Wandering Feelings - An Intimate Portrait of Love and Emotional Resilience

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Wandering Feelings is a poetic and deeply emotional tale that explores love—and the absence of it—in its raw, unfiltered form. The story follows a young couple who, though deeply connected, must endure neglect and even abuse from those who should care for them most. And yet, in spite of the pain, their relationship becomes a refuge, a place of warmth and meaning.

BookHookup Review: Wandering Feelings

From the very beginning, I was drawn into their private world, witnessing the joy they found in small, intimate moments—like the tender scene where he buys her a teddy bear after he “felt his heart for the first time.” These details, while subtle, carry immense emotional weight.

Boyko Ovcharov’s lyrical and philosophical writing breaks traditional storytelling rules. The characters are nameless, the plot is fluid, and the structure flows more like a meditation than a standard narrative. Yet this unconventional style works beautifully, allowing the reader to reflect on their own emotions and experiences.

Though the characters face real hardship, the story ultimately leaves a lasting sense of hope. Love may be fragile, but here, it endures—and that quiet resilience is what stays with you.

What Happens in Montana - captivating friendship and secrets read

What Happens in Montana by Kim McCollum is a captivating story about friendship, secrets, and the unexpected ways our past shapes us. Set at a retreat in Montana, the novel alternates between multiple points of view, including that of Simone, a ghost haunting the property. Along with the various points of view, the story unfolds with shifting timelines, weaving Simone’s tragic history with the present-day struggles of four women facing midlife.

 

At first, I had a little trouble connecting with the characters. The women were once close friends when their children were babies but have grown apart, over the years. As the story opens, their kids are ready to head off to college and one of the women, Brooke, plans a reunion at an old hot springs resort in Montana. At first, I felt like an outsider at a reunion, not quite knowing who everyone was. But as the story unfolded I got to know them better and started to appreciate the depth of their relationships and struggles. What initially felt like a story full of strangers soon turned into a rich narrative about women facing personal challenges and rediscovering the bonds that once held the friends together.

 

BookHookup Review: What Happens in Montana

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

I’m typically not a fan of novels told from multiple viewpoints, as they often get muddled and confusing. It kept me off kilter at the start, but as the story progressed McCollum executed this structure flawlessly, giving each character a unique perspective that enriched the story rather than detracting from it.

I enjoyed how McCollum layered in seemingly trivial details that later proved unexpectedly significant, adding depth and complexity to the plot. The inclusion of the ghost Simone, a young woman murdered decades ago, is a brilliant touch, as is the character of Maude, the elderly, often cantankerous chef at the retreat. If I were to choose a favorite character in this story, it would be Maude. She is the uniting force that brings the story into a cohesive narrative. Through her, McCollum adds another layer, telling the story of three distinct generations of women.

Without giving away spoilers, it's clear that McCollum is subtly addressing the pressures placed on women—both physical and emotional—across different periods. I appreciated that the messages about society and women’s roles are woven into the narrative naturally, without being preachy or heavy-handed. McCollum manages to be pro-female without being anti-male, offering an affirming, empowering message that feels honest and heartfelt.

The emotional journey these women take, from confronting long-held secrets to rediscovering the importance of friendship, is powerful. The supernatural element of Simone’s ghost adds intrigue and mystery, but at its core, this is a story about real women facing the challenges of life, love, and change.

What Happens in Montana is an enjoyable, thought-provoking read that expertly balances character-driven storytelling with a touch of the supernatural. If you’re a fan of novels that explore complex relationships, personal growth, and a bit of ghostly intrigue, this book is well worth picking up. I’m happy to give it 4 out of 5 stars.

***

As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Black Coffee Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites. 

Desulti Review: A Journey of Empowerment and Intrigue

Ross Hightower and Deb Heim have crafted a world that feels both vast and intimately personal, skillfully interwoven with themes of history, politics, art, and the stark contrasts of wealth and power. At the heart of this world is Tove, whose face bears a brutal scar—a constant reminder of the Vollen Empire’s tyranny. A chance encounter with Brie, a Desulti assassin, awakens a hunger in Tove to rise above the limitations of her past and prove herself. When Brie offers her a chance to join the secretive order of women known as the Desulti, Tove believes she’s found an opportunity for empowerment. Yet, as she becomes further entangled in the order, she begins to question whether she is truly in control of her fate or merely a pawn in a dangerous scheme that could end her life and destroy the Alle'oss rebellion.

Tove’s emotional growth is the heartbeat of the story, lending it a depth and resonance that lingers. At the beginning, her spirit bears the invisible scars of abuse, leaving her vulnerable and cautious. But beneath her fragility lies a quiet defiance, a spark of strength waiting to emerge. As the journey unfolds, she reclaims her voice and confidence, transforming from a shattered woman into one who learns to fight for herself. The challenges and conflicts she faces force her to confront her flaws, broaden her perspective, and make difficult decisions. Through these hardships and moments of self-discovery, Tove unearths a steady, quiet determination—a strength that, once hidden, now refuses to be ignored. This inner resilience allows her to weather any storm, rising from the ashes of her past and embracing the force she was always meant to become.

 

 BookHookup Review: Desulti

While the world-building can initially feel overwhelming, it eventually unfolds into a richly textured landscape that draws the reader deeper into the story. The layers of political intrigue, personal ambition, and shifting allegiances create a constantly evolving narrative, keeping the reader engaged and guessing what will come next. As Tove grows, so too does the world around her, intertwining her personal evolution with the shifting tides of a complex society on the brink of change.

Although there are moments where the complexity of the world-building, multiple plot threads, and large cast of characters might feel overwhelming, the emotional and character-driven core of the story—especially Tove’s transformation—keeps the reader engaged. This is a story that thrives on depth and growth, making it a rewarding read, even with its intricate layers.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

 

As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Black Phoenix Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites