Quick Lit: February 2020

Quick Lit: February 2020

Mar 10, 2020

I wasn't sure how much reading I would get done in February since I had my baby on the 7th, but I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that I finished 11 books. I'm reviewing nine of them in today's post, and I briefly mentioned the other two (both re-reads) at the bottom. And honestly, I'm patting myself on the back for writing all of them in a timely manner. If you enjoy this feature, check out other readers' reviews at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

YOU WERE THERE TOO BY COLLEEN OAKLEY – I loved Oakley's Before I Go and Close Enough to Touch, so I couldn't wait to read her newest release. It didn't take me long before I was hooked on this story about a woman who meets a man she's been dreaming about for years... and learns he's been dreaming about her, too. It throws everything in her life, including her marriage, into question. As I expected, Oakley's writing is fantastic. She excels are creating well-rounded characters in complicated, emotional situations. The premise itself was fascinating, but it didn't totally work for me because I wanted more answers. I loved the theme and the emotion it evoked, but my biggest hangup was the ending. It got a little too dramatic for me. Overall, I So Enjoyed It – and the audio was great!

IF I NEVER MET YOU BY MHAIRI MCFARLANE* – I’ve been obsessed with McFarlane since 2014, and with each new release it becomes harder to name my favorite from her. They are all perfect in their own way! I love how McFarlane centers her stories on the heroine’s personal journey and growth. The romance had me swooning — but my emotional investment in the heroine, Laurie, went so much deeper. I cried for her, laughed with her, and rooted for her with every turn of the page. The use of the fake dating trope had me hooked and reminded me of a grown-up To All the Boys I've Loved Before (but with even more depth). They even agree on a contract beforehand, and we allllll know that’s just tempting fate. Heartwarming, emotional perfection! I'm So Obsessed With It.

TWEET CUTE BY EMMA LORD – I don't read a lot of young adult contemporary anymore, but this reminded me of what I love about the genre when it works. The concept of dueling brands on Twitter was clever, and I could totally imagine it playing out in real life. The various family dynamics added depth, and I always appreciate getting to see a teen's parents/siblings in a book. Pepper and Jack both have their own point of view, and it made me so invested in them both. And I'm always a sucker with hate-to-love when it includes witty banter! With hints of You've Got Mail, I enjoyed its predictability. It was genuinely cute, didn't take itself too seriously, and was packed with baked goods that sounded so delicious. I So Loved It and can't wait to see what Lord writes next.

OPEN BOOK BY JESSICA SIMPSON – I generally have no interest in celebrity memoirs and didn't have a strong desire to learn more about Simpson's life. But then her promotional tour for the book started! The more I heard about the book, the more I wanted to read it. I ended up reading all 400 pages that day because I couldn't put it down! I wanted to read it for the gossip, but I ended up being impressed at Simpson's blend of vulnerability, honesty, and self-deprecating humor. Reading it was like chatting with a friend who has all the best stories but never veers into nastiness. The book gave me more respect for Jessica, less for her parents, and confirmed that John Mayer is just as awful as I've always believed. I So Enjoyed It and am so glad I took a chance on it!

LIES JANE AUSTEN TOLD ME BY JULIE WRIGHT – Once again, I was reminded of how often I'm burned by books that I pick up because they reference Jane Austen in the title or summary. I could swear not to fall victim to this marketing ploy in the future, but there's always that one book that makes all the bad ones worth it. Unfortunately, this was a disappointment. I didn't read the summary closely and wish I'd realized it had a love triangle involving brothers (kind of). Ugh. The heroine jumps to some pretty big conclusions, and I still don't know why the one brother attempted to get back together with her (or why the other brother was encouraging it). I didn't connect with any of the characters or understand their motivations, which was my biggest issue with the book. I'm So Over It.

PRACTICAL MAGIC BY ALICE HOFFMAN – I've never seen the movie adaptation of this novel, haven't read anything by Hoffman, and generally don't read books about witches. So why did I pick this one up? I honestly have no idea! This was one of those circumstances where I really enjoyed the author's writing but didn't care about the story at all. I ended up borrowing the audio from the library, even though I owned the paperback, and was about halfway through before I realized I didn't care about the characters. But by that point, I figured I'd just see it through to the end. While it never grew on me, I don't have any major complaints either. The writing and autumnal vibe were nice, but the story itself was mediocre. Though I wouldn't personally recommend it, I'd say I'm So Okay With It overall.

WHAT HAPPENS IN PARADISE BY ELIN HILDERBRAND – After enjoying the first book in this series, Winter in Paradise, I couldn't resist buying the second one after it came out last year. Unfortunately, this one suffered from Middle Book Syndrome. It recapped a lot of the first book and contained mostly filler content with very little resolution. For a book with "what happens..." in the title, very little actually happened here. I'm not sure the conclusion to the mystery is going to deliver any real surprises, but we shall see. I'm still planning on reading it, and I'm more interested in what happened to the dead husband (and his shady business) than in anyone else's future plans or happiness. I'm So Okay With It, and the last book will determine whether or not I'd recommend this series.

THE HARP OF KINGS BY JULIET MARILLIER* –  When I saw this new release on NetGalley last year, I couldn't resist it since I've been of fan of some of Marillier's earlier books. The first 20% got off to a strong start, and I was immediately invested in the three main characters (each get their own point of view). Once they went on their mission, I expected to become even more invested. Sadly, I thought the writing was overly detailed, and the pace slowed down considerably. Plus, I was frustrated by how often the characters did the opposite of what they were told to do. How can you join an elite band of warriors if you can't even follow orders?! And though it's one of Marillier's trademarks, the Fair Folk aspect did not work for me. I So Liked It overall but won't continue the series. 

