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The Picky Pledge
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The Picky Pledge 2020

Jan 15, 2020


Today, Alexa from Alexa Loves Books and I are talking all things Picky Pledge! We're taking a minute to look back at some stats from 2019, reflecting on what we accomplished the past year, and sharing our plan for 2020. The Picky Pledge was born out of lots of chats about our reading choices and book buying habits. We wanted to be more intentional and decided to hold each other accountable. Here's how it got started.


When we originally started The Picky Pledge, Alexa and I would share a long post with charts and graphics and stats. We'd use them to identify what we needed to change in the year to come, which was so helpful. But over time, it started to make more sense to simplify! Today, we're focusing on the same stats we shared last year.

Alexa and I always laugh at how some things change over time, but we still basically have to same "problem areas" as the day we created this project. I buy too many books, and Alexa could always pare down on review books. However, we have seen positive changes through the years. We're both more aware now, so we're more intentional. The only stat we are sharing ties in to entire focus of Picky Pledge: the source of what we read in 2019.

In 2019, I read 210 books. Here's where they came from:

BOUGHT/GIFTED (2019) • 46 Books • 22%

BORROWED • 34 Books • 16%

OWNED (PRE-2019) • 38 Books • 18%

REREAD • 64 Books • 31%

REVIEW • 28 Books • 13%

This was a really interesting reading year in comparison to 2018! I read more review books (up from 8%), borrowed less (down from 23%), and read a little more from my TBR (up from 15%). Looking back to 2017, it's been interesting to see how reading what books bought/gifted in that respective year has trended down over time (47% in 2017, 34% in 2018, and 22% in 2019). I'm pretty sure this is lower because I'm not buying as much. That's a HUGE win! 

The most interesting change this year is how much I re-read (up from 20%). It wasn't shocking since I did a few challenges this year focused on re-reading, which I'll talk about more on Friday. I'm always in the mood to re-read, but it's nice to make it a priority every few years. There are so many books coming out in 2020 that I'm excited to read, so I'm expecting to re-read a little less. It's nice to see this fluctuate based on what season of life I'm in.


The way Alexa and I set Picky Pledge goals has changed since we first started this project. Since 2018, we've set out to complete The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge. We have 12 categories, enough for one book per month, to help us read more from our TBR. The categories are all tied to reasons that we bought the books on our TBR, which makes is easy to find something that fits for each one. It's simplified but still accomplishes our purpose.

Ten of these books were on my TBR prior to 2019. Two were re-reads, but they still counted for our project because they'd been on my Audible TBR for a while. Here are the categories and what I read for each one:


FOR THE COVER: Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills

BASED ON A RECOMMENDATION: We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

FOR THE HOOK: Love á la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm


ON SALE: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

NEXT IN SERIES: China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwavn

IN A DIFFERENT FORMAT: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (Audio)

BECAUSE OF THE AUTHOR: Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak

GIFTED: The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton

PRE-ORDERED, HAVEN'T READ YET: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (Audio)



BOUGHT 3+ YEARS AGO: Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery

BECAUSE OF THE HYPE: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

BECAUSE OF THE TOPIC: House of Dreams by Liz Rosenberg


Now, let's talk about 2020. We're continuing The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge! We kept all the categories the same this year, so it's the same graphic, too. Is that simplifying or simply laziness? Haha! We'll share a recap just like this one next January, but I'll track my progress throughout the year. If you're interested, feel free to join in and complete the challenge, too! We don't do any official check-ins or link-ups, so there's no big commitment. 


Here's to being intentional in 2020!
What are your reading goals for the year?
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The Picky Pledge 2019

Jan 8, 2019


Today, Alexa from Alexa Loves Books and I are talking all things Picky Pledge! We're taking a minute to look back at some stats from 2018, reflecting on what we accomplished the past year, and sharing our plan for 2019. The Picky Pledge was born out of lots of chats about our reading choices and book buying habits. We wanted to be more intentional and decided to hold each other accountable. Here's how it got started.


When we originally started The Picky Pledge, Alexa and I would share a long post with charts and graphics and stats. We'd use them to identify what we needed to change in the year to come, which was so helpful. We started to do things differently last year in the name of simplifying, and it was just what we needed.

So much has changed since we started this in 2015 – and so much has stayed the same. I think I'd still say I struggle with my book buying habits, and I suspect that Alexa would still point to her review books as the category that gives her the most trouble. But I think we've both gotten more aware of our choices and been more intentional, so we consider this little project a win. This year, we're only looking at one statistic: the source of what we read in 2018. It's the category that most ties into what we set out to accomplish back in 2015 and is often the most revealing one.

