Quick Lit: March 2021 Favorites

Quick Lit: March 2021 Favorites

May 31, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Quick Lit: February 2021

Quick Lit: February 2021

May 11, 2021

Remember that time – back in February – when I celebrated staying consistent enough with blogging to never fall too behind on reviews? Hahaha! Oh y'all, those were famous last words. I took a little break from blogging in March, which is the reason I never wrote my February Quick Lit. And then, I read 32 books that month... putting me every further behind on reviews. Unfortunately, I haven't really gotten my blogging mojo back, so I've continued to procrastinate on a problem that just keeps growing. My "to be reviewed" stack is staring me down! Today's post is the first step towards putting a dent in it. I finished 16 books in February, and I'm reviewing all of them in today's post. If you enjoy this feature, check out other readers' reviews at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

THE WAR WIDOW BY TARA MOSS – On one of my many bookstore dates with my sister, I stole this book from her stack of things to sample and bought it for myself. I loved the cover, the description sounded right up my alley, and the author is Australian. Set in 1946 Sydney, The War Widow follows war correspondent Billie Walker as she reopens her late father's private investigation agency and searches for a missing young immigrant man. I love a good female detective, and Walker was so vividly drawn that I could just imagine her leaping from the page onto a big screen. She's bold, smart, and unconventional, and I was rooting for her every step of the way. The focus on life in postwar Sydney was really interesting, and the mystery kept me hooked. I So Enjoyed It – and I'm sure it helped that I read it in bed on my birthday, thanks to my mom babysitting my boys. Such a good memory!

SEND FOR ME BY LAUREN FOX – I was 20 pages in to this book when I knew that it would be a 2021 favorite. It was the first book I read this year that gave me that "this is a 5-star read" feeling, and I'm so thankful that it delivered all the way until the end. Moving between Germany on the eve of World War II and present-day Wisconsin, Fox's story is a tender and gorgeously written exploration of the relationship between mothers and daughters. The way it explored grief and trauma – and how those thing are passed down generationally – was so moving. I adored the characters and the writing, frequently finding myself stopping to re-read certain passages. Clocking in at only 272 pages, I was shocked that Fox could pack so much in. The open ending felt very literary, and I actually appreciated it (though other readers may feel differently). I'm So Obsessed With It and will certainly re-read this one in the future.

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES SERIES BY SARAH J. MAAS – I have read and re-read – and reviewed – these books so many times that I don't have anything new to say. And I probably wouldn't have included them in my post except they kept everything spaced out the way I wanted. It's always great to be back in this world, and I was excited to re-read in anticipation of the release of A Court of Silver Flames. As always, the first book is my least favorite, though I do love the portion under the mountain. The second, unsurprisingly, is my favorite – and not just because it came out the same day my first baby was born. I just adore Feyre's journey in it so much! The third is an epic conclusion, and I love it more with each re-read. Such a great end to this part of Feyre and Rhy's story! The novella isn't necessary, but I still love it in all its angst. This series is a favorite, and I'm clearly So Obsessed With It.

THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB BY RICHARD OSMAN – Since I'd been in a mystery mood, I couldn't resist this story of four friends in a retirement community who are trying to solve a murder. It all starts with the Thursday Murder Club, where the group meets to discuss cold cases. And then, the stakes are raised when someone they know is murdered! I wanted to love this one more than I did. The idea was fun, full of red herrings, and had a nice sense of humor. However, the diary entries were pointless, we never got to see the cold case club in action, and (kinda spoiler-y) there were way too many suicides. One of the old ladies was clearly in intelligence when she was younger, so she had all kinds of connections and favors to call in. And that annoyed me because it made some elements way too easy! I'm So Okay With It and might check out the second book, but only from the library.

THE FOUR WINDS BY KRISTIN HANNAH – Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. It's time for me to say goodbye to Kristin Hannah. I loved The Nightingale and then loathed The Great Alone. Because I was interested in the Great Depression and Dust Bowl setting, I decided to try The Four Winds. For the first 60%, things were going well! The book had a strong start – I was rooting for the heroine, learned a lot about the setting and time period, and was swept up in the story. Sadly, the tone shifted once the heroine moved to California and the story focused more on politics and workers' rights. It made the pacing stall out and felt like the same conversation over and over. And then. THE ENDING. What a joke! It's clearly a go-to for Hannah, based on the three I've read, and it doesn't work for me. I'll give the book a So Okay With It, based solely on the first half.

INFINITE COUNTRY BY PATRICIA ENGEL – This cover is gorgeous, and I was excited to try a new-to-me author that I'd heard praised. Unfortunately, Infinite Country didn't work for me. There isn't a lot of dialogue, and it read like all telling instead of showing. I wasn't invested in the story, and I partly blame that on the way it shifted between different characters and from 3rd and 1st person. It was a slim novel – only 191 pages – and it didn't feel long enough to encompass Engel's thoughts on Colombian mythology, immigration, citizenship, trauma, and more. I appreciated its intent more than its execution. The writing felt very labored, to me, and I was too aware of how hard it was trying. I'm So Okay With It, but I do seem to be in the minority based on other Goodreads reviews. This one has gotten a lot of raves from other readers, so check it out if the premise appeals to you.

