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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Quick Lit: June 2020 (Part 2)

Quick Lit: June 2020 (Part 2)

Jul 15, 2020

As I mentioned in Part 1 of my June Quick Lit, I finished 17 books in June. I chatted about ten of them yesterday and then six in today's post. As a bonus, I'm reviewing a series I read a month ago in this post, too. As you'll see, my reading has been eclectic lately! If you enjoy this feature, check out other readers' reviews at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

I MISS YOU WHEN I BLINK BY MARY LAURA PHILPOTT – I can't remember the last time I read a book of essays, and I'm still not sure what prompted me to buy this collection. Regardless, I'm so glad I did. This is one of my favorite reads of the year! I loved so many of the stories Philpott shares and the meaning she extracts out of them. Although I'm not in the same stage of life, I still felt like I read this book at the exact right time in my life. There was something about the way she explored memory, time, and identity that struck home with me. It helped that I could relate to her Type A personality in so many ways. I'm So Obsessed With It, and I thought Philpott was wise, relatable, and funny. She made me want to be her friend. I can't wait to re-read this one!

WHAT YOU WISH FOR BY KATHERINE CENTER* – I'm going to rip off the band-aid: I was incredibly disappointed by this book. Since Happiness for Beginners is an all-time favorite, I was thrilled to learn Duncan was the hero of this story. I expected this to be exactly what I'd wished for! Instead, I felt so let down. I loved the theme of the novel, a few quotes from it, and a cameo from a certain favorite couple. But that's it. The heroine made me want to scream. She got on my last nerve and made a "just okay for me" book even worse. I was continually questioning her reasoning and actions in a way that just pulled me out of the story. I didn't like how internal the writing was either. Give me more dialogue, more action, and some showing instead of telling. Sadly, I'm So Over It. 

AMAL UNBOUND BY AISHA SAEED – Did I buy this book because I loved the cover? You better believe it. I haven't read many books set in Pakistan, so that aspect appealed to me, too. For me, this was one of those experiences were I felt like a great story had a lackluster execution. I liked the heroine's voice, but something about the writing felt unemotional and clunky. There is a great message here about speaking up and inspiring change, as well as the importance of education for girls around the world. But there was just no spark or vibrancy to the writing or characters. Both were very average. I kept wondering whether I'd be more immersed in the story if I was the intended audience, but I just don't know. I was So Okay With It overall, but I did love the message at its heart.

ANNIE'S LIFE IN LISTS BY KRISTIN MAHONEY – I randomly found this one while browsing at the bookstore. I don't read a lot of Middle Grade, but this one felt like it was made for me! I'm going to list some of the reasons why:

1. As a lover of lists, I could totally relate to the heroine, Annie.

2. A book written entirely in lists ended up being a cute and clever construction!

3. Annie was an enjoyable heroine, and I loved how Mahoney captured her voice.

4. The problems felt very realistic, and Annie's reactions to them made perfect sense for her age.

5. The adorable illustrations throughout gave me even more to love about the book.

6. I was happy that the book focused on family and friendships. 

7. All of the secondary characters were well-developed and memorable.

I So Enjoyed It and can't wait to read more from this author!

HYPERBOLE AND A HALF BY ALLIE BROSH – I was familiar with Brosh's blog by the same name but hadn't read her book. I have no idea where it would be shelved in a bookstore, since it's a combo of humor/memoir/graphic novel, but this felt like a good way to dip my toe into the graphic novel genre. It's a mix of of new content and fan favorites from her blog, and I was surprised by how many of the stories I recognized. Whether Brosh was talking about her dogs or her depression, she writes with self deprecation and humor. The illustrations are rudimentary and weird, but they work somehow. It was just disjointed for me – there were stories that made me laugh and others I found awkwardly cringe-y or honestly kinda sad. I think it balanced out to a lukewarm So Okay With It overall. 

THE SONG OF ACHILLES BY MADELINE MILLER – Having read and loved Miller's Circe last year, I had to go back and read this book. I haven't read a lot of Greek mythology and know little about the Trojan War. So, most of the things described in this book were entirely knew to me! As with Circe, I found Miller's writing to be gorgeous. I listened to it on audio, too, and loved the narrator's voice. This is a character-driven story, and I did think Miller did a great job developing both Patroclus and Achilles and the secondary characters. But despite that fact, I just didn't find myself very invested in anyone. I'd expected way more emotion, at least based on some reviews I'd read. Instead, I felt a distance and detachment as the story unfolded. I So Liked It, but Circe remains my favorite of the two.

