Saturday, December 9, 2023

Mini Reviews: The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley and Good Girls Don't Die


The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
Publication Date: June 13th 2023 by Thomas Nelson
Pages: 358
Audio Book Length: 10hrs 2min
Narrator: Jorjeana Marie
Source: Publisher
Rating: ½
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
At thirty, Isadora’s life is bland and far from happy. So when she spies a magazine article proclaiming “31 Ways to Be Happy (Today!)”, as an academic researcher she feels she can debunk this ridiculousness. However, as she starts trying out the suggestions in the name of science, it forces her to open up to others and she finds her life changing. Isadora was hurt badly in the past which ultimately led to her being guarded, her life stagnant, so I was thrilled seeing her start to embrace life and happiness, making friends, and finding love along the way! Isadora’s journey was of self-discovery and healing. This was such an uplifting story with a sweet romance as icing on the cake! 

The audio was excellent! Jorjeana Marie's performance breathed life into the characters and definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed. 

4.5 Stars





Good Girls Don't Die by Christina Henry
Publication Date: November 14th 2023 by Berkley & Penguin Audio
Pages: 320
Audio Book Length: 9hrs 31min
Narrator: Lisa Flanagan
Source: Publisher & Library lend audio
Rating: ½
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
There are three stories, with three different women: Celia wakes up as a wife, mother, and restaurant owner, but doesn’t remember any of it.  

Allie is supposed to get away with her two besties to celebrate her birthday, but plans change when one of the boyfriends (total jerk!) hijacks the trip and takes them to a secluded cabin out in the woods.

Maggie wakes up with several other women forced to participate in deadly competitions.

All three stories connect by the end.

Good Girls Don’t Die had a kind of Twilight Zone vibe. Wished there was a little more to the ending other than that abrupt one, but I was happy with how it turned out for the most part. 

Lisa Flannagan's audio performance was excellent. Sort of reminded me of Lorelei King, one of my favs! I listened at 1.5x normal speed.

3.5 Stars




11 comments:

  1. Oh, yeah! I have a hold for Isadora, and your review has me thinking that it was a great choice. You know me, uplifting and sweet are two adjectives I love seeing in reviews.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really enjoyed The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley! So cute and fun. And I still need to read Good Girls Don't Die. Have a great week, Rachel! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was fun and it had wonderful depth to it too. I must read more of Walsh! You too, Lark! :)

      Delete
  3. I don't know if I'm likely to read either of these but Isadora was a good one for you, so maybe.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Both of those sound attractive in their own ways. I haven't read Christina Henry in a bit.

    Sophia Rose

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wonderful reviews, Rachel. I have The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley on my tablet and the audiobook is available on Hoopla, so after reading your review, I am bumping it up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you'll enjoy it, Carla! At least I hope you will! I look forward to your thoughts!

      Delete
  6. Good to know the audiobook for Isadora Bentley is excellent. I'll add it to my winter TBR 😊.

    ReplyDelete