June 30, 2019

June Reading Wrap Up

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

June was a productive reading month and I am especially excited to report one five star reads and four four-star reads. Find all my June reads listed below in order of Star Rating. Keep in mind that I normally recommend five- and four-star reads on the blog; three-star reads receive mixed reviews from me for various reasons; and two-star reads are books that were not for me. One star reads are usually shelved as DNF.

My favorite read of the month is Resistance Women.

Did we read any of the same books?

Titles are Amazon affiliate links and my available reviews are linked.

One More Day by Mitch Albom

5 Stars. Poignant, reflective, and heartfelt contemporary fiction. I love Mitch Albom! Not yet reviewed.

Resistance Women by Jennifer Chiaverini

4.5 Stars. (wavered between 4 and 5 stars on this one) Ordinary women choose to risk their lives in support of the resistance (WW11). Full review here.

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood

4 Stars. This was a slow start for me….after 60% I settled in and started enjoying the read.  Full review here.

Looking For Me by Beth Hoffman

4 Stars. A lovely story from the author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. Goodreads review here.

The Secret of Clouds by Alyson Richman

4 Stars For the love of teaching, middle-grade literature, and poignant stories. (By the author of The Lost Wife) Full review here.

(more…)

May 31, 2019

May Reading Wrap Up

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

May was a great reading month and I am especially excited to report a few five- and four-star reads. Find all my May reads listed below in order of Star Rating. Keep in mind that I normally recommend five- and four-star reads on the blog; three-star reads receive mixed reviews from me for various reasons; and two-star reads are books that were not for me.

Did we read any of the same books?

Titles are Amazon affiliate links and my available reviews are linked.

Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott

5 Stars. WW11. A poignant and memorable story in free verse (YA).  Full review here.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

5 Stars. Contemporary Fiction. Powerfully told from an “own voices” perspective (YA). Review coming soon.

The River by Peter Heller

5 Stars. Wilderness survival/suspense/thriller. Review coming soon.

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars on Goodreads). Historical Fiction/Korean island of Jeju. Full review here.

The Lost For Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars on Goodreads).  For fans of Eleanor Oliphant. A heartfelt and memorable read. Review coming soon.

(more…)

April 29, 2019

April Reading Wrap Up

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

April was a great reading month and I am especially excited to report a few five- and four-star reads. Find all my April reads listed below in order of Star Rating. Keep in mind that I normally recommend five- and four-star reads on the blog; three-star reads received mixed reviews from me for various reasons; and two-star reads are books that were not for me.

Titles are Amazon affiliate links and my available reviews are linked.

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (ARC)

5 Stars. Family drama (mental health/alcoholism). ARC: Pub Date: 5/28. In contention for the best read of the year. Full review coming soon.

The Gown by Jennifer Robson

5 Stars. Historical Fiction. Loved the friendship theme. Full review here.

Brown Girl Dreaming (MG) by Jacqueline Woodson

5 Stars. Memoir: Diverse read/own voices. Free Verse. Full review here.

The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister (ARC)

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars on Goodreads). ARC: Pub Date: 5/21. Coming of Age. Full review coming soon.

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

4.5 Stars. Historical Fiction. A heartfelt and memorable read.  Full review here.

(more…)

March 31, 2019

March Reading Wrap Up

I read ten books in March and abandoned one. Titles are listed in order of my star ratings. Although I didn’t have any full five star reads, it was still a good reading month.

*Titles are Amazon affiliate links and available reviews are linked.

March Reads

Beantown Girls by Jane Healey
Genre: WW11 Historical Fiction
4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars on Goodreads)
Find my full review here. (more…)

January 31, 2019

January Reading Wrap Up

What is the best book you read this month?

*This post contains affiliate links.

In January, I finished eight books, abandoned two, and I started two that I will finish in February.

My January reads are listed below in order of my Star Rating (titles are Amazon affiliate links):

Learning to See by Elise Hooper

Genre: Historical Fiction, Biographical
4.5 Stars
Full Review Here

The Beautiful Strangers by Camille Di Maio

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction
4 Stars
Goodreads Review Here
ARC: Available March 5, 2019

Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson

Genre: Women’s Fiction
4 Stars
Full Review Here

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction (#ownvoices)
3.5 Stars
Goodreads Review Here

Late Bloomers’ Club by Louise Miller

Genre: Women’s Fiction
3.5 Stars
Brief Review Here

Glory Road by Lauren K Denton

Genre: Southern Women’s Fiction
3.5 Stars
Goodreads Review Here
ARC: Available March 19, 2019

Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris

Genre: Historical Fiction
3.5 Stars
Goodreads Review Here

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

Genre: Classic, Women’s Fiction
3 Stars
Brief Review Here

Share your best January read in comments!