I read 222 books in 2018, and here's where they came from:

BOUGHT/GIFTED (2018) • 76 Books • 34%

BORROWED • 51 Books • 23%

OWNED (PRE-2018) • 33 Books • 15%

REREAD • 45 Books • 20%

REVIEW • 17 Books • 8%

Y'all, I'm so surprised by some of these stats, especially compared to last year! My 2016 and 2017 percentages were similar to each other, but things have changed a lot this year. I read fewer review books (down from 11%), more reread (up from 9%), and more borrowed books (up from 14%). I read fewer books from my TBR (down from 19%), which may be partly due to the fact that I have fewer older books on my TBR since I cull more frequently now. 

Finally – and of most interest to me – I read fewer books bought/gifted in 2017 (down from 47%). I didn't track my purchases the same way I have in the past and don't know if that's because I bought less or just that I wasn't reading as much of what I bought. However, my monthly recaps have pictures of everything I bought in 2018, so I'm probably going to compile that information to find the answer. I'm hoping that it's just that shopped less!


In 2017, Alexa and I set personal goals related to book buying and review books that we tracked throughout the year. But in 2018, we had only one goal: Complete the Picky Pledge Reading Challenge. We came up with 12 categories, enough for one book per month, to help us tackle our TBRs. All we had to do was read one book that fit each category – and all were tied to reasons we bought books. Simple, fun, and purposeful.

With one exception, I had all of these books on my TBR prior to 2018. Here are the categories and what I read:


Now, let's talk about 2019.

As with last year, Alexa and I decided that our only plan for the year is to complete another round of The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge. We've tweaked two categories, but everything else has stayed the same. We loved that this made us think about why we buy what we do and approach our to be read piles with intention. We'll share a recap in January 2020 of how we did, but I'll track my progress on the blog throughout the year. And if you're interested, feel free to join in and complete the challenge with us!


Here's to being intentional - and simplifying - in 2019!
What are your reading goals for the year?
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The Picky Pledge 2018

Jan 8, 2018


Today, Alexa from Alexa Loves Books and I are talking all things Picky Pledge! We're recapping a few 2017 reading statistics, reflecting on what we learned the past year, and sharing our plan for 2018. The Picky Pledge was born out of our discussions about our reading choices and book buying habits. Alexa and I wanted to be more intentional with the books we read, but we weren't sure how we wanted to go about it. If you're curious, here's how it got started. 


For the past three years, Alexa and I have shared a long post packed with charts and graphs analyzing our year in books. From what we read to what we acquired, we took a look at our stats and used them to identify what we wanted to change in the year to come. This year, we're doing things a little differently. It's all about simplifying! 

We've learned a lot since starting The Picky Pledge in 2015! We've changed some of our bad habits -- and noticed there's one we just can't seem to break. This year, we're focusing on doing less but hopefully accomplishing more. So, in that spirit, we're just sharing three statistics from 2017 today. We'll address review books and books bought later in this post.


Interestingly enough, this chart looks very similar to last year! I read more books in 2017 (151 vs 93 in 2016), but the percentages stayed about the same. I re-read and borrowed the same percentage of books. My review reading decreased just a bit, which doesn't surprise me. Since I blogged less consistently last year, I was more cautious to request things for review. I didn't want the commitment! I read just a bit more from my TBR in 2017, so that's a Picky Pledge success. However, my reading life is still dominated by the books I'm acquiring rather than what I already own. 


There was a decent amount change in this category! In 2016, I rated 59% of what I read 4 stars or higher. In 2017, it was up to 70%! I'm pleased that I had such a great reading year and hope it's a sign that I'm getting better at identifying what books work for me. I also read more 3.5 star books (15% up from 7%), fewer 3 star books (11% down from 26%) and fewer 1 and 2 star books (4% combined vs. 8% in 2016). Those statistics all speak to the fact that I'm reading the right books for me. Becoming more in tune with my reading taste (and being less influenced by other people) is a good thing! 


I love reading series, but I noticed last year that I hadn't read as many as usual. So, I was looking forward to seeing this statistic. I love that almost half of what I read in 2017 was in a series! I did a bunch of series binges, said goodbye to some favorites, got caught up on a few and started several others. I can't wait to see what 2018 holds in store!


I mentioned earlier in this post that my charts didn't address Review Books or Books Bought, but I'll be talking about those things here. When we kicked off Picky Pledge for 2017, Alexa and I set three personal goals. Mine were:
  1. Read no more than 24 review books.
  2. Buy no more than 80 books.
  3. Complete the Picky Pledge Reading Challenge.
So, how'd I do? 
  1. I read 17 books for review. SUCCESS.
  2. I... have no idea how many books I bought. I documented them all in monthly recaps but didn't keep a spreadsheet of purchases and am now too lazy to go back and dig into the numbers. But based on the fact that 69 of the 151 books I read were purchased or gifted to me in 2017 (and I bought more that I still haven't read), I think it's safe to say this was a total FAIL. I'll talk about this more in a minute.
  3. I read 12 books that fit the 12 categories in our Reading Challenge, so this was a SUCCESS. In fact, this was my favorite part of the Picky Pledge and has inspired our new goals for 2018.
I definitely feel like I've got a handle on review books now. As for buying books, I don't think this habit will change anytime soon. I've gotten better during the past three year, though there's obviously still room for improvement, but I'm not setting a purchasing goal anymore. I always lose motivation while trying to keep a running list of what I bought, where I got it, and whether it adds to my TBR or not! I'm considering Christine's book budget idea, which seems more realistic.

