Nobody's heard from me for months...

Nobody's heard from me for months...

Sep 1, 2024

It's been more than 3 years since I posted anything here, so I'm not sure anyone will be reading this update. But I wanted to officially close this chapter and make note of an upcoming change to So Obsessed With! 

Nobody's heard from me for months / I'm doing better than I ever was...

"CALL IT WHAT YOU WANT" • TAYLOR SWIFT

I started this blog right after graduating college, getting married, and beginning my first job. The years I spent working on this website were some of the most creatively fulfilling of my life. Reading, writing reviews, editing discussion posts, designing graphics, responding to comments, interacting on Twitter, attending BEA, navigating NetGalley, making friends – every minute I spent on this website brought so much joy to my life. Though my posting frequency waxed and waned, this was consistent labor of love for a decade of my life. I grew up here! 

I had no intention of quitting my blog when I did. It crept up on me slowly. First, I quit posting on Twitter in 2019, and then Instagram in 2020. Social media was taking up too much of my time and energy, so I just... stopped. I kept blogging but let go of the things I was overthinking. In June 2021, I finished a post about my Summer TBR, hit Publish, and thought, I think I want to take a break from posting. So, I told myself I wouldn't post anything for the rest of the summer. As one season gave way to the next, I was surprised to discover that I didn't want to come back.

Because I wasn't checking my blog email or managing comments here, a lot of spam came in – and I missed some very kind comments from blog readers who were checking in on me and my family. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the notes letting me know that I was missed and hoping all was well! I have been the person who regularly read a blog that ended with no explanation, so I'm sorry I never provided an update that all was well.

I've been taking care of my family, reading voraciously, and discovered a love for journaling. I've always loved paper products and have long posted about various notebooks and planners. But in the time I used to spend working on the blog, I've been filling up pages and pages of journals. You can see them in the photo at the beginning of this post! Many of the things I used to write about here – seasonal TBRs, quarterly obsessions, photos of my life – are now documented there. I'm doing it for me, not for content, and it's been just what I needed.

What prompted me to post today, in addition to a desire to provide a little closure to this space, is that I am finally planning to stop paying for my custom domain. In 2013, I got on GoDaddy, bought www.soobsessedwith.com and taught myself how to get my little .blogspot.com address to forward to it. And even though I stopped posting three years ago, every September I've paid the money to renew it. I just wasn't ready to say goodbye! But now, it's time. 

As of mid-September, you can only access this site at

 www.soobsessedwith.blogspot.com 

I truly don't anticipate anyone visiting this website anymore, but I won't be deleting it. I like knowing that it will exist as an archive and love letter to all the things I was so obsessed with from 2011-2021. But if you happen to still be an email subscriber or have this site bookmarked, I wanted to share this update. 

If you'd like to connect, I'm still on Goodreads. Add me as a friend there to see what I'm reading and how I'm rating it. And though I'm not posting on Instagram currently, I do actively follow people and chat in my DMs. I'm @soobsessedblog there – please feel free to reach out! If I ever get the itch to start a Substack, you'll find out about it there. Thank you so much for spending your time reading the books I've recommended and the things I've written! Creating So Obsessed With was one of the best decisions I ever made.

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The Books on My Summer 2021 TBR

The Books on My Summer 2021 TBR

Jun 15, 2021

It's time for one of my favorite posts of the year – sharing the books I'll be reading this summer! Every year on the blog, with the exception of 2020, I've paired vacation destinations with the books I'd want to read at each. It's like a mini summer reading guide, if you will. For today's post, I'm featuring my actual Summer 2021 TBR. Every book I've chosen is one that I'm planning on reading this summer, a mix of newer releases with a few older books that I've been meaning to pick up. No matter where I'm headed, I've got the perfect book to bring with me!

the extras: swimsuit | sunglasses | lip balm | beach bag | sunscreen | towel

At the beach, I tend to gravitate towards contemporary and/or romance. I want something that's easy to get into and hard to put down because I want to binge it all in one sitting, if possible. After reading Dolly Alderton's memoir, I've been looking forward to her adult contemporary debut, Ghosts, chronicling the woes of modern romance. The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell is a historical romance that opens with an artist stumbling upon a naked man in an alley. Scandalous! And Toyko Ever After by Emiko Jean sounds like the YA princess story I need in my life.

the extras: bug spray | blanket | sandals | weekender | travel mug

I'll read almost anything in the mountains, but it's definitely a place where I'll pick up something slower. It just prompts me to sit down and relax. A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus is middle grade about a group of siblings during WWII. I'm in love with the cover! And I want to read Freely and Lightly by Emily Lex, a memoir, partly for the lovely watercolor illustrations throughout. Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan is a family drama from an author I've loved in the past. And I look forward to returning to Port William in Wendell Berry's Jayber Crow.

