I feel like I spend so much time highlighting my FAVORITE books, especially for TTTs and other “best of” posts, that I end up leaving out quite a few solid four star books. Four stars is a great rating. It’s probably my most common rating too, which means they all kind of blend together and never get any attention. I was thinking about Magnolia one morning for some reason and wondered why I don’t talk about how much I enjoyed that book. I started thinking about other great four star books I’ve read and enjoyed, and this post idea was born.
Magnolia by Kristi Cook
From my review: “I loved the build-up to the romance in this book! It’s easily one of the best hate-to-love romances I’ve ever read. Add in the storm and I’m hooked. I was rooting for them right off the bat and thought they had the best chemistry in the beginning… It was fun to read about their families and their long history together. The hurricane/tornado situation was scary, but such a great event to bring the two of them together.”
Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore
From my review: “All in all, this was a really good book for me. If the author meant to make the whole book feel exactly like a clichéd romantic comedy, she certainly got that message across. I loved the references to the movies that they did talk about and thought they were pretty appropriate given their situations. The promposal element was great for me since I tend to lap that shit up.”
The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar
From my review: “I was just so interested in reading it and finding out what was going to happen with Margo and Oliver’s story. It was unique, compelling, and really cute. It’s a quick read that has some elements of magic while maintaining the contemporary romance feel. I loved the characters, learning about Oliver’s story, and seeing them grow closer. The ending was a little confusing, but I know it’ll be cleared up in the sequel.”
Three Day Summer by Sarvenaz Tash
From my review: “I LOVE WOODSTOCK and music from the 60’s and 70’s more than any other time period… Can we get more books set in this time? Thanks. I thought the atmosphere felt really well-done and representative of the time. I’ve seen countless Woodstock movies and read articles, so I feel like it was definitely historically accurate. I actually believed that these two characters could have been real concertgoers at Woodstock.”
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
From my review: “Holly Black’s books can just be so delightfully weird that half the time I don’t even know if I fully understood it. This was certainly a unique read with lots of nuances and secrets; it had a slow and steady plotline that didn’t really have a formal “climax” with a lot of action. I enjoyed that though. I completely forgot how much I love Black’s writing style; I know it’s not for some people.”
All We Have is Now by Lisa Schroeder
From my review: “What would you do if the world was about to end? Would you believe the government’s reports, or assume they’re lying to you? It’s an interesting thing to think about. I honestly can’t even imagine what I’d try to do on my last day. It was nice to see that looting and rioting was over by the time the book started. It makes me feel better, thinking that people would be more focused on spending time with loved ones than searching for stuff to steal in those final days.”
Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid
From my review: “I was so pleasantly surprised by the characters and the story. They felt natural and real to me in so many ways. The one issue I have is the ending, to be honest. Even then, I don’t really think it’s an issue. I think that some people may not be happy with it but I can appreciate where it’s coming from.”
Rules for 50/50 Chances by Kate McGovern
From my review: “I loved the Boston setting, the families (both Caleb’s and Rose’s), and the focus on the future and college… The themes of family responsibility and love, taking risks for bigger gains, and making hard decisions are ALL definitely relatable for teens that may read this. Plus, you learn about an uncommon, incurable disease, which is definitely eye-opening.”
A book I recently rated four stars was Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari. I really enjoyed it, but it just didn’t wow me like I wanted it to.
This is such a good idea! I give out a lot of four-star ratings, but rarely talk about them on my blog besides in book reviews. I might have to do a similar post! (giving credit to you, of course!) 🙂
Yess I know what you mean! I really enjoyed Modern Romance too but I was expecting just a BIT more humor from it. It was funny though, given the topic and level of research.
Definitely go for it and send me the link when you post!!
Magnolia is one of my favorite books ever. It’s seriously underrated though and I don’t understand why!! It does the hate-to-love so well.
I need to pick up Just Like The Movies. It sounds adorable! And YES! Three Days Summer! It was so amazing and very atmospheric.
Rules For 50/50 is another one I should add to my TBR. It somehow flew under my radar but it sounds right up my alley.
Yeah seriously! I hope more people pick that one up.
Just Like the Movies was cute – definitely hit the nail on the head with the rom-com vibes 🙂
I’ve heard of Magnolia but never read it! I just added it to my TBR so I can remember to read it sometime in the future.
And you’re right. Four stars is a great rating! There are many 4 stars books that I love!
It’s super cute! I hope you enjoy 🙂
3 Day Summer, Never Always Sometimes, and All We Have is Now are on my YES list. I’m glad you liked them so much. Also LOVE the cover of All We Have is Now!
Yes definitely!! All We Have is Now was a really solid book that totally needs more attention.
I don’t think I give enough attention to my four star books either! I am really enjoying this post. I own Magnolia, but I have yet to read it. I should change that. I have been feeling like no matter how much I try to find time to read there is just never enough, which is true but I have been feeling this even more lately. So frustrating!
Omg I know same here! I have a week off in early September where I’ll be completely by myself for days and I plan to read like craaaazy.
Magnolia is one of my favorites and the only one I’ve read from your list. I have so many 4 star books too, they definitely need more love!
Yes they really do!!
I definitely agree about four star books! I actually think it’s a really good rating already, and always consider those books I give that rating to with a lot of fondness. Magnolia was definitely one of those reads for me, so I’m thrilled that it inspired you to do this post!
Right? It’s a great rating but I always ignore them when compiling “best of” posts or recommendation lists.