As for the Picky Pledge Reading Challenge, here's what I read for each category (with links to reviews):
Now, let's talk about 2018.

The Picky Pledge will look a little different in 2018, and I don't just mean the updated colors in the graphics. After reviewing our progress and discussing our goals, Alexa and I have decided that our only plan for this year is to complete another round of the The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge! We've updated two categories, but everything else has stayed the same. We loved that this made us look a little differently at our TBR, and we primarily want to focus on staying on top of that in 2018. Instead of monthly reviews, we'll share a recap at the end of the year detailing what we read for each category. But throughout the year I'll track my progress!


Here's to being intentional - and simplifying - in 2018!
What are your reading goals for the year?
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'You can never be reminded too much of someone you love.'

Jan 5, 2018


I almost can't believe that it's time for the final 2017 Picky Pledge Reading Challenge review! I picked up The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller for December's prompt, "A Book You Bought Because of the Topic." There were so many options on my TBR that fit for this one. I've purchased a lot of books based on the topic or a specific keyword in the summary. But this one kept catching my eye and ended up being perfect for the season! 

When I first read the summary of this book, I was drawn to the heroine's profession. Olivia Rawlings is a pastry chef at an exclusive Boston dinner club who sets her flambéed dessert and the entire building on fire. Her employer suggests she takes a break while the club is renovated, so she heads for a small town in Vermont. Before long, she's working as the baker of the Sugar Maple Inn. She's close to her best friend, finds the perfect place to live with her dog and meets an intriguing next door neighbor. It's nothing that she expected - but what if it's exactly what she needs?

I didn't realize it until this year, but I really enjoy chefs and food in books. And that's what made me pick this one up! I'm not a foodie, so I'll probably never gravitate toward culinary memoirs (though I do love cookbooks), but there's something so comforting about food in fiction. And honestly, this book took it to the next level! The author is a pastry chef, too, and I think that added so much depth to the descriptions. The process of baking was so lovingly described and never felt like a dry recitation of steps. Miller made me want to devour all of her heroine's creations.

If Miller bakes as beautifully as she writes about it, I can only imagine that I'd be right at home in her kitchen. There's so much to this story beyond the baking, but that was the thing I'll remember most about it. It made me so hungry while I was reading, but nothing would satisfy my craving for Olivia's apple pie. Thankfully, there's a recipe at the back of the book. I haven't made it yet because I just don't know if I'll be able to capture the magic. But it's fun to imagine it at least!

Although it's not a Christmas book, it was a perfect read during that season. There were so many lovely scenes set during the holidays in it. And what's not to love about a snowy town complete with country dances, nosy neighbors and the scent of freshly baked apple pie?! In many ways, this story relies on some common tropes -- particularly for holiday romances. For example, the big city girl finding herself out in the country is a pretty typical story on the Hallmark Channel.  But there was something comforting about the familiarity. Plus, it helped that the characters were well developed, the writing was quiet inviting and the setting made me want to back my bags and head to the woods (with a dessert, of course).

I was never super invested in the romance angle, which is really the only reason this was a solid So Enjoyed It for me rather than Loved. Overall, however, that's a pretty minor complaint for a book that made me want to snuggle up under a cozy blanket by a warm fire. I read a memoir earlier this year that reminded me that feeding people is an act of love, and this book certainly echoed that idea. Olivia's baking brings people together in the very best way, and I'm so glad Miller shared her gift with the world. I can't wait for her upcoming release, which features a diner owner!
The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller
Release Date: August 2016 | Publisher: Penguin Random House; Pamela Dorman
Pages: 352 pages | Source & Format: Bought; Hardcover 

This was my twelfth read for The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge that Alexa and I are doing in 2017! It's the perfect motivation to read books from my TBR and adds an extra dose of accountability, too. In addition to reading and reviewing one challenge book per month, we're answering three questions about each one!

1. How long has this book been on your TBR? 
I purchased it in February 2017, so it was on my TBR for a little less than a year by the time I read it.

2. What topic/element made you want to read this book? 
The fact that the heroine was a pastry chef. I love cooking and food in books!

3. Have you read other books with this topic?
I know that I have, but I'm currently drawing a blank on any specific titles. If you have recommendations, please leave a comment because I'm always on the look for a good foodie fiction book.

