Books

Book Review: The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

Hello readers! It’s sequel time. After finishing The Housemaid for book club this month, I had to dive into book two, The Housemaid’s Secret, and boy is it a juicy secret! Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Now let’s find out about…

The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

The Synopsis

Millie is back with another housemaid job but this time in a multi-million dollar penthouse in NYC. After being contacted by Douglas Garrick, she agrees to the job even if she gets the creeps in their apartment. Not to mention, Mr. Garrick has instructed Millie never to disturb Mrs. Garrick who is in the guest room and very ill. Under no circumstances can she knock and disturb her while she gets better. But things start to get a little weird- like when she finds blood on a white nightgown. Then something happens that causes Millie to have to open the door. As soon as she does, everything changes. Millie isn’t one to back down to a dangerous man, though. And she’s not about to start now.

My Review

If you thought the twists and turns in The Housemaid were good, you ain’t seen nothing yet! This book keeps you guessing until the very last page. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, things get flipped upside down. I flew through it due to the super short chapters. You’ll be reading *just one more* well past your bedtime.
I do think you need to read the books in order, but don’t let that scare you off. If you’ve got a lazy weekend, you’ll finish them both with no trouble. I gave it 4 stars.

Who Should Read It?

Anyone dealing with a book hangover or in a reading slump. Fans of thrillers. Fans of psychological thrillers.

Pair It With…

I’d pair this with a lazy weekend and book one.

I want to know all your thoughts on this one once you read it! Get your copy of The Housemaid’s Secret at your local library, independent bookstore, second hand book website, or here.

Book Review: Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Hello readers! Today, I’ve got a romance set in a small town in the Pacific Northwest with a king crab fisherman for a male lead and a music loving female lead. Lead? Main character. It’s quite charming. Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Without further ado…..

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

The Synopsis

In book one of this duology, It Happened One Summer, we meet the Bellinger sisters, Piper and Hannah. Piper’s story is told in book one. Hannah is our girl for book two, Hook, Line, and Sinker. In book one, Hannah and Piper find themselves nearly broke and in the small town where their father is highly regarded after his death. As they get to know the people in town, they start to make a life for themselves and that’s when Hannah meets Fox, a king crab fisherman who is a bit of a ladies man. They are forced to spend time together on their own and bond over Hannah’s love of music. This causes something to shift in Fox and causes them to strike up a real friendship.
Now for book two. Hannah and Fox have been texting each other for about a year sharing songs that perfectly describe their day or the mood they are in. When the film Hannah is working on hits a snag, she suggests heading to Westport for an authentic setting as the perfect backdrop. While planning, she realizes the guest room at her sister’s house is already spoken for, but Fox agrees to let her crash at his place. After all, they’re best friends at this point. When Hannah arrives Fox starts to see Hannah in a new light. But Fox has always been a playboy. Will he have it in his heart to change? Or will he throw away the best thing that might have ever happened to him?

My Review

Admittedly, I was a big fan of book one, so book two was a no-brainer for me. I do not think that you have to read the first one to understand everything about the second book, but I did like knowing the context of everything going on. It’s worth your time to read both. I thought this was a great summer read due to its light and fluffy content. Nothing got too serious, and I had fun reading it. I will warn the more sensitive readers that this has some open door romantic content. If that’s not your thing, skim through those parts or skip this series altogether. I’m sad to not visit Westport anymore, but I’m sure glad I got to visit it for two books. The narrator on audio is a tad annoying, but not so annoying that I needed to stop listening. I gave it 4 stars.

Who Should Read It?

Lovers of romance and romcoms. Readers that don’t mind a bit of spicy content. Music lovers. I didn’t play this up enough. There’s so many music references in this book. I loved that! Read this if you’re a fan of the friends to lovers and forced proximity tropes.

Pair It With…

Any of the records mentioned in this book but playing your favorite record will work. I think this one also pairs well with a pool or the beach. And of course…with book one, It Happened One Summer.