Thanks Kelly, @xoxokellynina, for letting me use your photo!

SUGAR DADDY, BLUE-EYED DEVIL, SMOOTH-TALKING STRANGER, AND BROWN-EYED GIRL BY LISA KLEYPAS – I planned to write a separate post about this series but have clearly gotten too lazy. So, instead, you're getting my short and sweet thoughts about each book! Luckily, Kleypas is an incredibly popular and well-known author, so I'm just joining a chorus of people who are already a fan of this series. But here's the backstory you have to know first: Kelly has been begging me to read Sugar Daddy for years, and I flat-out refused. I hated the title, the cover, and the sample I read once in a bookstore, so my mind was made up. Then, we did our bookish March Madness bracket and tied (I won by half a point!). Typically, the winner choses a book for the loser to read. Since we basically both won, we both got to choose a book for the other person. Can you guess what Kelly picked?

Yep, Sugar Daddy. Thankfully, Hoopla had the audiobook that I could borrow, so I figured I'd rip the bandaid, turn it to 3x speed, and get it over with. Can you tell I went into it with such a chip on my shoulder? It's a miracle that I'm able to say: this book won me over! It's unusual for the genre and felt more women's fiction than romance in many ways. I loved the heroine and was rooting for her the entire novel. I'm shocked to say I So Enjoyed It! I personally wish the hero had been introduced sooner and that the romance has been more developed because it ended up being the weakest element for me. After spending so long getting to know this heroine, I was disappointed we didn't get to dig deeper into her relationship with the hero. The narrator of the audio, Brittany Pressley, added to my enjoyment and is a big reason I almost immediately started the second book.

Blue-Eyed Devil was my favorite in the series, which I wasn't expecting. We first meet the hero in Sugar Daddy, and he had a lot to make up for based on the way he'd acted in that novel. Thankfully, this book spent a lot of time with the heroine first, and she stole my heart right away. Her backstory is heartbreaking, and it's hard to watch her go through some truly awful, traumatic things. I appreciated that Kleypas handled it with care. I loved how the hero slowly won her trust over time, and I thought it was great that the romance didn't "fix" her life. She found healing on her own, and the "happily ever after" was just icing on the cake. I So Loved It and will definitely re-read it. 

The third, Smooth-Talking Stranger, was my least favorite. And it was even more of a letdown following the magic of the second book! I thought the heroine was pretty annoying, and the hero was a bit too alpha male for me. I just was never fully invested in the story. The romance felt more attraction-driven rather than emotional, and that's never a favorite for me. Two things redeemed it and made it a So Liked It: the heroine's commitment to making sure her nephew was cared for and the cameos of the previous couples. I don't see myself revisiting it, however.

And finally, we end with Brown-Eyed Girl. I had some issues with this one, but the overall story appealed to me more than the third book. I loved the heroine's wedding planning business, her relationship with her half sister (and another storyline involving that character), and the way the heroine's possible career move was presented and resolved. But honestly, I'm not sure what the hero saw in her. She continually pushed him away – for no reason except her own insecurity! Yes, it can be realistic, but it is hard to believe that this supposedly wealthy and gorgeous man would keep pursuing her after so much rejection. That being said, I So Enjoyed It once I just suspended my disbelief on that aspect. Overall, a fun way to say goodbye to the Travis family.

*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.

What have you been reading lately?

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Quick Lit: April 2020

Quick Lit: April 2020

May 15, 2020

April was a great reading month for me, and I finished 15 books. I wrote a longer review for Memory-Making Mom by Jessica Smartt, and one of my April reads was the first book in a series that I'll write about in a separate post. But today I've got mini reviews for nine of my April reads + some quick thoughts on four re-reads at the bottom of the post! If you enjoy this feature, check out other readers' reviews at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

THE HONEY-DON'T LIST BY CHRISTINA LAUREN – When I first discovered Christina Lauren, I thought I'd found a new favorite author(s). But lately, I've realized that their books have been hit-or-miss for me. The premise of their latest release sounded hilarious, and I did enjoy certain elements of it. I liked the idea of a fictional version of Chip and Joanna Gaines who were terrible and can't stand each other off-screen, but they were more fleshed out than the main characters. As a whole, the book felt very rushed and undeveloped. For the first time, it felt evident that this duo is releasing books very quickly. The romance was so forgettable, which is a problem for a book billed as a romantic comedy. I was just So Okay With It and am disappointed by how much it lacked. So meh!

