I like placing a bunch of holds on Libby, forgetting what all the books are about, then starting without looking at the synopsis. This is one of those and I was pleasantly surprised! Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is the story of two friends as they build and run a video game company over 20 years. I listened to the audio and almost finished in a weekend because it was very compelling. The characters are imperfect and completely real. On My Nails 💅 ~ Hydropower, Got Cake, Not Milky White (Holo Taco) ~ If Frogs Had Wings (Mooncat) ~ Base Coat: Smoothing Base (Holo Taco) ~ Top Coat: Seche Vite #holotaco #mooncat #nailsofinstagram #Bookstagram #bookworm #bookishnails #bookrecommendation #bookrecs #booklovers

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Matching my nails to my book is the the new nerdy-crafty thing I'm trying. Because I have *too* many hobbies. Book is Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers (new favorite!). On the nails: ~Holo Taco Smoothing Base ~ Essie Don't Hate, Curate ~ HT Sonic Unicorn Skin ~ Seche Vite top coat #bookstagram #holotaco

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Review: Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

The trope of a one-night-stand turned into an awkward situation when the characters meet in the light of day has been done many times. But in Mistakes Were Made, Meryl Wilsner takes the trope and makes it sexy, emotional, and made up of well-rounded characters. 

If you are seeking a woman/woman romance with good sex scenes, you will not be disappointed! Erin and Cassie find themselves drawn to each other even after swearing to never speak of their steamy night again. Erin is a mom who is trying to figure out how to make decisions about her own happiness and Cassie is about to go to grad school and has only had one relationship. They may appear mismatched, but soon form a strong emotional and physical connection.

We, as the readers, are given an in-depth view into their thinking as they figure out how to handle the situation. I loved reading their inner monologues and the perspective switches back and forth perfectly. I never felt like one character was ignored for too long or was given the spotlight too much. Fun, spicy read that will both entertain you and make your heart squeeze.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (sort of) by Kathleen Gros

My name is Anne (with an "e") just like the main character in Anne of Green Gables. This is not simply a coincidence, but evidence of how much my mom loved the character of Anne Shirley when she was growing up. I have read the original and seen various adaptations through the years and was excited to find that a modern graphic retelling has been written.

Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (sort of) is a graphic novel by Kathleen Gros set in present day. There are scenes reimagined from the original, such as whiteboards being broken over heads and shouting at Mrs. Lynde. But there are also new infusions of school clubs and dances. This book takes place over a shorter time period than the original. I was bracing for the sad event from L.M. Montgomery's novel and was relieved that this telling kept to a much happier ending.

I enjoyed finding the commonalities but also know that someone who had no idea a novel existed would enjoy the story. Children who have been in the foster system, have had family troubles, don't like their appearance, and don't know who they are or what they want in life can all find something in this book. The art is delightful and the story is easy to follow. I now want to go find the author's previous book based on Little Women!

Rating: 4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!

Stoked about my new cross stitch lap stand from K's Creations on Etsy. Now I can stitch two-handed and not worry about holding my q snap. #crossstitch #needlework

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Epically Ernest by Molly Horan

It takes great deal of courage to see the world in all its tainted glory, and still to love it.—Oscar Wilde, An Ideal Husband

I was unsure about how The Importance of Being Ernest would translate into a contemporary YA novel and was pleasantly surprised by Epically Ernest! Plenty of wit and pop culture references combined with found family vibes (literally. Janey was found by her father as a baby) to create a heartwarming book that made me smile inside and out.

There’s just not a more concise way to tell my cousin who’s still waiting for his Mr. Darcy that Algie is more like Mr. Wickham. (Location 264)

Besides questions about whether to search for her biological family and ask out a friend she's been crushing on for years, Janey also struggles with wanting to support her best friend Algie (who she is trying really hard not to slut shame for his dating habits) in his pursuit of her cousin Cecil. 

Lots of people are a bad “blank” without that badness coloring the entirety of their person. (Location 290)

Her reflections about people being a bad "blank" not making them a bad person actually really hit me. I tend to judge myself and sometimes others too harshly and this simple statement was a perfect reminder.

My favorite parts were the quotes from Oscar Wilde at the beginning of each chapter and Janey's "living obituaries" written about the characters. Obituaries about people who are still alive may sound morbid, but in fact were incredibly sincere and touching. I also enjoyed that the book was about LGBT+ teens without focusing on them discovering their sexuality and coming out. Those are also great stories to read, but it's nice having a contemporary YA romance where the characters just happen to be queer.

One gripe I have is with the DNA setup (science teacher alert). In the first chapter, Janey's friend Algie admits to "stealing her spit" to send off in the hopes of finding her long-lost family. Unless something has changed in the last couple years, DNA testing companies require more spit than what could easily be "stolen." Why? It's not the saliva but cheek and other cells in the spit that contain the DNA. So that broke my immersion.

Otherwise, I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a quick, light, read that will make them laugh and warm their heart. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Clarion Books for the eARC!

Rating: 4/5 stars

TBR shelf is taking over. I feel like Hercules and the hydra... except I'm not fighting that hard. 😅

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