Let me know if you visit Westport and get to know the Bellinger sisters! Get your copy of Hook, Line, and Sinker at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand book website, or here.

Book Review: The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

Hello readers! While this story looks like a wintery, cold weather book, I assure you that you will enjoy it at any time of the year. Even in the months where it feels like we live on the surface of the sun, July and August. Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Now let’s discuss…

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

The Synopsis

Mila Pavlichenko is a single mother and is more of the bookish type. But when Hitler starts to invade her home country of Russia, she joins the fight. She’s given a rifle and earns herself the title of Lady Death. Mila makes 300 kills as a sniper and is sent to America on a goodwill tour. While there, she meets and befriends First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. She also discovers an old enemy who has joined forces with a dangerous new foe, and Mila engages in the deadliest battle of her life.
The Diamond Eye is based on a true story about a mother turned soldier turned heroine.

My Review

This book came highly recommended to me by a friend who loves historical fiction, specifically WWII historical fiction, and could not stop talking about how great it was. She also noted how interesting it was that we never get many Russian accounts of that time period. I gave it a chance, and she was right! I was captivated by this story of a woman who risked everything to fight for her country and did it with such talent and guts. This was my first book by Kate Quinn, and I found her writing style to be enjoyable and will definitely give more of her stories a try. I gave it 4.5 stars.

Who Should Read It?

This book is for fans of: historical fiction, WWII heroines, strong female characters, books based on true stories.

Pair It With…

Fur (faux or real- I don’t judge) in blanket form or coat form, a White or Black Russian, which I know didn’t originate in Russia, but a White Russian is such a cold weather drink in my mind. It goes perfectly with the snowy setting of the book.
My White Russian Recipe
In a rocks glass filled with ice:
2 ounces Vodka
1 ounce Kahlua
Finish with heavy cream
Stir and sprinkle with cinnamon

Now I’m in the mood for some cold weather, a warm coat, and a White Russian. Let me know if you pick this one up or make the drink. The cinnamon isn’t usually part of the drink, but I’ve been adding it to mine for years. Get the book at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand book website, or here.

Book Review: The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

Hello readers! I have an excellent beach read for you today that is currently being developed for Netflix, and the main character is played by none other than Nicole Kidman. I’ll definitely be watching, but I HIGHLY recommend that you read the book first. Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Now let’s find out about….

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

The Synopsis

It’s wedding weekend in Nantucket for Greer and Tag Winbury’s son, Benji and his bride-to-be, Celeste. Only, a dead body has been discovered. Everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. The chief of police is tirelessly working on this investigation and starts to uncover all kinds of secrets that surely weren’t meant to see the light of day. You’ll never guess how this story unfolds, but you will quickly see that there’s no such thing as the perfect couple.

My Review

Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorite authors. She writes complex characters and weaves her stories into intricate baskets of entertainment. This is a backlist title of hers (published in 2018), but it still holds up. One thing that you can count on with Elin and her Nantucket books is the setting. I’ve never been to Nantucket, but I feel as though I have after reading so many of her books. It seems like such a lovely place, and I hope to visit one day. Because of the depth of character, expert description of the setting, and the whodunit of it all, I’m giving this one five stars.

Who Should Read It?

Those of us not ready to say goodbye to summer and beach vibes. Those who love weddings. Those who love a dysfunctional family story. Those who love a good plot twist. Honestly, everyone should read this one. I think anyone would truly enjoy it.

Pair It With…

A rum drink. There’s a scene in the book when several characters gather to drink rum. They are choosing to drink very expensive rum straight, but I’d suggest something a little more appetizing such as a Mojito or a Dark and Stormy. But being that it’s a book about a wedding, maybe just some cake! 🙂

I hope you pick this one up before the film version comes out. You’ll probably have plenty of time with the writers’ and actors’ strike currently going on. Not sure they’re currently shooting. When you do, let me know how you like it! Get your copy at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand books website, or here.