December 30, 2018

December Wrap Up

Because of December activities, I didn’t read my usual number of books. Plus, I abandoned two so that was discouraging. I did accomplish reading five books. Two of them were Middle Grade selections…..heartfelt and inspirational Middle Grade Literature is a perfect genre for busy seasons!

Listed in order of my Star Ratings (click titles for my blog or Goodreads reviews or affiliate Amazon link):

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

4.5 Stars
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction

The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner

(ARC: Pub Date: March 19, 2019: thanks #NetGalley and #BerkleyPublishing for a free copy of #TheLastYearoftheWar in exchange for my honest opinion)
4.5 Stars
Genre: Historical Fiction

The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker

(ARC: Pub Date: January 15, 2019: thanks #NetGalley and #RandomHouse for a free copy of #TheDreamers in exchange for my honest opinion)
4 Stars
Genre: Science Fiction
(not my usual genre but an engaging and easy-to-read December selection)

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

4 Stars
Genre: Middle Grade (delightful and heartfelt family drama)

Dear Mrs. Bird by A J Pearce

3.5 Stars
Genre: Light Historical Fiction

The Most Compelling Character from my December reading is brave and determined Amal from Amal Unbound. Please see my review here to find out more about her!

What did you read in December?

Come back tomorrow for my Best of the Year List!

Happy New Year Book Buddies!

November 29, 2018

November Wrap Up

I read eight books this month, and there were some hits and misses. In these Wrap Up posts, it’s important to know that I’m not recommending all these books.

All titles are Amazon affiliate links and my reviews have been linked if available. My November reads are listed below in the order of my Star ratings:

* * * * * * * * * *

Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny (#14)
4.5 Stars
Review available on the blog tomorrow.
For fans of cozy mystery/detective stories with good character development.

* * * * * * * * * *

House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg
(biography, my November Nonfiction read)
4 Stars
Full Review Here.
For fans of Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman
ARC: Pub Date: 1/22/19
3 Stars
Goodreads Review Here.
For fans of WW11 Historical Fiction.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Colors of All the Cattle (#19 in the #1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series)
by Alexander McCall Smith
3 Stars
Full Review Here.
For long time fans and for readers looking for a gentle, character driven, diverse read.

* * * * * * * * * *

Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen
3 Stars
Goodreads Review Here.
For fans of contemporary fiction with a bit of magical realism.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Children Act by Ian McEwan
3 Stars
Not Reviewed.
For fans of a character driven story (you may know Ian McEwan for Atonement).

* * * * * * * * * *

The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir
2 Stars
Goodreads Review Here.
I almost didn’t finish this….but pressed on to see how the plot resolved. (others have loved it, but it wasn’t the right book for me)

* * * * * * * * * *

Bridge of Clay by Marcus Zusak
2 Stars
Goodreads Review Here.
This was close to a DNF for me. I ended up skimming a lot to see if it would get better and to give Zusak the benefit of the doubt. Not recommended. (too much profanity, obscure writing) Please read more reviews before making your reading choice.

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

Links I Love

If you’ve read My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie and provide a review on social media or Amazon, you can fill out this form to receive FREE bonus content!

Have you seen The Hate U Give movie? Here’s the THUG trailer. 
I’ve read positive reviews with some saying it could be one of the best movies of the year. Of course, the movie is never as good as the book so don’t miss this important read.

Looking Ahead:

Tomorrow I’ll be back with my regular Friday review. This week’s review will be Louise Penny’s new release, Kingdom of the Blind.

My Fall TBR

I’ll be updating my Fall TBR list as I complete each read, so check this link often! I have only one more book to read and review after tomorrow’s post, and my library hold of the book is due to come in any day. So I’ll be finished with my Fall TBR soon!

Sharing is Caring

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

Today’s post represents my 100th post! I’m grateful for all the support! Thank you so much!

 Let’s Discuss

What did you read in November?

See any favorites?

***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. This money will be used to offset the costs of running a blog and to sponsor giveaways, etc.

