Funny Story by Emily Henry is a delightful romance about a librarian who moves cross-country with her fiancé, only to be dumped when he declares his love for his best friend Petra. Travel to beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan as Daphne finds herself stranded and sharing a two-bedroom apartment with Miles. Did I mention he’s Petra’s ex?

Funny Story
by Emily Henry
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
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A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.

Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.

Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.

Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads —Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?

But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?

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A children’s librarian, stranded in a small-town and living with her ex-fiancé’s new girlfriend’s ex. Yes, please. I loved the premise and was absolutely delighted by the tale that unfolds.

Miles and Daphne are adorable and I loved watching their relationship grow from two wounded strangers navigating a painful breakup to finding something more. Henry did a wonderful job of introducing us to not only Miles and Daphne, but to the charming people and places of Waning Bay.

While this is a contemporary romance, the author delivered friendships, character growth, dysfunctional families, trust issues, and more. I love when a story pulls me and the outside world slips away. That is exactly what happened as I read Funny Story. I laughed, swooned, got mad and cheered this couple on as they fumbled, swooned and found their slice of happy.

Funny Story is the perfect cute romance story with all the feels. You’ll want to toss it in your beach bag!

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/04/funny-story-by-emily-henry.html

Feral Maril and Her Little Brother Carol, by Leslie Tall Manning, is a remarkable exploration into the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The story, centering on siblings Maril and Carol, is a moving portrayal of their journey through a tumultuous childhood.

This coming-of-age story starts by setting the scene in a troubled household. Maril, the older sister, is portrayed as a fiercely protective and resourceful figure who assumes the role of a guardian for her younger brother, Carol. This dynamic forms the crux of the story, as their bond is tested and strengthened through various trials. The characters are well-developed, with Maril’s strength and Carol’s innocence creating a compelling contrast that drives the narrative.

Manning’s writing shines in its ability to convey complex emotions and situations with sensitivity and clarity. The portrayal of the children’s mother is particularly nuanced, avoiding one-dimensional characterizations and instead presenting a figure who is as flawed and human as she is troubled. This gives the story a realistic feel, making the characters’ struggles all the more relatable and heart-wrenching.

One of the things I found most striking about the novel is its exploration of the theme of family. The book delves into what it means to be a family in the most challenging circumstances, highlighting not just the biological ties but the emotional and psychological bonds that hold a family together. The resilience of Maril and Carol as they navigate the foster care system and face various challenges is a testament to the strength of these bonds.

The author’s ability to blend emotional depth with a compelling narrative is one thing I enjoyed most about this book. The story flows seamlessly, with each chapter adding a new layer to the characters’ journey. The novel touches on important social issues such as the impact of parental issues on children and the challenges within the foster care system. Manning handles these topics with a deft hand, providing insight without becoming preachy. This balance is difficult to achieve, yet I feel Manning does so with ease.

Feral Maril and Her Little Brother Carol is an emotionally charged novel that leaves a lasting impression. Author Leslie Tall Manning has crafted a story that is not only engaging and well-written but also important in its exploration of complex social issues. It is a must-read for anyone interested in a deep, character-driven narrative that speaks to the strength of the human spirit.

Pages: 332 | ASIN: B0CZJ8DP4F

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/23/feral-maril-her-little-brother-carol/

Embarking on their journey to participate in the prestigious Canadian Writing Contest, young Addison and her family rendezvous with their cousins for an exploration of Canada’s diverse offerings. From immersive aviation museums to reveling in the boundless beauty of the great outdoors, the children revel in each moment together. However, the jubilant atmosphere is abruptly shattered when Corby, Addison’s cousin, realizes that his beloved feline companion, Clover, has vanished. Thus ensues a compelling story where the collective efforts of the youngsters and their families converge to unravel the mystery before the culminating stage of the writing competition unfolds.

In Laura James’s Addison’s Canadian Caper, the story pulsates with vibrant energy and literary flair, punctuated by an ingenious use of alliteration. As Addison traverses the Canadian landscape alongside her cousin Corby, readers are introduced to a plethora of captivating vocabulary akin to unwrapping linguistic treasures.

Evocative of classic 1950s mystery tales tailored for young audiences, the narrative unfurls seamlessly, propelled by Mariya Stoyanova’s exquisite illustrations that imbue the storyline with an additional layer of nostalgic charm. While the story’s pace is brisk and captivating, James ensures accessibility by providing succinct definitions of the introduced vocabulary at the bottom of each page, thereby nurturing a spirit of curiosity and learning among readers.

The narrative serves as a delightful ode to Canadian culture, interweaving references to cuisine, sports, and various cultural nuances throughout the storyline. As an avid reader, I found myself enchanted by the newfound knowledge of Canadian pastimes like “curling,” underscoring the enriching experience offered by the story. The prevalence of names starting with the letter “c” among Corby’s family members adds a unique charm to the story, enhancing the familial bond among characters.

Addison’s Canadian Caper is a fun children’s book that’s brimming with wit and whimsy. Its amalgamation of entertainment and educational value makes it a delightful addition to any young reader’s collection. With its satisfying blend of innocence and adventure, this captivating “whodunit” caters to anyone who relishes mysteries steeped in timeless allure and joyous discovery.