CHASING CASSANDRA BY LISA KLEYPAS – Cassandra was the Ravenel sibling that I knew the least about, so I was curious to get to know her better. While she still wasn't the most memorable heroine for me, I enjoyed her love for fiction and her desire to help others. However, I hated how often the book referenced her weight. Why was that needed? The hero, Tom, is an intelligent, wealthy businessman with a touch of social awkwardness. While I didn't like how much of his initial interest in Cassandra was based solely on her looks, he won me over in the end because he listened to and valued her opinions. Their dynamic was pretty enjoyable, but the plot itself was thin because there was no real conflict. I So Liked It, but I did feel like it was one of Kleypas' weaker stories.

In February, I also re-read two books on audio. The first was The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker, and I'm still So Obsessed With It. The narrator was great, too! I'd planned to re-read and then immediately pick up the new sequel, Wild at Heart, but I realized that I really liked where it ended and wasn't sure I wanted more. For now, I'm happy to envision my own future for Calla and Jonah. The second book I re-read was Act Like It by Lucy Parker. It's my third time reading it in as many years, and it's becoming a go-to comfort read for me. When I want to laugh and swoon, I turn on the audio for this delightful book. I'm obviously So Obsessed With It, too.

*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?

READ POST

Back to Britain // Books Abroad

Back to Britain // Books Abroad

Jun 12, 2019

Kelly and I returned from our trip to England at the beginning of April, and I've been meaning to write a series of recaps ever since. Where did the past two months go?! The week went by so quickly – it felt like we'd just arrived when it was time to head back home. If you were following my blog last year, you may remember that Kelly and I recapped 2018's trip with a series of three posts. I decided to do it again this year, even though it's so late.

For today's post, I'm reviewing the six books I read while I was abroad. Check back tomorrow for photos and highlights from my trip. And on Friday, I'll have a little update on what I'm reading and doing back at home. Keep reading if you're curious about what books I brought with me – and what I bought while I was there!

Usually, I spend forever debating what books to pack for vacation. But my experience on last year's trip made this a no-brainer! When traveling internationally, Kelly's personal rule of thumb is one physical book + your Kindle. That's it. And she always suggests making the physical book a favorite that you've been hoping to re-read. It's your backup – there if your Kindle happens to die or you're just in need of something familiar and comforting after a long day of adventuring. But since you'll likely buy books while abroad, which we did, limit yourself to a digital TBR!

Last year, I didn't get very much reading done until I was on the way home. I finished a few more books this time, and I'm so excited to talk about all of them! Four of the six were books that I read early for review, and I'd intended to write this when I got home but hold off on posting until closer to their publication. And then, of course, I used that as an excuse to procrastinate writing it. Struggle. But let's finally dive in:

THE FLATSHARE BY BETH O'LEARY* – From the moment I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I was so excited to get an early copy for review, and I saved it to read on my flight to England. It's set in London, so it was the perfect book to kick off my trip. Tiffy and Leon share an apartment, but they've never met. They work opposite schedules, but exchanging notes every day leads to an unexpected friendship. I AM SO HERE FOR FALLING IN LOVE VIA POST-IT NOTES. Tiffy and Leon each have their own POV, and Leon's is a little weird at first. Tiffy's is written the way you'd expect, but Leon's has a different cadence and format. It took a few chapters for me to get used to, but I'm glad I stuck with it! It ended up feeling so right for the character, and now I can't imagine it being written any other way. I hate when multiple POVs sound the same, so I was very pleased with how it was done in this book. The premise sounded comedic, so I went in expecting a mostly light-hearted vibe. And while it was definitely humorous, there's so much more to it. It deals with some emotional subject matter and that made me love it more. It's just so cute and will make you smile... while also making you cry a little bit, too. I'm So Obsessed With It.

THE AUSTEN PLAYBOOK BY LUCY PARKER* – On last year's flight home, I read my first Lucy Parker, Act Like It. Then, I immediately read the next two and loved them enough to re-read all three in January. So yes, I'm so obsessed with. I just love Parker's writing, characters, romances, humor, drama – all of it! I couldn't wait to read this release, especially because the Austen connection is right up my alley. And I wasn't disappointed! The vibe is a little different from the previous books because it involves a live-action TV event at a country estate. I loved the change in setting because it led to some of my favorite scenes, like a fun take on the "bad weather has us stranded here together" trope. There's also more to the plot because you've got the TV event, some family drama, and a mystery surrounding a famous play. But it all worked for me! The hero and heroine have some negative history, but I wouldn't call it hate-to-love. It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice – from "not handsome enough to tempt me" to "hey girl, let me admire those fine eyes" in a quick second. The couple's attraction and connection is pretty instant, and I usually need more more development in my romances. But for whatever reason, I still So Loved It. 

THE UNHONEYMOONERS BY CHRISTINA LAUREN* – I started this book on the train to Paris and had read 85% by the time we'd pulled into the station. I was mad I had to stop! I’ve read a lot from this genre, and this story just has that certain je ne sais quoi that sets it apart. Perhaps it was the laugh-out-loud dialogue and awkward situations, the tropical setting that had me longing for summer, the complex sibling relationships that felt so real, how Olive & Ethan both experienced so much personal growth, or the presence of two of my FAVORITE tropes (hate-to-love and fake dating). Whatever it was, I’m HERE FOR IT! It’s a delightful rom com, but there are some deeper themes that I loved discussing with Kelly once she’d read it, too. The story does take a more serious turn near the end, but I loved how it grounded the story in reality. You can spend a practically perfect week in paradise, but you’re still going to have to come back to the mess you left at home. And that was one of the most emotional aspects of the story for me! The Unhoneymooners is my new favorite Christina Lauren book, and I’m already planning on re-reading it soon. Toss this one in your beach bag this summer — you won’t regret it! I'm So Obsessed With It.

DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME BY MHAIRI MCFARLANE – This was the first of three books that I read on my flight home, and it was my favorite book I read all week! I bought this on our first day in London because it isn't out in the US until later this year. I thought about reading it while traveling but decided to save it, which is fitting since I re-read McFarlane's It's Not Me, It's You on last year's flight. It was the perfect book to close out this trip! McFarlane’s humor shines as always, and I loved this story so much. The romance made me swoon (with one of the best romantic declaration speeches I’ve ever read), even though it's more of a secondary storyline. This is a second-chance romance, and I love that trope when it's done well. McFarlane nails it! But more than anything else, I loved the heroine’s journey and bravery. It even made me cry... in public. That’s rare for me! The heroine just grows so much, and I was rooting for her the entire time I was reading. The story felt very relevant and timely to things that have been in the news lately, and I felt like it was handled with sensitivity. Her books are filled with so much heart, and this is easily a new favorite for me. I'm not sure it tops Who's That Girl, but I'm still So Obsessed With It.

THE BRIDE TEST BY HELEN HOANG* – Last year, I read Hoang's much-hyped debut, The Kiss Quotient. Though it was way too steamy for me, I enjoyed it overall. When I read that the Michael's cousin Khai, was getting his own book, I couldn't wait to read it. He thinks he's defective and has no feelings, but his family knows he just processes things differently. It's always kept him from pursuing a romantic relationship, so his meddling mom returns to Vietnam to find him a bride. The bride, Esme, has her own complicated reasons for giving an arranged marriage a try, and I really felt for her. The couple slowly won me over, and I was charmed by them in the end. Though it wasn't quite as steamy as TKQ, it's still too much for my taste. But I knew to expect that and just moved right on. The heart of the story was wonderful! I was annoyed by one thing that was kept secret for too long (and had an anticlimactic reveal), but it was a fun read overall. I liked seeing how Khai's autism manifested itself and loved Esme's journey as an immigrant. Hoang's letter at the end of the book made Esme's story even more meaningful, and I'm so glad it was included. I'm happy to say that I So Enjoyed It and am looking forward to Quan's book.

ARTISTIC LICENSE BY ELLE PIERSON – I randomly saw Lucy Parker tweeting about this book one day and realized that she'd written it! I had no idea that she had another pen name, but I obviously had to download this right away. I hadn't planned to read it on my trip, but at 178 pages it seemed like the perfect opportunity to squeeze in one last book on my flight home. The beginning chapters were a little awkward, and I almost set it down. But I continued on and became more invested as the story evened out. Unlike Parker's London Celebrities series, this one was set in New Zealand. That was a fun change of locale! It reminded me of her other series with the slow-burn romance and engaging dialogue. I really liked the dynamic between the hero and heroine – the tough, intimidating guy and the artistic introvert. Both are misunderstood in their own ways and have some emotional baggage to deal with because of it. That seemed realistic to me! I could see some of the things I love about Parker's writing and characters in her series, but it was also evident this is some of her early work. The pacing was a little uneven, and I think there were two aspects of the plot that felt unnecessary / undeveloped. But overall, I So Liked It.

Finally, if you're curious, here's everything I bought while abroad:

I've linked to all the books in my March and April recaps, and I'm too lazy to do it again here. But thank goodness for my carry-on backpack that miraculously held all of these books! It was heavy, but everything made it home safe and sound. I just keep adding stuff to my Book Depository cart and wishing I had a Waterstone's down the road.

How do you choose what to read on vacation?

READ POST

Quick Lit: January 2019 (Part 2)

Quick Lit: January 2019 (Part 2)

Mar 29, 2019

In Part One, I reviewed nine of the 20 books I read in January. I'm talking about nine more in today's post, plus two books I finished in February. I'm SO CLOSE to being all caught on reviews. Will I ever make it?! As always, check out the Quick Lit linkup hosted by Modern Mrs. Darcy for more reviews and recs from other readers.

DREAMS OF GODS AND MONSTERS BY LAINI TAYLOR – Hello, heartbreaker and hope healer. I realized last year that I'd only read this beast once, and I knew that had to be remedied. Although I was listening to the audiobooks, I loved just savoring my time in this world over the span of three months. I've seen mixed reviews of this conclusion on Goodreads, but I unequivocally loved it. There's a whole new layer to this world introduced in this book, and I thought it was fascinating. I can understand why some felt the book was too long, but I just didn't want it to end! And speaking of the ending, I love how it leaves some things open to your imagination. I'm So Obsessed With It. 

SKY IN THE DEEP BY ADRIENNE YOUNG – Since I was still in a fantasy mood after finishing my previous read, I dove in to this standalone. I'd heard good things about it, including that it was part Wonder Woman and part Vikings. But I don't know either of those things well enough to tell you if that's true! I can tell you that it's got brutal battles in a world that felt vivid. It started on a high and then slowed down a lot in the middle, but I never wanted to put it down. Where it was lacking was in the characters. I wasn't invested in the heroine or other characters, so the book won't stand out in my memory. I So Liked It and will be interested in seeing what Young writes next.

THE CRUEL PRINCE BY HOLLY BLACK – To call this book hyped would be one of the biggest understatements of book blogging. I've heard nothing but praise since it came out last year! And whether it was my sky-high expectations or general dislike of faerie stories, this one didn't totally work for me. I finished it quickly but didn't like anyone in it. Was that supposed to happen? The romance bothered me. The hero, if you can call him that, was an asshole. And I'm supposed to forgive him because of his tragic backstory? NOPE. It took me a while to warm up to the plot, though it did end on exciting note. I was So Okay With It and probably won't continue the series. 

