Marsupial Literature

One Great Lie Author: Deb Caletti  Publish Date: June 1, 2021 Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Review: 4/5 Stars One Great Lie is the story of Charlotte, a recent high school graduate with the opportunity to join an exclusive study abroad program in Venice led by author Luca Bruni. Charlotte falls in love with Venice, soaks up the writing workshop, and meets fascinating people along the way as she searches for the work of young female Renaissance poet. But the experience is not all that it seems, and some unexpected events lead Charlotte to face some unfortunate realities. After previously reading A Heart in a Body in the World, I was excited to have the chance to read and review One Great Lie, and this book left me with a lot of the same feelings as Caletti's prior novel. Upon my first read of this book, I had a little trouble getting engaged with the story to start; I feel like that would change reading it a second time around because once this book gets g...

The Other Side of Perfect  Author: Mariko Turk Publish Date: May 11, 2021 Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Review: 4/5 Stars The Other Side of Perfect is the story of Alina, who was on track to become a professional ballerina until a leg injury shatters her dreams. Unable to dance like she used to, she attempts to find a new normal by joining her high school musical production and making new friends. Her path to recovery is complex, and coming to terms with her previous dance life is easier said than done. The Other Side of Perfect is a unique story with many levels to it, and it is a very good read. Alina's journey felt real and authentic, and the book portrayed her struggle to reshape her completely planned life well. Her new friends and potential love interest all helped her journey play out, and it was interesting to read how all of the relationships developed. I especially appreciated the sections on her experience with racism in casting and historical dance pi...

Sweetshop of Dreams  Author: Jenny Colgan  Publish Date: April 13, 2021 Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS Landmark  Review: 5/5 Stars  Sweetshop of Dreams is a novel about Rosie, a young woman who leaves her life in London to care for her Aunt Lilian and revive her aunt's small town sweetshop. What Rosie expects to be short and mundane visit turns into something so much more, and gives her an entirely new perspective on her life and those around her. I am admittedly a huge Jenny Colgan fan, so to say I felt honored to have the chance to review this ARC is an understatement. Sweetshop of Dreams did not disappoint and was an absolute joy to read. Rosie is a fantastic protagonist and I enjoyed reading her story from start to finish. The flashbacks to Lilian's story in the 1940s were a nice touch and added a welcome extra layer to the book. The writing style is as wonderful as the author's previous novels; I could not get enough of the humorous nature of a lot of the dialog. And th...

Under the Southern Sky  Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey Publish Date: June 2, 2021 Publisher: Gallery Books Review: 4/5 Stars Under the Southern Sky follows the story of two longtime friends dealing with life-changing events and the struggles that tie them together. Amelia is trying to navigate her new life after a recent divorce. While writing a story, she discovers that her widower childhood friend Parker's embryos have been deemed abandoned. This revelation leads them on a healing journey, both separate and together.  I loved this book and found it to be beautiful, both in the plot and writing style. The multi-person narrative suited the story well, especially including Greer's voice. The outcomes of the storylines were not obvious, and I enjoyed reading the romance aspect of the novel. I also thought the sensitive nature of certain topics were written with great care. I would definitely recommend this book. Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for this ARC; this is my hones...

Make Me Wilder Author: Serena Bell Publish Date: May 20, 2021 Publisher: Author Collective 20 Review: 4/5 Stars Make Me Wilder is the first book in the Wilder Adventure series. After an embarrassing event, Lucy is desperate to get away from her corporate job in New York. She heads to the small Oregon town of Rush Creek to help revamp Wilder Adventures, a struggling outdoor adventure business owned by the five Wilder brothers. Sparks begin to fly between Lucy and Gabe Wilder.....even with his strong reluctance to any change to his business. Make Me Wilder is a cute and fun love story that is a perfect summer read. I got a lot of Hallmark vibes with the plot of Lucy seeking solace in a small town, trying to help a struggling business adapt to the city's changing tourist climate, and simultaneously falling for rugged small-town Gabe. I mean, opposites attract, right? The outdoor excursions added to the appeal of the book, and it gives a good glimpse into the lives of Gabe's brothe...