the extras: sneakers | portable charger | gum | water bottle | backpack

With life starting to get back to normal, summer could be the perfect time to fly somewhere – maybe to visit family/friends you haven't seen in forever! When I'm flying, I can get in the zone and tear through a good book. The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews is a contemporary with a mystery to it, which would definitely hook me. The Layover by Lacie Waldon is an obvious choice since the heroine is a flight attendant, but I had to do it. And The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton is a historical romance that sounds like so much fun.

the extras: ice cream | fan | dress | scrunchie | sunglasses | nail polish

Most of my summer will be spent sitting on my screened-in porch. Whether I'm watching my boys play or winding down after a long day, I'll have a book with me. At home, I'm open to heavier topics or more emotional stories. All four of these books deal with moments where life doesn't turn out the way characters expected. Competitive Grieving by Nora Zelevansky and Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny are adult contemporary, Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee is a YA historical fiction, and Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner is a memoir. 

the extras: speaker | cooler | flip flops | hair brush | sunscreen | swimsuit

What I pack in my pool bag is similar to what I'd take to the beach, except I need it to be even more engrossing. Without the ocean's roar, I need my book to transport somewhere that I don't hear loud music and annoying conversations. The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons might be an unusual choice based on that criteria, but I didn't want to put it down after sampling the first chapter. And The Summer Job by Lizzie Dent and The Siren by Katherine St. John both sound dramatic, which is exactly what I need for an afternoon by the pool!

the extras: towel | sandals | swimsuit | raffia visor | snack bag

At the lake, I lean towards something shorter to sit and read on the dock. On a boat, I don't even bother to pack a book. Northern Spy by Flynn Berry is a thriller, so it stands out for being both short and fast-paced. A book inspired by Greek mythology – Ariadne by Jennifer Saint – may seem like an outlier, but I'm so obsessed with the subject matter these days that I likely wouldn't be able to put it down. And Where I Come From by Rick Bragg is a book of short stories from one of my favorite Southern writers. I don't think I could go wrong with any of these choices!

This post was inspired by a Top Ten Tuesday topic, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. 

Here's a look back at my "summer bags" through the years: 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019

What are you hoping to read this summer?

READ POST

Currently {Spring 2021}

Currently {Spring 2021}

Jun 11, 2021

I first shared my own version of this post last year, and I decided it was time for an update! As I mentioned before, thanks to Lauren from Bookmark Lit for the inspiration for this type of post. I've seen lot of variations on it, but hers inspired me to finally do one of my own. So, here's what my life looks like lately:

ALL THE BOOKS

Currently reading: While sampling The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu at the bookstore, I couldn't put it down. I'm not very far in but am thoroughly enjoying it so far, even though it's not something I'd typically read. 

Currently audiobook-ing: I'm listening to Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price – a fun twist on my favorite book. I love retellings, and this one turns it into YA murder mystery. I'm halfway through and loving the creativity!

Currently recommending: Mhairi McFarlane is a favorite author and her latest release, Just Last Night, is fantastic. A debut that I can't stop raving about is Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann. I loved the ties to mythology. 

Currently on hold at the library: I'm looking forward to trying A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver and Anne of Manhattan by Brina Starler. Two books I'm interested in but wasn't ready to commit to yet.

Currently pre-ordered: I know almost nothing about it, but I can't wait to read The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton. The cover! The summary! It all sounds so delightful to me.

Currently in my cart: I'm currently eyeing A Pho Love Story by Loan Le and Home Made by Liz Hauck, two (very different) books involving food. Will I add them to my shelves? Probably, let's be honest.

Currently adding to my TBR: My June Book of the Month pick just arrived this week – Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon. Let's not talk about everything I ordered from Book Outlet in a moment of weakness.

Currently NetGalley-ing: I adore Berkley for approving me for The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George. I loved the first book! I'm excited for Ghosts by Dolly Alderton, especially after reading her memoir.

ALL THE THINGS

Currently listening: New albums from Olivia Rodrigo and Mat Kearney, plus From the Front Porch podcast.

Currently watching: Not much. Just re-watching New Girl and catching up on this season of Grey's Anatomy. 

Currently eating: TOSTITOS Hint of Guacamole chips, which are unbelievably addicting.

Currently drinking: Chick-fil-a's sweet tea + lemonade, which they call Sunjoy. It's an Arnold Palmer to me. 

Currently wearing: These pajama shorts around the house, and I bought this cute swimsuit for pool days.

Currently bookmarking: I found Stuck in the Stacks through a Book of the Month group, I think, and I look forward her monthly BOTM prediction posts (an example). They always put new releases on my radar!

Currently coveting: This Apple watch band, but the price is making me hesitate. Should I do it?!

Currently obsessing over: My screened-in porch, which I deep cleaned after my mom got new bedding + pillows!

ALL THE EMOTIONS

Currently celebrating: In May, we celebrated our big boy turning five and finishing this year of preschool! Now, Father's Day is coming up, along with summer family adventures and our 10th wedding anniversary. 