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'Am I not merciful?'

Dec 22, 2017


Honestly, I was super skeptical of Illuminae and Gemina by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff. I'm not opposed to hyped books, but I just heard so much about these and wasn't sure they'd work for me. After all, I'm not generally a fan of science fiction. But I remained curious about that I couldn't resist buying the first when it was on sale on Audible earlier this year. I figured it was worth a shot!

When I was trying to think of a book for November's Picky Pledge Reading Challenge prompt, "A Book Because of the Hype," this series immediately came to mind. These are definitely some of the most-hyped books that I can think of from the past two years (in the blogging / YA world, at least)! Realizing they were perfect for this prompt was the push I needed to dive in instead of letting them languish on my TBR.

I started the Illuminae audiobook on a day when I had to spend several hours in the car, which was the perfect decision. If I'd only listened to 30 minutes or so, I probably would have turned it off, majorly confused, and just saved it for a later date. But since I had almost four hours of uninterrupted listening, I got completely hooked! It was a little hard to get into the story at the beginning, especially because it's written as a dossier of hacked documents (emails, interviews, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, etc.), but I found my groove. 

The plot is a little hard to explain or summarize without sounding so overwhelming, but here's the gist: on the morning Kady breaks up with her boyfriend, her planet is invaded. It's the year 2575 and two rival megacorporations are at war over Kady's home, even though it's just a speck at the edge of the universe. As you might expect, this interstellar drama brings Kady and her ex-boyfriend back into each others' orbits as they're forced to work together to survive enemy warship, a deadly plague, and an Artificial Intelligence system that seems to be taking on a life of its own. This is NOT something that would typically appeal to me.

Y'all, I can't believe how much I loved this story! Listening to it on audio and flipping through my physical copy to see everything was the best decision. I thought the audio might lessen the experience, but it only enhanced it. The production is insanely amazing - a full cast of narrators, sound effects and more that make it feel like you're hearing a movie (but better, of course). This might be my favorite audiobook I've ever listened to! I loved having a print copy of the book, however, because I did feel like the format and details made it so unique.

By the time the audiobook ended, I'd fallen in love with the characters and the world. So, I had to start Gemina as soon as I was done. And y'all, dare I say it? I think I loved it even more! Honestly, I didn't think it was possible. Was part of my love based on the fact that the main characters were named Hanna and Nik (ahem, yours truly + my husband) and a side character named Jackson (my dog)? Maaaaaybe so. But I also just enjoyed this relationship dynamic (pampered rich girl vs member of a notorious crime family) immensely! 

I can't say anything about this plot without spoiling the first book, so I won't describe it at all. However, I can say that I was pleased at the way this built on the action from the first book! Seeing how the stories tied together was one of my favorite parts. As with the first book, I felt my pulse pounding and heart racing the whole time I was listening! I really thought these books wouldn't be the right fit for me, but I'm so thrilled I was wrong.

There's a good reason these books were so hyped, and I'm excited that I get to add to the praise. If I had to nitpick, I will note that they're occasionally gruesome (murder and plagues, y'all) and there's a lot of cursing (it's "censored" in the book, but your mind fills in the blanks). I think the stories make you work as a reader -- the format is different, it takes a long time for certain questions to be answered and they're ambitious in scope. But, for me, they were unique, creative, and addicting. They’ll definitely be on my Best of 2017 list! 
Illuminae and Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Release Date: October 2015; October 2016 | Publisher: Penguin Random House; Knopf BFYR
Pages: 608 pages; 659 pages | Source & Format: Bought; Hardcovers & Audiobooks

This was my eleventh read for The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge that Alexa and I are doing in 2017! It's the perfect motivation to read books from my TBR and adds an extra dose of accountability, too. In addition to reading and reviewing one challenge book per month, we're answering three questions about each one!

1. How long has this book been on your TBR? 
Not very long! I bought the first in January 2016 - and really wasn't even interested in it before then.

2. What kind of hype (social media, Goodreads, etc.) made you want to read it? 
I think the hype actually made me MORE nervous to read it! I had such high expectations going into it and truly thought it would disappoint me. But I also know that seeing so much buzz on social media when it first came out, and then seeing so many high ratings from my Goodreads friends are the reason it was even on my radar in the first place. The positive Audible reviews were the final push I needed to give it a shot!

 3. Did it live up to the hype?
YES, I GET IT NOW! They were so weird and wonderful, and I already want to listen to them again.
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'...the kind of roots you would need when the storm was strong.'