FOOLISH HEARTS BY EMMA MILLS – Though I enjoyed both books I've read from Emma Mills, I bought this one for the cover. It's just so gorgeous! And y'all, it ended up being one of my favorite reads of the month. Lately I've felt like I've outgrown most YA contemporary novels because I often identify more with the parents than the protagonist. But this little gem reminded me of why I love the genre! It was the best comfort read when I had a nerve-wracking doctor's appointment, and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. If you're a fan of clever dialogue, this book is for you. It has great friendships and an even better romance. I So Loved It!

SILENT IN THE GRAVE BY DEANNA RAYBOURN – After loving Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell series, I kept meaning to check out Lady Julia Grey. I finally got around to it in January! There are a lot of similarities between the series: a convention-defying heroine, a mysterious hero, a slow-burn romance, and a case to untangle. It was enjoyable, but I didn't like it nearly as much as Veronica in comparison. I can't really put my finger on the reason! I solved the mystery very early on, and I just wasn't invested enough in the characters. I'm sure the romance will build to something even better, but I don't care enough to continue. I So Liked It but won't keep reading the series.

UNMARRIAGEABLE BY SONIAH KAMAL – Pride and Prejudice set in Pakistan? This sounded right up my alley! And while I loved how Kamal reimagined this beloved book in a new setting and culture, I struggled to finish it. The setting was definitely my favorite aspect of the novel! I loved learning about the the food, clothes, class system, and more. The characters felt so flat to me, and the relationships all needed development. I didn't feel connected to anyone in the story! I don't know if it was the writing or just because I'm harder to please with P&P retellings, but I was only So Okay With It. The premise and setting were fantastic, but the story itself was just so boring.

THE CHILBURY LADIES' CHOIR BY JENNIFER RYAN – There's a scene in this one where a mother watches her adult son leave to fight in WWII, and it was one of the most moving moments for me. I love when a book is able to tap into an emotion that‘s universal and timeless! This novel, told in journal entries and letters, depicts life in a small English village during the war. From weighty moments of grief and fear to petty squabbles between neighbors, it was an uplifting read. I had to suspend some disbelief over the level of detail in the letters/journal entries, but I still So Enjoyed It overall. I don't think this story will stick with me in the long run, but it was still charming.

ACT LIKE IT, PRETTY FACE & MAKING UP BY LUCY PARKER – I took stole this cute picture from Kelly. But don't worry, I had her permission! I just couldn't resist this cuteness and don't own headphones like these, and it was too perfect since I re-read via audio, too. I was in the mood for something fun and fast, and these fit the bill. Bonus? The narrators were great, especially for the second where the voice played a role in the plot. I fell for this series last year, and I stand by my recommendation after re-reading. I love all three relationships, and they each have just the right amount of drama that never drags on too long. I'm So Obsessed With It and can't wait for the fourth book.

YOU HAD ME AT HELLO BY MHAIRI MCFARLANE – I technically read this at the very end of February, but I had space for one more book in this post so it got bumped up. I spent February re-reading, and it was so fun. I was craving some Mhairi humor and when with this book since it's the only one I hadn't re-read! In my memory, it was my least favorite of the five I've read from her. And that's still true after revisiting it. In fact, I like it less now than I did before. It's a solid So Enjoyed It, so it's not like I hated it! I just got way more frustrated with the characters and the miscommunication that led to such a huge separation. However, Mhairi's writing and humor still shine!

What have you been reading lately?

READ POST

UK Recap Fit for a Queen // Books Abroad

UK Recap Fit for a Queen // Books Abroad

Feb 26, 2018

Kelly and I recently returned from our trip to the United Kingdom, and it was an amazing experience! The week went by so quickly -- and the time with Kelly just made me love her more. If you followed along on our blogs while we were gone, you may remember that we did a three-day blog event that we called UK Recs Fit for a Queen. We recommended books and movies/TV shows set in the UK, and we chatted about some of our favorite places there, too.

Now that we're home, we thought it would be fun to recap our trip with a three-day UK Recap Fit for a Queen. Yep, we basically just tweaked the name from the first event. In today's post, we've got reviews for the books we read while we were abroad. Check back in on Wednesday for photos and highlights from our trip. As a reader, choosing what books to bring on vacation is an important task. I think I spent more time debating this than I did what to wear! 

I knew I'd go book shopping while there, so I only packed one physical book and focused on having options on my Kindle. I was convinced that I'd get a decent amount of reading done since we had several long train rides ahead of us! And then I spent almost all of that time talking to Kelly instead... Haha! I finished three books total -- one during the trip and two on my flight home. I started a fourth book on the flight but didn't finish it then, so it will be in my February Quick Lit.

WHO'S THAT GIRL BY MHAIRI MCFARLANE | On my flight to London, I started and stopped several movies before deciding that re-reading a favorite book might help take my mind off my anxiety. Why was I worried? Because I got to the Atlanta airport and discovered that my passport had a typo IN MY FIRST NAME. The Delta agent gave me my boarding pass and told me she didn't think it would be an issue (though she couldn't guarantee it, of course). So, yeah, I spent most of the eight-hour flight there thinking about it. Y'all, it was not the best start to the trip.

I only read about 20% of Who's That Girl? on that flight, but it was the perfect story to distract me. McFarlane is one of my very favorite UK authors, and I noted that this one just might be my favorite of them all when I first finished it. When I started it, I was immediately invested in Edie's story.  She goes through a hard fall from grace -- but it's a revealing journey that helps her discover her worth, appreciate her true friends and recognize her missteps. I loved it even more the second time around! McFarlane is a talented writer, and I'm just such a huge fan.

I loved the relatable characters, sense of humor, personal growth and swoony romance! I read a large chunk of this book (and ultimately finished it) on the train ride from the Lake District back into London. As I read, I could feel myself smiling, giggling, tearing up and sighing over it all. There's something to be said for a book that brings you so much joy. I can't recommend this one highly enough, and I'm obviously So Obsessed With It. And I can now confirm: this is my favorite from McFarlane, but only by a slim margin because all of her books are great.