Book Review: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Hello readers! If you’re looking for a page-turner, I have just the book for you. Here’s the format for the review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Let me tell you about…

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Synopsis

Millie is an ex-con in desperate need of a job so she can move out of her car and not jeopardize her parole. Going back to prison just isn’t an option anymore. When she gets wind of a live-in housemaid position where she’ll be cooking, cleaning, and taking care of a young child, she jumps at the chance. She’s sure her background check will cost her the position, but to her surprise, she gets the job. She’s relieved and can’t believe the beauty of the house where she’ll be working and living. That is until she’s shown the creepy staircase that leads to the room where she’ll be sleeping. She shakes off the unsettling feeling and revels in the relief that it’s not her car she’s sleeping in anymore. But then the first day of work starts, and things take a turn for the worse. But she never expected it to get as bad as it does.

My Review

I finished this book in one day. I listened to it on audio and couldn’t find it in me to hit the stop button. It had me hooked from the prologue and didn’t let go until the end. It was full of twists and turns, the chapters are short, and it was a wild ride. I had a few issues with some things that felt were loose ends, so I am giving this one 3.75 stars.

Who Should Read It?

Anyone who loves a psychological thriller. Anyone trying to get out of a reading slump. I finished this one right after Fourth Wing, and let me tell ya, that one will give you a book hangover. The Housemaid pulled me right out of it and got my mojo going again. I’m a big chicken when it comes to scary things, and this was not bad at all. Creepy? Oh yeah! But not so bad that I couldn’t read it.

Pair It With…

Well a creepy staircase obviously! 🙂 I would pair this with a bright sunny day or a project like painting because I’m a big ol’ baby when it comes to reading scary things. If I were more thick skinned, I’d pair it with a dark and stormy day on my couch listening to the thunder and the rain for all the moody ambiance.

I hope you pick this one up sometime soon. I’m currently reading the sequel now. It’s shaping up to be as spooky as the first one. Get your copy at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand books website, or here.

Book Review: The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

Hello readers! I can’t wait for you to read about this spectacular book. (See what I did there?) Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Without further ado…..

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

The Synopsis

Marion is a nineteen year old dance instructor. She lives at home with her father, Simon, and older sister, Judy. Her mother died when she was just a child, so it’s been the three of them and their housekeeper who has been with the girls their whole lives. Marion also has a boyfriend, Nathaniel, who is just back from a European trip and is ready to settle down with Marion and get started on a family of their own. But Marion isn’t sure she’s ready for that at such a young age. She craves adventure and purpose for her life that doesn’t involve making meals, running a household, and raising children. When she learns of an open audition for the Radio City Rockettes, she decides she must try.
Meanwhile, NYC has been plagued by the “Big Apple Bomber” for sixteen years and keeps escaping the clutches of the police. At the end of their rope, the NYPD decides to enlist the help of Dr. Peter Griggs, a psychiatrist who has an interesting and unconventional way of studying criminals and the mentally ill.
By chance, Marion and Peter find themselves working together with the police to help find the bomber. Marion soon finds she’s much more of a standout than she thought, and uses this self realization to her benefit and the benefit of the entire city.

My Review

I thought this was a splendid book. I found profound statements such as, “She hadn’t realized until now what a passive participant she’d been in her own life, gliding along with everyone else’s desires for her future.” I was angered by certain, outdated standards placed on women. My heartstrings were tugged several times making me feel sad and sympathetic. My heart rate climbed when the bomber got a little too close for comfort. I also enjoyed a peak into the behind-the-scenes world of the Rockettes audition process. I gave it 4 stars.

Who Should Read It?

This book is for fans of: historical fiction, 1950s New York, the stage life, the Rockettes, family drama, a good mystery, mental illness in the 50s vs. now

Pair It With…

I’m pairing this book with a fuzzy blanket and maybe even a Christmas tree. While the book isn’t even focused on Christmas, the story does take place during December while the Christmas Spectacular is the show that’s performed at Radio City Music Hall. Do you have to save it until December? Certainly not! But if your TBR pile is overflowing like mine, adding this to your holiday reads won’t be a disappointing move.