Currently loving: My (almost) weekly Barnes & Noble dates with my sister, usually on New Release Tuesday. 

Currently looking forward to: Spending time in the mountains this summer with my favorite people.

Currently procrastinating: Everything? I haven't worked on our family yearbooks, which is the biggest one. 

Currently accomplishing: I've slacked on my goals recently, but I've loved checking items off our family bucket list.

Currently researching: My favorite used bookstore closed unexpectedly, and I've tried to find out if it's relocating or permanent. I think the latter, which makes me so sad. There are other locations in Georgia, but none nearby.

Currently thinking about: All the things I keep procrastinating? Additionally, whether or not I want to continue blogging. This December marks 10 years, and the milestone is making me evaluate the future of this space. 

Currently feeling: Hopeful! Life is looking a lot more normal here in Georgia, and it's made me so happy.

What's Currently going on in your life?

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June 2021 Goals

June 2021 Goals

Jun 10, 2021

As with April, May was a rough month for my goals. I'm not really sure why! I had the time but not the desire. I've relished life returning to normal here in Georgia, but I'm probably experiencing some burnout from the past year, too. Whenever I had moments of downtime, I found myself retreating to books more often than not. That's nothing new, of course, but a single-mindedness about it isn't my norm. Usually, my reading is balanced in with other hobbies – watching TV/movies, working on creative projects, blogging, etc. But lately, I just want my books. So, here we are. May wasn't a resounding success when it came to my to dos, but I made sweet memories, celebrated exciting milestones, and spent many nights on my back porch with a book. I'd welcome more of that in June.

On My Calendar:
– Camping trip for Nick and our big boy

– Spending a week or two in the mountains

– Fun summer camps for our big boy

– Celebrating Father's Day

– A few family birthdays

Currently Obsessing Over:

– I've had the new Olivia Rodrigo album on repeat, and I'm loving it so much! As I joked in my May recap – I'm in my 30s with two kids but listening makes me feel like angsty teen. How dare Olivia do this to me?

– In my most recent So Obsessed With post, I mentioned this travel mug. I hadn't purchased it at the time but finally treated myself in a recent sale. I couldn't resist the hydrangeas – my favorite flower – and the color!

– Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason is my favorite book I've read so far this year, and my sister just ordered us this signed exclusive edition from Waterstones. I can't wait to proudly display it on my shelves once it's here.

– I can't decide if I love this Apple watch band enough to pay $65 for it. Time will tell, but I'll report back if I do.

Yearly Goals:
(These should stay the same all year, so I'll just do month-to-month progress reports!)

– Read a devotional every morning.

– Do Soulspace meditation every night.

– Blog 2x per week.

May progress:

– Um... I only read my devotional five days in May. What happened to me?

– Even worse, I didn't listen to SoulSpace once. It was clearly a rough month for daily habits.

– I posted more in May than April, but I still fell two posts short of my goal.

Revisiting My May Goals:

– Visit a botanical garden as a family. / The boys and I went to the botanical gardens the last week of May, and I'm so glad that I put this on my list of goals. I don't think I would have prioritized it if I hadn't, and it ended up being one of my favorite memories from the month. We will definitely go back in the future, too.

– Weather permitting, go strawberry picking. / The weather was nice enough, but the timing just didn't work out with Nick's travel + our various weekend plans. We may try for blueberry picking in June instead.

– Celebrate my big boy's 5th birthday! / We kicked off May with a candy-themed party for my big boy and had the best time celebrating his sweet self. I can't believe he's already reached this milestone – where has time gone?

– Fill out my big boy's Year 4 in his Promptly Journal. / I started but didn't finish. I'll carry this over into June.

– Select photos for my 2019 family yearbook. / Totally forgot this was on my list and didn't even attempt it...

– Catch up on February, March, and April reviews. / I'm proud of my progress here, even though I didn't quite finish. I wrote almost 50 reviews – February 2021, March 2021, and March 2021 Favorites. Almost there!

– Start my Bible study workbook. / Even though I'd picked out what workbook I wanted to complete, I didn't set it within easy reach to remind myself to actually do it. Whoopsy. Lesson learned on that one.

My June Goals:

– Plan for upcoming 10th wedding anniversary.

– Make rainbow popsicles for my boys. 

– Have a water gun fight in the backyard. 

– Spend time outside every day. 

– Complete my big boy's Year 4 in his Promptly Journal.

– Make my Summer 2021 TBR.

– Set up June in my journal – and catch up on past pages!

– Start my Bible study workbook.

Do you have any goals for June?

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May 2021: Recap + On My Shelves

May 2021: Recap + On My Shelves

Jun 4, 2021

In May, we celebrated several birthdays, the end of school, swim lessons, new book releases, and had various other silly adventures. It was a packed month and passed in a blink! How are we already halfway through 2021?

