so-soWhile there are some beautiful details in this morally complicated novel, Glendy Vanderah‘s writing is absolutely NOT for me. Her dialogue does not even come close to approximating the way that people actually speak to one another.
I appreciated the author‘s respect for nature, her underlying message about climate change, and the “magic” of Riley‘s family (vintage dresses, fossils, clock gears, art, the moon, moths, and secular prayer).
pickWhen I started this book I was a little unsure about what I was getting into and it had a slow start for me but once it took off I couldn‘t put it down! This book had romance mixed with some mystery and secrets and I couldn‘t get enough! One thing I really love about Once Upon A Book Club is that I discover new authors and such great books! I really loved this one.
Here are my March #bookspin and #doublespin picks. Bookspin is just a generic ebook, so we‘ll see what I end up reading! And the other is one of @DebinHawaii ‘s #ALSpine reads!
Congrats on your Litsyversary, @MatchlessMarie 🎉! And thanks for the #YearEnd100k Giveaway!
The 3 books I‘ve *barely* refrained from buying are all #AuldLangSpine discoveries by way of my matching efforts. The Oceanography of the Moon is from @DebinHawaii , The Bass Rock is from @TheKidUpstairs , &…actually, is Empire of the Wild from Deb, too?! …YES! 🤩
Very partial to the cover of The Bass Rock pictured (it‘s GORGEOUS!). Otherwise, no notes!
pick5✨ Another great #OUABC read! This one is beautifully written and magical in its own right. We look at two different points of view from two very emotionally damaged people. Slowly you uncover the depth and connection they share.
so-soHonestly, if I was just reviewing the first 3/4 of the book I would have given it a pan. The main characters spent way too much time punishing themselves for things that were not their faults, and the “I‘ve got a terrible secret” plot dragged on for way too long before it was revealed. But the last 1/4 of the book took a crazy turn which I did not expect, which redeemed the story for me and pushed it to a so-so overall.
In addition to the Top Contributor giveaway for April, I am also doing a giveaway on a box from ONCE UPON A BOOK CLUB. If you cannot get the link to work DM me your info (first & last name, email, and your state).
https://bit.ly/3Kp7Zkf
pickWhile it didn‘t strike me as phenomenal, was a great slow mending feel book. Both Riley and Vaughn were hurt -badly- by their abusive families. This story follows how these dark souls were brought together. Did not like the romance, as I felt the magic in Riley‘s found family was stronger. This scene here left the biggest mark on me. How do you find real love when you‘re whole life when such love was never shown to you?
#ouabc Had great gifts
Absolutely gorgeous cover. Beautiful cover for a book about loss, and keeping heartbreaking secrets to oneself. Interesting plot, too. For the woman you put up walls as a child now feels confined by them as an adult. While I don‘t know the reasoning of loss behind it, I do feel the walls up there.
#ouabc
pickMy third Glendy Vanderah book & I was hoping I would love it as much as Where the Forest Meets the Stars & The Light Through the Leaves & I did love it. Riley & her family are wonderful characters & they actually worked better for me than the romance did—although I didn‘t dislike the relationship between Riley & Vaughn. There‘s always a bit of magic in Glendy‘s books, characters coming back from trauma &:/or mistakes & the wonders of nature & ⬇️
Always feels good to stumble on a Goodreads win email! Where the Forest Meets the Stars was pretty good, so hopefully this will be too.
Happy Aloha Friday! 🌺 I took a much needed mental health PTO day today. So far it‘s been mostly errands, but I treated myself to lunch by the water at a favorite neighborhood sandwich place. I had their shrimp salad sandwich & lemonade & tucked into this #ARC I have been trying to get to. This is Glendy Vanderah‘s third book & they are beautifully written & the appreciation of nature make them great to enjoy outdoors. 🍃🌺🌴
The Oceanography of the Moon | 
