from the community. The older she gets, the more she has to battle her own desires to both be free from societal norms, and to belong and be loved. When a young man is discovered dead, locals immediately suspect the wild naturalistic girl, who will have to fight the prejudice to clear her name.

    While this coming of age story does not feature any particular historical events, the period it is set in frames the story and draws a clear picture of what that time was like. 

    7. Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand

    True to the title, this story takes place during the summer months of 1969. The novel follows the different members of the Levin family on Nantucket, as they go through changes fit with their age, while also adjusting to a tumultuous time in the world. Blair is going through a twin pregnancy, while her sister Kirby is swept up in the civil rights protests, their brother Tiger gets drafted and deployment to Vietnam and thirteen year old Jessie feels lost without her siblings. The effects of a changing nation are visible throughout this novel, while the Levin siblings go through their own dramatic changes.

    Reading Summer of ’69 was like travelling back in time through a photograph and living in that year for 448 pages long. Enchanting and immersive, Elin Hilderbrand has captured one of the most turbulent summers in American history in a gripping novel. 

    8 Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau

    Similar to the previous two recommendations, Mary Jane does not so much feature one specific historical event as it portrays the culture and the way of life of a broader time period in the West. Set in 1970s Baltimore, the novel follow fourteen year old Mary Jane as she discovers the world outside of her community, through her first summer job. Her mother is as glad as her daughter when she lands the respectable job of nanny for the daughter of a local doctor. Respectable as they might look from the outside though, the Cone could not be more different from Mary Jane’s own family. While she introduces the Cone’s to home cooked meals, crisp and clean laundry and milk that does not spoil, they introduce her to the world of sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. The more time she spends with them, the more she falls in love with their family and way of life, and starts to develop her own identity. As the summer goes on, it gets harder to keep her parents in the dark about what goes on in the Cone household. When summer comes to an end, will she be able to go back to her life before?

    Mary Jane is a coming of age story of a young girl, growing up in changing polar times, and deciding who she wants to be.


  • Favourite Book of January: Frank & Red by Matt Coyne

    Favourite Book of January: Frank & Red by Matt Coyne

    At the end of every month I like to look back to see what my favourite book of the previous month was. While it can be difficult to decide, January had a clear winner. Frank & Red is a beautiful story about a grumpy old man and an enthusiastic six year old with a trampoline. Not only was it my favourite book of January, but one of my new favourites of all time. Not only did it check the two measures I have for easily deciding if a book has made an impact on me, which are making me cry, and occupying my thoughts for a significant time after finishing it, but it had so much more. Vulnerable characters that find their way to a little corner of your heart? Check. Real human connections? Check. A book that makes you wish characters were real so you could give them a big hug and tell them everything will be allright? Check. Matt Coyne has made an impression on me with his debut novel and I intent to read a lot more by him. 

    The story follows an old man, Frank, whose deeply rooter sorrow in losing his wife has made him secluded and a real grump. One day, six year old Red moves in next door with his mom, since his parents just got divorced. They are both struggling in their own way, and find unexpected companionship in each other. Despite Frank’s reluctance to let Red in, the latter’s persistence eventually warms the old man up. Red wriggled his way into Frank’s heart the same way this book and its characters did into mine.

    While the novel has a strong plot that kept me intrigued, especially in the second half, Coyne’s real strength lies in his character work. Both of the protagonists are round, fleshed-out and go through an inner transformation. While the initial premise can be seen as stereotypical, grumpy old man meets happy kid who turns his life around, the characters overcome these stereotypes as we learn more about them. This goes beyond the two protagonists, as we also see how Red’s mom is struggling to provide her son with a stable and happy home, while going through her own life changes after divorce. Even Red’s classmates who don’t appear in a lot of the novel, feel like more than side characters towards the end.

    Coyne portrays different human connections: between a parent and a child, husband and wife, friends, neighbours, classmates and even strangers. Every connection feels very real, and characters are vulnerable because we can see the person behind the facade. The combination of character work and realistic human connections is what made this book so wonderful for me and why it has stayed with me since the last word.

    I think it is great for people who enjoy Frederik Backman, since it reminded me of A Man Called Ove. However, both are incredible in their own way and have a unique take on the premise. If you like reading about vulnerable characters, seeing them overcome their challenges, connect to each other and you want a story that warms your heart, you should pick up Frank & Red. And if you do, please let me know your thoughts.

  • 5 Romance Books without a Third Act Breakup

    5 Romance Books without a Third Act Breakup

    It might be the most dreaded moment in a romance novel, and one that has readers groaning aloud upon reading: the dreaded third act breakup. Like everything in literature, taste differs and while some people might enjoy the tension and disruption in the story line that it might bring, it’s not for everyone. This post is specifically catered to those readers who enjoy a romance that proves the characters can have a healthy and strong relationship that overcomes hardships without having to break up over them.