1. Our Big Boy Turns 5 – At the beginning of May, our sweet big boy turned five years old! We celebrated him with a candy-themed party, and it was so cute. Honestly, I can't believe it.  It feels like just yesterday that I was praying for a baby, and now I spend every day with this smart, loving, and adorable boy. Being his mom is such a joy! It's been so fun to watch him become a big brother and grow this much past year. I can't wait to see what 5 holds!

2. New Release Tuesday – My sister and I have been going on Barnes & Noble dates for months now, but in May we made it a priority to go on Tuesdays to scope out all the new releases. She's been the best/worst influence on my TBR! Some days we leave with eight books and other days just one, but I always know we'll have the best time hanging out. I'm so thrilled she's discovered a love of reading, and we can share it.

3. Mommy & Big Boy Day – We did a virtual preschool for our big boy this past year, and his last day was mid-May. To celebrate, my mom kept the baby and we had a "mommy and big boy" day. We got some new dinosaur shirts for summer, picked out something at the LEGO store, checked out all the animals at Bass Pro, and treated ourselves to Menchie's. It was the sweetest thing to spend the day together and make so many special memories.

4. Botanical Gardens – One afternoon, we were in need of a little adventure. So, I packed up the boys and we headed to the Botanical Gardens. It was just what we needed! So many flowers were in bloom, and we had a fantastic time wandering around. A new children's garden had been added since our last visit several years ago, so we got to enjoy a playground and water features, too. It was the perfect spring activity, and we'll definitely go back. 

Read 31 Books | Favorites:

Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann

Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

We Are Not Free by Traci Chee

Honorable Mentions:

A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes

The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho

“Power does not transform you, he’d said. It only reveals you.” 

Lore by Alexandra Bracken

“Be very, very careful who you let into your life. And learn to make peace with whatever happens. 

You can’t erase the past. It’s trapped in there with you. But you can make peace with it. 

If you don’t,’ he said, ‘you’ll be at perpetual war.” 

Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny

“As a good rule of thumb, if you have to lie, you might be doing something wrong.” 

Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny

 “He loses his wife so he stirs up an army to bring her back to him, 

costing countless lives and creating countless widows, orphans and slaves. 

Oenone loses her husband and she raises their son. Which of those is the more heroic act?” 

A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes

“I notice, once again, that company that’s not the right fit for you

 is so much lonelier than being happily alone.” 

Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

“But I think you should keep in mind that forgiveness is a choice. It doesn’t arrive on fairy wings; 

it doesn’t descend from the sky for you to take or leave. Forgiveness is an action.”

Good Company by Cynthia d'Aprix Sweeney

“God did not change the circumstances of your life, God changed you.”

The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall 

“Maybe things can always get better between people who want to do a good job loving each other. 

Maybe that’s all it takes.” 

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

“It’s not your job to make me happy, okay? You can’t make anyone happy. 

I’m happy just because you exist, and that’s as much of my happiness as you have control over.” 

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

“I have brought light into this world, and I have been given light from this world. And what light it is! 

I can say that I have lived. Can you say that you have lived? You must be able to say you have lived. 

I have loved, and I have been loved. That is all we should want. This is all you have to do right now. 

It is right in front of you. So just take it. I know I plan to.” 

How Lucky by Will Leitch

"But we overlay the present onto the past. We look back through the lens of what we know now, 

so we're not seeing it as the people we were, we're seeing it as the people we are, 

and that means the past has been radically altered.” 

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

“Outside is the camp, the barbed wire, the guard towers, the city, the country that hates us. 

But in here, we are together. We are not free. But we are not alone.” 

We Are Not Free by Traci Chee

“... a mistake isn't always a mistake. ... Sometimes a mistake is actually an opportunity, 

but we just can't see it right then and there.” 

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

“I realize your default energy level is Cardboard Cutout, but I can’t get to know you if you don’t speak.” 

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

“She had to choose what, of the things she inherited from the people who came before her, 

she wanted to bring forward. And what, of the past, she wanted to leave behind.”

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

My blogging life got a little better in May compared to March and April. Kinda? I shared my April 2021 Recap and followed it up with my May 2021 Goals. My biggest accomplishment was starting to make a dent in my backlog of reviews. I chatted about 16 books in Quick Lit: February 2021. And because I read 32 books in March, I reviewed 21 books in my Quick Lit: March 2021 and the 9 that I loved most in Quick Lit: March 2021 Favorites. Finally, I rounded up seven recent obsessions in So Obsessed With: Mini Edition #12. I'd love to have a little more variety in my June posts – possibly a discussion post or two? I always have the best of intentions...

Favorite Album #1: SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo

I'm in my 30s, married with two kids, and this makes me feel like an angsty teen.

I'm totally obsessed and can't turn it off. How dare Olivia do this to me?!

Favorite Album #2: January Flower by Mat Kearney

I love Mat Kearney and have been looking forward to this album for months!

"Anywhere with You" is my favorite right now, but the whole thing is great.