SHARE YOUR STUFF. I'LL GO FIRST. BY LAURA TREMAINE –  A mix of memoir and self help, this book's subtitle is "10 Questions to Take Your Friendships to the Next Level." I'm not sure that's really what it does, even though I did enjoy reading it. It skews more memoir than self help, and it's definitely lacking on the guidebook element the subtitle implies. There's almost no discussion or practical advice about deepening friendships. Instead, each chapter involves Tremaine sharing a thought-provoking question and answering it herself. I loved the questions and often found Tremaine's answers sparked my own memories, though our lives are very different. It felt more like journal prompts than conversation starters, but I guess they can be used either way. I'm not sure Tremaine's life thus far warranted a memoir or that I'd click with her in real life, but I still So Liked It overall.

THE NEXT RIGHT THING BY EMILY P. FREEMAN – The first time I picked up this book, I read a few chapters and decided not to finish it. But after enjoying some of Freeman's podcast episodes, I decided to give it another shot. I don't know if it was my mood or timing, but I loved it the second time around. If I had one complaint, it's that it sometimes felt a little "woo woo" with the talk of looking within yourself and such. There are some theological areas where I think I disagree with her. However, I did glean enough solid advice that I So Loved It overall. I liked how Freeman walked though making decisions and focusing on the next right thing. Every tip wasn't equally helpful for me, but plenty were things I can see myself returning to when I'm faced with a difficult decision (like making a most important list). It's worth noting that it's very focused on the soulful and spiritual side of decision making.

A COURT OF SILVER FLAMES BY SARAH J. MAAS – I read 16 books in February, but there are only 15 books pictured... and that's because I read this one twice! After finishing this behemoth, I bought the audio and started it all over again. When you finish your most-anticipated 20201release in a day, sometimes you just need to go back and re-live the feels. It was everything I wanted! I adored Nesta's personal growth, her amazing female friendships, and her romance with Cassian. SWOON. The house was one of my favorite elements, and it was so interesting to see the Inner Circle through an outsider's eyes – something I didn't even know that I needed! I love the hints of what's to come in future books, and I spent hours theorizing with Kelly about it all. I'm clearly So Obsessed With It, though I could have done without one particular storyline and all the sex. I kinda miss Maas' YA days... Haha!

DINNER: A LOVE STORY BY JENNY ROSENSTRACH – One of my February goals was to read a cookbook from start to finish, and I couldn't have chosen a better to book to cross off this goal! I loved Rosenstrach's emphasis on family dinners and making it a priority to sit at the table together every night. It brought back so many memories of my childhood and reinforced how important this is to me now that I'm a parent. There are very few photos in this one and a lot of text. That's part of what made it a great choice for this goal! I enjoyed Rosenstrach's writing, appreciated that most meals had fresh, simple ingredients with very little prep/cook time. You can tell she and her husband are working parents who need dinner on the table fast once home! I didn't agree with all her advice, but I still found much of it helpful and thought provoking. I So Enjoyed It. (And bookmarked a lot of recipes, too!)

BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE BY EVIE DUNMORE – Kelly recommended this book to me a while ago, so it felt like kismet when I found a copy at the used bookstore. This was a delightful historical romance, and I was so invested in the heroine, the duke who falls for her, and the friends she makes along the way. Was it a little instalove-y and very dramatic? Yes, but I was still totally here for it. I personally didn't mind the combination of a light-hearted romance and the more serious subject matter at its heart, the struggles of women in Victorian England. For me, it added depth to a genre I sometimes find a bit too fluffy but still retained the fun, feel-good vibes that lead me to pick up a romance. I thought the stakes at the heart of the conflict were very realistic, and I So Enjoyed It overall. This hero wasn't a favorite for me, but I finished the book eagerly anticipating the next installment. 

ONE TO WATCH BY KATE STAYMAN-LONDON – I wasn't interested in this book, but Kelly kept pushing it on me. Well, I'll be the first to say that I should have listened to her sooner! This was utterly delightful, and I So Loved It. The format was so clever and worked perfectly for this story by adding in things like texts, tweets, transcripts and more. I thought it explored the heroine's weight and body image in a thoughtful way. I can be a little way of that topic in books, but I really appreciated the way it was done here. But the real reason I loved this book is the way it delivered on all the drama! It was everything I love from a great season of The Bachelor with none of the stuff I'd want to fast forward. The premise was fun, the suitors all had distinct personalities, and Stayman-London kept me guessing the whole time about how it would end. I love when a romance keeps me on my toes! 

What have you been reading lately?

