Rainbow Leaf Books: Book Reviews & Many Cups of Tea
Published: July 4th, 2024
This is a historical fiction set toward the end of 1950’s mostly in France during the first "Le Bal des Debutantés," a ball for American and French debutantes held in Versailles.
We head to France with Caroline who is not really interested in going because she's already in love. Personally I would go just for the adventure of it all. Her film industry parents think it will be fun…
The fantastic Felicity who is just wanting to find where she belongs, trying to find peace and acceptance alongside her verbally abusive sister, so a night in the spotlight is not appealing to her at all but maybe everything she needs.
Amelia and her mum Jane are the last two main characters we follow From a background of money but now in dire financial straits. In her strength jane will do what she needs to ensure her daughter can go and have her chance to enter society.
Finally there’s Samantha who was in accident years ago but fragments of the trauma still remain will her and her dear father’s fear be realised or is it the best place for her to be?
This book is not written in a straight forward way which was sometimes jarring but neither were each of these lovely ladies stories but their journey’s are worth it.
/and a half hearts
Published: Mar 26th, 2024
Are you ready? I thought I knew what was coming… but I was not ready and neither was Isla at least not initially.
Every Centenary, the island of Lightlark reveals itself to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are “invited” to play. The truth is they are summoned, the is no real choice in the matter. Every ruler is teetering on the edge of success or failure with the need to gain everything because the reality of lose could mean something profound and deadly all at once.
The world, the characters in it and how the are linked was so gripping to see and feel as if you’re a part of it. What would I have done if I was in Isla’s position I don’t know but when that final plot twist came I was in awe!
Love comes in many forms, can she trust it? Will she be consumed by light or head towards Grim shade
/and a half hearts
Published: Mar 1st, 2024
Where is the time going? March 1 already and starting the month off with another fun read with Jill Mansell’s “The Wedding of The Year”
You know the saying “it takes a village…”
Well in a small Cornish village, soon we see how three main stories and all the characters interconnect and move around each other perfectly, coming in and out of contact with each other seamlessly while, also creating bigger picture kind of moment.
I did find myself being more dawn in by Ruby & Lotties individual stories but in saying all of this that’s joy of having a full cast of characters, you get to choose where you want to spend all your time in this beautiful village
Published: Jan 14th, 2024
The French Perfumer by Australian author Amanda Hampson is a book that takes a look at events which controlled people with secrets from the past; war days and trying to keep livelihood’s going during hardship.
We meet Iris Turner, a young Englishwoman, leaving the safety of her 9 to 5 job arriving in the French Riviera to take up a secretarial role for the mysterious Hammond Brooke. Living in a small, exclusive hotel among eccentric and unpredictable aristocrats feeling very unsteady she struggles to gain her employer's trust, she soon realises that nothing is as it seems.
Would you take the chance to find your senses?
Published: Sept 25th, 2023
A trip to Italy… Yes please! brilliantly described by Leonie Mack I felt like I was with Lou and Nick, experiencing an Italian summer by Lake Garda. I think Mack really does a beautiful job of taking you on a tour through such immersive descriptions. It was the most enjoyable element of the story for sure.
While didn’t always want to spend time with either Lou or Nick I appreciated the growth of both their individual journey’s and how it’s all woven together to show you why it was important for both of them to make there way to Italy.
The person I did want to spend more time with was Nicks mum who knew how each character felt and was the the confidante to all. You could tell she’s lived and loved this Italian life of hers and her own story to tell as she shared nuggets of wisdom which I believe help move each character forward.
Will you be going to Lake Garda?
💛💛💛💛 and a half hearts
Published: Aug 10th, 2023
Wow I had to take some time to Recover from this one and pick my jaw up off the floor… It was very unnerving. What was true? What wasn’t true? As a reader you would think the title of this book gives the storyline away, it doesn’t. Instead about halfway through I found myself saying oh wait…
I did really struggle with character connection, the feeling of yes I like this person I’ll take this trip. There was edge of continual discomfort for me which is part of the story but it also made not want to find connection with any of characters and I feel there is and was a really big missed opportunity there. Was that just me?