Blackberry Beach  Author: Irene Hannon Publish Date: April 6, 2021 Publisher: Revell Review: 4/5 Stars Blackberry Beach is a Hope Harbor series novel that tells the story of Katherine, an actress who looks for solace in the small Oregon town while recovering from a life changing event and trying to decide her future. She meets local coffeehouse owner Zach, and their romance begins over shared experiences and a mutual love of truffles.  Blackberry Beach is my first introduction into the Hope Harbor series, and the book did not disappoint. I adored the small town setting and prominence of food throughout the book (coffee, blackberries, truffles....sign me up). Both Katherine and Zach's stories are well told, and I enjoyed reading through the development of their sweet romance. And the underlying messages were very thoughtful; there is something to be said for a book that can tell a good story with a greater purpose in mind without the worry of unexpected or upsetting content. My...

I Hate Running and You Can Too Author: Brendan Leonard Publish Date: March 16, 2021 Publisher: Artisan Books Review: 5/5 Stars I Hate Running and You Can Too takes a humorous look at running: why choose running, how to get started, how to keep going, and why running just sucks a lot of the time. This book definitely grasped what running is like for most people. As a no-more-than-average runner myself, I absolutely related to the content and found myself frequently nodding and laughing in agreement. The use of charts and graphs complimented each chapter, and they were often just downright hilarious. I would recommend this book for a new runner, a runner who needs some lighthearted motivation to keep training, or anyone that just needs a good laugh. Thanks to Netgalley and Artisan Books for this ARC; this is my honest and voluntary review. 

Her Dark Seduction  Author: Emily Royal Publish Date: April 28, 2021 Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. Review: 4/5 Stars Her Dark Seduction is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of Lady Lisetta, forced into a loveless marriage with Lord Mortlock and bound into service for him. She is drawn to his manservant, Vane Sawford, and soon becomes tangled in his world, both in love and as a means of survival.  This book is one wild ride to say the least. Engaging from beginning to end, I had trouble putting the book down and ended up finishing it in one day. Lady Lisetta is an incredibly strong female lead, and it is easy to get invested in her story. The trials she faces are significant, and the reader is left likely rooting out loud for her during many parts of the book (and also yelling "no, why????" during in other sections). As a novice reader of historical fiction, I would like to point out that the setting of this book is written in a time when women were seen...

Crash Course Author: Alyssa Wilde Publish Date: April 9, 2021 Publisher: Independently published Review: 5/5 Stars Crash Course is the story of Arden, whose life is turned upside down when she is involved in a horrific car crash. Held behind for her last year of high school, she is stunned to find that Henry, the man who saved her life during the accident, is now her creative writing teacher. The closer they become, the more they realize they cannot deny their feelings for one another.....but there are more than a few bumps in the road that can tear them apart. The subject matter in this book is not a topic that I am generally fond of for a number of reasons. However, the cover, description, and reviews were enough to make me want to give it a chance, and I am so glad that I did. A debut novel? Really?? This book is so well written from start to finish that I could have easily finished reading it in one sitting. Arden's story is very engaging, and she has many different levels to h...

Trisha's Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends and Family Author: Trisha Yearwood  Publish Date: September 28, 2021 Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Trisha's Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends and Family is a collection of 125 recipes with enjoyable cooking for the family in mind. From breakfast to main dishes to baked goods and desserts, this cookbook covers a wide range of comfort food recipes for everyday cooking and special occasions. This is a great cookbook that had me hooked from the first recipe. I love that all meals are covered with a wide variety of recipes and that they would work for cooking for the whole family. The cookbook is beautifully illustrated, with eye-catching pictures of most of the meals. I honestly couldn't get enough of this cookbook and would recommend it to anyone looking for some great home cooking ideas. If you have any questions about my review, I'll be in my kitchen making the Breakfast Burgers. Thanks to Netgalley and Houghton...

Sloppy Firsts  Author: Megan McCafferty Publish Date: May 4, 2021 Publisher: St. Martin's Press The updated release of Sloppy Firsts reintroduces the world of YA book lovers to Jessica Darling, a teenage girl trying to navigate through high school after her best friend moves away. The book takes us through her relationships with her friends that she can't relate to, her parents who want her to be someone that she isn't, and her romantic interests that are....complicated.  To Rebecca Serle's jealously, I am one of the readers meeting Jessica for the first time with this updated version of Sloppy Firsts. I absolutely loved Jessica's brutal honesty (both outward and internal monologue) and could not get enough of her snarky demeanor. The general plot of the story still reads well and is relatable, whether the reader is picking up this book for the first time or rereading it as one of their favorite books. My main criticism is that despite the afterward stating that par...