BEACH READ BY EMILY HENRY* – This book wasn't on my radar until I spotted a rave review of it on Instagram, but I still decided to request it for review. I'm so glad I did because it quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year! When I first started it, I was intrigued but not immediately invested. But the more I read, the more I loved it! I loved the the backstories of the hero and heroine, fell for their quippy banter, and thought the premise worked so well. The storyline involving the heroine's father was so moving, and I loved how Henry explored whether we can know our parents fully. Another favorite aspect? The heroine and her best friend. I am so here for books celebrating strong female friendships! It was a lot more emotional than I expected, and I'm So Obsessed With It.

THE KINGDOM OF COPPER BY S.A. CHAKRABORTY – After refreshing my memory of The City of Brass (thanks, Recaptains!), I was ready to dive in to this sequel. Y'all, it was even better than the first! That's an accomplishment since so many series have a lull in the middle. I was more engaged in the action in this book and didn't have any issue with the pace. And because I was more familiar with the world, I didn't find it as difficult to follow. I still loved the political maneuverings, and I thought the time jump at the beginning of the book worked really well. One of my favorite things about the book is that I truly don't know how everything will be resolved in the end – both with the overall conflict and with the relationships between characters. I So Enjoyed It and can't wait for the conclusion!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE BY GREER HENDRICKS & SARAH PEKKANEN – Since I enjoyed this duo's first and second book, I couldn't wait to dive in to their third! It has very short chapters and alternates between the heroine, Shay, and the Moore sisters. You know there's something unusual about the sisters – and Shay's burgeoning friendship with them – but can't quite figure out what's going on. The last part was the most exciting – tense, fast paced, and delivered some real surprises. But I had more questions about it the more I thought about it once I was done. I'm not entirely sure the story made sense once the thrill of reading had faded. I So Liked It because it was a fun reading experience + just right for my mood, but it was my least favorite of their books so far.

THE RIGHT SWIPE BY ALISHA RAI – I couldn't decide what to read next, so I started browsing my library's audiobooks. The cover of The Right Swipe caught my eye, and the premise sounded fun. So, I decided to take a chance on it – and am so glad I did! The audio experience was delightful, and I loved that it had two narrators since it had both the hero and heroine's point of view.  loved how it featured dating apps and modern dating has changed because of them. The diversity in the story was great, and I loved the added depth with the discussion of football's effect on the brain and how women are often treated in the workplace. It was a fun contemporary romance, and I So Enjoyed It. My complaint? The sex scenes were too detailed for me, personally.

GIRL GONE VIRAL BY ALISHA RAI – In The Right Swipe, we're introduced to the heroine of Girl Gone Viral. Based on what we learn of her in the first book, I knew I'd be starting this book immediately. I needed to know more about her! What happened in her past that led to the woman she is today? This book slowly reveals her story, and I wasn't disappointed. The romantic situation in this one felt very friends-to-lovers, which worked for me. Although, once again, I would have preferred a more closed-door romance. The heroine goes viral when someone live-tweets an innocent conversation that looks like a meet cute, and I adored how the author used that setup to discuss privacy in the age of the Internet. I So Enjoyed It, and am so glad I took a chance on this series.

THE DOLL PEOPLE, THE MEANEST DOLL IN THE WORLD AND THE RUNAWAY DOLLS BY ANN M. MARTIN AND LAURA GODWIN – I don't read many children's books these days, but I couldn't resist the appeal of a book about a family of dolls coming to life when their human owner isn't around. These are the kind of books I would have adored as a little girl! And even as an adult, I found all three books incredibly delightful. The illustrations throughout, by the talented Brian Selznik, just added to their charm. In the first, Annabelle Doll searches for her missing aunt and makes a new doll friend, Tiffany Funcraft. In the second, Annabelle and Tiffany accidentally end up at their owner's school and have to deal with a bully. In the third, Annabelle and Tiffany run away from home to protect another doll. All three were very quick reads for me, and all earned a So Enjoyed It. They brought a smile to my face and made me nostalgic for my childhood. It's magical to imagine your toys having a life of their own, and authors Martin and Godwin perfectly captured it. I can't wait to read these aloud to my boys one day!