I hope you pick this one up sometime soon. When you do, let me know how you like it! Get your copy at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand books website, or here.

Mid-Year Reading Review

One of my favorite things to talk about is reading. I love to discuss books with bookish people and with people that “don’t really get the whole reading thing”. I feel confident that with the right book anyone can totally “get it”. I’ll always share what I’m reading because I love consuming content of what other people are reading, and I know I’m not the only one who loves that. I get some of the best recommendations from this kind of content, and if that helps you with even one book, then I’ve done my job.

I decided to break it down into some unique categories, so this won’t necessarily be a list of my favorites but rather a fun spin on what all I’ve read this year.

Favorite So Far

There’s just something about the writing duo that is Christina Lauren. I was loaned this book by my friend, and I loved it so much. The story of Elliot and Macy was so very good. I laughed and cried my way through it. I loved the dual timeline and truly fell in love with these characters and was rooting for them the whole time. Grab your copy here.

Least Favorite

This one came with high praise and nothing but wonderful things said about it causing me to go in with very high expectations. And yet I didn’t like it. It was the longest short book I’ve ever read. If you want to be a little sad and read about a crack in a pool and someone with Alzheimers, then maybe you’ll like it, but it just wasn’t for me. The writing was actually interesting and kind of beautiful, but the story was a different, well, story. If you’re curious, get it here.

Prettiest Cover

I don’t know what it is about this cover that got me; it’s so simple. But I do love these pink flowers with the muted gray background. I would have picked Pineapple Street, but I couldn’t get through the audiobook due to the narrator. This caused me to be put at the bottom of the wait list for the ebook copy. Anyhoo, The Magnolia Palace is a dual timeline story about Lillian and Veronica and how their worlds intertwine all because of the famous Frick family. Get your copy here.

Longest

In the last book of the ACOTAR series, we get a story written mostly about Nesta and Cassian. I started out unsure of this book, but it did turn out to be an incredible story that I could not put down. It left me with quite the book hangover, and I cannot recommend enough. However, I cannot recommend it to you as a stand alone. You MUST read the entire series in order for this book to make sense. But don’t be scared of a series or of fantasy. It is 100% worth your time. Get yours here.

Didn’t Meet Expectations

I know I just said what I said about this series being worth it and all and now you see this book under the “didn’t meet expectations” category. Here’s what I mean- It is a necessary part of the story, but if you’re in the thick of the ACOTAR universe, this book pales in comparison to the one you will have just finished. However, it is a lovely little palette cleanser, and I would never suggest that you skip it. Get it here.

Exceeded Expectations

After almost writing off Emily Henry altogether due to what I thought were terrible audiobook experiences, I was urged by some friends to give her one more try and to read the book rather than listen to the audiobook. They were indeed right, and I could not have loved this book more. I think I even gave it five stars on Goodreads. Nora and Charlie are work rivals. While on a vacation with her sister, Nora bumps into Charlie and finds out their quaint vacation spot is actually his hometown. Well, it’s a romantic comedy, so what do you think happens? It was so much fun! Get it here.

Favorite Author

I’ve read four Christina Lauren books this year. F O U R. I recommend both reading and listening to their books. The narration for all the ones I’ve listened to have been great. Here’s the list: The Soulmate Equation, Love and Other Words, Something Wilder, and The True Love Experiment. Another favorite of their’s is The Unhoneymooners– you’ll laugh so hard! I’m looking forward to reading In a Holidaze during December.

Best Non-Fiction

I’ve usually read a bit more non-fiction this time of year, but I just haven’t been feeling it lately. I’ve read three, and Beth Moore’s memoire was by far my favorite. It’s a beautiful, difficult story but one full of Jesus. If you love Jesus, you should read this memoire. And if you’re an audiobook listener, she reads the book, and it is 100% the way to go. Get your copy here.