IT'S NOT ME, IT'S YOU BY MHAIRI MCFARLANE | After saying goodbye to Kelly and hopping on the Heathrow Express, I could feel myself holding back tears. We had the best week, and I was so emotional at the realization that I was saying goodbye to her! I knew I needed to distract myself, so I turned to Mhairi McFarlane once again. I knew re-reading another book from her would help cheer me up! I ended up settling on It's Not Me, It's You. This was the book that first solidified my love for McFarlane, so I was excited to revisit it a few years later.

I really love Edie's story (and majorly adore her romance), but I think I relate more to Delia. Like Edie, she has to reconsider some things in her life -- both decisions she's made and people she's trusted. There are some similarities in their stories, but what I connected to was the way Delia has let fear hold her back from trying things. She sells herself short but slowly, over the course of the novel, she starts to push herself out of her comfort zone. Despite knowing what would happen next, I still found myself completely hooked on every word.

Once again, McFarlane's sense of humor and well-developed characters shine. There's a little more action and intrigue in this plot, which made it a fun follow up to Who's That Girl? The first time I read it, I finished all 531 pages in one sitting after work. And once again, I tore through this book -- thankful that if I couldn't be with Kelly, at least I had plenty of time to spend with these characters. If you're a fan of smart, readable women's fiction that will make you happy then you need to check out Mhairi McFarlane. It's Not Me, It's You is my second favorite book from her, and I'm So Obsessed With It.

ACT LIKE IT BY LUCY PARKER | I finished It's Not Me, It's You about halfway through my flight home, and I knew I had time to finish another book if I chose wisely. I had to take advantage of the uninterrupted reading time! There were so many options on my Kindle (re-reads and new-to-me) but one book was calling my name. It was the only book I purchased with my trip in mind: Act Like It by Lucy Parker, the first book in the London Celebrities series. It seemed fitting to read a book set in the London theater scene while Kelly was back in London seeing Wicked without me!

I honestly can't remember how to book ended up on my radar. I think it kept popping up as an Amazon recommendation, and I know that I was convinced to buy it when I looked it up on Goodreads and saw high ratings from a number of people I trust. Plus, I was super intrigued by the fact that it was billed a slow-burn romance. That sounded good to me! As soon as I started, I was completely smitten! I'm a sucker for hate-to-love relationships, and this was one of the best ones I've read in recent memory. It reminded of a modern Pride and Prejudice, and that's a huge compliment from me!

It was snarky, sarcastic and totally swoony, and I was immediately drawn in by Parker's writing, the setting and the believable characters. Plus, I cannot stop raving about the fact that there was drama but it wasn't dragged out endlessly. I expected a certain storyline to go one direction and was pleasantly surprised by the fact that the characters acted like adults and communicated. Give me more of this, please! Y'all, I So Loved It. When I landed, I texted Kelly and begged her to read it too. And as soon as I got home, I bought the second book so that I could start it the next day.

Don't forget to check out what Kelly read abroad!

How do you choose what to read on vacation?

READ POST

Quick Lit: August 2017

Quick Lit: August 2017

Sep 14, 2017

I have soooo many books in my post today! I read 14 books in August and am reviewing 12 of them in my post today. You'll find a little bit of everything: new favorites, one major disappointment and a number of other enjoyable reads. If you're looking for more book recommendations, check out the linkup at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

Aside from sharing my July Quick Lit post, I didn't post any book reviews in August. I just never found myself in the mood to blog! However, I just recently shared my review of The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley, which I read in August for the "A Book You Were Gifted" Picky Pledge Challenge prompt.

I started a series binge in August with The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling) and finished the next two books, The Silkworm and Career of Evil, in September. I'll review those soon!

A GROWN-UP KIND OF PRETTY BY JOSHILYN JACKSON | I noticed that my library had this available on audio, and I had to have it! I fell in love with Jackson's narration of Backseat Saints and wanted more. Her Southern twang breathed life into her quirky, funny, lovable characters. I really enjoyed this story of three generations of women who uncover a devastating secret. The three POVs were distinct, the characters charmed me, and I was emotionally invested. While the plot and climax were a little weak, I still So Liked It.

THE PEARL THIEF BY ELIZABETH WEIN | Oof, this book. This is the prequel to Code Name Verity, a moving WWII story that I fell in love with a few years ago. I was excited to read about Julie before the war, but I ended up wishing I hadn't bothered. I find Wein's writing really dry, and this was the first time the story didn't make up for that fact. The mystery was dull and predictable, the temporary amnesia was annoying and the pace was so slow. The characters didn't feel realistic or well developed either. I was So Over It.

THE WHOLE WAY HOME BY SARAH CREECH | Jo Lover is making a name for herself in country music and is on the brink of stardom... until her first love comes back into her life. I flew through this book because the setting and story were perfect for my mood. It was entertaining and engaging, which is a win! If you enjoy the TV show Nashville, I think you'll want to read this book. The main thing that kept me from truly loving it was that I never felt the emotional impact - despite the heavy subject matter - and that's why I'd say I So Liked It.*

THE NAMES THEY GAVE US BY EMERY LORD | I loved Lord's first two books, Open Road Summer and The Start of Me and You. But I was nervous about this one because I saw that it involved faith and a church camp, and I hoped that Lord would approach the topic in a respectful way. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised by how authentic and relatable Lucy's faith journey was. This story felt real, and I honestly think it's Lord's best book yet. I was so emotional and felt it had so much depth without being too heavy. Y'all, I'm So Obsessed With It. 