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Quick Lit: January 2021

Quick Lit: January 2021

Feb 24, 2021

2021 got off to an interesting start for my reading life. I finished 20 books, which is one of my most prolific months in recent memory. But a surprising number of reads fell in the 3-star range, and there's only one book I'd rave about (not including my re-read). It's a bummer to not feel more excited overall about what I read! I have 21 reviews in today's post – my one re-read, the 19 new-to-me reads, and one book I did not finish but wanted to write about. It's a long post! If you enjoy this feature, check out other readers' reviews at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

THE LAST TRAIN TO KEY WEST BY CHANEL CLEETON – If you set aside the need for plausibility, this was an enjoyable read. I loved Cleeton's first book in the Cuban saga, Next Year in Havana, but wasn't crazy about the second, When We Left Cuba. This one fell somewhere in the middle – it wasn't as frustrating as Cuba but didn't have the magic of Havana! There's a lot of drama, and the shorter length kept the pace moving. The romance(s) are in instalove territory, but I've come to expect that from Cleeton. My favorite part was the unusual time period and setting, which taught me something new about history. I So Liked It but could have nitpicked it to death if I read it in a different mood. Thankfully, I just wanted to be transported to another place and Cleeton delivered! 

THE SEARCHER BY TANA FRENCH – Although different from French's other novels, The Searcher is another atmospheric Irish tale that I was still thinking about long after closing the last page. The story was engaging, and I loved that I didn't predict its resolution. I liked that it dealt with a missing person because you weren't sure whether there was even a mystery to solve. Written in third person – and from the point of view of an American! – it was a departure for French. But I still felt like I recognized her style and enjoyed seeing her do something new. I thought the hero and secondary characters were well-developed, and there are questions raised in this book that would make it great choice for a book club. So much to discuss! It's a very slow novel, but I still So Enjoyed It. 

TEN RULES FOR FAKING IT BY SOPHIE SULLIVAN* – Give a contemporary romance an illustrated cover and an intriguing summary, and I've got to at least try it. I appreciated Sullivan's depiction of social anxiety, and I felt a lot of sympathy for the heroine. I was rooting for her as she challenged herself to make some changes in her life. I did, however, feel like the book could have been a lot shorter. I listened to it on audio, and I was continually shocked by how much I had left to listen to. It was so slow, full of inner monologue, and had too many conflicts happening right at the end. The romance needed more development for me because I wasn't invested in this couple together, which is never great when that's the point of the genre. I'm So Okay With It – a good story that got lost in the length. 

WINTERING BY KATHERINE MAY – Wintering is one of those books that's hard for me to rate. Author Katherine May uses the concept of winter to describe the fallow periods of life, difficult times where we must rest and retreat from the world. She explores her own personal winters, discusses what happens in the natural world during winter, and explores what other places and cultures do during winter. I loved the premise, which felt particularly fitting for the pandemic we are currently living through, and highlighted numerous passages. But I didn't connect to every element of the execution. It was more memoir than I anticipated, and I didn't always understand May's conclusions. I wanted broader research into the topic rather than anecdotal, privileged musings. I So Liked It. 

THE OTHER BENNET SISTER BY JANICE HADLOW – If there's a Pride and Prejudice retelling, chances are good that I'll want to read it. This book got off to a slow start, mostly because it covers the events of P&P through Mary's eyes. I appreciated what Hadlow was doing, but it didn't totally hook me at that point. Once it jumped forward in time, I couldn't put it down! I loved that the story went somewhere new while still feeling believable. It added a lot of depth to Mary, giving me the opportunity to view her character in an entirely new light and consider other motives for her behavior. The nods to Austen's other novels was a clever touch, and I felt Hadlow remained true to the time period and Austen's style (without forcing it). It was overly long, but I So Loved It for the creativity and character growth.

THE NATURE OF THE BEAST BY LOUISE PENNY – It's always great to be back with Gamache! If you'd told me back when I finished book four that I'd be saying that one day, I would have thought you were lying. I still do not like the town of Three Pines or most of its inhabitants, but I adore Gamache and the other members of the Sûreté. The discovery and history of the supergun in this book was very interesting. When I read Penny's note at the end, I was shocked to discover it based on real events and people! That made it even more fascinating to me. I liked seeing how Gamache still played a role in the investigation with his change in status, and I loved the glimpse at one of his past cases. I So Enjoyed It and am looking forward to see where Penny takes these characters next.

THE HEIRESS GETS A DUKE BY HARPER ST. GEORGE – As I wrote in my reading journal when I finished this book: Swoon, swoon! This was an utterly delightful read, and it wouldn't have been on my radar at all if it wasn't for Book of the Month. I loved the premise – a titled but penniless Duke looking for an American heiress that he can marry to solve all of his problems. Is this a little bit instalove? Yes, and I can't explain why it worked for me here when I'm so quick dislike that in other books. But I just loved that the hero works to prove himself to the heroine so that she can see he doesn't just value her for her money. I was majorly in my feels about it! The heroine got in her own way a little bit, and there are definitely some modern mindsets in this historical romance. But I can't lie: I So Loved It! 