I applaud Lisa Jewell for how she kept a all the small pieces of very, very mind bending story together whether that be through a fictional podcast or the “collection” of small things it kept the story moving through the “who done it?” of it all because doing all of that was intriguing and did keep engaged and made me want to know if any of it was true.
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Published: Aug 10th, 2023
Really fun read while also juggling different emotions and situations for each loving sister I did find the narration style quite confusing at times but overall I loved the family bond and it moved through the entire story with a lot of care. Hope to read another Beth Moran novel really soon
💙🚕💙🚕💙 hearts
Published: Apr 28th, 2023
Yesterday I got finish a whole book in a day my plans changed because my dentist appointment got canceled and so I thought to myself what’s next…
what followed was a really great cup of coffee another not so great cup of coffee ( I only took one sip) and me reading Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata & translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori. I think it speaks to expectations people may have of you and what expectations you have of yourself. Where your comfort levels lies in that. A fun, quirky look into Keiko’s life but also a very real look.
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Published: Jan 11th, 2023
Yes, to all the music references in Daisy Jones And The Six and the fact that at times I felt like I could be wearing a pair of rose tinted John Lenon style glasses, soaking up those almost famous vibes while sitting on the tour bus not forgetting my popcorn going, Ooh what’s going to happen next….
I did think to myself ok this part is dragging on a bit and got frustrated by some the character interactions but I guess at the end the day I can say this part of writing to evoke feelings from reader. The interview style was so interesting and my goodness hold onto your hats or Kleenex tissues for some of twists and just a reminder this one’s not the kiddies as their are some tuff topics this did make me appreciate the bond between band mates.
Will you be watching the series?
🧡🧡🧡/and a half hearts
Published: Dec 26th, 2022
Scrivenist or Crown? It’s not long till Moons Day and there are whispers in the town of the dark queens presence. Some whispers are fearful and some are just filled with intrigue, which whispers ring true? We get thrust into a wondrous world with the lovely Ivy guiding us, yet she is also trying to find her way. We are creatively shown a definite hierarchy. I recommend this book to readers who love fantasy or want to get more into reading. While at times I found myself lost with big words and timing, meaning was I in this or that part of the story? I didn’t always
know. That aside, I wanted to be wherever Ivy was, find whatever she found. This book has enough action, mystery and M.A.G.I.C to keep you entertained. It’s the first book in a series so I can’t wait to revisit the creatures of Crosswald.
💕💕 out of 5 hearts
Published: June 12th, 2022
I MOVE A LOT AND THATS OK! (Axel’s story) Written by Shermaine Perry-Knights is truly a heart warming story about making a big move from a child’s perspective. Axel has his friends, school, regular places he likes to go with his family but where are they moving to next?
This is a beautifully illustrated book that takes a child’s hand, walking them through the process of a permanent change of station (PCS) and having to go to a temporary lodging facility (TLF) Making it one big adventure rather then something for axel to be scared of.
Shermaine takes time and explains the moving process and addresses worries that a child may have when going through this process. It is really interesting and great to see how Shermaine brings challenging topics forward for axel and his parents. You see a really beautiful balance of things that he is not okay with, then a sense of unforced acceptance, plus a sense of joy in things that he is okay with. These words a continuous flow through the book “I’m okay with that” or “that’s okay” this book has a special place in military families it’s true and I’m so glad this book is out in the world for them this book though, is one that can be used to help guide feelings and situations that are not limited to military moves.
As someone who is a civilian but has had move often and honestly loved the adventure of it all I can say “I move a lot and that’s okay”.