THE NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT BY KAREN WHITE | Confession time: I primarily wanted to read this because I liked the cover. Thankfully, the story inside proved that sometimes you can judge a book by its cover. I loved the Atlanta suburb setting and all the Southernisms peppering these pages. The characters had me invested in the story, which I didn't realize had somewhat of a suspense/mystery vibe. I thought the main character was just a little too dense because it seemed pretty obvious what was going on, but I So Enjoyed It. 

HERE GOES NOTHING BY KENDRA BROEKHUIS | When I saw the subtitle - An Introvert's Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor - I had to pick up this book. I loved it initially, but it lost steam by the end. It was repetitive and felt like it was all reflection and very little action. The subtitle led me to believe that it was about an introvert challenging herself to invest in her community, but it really wasn't. It was just a collection of thoughts on what the author felt like God was teaching her each day. Not what I expected, and I was just So Okay With It.

TELL THE TRUTH, SHAME THE DEVIL BY MELINA MARCHETTA | I was intrigued by the news that Marchetta was tackling an entirely new genre: adult mystery. The book somehow managed to be everything I'd expect from a Marchetta novel while also being entirely different from anything she's written before. I adored these characters, this story, the writing, the emotions - ALL OF IT. I was so sad when I finished that I had to go back to a world with no unread Marchetta novels waiting on me. In case you can't tell, I was So Obsessed With It.

AFTER HELLO BY MHAIRI MCFARLANE | Mhairi McFarlane is an all-time favorite author for me, and I was excited when I saw this novella on Amazon a few months ago! I liked the idea of revisiting Ben and Rachel (from You Had Me at Hello), even though that's my least favorite of her books. While the novella reminded me of why I adore McFarlane's writing and sense of humor, I wasn't crazy about the story itself. The conflict was frustrating because it was driven by insecurity, but McFarlane's writing made it a So Liked It at least.

WORDS IN DEEP BLUE BY CATH CROWLEY | I read Crowley's Graffiti Moon a few years ago but didn't really remember anything about it. However, her most recent release ended up on my radar because Alexa recommended it to me. And I'm so glad she did! I loved the bookshop and the idea of leaving bits of yourselves in the pages of what you read. The romance was sweet, too, but I was so frustrated with one character being a complete idiot for WAY TOO LONG. Thankfully, the writing and themes meant I So Enjoyed It.

CROWN OF MIDNIGHT BY SARAH J. MAAS | With the publication of Tower of Dawn quickly approaching, I knew I wanted to re-read several of the previous books in the series. I skipped to this one for the sake of time. Honestly, I never get tired of this story! This was the book that made me truly OBSESSED with this series, and I love re-reading it (this was my fourth time). It's interesting to revisit some of it in light of what happens in the later books, but I'm So Obsessed With It regardless. PS - I listened to the audio and enjoyed narrator Elizabeth Evans!

YES PLEASE BY AMY POEHLER | When I spotted this audio at the library, I couldn't resist (since I just watched all of Parks & Rec for the first time). I loved the beginning, a few other sections, and Poehler's narration. However, the drug references and language were off putting for me. Poehler clearly doesn't want to talk much about her personal life, which is her right. But the result is a collection of mostly shallow stories with no real point. I probably would have hated it if I hadn't listened to the audio. As it was, I think So Okay With It seems most fitting. 

THE AUTUMN BRIDE BY ANNE GRACIE | This is the first in the Chance Sisters series and was a gift to me from Kelly. I ended up finding the audio at the library and listened to it in about a day - the perfect companion as I cleaned my house! I loved the friendship between the four girls, their loyalty to one another and how their fortunes changed when they met Lady Bea. I wanted more development of the romance, however, because it took such a backseat to all the other storylines. But I still So Liked It and will continue the series.

* 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?

READ POST

Will You Be My Valentine?

Will You Be My Valentine?

Feb 14, 2017

Some people love Valentine's Day, others hate it... I'm mostly indifferent. But you know what I adore? A good love story! There are plenty of other readers who would agree, and what better time to recommend a few romantic reads that I loved recently? Whatever your romantic situation or mood, these seven books will keep you up late and leave you swooning. Because, as they say, book lovers never go to bed alone. 

Results May Vary by Bethany Chase asks the question, Can you ever really know the person you love? And it does so with an incredibly heartbreaking premise - Caroline Hammond discovers that her husband is having an affair with a man. It's a revelation that upends everything she thought she knew about her past, loves about her present and expected for her future. From the very first page, Chase drew me into this story. I experienced an entire range of emotions along with Caroline - the anger, the grief, the sense of betrayal, the confusion about what to do and how to move forward. I can't praise Chase's writing enough! I loved getting to know Caroline's support system, seeing her in her element as a museum curator, and watching her navigate all of the changes in her life. From the dialogue to the setting, everything felt realistic and fully fleshed out. It's an emotionally heavy read, especially since I'm recommending love stories, but it ought to be on your radar. It looks at love through an unexpected lens, and I couldn't put it down. If you want to see a smart and strong woman rebuild her life after everything seems to fall apart, then you need to pick up Results May Vary! I So Loved It and think you will, too.

If the title of We Were On A Break by Lindsey Kelk makes you think of that famous and unforgettable phrase in Friends, you're not alone. And that might give you an idea of what to expect in this book! Liv and Adam are in love, and they're supposed to get engaged soon. Well, that's according to Liv's best friend... but she's married to Adam's brother, so the information seems legit. However, on the night Liv is expecting Adam to propose, he suggests they take a break. It blindsides her! Where is this coming from? We Were on a Break is written from both perspectives, which made for some very funny - and very frustrating - moments. My main complaint is that the slightly slower pace made the question of whether or not Adam and Liv would sort out their issues start to drag near the end. But the characters were relatable, the dialogue was funny and the setting was interesting, though I might be biased because I want to live in England. If you're someone who yells at characters, "Just talk to each other already!," this might not be for you. But if you can handle a little miscommunication (that felt realistic), consider reading this book. I So Liked It, and it's a great choice if you're craving a light romantic comedy.

