Category Archives: Monthly Wrap Up

April 2022 Reading Wrap Up

April 30, 2022

 April 2022 Reading Wrap Up

April 2022 Reading Wrap Up (collage of covers)

How was your April reading?

April was a satisfactory reading month with mostly 4 and 3 star reads.
Out of 11 books completed, I had one 5-star read, five 4-star reads, and four 3-star reads, one 2-star read.

The most memorable and enjoyable fiction read of the month is A Hundred Crickets Singing by Cathy Gohlke for its equally engaging dual timeline.

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review before pub date)

A Hundred Crickets Singing by Cathy Gohlke (ARC)

 

A Hundred Crickets Singing by Cathy Gohlke (cover) Image: a young woman viewed from the waist up stands with her back to the camera and arms held behind her waist.

5 Stars. (ARC) Page-turning and compelling (Civil War and WW11) historical fiction. My review of A Hundred Crickets Singing here.

Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

 

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn (cover) grayscale cover....a woman in a dark long coat walks into a grove of tall trees (red and black text)

4 Stars. Historical Fiction. Excellently written and well-researched but a story about a sniper is difficult subject matter. My review of Diamond Eye will be published soon.

I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist

 

I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist (cover) Image: colorful text against a white background

4 Stars. Nonfiction. Memoir/Essay. Christian. My review of I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet will be published soon.

Bomb Shelter by Mary Laura Philpott

 

Bomb Shelter by Mary Laura Philpott (cover) Image: yellow text and a large turtle against a pinkish red background

4 Stars. Nonfiction. Memoir/Essay. Exceeded my expectations. My review of Bomb Shelter will be published soon.

The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman

 

The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman (cover) Image: light teal text over a darker teal background, bordered with flowers

4 Stars. (ARC) Historical Fiction. Jewish. Women’s Fiction/Romance. Lovely story which would have received 5 stars except for the abundance of magical realism. My review of The Matchmaker’s Gift will be published 9/20/2022.

Isaiah Dunn Saves the Day by Kelly J. Baptist (ARC)

 

Isaiah Dunn Saves the Day by Kelly J. Baptist (cover) Image: A young African American boy (with blue cape) and girl stand looking at the camera

4 Stars. (ARC) Middle Grade Contemporary Fiction. I love this kid! My review of Isaiah Dunn Saves the Day will be published 8/2/2022.

The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick (ARC)

The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick (cover) Image: built in bookshelves surround a red double door

3.5 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary Women’s Fiction. Books about books. My review of The Messy Lives of Book People will be published 6/28/2022.

So Many Beginnings by Bethany C. Morrow

So Many Beginnings by Bethany C. Morrow (cover) Image: four young women sit/stand posed as a group in a garden

 

3 Stars. Historical Fiction. Retelling of Little Women. Diverse Read. My review of So Many Beginnings coming soon.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Dideon

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (cover) black text on a pale pink background

3 Stars. Nonfiction. Memoir/Essay. Well-written but depressing and sad. Not reviewed.

Greenhouse Glass by Kate Milford

Greenglass House by Kate Milford (cover) Image: graphic picture of a mansion tucked into the snowy woods

3 Stars. Middle Grade Fiction. Mystery/Fantasy. Not reviewed.

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd (cover) Image: shelves of books and binders in blue tones lit by one overhead lightbulb

2 Stars. Contemporary Fiction. Mystery. Underwhelmed….I just didn’t care….almost DNF. Not reviewed.

QOTD:

What was your favorite April read?
Did we read any of the same books?
Which of these books is on your TBR?

ICYMI:

April Blog Posts:

A Hundred Crickets Review
What Genre Can You Identify by Looking at the Book Cover?
10 Novels in Free Verse #NationalPoetryMonth (Love That Dog Review)
Tweet Cute Review
To Annotate or Not to annotate?
The Bookseller’s Promise Review
The Rain Stick #NationalPoetryMonth
Refugee Blues #NationalPoetryMonth
Sea Wife Review
Mrs. England Review
Books About Sisters
National Library Week
Spring Tides at the Starfish Cafe Review
The Lanyard #NationalPoetryMonth
Little Fires Everywhere Review

Happy Reading Book Buddies!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
Pinterest

***Blog posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.

Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.

Book covers and photos are credited to Amazon or publisher websites.

© http://www.ReadingLadies.com

 

 

March 2022 Reading Wrap Up

March 30, 2022

 March 2022 Reading Wrap Up

March 2022 Reading Wrap Up

How was your February reading?

