Tuesday, March 3, 2020

The Transfigured Hart by Jane Yolen


Synopsis:
Is what Richard saw in the woods really a unicorn? 

Beloved fantasy legend Jane Yolen (The Devil's Arithmetic; Sister Light, Sister Dark) offers an unexpected answer in this perfect jewel of a coming-of-age story. The Transfigured Hart bridges the wondrous in-between world where adults rediscover childhood wonder and children discover new favorite tales.
(Synopsis from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:
 I have read a few of Jane Yolen's books, and greatly enjoyed them. One of my reading goals is to eventually make my way through all of her books. Recently, I decided to pick up The Transfigured Hart by her because I've owned it for a while. Unfortunately, it was the first book of hers that I didn't like.

It made me sad that I didn't enjoy The Transfigured Hart. I found the book to be boring. To me, it was almost pointless to read because it felt like nothing happened throughout the entire story. All throughout the book, it was leading up to what felt like an epic finale with a huge plot twist. In reality, the ending was incredibly underwhelming. It was so disappointing. In fact, the only reason why I'm giving the book two stars is that I liked Richard, the male main character. I found his love for books and reading to be very relatable.

I really wish that I loved The Transfigured Hart, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Other than the male main character, I didn't like the book at all. I still plan on reading the rest of Jane Yolen's books because I enjoyed the other ones that I've read. I'll try The Emerald Circus next in hopes that I like it better. 


I give The Transfigured Hart: 2/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: https://www.janeyolen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jane.yolen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/janeyolen
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5989.Jane_Yolen

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Monday, March 2, 2020

Driving Mr. Wrong Home by Shirley Jump


Synopsis:
Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?
 
When a handsome man from Gabby's past agrees to a cross-country road trip, her master plan to re-launch her art career quickly morphs into an unexpected, romantic reunion.

(Synopsis from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:
Over the past year or so, I've made it in a main focus in my reading life to read books that I've owned for a long time. I have books that I acquired in 2010-2015 that I still haven't read yet. While reading those books, I've really enjoyed a series of short stories about a dog named Charlie. I've put off reading the last book for a while now because I don't want the series to be over. I finally decided to finish the series with Driving Mr. Wrong Home. After finishing it, I thought it was just an okay book.

There were a few things that I enjoyed about Driving Mr. Wrong Home. First and foremost, I loved Charlie. He absolutely cracked me up. I loved how cute he was, and how he kept finding sneaky ways to bring the two main characters together.

However, there was also quite a bit that I didn't enjoy about the book. There were quite a few scenes that were over the top cheesy. Typically I don't mind a little bit of cheesiness in the romance books I read, but these were just too much. I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit while reading this book, just because of how ridiculous some of the things were. A certain scene with a helicopter sticks out in my mind. It was so ridiculous. There's no way that type of thing would happen in real life.

Even though I had mixed feelings on Driving Mr. Wrong Home, I am sad to see this mini series come to an end. I will miss Charlie, and all of the silly trouble he gets himself into. I will also miss reading about the way he brings random couples together. Hopefully I am able to find quick stories like this that have a similar theme somewhere else.


I give Driving Mr. Wrong Home: 3/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://shirleyjump.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shirleyjump.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shirleyjump

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.