Dec 21, 2017


A series of serendipitous events brought Far from the Tree by Robin Benway to my attention. It started when I was looking for a book that could count for the "a book nominated for an award in 2017" prompt for Modern Mrs. Darcy's 2017 Reading Challenge. A few days later, I saw that Far from the Tree was nominated for the National Book Award. Since I'd enjoyed Emmy and Oliver last year, I thought it might be a good option. THEN, the ladies at Go Fug Yourself mentioned it in this post - celebrating its win and adding their own personal recommendation for it! I take their recs seriously, so I knew I had to read it.

Two weeks later, my husband and I took a trip to New York. It was a lovely little getaway, and we packed so many adventures into our time there. And I made sure we had time to visit Books of Wonder, a local children's bookstore! I spotted Far from the Tree on an endcap - signed, no less! - and promptly bought it. And that's the story of how it eventually became the perfect choice for October's Picky Pledge Reading Challenge prompt, "A Book You Bought While Traveling." (Yes, I didn't read a book for this prompt until December. Oops!)

A few nights ago, I couldn't decide what to read and grabbed a few books off my shelves to sample. Far from the Tree was one of them, and I was hooked from the first chapter. This is the story "three adopted siblings who find each other at just the right moment." Grace is an only child who was adopted at birth, but she goes looking for her biological family after putting her own baby up for adoption. That search leads her to Maya, her younger biological sister (adopted at birth to a family with another child), and Joaquin, their older brother who has spent seventeen years in the foster care system.

This book switches between the point of view of each sibling, something that typically annoys me. But I was so glad I got to experience the perspective of all three siblings! They have had different upbringings, family experiences, expectations for the future and their own unique hurts and hangups. I grieved with Grace after she gave up her baby for adoption, with Joaquin as he dealt with guilt and shame over his past and with Maya as she watched her parent unraveling. I haven't gone through these experiences personally, but Benway brought me into their lives in a way that felt so real and so personal. 

Needless to say, it was an emotional reading experience. I laughed, got angry, shed some tears... Benway made me fully invested in these characters. If you ask me what I remember most about this book, it's the emotions. Don't get me wrong - it's a tightly plotted book with well-developed characters and quotable writing. BUT MAN, THE EMOTIONS. Reading this book reminded me of the way I feel when I watch This is Us -- a little weepy by hopeful and reminded of the beauty of families, even in brokenness. 

I wasn't crazy about the romances, but that's partly because I wanted them to be more developed (or just removed completely). With so many good storylines, they were the least compelling part of the book (with one exception because RAFE). I liked that you saw how insecurity (and sometimes self-sabotage) affected all of them, but it also made them feel a bit too similar or repetitive. But overall, that's a minor complaint!

Far from the Tree is about growing up, seeing your parents in a new light, being there for the people you love, getting some things right and others wrong, and being scared but doing it anyway. It's a love letter to families of all kinds. It's a heartfelt depiction of the people who annoy you the most but love you the deepest. It shows that families are messy and imperfect but they matter. I loved this one and am so glad I picked it up in New York City! Now I'll always have special memories associated with this lovely, heartwarming books.
Far from the Tree by Robin Benway
Release Date: October 3, 2017 | Publisher: HarperCollins; HarperTeen
Pages: 384 pages | Source & Format: Bought; Hardcover 

This was my tenth read for The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge that Alexa and I are doing in 2017! It's the perfect motivation to read books from my TBR and adds an extra dose of accountability, too. In addition to reading and reviewing one challenge book per month, we're answering three questions about each one!

1. How long has this book been on your TBR? 
By the time I read it, it had only been on my TBR for about two weeks!

2. Where were you when you bought this book?
In New York City! After a full day of wandering the city, we stopped at Books of Wonder.

 3. Do you typically buy books while traveling?
I do! If possible, I try to buy at least one book from a local independent bookstore. But all bets are off when we go to the beach because I can never restrict myself to just one book. 
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'Grief is a mystery to be lived through, not a problem to be solved.'

Oct 5, 2017


I picked up First Comes Love by Emily Giffin with a lot of trepidation. I'd always been a fan of her books... until her last one. It's been three years since I finished it, and I could still rage about it. Don't even get me started. So, as you can imagine, I started this one with lower expectations. Thankfully, it felt like a return to the type of Giffin novel that I love! I'm often not a fan of her characters' actions, but I still typically lose myself in her stories.

Despite my anger over her previous book, I still pre-ordered this one. I'm not sure why exactly, though I think it's partly because it's about sisters. That's a topic that I'm typically drawn to in books. Plus, I figured I'd only truly hated one out of her seven books - pretty good track record, all things considered. So, I decided to chose First Comes Love for September's Picky Pledge Reading Challenge prompt, "A Book You Pre-Ordered... But Haven't Read Yet." Despite the leap of faith I took by pre-ordering it, I kept putting it off out of fear I'd hate it.