Favorite Album #3: The Otherside by Cam

I hadn't listened to Cam before, but Cassie recommended this album to me.

And she was spot on! I think "The Otherside" is currently my most-listened to song.

Book of the Month: How Lucky by Will Leitch

Barnes & Noble: Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee, Toyko Ever After by Emiko Jean, When These Mountains Burn by David Joy, A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes, The Cave Dwellers by Christina McDowell, The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren, Anna K Away by Stacey Lee, Ariadne by Jennifer Saint, The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent, Beth & Amy by Virginia Kantra, The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, To Have and to Hoax by Martha Waters, Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane, and Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Amazon: The Odyssey and The Iliad by Homer, Heroes and Mythos by Stephen Fry, and Competitive Grieving by Nora Zelevansky

Costco, Target, and Walmart: The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn, The Secret Bridesmaid by Katy Birchall, The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave, Good Company by Cynthia d'Aprix Sweeney, The Siren by Katherine St. John, Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead, The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews, and Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann

Used Bookstore: The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey and Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Off My Sister's Shelves: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer Armentrout, Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie, and The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

Audible: The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey, Heroes by Stephen Fry, People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, When These Mountains Burn by David Joy, The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons, Ariadne by Jennifer Saint, The Lion's Den by Katherine St. John and Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann

Kindle: All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst (not pictured)

NetGalley: Ghosts by Dolly Alderton and The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George

READ POST

Quick Lit: March 2021 Favorites

Quick Lit: March 2021 Favorites

May 31, 2021

I read 32 books in March and shared mini reviews of 21 books last week. This is a follow up to that post featuring nine of my favorite reads from the month! Since I read so much, I wanted to highlight my most memorable reads in their own spot. You can tell my reading taste is pretty eclectic just based on the books featured here – it feels like there's something for everyone! My favorite March read was Sorrow & Bliss by Meg Mason, but I'm working on a separate, full-length review of it. If you enjoy this feature, check out other readers' reviews at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT BY ELLE COSIMANO – This mystery was on my radar after a rave review from @idlewildreads on Instagram – plus, who could resist this eye-catching cover? For me, this got off to a shaky start. Everything felt a little weird to me, and I could not understand the heroine's decisions. But once I was able to suspend my disbelief and accept the premise, it was ridiculously fun. I loved the mishaps the heroine got into, and those twists kept me hooked. I was rooting for Finlay, even though I frequently side-eyed her Questionable choices. It felt like a book that was meant to become a movie! I wanted a little more character development, but the plot was on point. It's totally bonkers, but so much fun. I So Loved It! I can't wait to get my hands on the second book and see what happens next. If you want something fast-paced and funny that will keep you guessing, this is it!

HANNAH COULTER BY WENDELL BERRY – I've heard nothing but praise for Wendell Berry – a prolific writer that I don't think I'd ever have come across if it wasn't for bookstagram. I definitely judged his books by their covers but decided to take a chance on this one (partly because the heroine shares my name, yes). And wow, what an unexpected favorite! This gem snuck up on me in the very best way, and now I can't wait to read more from Berry. Set in Port William, Kentucky, Hannah is an older woman recounting her life and her love for her land and her community. It's a quiet, introspective novel that burrowed into my heart. I was shocked a man wrote this woman's perspective because it was so well done. There were many passages I wanted to highlight and characters that I grew to deeply love through Hannah's eyes. It's a gorgeous story, and I'm So Obsessed With It.

MY INNER SKY BY MARI ANDREW – My sister and I go to Barnes & Noble almost weekly, and I picked up this book on one of our visits because the cover caught my eye. When I saw the subtitle – "On Embracing Day, Night, and All the Times in Between" – I wondered if it would fit in with my word of the year (light). I had no idea that Andrew was the artist behind many illustrations I'd seen online! This memoir was a delight. Andrew explores different seasons and transitions in life through the lens of light. She sees the world through an artist's eyes, and I appreciated her perspective. There's a sense of wonder and delight in the way she talks about the world, even when writing about hard or heavy things, that I found moving. As with any memoir, I don't think this will work for everyone. Overall, I So Loved It for what I took away from it and what I'll likely remember about it.

BY THE BOOK BY AMANDA SELLET – This was another "bought it on a whim after falling in love with the cover" Barnes & Noble purchase. And oh my gosh, y'all, this was a delight! I loved this adorkable heroine – her love for classic literature, the way she would try to apply it to real-life situations, and the sweet romance she actually experiences. There's a fabulous friend group in this book, and I loved that Sellet went that route instead of making this nerdy, naive heroine into an outcast. There are strong, supportive female friendships in this book and that's probably what I loved most about it. Additionally, I read a lot of classics as a teenager and primarily watched costume dramas, so this book worked for me because I could relate to the heroine. I So Loved It and 15-year-old me would have been so obsessed with it. It just made me so dang happy, and I needed that feeling.