Pages: 53 | ASIN: B0CVFZT3HJ

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/23/addisons-canadian-caper/

Jane Olson’s World Citizen is a poignant and insightful memoir that chronicles the author’s extraordinary experiences in war-torn regions across the globe. As a humanitarian and advocate, Olson’s travels from the Balkans to Africa and beyond are not just physical journeys but profound explorations into the human condition. Her experiences, which range from confronting the horrors of war to the simple act of knitting with women in a refugee camp, weave a tapestry of resilience and compassion and show the enduring power of human connection.

Olson’s writing is both vivid and empathetic, effortlessly transporting readers to the heart of each scene. Her ability to balance descriptive storytelling with reflective insights is one thing that kept me coming back to this book again and again. It created a narrative that is as educational as it is engaging. Particularly compelling is her use of first-person perspective, which brings an intimate and authentic feel to her encounters.

The book is a thoughtful meditation on humanity’s capacity for destruction and incredible resilience. Olson delves deep into the implications of events, challenging readers to confront difficult truths about war, displacement, and the human spirit. Her reflections on witnessing atrocities and the resilience of those affected are thought-provoking and urge a reconsideration of our roles in a global community.

One moment I particularly enjoyed in the book is Olson’s account of knitting with women in a refugee camp. This seemingly simple activity becomes a powerful metaphor for healing and unity amidst chaos. Also, her interaction with a comandante in Nicaragua and a young prostitute turned seamstress highlights her ability to find hope in despairing situations, which I think is a testament to Olson’s empathy and insight.

World Citizen: Journeys of a Humanitarian is a must-read biography for anyone interested in humanitarian work, global affairs, or the extraordinary strength of the human spirit. Olson’s experiences and reflections are a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have in a troubled world.

Pages: 429 | ISBN: 151369569X

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/23/world-citizen-journeys-of-a-humanitarian/

Amy Unbound, Martin Sneider’s latest novel, elegantly weaves the intricate tales of a modern American family with the complexities of personal and professional struggles set against the backdrop of a fashion empire. Sneider intertwines the lives of the Feldman family members, each chapter dedicated to a different character, revealing their inner worlds and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing society.

Sneider’s narrative prowess shines throughout the book, especially in the vivid characterization of each family member. The book’s strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of human relationships, particularly within a family business environment. The Feldman family’s interactions are portrayed with such realism that I think it will be easy for readers to find a piece of themselves in these characters.

The underlying themes of ambition, betrayal, and redemption are compellingly explored. Sneider skillfully uses the Feldmans’ saga to delve into these universal themes, making the story resonate on a deeper level. His insight into the world of retail and fashion adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story, drawing readers into the intricacies of this glamorous yet cutthroat industry.

While some plot twists might feel familiar to seasoned readers of family dramas, this predictability does not undermine the novel’s overall charm. These moments of familiarity could be seen as a nod to the genre’s conventions, offering a sense of comfort and reassurance. This aspect of the book might even be enjoyable for readers who appreciate the classic contours of family and corporate sagas.

Amy Unbound is a poignant and character-driven story that offers a deep dive into the dynamics of a family grappling with the complexities of modern life. I think it’s an excellent read for those who appreciate family dramas against a corporate backdrop. The depth and authenticity of its characters make it a fantastic choice for book club discussions as well.

Pages: 418 | ASIN: B0CV4LXJ2C

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/23/amy-unbound/

That Magic Mischief follows an amateur witch struggling with a breakup and losing her job who encounters a shape-shifting creature who helps her cast a spell to get her life back on track. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I have been always been interested in metaphysical topics and considered myself to be open-minded — until, on a trip to the Southwest, I saw an ad for a past-life regression/séance slumber party in a free Taos newspaper.

It made me laugh, and I thought, ‘What would these people do if something did come over from the other side, or the outer dimensions?’

That’s what happens to my heroine in That Magic Mischief: Annabelle Walsh works a spell that actually works and she’d not as prepared for it as she thought she’d be.

I had also emigrated to Ireland, after having lived in Brooklyn for over a decade, and I wanted to combine my nostalgia for Carroll Gardens with my love of my new home place. Making an Irish guy the romantic lead was a no-brainer.

What was the inspiration for the love story and the connection the characters have?

There’s a strong connection between them as they’re both creative types: Annabelle is a writer and Jamie is a painter. I liked that they had this in common, and that both had good imaginations. They’d need them to cope with Callie, for sure. I also wanted both to be flexible, which their approach to employment allowed them to be, so both could conceivably pick and move without too much hassle.

And if anyone thinks Jamie’s blasé acceptance of Annabelle’s ‘pooka problem’ isn’t believable, I invite you to travel around Ireland for a few weeks and have off-the-cuff conversations with folks about fairy trees, ghosts, and yes, pookas. (Pucá, in the Irish language)

How did you handle balancing the power and use of magic in the story?

What a great question! Every instance of power or use of magic is tied to an emotion: whether it’s Annabelle consulting the tarot because she wants the cards to tell her her ex is coming back, or when Callie, in one of her incarnations, gets some revenge for Annabelle regarding the aforementioned ex.

I think that when people are feeling uncertain or sad or confused, they turn to metaphysical means to see their way forward, or in the search for hope, and that’s how it works in the novel.

What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?

I also write paranormal romance set in the Regency Era —Think Bridgerton meets shapeshifters. My current series, The Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde, is available from all good book outlets. I’m working on a spin-off of that series as well as a whole new series set in Scotland! Subscribe to my newsletter or any of my socials for announcements regarding publications dates!

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/23/making-an-irish-guy-the-romantic-lead/