First Comes Love is the story of two sisters - Josie and Meredith - whose relationship fractures in the aftermath of a family tragedy. Josie was always the outgoing and impulsive sister whereas Meredith was more reserved and cautious. They end up on different paths in life, but they're both dissatisfied with where they're at. Josie is ready to swear off dating but still longs to become a mother, and Meredith appears to have the perfect life (great job, husband, and daughter) but wonders if she gave up on her dreams. As the fifteen year anniversary of their family's loss approaches, it forces the sisters to face the issues that have divided them all these years.

More so than any other Giffin novel I've read, this is primarily a story about family and sibling relationships. There isn't much romance to speak of, and I actually appreciated that about it. I loved the family dynamics, even when it meant I wanted to smack one (or both!) of the sisters. Giffin continues to write flawed, complicated women who aren't always likeable. If you need to root for the characters to enjoy a story, this probably isn't the book for you. One of the quotes I highlighted might help you understand what I mean:
“I find myself wondering which is more egregious, to pretend to be happy when you’re not, or to feel so consistently dissatisfied when you should be happy.”
Both sisters have moments where their dissatisfaction with their lives feels so selfish and spoiled. However, I liked the way Giffin explored their emotions, their choices, and the way grief and loss changed them. But one of the best parts of this book was the way it portrayed the patterns you can get into in your relationships, especially within a family. The book showed the assumptions you make, the grudges you hold, the guilt you carry and the way you can see a sibling as they used to be and not necessarily as they are now... I enjoyed getting both Josie and Meredith's perspectives because it truly illustrated how there are two sides to every story.

There are a few things I didn't like about the book, but they weren't major issue. The plot was occasionally boring or too slow, and I did feel like it ended right when things were getting truly interesting. I'd actually love a sequel to find out what happens next for these sisters! And I have one super nitpicky annoyance with a phone-related thing that I would swear didn't exist in the time period where it was referenced. But the emotional and relational aspects made up for the negatives for me overall, and I'd recommend this book to fans of stories about complicated families, sisters and dealing with grief and forgiveness.
First Comes Love by Emily Giffin
Release Date: June 2016 | Publisher: Random House; Ballantine Books
Pages: 384 pages | Source & Format: Bought; Hardcover 

This was my ninth read for The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge that Alexa and I are doing in 2017! It's the perfect motivation to read books from my TBR and adds an extra dose of accountability, too. In addition to reading and reviewing one challenge book per month, we're answering three questions about each one!

1. How long has this book been on your TBR? 
I've owned it since the day it came out - June 28, 2016. But I knew I wanted to read it as soon as it was announced!

2. Why did you want to pre-order this book?
I've read everything else that Emily Giffin has written! Although I hated her previous book, I've enjoyed the other books I've read (some more than others, of course) and was hoping this would be a winner. I was also drawn to the summary because I like stories about sisters.

3. Did you get any pre-order goodies?
I didn't! I don't think they offered any, and even if they had I probably wouldn't have filled out the information to receive them. I almost never remember to do it in time.
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'Ye cannot ever say which way this world will take ye.'

Sep 7, 2017


Practically from the moment she finished reading it, Kelly from Belle of the Literati was pushing me to read The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley. She'd discovered a new all-time favorite, and she couldn't stop talking about it. Plus, she knew that I was a fan of adult historical fiction, too, and would likely enjoy the Scottish setting. It seemed meant to be! So, she gifted me with a copy this past Christmas to make sure I'd read it.

Since then, anytime I mentioned that I wasn't sure what to read next, she suggested starting this book. I had to admire her persistence! And it paid off, too, because it was the first thing that came to mind for August's Picky Pledge Reading Challenge prompt, "A Book You Were Gifted." I often ask my family and husband for books for my birthday or Christmas, but choosing one of those felt like cheating. I wanted a book that someone picked out for me all on their own! And this one definitely fit the bill.

In The Winter Sea, Carrie McClelland is hoping to turn the Jacobite uprising of 1708 into her next bestselling novel. She's struggling a bit with the story until she visits Slains Castle in Scotland. Suddenly, inspiration is everywhere. She creates a heroine named for one of her own ancestors, Sophia, and begins to write. But something strange is happening with the story and Carrie's memories...

After hearing so much praise from Kelly, I definitely had my hopes up going into this book. How could I not?! When I finished it, I could see exactly why she loved it so much. If I'd read this first, I would have immediately flagged this as a "Kelly book" on so many levels. I really enjoyed it overall and am so glad she gave me a copy! I probably wouldn't have picked it up on my own, and I would have been missing out on a good read. 

My main dislike is actually tied to one of my reading quirks: I'm typically not a fan of dual timelines. This book alternates between a contemporary and historical story, and I honestly wished I was only reading the historical one. Carrie's story explores the idea of ancestral memory, and I think that's the main reason it was included. Aside from that aspect, you don't really need the contemporary storyline since Carrie is mostly just writing and researching in it. If you love the concept of actually experiencing the life of someone in the past, I don't think you'll mind the dual timeline aspect. But it didn't quite work for me. 