I re-read four books in April. While browsing my unfinished Audible books, I got the itch to re-read The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta. I just re-read them last year but found myself craving a return to this world. I hadn't listened to them on audio before, so I was excited for that experience. The first book, Finnikin of the Rock, is narrated by Jeffrey Cummings but the second and third, Froi of the Exiles and Quintana of Charyn, are narrated by Grant Cartwright. I am so glad the narrator changed! Cummings wasn't terrible, but I didn't really enjoy listening to him. Cartwright, on the other hand, was a delight to listen to and made me love these characters even more. I'm So Obsessed With It, of course! If you want to know why I love them, check out my re-read review from last year. 

In addition to that series, I also re-read The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. I adore the book, and the forthcoming sequel, The Heir Affair, definitely tops my list of most-anticipated 2020 releases. When I got a copy of it to read for review, I knew I had to go back to the beginning first. The Royal We was just as delightful as I remembered! It was my second re-read via audio, and I love narrator Christine Lakin. If you love modern royalty, this book is for you. It's a perfect example of fiction with real-life inspiration, and I'm So Obsessed With It!

*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.

What have you been reading lately?

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Quick Lit: January 2020 (Part 2)

Quick Lit: January 2020 (Part 2)

Feb 14, 2020

Welcome back to my mini review round-up! Yesterday, in Part 1, I talked about nine of the 17 books I read in January. Today, I'm sharing my thoughts on six more of those books! At the end of this post, I briefly mentioned the two re-reads I did on audio. If you enjoy this feature, check out other readers' reviews at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

A PERFECT HERITAGE BY PENNY VINCENZI – I read Vincenzi's Spoils of Time trilogy back in college and adored it, and I've always meant to read more from her. Because of that series, I was expecting this to be a historical novel and was surprised when I realized it was contemporary (with a small historical component). Maybe it's because I love makeup, but I thought it was so fun to fall into this book about a businesswoman trying to revitalize a dying British cosmetics company. As I would expect from Vincenzi, there was a ton of drama, more than one affair, and lots of characters to follow. But the shifting POVs worked for me, and I found myself racing through this one. The characters were so engaging, even when they weren't likable. I'm just a sucker for fast-paced saga! I So Enjoyed It.

BEHOLDING AND BECOMING BY RUTH CHOU SIMONS – I haven't read Simons' previous books, but I am familiar with her work from Instagram. When I saw this at the bookstore while on vacation, I couldn't stop admiring the gorgeous artwork. My mom bought me a copy, and I finally sat down to read it (instead of just looking at the art) in January. The writing was lovely, but I do think Simon's art is what makes this book special. Such lovely imagery throughout! I liked the overall theme of everyday worship and how she wrote about it, but I didn't feel like anything was explored in much depth. However, I do recognize this was more of a devotional / coffee table style book than anything else. I So Enjoyed It for what it was, even if I wanted just a bit more from the writing itself.

ATOMIC HABITS BY JAMES CLEAR – With goals and habits on my mind lately, I decided to give this popular non-fiction book a try. Y'all, I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did! Clear has a straightforward, effective writing style. I finished reading it really quickly, but I can tell it's the type of book I'd like to own so that I can re-read, highlight, and take notes. Clear builds on others' research, but in a way that felt very practical. I appreciated that he focused on how to actually implement strategies to "build good habits and break bad ones" rather than spend tons of time on research and theory. And he did provide plenty of examples, charts, and additional references for further exploration. I So Loved It and can't wait to put it into practice in my own life.

THE STORY GIRL BY L.M. MONTGOMERY – As a huge fan of Montgomery, I'm slowly but surely reading my way through her backlist. The Story Girl has an interesting structure – an adult male narrator looking back at his childhood, which I don't think I've seen Montgomery do before. Sadly, I had a hard time connecting to any of the characters. The summary and title sound like Sara Stanley (known as The Story Girl) will be at its center, but she lacked dimension for me. How many times and ways can I be told that she's a gift storyteller?! This felt like a collection of short stories – every chapter had some type of group adventure/conversation + Sara telling everyone a story. Not my favorite Montgomery, by far. I was only So Okay With It but decided to read the sequel, too. 