YOU HAVE A MATCH BY EMMA LORD* – After loving Tweet Cute last year, I was so excited to read this release. It's a cute, heartfelt YA contemporary about family, secrets, and finding your way. Y'all, I have a lot of issues with these parents. Reading it as a parent myself, I was horrified by the way they handled some things. I thought it would have been better without romance since that took focus away from the more important story for me. I liked seeing the sisters trying to develop a relationship, with a few missteps along the way. That was my favorite part! But I expected the camp setting to be a bigger element, didn't feel like anything happened in the first half of the book, and thought the passage of time was wonky. I finished and felt that I So Liked It.

DARK OF THE WEST BY JOANNA HATHAWAY – I saw a few positive reviews for this YA fantasy that made me excited to give it a try. And the comparisons to two books I love – The Winner's Curse and Code Name Verity – sealed the deal. I think those are accurate comps because you're getting a historical-inspired world without magic and heavy on the political scheming. And did I mention the airplanes? There are some interesting family dynamics, as well as an enemies-to-lovers romance. I listened to it on audio and loved the narrators. However, it was occasionally hard for me to follow due to all the various kingdoms, alliances, and politics. Plus, the pace dragged a bit at times. I So Liked It but felt like I might have appreciated it more if I'd read the physical copy and referenced the map.

THE STAR-CROSSED SISTERS OF TUSCANY BY LORI NELSON SPIELMAN – Stories about sisters are one of my book hooks, so I couldn't resist this Book of the Month selection last year. Although it was a little cheesy at times, I thought it was still an engaging story about a group of second-born daughters affected by an age-old family curse to never marry. I love the way Spielman explored how a belief about someone (or yourself) can shape who they are, how they live, and what choices they make. I thought that was the most thought-provoking aspect of the story. The Italian setting made me long to go on a trip with my bestie, and the characters' growth won me over by the end. I So Enjoyed It, though I hate at least one secondary character with a fiery passion for what she did to her sister.

EDUCATED BY TARA WESTOVER – I have a controversial opinion about this much-hyped and beloved book... I have a lot of Questions. This was an incredibly compelling read that had me on the edge of my seat while listening. It almost felt like fiction because I was always wondering, what will happen next?! I have no doubt in my mind that Westover suffered abuse and grew up in a toxic household. However, I didn't fully believe some aspects of her story (especially the medical situations) because the details truly didn't make sense, at least as described in here. 

This was the kind of memoir that made me fully aware of the fact that one person's truth doesn't always represent the full scope of a situation. I couldn't turn off my thoughts – They're off the grid but have a computer and a cell phone? Someone survived these burns without medical attention? They're uneducated but three of the children went on to earn PhDs? And that's just a fraction of what was running through my mind. I appreciated how Westover turns to her old journals, neighbors, and even her siblings to corroborate her story. But it was also disconcerting to be told they remembered (or she'd written about) an event differently than the way it was depicted in the book. 

It's not often that I am so conflicted about book. It's gripping and hard to put down, and I admire Westover's resilience and do believe that she's suffered trauma. But I'm not sure she's always the most reliable narrator and feel the memoir might have been better with more time/distance from the events. I'm So Okay With It. 

WAITING FOR THE NIGHT SONG BY JULIE CARRICK DALTON – This book's cover first caught my attention, and the summary appealed to me because it had hints of Where the Crawdads Sing (but in a contemporary setting). This dual timeline story was interesting but ultimately tried to do too much. It packs nature study, climate change, immigration, coming-of-age, and a murder mystery into one story. Although Crawdads succeeded at blending multiple genres, this would have benefited from a clearer focus. If there had been more character development and a little less time spent on topical issues, it would have worked better for me. There were fast-paced moments where I couldn't put it down, and I did like the mystery's resolution. I So Liked It but wanted more from it. 

THE SURVIVORS BY JANE HARPER – Although I enjoyed the books I've read previously from Harper, I wouldn't have picked this one up if it wasn't a Book of the Month selection. However, it started out strong – the setting was so atmospheric! Harper vividly described this coastal town, the threat of bad weather, and both the appeal and danger of the tides and caves. I wasn't sure if I was more afraid of the natural world or the killer inhabiting it. And then... the reveal. It was frustrating and so unsatisfying. I was so irritated at the end that it made the book's other weaknesses, such as lack of development between characters, more obvious. It became the most memorable mystery I've read from this author, simply because it made me so angry. Sadly, I'm So Over It.

GOOD APPLE BY ELIZABETH PASSARELLA – This book hadn't been on my radar, but I loved the cover and the subtitle, Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York. Passarella's faith was deeply important to her and grounded everything she wrote. She didn't just call herself a Christian because she'd always gone to church; it was about a deep relationship with God. I loved reading about it! However, the essays overall were a mixed bag and the book lacked direction. It felt like reading all her opinions on various topics (marriage, parenting, miscarriage, politics, faith, life in New York, and more), and some felt like TMI or bothered me (like her anger/temper). I'd also argue that she isn't a "Southerner in New York" – she's a New Yorker who is from the South. I was So Okay With It.