The only issue I had with the writing itself was the occasional info dump. It took me about a hundred pages or so before I was truly hooked by the story because the beginning was pretty slow. Kearsley included a lot of background on the Jacobites and their rebellion! I appreciated the history lesson, but it did feel there was a bit too much of it at times. In general, I'd rather the history be shown (a gripping battle scene) than have it told (characters having detailed conversations about the outcome of said battle). 

Thankfully, those two complaints were balanced out by what I loved about this book: the historical story and the setting. I was interested in Carrie's writing process, her research and her time in Cruden Bay... but I was absolutely swept away by Sophia's life-changing time spent at Slains Castle. I loved the devastating past she had to overcome, her romance with a handsome rebel, her strength of will in the face of danger and her loyalty to the people she loved. I was itching to get back to past anytime the story shifted to the present!

And in both time periods, I loved the setting. I've never been to Scotland, but Kearsley brought it to life. I could imagine it all in my mind - the wind sweeping in off the sea, the crashing of the waves, the dangerous footpaths along the coast, the crumbling ruins and its former splendor, the beauty of the greenery, the warmth of the tiny cottage, and the nosiness of the nearby villagers. Honestly, I wished I could transport myself there! The tone of the story complemented the mood of the setting, which made it such an atmospheric read. 

While it wasn't quite an all-time favorite for me, I am so thankful that Kelly pushed me to read The Winter Sea. I enjoyed reading it and loved chatting with her about it after I finished! I can see so many historical fiction lovers being drawn into this story. If you're looking for an unforgettable journey to Scotland, this book is your ticket. 
The Winter Sea by Susana Kearsley
Release Date: January 2008 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Pages: 536 pages | Source & Format: Gifted; Paperback
Series: Slains #1

This was my eight read for The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge that Alexa and I are doing in 2017! It's the perfect motivation to read books from my TBR and adds an extra dose of accountability, too. In addition to reading and reviewing one challenge book per month, we're answering three questions about each one!

1. How long has this book been on your TBR? 
Only about eight months! It was a gifted to me this past Christmas.

2. Who gave you this book? 
I received this book from Kelly from Belle of the Literati.

3. Do you know (or have a guess) why they chose the book for you?
Because it's one of her favorites, and she was in major book pushing mode!
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'Love, or a heart attack. Kind of the same thing.'

Aug 1, 2017


In June, I read my very first Kristan Higgins book. I absolutely loved it, which was great because 1) it's always exciting to find a new favorite and 2) I'd purchased a ton of her books at a used bookstore in March. I've talked about this before on my blog, but I've got a very bad habit of buying a bunch of books from an author that interests me... before I've even read anything they've written. That was the case with Kristan Higgins.

When I first started thinking about what to read for the July's Picky Pledge Reading Challenge prompt, "A Book You Bought Because of the Author," I planned on reading something from an author who'd proven themselves to be a favorite. I mean, if you're buying a book for the author, chances are good that it's because you love what they've written in the past. But then, I thought about the Gideon's Cove series. I had all three books on my shelves and didn't even remember reading the summaries when I bought them. I'd been drawn in based solely on the author! So, it fit the prompt - and would help me determine if Higgins was truly a new favorite.

I picked up the first book in the series, Catch of the Day, and was immediately hooked. Maggie Beaumont hasn't been lucky in love. Her first boyfriend broke up with her by bringing his new girlfriend home. And then there was her crush on a gorgeous newcomer to town... who turned out to be the parish's new priest. Maggie loves running a successful diner, but everyone knows she's looking for love. Even Father Tim gets in on the matchmaking! And Maggie just might find her perfect match where she least expects it...

This book was hilarious! Higgins definitely knows how to write humor and books that just make you so happy while reading them. Maggie is constantly getting herself into awkward and/or embarrassing situations, but I loved that she just took it all in stride. She had a bright personality and was easy to relate to! I appreciated that her desire for a significant other was relatable and important to her, but it didn't define her. She had a successful business, good friendships, an amazing dog and a place in her community. 

I loved her relationship with her twin sister and the fact that she was somewhat envious of her life but never let it come between them. There's some tension due to her relationship with her mother, and I felt like it added a lot to the story. The focus on family dynamics was something I noticed in my first Higgins, too, and became even more apparent as I continued reading this series. I love that Higgins' heroines don't exist in a vacuum - you get to meet all the people who make up their world. And they add so much character to the stories!

If I had one complaint about Catch of the Day, however, it's the romance. I'm all about the strong, silent type, but I did feel like the hero was just too taciturn. There's not a lot of relationship development because there was so little conversation! He does prove that actions speak louder than words because he's there for Maggie when she needs him most... but still. I So Liked It, but would have loved it with a bit more development here.

