The Book of Lost Hours by Hayley Gelfuso

 

The Book of Lost Hours by Hayley Gelfuso

I didn't know what to expect with this book. I think I saw it as a new release in my local bookstore's newsletter so I put it on hold at the library based on the idea of a "memory library" alone. I do love time travel and parallel universes, so even though it took me a while to get to this one, I'm so glad I did.

It was really interesting, the idea of memories stored in a library, plus who would want to destroy them and why. And, since it dealt with some WWII history, it seemed especially relevant today, unfortunately. I love how everything twisted together. 

The ending was a bit too pure for me because I think there should have been a bit more disruption based on everything that came before, but it didn’t ruin it. I almost wonder if the author is leaving it open for a sequel because, with Amelia's knowledge, I don't really see how things can ever be "normal" for her, and I'm curious to see how she'd fare in the future.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

A friend recommended this book when I said the most “fantasy” I really read was parallel universes and time travel. This book was perfect for me!

I loved the magical apartment and how it pulled Clementine and Iwan together. I love that the threads of how they encountered each other were clear right from the beginning because it really helped up the tension of what would happen between them in the end.

The writing was so descriptive that it totally pulled me from reality - one of my favorite things about reading fiction, but not every author can pull it off. I also really loved how Poston wrote about the foods Iwan prepared and what they meant to him and Clementine. I think she really nailed the friendships you develop with coworkers, too.

Soft spoiler potential ahead...

The only thing... just to be nitpicky... is that I wish there was some hint of what Clementine was going to do next. Not everyone is defined by their career but it was so important to her throughout the book that I wish she'd even thought of an option or two isntead of making it seem like she was just going to be with Iwan and travel. Although, maybe there will be a sequel and I'll get my answer.

I read Geekerella years ago and will definitely be reading more Poston soon!