THE GOLDEN ROAD BY L.M. MONTGOMERY – Even though I wasn't a fan of the first book, I still wanted to give this a try. I already owned a copy, Montgomery is one of my favorite authors, and it was short enough that I knew I wasn't committing a lot of time to it. Well, I'm sad to say this one was equally boring to me. I cannot overstate how annoying it was to be repeatedly told that Sara was an amazing storyteller. WE GET IT ALREADY! It didn't help that the scenes meant to illustrate this fact just sounded mediocre to me. And it still read like a short story collection, which just doesn't really appeal to me personally. I can't say for sure if I would have enjoyed this more as a child, but I don't think so. I was So Okay With It and don't plan to ever re-read it, even as a read aloud to my kids.

LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI BY ABIGAIL HING WEN – After reading a lot of historical fiction in January, this seemed like a light, fun way to end the month. This story follows Ever Wong after her parents send her from Ohio to Taiwan for the summer to study at Chien Tan, a cultural program to (primarily) help her learn Mandarin. I loved learning more about a new-to-me city and culture. I thought the heroine's struggle with her identity + her parents expectations was really well done, too. That being said, I did feel like a lot of stuff was packed into this story in a way that often felt dramatic but without a lot of depth. At 432 pages, I had issues with the pace. And the romance was too complicated (and rushed) for me. But overall, I So Liked It and would be curious to see what Wen writes next.

In January, I also re-read two books via audio. The first was My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman. This was my first Backman, all the way back in 2015, and I have a special place in my heart for it. Listening to it was a treat – I'd forgotten a ton of what happened! I think it might have been hard to follow in this format for a first read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as a re-read. I'm still So Obsessed With It. The other book I re-read was What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. I was a lot less emotionally invested in it this time around than I was on my first read. It just felt like something was lacking! It's a great premise and Moriarty executes it well, but something was a little off for me. I think I'd still give it a So Enjoyed It overall, but I'm not sure I'd recommend this format (the narrator wasn't my favorite) or suggest it as something to re-read. Still fun, just fell a bit flat.

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Quick Lit: October 2019

Quick Lit: October 2019

Dec 6, 2019

Ah, I'm almost caught up on my Quick Lit posts! I wish I could promise to never get behind again, but I'm already anticipating another blogging break when this new baby is born. I remember those early days with my first, and I know that I'll probably still be reading but won't feel much like writing. So, please be patient with me when that day comes! But let's focus on October for now. I finished 14 books and have reviews for 12 of them today. I'd already reviewed one in September's post, and the other is briefly mentioned at the end of this post. If you enjoy short and sweet book reviews, you'll find links to similar posts in the comments on this feature over at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

SERPENT & DOVE BY SHELBY MAHURIN – When I saw Steph raving about this book, I had to check it out. It didn't really appeal to me because I'm generally turned off by books about witches, but it seemed like a fitting way to kick off October. I picked it up one afternoon and was shocked when I'd finished all 528 pages by the end of the day. I couldn't put it down! So, here's the deal: you've got a witch on the run and in hiding and a man sworn to hunt witches... who end up forced to marry. I loved that this led to a very compelling enemies-to-lovers dynamic because that's one of my favorite tropes. The world and magic system could have been more fully developed for me, personally, but I still So Enjoyed It. This was an exciting debut, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!

KULTI BY MARIANA ZAPATA – I've seen many readers recommend this book and others by Zapata, so I snagged it when the e-book went on sale. I'm not a huge fan of sports romances but decided to give it a shot. While this didn't end up a favorite for me, I still So Liked It. There's a big age gap in this romance (the hero is 12 years older than the heroine), which was addressed in a realistic way. I've seen this recommended most often for fans of slow burn romances, and it's definitely very slow. I personally felt that it dragged on too long. There was no reason for it to be almost 600 pages, especially since so much of it was the heroine's internal musings. Boring! I was debating a 4-star rating up until a very unnecessary sex scene was tacked on to the end. Fun but not worth the hype, in my opinion.

THE NOBODIES BY LIZA PALMER –  What do you do when an author you've loved in the past writes something that seriously lets you down? I don't even know where to start. I've read several of Palmer's earliest books and liked/enjoyed them overall. Nowhere but Home and Girl Before a Mirror, however, quickly earned spots on my favorites lists and made Palmer an author to watch for me. Though I skipped her 2017 release, I was excited to dive into The Nobodies. But if I hadn't purchased it, I would have decided not to finish it. I had issues with almost everything about it: the plot, the characters, the pacing, the writing, the conflict, the resolution, and more. Nothing worked for me. I'd go into more detail, but I'm So Over It and that's all you really need to know.

