Sarah Holman

This adorable Pollyanna retelling won me over from page one.
I loved how, even though the main adult character had adopted some harmful ideologies, she was likable and caring, and her repentance and change was heartfelt and believable. She was flawed, but willing to change, and her willingness to sacrifice her time and resources for others made her an endearing version of Aunt Polly. Much of that was demonstrated through how she treated Molly and Anna with kindness, even if she couldn't offer them compassion and understanding because she hadn't accepted the truth.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. A positive review was not required.… (mere)

The Promise of Acorns

From the first page, I was drawn to Erin's outlook on life and the adventure she was undertaking. It was a pleasure to experience the life of a nanny through her perspective, along with her interactions with her young charges and best friend. I love how the character development in both dynamic characters was brought on gradually and felt authentic in the short time we had with them.

As Long as I Belong

This book felt like it was written for me, not because my experiences were similar to those of the main character, but because the depth of Annalise's experiences allowed me to feel what she felt and to emphasize with the pain of the condescension and hypocrisy that she experienced.
I love how the author created a character who isn't good with words but who expresses herself honestly and with truth and kindness. She sees the best in people, she sees their potential, and she puts the needs of others above her own, no matter how painful it is for her. And that conversation about Fanny and Edmund from Mansfield Park mirrored one I had with a friend, yet another reason I adore this story.
There were so many moments that touched me with their heartfelt simplicity, like when Annalise named leaves with what she was thankful for and threw them into the lake. And I might now have to greet people with "How goes the war?"… (mere)