GOOD GIRL, BAD BLOOD BY HOLLY JACKSON – After loving A Good Girl's Guide to Murder last year, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel. Did I love this one even more than the first? It's entirely possible. I can't tell if that's the case or it's just that my love for Pip (and Ravi, too!) deepened as I got to spend more time with her. It was cool to see Pip try to find a missing person rather than solve a cold case because it made the pacing feel more urgent. But wow, this mystery got really dark. The case itself goes in a direction I never expected, and Jackson doesn't shy away from showing how Pip is traumatized from events in the first book. I appreciated how this story felt like a continuation of the first, even though the mystery was different. My emotions were on a wild ride while reading, and I loved every moment spent with these characters. I'm So Obsessed With It and can't wait for the third book.

THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS BY CHLOE GONG – Although I loved the cover, I wasn't drawn to this Romeo & Juliet retelling because I... don't like Shakespeare. But the library had the audio, so I decided to give it a try! Y'all, this was a joy to read. I was immediately hooked on the writing and unique premise. Set in 1920s Shanghai, the setting was so well-researched. This is historical with a bit of speculative fiction, which you'll see immediately. It was right up my alley, but I wasn't ready for the monstrous creature! I didn't know anything about the politics of Shanghai during this time, and it was fascinating to see how well it played into this story of dueling families. Gong also explores Western imperialism and Juliette's identity struggle, which gave this thrilling adventure a lot of depth. I had all the feels for these star-crossed lovers and So Loved It. I'm itching for the sequel after that ending!

WE BEGIN AT THE END BY CHRIS WHITAKER – After sampling this at the bookstore, I bought it on the strength of the opening scene. When I sat down to read it, I wondered if I'd made a mistake. The writing style was very choppy, which made it hard for me to get into the flow of the story. But I persisted and soon found my groove! The writing worked for this particular character and story. This was an incredibly tragic mystery, but I loved how it surprised me. While I liked Walk, the small-town sheriff, it's thirteen-year-old Duchess who stole my heart. A self-described "outlaw," she's just trying to take care of her brother and make the best of a shitty situation. This is the kind of mystery you read for the characters and for the emotions it evokes as you experience their joys and heartbreaks. It's the type of book that I finished and thought about long after I was done, which is why I So Loved It. 

THE ROSE CODE BY KATE QUINN – Quinn proves, once again, that she's the queen of historical fiction with this latest release! I was swept up in this story from the very first page, and I loved every single minute of it. Although I bought the paperback on release day, I treated myself to the audiobook, too, which just enriched my whole experience. Narrator Saskia Maarleveld brought these three women to life for me! The Rose Code tells the story of three female code breakers at Bletchley Park – it opens in 1947 and jumps back to 1940, following Osla, Mab, and Beth in both. I loved the dual timelines and both were equally exciting to me. I was so invested in all three women, loved the romantic subplots, and I totally screamed (and cried) at a few of the surprises Quinn had in store. The level of historical detail is impressive, but it's the characters that Quinn does best. I'm So Obsessed With It.

LIFE'S TOO SHORT BY ABBY JIMENEZ – After loving The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist, I couldn't wait to start Life's Too Short. Finding it at the bookstore a few days early felt like winning the lottery! I loved the small glimpses of previous couples, and this couple found a place in my heart. I didn't like them quite as much, and this is my least favorite book of the three, but it was still another winner from Jimenez. She's quickly become one of my favorite contemporary romance authors! I loved that this book focused on ALS, and I thought the heroine's personality totally made sense given what she's gone through in her life. This story still has Jimenez's trademark humor and heartbreak, which made me laugh and tear up. A few things didn't work for me – issues with the baby's story and annoyance at the social media influencer aspect – but I still So Loved It overall. 

What's the best book you've read recently?

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Quick Lit: March 2021

Quick Lit: March 2021

May 25, 2021

When I posted my February 2021 Quick Lit two weeks ago, I mentioned that my blogging break recently contributed to me falling behind on book reviews. And it didn't help that I read so many books in March that it felt overwhelming to catch up on! I take notes on everything I read, so it's not an impossible task – just one I kept procrastinating. In March, I read 32 books. One was a re-read, which I mention at the end of this post. One was my favorite of 2021 (so far) and is getting it's own full-length review in the next week or so. As for the other 30 books, you'll find 21 shorter-than-normal reviews in today's post, and I'll share my 9 favorite books from March later this week. If you enjoy this feature, check out other readers' reviews at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

AUSTEN YEARS BY RACHEL COHEN – A book that blends memoir, biography, and literary criticism into one. It was a great concept with an underwhelming execution. The more personal/memoir aspects were oddly written, trying too hard and lacking connection. But the parts that focused more on literary criticism of Austen's works and biographical details about her were better and made the book worth finishing for me. I'm So Okay With It but wouldn't likely recommend, primarily due to my frustration with the structure and writing style.