MEET ME IN BOMBAY BY JENNY ASHCROFT* – The first half of this book was painfully slow for me, and I wasn't invested. I thought I knew exactly where the story was going... and then I was wrong! That's when I started to feel more engaged and couldn't put it down! Though much of the book takes place in England, I can see why it has drawn criticism for being a romanticized depiction of colonial India. The setting could have been moved to England entirely without drastically affecting the plot (and thus eliminating the problematic element). The draw for me was the question of "Will they find their way back to one another?" because I really cared about that conflict. I So Liked It by the end, but I might have DNF-ed early on if I didn't feel the need to stick with it longer to write a fair review.

THE WIFE UPSTAIRS BY RACHEL HAWKINS – A retelling of Jane Eyre that's a domestic thriller? I had to have it! The hype put this book on my radar, but it was the premise that convinced me to buy it. I loved how Hawkins turned this Gothic romance into a modern mystery, full of untrustworthy characters and dramatic twists. If you're familiar with the inspiration, I don't think you'll be truly shocked by anything in this story. And yet, it was still worth reading (in my opinion). The Southern setting of Birmingham, Alabama, was a nice bonus for me since there were elements that felt familiar. The short chapters kept the story moving, which gave it a great pace. It was an addicting read, even though it was pretty predictable. I So Enjoyed It and loved that the audiobook had multiple narrators! 

SHIPPED BY ANGIE HOCKMAN – I'd seen this described as a cross between The Hating Game by Sally Thorne and The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, which is a huge reason I picked it up. I love both of those books, and I can absolutely see those comparisons for Shipped. I loved the hints of hate-to-love that showed how easily people can misinterpret one anothers' words and actions. The cruise ship setting was a delight, and I learned about ecotourism, and which was a nice bonus. I felt like the romance played out in a very enjoyable way. The secondary characters were a nice bonus, and they added to my investment in the story. Is it the most memorable rom com I've ever read? No, but I did find it very engaging and So Enjoyed It. I flew through it once I started!

THE EX TALK BY RACHEL LYNN SOLOMON – I was really expecting to love this one, but it didn't quite hit the spot for me. The heroine got on my nerves, which I somewhat attribute to disliking the audiobook narrator. Something about her tone was so melancholy to me. Once I returned that format and picked up the physical book, things improved. I knew that the premise of the story involved a lie and thought I'd be able to accept it, but I found it a lot harder to get past than I expected. The fake dating aspect wasn't the problem – it was the fact that these two radio hosts were blatantly lying to grow their audience, gain advertisers, and raise funding. It definitely colored how I felt about the characters and their relationship. I So Liked It in a lot of ways, but I did have some reservations.

NONE SHALL SLEEP BY ELLIE MARNEY – I had to pick up this psychological thriller by the author of a Sherlock Holmes-inspired YA series that I love. I'd been a little hesitant, however, because it's described as Silences of the Lambs meets Sadie. That sounded so creepy! Set in 1982, two teens – a serial killer survivor and a US Marshal candidate – are recruited by the FBI to interview juvenile killers. They are told to focus on cold cases, but that plan was pretty much DOA. As I've come to expect from Marney, it was hard to put down! She excels at building tension. It was dark and not for anyone squeamish. Some of the descriptions... *shudder.* I So Liked It, but there are many on Goodreads who've raved it. For me, it won't live on in my memory now that the thrill is gone. 

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE BY JANE AUSTEN – Listening to Pride and Prejudice on audio, with Rosamunde Pike's lovely narration, was the perfect way to kick off 2021. If I was forced to choose my favorite book of all time, I think it would be this one. I collect copies of it, can't resist retellings, and adore the movie adaptations. It was the starting point for my obsession with all things Jane Austen! I don't think I will ever get tired of this story, even though I know what will happen. I still feel so invested in it, and each re-read introduces me to something new to love about Austen's writing, the characters, and the plot itself. I'm So Obsessed With It and thankful for the comfort of an old favorite.

MAKE UP BREAK UP BY LILY MENON* – [DNF REVIEW] I don't typically write DNF reviews but am sharing a few thoughts since I got a copy for review on NetGalley. Make Up Break Up is the adult debut of well-known YA author Sandhya Menon. The book focuses on two rival app developers, and I struggled to sympathize with adult business owners who spend so much energy sabotaging each other. It was so unprofessional and juvenile! The heroine is on the verge of losing her business, and she was in complete denial + continued to dig herself deeper. The immaturity of people the heroine and hero made me feel like I was reading the worst kind of YA novel. Because I felt like a judgy old lady while reading, I had to put it down. There may be growth by the end, but I couldn't handle anymore.

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: November 2020 (Part 2)

Quick Lit: November 2020 (Part 2)

Dec 17, 2020

It's the second installment of my November mini reviews! I read 14 books total, reviewed eight in Part 1 yesterday, and am sharing the other six books in today's post. You'll notice I was on a mystery kick...

HRH: SO MANY THOUGHTS ON ROYAL STYLE BY ELIZABETH HOLMES – I don't follow Holmes on Instagram, though I am familiar with her popular "So Many Thoughts" feature. This is a beautiful book and I read it quite quickly, but I did expect more fashion commentary and less royal biography from it. I liked the way the book had a section dedicated to each woman, but the structure within each section didn't really make sense. The text became repetitive, referenced outfits that weren't pictured, and just broadly focused on each woman's style. I want more than surface-level thoughts! It read like it was written by someone who is a fan of the royals but isn't necessarily knowledgeable about fashion. But I still So Enjoyed It and will love seeing it sitting on my coffee table.