MEET CUTE BY HELENA HUNTING – I wasn't planning on reading  Meet Cute because Hunting's previous release, The Good Luck Charm, didn't really work for me. But a reader I enjoy following on Goodreads highly recommended this one (and had DNF'd the other). So, I decided it couldn't hurt to try! If you suspend some disbelief on the premise, this was a really fun read overall. I thought one aspect of the storyline was so predictable, but didn't mind too much since most contemporary romances aren't reinventing the wheel. I liked the unexpected depth to the story since it deals with the characters' grief in a moving way. The dynamic between the hero and heroine was fun, and I particularly liked the  former celebrity/major fangirl aspect. That was hilarious! I So Enjoyed It overall.

HOTSHOT DOC BY R.S. GREY – This author's books pop up on Amazon frequently when I'm just browsing, so I decided to borrow this one from the Kindle Lending Library. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't stop once I started! Even though I was sucked into the story, it did feel a little unrealistic – and maybe factually incorrect? A throwaway line in the Epilogue was so inaccurate that it made the question the book as a whole. But someone with a medical degree would probably know better than me! Regardless of all that, I still So Liked It. It basically felt like Grey's Anatomy in book form, and I love that dumb soap opera. Ha! It didn't pack the emotional punch that Grey's does, but it was a fun read. I'm not sure I'll read more R.S. Grey in the future, but I'm glad I gave her a shot.

THE SKYLARK'S WAR BY HILARY MCKAY – While browsing Hatchards in London with Kelly earlier this year, I spotted this beauty in the children's section. The gorgeous cover and the "Costa Books Awards Winner" sticker on the front made me pick it up, the summary intrigued me, and the first page was just so good. I had to buy it! I finally read it in October, and it... did not go well for me. It was so slow that I was forcing myself to pick it up, and I wasn't invested in the characters at all. The writing started to grate on me because it felt like it was trying too hard to imitate a children's classic. And I kept wondering about the audience for the book. It's middle grade, but would a 9-12 year old really appreciate this depressing, contrived story? I have no idea, but I was So Over It personally.

THEN THERE WAS YOU BY MIRANDA LIASSON – Estelle recommended this contemporary romance to me and was kind enough to send me a copy for review. I'm always on the lookout for cute, small-town romances, and this one fit the bill! It's got one of my favorite tropes (hate to love) since the heroine (partially) blames the hero for her broken engagement. The beginning of the book does feel like it's setting up the series – introducing a lot of characters, the town, and some backstory – but the couple won me over as time went on. Plus, I enjoyed the family dynamics and was excited to find out the heroine's siblings will have their own books. I didn't enjoy the characters' negative motivations, but I So Liked It overall and plan on reading more from the series.

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES BY L.M. MONTGOMERY – "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." I mean, how was I supposed to resist an October re-read of my forever favorite? I've had this audio edition, narrated by Rachel McAdams, waiting for the perfect moment to listen. And I timed it just right! This was the perfect way to close out the month, and it brought back all the memories. I believe I was in second grade when I met Anne Shirley, a kindred spirit through and through. This is one of the books that I credit with making me the reader I am today, and I always enjoy revisiting its pages. I find new moments to love and lines to cherish with each re-read. It just never gets old for me! I'm So Obsessed With It and would absolutely recommend McAdams' narration, too.

THE FIREBIRD BY SUSANNA KEARSLEY – I read The Winter Sea in 2017, and the historical heroine of The Firebird is the offspring of characters from that book. Thankfully, I remembered most of the important background info! I was immediately sucked into Kearsley's writing and found the contemporary and historical storylines to be equally engaging. That doesn't always happen for me! I thought both romances were well-developed and loved how they were paced. As with many of Kearsley's other books, this one contained a supernatural (ish?) element. In this case, the heroine can touch an object and see its past. I wanted the mystery to be uncovered in a more realistic way, but this element is part of Kearsley's style and charm. And honestly, I still So Loved It in the end. 

BEGINNER'S LUCK, LUCK OF THE DRAW, AND BEST OF LUCK BY KATE CLAYBORN – This series wasn't really on my radar until I saw Estelle mention in an Instagram story that the first was on sale for $0.99 for Kindle. I knew she enjoyed them and have gotten so many great recommendations from her in the past, so I decided to buy Beginner's Luck and give it a shot. I had no idea I'd end up reading it almost immediately and buying the second and third in the series in quick succession. 