💙❤️🌹💚🤍💚
Published: May 19th, 2022
It was one of the first PG 13 movies I ever watched. I remember thinking “wow how intense is this movie? maybe to intense” but it still stuck with me as being a movie that I would wanted to watch again in a few years because I knew it was impactful. A little while later I heard about the book and a few more years went by but I said “ I’m gonna read it someday” I had a cast of characters in my head already I also know this because I watched the movie. I wasn’t upset with this cast at all, Ray and and Barry read differently to me and that’s ok. Here I am having read the book and I’m sure you’ve heard this before but… it reads like poetry which I will not spoil but followed so beautifully then suddenly you felt your mind spiraling and calm then there the was breeze of flow again. Janet Fitch showed me beautiful places and dark discomforting ones too in this style of writing.
You see all of this at different phases of the story. The story of Astrid, whose whole belief system is put through the ringer after Ingrid, her mum is imprisoned for murder. Astrid has to find her own way and is placed in a series of foster homes, some bringing shelter some bringing definite unease, finding comfort and safety in others. She had been though so much that I’m not going to lie I was exhausted from me crying and trying to move through the story as she picked herself up and survived. Most of the time I was angry at her mum and this made me super grateful for my mama and our healthy bond. Some of the time I think I was a little mad at her at times but I think it was more out of frustration and wanting better for her.
I am glad I waited so many years to read the book? most definitely, would I recommend you read it? For sure! As long as you feel like you can cope. If you ready come take a walk among the white oleanders
🤍🌾🤍🌾🤍🌾🤍
Published: Apr 6th, 2022
After being tasked with clearing out her dad secret beach home - which found out about around the time of her dad funeral I might add. January figures why not it’s a way for her to maybe clear the deep seeded writer block.
But hold on tight as we figure out there is way more to this story… is her father everything she believed him to be, can old connections be made a new? Mmm I’m guessing Everett really wants the answer to be a yes but who is January Andrews now? She seems so defeated or was she, was Everett imagining it all?
Two writers on the opposite sides of the fence. Would you change the the genre you write in if you you challenge to do?
The banter, laugh out loud, sarcastic humor made me smile, the deeper moments were thoughtfully placed.
Please enjoy Beach Read
🤍📚 🤍🏖🤍📚🤍
Published: Mar 1st, 2022
What can I say the cover of “Within These Wicked Walls” snatched me right up. I didn’t really know what I was in for…
Andromeda must cleanse a haunted desert castle of the evil eye using her stunningly crafted amulet to save the cursed owner.
I loved Lauren Blackwood’s descriptiveness and the atmosphere she sets up for you to understand Andromeda’s next steps, choices made, relationships formed for either her survival or because walls are breaking down.
I’m not really a fan of horror movies or books… The dark entity of the deeper story scared the light out of me at points. This is where I will place warning of there being some horror/thriller scenes with some scenes depicting physical/ emotional harm. The book itself does come with its own more detailed trigger warning so please be aware and enter the castle if you dare. [enter gloomy music here] I do like some thrillers and enjoy mysteries and this is what I think I was holding onto the mystery of it all. Because this was the written word I feel I could lessen some the impact more then if I was watching tv.
This was one of the first books where I was hoping the main characters would not get together.
Magnus and Andromeda connection and desires burnt really bright, but their relationship felt so uncomfortable to me. I found myself instead focusing more on the surrounding cast. Who were designed so well, to weave in and out the story. Learning where they stood and what role they had in keeping Magnus safe, why they chose to stay and in the case of Saba bound to.
I really appreciated Andromeda’s fierce strength and the pride she had in her culture it’s history and wanting to share some of that with us.
While the overall theme of the book was not for me I do, look forward to the next book Lauren writes because to me her writing style is beautiful
💙🌼💙 and a half hearts
Published: Sept 4th, 2021
A truly whimsical and powerful start to what promises to be an exciting new teen/young adult series.
Amari has felt rather lost after she believes her brother has disappeared, she follows trails that leads no where and her mum has just about lost all hope. When a stranger shows up at their door with instructions for Amari to follow. She has no idea how much bigger his disappearance and the world around her really is.
