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Lola

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Lola is Currently Reading

Lola is currently reading

The Suffering of Fools

by Jenn Burke (Goodreads Author)

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Apr 19, 2026 01:05AM

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The Fossil Door (Mysterious Powers #2)

by Celia Lake (Goodreads Author)

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Apr 16, 2026 12:10AM

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Appalachian Awakening

by Nance Sparks (Goodreads Author)

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Reading for the 3rd time

read in December 2023

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Lola said: " First Read Review:
This book was so good, I loved it! This book was exactly what I was hoping for and more when I spotted it on Netgalley. I love stories about characters finding what they really want in life and figuring things out, add in the thru h First Read Review:
This book was so good, I loved it! This book was exactly what I was hoping for and more when I spotted it on Netgalley. I love stories about characters finding what they really want in life and figuring things out, add in the thru hiking setting and theme and I knew I had to read this one. And I am so glad I picked this one up as I really enjoyed it from start to finish.

Appalachian Awakening follows the story of Amber, who just lost both her job and her girlfriend. She has always striven to be the best at everything and has more money than she knows what to do with, but she still feels empty and like something missing. After losing her job and girlfriend in the same day she decided she wants to try hiking the Appalachian trail.

I have to admit I wasn't sure I was going to like Amber at first, something about her personality and attitude made it hard for me to like her at first, but the way it was written still had me curious to see what was next for her. Then once she realizes something is missing and actually sets out to find it and I quickly warmed up to her. I liked her dedication to try something so different from what she is used to and how she gave it her all by researching well beforehand. She's used to everything her money can buy and seeing her willingly set off and walk days on end without shower or restaurant meal was really interesting to see. And even more how she opens her heart and mind to find that what's missing in her life.

This is not only a story about Amber figuring out what she wants from life, it's also an awesome romantic story. The book also has a strong theme about friendship and I would even call it found family, as Amber's real family doesn't care about her, but she finds friends who do. And everyone has their own distinct personality, from Sue whose like a mother and best friend to Amber to the couple Cricket and Bobber who become good friends to Amber. And ofcourse Leslie, the love interest.

I loved the way the romance was written. Amber and Leslie have something that connects and draws them together from the start, but it's their honest and raw talks that really forge a deep bond. And only later it turns physical and they fit well together in that way as well. I liked how open and honest they are with each other. There isn't a lot of drama and angst about their romance, even though they have things to deal with. When struggles or doubts pop up they actually talk about it and when something is pulling them apart their feelings are clear. I really liked reading about these two and while we don't get Leslie's point of view I felt like I got to know her almost as well as main character Amber. The epilogue was awesome and I really liked seeing where these two ended up.

The hiking journey was very well written, with the walk really coming to life and I was able to picture the scenes well. There's just something about the thru hiking setting that really works for me in a book, it's such an unique type of backdrop for a story. And the way it's such a change from Amber's normal life that it forces her to reconsider everything was great.

To summarize: I loved this book! This book was everything I hoped for and more. It has an awesome plot line about Amber who has to figure out what she wants from life and what is missing. As well as a heartfelt romance with two characters who are raw and honest with each other and connect through deep talks and only later physically as well. I liked how the romance was low on the drama and how these two talked things through. I appreciated how I felt like I got to know love interest Leslie almost as well as Amber. It also has a theme of found family and friendship as Amber has some great friends around her who each have a distinct personality. The hiking made for a great backdrop for the story and I enjoyed reading about the trail hiking. The epilogue was wonderful and I loved how the book ended.

Re-read Review
One of my goals for this year was to re-read more and then this month I suddenly knew which book I really wanted to re-read and it was this one. I loved it as much as the first time around and it was fun seeing Amber transformation knowing what was going to come. I did feel I wanted more of the hiking and nature descriptions this time. Even though my brain visualized it very vividly, I just wanted to bask in the nature netting and spend time with these characters. Seeing the ending play out and the hints along the way from pretty early on was super fun too and even the bit of conflict was easier to read knowing how it would all play out and how important it was for Amber to go through that. And I just love the hiking theme for the book and the finding yourself part. All in all I had an awesome time re-reading this one. ...more "

Apr 25, 2025 09:31AM · see review

See all 11 books that Lola is reading…

Lola’s Quotes

“Derek caught my arm again as I started to move--at this rate, it was going to be as sore as my injured one.
"Dog," he said, jerking his chin toward the fenced yard. "It was inside earlier."
Expecting to see a Doberman slavering at the fence, I followed his gaze to a little puff of white fur, the kind of dog women stick in their purses. It wasn't even barking, just staring at us, dancing in place.
"Oh, my God! It's a killer Pomeranian." I glanced up at Derek. "It's a tough call, but I think you can take him.”
― Kelley Armstrong, The Awakening

tags: chloe, derek, dog

820 likes

“There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.”
― W. Somerset Maugham

tags: writing

3850 likes

“Everyone makes choices in life. Some bad, some good. It's called living, and if you want to bow out, then go right ahead. But don't do it halfway. Don't linger in whiner's limbo.”
― Maria V. Snyder, Poison Study

792 likes

“Murder? You mean he's dead?"
"No. He's resting comfortably," I said. "People always sleep best with their heads at a ninety-degree angle. He looks comfortable, doesn't he?"
(Paige & Elena)”
― Kelley Armstrong, Stolen

tags: elena, paige, stolen

257 likes

“He was trying to tell me something."
Derek snorted. "Aren’t they all? Must be a rule in the ghost handbook—if in danger of evaporating, make sure you’re in the middle of a dire pronouncement.”
― Kelley Armstrong, The Reckoning

tags: chloe-saunders, derek, ghosts, necromancer, supernatural, urban-fantasy, young-adult

287 likes

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