The Bookish Ashley

This is an ARC Review.

Scent of a Garden by Namrata Patel is a heartwarming novel that explores themes of family, self-discovery, and the importance of taking risks. The book follows Asha “Poppy” Patel, a Parisian perfumer who returns to her California roots after losing her heightened sense of smell. Hoping to find solace in her grandmother’s aromatic garden, Poppy discovers that the garden has been uprooted and destroyed. As she navigates family drama and childhood friendships, Poppy must find a way to chart her own path of rediscovery and heal from an unscented life.

The author does a great job of describing the scents and fragrances that Poppy encounters, making the story come alive for the reader. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships with each other are complex and realistic. The plot moves at a steady pace, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.

One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of family dynamics. Poppy’s relationships with her parents, especially her mother, are complex and emotionally charged. The book also delves into the tension between pursuing one’s dreams and fulfilling family expectations. These themes will resonate with many readers, making the book relatable and thought-provoking.

However, there are a few areas where the book falls short. The plot is predictable at times, and some of the conflicts are resolved too easily. The ending feels rushed, leaving some loose ends untied. Also, some of the secondary characters are underdeveloped, making their motivations unclear.

Overall, Scent of a Garden is a well-written and engaging novel that explores important themes of family, self-discovery, and taking risks. While the book has a few flaws, its strengths outweigh them, making it a worthwhile read. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming story with relatable characters and complex family dynamics.

I give it a solid 3.75/5 stars.

My second ARC this weekend was Ten Years by Pernille Hughes.

Pernille Hughes’ Ten Years is a delightful romantic comedy that explores the complex relationship between two best friends, Becca and Charlie, who are perfect for each other but have yet to realize it. The novel follows the two characters as they navigate their lives over the course of a decade, from university to adulthood, through joy, grief, and everything in between.

The story is filled with witty banter and hilarious situations that will leave you chuckling and rooting for the two protagonists. The chemistry between Becca and Charlie is undeniable, and their constant bickering only adds to their undeniable attraction. The supporting characters are also well fleshed out and add depth to the story.

What sets Ten Years apart from other romantic comedies is its exploration of grief and loss. The death of Ally, their shared best friend, is a constant presence throughout the book, and the characters’ struggles to come to terms with their loss are touching and relatable.

However, the book’s pacing can feel a little uneven at times, and some of the conflicts and resolutions may feel a bit contrived. Additionally, the ending may not satisfy some readers who prefer a more definitive conclusion.

Overall, Ten Years is a charming and enjoyable read that will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s perfect for fans of rom-coms and anyone looking for a lighthearted but heartfelt story about friendship, love, and loss.

I give it 3.75 out of 5 stars.

My third and final ARC of the weekend was Fireworks Every Night by Beth Raymer. It is a captivating and poignant coming-of-age novel that provides a stark depiction of growing up in a dysfunctional family in 1990s South Florida. Raymer’s writing style is darkly comic and compassionate, which makes the protagonist, CC, unforgettable. The novel deals with heavy themes, including abuse, addiction, and poverty, but Raymer’s writing is so engaging that readers will be enthralled from beginning to end.

CC’s father is a born grifter who drags his family around the country in search of easy money. Her mother is more concerned with hanging out at the mall and driving a Mustang than caring for her daughters, while CC’s older sister falls into addiction after enduring forms of abuse within the family. In the midst of all this dysfunction, CC is trying to stay afloat and make a better life for herself.

What makes Fireworks Every Night so special is the way Raymer handles CC’s story. Despite the struggles she faces, CC maintains a sense of humor and an unshakable determination to succeed. Raymer doesn’t shy away from showing the hard bargains CC must make, but she also shows the family loyalties that anchor CC throughout her life. The grit and resilience of CC’s character make for a compelling and inspiring read.

Overall, Fireworks Every Night is an exceptional novel that showcases Raymer’s talent as a writer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories or who wants a deeper understanding of what it’s like to grow up in a dysfunctional family. With its unforgettable protagonist and engaging writing style, Fireworks Every Night deserves a solid 4/5 star rating.