Most Fun

Killers of a Certain Age is a fun, action packed story about four 60-something women on the brink of retirement. So on the brink that they’re on a celebratory cruise for that reason. They have earned this relaxing trip because they’ve been working as assassins, and they’re darn good at their jobs. Being so good at their jobs helps them to realize that maybe this cruise isn’t going to be so relaxing after all and that just maybe they are the mark this time. I loved this one! I listened to the audiobook, and thought it was a very nicely done. Get your copy here.

First, how is this year half over?! Second, what a fun way to analyze what you’ve read thus far in 2023. I hope I’ve inspired a few books for you to read. I hope you’ll chat with me in the comments or over on Instagram, where I mostly hang out, about these books. I’d love to know your thoughts if you’ve read them. Speaking of the comments, tell me one book you think I should read before the year is out.

Happy reading!

Books I Read in May 2023

Hello, summer! I am so happy I’m officially on summer break. I have two work days this week, but after that I’m D.O.N.E. May is such a ridiculous time for teachers. I don’t know how I found time to read anything. Yes I do-audiobooks! Keep reading for what I read this month. Hopefully you’ll find one or two to put on your summer reading list.

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

Kate Quinn comes highly recommended by a coworker. I’ve tried to listen to The Alice Network several times, but I cannot get into the audiobook. That being said, I didn’t have super high expectations for The Diamond Eye, but once I pressed play I was hooked. A lot of WWII historical fiction is about women in Paris or women who were nurses or women who helped people in an undercover fashion. But this story tells of Lady Death, a Russian sniper, and a real person, who fought against Hitler and also somehow developed a friendship with First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. I was completely captivated by the story and appreciated a different type of woman as a WWII main character. Highly recommend.

Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt? by Gare Thompson

Because I read The Diamond Eye, I had to pick up this one to give me a little more background on Eleanor Roosevelt. She seemed to be quite the character, and the same coworker recommended that I follow up with this quick non-fiction book to give me just a bit more info on her. I’m glad I did and learned a lot from this children’s book.

The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka

I’m going to go ahead and throw my mama under the bus here, though I was totally on board with her choice for a book club pick. She and I had both heard how wonderful The Swimmers was. One of our favorite podcasters even deemed it her favorite book of last year. I truly cannot see how this was her favorite one. It is honest and raw and weird and sad. It’s also short, so it makes the weirdness and the sadness of it totally doable, but I do not think most people will enjoy this book.
It tells the story of a group of people who swim at an underground public pool. One day the pool gets a crack in it. The author fixates on this crack in the pool for entirely too many pages. One of the swimmers is a woman who is slowly succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease, and after the talk of the crack is over, the book jumps to the facility where she will be living. That part is equally as weird, though I did find humor in it. The last part is about everything that the woman’s daughter will experience as the disease progresses. This is the sad part. If you’ve experienced this within your own family, you’ll find similarities and maybe even comradery in the awful club that you become a part of when someone you love receives this diagnosis.
It wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read, but it certainly wasn’t the best. And I don’t think it’s one I will outright recommend to people. If you do give it a shot, at least you know now what you’re getting into. Also, I read and listened to this one. The reading was tedious. The narrator was good. I don’t think either was better than the other.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

I was not an Emily Henry fan. I had previously listened to Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation and hated both of them. I was telling this information to two of my bookish friends, and they both said not to give up. Book Lovers was their favorite, and I had to give it a try. However, they said I had to actually read it- no more audio. Well, I was wary and wasn’t about to waste my money on a book I likely would hate, so I borrowed the e-book from the library, and what do you know?! I LOVED it! I’m convinced the banter that Emily Henry so expertly writes is just not the same when someone else reads it to you. I needed to hear it in my head with my own imagination. If I didn’t have a TBR list as tall as the Empire State Building, I’d probably go back and read the other two that I hated just to see if it truly was the audiobook experience that I hated. However, her newest book, Happy Place is on that too tall list, so maybe I’ll knock that one out this summer. If you’re a book lover, you must read Book Lovers!