I can't remember the last time I read a book by Sophie Kinsella, but the cover of My Not So Perfect Life caught my eye on NetGalley and I couldn't resist. That was an excellent decision because this book is a gem! Katie Brenner may look like she has the perfect life, but that isn't the truth of the matter. She shares a tiny flat in London with terrible roommates, isn't valued at work and can barely afford her already frugal lifestyle. She keeps hoping things will change, and they finally do - just not in the way she hoped. Her glamorous boss, Demeter, fires her, and she has to move back home to help her dad set up a glamping business. An opportunity to get back at her boss presents itself... what will Katie do? Honestly, this book was a joy to read. It's got a little bit of everything - workplace drama, supportive family relationships, charming setting, hilarious situations, an adorable romance and an empowering message. The romance wasn't the main story, though it was a wonderfully swoony addition, and I appreciated that Katie's personal growth was the focus. Plus, I loved the way the book dealt with the filtered and idealized version of life versus the messy reality. I'm So Obsessed With It and can't recommend it highly enough!

At this point, I think it's safe to say I'm a Mhairi McFarlane fangirl. I've loved all of her books, and her most recent release, Who's That Girl?, is no exception. In fact, it just might be my favorite so far! Edie is good friends with her colleague Jack, but then he kisses her on his wedding day... and his new wife sees them. All of the blame falls on Edie, she's shunned by pretty much everyone she knows and becomes the target of online bullying. As you can imagine, it makes her office environment super tense. To diffuse the situation, her boss sends her back home to Nottingham to ghostwrite an autobiography for a hot new actor, Elliot Owen. Edie can tell Elliot's going to be a total pain, which just adds to the stress of moving back in with her widowed father and lazy sister! I loved Edie - she's smart, capable, and funny but she doesn't really know who she is and value what she brings to the world. And if you love "normal girl falls for famous guy" stories, pick up this book! The romance isn't the focus, but it's done so well. McFarlane's trademark wit and humor can be found throughout, but it still tackles some serious themes in a thoughtful way. If you want a book about discovering your worth, this is it! I'm So Obsessed With It.

Truthfully, The Young Wives Club by Julie Pennell isn't a swoony read. Yes, I know that makes the subtitle of this post misleading, but I didn't want to change it and had to include this book. Hear me out! Set in a small town in Louisiana, it's the story of four friends who have each other's back through thick and thin. They're muddling through different romantic situations: one is a newlywed, one is a new parent, one is in a new relationship and one still holding out that her love will finally commit. Although they're in different places in their lives, what I loved is that they all have similar lessons to learn. Their growth (both individually and together) is at the heart of the story. Each of the four girls gets their own point of view, which was initially confusing but got better over time. It's a character-driven story with engaging writing and an interesting Southern setting. The plot sometimes felt a little far-fetched, but the characters' journeys were worth reading. Their romantic relationships aren't really the point - because honestly, almost every man in here is awful. But this is the book to pick up if you're looking for female friendships and women learning who they are and what they want out of life. I So Liked It, and I couldn't put it down once I started it.

As a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice, I was more than a little nervous starting Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld. A modern retelling of my favorite book from an author that I've DNF-ed in the past? I wasn't expecting great things. But honestly, I was pleasantly surprised! Liz, a magazine writer in her late thirties, and her older sister Jane, a yoga teacher, return home from New York after their father's health scare to discover their childhood home is practically falling apart. Kitty and Lydia are too absorbed in their CrossFit workouts, and Mary is spending all her time working on her third master's degree online. And Mrs. Bennet, of course, is obsessed with marrying off her daughters. That's when we meet Chip Bingley, a handsome doctor who recently appeared on a Bachelor-esque dating show, and his friend Fitzwilliam Darcy. You can predict some of what happens next, but Sittenfeld updated the story in a way that made sense, felt fresh and was overall quite enjoyable to read. I thought the writing was clever and matched the playful tone. The romance was nice, though it pales in comparison to the original, but the family dynamics were spot on. However, you might want to skip it if you're an Austen purist! It won't work for everyone, but I So Enjoyed It.

I knew nothing about The Hating Game by Sally Thorne when I requested it for review last year. If you've spent any time on bookish Twitter lately, there's a good chance you've already heard rave reviews for it - but let me add mine to the mix! Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other with a passion, which makes work a challenge since they are executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. When they learn they're up for the same promotion at work, all that anger comes to ahead. But is all that butting heads and bickering covering up another kind of tension between these two? I think you can probably guess the answer to that question, but you still need to pick up this book to see it for yourself. I've always had a soft spot for hate-to-love romances (Pride and Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables, anyone?), and this was definitely a new favorite for me. The characters completely charmed me, even when they were being exasperating. There were so many moments that made me laugh out loud, and I even read a few passages to my husband because he was dying to know what I thought was so funny. I So Loved It for the banter, the tension and the quirkiness of both the main characters.

What book are you in the mood for this Valentine's Day?

*I received a copy of several of these books from publishers for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the books or my review.

READ POST

It's Mhairi McFarlane Monday!

It's Mhairi McFarlane Monday!

Jun 8, 2015

It's Not Me, It's You by Mhairi McFarlane

Release Date: November 6, 2014 (UK)
Publisher: HarperCollins | Harper
Pages: 531 pages
Source & Format: Bought; Hardcover
Add on Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

Delia Moss isn’t quite sure where she went wrong.

When she proposed and discovered her boyfriend was sleeping with someone else – she thought it was her fault. 

When she realised life would never be the same again – she thought it was her fault.

