The author’s style is difficult to read. The storyline is interesting.

In 1730 England a young girl called Red travels with her father predicting fortunes. When he dies, she goes to live with a guardian named Mr. Antrobus. Red has no idea who her mother was. She knows she has died. Her father is fearful since he tells her he has enemies and was terrified of them finding him. She is anxious to discover all these mysteries, and starts doing some research. I enjoyed this book, but I found it somewhat confusing because of all the characters. However, there is a twist at the end that I never saw coming.

This story is set in China during the 1800s. The fate of girls and women were tied to male society. During that time mothers bound their daughters feet. Generally, the feet of girls born in the country were not bound. This story is about two young girls: Little Flower and Lingjing. Little Flower’s mother bound her feet to give her a good chance of marriage. Lingjing’s father interceded in the binding of his daughter’s feet so she was released from the process. When Little Flower’s father dies, her mother needs to make a deal for her daughter’s future. The fate of both girls is sealed. The look at Chinese culture as well as twists and turns in the life of the two girls was fascinating. I could not put this book down. I was engaged in all the twists and turns in little Flowers’ life.

This book went back and forth for me. There were moments I was enjoying it and equally there were moments that I was struggling to get through it.

Interesting and entertaining

An emotional read, with insights into the meaning of friendships, the bonds we make with others, and the process of grieving. A shout out to Art Therapy.

A fun romance with an enemies to friends to

Paddy Swan is a well known and charismatic chef who’s life is tragically ended one night when he is pushed off a train platform. His grieving widow, Nina, receives a lighter in the mail with a note from a man named Nick Radcliffe claiming that he used to work with Paddy and he thought she would like to have this memento. They exchange a few emails and start dating. Asche, Nina and paddy’s daughter, suspects something is off with Nick’s back story and investigates his past. Is Nick who he says he is? Can Asche prevent Nina from making a huge mistake? Do the women in Nick’s past come back to haunt him? Read and find out. I enjoyed this book with all of its twists and turns.

This is the third book in the young adult, dystopian Shatter Me Series and in my opinion, these books just keep getting better! I would give this book a six out of five stars if I could. It really tugged at my heart strings. I had those moments where I just had to sit there and process what just happened. One of the highlights of this book is how friendships truly start to develop. What I love about this series is its great balance between romance and friendship. As much as I’m a sucker for a good romance, seeing strong friendships bloom always brings a smile to my face as a reader. Although the Shatter Me series includes six books, it can be seen as two separate arcs: the first three form one complete phase, while the next three begin a new chapter in the story. Ignite Me wraps up the first era beautifully and Restore Me kicks off what feels like a whole new storyline. If you read the first two books, definitely read this one!

Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty in this book are called Neve, Della and Bry. They are in midlife and married to the Charming brothers, who are not always so charming. The premise is cute and overall I enjoyed the book, but something stopped me from really loving it.