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

When you tell me that Leonardo di Caprio is going to be in a new movie this year and it’s based on a book, I’m doing all the research I possibly can to prepare myself. I listened to this one through the Libby App and really enjoyed the experience. There are three different narrators and all were excellent.
This story tells of the real murders of the Osage people. Early on in the story you learn that because of the oil that was discovered on their land and a very clever Chief, several of the Osage people were given a monthly payment for that oil for life. Well, we all know that money can make people crazy, and the crazy that is in this story…wowzah! I’m extremely interested to see what Martin Scorsese and Leo do with this one. The film comes out October 6 in theaters and to Apple TV+ October 20.

Killers of a Certain Age- Deanna Raybourn

Apparently killing was the theme of my monthly reading. This is the third book with murder in it. However, this one was the most fun! Y’all, this book was definitely my favorite of the month. Killers of a Certain Age follows four retired assassins who are in their 60s. They are sassy and completely badass. The are all celebrating their retirement on a cruise as the book starts. Well, while on the cruise they discover that perhaps their past isn’t completely in the past, and that maybe they are the ones on the hit list. All sorts of action and adventure ensues along with flashbacks to their time working with their organization. Seriously, this book was so much fun and is a an excellent choice to kick off your summer reading.

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

First, I can’t believe I finally finished this series! The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series has been a fun, grown-up way to reenter the world of fantasy. I had really only experienced that world with Harry Potter. Make no mistake, ACOTAR is not suitable for children! This one is for adults only. There are many open door romance scenes in these books along with adult language, though not a ton of it.
A Court of Silver Flames is the most recent book of the ACOTAR series and is primarily told from the point of view of Nesta. Nesta is a force to be reckoned with. I didn’t love her at the start of the book, but once it got going, I quickly joined her team and rooted for her to the end. I don’t want to give anything away. I was so happy to go in blind to this whole series and appreciate all the people who would not give anything away even when I asked. You have to read the books in order. You cannot just pick up this book and expect to understand anything. However, I highly recommend giving it a go. It lives up to all the hype that’s surrounding it.

Seven books completed in one of the busiest months for a teacher. Not bad! On deck is The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren. I am so excited to start that one and to kick off my summer reading. I’d love to hear about a good one you read this month. Leave it in the comments. Have a great one!

Books I Read in April 2023

Hello book lovers! As of today my Goodreads reading challenge page says I’m four books behind schedule. Oy! I have been cheating with a few podcasts, but life has also been consuming, and it has pushed reading to the back burner. No matter, though. Summer is around the corner, and I should have plenty of time to catch up. Do you do a reading challenge every year? Mine is always to read one more book than the year before, and I have to read 70 to reach my goal this year. (YIKES) But I managed to knock out seven this month, so that ain’t too shabby. Without further ado…

All My Knotted Up Life- Beth Moore

I’ve already spoken about this book in my last post, but I can say that it was my favorite read of April. Beth Moore has been teaching me about Jesus through books, bible studies, sermons, and interviews for as long as I can remember. This particular book, her memoir, was such an interesting view into her life. And you better believe that Jesus was all through it.

It Happened One Summer- Tessa Bailey

I waited for “several months”, as the Libby app told me, for It Happened One Summer. I had heard Tessa Bailey was a lot of fun and a little bit spicy. I would say that’s a fair description of her writing. This book follows an LA socialite to a small seaside town where she and her sister are forced to live for a short time. Naturally, the big city girl comes to the small town and falls in love with it all. Think Hallmark movie plot with HBO liberties. It was a fun read, and I’m already on the wait list for the book about this main character’s sister.