This series follow three best friends who randomly win the lottery together and find their lives forever changed because of it. Each friend gets her own book, and each book is told in dual POV (the heroine and hero each get their own chapters, which I loved). I was a little skeptical of the lottery angle but was pleasantly surprised to find that it was barely mentioned in each book aside from the way it enable each heroine to pursue her own specific dream. In the Prologue for Beginner's Luck, there's a few lines that give you such a good sense of what to expect from this series. The characters are discussing what they'd buy if they happened to win:

        Kit said, "A house," but what she thought was, home.

        Zoe said, "An adventure," but what she thought was, forgiveness.

        Greer said, "An education," but what she thought was, freedom.

I just loved that so much – and it definitely gives you an idea of what to expect from each woman's book! You'll send them working towards the dream they've said out loud, but you'll also get to watch how that leads to (or interferes with) the unspoken desire of their heart. Each book was around 250 pages, which felt like the perfect length. The romances in each felt fully developed, every story packed an emotional punch, and there was just enough drama/conflict to keep me hooked without ever dragging on too long. They are contemporary romances, so just note that there are a few steamy scenes in each. I've said next to nothing about each individual book, but I think my overall feelings give you enough details to decide if these will appeal to you.

If you love books with strong female friendships and swoony romances, this series needs to be on your radar. I joked with Kelly that I'd just started to find my reading mojo and then almost lost it again because of the major book hangover I had when I was done. I was leaning towards a 4.5 rating for all three books, but I've got to give them a So Obsessed With It. The more I think about them, the happier I feel. And I see a re-read in my future!

I read one other book in October! The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare was a cute addition the series, though my least favorite so far. The animal rescue/rehoming story didn't appeal to me, and I struggle with how modern Dare's historical romances feel. I still So Liked It, but it's definitely one where I skipped a lot because of the steaminess. 

*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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Quick Lit: August 2018

Quick Lit: August 2018

Jan 18, 2019

Yes, you read that post title correctly. This is a collection of thoughts on books that I read last August. Y'all, I can't believe that I'm FIVE MONTHS BEHIND on book reviews. I have a reading journal where I jot down thoughts on what I've read and post reviews for some books on Instagram, which is the only reason I'm able to even attempt to review what I've read the past few months. I almost just called it a day and started fresh in January, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I've read too many great books and love that this blog documents my reading life. 

And so, this begins my attempt to get all caught up! I read 24 book in August, and I'm talking about 22 of them in today's post. The other two will appear in my September Quick Lit. As always, check out the Quick Lit linkup  that's hosted by Modern Mrs. Darcy for more reviews and recommendations.

FORCE OF NATURE BY JANE HARPER | I started the month with this mystery and So Enjoyed It! The rising tension, remote setting, and unreliable characters created the perfect sense of mystery. I had to know what happened on that fateful hike when one person didn't return, and the reveal didn’t disappoint. I hadn't read the first book, The Dry, at the time but did so a few days later. I’m hoping for more books with Federal Agent Aaron Falk in the future! 

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LULULEMONS BY LAUREN WEISBERGER | Did I buy this book because of the cover? Maybe a little bit. I didn't read the first two Devil Wears Prada books before diving in, but I never felt like I was missing out because of it. I enjoyed all three main characters, loved how the book poked fun at the super rich, and was rooting for the female friendships that developed as the story progressed. I So Enjoyed It.

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: GRAPHIC NOVEL BY MARIAH MARSDEN | This was such a great adaptation of one of my favorite books ever! The artwork by Brenna Thummler was so lovely – and detailed, which I really appreciated. I haven't read many graphic novels, but I was pleased with how this one conveyed the heart and main themes of Anne Shirley's story. The full-length book is obviously better, but I still So Loved It.

TELL ME MORE BY KELLY CORRIGAN | I binged Corrigan's backlist in 2017, so I knew I had to check out her 2018 release. These essays are organized by phrases – the 12 hardest things Corrigan is learning to say. They range from "No" to "I Was Wrong," and a few favorites made it worth the read for me. I don't always like Corrigan herself (and some essays fell flat for me), but I always seem to find something to connect to in her writing. I So Liked It.

THE HELP BY KATHYRN STOCKETT | I re-read this one via audiobook, which was a wonderful listening experience. I adored all the narrators for this book, and they made this re-read something to remember. Even though I knew the story and where it was headed, I found myself so invested and emotional while revisiting it. I'm So Obsessed With It, though I've read other perspectives on it that have helped me be more conscious of its flaws. 