Regardless, I finished this one and immediately moved on to The Next Best Thing. Lucy Lang has known life-changing love and was devastated when she lost it. As a young widow, she still wants a family and a husband. Her cat, Fat Mikey, and the family bakery she runs with her mother and aunts just aren't enough anymore. She can't risk that kind of pain again, but it's time to get serious about moving on. She knows she has to end things with Ethan, her completely inappropriate "friend with benefits," but he thinks he's know what's best for her...

I'd talk a little about the relationship in this book, but I don't want to share the most significant details about it. You'll find out why pretty early on in the book, but I still think it's more enjoyable if you discover it while reading. So, I'll say this: I couldn't wait for Lucy to open her eyes to what was right in front of her. I understood all her reasons for hesitating: her love for her husband, her grief over his loss, her fear of it happening again, and her awareness that this person was all wrong for her on paper. She was a little more closed off and less relatable than Maggie, but I was way more invested in this romance. It was so satisfying!

Once again, Higgins just makes me happy! I adored the bakery that Lucy works in with her mother and aunts, The Black Widows. They were such delightful secondary characters, and they are another great example of how Higgins fleshes out her characters' families. Lucy's sister drove me crazy at times, although I understood where her fear and control issues were coming from. Lucy had a sweet relationship with her in laws, but I do have a bone to pick with them about how they treated someone else. Overall, however, I So Enjoyed It.

One of my very favorite things about the book was Lucy's best friend, Parker, and Parker's son Nicky... which brings me to Somebody to Love. I had no idea that Parker Welles was going to be the heroine, but I totally did a little happy dance when I saw her name in the summary! When I finished the second book, I wasn't sure what made it part of a "series" because it didn't seem to connect with Catch of the Day. It didn't have the same setting or any overlapping characters. Well, that question was solved with the third and final book in the series. 

Parker Welles grew up with anything money could buy... but it couldn't fix her relationship with her dad. He's a hotshot businessman who always made sure she was taken care of financially, if not emotionally. And then comes the day he loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme. As a single mom, Parker knows she's got to figure out her life - and fast. Her first step is to go to Gideon's Cove, Maine, and sell the only thing she now owns: a decrepit house in need of a lot of TLC. Her father's attorney, James Cahill, tags along and she's not happy about it. He may be handy with a toolbox, but the last thing she needs is a constant reminder of all the ways her father has let her down. But she's about to learn about all the ways life can surprise you.

I knew from The Next Best Thing that Parker wasn't your stereotypical "rich girl" character. And thank goodness! She may have come from a life of privilege, but she didn't act like she was better than everyone else. It's definitely an adjustment for her when her father loses all of their money, but I liked that Higgins focused more on the sense of betrayal she felt towards her father and on the grief for losing a home filled with so many important memories. Parker had a career as a bestselling author, so it wasn't like she just sat around shopping all day, and she wasn't opposed to doing the work it took to rebuild her life (and the house she'd inherited). 

The home renovation storyline was so much fun. There's nothing like a little manual labor to create some tension and fireworks! James was my favorite man in the series for so many reasons. I loved that we learned so much about his backstory, his family and his past run-ins with Parker. It was a nice flip for the guy to be the one pining over a girl who wasn't interested in him. And I couldn't wait until Parker stopped seeing him as her father's lackey and finally noticed all his good qualities. Major swoon!

You'll get to revisit Maggie, Malone, Lucy and Ethan in this book, so I definitely think you'll appreciate reading it last. You don't have to, but I think it's nice to see how this book ties the previous two stories together. This one was my favorite of the three, and I So Loved It, but I can't say enough good things about the series overall. I adore Higgins' writing, the balance of humor with heavier emotions, the delightful secondary characters and the completely charming settings. I have definitely found a new favorite author!
Catch of the Day, The Next Best Thing and Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins
Release Date: October 2007; January 2010; April 2012 | Publisher: HQN Books
Pages: 377 pages; 400 pages; 425 pages | Source & Format: Bought; Paperback
Series: Gideon's Cove Series #1-3

This was my seventh read for The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge that Alexa and I are doing in 2017! It's the perfect motivation to read books from my TBR and adds an extra dose of accountability, too. In addition to reading and reviewing one challenge book per month, we're answering three questions about each one!

1. How long has this book been on your TBR? 
I bought all three books in May of this year, so only two months. I'm failing at primarily reading books that have been on my TBR prior to this year, but at least I'm completing the challenge!

2. What other books have you read by this author? 
I've only read one other book by this author, On Second Thought, and I just read it in June. It was definitely a new favorite, which made me so excited to read this series.

3. Do you have any other books by this author on your TBR?
I do, and it's basically her entire backlist. She's a favorite now! But I only own If You Only Knew and her Blue Heron series, so those are my priority in the foreseeable future.
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