A TRICK OF THE LIGHT BY LOUISE PENNY – This was a good addition to the series, though not the most memorable for me. I don't always love being in Three Pines because I find its inhabitants completely insufferable, but it they didn't buy me too much here. I don't always connect to the discussions about art in Penny's books, which is probably my biggest complaint about this specific one. However, I did enjoy some of the relational strain and developments that certain characters went through. I think that worked in the book's favor and kept me hooked when I might have otherwise felt a little bored. When I finished this one, I was excited to pick up the next because I could tell Penny was laying the foundation for some pretty big revelations. Overall, I So Enjoyed It.

A CUBAN GIRL'S GUIDE TO TEA AND TOMORROW BY LAURA TAYLOR NAMEY – I'm always curious to see what Reese's Book Club will choose each month, even if I don't always read them. But when I read the summary for her most recent YA selection, I had to buy it immediately. A book combining food and England? That's a recipe for success! And thankfully, it turned out to be as adorable as I hoped. The setting was perfect, the baking left my mouth watering, and I loved the heroine's Cuban roots. The romance was so cute, but I appreciated the friendships and the familial relationships, too. It was my favorite kind of contemporary – cute but with depth as the heroine dealt with grief over several losses. I So Enjoyed It and can see myself re-reading it, too! 

THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY BY LOUISE PENNY – Of all the books in the series, I was least looking forward to this one. The fact it's set in a monastery in the wilderness of Québec that became famous for monastic chants just didn't appeal to me. Thankfully, it was more interesting than I'd expected – mostly because the increasing tension between Gamache and other detectives was so compelling. The mystery surrounding the death of the choir director didn't interest me, and I thought the monks seemed a little interchangeable. Also, Penny seems to love art, poetry, and music, and sometimes I roll my eyes at the way her characters talk about those subjects. I'm a little bit like Beauvoir in that sense! Overall, it was better than I anticipated, but not a favorite. I So Liked It.

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN BY LOUISE PENNY – Ahhh, my favorite Gamache book yet! Even when I was the most unsure about whether I'd stick with this series or not, I was always curious about the hints of corruption within the Sûreté. With this installment, Penny finally delivered on the storyline that's been building from the very beginning. I couldn't put it down! The mystery in this one was interesting in its own right, but it was the high-stakes search for answers within the police force that had me racing to the end. I am so glad I stuck with this series and got to experience this story! I've always loved how Gamache is a principled leader who chooses kindness, even when it's mocked or misunderstood. This book was such a testament to his integrity, and I'm So Obsessed With It. 

THE LONG WAY HOME BY LOUISE PENNY – I will admit that this book was a bit of a letdown following the emotional high of the previous one. There were a variety of factors at play that led to that feeling. First, I have never cared for Clara or Peter, so I wasn't excited about the prospect of a book where they were the central characters. Second, I didn't love that the crime wasn't introduced until the very end. Yes, there's a mystery from the beginning – where is Peter? – but it wasn't a question I cared to have answered. And finally, the pacing was rough. It dragged on and on, and much of the story felt repetitive. Pretentious conversations about art bore me! Give me more Gamache and Beauvoir, please and thank you. Penny's writing was still lovely, so I will tepidly say I So Liked It.

What have you been reading lately?

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Quick Lit: November 2020 (Part 1)

Quick Lit: November 2020 (Part 1)

Dec 16, 2020

It's time for more mini reviews! I finished 14 books in November, and I've chatting about six of those books in today's post + briefly mentioning two more at the very end. Tomorrow, I'll share reviews for the other six books I read in Part 2. If you enjoy this feature, check out other readers' reviews at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

THE WITCH ELM BY TANA FRENCH – After getting back on the Tana French train in October, I decided to keep rolling and start The Witch Elm. From a quick perusal on Goodreads, I noticed this was her lowest-rated book, by far, so I went into it with low expectations. But y'all, I actually So Enjoyed It! I thought it was exciting to see French do something a little different. Her atmospheric writing and psychological-driven story were familiar to anyone who has read her work before, but it was a new experience to see thought the eyes of a victim and subsequent suspect rather than a detective. It was a spooky, mentally twisting read that actually surprised me. Is it overly long, character driven, and slow? Yes, but I really didn't mind. I give credit the audiobook for that fact. 

THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY BY MATT HAIG – Well, this was a charming surprise! I bought this based solely on the cover and summary, and the reward was worth the risk. The concept immediately appealed, and I was so thankful that Haig delivered on it. I was invested in the heroine, even though I often wanted to shake her a little bit. The structure was very clever and perfectly paced. I kept telling myself I'd just read one more chapter, then only one more... until I was at the end! I treated myself to the audio, too, and adored listening to narrator Carey Mulligan. If you like books that explore at the various paths you could have taken in life, this one is for you. I found the ending so emotional and loved how it explored themes of choices, regrets, and how to fully live. I'm So Obsessed With It!