AN UNEXPECTED PERIL BY DEANNA RAYBOURN – Another fun installment to my favorite historical mystery series! I always look forward to seeing what Stoker and Veronica will get up to next, and this one didn't disappoint. The mystery was enjoyable and had a resolution I didn't predict. I loved the swoons, the banter, and the relational developments, though it's occasionally frustrating to see Veronica avoid vulnerability and emotional intimacy. I have such a soft spot for these books, especially on audio as narrated by Angele Masters, and I So Enjoyed It.

THE SCENT KEEPER BY ERICA BAUERMEISTER* – I'll admit that I set this one down the first time I picked it up, several years ago. I thought it was historical fiction – with maybe a touch of fantasy? – and it's not that at all. Once I got over my expectations, this was a delightful read. It feels like a fairy tale in the opening section, but it soon shifts and becomes the coming-of-age story of a young, sheltered girl who doesn't know her own story. I thought it was a clever concept with lovely writing, and I found the plot very moving. I So Enjoyed It.

LOST ROSES BY MARTHA HALL KELLY – I primarily picked up this book because it focused on an aspect of history that I didn't know much about – Russia during WWI. It follows three woman who have vastly different experiences during the war, and it was clearly well researched. However, one woman added very little to the story, one was absolutely horrible and irredeemable for me, and the last should have been the focus of the book. Because I was only invested in one storyline, I have to say I'm just So Okay With It. I liked the topic but not the multiple POVs. 

EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME BY JENNA BUSH HAGER – Having enjoyed Sisters First, I was looking forward to more from Jenna Bush Hager. Her most recent book is a moving tribute to her family, particularly her grandparents. She writes with warmth and humor – a good storyteller despite being an average writer. I laughed, teared up, read parts aloud, and thought deeply about my own family and the seasons of life and loss I've experienced. I So Enjoyed It and it was the gentle, loving book that my heart needed at the time. 

THE LOST APOTHECARY BY SARAH PENNER – This book was getting a lot of buzz online, so I was thrilled when it was a Book of the Month pick. And then... I was just So Okay With It. It's a dual timeline novel, which sadly didn't work for me. I disliked the contemporary heroine and plot because it distracted from the more compelling historical story, which could have used those pages for more development. The past storyline had a better premise and was much more enjoyable, but I was still left wishing that there'd been a little more to it.

SNOW & ROSE BY EMILY WINFIELD MARTIN – I bought this for a few dollars at the used bookstore, mainly because I recognized the author and illustrator from two picture books that I love to read to my boys. This is a cute little fairy tale retelling, and it will mainly be memorable to me for Martin's gorgeous illustrations throughout. I'm not familiar with the inspiration material, so I can't speak to its success as a retelling. But I So Liked It overall, especially because it was a needed change of pace from what I typically read. Just a sweet story about two sisters!  

THE GLASS HOTEL BY EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL – I've only read St. John Mandel's Station Eleven (and loved it), so I wasn't sure what to expect from The Glass Hotel but was looking forward to it. The writing itself was lovely and the structure was very creative, but that's all I can say positively about this book. It read like a series of connected short stories with characters that I strongly disliked and a plot that felt like it was completely pointless. And that ending? UGH. Don't even get me started, y'all. It seems like this was a divisive read, and I'm in the So Over It camp.

AM I THERE YET? BY MARI ANDREWS – After loving My Inner Sky, I had to pick up Andrews' debut. It was interesting to compare the two. Both are similar thematically and grapple with all that comes with early adulthood – finding your way, falling in love, dealing with loss, and more. But this one is more illustration-heavy, which gave it a more cutesy and lighthearted vibe. The writing wasn't particularly memorable, which had been the strongest part of My Inner Sky for me. So, I So Liked It but was glad I'd just borrowed it from the library rather than bought it.

SMALL ADMISSIONS BY AMY POEPPEL – Despite a strong opening, this book landed firmly in So Okay With It. Poeppel did make me laugh a few times, and I enjoyed the parts of the story focused on prospective students, the antics of their entitled parents, and the admissions process. But the friend and family drama was dumb, and none of them felt like real, fleshed-out people. The way it shifted perspectives was occasionally confusing, too. If it had been more focused on the heroine, school setting, and admissions process, this might have worked better for me. 

FLOAT PLAN BY TRISH DOLLER – I've read two of Doller's YA books, so I was excited to learn she was venturing in to adult contemporary romance. This was a really enjoyable story, and it tackled some tough topics for some added depth. I loved the sailing and travel aspect, especially the descriptions of the various places they stopped along their journey. The pacing was just right, too. Personally, I wish the romance was a little more developed and the conflict/climax was less rushed. My head was spinning a bit at the end! But overall, I So Enjoyed It.

THAT SOUNDS FUN BY ANNIE F. DOWNS – Sadly, this book did not live up to its adorable cover. It was such a frustrating read. Some chapters were more interesting than others, but overall this had a weak premise and did nothing to develop the central idea presented at the beginning. I wish it had been marketed as an essay collection rather self help / Christian living because it's just personal stories and random anecdotes. There's no "exploring some research" or anything that "shows you how to find, experience, and multiply your fun." I'm So Over It. 