A Cowboy Kind of Love  Author: Donna Grant  Publish Date: April 27, 2021 Publisher: St. Martin's Press  Review: 3/5 Stars A Cowboy Kind of Love is a part of the Heart of Texas series, and can be read as a stand alone novel. When Taryn comes back into Jace's life after unexpectedly ending their relationship, she returns with a big request and an even bigger secret. Jace and his friends will do whatever it takes to help Taryn, even if it means putting themselves in harm's way.  This is the first book I have read in this series and by this author. After a bit of a slow start, I found myself pretty captivated by the story and interested to read what happens next. While the book could have benefitted from more character development, it was enjoyable to see Jace and Taryn's relationship evolve, as well as the supporting characters. This book is a fun read and I would recommend it for anyone interested in a good romantic/adventurous novel. Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin...

Take Me Home Tonight Author: Morgan Matson Publish Date: May 4, 2021 Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Review: 4/5 Stars Having previously read and very much enjoyed a few of Morgan Matson's books, I was so happy to see Take Me Home Tonight up for review and to have the chance to read this book. Once again, she did not disappoint. Take Me Home Tonight is the story of best friends Kat and Stevie, who take a trip to New York City after Stevie's father cancels birthday dinner plans with her. As soon as they arrive in the city, nothing goes as planned, and their night takes them on many unexpected adventures, both together and apart. I found myself thoroughly engaged in this story from beginning to end. Both main characters were very interesting, and it was easy to relate to/root for/want to yell "noooooo" at both of them at various times in the book, so the eventual multi-narrative was appreciated. My one criticism is that I did not really care for ...

Between the Bliss and Me Author: Lizzy Mason Publish Date: April 6, 2021 Publisher: Soho Press Review: 3.5/5 Stars Between the Bliss and Me is a work of fiction that attempts to bring to light the difficult topic of schizophrenia and the impact of mental illness on families and society. The book follows Sydney Holman in the summer before she goes to college. As her story goes along, she learns that her family has been hiding that her father is not only an addict, but also been battling schizophrenia and is homeless. This revelation leads Sydney through several events, including trying to find her father and learning about the implications of his mental illness.  I struggled with this book and this review. I finished the book in just over a day, which shows my amount of interest in the story. I really want to applaud this book for presenting the topic of mental illness and schizophrenia, especially to a YA audience. It is incredibly important and needs to continue to be told. I felt...

You've Reached Sam Author: Dustin Thao Publish Date: November 2, 2021 Publisher: St. Martin's Press Review: 5/5 Stars  You've Reached Sam is the story of Julie, whose world has just been turned upside down by the unexpected death of her boyfriend Sam. In attempts to deal with her grief, she calls Sam's phone to hear his last voicemail one more time. Except.....he picks up the phone, giving her another chance for the goodbye she never had before. Oh my goodness.....I'm not crying, you are. Seriously, I had to fight to make myself put this book down, it was that good of a read. My heart broke along side Julie's, and I looked forward to page after page to see where her conversations with Sam would lead her in her story. The supporting characters were all wonderful to the development of the plot and it was interesting to read all of the different ways that everyone dealt with the difficult loss. A fascinating perspective on having one more chance to deal with a loss...

Welcome to Marsupial Literature, I'm Jen! Content will mainly consist of reviews of books that I am currently reading or have previously read, primarily written while carrying my daughter (Joey) close to me.  There is a fact I need to share: As a stay at home mom, people wouldn't know this just by looking at me, but I'm also a published author and book reviewer with the ability to burn through an entire novel in one sitting. I find that burying myself in books gives me solace, hopping from book to book and place to place to find my next adventure. So spread the word and enjoy my book reviews! And also look forward to occasional input from Joey. I am currently accepting requests for ARC reviews. Please email requests to marsupialliterature@gmail.com.