March reading was challenging because my moods were all over the place! The War Against Ukraine and a 6 week old granddaughter in the hospital (she’s fine now!) caused me to be unfocused in my reading life. I read 3 light chick-lit books in 3 days at the end of the month, to jumpstart my reading mojo!
Out of 8 books completed, I had zero 5-star reads, five 4-star reads, and three 3-star read.

The most memorable and enjoyable fiction read of the month is The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan.

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review before pub date)

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan

 

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle bbby Jennifer Ryan (cover) four women working on (hand) sewing projects

4 Stars. (ARC) Uplifting (WW11) historical fiction/women’s fiction. My review of Wedding Dress Sewing Circle will be published 5/31/2022.

Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris

 

Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris (cover) Image: a colorful assortment of various graphic shapes

4 Stars. (ARC) Historical Fiction, Sarajevo. My review of Black Butterflies will be published 5/5/2022.

The Bookseller’s Promise by Beth Wiseman

 

The Bookseller's Promise by Beth Wiseman (cover) Image: a young Amish couple look adoringly at each other...the woman holds a book

4 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary Amish Fiction. Romance. Christian. My review of The Bookseller’s Promise will be published 4/19/2022.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

 

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center (cover) Image: graphic picture of a young man and young woman standing with arms crossed backs to each other

4 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary Fiction. Romcom. My review of The Bodyguard will be published 7/19/2022.

Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer

 

Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer (cover) Image: ttitle and text below a pink and purple landscape

4 Stars. Nonfiction, Self Help. Not reviewed.

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

 

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan (cover) Image: a graphic image of a young woman holding a coffee cup....a novel lies nearby.....she looks out over a large green lawn with a small house in the distance

3.5 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary Women’s Fiction. Romance. My review of Nora Goes Off Script will be published 6/7/2022.

Flying Solo by Linda Holmes

Flying Solo by Linda Holmes (cover) Image: a graphic image of a pond with ducks and a boat and steps leading up to a small house

 

3 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary Women’s Fiction. Romance. My review of Flying Solo will be published 6/14/2022.

Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald

 

Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald (cover) Image: text plus a collage of5 pictures (girl reading, a suitcase, a pic of an egg, a museum, paint brushes in a jar)

2.5-3 Stars. Middle Grade Fiction. Difficult to feel connected with the story (probably my mood). Not Reviewed.

DNF (23%): The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman

Middle Grade Fiction from my Newbery Project. Underwhelmed.

QOTD:

What was your favorite March read?
Did we read any of the same books?
Which of these books is on your TBR?

ICYMI:

March Blog Posts:

Little Fires Everywhere
The Honeybee Emeralds
Ghost (and Middle Grade March)
Where the Lost Wander
Meet the Blogger (Book Tag)
I Must Betray You (and fav YA titles)
Code Name Helene
TTT: Spring 2022 TBR
These Precious Days
Castle of Water
TTT: 10 Women Authors and Their Debuts
The Book of Lost Friends
Sisters of Night and Fog

Happy Reading Book Buddies!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
Pinterest

***Blog posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.

Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.

Book covers and photos are credited to Amazon or publisher websites.

© http://www.ReadingLadies.com

 

February 2022 Reading Wrap Up

February 28, 2022

February 2022 Reading Wrap Up

February Reading Wrap Up (collage of covers)

How was your February reading?

My February reading included a variety of genres.
Out of 8 books completed, I had two 4.5-5-star reads, five 4-star reads, and one 3-star read.

The most memorable fiction read of the month is I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys.

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review before pub date)

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys (cover) Image: grayscale image of a man standing outside a building holding a blue/yellow/red torn flag

5 Stars. Young Adult Historical Fiction. Compelling and relevant. Fabulous! My review of I Must Betray You here.

The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson

The Book Woman's Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson (cover) Image: old work boots sit atop a stack of books

4.5-5 Stars. (ARC) Historical Fiction, Book about books. Sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek My review of Book Woman’s Daughter will be published 5/3/2022.

The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore

The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore

4 Stars. Narrative Nonfiction. Both heartbreaking and interesting. My review of The Woman They Could Not Silence here.

These Precious Days by Ann Patchett

These Precious Days by Ann Patchett (cover) Image: a watercolor image of a small dog lying with its head down on the back of a sofa or chair

4 Stars. Nonfiction. Memoir. Essays. My review of These Precious Days here.

The Honeybee Emeralds by Amy Tector

The Honeybee Emeralds by Amy Tector (cover) Image: Purple Text over a gold ornate design against a teal background

4 Stars. (ARC) Historical Fiction/Mystery. My review of The Honeybee Emeralds here.

When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord

When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord (cover) Image: white and yellow text over the background graphic image of a teenage girl with long brown hair dressed in a pink crop top, and jeans.....she stands with hands on hips against a hot pink background sprinkled with small yellow stars

4 Stars. Young Adult Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama. Musical Theater.
My review of When You Get the Chance here.

Spring Tides at the Starfish Cafe by Jessica Redland

Spring Tides at the Starfish Cafe by Jessica Redland (cover) Image: white text over a graphic picture of a red cafe sitting on the bluff above a bay ...lighthouse and sailboat and seagull

4 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary Women’s Fiction. #2 in the Starfish Cafe series (can be read as a stand alone). My review of Book #1 in the series here. My review of Spring Tides at the Starfish Cafe will be published 5/5/2022.

Mrs. England by Stacey Halls

Mrs. England by Stacey Halls (cover) Image: gold text against and gray-blue background with a border of gold and white leaves and flowers....a graphic image of an old large house sits above the text

3.5-4 Stars. (ARC) Historical Fiction, Suspense. Family Drama. My review of Mrs. England will be published 4/12/2022.

QOTD:

What was your favorite February read?
Did we read any of the same books?
Which of these books is on your TBR?

ICYMI:

February Blog Posts:

When You Get the Chance Review
The Last Train to London Review
TTT: 10 Favorite Dynamic Duos in Literature
The Woman They Could Not Silence Review
One-In-A-Million Boy Review
TTT: Have You Lost Your Heart in a Book? 10 Books Too Good to Review Properly
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking Review
This Won’t End Well Review
TTT: 10 Favorite Light Romance
The Last Grand Duchess Review
Born a Crime Review
Are You a Rereader? Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine Review
TTT: 10 Favorite Books With Character Names in the Title
Black Cake Review

Happy Reading Book Buddies!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
Pinterest

***Blog posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.

Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.

Book covers and photos are credited to Amazon or publisher websites.

© http://www.ReadingLadies.com

 

January 2022 Reading Wrap Up

January 31, 2022

January 2022 Reading Wrap Up

January 2022 Reading Wrap Up

How was your January reading?

My January reading started 2022 off with a bang!
Out of 9 books completed, I had seven (!) 4.5-5-star reads, one 4-star read, and one 3-star read. Sadly, I’m adding one DNF to the monthly stats.

The most compelling fiction read of the month is Black Cake (although all my 4.5-5 star reads were memorable).

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review before pub date)

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (cover)

5 Stars. (Reread) Contemporary Fiction. My review of Eleanor.
(I loved it just as much the second time!)

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson (cover) Image: white text over a multicolored background of various graphic shapes

4.5-5 Stars. (ARC) Historical Fiction, Compelling Family Drama, Siblings. My review of Black Cake here.

Arborview by Karen Guzman

Arborview by Karen Guzman (cover) Image: white text over a background of trees in the foreground and a green field in the background

4.5-5 Stars. (complimentary copy) Contemporary Women’s Fiction. Loved it! My review of Arborview here.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Quiet by Susan Cain (Cover: red lettering on a soft blue background)

4.5-5 Stars. Nonfiction. I feel seen! Review coming soon!

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Ghost by Jason Reynolds (cover) Black text on a yellow background....a young African American boy is running off the page

5 Stars. (reread) Middle Grade Contemporary Fiction, Diverse Read. (review coming in March)

Home by Marilynne Robinson

Home by Marilynne Robinson (cover) Image: a graphic pictures of greenery, a small section of brown fence, and the sun in a cloudy sky

4.5 Stars. #2 in the Gilead collection. Historical Literary Fiction, Family Drama.
(although well written and poignant, I enjoyed Gilead a bit more) Review coming soon.

The Last Grand Duchess by Bryn Turnbull

The Last Grand Duchess by Bryn Turnbull (cover) Image: red text set against the white sleeve of a woman's fancy gown

5 Stars. (ARC) Historical Fiction. The Romanovs. Russia. Review coming 2/7.

A Spring Surprise for the Cornish Midwife by Jo Bartlett

A Spring Surprise For the Cornish Midwife by Jo Bartlett (cover) Image: a young woman with a blue baby carriage stands on a grassy bluff overlooking a coastal village

4 Stars. #4 in a Series. Contemporary Fiction, England. (not reviewed)

A Good Measure by Nan Rossiter

A Good Measure by Nan Rossiter (cover) Image: white text over a background picture of a rustic country barn against a darkening sky

3 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary Women’s Fiction. Reviewcoming 4/12/2022.

DNF: Before We Visit the Goddess by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Before We Visit the Godess by Chitra Vanerjee Divakaruni (cover) Image: against a blue background, a hand releases red flower petals between the gold text

2 Stars. (DNF 68%) Lost interest but others have loved it.

QOTD:

What was your favorite January read?
Did we read any of the same books?
Which of these books is on your TBR?

ICYMI:

January Blog Posts:

The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite (“Vicarage” series)
The Winemaker’s Wife
Books About Books and The Reading List Review
Arborview
Top 5 Books That Changed My Reading Life
The Printed Letter Bookshop
Best of the Best: 2015-2021
Big Lies in a Small Town
Top 5 Most Anticipated Reads Q1 2022
A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow
Lovely War
Top 5 Bookish Resolutions
#6Degrees of Separation: Rules of Civility to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Happy Reading Book Buddies!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
Pinterest

***Blog posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.

Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.

Book covers are credited to Amazon.

© http://www.ReadingLadies.com

 

December 2021 Reading Wrap Up

December 31, 2021

December 2021 Reading Wrap Up

December Reading Wrap Up (collage of titles)

How was your December reading?

Welcome to the last monthly wrap up of the year!
My December reading consisted of mostly light, escapist reads.
Out of 8 books completed, I had one 5-star read, six 4-star reads, and one 3-star read.
I’ve now read 119 books towards my year end goal of 100. Do you set a year-end goal?
(see my reading stats and new goals post here)

My favorite fiction read of the month is Sisters of Night and Fog (for it gripping content).

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review)

Sisters of Night and Fog by Erika Robuck (two women wearing hats and business suits walk away from the camera in a field of low fog)

Sisters of Night and Fog by Erika Robuck

5 Stars. (ARC) Historical Fiction, WW11, France, Resistance Movement. (Pub Date: 3/1/2022)

Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner (cover) Image: three young women walking arm in arm toward the camera, red text and ...

The Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner

4 Stars. (ARC) Historical Fiction, London. (Pub Date: 5/17/2022)

A Vicarage Wedding by Kate Hewitt (pink text over

A Vicarage Wedding by Kate Hewitt

4 Stars. #3 in a Series, Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Romance. My review of the “Vicarage” series here.

The Golden Girls Getaway by Judy Leigh (cover) Image: white text against a blue sky and three women sitting in camp chairs with their backs to the camera on a green expansive lawn area

The Golden Girls’ Getaway by Judy Leigh

4 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary Fiction, Coastal England and Wales. My review of Golden Girls.

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams (cover) white text overe a graphic image of scattered open books

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

4 Stars. Contemporary Fiction, Book About Books, Diverse Read. My review of The Reading List in this post.

A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland (pinkish red text over a background picture of a country gazeba decorated for a wedding)

A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland

4 Stars. (ARC) #4 in a Series. Contemporary Fiction, England. (Pub Date: 1/6/2022) My review of a Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow here.

A Vicarage Homecoming by Kate Hewitt (a young man and woman walk through a quaint rural village)

A Vicarage Homecoming by Kate Hewitt

4 Stars Contemporary Fiction, England, Family Drama, Romance. My review of the “Vicarage” series here.

The Joy and Light Bus Company by Alexander McCall Smith (cover) Image: graphic drawing of a blue bus with orange markings drives along a country road...rust colored trees and scenery including a statue of a rooster

The Joy and Light Bus Company by Alexander McCall Smith

3 Stars. (#22 in a Series) Contemporary Fiction, Botswana, Diverse Read. Not reviewed.

QOTD:

What was your favorite December read?
Did we read any of the same books?
Which of these books is on your TBR?

ICYMI:

December Blog Posts:

2021 Reading and 2022 Goals
Top 5 Memorable Hisfic Reads 2021
Most Memorable Reads of 2021
Top 5 New-To-Me Authors 2021
“Uplit” Recommendations and A Vicarage Christmas Review
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone Review
Winter 2021 TBR
Meet the Blogger, Christmas Version
The Golden Girls’ Getaway Review
The Girl With Seven Names Review
Christmas in Briarwood Review
Book Ideas For Gift Giving
#6 Degrees of Separation: Ethan Frome
The Stranger in the Lifeboat Review
The Beekeeper of Aleppo Review

Happy Reading Book Buddies!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
Pinterest

***Blog posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.

Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.

Book covers are credited to Amazon.

© http://www.ReadingLadies.com

 

November 2021 Reading Wrap Up

November 30, 2021

November 2021 Reading Wrap Up

November 2021 Reading Wrap Up (collage of covers)

How was your November reading?

Although November was a productive reading month for me, I had very few standout reads.
Out of 13 books completed, I had one 5-star read, five 4-star reads, six 3-star reads, one 2-star read, and one DNF (did not finish).
I’ve now read 110 books towards my year end goal of 100. Do you set a year-end goal?

My favorite fiction read of the month is The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom (for its unique premise and thoughtful content) and my favorite nonfiction is Dolly Parton, Songteller (because Dolly).

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review)

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom (cover) text on a dark blue background...vignette of a rowboat on the water in front of a low sinking moon

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

5 Stars. Contemporary fiction. What if God showed up when you called out for help? Review available 12/3/21.

Dolly Parton, Songteller Icover) by Dolly Parton (Image: a portrait of Dolly Parton in a round portrait frame)

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton

4 Stars. Nonfiction. Memoir. I love Dolly! My review of Dolly Parton here.

The Postmistress of Paris by Meg Waite Clayton (black and white cover with red text) Image: a women in silhouette walks out of a building with her back to the camera and overlooks a view of the Eiffel Tower

The Postmistress of Paris by Meg Waite Clayton

4 Stars. (ARC) Historical Fiction. A brave American woman joins the Resistance Movement. My review of Postmistress of Paris here.

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein (cover) Image: a graphic image of kids running along a yellow board game path

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Gravenstein

4 Stars. Middle Grade Fiction. Fun and pageturning locked room adventure. Not reviewed.

A Single Rose by Muriel Barbery (cover) Image: a young man and woman sit on the porch of a Japanese house

A Single Rose by Muriel Barbery

4 Stars. Fiction Novella. (Novellas in November) Character driven and beautifully and quietly written. Thanks for the rec Davida! Not reviewed.

The Story of My Life (cover) by Helen Keller (image: a young girl sits with a book on her lap with one hand and holding a flower to smell with the other

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

4 Stars. Memoir (novella). (Novellas in November) Interesting. Not reviewed.

A Vicarage Christmas by Kate Hewitt (cover) Image: a woman walks toward a row of houses in a winter scene

A Vicarage Christmas by Kate Hewitt

3.5 Stars Fiction Novella. (Novellas in November) Light women’s fiction. First in a series. Thanks for the rec Lisa! (I’ve also read the next in the series….see below!) Not reviewed. 

A Vicarage Reunion by Kate Hewitt (cover) Image: a man and woman and dog walk together in a lovely rural village

A Vicarage Reunion by Kate Hewitt

3.5 Stars. Light women’s fiction (second in a series but can be read as a stand alone). Not reviewed.

Christmas in Briarwood by MK McClintock (covere) Image: white text over a black and white background of snow covered pine trees

Christmas in Briarwood by MK McClintock

3.5 Stars. (#8 in a series but can be read as a stand alone) Light women’s fiction (Novellas in November)  with a substantial theme. Not reviewed.

A Winter's Wish For the Cornish Midwife by Jo Bartlett (cover) Image: a young woman walks in the snow next to a white picket fence decorated for Christmas

A Winter’s Wish For the Cornish Midwife by Jo Bartlett

3 Stars. Light women’s fiction. #3 in a series but can be read as a stand alone. (I forget who started me on this series….if it was YOU….leave a note in comments and I’ll link you!) Not reviewed.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (cover) Image: yellow text on an orange background

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

3 Stars. Young Adult diverse read and own voices author. Novella (Novellas in November). Light on character and plot; abundant description of the neighborhood and people who make up the neighborhood. (content warning: rape with no details) Not reviewed.

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton (cover) Image: a white house and a horse pulling a sleigh in a wintry snowy setting

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

3 Stars. Fiction Novella. (Novellas in November) Beautifully written (5 stars) but the ending is tragic and depressing (which greatly affected my rating).

Going There by Katie Couric (cover) Image: white and gold text and a portrait of Katie seated in a white blouse and black pants

Going There by Katie Couric

2-2.5 Stars. Nonfiction. Memoir. Interesting in parts, but less inspirational than I was hoping. Skimmed a lot of it. Not reviewed.

The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt (cover) Image: a boy sit at a school desk holding an open book and dropping pencils and an eraser

DNF: (54%) The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

2 Stars (for the 50% I read). I had high expectations for this popular Newbery Award Winner. The characters are not particularly likable and I kept feeling like the humor was written more for adults. I think many of the references might go over the heads of middle grade readers. Not reviewed.

QOTD:

What was your favorite November read?
Did we read any of the same books?
Which of these books is on your TBR?

ICYMI:

November Blog Posts:

The Postmistress of Paris Review
New Titles For My Nonfiction TBR
Novellas in November Wrap Up
Finding Chika Review
Dear Authors, An Update on These Characters Please!
Nonfiction That Reads Like Fiction
My Newbery Project
The Stationary Shop Review
TTT: If You Like That, Read This
15 Favorite Memoir/Biography
Daughters of War Review
Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics Review
Ribbons of Scarlet Review
TTT: Ten Memorable Book Quotes (volume 2)
Fiction/Nonfiction Book Pairings
The Day the World Came to Town Review
The Dutch House Review
Novellas in November 2021
Love and Lavender Review
My Year in Nonfiction 2021

Happy Reading Book Buddies!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
Pinterest

***Blog posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.

Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.

Book covers are credited to Amazon.

© http://www.ReadingLadies.com

 

October 2021 Reading Wrap Up

October 31, 2021

October 2021 Reading Wrap Up

October 2021 Reading Wrap Up (collage of covers)

How was your October reading?

October was an OK reading month for me.
Out of eleven books completed, I had two 4.5-5-star reads, three 4-star reads, six 3-star reads. Unfortunately, I experienced one (surprising) DNF.
I’ve now read 98 books towards my year end goal of 100. Do you set a year-end goal?

My favorite reads of the month are The Night of Many Endings (for its compelling themes and chilly setting) and Love and Lavender (for its quirky characters and unique premise).

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review)

The Night of Many Endings by Melissa Payne (cover) white text over a background of shelved books

The Night of Many Endings by Melissa Payne

4.5 Stars (can easily be rounded up to 5). (ARC) Contemporary fiction. A night in the library surviving a blizzard. My review of The Night of Many Endings here.

Love and Lavender by Jose S. Kilpack (cover) Image: a woman in a long dress and bonnet stands alone in a field of lavender

Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack

4.5 Stars (can easily be rounded up to 5). (ARC) Historical Fiction. A sweet love story between two unlikely characters. My review of Love and Lavender here.

The Martian by Andy Weir (cover) Image: an astronaught on a reddish planet with in a swirling reddish dust storm

The Martian by Andy Weir

4.5 Stars. Science Fiction. I’ve seen the movie, but I’ve been wanting to read the book, too, since I enjoyed Project Hail Mary. The Martian not reviewed.

Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee (cover) Image: black text over an orange ice cream bar with one bite taken ...against a white background

Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee

4 Stars. Nonfiction: Self help. The aesthetics of design. Surprisingly inspirational and creative. My review of Joyful here.

All I Want For Christmas is the Girl Next Door by Chelsea Bobulski (cover) Image: white text on a red background....a small snow scene with small homes is at the bottom margin

All I Want For Christmas Is the Girl Next Door by Chelsea Bobulski

4 Stars. (ARC) YA contemporary romance. Sweet. My review of All I Want For Christmas Is the Girl Next Door here.

Ever Rest by Roz Morris (cover) Image: book info listed on a CD with the image of a person standing alone on a block of ice ....the CD rests on a torn piece of beige paper

Ever Rest by Roz Morris

3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 for the target audience). Well-written story of loss, recovery, and moving on. My review of Ever Rest here.

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

3 Stars. (getting a head start on novellas in November) Diverse read. This is written in the second person POV which I found difficult to read and connect with. Beautiful prose. Not reviewed.

The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe (cover) yellow and blue text over a beach background

The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe

3 Stars. Contemporary women’s fiction. Light. Meh. Not reviewed.

Bridgerton Collection #1-#3 (cover) Image: a woman in a long period dress with her back to the camera walks across a large expanse of lawn toward a mansion

Bridgerton #1-#3 (three books in one volume)

3 Stars. (each) Steamy women’s historical fiction. FOMO won. Not to my taste. Not reviewed.

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles (cover) Image: red and blue text above a black and white image of a train chugging along next to a 2 lane road

DNF: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

3 Stars (for the 50% I read). So disappointing because this book was highly anticipated. Although it’s well written and others have absolutely loved it, I was not engaged with the characters or the plot. DNF 50%. Not reviewed.

QOTD:

What was your favorite October read?
Did we read any of the same books?
Which of these books is on your TBR?

ICYMI:

October Blog Posts:

Ever Rest Review
This Tender Land Review
All I Want For Christmas is the Girl Next Door Review
Joyful Review
The Fountains of Silence Review
The Night of Many Endings Review
Don’t Be a Stranger: How to Make Connections in the Book Blogging Community (Discussion)
Is a Balanced Reading Life Important? (Discussion)
The Things We Cannot Say Review
TTT: Ten Favorite Book Settings
Why You Need to Fail (excerpt)
The Water Dancer Review
TTT: Ten Bookish Pet Peeves
The Unlikely Yarrn of the Dragon Lady Review
Crying in H Mart Review
The Women of Copper Company Review

Happy Reading Book Buddies!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
Pinterest

***Blogs posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.

Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.

Book covers are credited to Amazon.

© http://www.ReadingLadies.com

 

September 2021 Reading Wrap Up

September 29, 2021

September 2021 Reading Wrap Up

September Reading Wrap Up (collage of covers)

How was your September reading?

September was an OK reading month for me. One long book affected my total book count (average month is 8-10). Why can’t these long books be worth three?!
Out of seven books, I had one 5-star reads (if I round the 4.5 up), three 4-star reads, three 3-star reads (and no 2 or 1 star reads or DNFs for the win!).
I’ve now read 86 books towards my year end goal of 100. Do you set a year-end goal?

My favorite reads of the month are Cloud Cuckoo Land (for its ambitious, creative, and complex story telling) and The Day the World Came to Town (for its memorable and inspirational content).

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review)

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

4.5 Stars (can easily be rounded up to 5). (ARC) Historical fiction, science fiction, contemporary fiction, myth mashup. Ambitious and complex storytelling. My review of Cloud Cuckoo Land here.

The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede (cover) Image: a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) stand with their back to the camera watching a jetliner land

The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede

4 Stars. Narrative nonfiction. Inspirational and poignant. Review coming in November.

Joy in the Morning by Betty Smith (cover) Image: a bblack and white image of a young man and woman sitting on steps reading books

Joy in the Morning by Betty Smith

4 Stars. Historical fiction. Inspiring optimism. My favorite Smith is still A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Not reviewed.

Daughters of War by Dinah Jefferies (cover) Image: a woman stands with her back to the camera in a field with trees and a house on a hill in the distance

Daughters of War by Dinah Jefferies

4 Stars. (ARC) Historical fiction. Compelling story of three sisters living and surviving during WW11. Review coming on November 16.

The House Swap by Jo Lovett

3.5 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary women’s fiction, rom-com. Quick, easy, and enjoyable. My review of House Swap here.

The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny (cover) Image: a darkened pine tree with burst of colors radiating outward from behind it

The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny

3 Stars. Detective, mystery, police procedural, crime fiction. #17 in the Inspector Gamache/Three Pines series. A good story but I’ve enjoyed others in the series more. Great cover though! My review of Madness of Crowds here.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (cover) Image: black and white text on a rd background

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

3 Stars. Nonfiction, memoir. Mother/daughter relationship and cancer content is too sad for me. Ended up skimming. Not reviewed.

QOTD:

What was your favorite September read?
Did we read any of the same books?
Which of these books is on your TBR?

ICYMI:

September Blog Posts:

Ten Books that Live Up To Their Hype
Cloud Cuckoo Land
The House Swap
The Medallion
Top 5 Stand Alone Books of Summer 2021
Fall 2021 TBR
Do Hype, Book Buzz, and High Expectations Affect Your Readng Experience?
The Dearly Beloved
The Madness of Crowds
The Only Plane in the Sky
Other Words For Home
If you Want to Make God Laugh
10 Books to Put a Smile On Your Face
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman
The Vanished Bride
Bloomsbury Girls Cover Reveal

Happy Reading Book Buddies!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
Pinterest

***Blogs posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.

Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.