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

Book Cover and author photo are credited to Amazon or an author’s (or publisher’s) website.

October 31, 2018

Happy Halloween to everyone celebrating!

 * Pumpkin images are from Pottery Barn*

October Wrap Up

I completed seven reads this month, abandoned one, and set one aside for further consideration. This month I also met my 2018 Goodreads Challenge of 100 books!

Below are my completed October reads listed in order of my Star ratings (4 & 5 Stars are highly recommended).

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter by Hazel Gaynor
Genre: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction
5 Romantic Stars
Full review coming Friday 11/2

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Genre: Historical Fiction, WW11, Holocaust
4.5 Brave Stars (5 Stars for compelling story and 3 stars for writing)
Full Review Here

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
Genre: Biographical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance
4.5 Determined Stars
Full Review Here

Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
4.5 Wiley Stars
Brief Review Included Here

The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
Genre: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Mystery
4 Atmospheric Stars
Full Review Here

The Rain Watcher by Tatiana De Rosnay
Genre: Fiction (some historical elements)
3 Reconciliation Stars
Goodreads Review Here

That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
2.5  Family Stars
Goodreads Review Here

Abandoned: Still Lives by Maria Hummel

Set Aside For Further Consideration: Bridge of Clay by Marcus Zusak

Happy Reading Book Worms!

“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

THUG

Have you seen The Hate U Give movie? Here’s the THUG trailer. 
I’ve read positive reviews with some saying it could be one of the best movies of the year.

Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Books of 2018

If you have a Goodreads account, voting is open for the Goodreads Choice Awards for the Best Books of 2028.

There are three opportunities to vote before the winners are announced in December. Click the link to see the voting schedule.

If you do not have a Goodreads account, it’s fun to look at the categories to see what readers have nominated.

My Fall TBR

I’ll be updating my Fall TBR list as I complete each read, so check this link often!
So far, I’ve read 8 out of the 12 titles listed on my Fall TBR.

Looking Ahead:

Friday I’ll review The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter by Hazel Gaynor (The Last Christmas in Paris). This is a milestone read because it’s my 100th read of the year!

Sharing is Caring

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

 Let’s Discuss

What were your favorite reads this month?

***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. This money will be used to offset the costs of running a blog and to sponsor giveaways, etc.

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

Book Cover and author photo are credited to Amazon or an author’s (or publisher’s) website.

September 30, 2018

September Wrap Up

I read nine books this month (most of them 4 star reads!) and abandoned one.

 As always, I’m not recommending all these books. Please carefully notice my Star ratings. Generally 4 & 5 Stars are highly recommended.

Listed in order of my Star ratings:

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Fiction/Family Life
5 Stars. Full Review Here.

Virgil Wander by Leif Enger
(author of Peace Like a River)
Literary Fiction/Magical Realism
4.5 Stars. Review Here.

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Nonfiction/Legal/Memoir/Biographical
4 Stars. Full Review Here.

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
(author of The Orphan’s Tale)
WW11 Historical Fiction
4 Stars. GoodReads Review Here. Pub Date: 2/5/2019
(Free ARC in exchange for an honest review.)

The Lieutenant’s Nurse by Sara Ackerman
(author of Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers)
WW11 Historical Fiction
4 Stars. Review Here. Pub Date: 3/5/2019
(Free ARC in exchange for an honest review.)

Hard Cider by Barbara Stark-Nemon
Women’s Fiction
4 Stars. Review Here.
(Free ARC in exchange for an honest review.)

The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain
Science Fiction/Historical Fiction/Suspense/Family Drama
4 Stars. GoodReads Review Here. Pub Date: 10/2/2018
(Free ARC in exchange for an honest review.)

Clock Dance by Anne Tyler
Women’s Fiction
3.5 Stars. Full Review Here.

To the Moon and Back by Karen Kingsbury
Christian Fiction/Family Life
2.5 Stars. Not Reviewed.

Happy Reading Book Worms!

“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

My Fall TBR

I’ll be updating my Fall TBR list as I complete each read, so check this link often!

Looking Ahead:

I’m reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.

Sharing is Caring

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

 Let’s Discuss

What have you been reading in September?

***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. This money will be used to offset the costs of running a blog and to sponsor giveaways, etc.

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

Book Cover and author photo are credited to Amazon or an author’s (or publisher’s) website.