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Kristin Wollett’s Debut: As a Last Resort

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If you are looking for a slow-flow romance, that isn’t cutesy, then you will enjoy Kristin Wollett’s debut novel, As a Last Resort. The story follows a career-driven woman whose perfect future boyfriend might not be who she expects in a partner, all set against the backdrop of a charming Florida coastal town. It’s the very town that Samantha wanted to run away from.

Book cover for Kristin Wollett's novel 'As a Last Resort'. The illustration features a woman walking along a beach with palm trees, chairs, and a sunset in the background.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

You can read more about the book at: https://amzn.to/4pjaTwK

Published on: September 2, 2025

From the publisher: “Opposites attract when a real estate developer’s quest for a promotion returns her to the coastal hometown she loathes—where she’s reunited with her teenage crush turned town golden boy.“

What I Liked About As a Last Resort:

Every good rom-com book has entertaining banter between the main characters, and I appreciated this part of the story between Samantha and Austin. It made the story more realistic as two people, who knew each other growing up, would use teasing (and yes, flirting) to get the other person’s attention.

An interesting part of the book deals with the relationship between Samantha and her mother, who is an alcoholic. Samantha didn’t have an easy childhood because of it, but I was still cheering on that relationship as well.

I enjoy books that are relatable and funny but also contain deeper life issues. This book has all three. Although it is somewhat predictable (what rom-com book isn’t?), I enjoyed the storyline. It helped me to forget about life for a while, and that is exactly what I was hoping for while reading.

Favorite Quotes:

  1. “Sometimes life tips the bucket list over and dumps it all on your head, leaving you standing there soaked in all the things that didn’t go as planned.”

This first quote perfectly captures my own philosophy on life, and it made me laugh. One of the things you learn in life is that your plan should be to have no plan. Life has a way of taking your plans and messing with them. Cynical, I know, but that comes from experience. I have never created a bucket list for this reason. Sure, there are things I would still like to do during my lifetime, and I will be just as surprised when they happen.

2. “Family ain’t who you choose…They’re who God gave you to love. There’s a big difference.”

I am close to my family. I really like the thought that they are the people that God chose for me to love.

Where To Buy As A Last Resort and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Kristin Wollett for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: If you moved away from your hometown, would you ever want to move back?

The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett

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Does the thought of a long car trip make you cringe or feel excited? If you are looking for a cozy, heartwarming book that makes you smile, then you should definitely read The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett. It’s an endearing novel that brought back car trip memories for me, even though I’ve never taken one with a long-lost uncle, his daughter, two kids, and a “talking” cat.

The cover of 'The Road to Tender Hearts' by Annie Hartnett featuring a colorful illustration of characters on a road trip in a red car, with a cat walking beside them against a desert backdrop.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆ (It is really a 4.5 for me)

To read about the premise: https://amzn.to/4lNkQje

Published on: April 29th, 2025

From the publisher: NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A darkly comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush—bringing together his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death—by the beloved author of Rabbit Cake and Unlikely Animals

What I Liked About The Road to Tender Hearts:

Initially, the cover didn’t appeal to me, but after finishing the book, it totally makes sense. Each character is represented on the cover, and they are all lovable in their own way. My favorite, though, was Pancakes, the cat. He couldn’t talk out loud, but you could read his thoughts, which kept me laughing. I mean, who doesn’t love a cat that walks on a leash and is called, “The angel of death”?

I also loved the two kids, Luna and Ollie. Luna is a tough-minded fourth-grader, and I have a feeling we would have been friends at that age. Her “Irish twin,” Ollie, is sweet and caring, and their sibling relationship is one of the highlights of the story.

A Mix of Light and Dark

At times, the events in the story didn’t seem plausible, but for some reason, it just added to the fun and humor. This is balanced by the realistic subplots that deal with serious topics like death and alcoholism. I love a story that can make me laugh while still having a grounding sense of reality.

I definitely recommend this book. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

An orange cat walking on a leash along a concrete surface. Pancakes in the story The Road to Tender Hearts.

Where To Buy The Road to Tender Hearts and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Annie Hartnett for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: What is your favorite car trip that you have ever taken? I’d love to hear the stories.

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