Bite-Sized Reviews :: Edition Nineteen

I've realized that it is now almost July and I have SO many books yet to be reviewed! I thought I'd manage to get caught up by now, but alas... So! I decided the easiest way was just to do several mini reviews. Especially as it's been a while since I've read some of these and I'm not certain I have enough words to capture the stories properly. I do remember enjoying them all though! Does that count for anything? :)

Onward to the fun stuff!

Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufmann & Meagan Spooner
I loved it! This was an epic ending to the overarching storyline and definitely went in ways I wasn't expecting. Gideon and Sofia are completely perfect for each other and their journey to figuring that out is quite the adventure! I absolutely LOVE this entire series and highly recommend them!

Only Through Love by Mary Jane Hathaway
After loving The Pepper in the Gumbo, I couldn't wait to read more about Charlie. She is such a wonderful character! Watching as she makes mistakes, yet learns from them and grows stronger made me root for her. And I really, really wanted to give her a great big hug so many times while reading this!

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
I'd never read this classic until now, which seems crazy! But I definitely enjoyed it. The March family is the type that makes you wish you could jump into the story and be swept up in all their adventures and fun. I loved the sisters imaginations! And the way that everybody they came in contact with for any length of time immediately became part of the family. I especially loved how they took Laurie in. As I read part one (which was my favorite half of the story), I kept thinking this book would make the perfect read-aloud. Part two disappointed me several times and I ended the book wishing I'd stopped with part one. But overall I am really glad I read it! Just thinking back on all the fun they had as children makes me smile. I can easily see why it's considered a classic!

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
I listened to the audio of this and surprisingly really liked it! Tim Curry is an excellent narrator, by the way. :) This little story is very different. I wasn't really sure what to expect from it, but I ended it somewhat satisfied (because as Lemony Snicket himself points out, it is a Bad Beginning :) and most certainly intrigued! Enough that I hope to read the rest of the series someday. It was very fun to watch as the children use their limited skills (since they are children) to figure out a way to (kind of) defeat the villain!

Heir to Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
This little book reminded me how very much I love Ms. Donaldson's writing! And I was absolutely thrilled to get Philip's perspective upon meeting Marianne. The only problem I have with it? It's entirely too short! But that's a good problem, yes? :) I ended it positively itching to pick up Edenbrooke again. Excellent!

When Mary Met the Colonel by Victoria Kincaid
Simply a cute little re-imagining of Mary Bennet's story (from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen). Short but sweet! And it made me smile, which is all I can ask.

Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandera
This was cute! Phoebe is an avid reader, so much so that it overtakes her real life. To the point that she kind of can be a bad friend? Her friends do tend to forgive a lot sometimes, but she's so sweet that it's understandable. There's nothing earth-shattering about this story, it's a pretty easy setup and delivery. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't read it! Because Phoebe and Dev are pretty adorable together. My favorite bit was their friendship. I love a good friendship-turned-more story! When you're in need of a fluffy bit of entertainment, this one would suit perfectly. :)