SAVE ME THE PLUMS BY RUTH REICHL – I love food in books and decided to finally try one of Reichl's memoirs! I'd started but decided not to finish her fiction debut, so I wanted to give her one more chance. Reichl has written several memoirs, each focusing on a different aspect of her culinary history. Save Me the Plums, her most recent, chronicles her time as the editor in chief of Gourmet magazine. The food writing was definitely the best part of the book, and you can see how Reichl has made that her career. I also enjoyed the peek inside the magazine industry, especially during the time print started to struggle. It did, however, name drop a little too often in a way that left me feeling disconnected. I wanted more of the nitty gritty of running the magazine, but I So Liked It overall.

BURY YOUR DEAD BY LOUISE PENNY – There are three mysteries at play within Bury Your Dead – a murder discovered in Quebec City's Literary and Historical Society, fallout from investigation gone wrong, and re-opening a previously closed case. For me, the way Penny shifted back and forth between them all kept me hooked. The murder taught me more about Canadian history, and I enjoyed that fact. I loved that Gamache was able to admit he might have gotten it wrong and allow someone to re-investigate one of his previous cases. This gentle detective has just snuck in and stolen a piece of my heart! But my favorite part was how Penny slowly revealed the incident that's left Gamache and his team reeling. I So Loved It and am glad I gave this series another chance.

THE ONCE AND FUTURE WITCHES BY ALIX E. HARROW – Having loved Harrow's debut, The Ten Thousand Doors of January, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. But y'all, it felt like it took me forever to make any progress on it. It started so slow, and I wasn't really invested until about halfway through the novel. The last quarter was the best, but for a while there I wasn't sure I'd finish it. Harrow's writing was gorgeous, and the concept was so clever. Stories with witches don't personally appeal to me, so it's saying something that I ultimately appreciated the way Harrow used that aspect to explore women's rights. But there was just something about the pacing and the characters that kept me at arm's length, so I'm a little sad to say that I simply So Liked It. I want it to be a favorite!

THE HUNTING PARTY BY LUCY FOLEY – Here's the deal, if I hadn't read The Guest List earlier this year, I probably would have enjoyed this book a lot more. Foley excels at atmosphere, and the idea of a group of friends stranded in an isolated estate in the Scottish Highlands definitely captured my attention. However, I felt like I'd already read this exact same story... from the same author. The multiple POVs, the largely unlikeable characters, the remote setting, and the closed circle mystery were all things Foley did The Guest List, too. And honestly, both were pretty predictable. It wasn't a bad read, but I'm just So Okay With It. The full cast audio made my reading experience very enjoyable and is the only reason I didn't get it a lower rating. I'm still bummed that the book wasn't more unique.

Additionally, I read Simple and Safe Baby-Led Weaning by Malina Malkani. I appreciated the portion size and serving suggestions that were pictured to scale, I found the overall book lacking. It didn't make me feel more confident about baby-led weaning or fully addresses some of my questions and concerns. I So Liked It for a basic overview, but not as a go-to resource. This is one I'd suggest getting from the library, rather than buying.

Finally, one of my goals for 2020 was the read the whole Bible in a year. I completed this goal in November! I couldn't have done it without the Read Scripture app – a beautiful resource with videos that helped me understand the context, daily text reminders to read my Bible, and a beautiful design that tracked my progress. I highly recommend the app and loved how accessible it made the entire experience! In-depth study leads to more insight, but I'd always wanted to read the Bible in its entirety for the big picture. I'm so happy that I've finally done it!

Check back tomorrow for Part 2.

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Quick Lit: October 2020 (Part 2)

Quick Lit: October 2020 (Part 2)

Dec 10, 2020

Welcome back to my (overdue) October mini reviews! I read 15 books total, reviewed six in Part 1 yesterday, and am chatting about the nine other books I read in today's post. As I mentioned yesterday, October had several new favorites that you may see on my "Best of" list at the end of the year. It will be hard to choose!

JANE WAS HERE BY N. JACOBSEN, D. MACLENNAN, AND L. NILSON – This adorable book is part travel memoir and part guide book, described as a guide to Jane Austen's England. It highlights settings from her novels, locations from film adaptations of her work, and places Austen visited during her life. For me, the illustrations made the book worth buying! I want prints of several pages. I did notice a few typos, wasn't overly impressed by the writing, and felt the locations skewed more heavily toward places featured in films. But I recognize there's not a lot they could do to work around the limited number of historical places associated with Austen. I still think it's worth picking up, and the itinerary was a nice inclusion! It's a worthy addition to an Austen collection, and I So Enjoyed It.