    Specific tropes or writing devices are always used for a reason, and in this case, advocates often describe the third act breakup as a way to ensure character growth. By challenging the protagonist with the breakup, they can show how they have evolved and overcome the flaw or trouble they have been dealing with for the entirety of the storyline by making up and ending with their loved one. While I have enjoyed romance novels with this narrative device, I prefer a story that shows the couple can resolve their issues, individual or joined, before getting together. I don’t think showing breaking up at the first issue that shows up after the protagonists getting together promotes a healthy relationship, because in my eyes, things can usually be resolved without them breaking up. That being said, even a romance novel needs some kind of conflict or obstacle, sometimes very small. I think there is a big difference between a third act breakup and a third act conflict. The first usually arises from miscommunication or the characters handling something in an obviously bad way, while the latter can be an external or internal conflict that the characters either resolve before getting together, or tackle together in a mature way. So, here are my recommendations that either have a third act conflict that is resolved in a well thought-out way, or does not have a third act conflict altogether. 

    1. Out on a Limb by Hannah Bond-Young

    When Win has a one-night stand at her best friend’s costume party, the last thing she expects is to see those two pink lines on a pregnancy test. Surprised but confident in her decision, she decides to keep the baby, and Bo, the father, steps up to the plate. Together, Win and Bo get to know each other, so they can be the best platonic parents for their child on the way, but along the way they find that maybe they can have it all. 

    This heartwarming story portrays one of the healthiest relationships I have read about and does not need a third act break-up to ensure character growth or to keep readers engaged. 

    2. If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

    This book caught readers’ attention last year for being a nostalgic autumn romance set in the late nineties and reminiscent of Gilmore Girls. Michelle, after losing her mother and divorcing her husband, moves from Seattle to Vermont, to temporarily run her late mother’s bed-and-breakfast, until her sister graduates and can take over. Her new neighbour is a single dad and runs a bakery, but he still finds the time to help her get settled in the bed-and-breakfast and offer companionship. They quickly develop a strong friendship, but as the end of Michelle’s three months in Vermont nears, they wonder if their relationship can blossom into something more than friends. 

    Despite outside factors complicating their situation, there is no third act breakup in this cosy romance, portraying a healthy adult relationship. 

    3. The Flatshare by Beth O’ Leary

    Beth O’ Leary has some unique concepts for her novels, and her debut, The Flatshare, is no exception. When Tiffy needs to find a new apartment to get away from her cheating ex-boyfriend, she ends up sharing a flat with Leon. The catch? The apartment only has one bedroom. The solution? Tiffy takes the flat from the evening until the morning, while Leon, who works the night shift, uses the flat during the day. The new roommates get to know each other through a series of notes, and despite never meeting each other something starts to grow.

    This romance was very unique, sweet, and completely third act breakup free!

    4. Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren

    As Tangled was my favorite princess movie growing up, this book was an easy hit for me. Tangled Up In You is a modern day retelling of the fairy tale, following Ren and Fitz. Growing up on a homestead, Ren has never partaken in regular teenage activities, never been to school or even held an iPhone before. She is twenty-two years old, she finally convinces her parents to let her go off to college so she can learn about new farming techniques to bring home. It is there she meets Fitz: smooth talker, teacher’s pet, and does not do charity work. When Ren finds out something shocking in their shared immunology class, the two find themselves embarking on a road trip that will change the course of both of their lives. Ren discovers more about the world she has never seen before, and Fitz discovers that the girl sitting next to him can show him new things too.

    Perfect for fans of Disney and real life fairy tales. 

    5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    A sure way to make sure your romance book does not have a third act breakup is to pick up a classic, because in that time, separation was not a possibility. Pride and Prejudice was a romance book in its own time, and while there are obstacles keeping the protagonists apart, there is no third act breakup. Set in nineteenth century England, a mother with five daughters’ main goal is to ensure they are all married to a rich and respectable husband. When a rich gentleman moves into the estate near them, Mrs. Bennet is confident one of her girls will marry him. While Jane, the eldest, forms an early attachment to the newcomer, Mr Bingley and makes a great impression, but Lizzie is less impressed with his stern and unsociable friend, Mr. Darcy. The two find themselves in each others company more often than expected, and feelings start to stir, but will Mr. Darcy’s pride and Lizzie’s prejudice prove to strong to be overcome by true love? 

    For those who like romantic books and want to get into classics, Pride and Prejudice is a perfect place to start. It is popular for a reason and, as a bonus, will spare you from modern day third act breakups.