THE GIRL IN WHITE GLOVES BY KERRI MAHER – If I wasn't already a fan of Grace Kelly, I think I would have found this book boring. It was quite long and often slow, even though parts of Kelly's life are glamorous and dramatic. It's very repetitive – Kelly's ambition and desire for love repeatedly at odds with her insecurity and longing for her father's approval. Maher had clearly done her research, and overall I appreciated her fictionalization. I So Liked It because the topic was up my alley, but it didn't have much of a point beyond dramatizing the story of Kelly's life. 

ADMISSION BY JULIE BUXBAUM – Admission fictionalizes the college admissions scandal that dominated the news in 2019. With Lori Loughlin in mind as I read, I liked how this book humanized everyone involved without letting anyone off the hook. The family dynamics and discussions about privilege were great and made this a thought-provoking read. I liked the Then / Now structure, which kept the pace moving for me. I was invested in whether or not the heroine and her mom could experience growth and like where Buxbaum left things. I So Enjoyed It.

JO & LAURIE BY MARGARET STOHL & MELISSA DE LA CRUZ – Everyone losing their minds over how this book ignores Alcott's intentions and undoes the point she made with Jo's story clearly hasn't read a page of it. How do I know? Because Stohl and de la Cruz don't change what happened in Little Women. Instead, this retelling pretends Jo was a real person who wrote Little Women and gives the "real" Jo a romance with Laurie without changing the plot of the book she writes. Personally, I thought it was sweet and creative (if a little slow at times). I So Enjoyed It.  

THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA BY TJ KLUNE – Were my expectations too high going into this bookstagram-beloved book? Possibly. I'd seen nothing but rave reviews, so I went in ready to be wowed. It started cute, and I was quickly hooked. In some ways, it was just what I expected – misfit kids, quirky writing, and a theme of found family. Those parts worked for me and made it a fun read! But the lessons at its heart felt so heavy handed and repetitive that I found myself annoyed by the end. This worked better for other readers, but I'm So Okay With It.

THE ROAD TRIP BY BETH O'LEARY* – Oh man, I'm so bummed about this book. I adored The Flatshare and thought The Switch was cute but cheesy. But this was an infuriating read. Switching back and forth in time, I was invested enough in finding out what happened in the past that I didn't DNF. But I probably should have because I disliked everyone in this book. The romance was instant and absolutely not worth a second chance, highlighting why I often hate that trope! I found a big element of the plot to be intensely problematic, so I'm sad to say I'm So Over It.

PRIDE, PREJUDICE, AND OTHER FLAVORS BY SONALI DEV – This was a gender-swapped, loose retelling of Pride and Prejudice that totally surprised me. It only lightly follows the source material, which allowed Dev to surprise me and look forward to seeing how she'd update certain aspects of the plot or characters. It hit on the major plot points but changed enough to keep me guessing! It's not a light read and doesn't focus as much on the romance as it does the heroine's personal journey, but that worked for me. I So Enjoyed It and the food descriptions were a bonus.

A GREAT RECKONING BY LOUISE PENNY – As I started reading the twelfth installment of this series, I couldn't help thinking about how interesting it was to see Gamache in a totally new role as the head of the Sûreté Academy. In many ways, it's a natural fit for this thoughtful leader. I liked one of the personal connections in this one, and it was sad to revisit a severed friendship between two men who took very different paths in life. I cared more about the relationships in this one than the mystery itself, but I'd still say I So Enjoyed It overall.

THE TROUBLE WITH HATING YOU BY SAJNI PATEL – This was such an enjoyable contemporary romance, even though it did tackle some heavy, sad topics. I loved the prickly heroine, especially once I learned more of her story. It helped me understand her so much more! The hero was adorable, and I was rooting for him to win her over. I sometimes found the dialogue a little clunky/cheesy, but it didn't affect my overall enjoyment. I was invested in the romance and the friendship, and now I'm looking forward to the next book. Overall, I So Enjoyed It! 

GLASS HOUSES BY LOUISE PENNY – Whew, this was a really intense addition to the Gamache series because it focused on cartels and the world of drug trafficking. If you've been following this series from the beginning, it's interesting to note how Penny has laid the groundwork for this particular story. I liked that we got to see Gamache in a tricky situation, and it made me spend a long time thinking about conscience. I was totally hooked and So Enjoyed It, but I'll confess that I still don't understand how the police's actions had the effect they supposedly did.

• • • •

In March, I re-read A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, one of my 2020 favorites, before picking up the newly released sequel. Everything I wrote about this one still stands – it's addicting, well-written, and populated with characters that I loved. If you like mysteries or thrillers, don't miss out on this one! I So Loved It.

What have you been reading lately?

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

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