Book covers are credited to Amazon.

© http://www.ReadingLadies.com

 

August 2021 Reading Wrap Up

August 31, 2021

August 2021 Reading Wrap Up

August 2021 Reading Wrap Up (collage of book covers)

How was your August reading?

August was a productive reading month for me.
Out of eleven books, I had three 5-star reads, six 4-star reads, one 3-star read, and one 2-star read.
I’ve now read 81 books towards my year end goal of 100. Do you set a year-end goal?

My favorite fiction read of the month is Three Words For Goodbye by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb.

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review)

Three Words For Goodbye by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb (cover) Image: two young women holding promotional materials and wearing hats stand next to a railing on an ocean liner

Three Words For Goodbye by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

5 Stars. Historical Fiction. Two sisters restore a relationship. My review of Three Words For Goodbye here.

Other Words For Home by Jasmine Warga (cover) Image: the profile of a young girl wearing a headscarf

Other Words For Home by Jasmine Warga

5 Stars (Middle Grade). Heartfelt refugee story. My review of Other Words For Home here.

Jaber Crow by Wendell Berry (cover) Image: white text on a maroon background plus the graphic picture os a wide river cutting through rolling hills

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

5 Stars. Literary Fiction. Not reviewed.

Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst (cover) Image: red and blue text over a seaside landscape

Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst

4 Stars. Contemporary Women’s Fiction. Poignant multigenerational story. My review of Our Italian Summer here.

The Funny Thing Aboout Norman Foreman by ???? (cover) Image: a man wearing a red t shirt and brown pants stands at the beginning of a yellow path

The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson

4 Stars. Contemporary Fiction. Quirky and humorous. Mother/Son. The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman review here.

The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson (cover) Image: white block text on a blue background....the letters represent three bookshelves holding books and scenes from the library

The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson (ARC)

4 Stars (ARC). Heartfelt book about books/libraries/librarians. My review of Last Chance Library here.

Snowflakes Over the Starfish Cafe by Jessica Redland (cover) Image: a young man and young woman sit at a table outside a rustic cafe that overlooks a cove and a lighthouse....there is snow on the ground and a dog nearby

Snowflakes Over the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland (ARC)

4 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary Women’s Fiction. Romance. My review of Snowflakes Over the Starfish Cafe here.

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July 2021 Reading Wrap Up

July 30, 2021

July 2021 Reading Wrap Up

July 2021 Reading Wrap Up (collage of covers)

How was your July reading?

Overall, July was a satisfactory reading month because of the variety of reads.
Out of eight books, I had two 5-star reads (one rounded up), four 4-star reads, and two 3-star reads.

My most compelling fiction reads of the month are a tie between Gilead by Marilynne Robinson and  The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley. They are very different so it was difficult to choose a favorite.

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review)

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (cover) Image: white text over the background picture of a large tree growing on a green lawn

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

5 Stars. Literary Fiction and Pulitzer Prize in Fiction Award (2005). Reflective and poignant. My review of Gilead here.

The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley (cover) Image: the profiles of two native american young People (man and woman) in cultural dress

The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

5 Stars (4.5 rounded up). Page-turning Historical Fiction and Family Drama. My review of The Firekeeper’s Daughter here.

Tokyo Ever After by Eiko Jean (cover) Image: white text and the grahic image of a young asian girl holding flowers and wearing a small crown against a blue background

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

4 Stars. Young Adult Contemporary Fiction. An interesting story. Not yet reviewed.

Under the Magnolias by T.I. Lowe (cover) Image: a young woman with long blong hair stands under the leaves of a magnolia tree

Under the Magnolias by T.I. Lowe

4 Stars.  (ARC) Family Drama, Coming of Age. My review of Under the Magnolias here.

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth (cover) Image: a young girl peers out the window of a house at the red roses growing in the garden

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

4 Stars. Family Drama with an unreliable narrator. My review of The Good Sister here.

Pride by Ibi Zoboi (cover) Image: purple text on a brown background

Pride by Ibi Zoboi

4 Stars. Diverse read. Pride & Prejudice retelling. Not yet reviewed.

A Place Like Home by Rosamunde Pilcher (cover) white text on a dark blue background....large blossoms of light colored flowers fill center right of cover

A Place Like Home: Short Stories by Rosamunde Pilcher

3 Stars. (ARC) Light-reading short story collection. My review of A Place Like Home here.

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