The BSA unlocks a whole new part of Amari’s a world where aliens, witches, dragons and way more exist. I get to a point in book where I was saying... Who are your friends who are your enemies?
A book that is intriguing from the very beginning tackling topics like bullying and discrimination while taking you on adventures that you hope continues
💙 💙💙💙
Published: July 30th, 2021
“Anthropocene” did you have to look that word up? I know did... meaning to bring attention to something or to indicate what it means about the current chorography of a paticular moment in time during which, human’s activities have been the dominant influence on climate and the environment.
The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet is John Green’s take on moments in history whether that be our shared moments (the pandemic,songs we know, sports events) to his moments and/or thoughts on everything for Dr.Pepper, scratch & sniff stickers (that was a favourite) Mario Cart, whispers and adventures with a certain garden animal. There was also deep vulnerability that we’ve not really seen shared in this way when talking about mental health, dear friends and family. As you all know from when I did my currently reading book post I was and still am so excited to see his take on how he chose to approach none fiction, given that he is so well known for his YA fiction that is in my opinion is beautiful written.
So for I would say the same care and consideration is being taken when he reviews topics or thoughts ( wink see what I did there? I know you see what I did there) As when his sharing fictional work. Except now we get to hear his voice which is pretty cool. I give this book of reviews being reviewed four hearts
💜🧡💜🧡
Published: July 30th, 2021
Star and her family make a big move something’s will stay the same and somethings will change.
To Be Honest
This YA novel meant a lot to me as someone in a wheelchair it was cool to see day to day life being represented in Chad not in continuous frustration or sadness but normality family and fun yet not discounting the sadness or frustration either.
Also showing, uncertainty in Star and her “difference” her story. Will she find the confidence she definitely has inside her?
The book touched on the subject of bullying important whether you have a disability or not.
Loved the comradery of Chase and Chad, Lizzy and Star, the family togetherness, relationships and friendships as they are gained, lost developed or remain as a pillar of strength unchanged in support.
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A fair while back now I had been looking for a new read by Jill Mansell, had some work to do at the library (Shout out to Brisbane City Library) and thought why not relax and take some time out with a book too. I’m no longer in the library as open the first pages, I’m placed into a warm summers day on a side street cafe in Bristol as we join Zillah one of my favourite characters in the whole book, even though technically she not a main character per say, Zillah is a character that I connected to most she was so much fun, loves her fashion dressing up in high heels; I perked up every time Zillah was mentioned! She was also a beautiful connecting factor to character storyline’s an example of this interactions with Ben. We watch her go on a journey of discovery to find answers in her own storyline that will hopefully bring her peace.
This is a book filled with a lot to love! Warm-hearted, loving characters and there are a few interesting storylines.
Can we talk about the email Essie sent out that starts the unfolding of events that we as the readers follow. I mean, hold onto your wines, beers, whiskeys or juice boxes friends...
Read a long and be a part of the community Jill Mansell has created in This Could Change Everything
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Published: Apr 17th, 2019
Set in Saint Grace's Hospital this is a story about Will and Stella and the world that exists around them. It's about love and friendship, it explores grief and shows understanding that one person's experience of grief does not always have to match another's. It will have you laughing one second and crying the next but most importantly it will have you appreciate every breathe you take.
Where to begin... I read this book in early March after watching a book recommendation video on YouTube, about a day later without knowing that I had just found the book, my dear friend sent me the trailer of the @fivefeetapartfilm and that was it... I had to read the book before I watched the movie. On average it takes me about a month to two months to read a book #fivefeetapart took me four days. I think it's safe to say I love it. Both the book and movie my mom and I truly appreciate the many tissues we had to use haha.
So many people are comparing it to the #faultinourstars (which I also love) and yes the two main characters are ill in both storylines but their stories are so different. All I have to say is let Stella and Will tell you their story even it takes being #fivefeetapart 💜
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