And when he wanted her back life nothing had changed – Delia started to wonder if perhaps she was not to blame… 

From Newcastle to London and back again, with dodgy jobs, eccentric bosses and annoyingly handsome journalists thrown in, Delia must find out where her old self went – and if she can ever get her back.

Thoughts on It's Not Me, It's You

I read and enjoyed Mhairi McFarlane's You Had Me at Hello last year, and it left me itching to read more from her. When I found out she had another book coming out in the UK, I immediately pre-ordered it from Book Depository. And I can't deny the fact that the adorable cover also played a part in my decision! It's Not Me, It's You has since been released in the US (though with a different cover), so you should have no problem adding this one to your shelves if my review is convincing enough.

In this book, you'll meet Delia Moss. She's happy with her life, but she's tired of waiting for her boyfriend of ten years to propose. So, she takes matters into her own hands... and that's when everything goes wrong. Because he's been keeping secrets and has betrayed her trust, Delia isn't quite sure what to do next. Her life isn't turning out the way she planned, but how can she get it back on track?

While I had a few minor issues with You Had Me at Hello, this book was practically perfect for me. As always with McFarlane, the characters are fantastic. I liked Delia from the very beginning, but the secondary characters are just as memorable and heartwarming. Delia's brother, her best friend, her hilarious Internet friend, her co-worker, the infuriatingly wonderful journalist, her horribly sketchy boss... They all felt so real to me! I have a terrible book memory, but these characters will stay in mind for a long time.

McFarlane has such a great sense of humor, and I often find myself laughing out loud while I'm reading. But I cried a little, too, because she tackles some themes and feelings that I identified with so strongly. My favorite quote from the book (at the bottom of this review) expressed something I've struggled with in life. I can be so scared of failing that I never try, so Delia felt like a kindred spirit. I couldn't wait to see what she'd do next and where she'd end up because I was never quite sure where McFarlane would take this story. Either way, I was rooting for her to succeed and to get everything she wanted out of life and love!

I picked this up when I was in a reading funk, and it was just what I needed! It was a breath of fresh air - a book that gave me that "I just found a new favorite" feeling. I started this 531-page beauty after work and finished it that evening. I didn't leave my room until I was done because it was too good to put down! I would happily recommend this book to readers who love adult fiction with humor, heart and a dose of happiness.

So Quotable
"Instead of trying and failing, Delia never tried. She told herself that failure was inevitable and she'd only look silly in the process. It was fear, cloaked in rationalisations and self-deprecation."

Here's Looking at You by Mhairi McFarlane

Release Date: December 5, 2013 (UK)
Publisher: HarperCollins | Avon
Pages: 400 pages
Source & Format: Gifted; Paperback
Add on Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

Here's Looking At You is, in essence, an ugly duckling tale. Our heroine Anna returns to school after fifteen years for a reunion. School doesn't hold happy memories for her, as being a roly poly Italian (known as the Italian Galleon), and always armed with a Tupperware full of pungent Mediterranean food, she was bullied incessantly throughout her years there.

Now in her 30s, Anna wants to put the past behind her once and for all and face up to the bullies who made her life hell. But she is much-changed from the girl she once was - all curves and because I'm worth it hair - and no one recognizes her when she arrives. Losing her cool, she backs out on her plan for revenge and slinks off, hoping never to be reminded of her years at school again.

But fate gets in the way, and after the reunion her path keeps crossing with James - major hunk and Anna's major crush back at school. But alas, as a crony to the bullies, Anna to this day believes that his beautiful exterior hides an ugly interior. As they continue to cross paths a love/hate relationship ensues until eventually something shifts, and they both start to discover what the person underneath is really like…

Thoughts on Here's Looking at You

Immediately after finishing It's Not Me, It's You, I picked up Here's Looking at You. I was on a Mhairi McFarlane high and didn't want it to end! Thankfully, I loved this book just as much as the other one. That one might be my favorite by the tiniest sliver, but this one comes awfully close!

Anna was bullied in high school, so attending her fifteen-year reunion is a chance for her to finally make peace with her past. Now in her 30s, she's lost the weight that made her the butt of every joke and has found personal and professional fulfillment. She wants to face her bullies, but she's not prepared for no one to recognize her. She runs into James while there - her popular and handsome high school crush - but never expects to see him again. Then, work forces them together again and it becomes that much harder for Anna to move on.

I was a little nervous about this book based on the reviews, but I should have trusted McFarlane to deliver another amazing read! Despite what anyone says, Here's Looking at You never felt like a "fat girl loses weight and finally gets everything she wanted" book to me. Instead, I saw it as Anna's journey to discovering her worth and value and, in the process, finding the courage and confidence to take control of her life. She doesn't lose weight to please people or make herself more attractive to others - she does it because it's what she wants. She has a career she's passionate about, close friends and a loving family. Instead of being dragged down by other people, she's become a stronger person and a character that I just adored. Despite his mistakes, I also loved James. He's far from perfect, but I loved his interactions with Anna and was hopeful for their relationship. 

As with every Mhairi McFarlane book, I was laughing and tearing up while reading! I love that her books are "light but not shallow" - a phrase coined by Sarah from Clear Eyes, Full Shelves that's truly the perfect description. And while I couldn't find the comparison in any of the summaries or marketing for Here's Looking for You, I'm pretty sure it's inspired by Pride and Prejudice. There are so many parallels and connections, and I had so much fun looking for them! Because that's my favorite book, I both love and loathe retellings of it. Thankfully, McFarlane gets it right. Here's Looking at You stands on its own and is a new favorite for me!

So Quotable
"We're scared of all sorts of things that won't kill us, aren't we? The things we live our lives around avoiding. Then we realise when we get to the end that what we should've been afraid of was a life lived by avoiding things."

READ POST