THE SECRET PLACE BY TANA FRENCH – I started reading French a few years ago, and then lost interest in her Dublin Murder series after the fourth disappointed me. But the mystery-shaped hole in my heart made me give her another try! The boarding school setting was fantastic, and I remembered why I'd been a fan of French in the first place. She's adept at atmospheric writing, well-developed characters, and psychological suspense. I loved that the detectives were investigating a cold case, and the way the timeline alternated between past (counting down to the murder) and present (one 24-hour day at the school). Listening to it on audio was the perfect format for me because the narrator's Irish accent won me over and minimized French's occasional pacing issues. I So Enjoyed It.

THE TRESPASSER BY TANA FRENCH – This is now my favorite French, and I can't believe I almost missed it! I loved the lead detective, her take-no-shit attitude, and the camaraderie she had with her partner. The way French depicted being a female detective in a predominately male environment felt so realistic to me, and I couldn't get over the sense of paranoia within the squad and how it all played out. You understand where the heroine is coming from, but you also see how it alienates her further from the people who are supposed to be her teammates. This mystery was gripping, and listening on audio added to my obsession. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading The Secret Place first to see the heroine from another perspective. I'm So Obsessed With It. 

THE BLUE CASTLE BY L.M. MONTGOMERY – Ahhh, you delightful old friend! One of my October goals was to re-read a comforting book, and I decided to go with The Blue Castle. Valancy Stirling is such a gem, and this book never fails to deliver the feels for me. Reading it felt like being snuggled up in my softest robe, sitting on the back deck in the mountains, drinking a cup of coffee, and listening to the waterfall. Perfection. Of course, I'd probably be thinking about chopping off my hair and confounding my family with a bunch of out-of-character actions if I wanted to truly channel Valancy, but I'll settle for her love of being in nature and a place to call home. I just love everything about this book – the characters, the romance, the writing. A hidden gem, and I'm So Obsessed With It.

WINTER COUNTS BY DAVID HESKA WANBLI WEIDEN – I wasn't thrilled about the September choices for Book of the Month besides the one I'd already pre-ordered, so I decided to go out on a limb and choose this debut thriller. This novel follows Virgil Wounded Horse, a vigilante-for-hire, as he investigates how heroin is making its way on to the reservation. I loved learning about life on a reservation, particularly as it related to the tribal council and American legal system. I thought Weiden was at his best when talking about Lakota beliefs and customs. But the writing overall was so mediocre, and I predicted exactly where the story was headed. I wanted a bit more finesse – more fluidity to the story, more even pacing, and further development of the characters. I was So Okay With It.

STALKING JACK THE RIPPER BY KERRI MANISCALCO – Maybe the hype got to me, but I expected a lot more from this popular YA historical mystery! It was a fun, though average, read for me with very basic writing. I found it frustrating that the heroine was described as unconventional and intelligent but acted so incredibly stupid and oblivious to things right in front of her face. I guess a scalpel and book smarts will only get you so far! I wanted to be more invested in the mystery surrounding the Ripper's identity, but the back copy made it pretty obvious that it was one of two people. Boo! I read this over Halloween weekend, so it was a fitting choice in that regard. I'm So Okay With It, but now I'm torn on whether or not I'll continue the series. If only I hadn't bought the box set...

LITTLE UNIVERSES BY HEATHER DEMETRIOS – Years ago, I read and loved Demetrios' I'll Meet You There but never read anything else by her. This cover caught my eye at the bookstore one day, and I was drawn in by the fact that it was a story about sisters. I knew the book was going to deal with serious topics based on the summary, but I didn't expect it to be quite so heavy. It deals with depression, addiction, grief, and a few other topics that feel to spoiler-y to list. I wasn't prepared! It was a moving read, but I did feel it was overly angsty at times. The sisters are polar opposites – analytical, overachiever Mae and emotional, free spirit Hannah. There were things I loved about them and their relationship and things I found infuriating. A bit of a mixed bag, but I So Liked It overall.

I'D GIVE ANYTHING BY MARISA DE LOS SANTOS – Having read and loved several other books from de los Santos, I was excited to pick up her newest release. It had lovely writing, but sadly it was weak in every other area. Y'all, I don't think I can forgive it for the very anticlimactic reveal of "what happened" all those year ago. The characters lacked developed, as did the relationships they had with one another. There are elements that felt inauthentic to me, so I couldn't suspend my disbelief at times. Could I imagine real people acting this way or being this defined by things from high school? Not really. And honestly, it was just boring. If it was longer, I probably wouldn't have finished it... but it also could have used 100 pages more to flesh things out better. Needless to say, I'm So Over It. 

THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE BY V.E. SCHWAB – What a gorgeous, thought-provoking book! I loved Schwab's descriptive writing, which made this feel like a modern fairy tale.  The way the story went back and forth in time – contrasting the desperate past that led to Addie's bargain with the loneliness of her present – made for such a compelling read. I loved the glimpses of history, and the incredible heroine anchoring the story. Addie's tenacity, bravery, independence and sharp mind make her a force to be reckoned with! The ending had enough resolution to satisfy me with just the right amount of lingering questions. A favorite of 2020, and I'm So Obsessed With It. Narrator Julia Whelan made the audio a fantastic listening experience, and I recommend that format!

What have you been reading lately?

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