THE DRY BY JANE HARPER | I was immediately hooked by this story, which introduces Detective Aaron Falk who I met in Force of Nature. I didn't think the writing or characterization were particularly noteworthy, but I did find the Australian outback setting added a lot to the story and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. I So Enjoyed It and would definitely suggest reading the books in order since it helps you understand the detective better.

LOVE AND RUIN BY PAULA MCLAIN | I wanted to love this one so bad, and I'm so bummed that I didn't. The heroine was fascinating, and I loved learning more about her as the book went on. The setting and historical detail were nicely done, but I just had no emotional investment in anything or anyone. I didn't believe in the relationships and slogged my way through to the end. I was So Okay With It and, unsurprisingly, still hate Hemingway. 

CATWOMAN BY SARAH J. MAAS | I would never have picked up this book if it didn't have Sarah J. Maas' name on it because I just don't care about superhero stories, so you should probably take my opinion on it with a grain of salt. I thought the story was compelling, enjoyed Maas' writing, and was rooting for the characters. I'm happy that I So Enjoyed It, but it definitely wasn't a favorite or super memorable for me. But a fun read nonetheless!

I'LL BE YOUR BLUE SKY BY MARISA DE LOS SANTOS | de los Santos writes so lyrically, which I immediately loved. It was so nice to return to these characters — and to meet brand new ones, too. And, like with her previous books, I delighted in the literary references throughout. The story itself required me to suspend some disbelief (so many coincidences occur), and I preferred the historical timeline to the contemporary one, but I still So Enjoyed It overall.

THE DUCHESS DEAL BY TESSA DARE | This was my first book by Tessa Dare, and I So Liked It but didn't love it like I'd hoped. It felt so modern, even though it was supposed to be historical. I think some of it is due to Dare's sense of humor and just her style of writing, which isn't my favorite. It was too sexy for me (lots of skimming past stuff), and some of the plot felt so over-the-top and implausible. But it did make me curious enough to try more from Dare.

LIFE ON THE LEASH BY VICTORIA SCHADE* | If you really love dogs, you might enjoy this one more than I did. I wasn't expecting quite so much dog training in it, which I found boring. I found the heroine so annoying – why did this American girl just randomly speak French? She might love dogs, but she's rude to people. And don't even get me started on the romance. Cheating one minute, a rushed resolution the next. I was So Over It.

GHOSTED BY ROSIE WALSH | Seven perfect days together, and then ghosted. But why? I had to suspend my disbelief on the instalove that's central to the plot, which is probably my biggest issue with this book. I just didn't believe the heroine's level of obsession after one week! However, I got hooked at the halfway point and couldn't put it down. The story went in a direction I didn't suspect and was surprisingly emotional, so I'd say I So Enjoyed It. 

ALL WE EVER WANTED BY EMILY GIFFIN | What to say about this one? It wasn’t awful, and I didn’t hate it. But... it felt like it was trying too hard to do too much, and the ending left me so angry and dissatisfied. I kept thinking of Beartown by Fredrik Backman while reading (because the subject matter is similar), and this one is so shallow in comparison. I couldn't stand the characters and was So Over It. Giffin just isn't an author for me anymore. 

THE SIMPLE WILD BY K.A. TUCKER | I wasn't prepared to love this book as much as I did! Tucker’s descriptions of Alaska made me long to visit. The romance had some hate-to-love vibes (my favorite!) with banter and situations that made me laugh out loud. But it was the story of the heroine trying to reconnect with her estranged father that really got to me. It was so emotional! I'm So Obsessed With It and look forward to exploring Tucker's backlist.

HELLO STRANGER BY LISA KLEYPAS | After reading Devil in Spring, I was excited to pick up this book. What's not to love about a heroine who is a female physician and a hero with an undercover accent?! I was so invested in both characters, totally swooned over their romance, and was on the edge of my seat when things seemed to go wrong. Their banter was great, and I So Loved It. And now I'm dying for West's book because he practically stole the show.

And finally, though I don't have a photo, I read The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn. I read the first book in the series back in March and had issues with it. I decided to finish the series anyway and So Liked It overall. The first and third were my least favorites, and the second and fourth were my favorites. The series was a mixed bag that was fun but ultimately forgettable for me overall, and I don't see myself re-reading any of them.

* 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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