The Bodyguard- Katherine Center

For book club we read The Bodyguard. I enjoyed this book, but it was just okay. I say that because when I had to put it down, I wasn’t compelled to pick it up again or stay up late to finish it. It was a cute story of a female bodyguard that has been given the assignment of a handsome movie star. The close proximity and her recent breakup give you a will they/won’t they vibe. Again, it was cute but just okay for me.

I’m Glad My Mom Died- Jennette McCurdy

Boy, was this a tough one. However, it was incredibly done. This woman is truly a writer. I think that’s why this work so well. Jennette McCurdy did not have an easy childhood. One might even say it was a tad tumultuous. She explains in great detail her mom’s influence on her life, her disordered eating, and her inability to live life for herself. I truly did enjoy this book. I listened on the Libby app. Jennette reads it herself, which must have been tough, but it was nice to hear it in the author’s voice. I hate this term, but know there are tons of trigger warnings.

Matilda- Roald Dahl

After watching Matilda: The Musical on Netflix and loving the 90s movie with Danny DiVito, I knew that Matilda was going to be the perfect story to read to my students. Each class is different, but I knew that my students could handle the harshness of The Trunchbull and the magic of Matilda’s telekinesis. I’d never read this book, and I was blown away at the fun we had while reading it. I found the 90s movie on Youtube, as our school doesn’t allow Netflix, and we were able to do a comparison of the book and the movie during a few lunch breaks. What fun we’ve had! Reading to children is truly one of the greatest joys. Force it upon your kids! 🙂 You’ll all learn to love it.

The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald

My other book club likes to conquer a classic once a year, and this time we chose The Great Gatsby. I think I had read it twice before, but I was more than happy to read it again. I have always been fascinated with the story. This was exacerbated by the release of the movie featuring Leonardo Di Caprio. It’s his best look ever in a film. I digress…. I had different feelings about this tragic story. I felt that perhaps Gatsby was a bit obsessive. I used to find him to be completely enamored with Daisy, but this reading made me feel there was something unstable about him. Do I blame modern times on this thinking? Perhaps. I still enjoyed the story and wanted even more. A member of my book club expressed a need for more of the story about Myrtle’s demise, and I agree! Wouldn’t that have been a fun few chapters in the book! Anyway, I always recommend this book followed up with a watch of the movie.

Gather and Give: Sharing God’s Heart Through Everyday Hospitality- Amy Hannon

Mama kept telling me about this account on Instagram called Euna Mae’s. I finally started following the account and quickly learned to love Amy Hannon. We talked about her and expressed interest in going to one of her events, but mom settled on first giving me her book for Christmas this past year. I decided to take it slow and read it here and there during my quiet time in the morning. It took a long time to finish it, but I did. Along the way I made all but three of the recipes in the book. Each chapter ends with a recipe that is meant for sharing with others. I enjoyed making them so much. The chicken pot pie has been made multiple times in this Norman house. If you love Jesus and desire entertaining, I highly recommend this book to you.

How about that? Seven books in an incredibly busy month. I mean, I feel like it has zoomed by, and I can’t believe it’s over! I’d love to hear if you’ve read any of these books or hear what you’ve read in general. I’m still currently working on the last book in the ACOTAR series called A Court of Silver Flames. I’m also reading The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer during my quiet time now. So far it’s depressing but I’m hoping it will give me hope by the end. I’m also listening to The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn and am loving it! Leave me a comment to tell me your favorite book of April. Why not add more books to our TBR? 🙂

What I Read in 2022

Oh the joy reading brings me! I have been writing book recap blog posts for a while now, and I love to share what I’m reading in real time over on my Instagram page, too. Because I read so much, I like to set a yearly goal. Every year the goal is to read one more book than I did the year before. My goal for 2022 was 60 books. I read 69!! Here they are in the order in which they were read.

January Titles

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever- Barbara Robinson | Read for my class. It’s a funny story about a church Christmas pageant and a lovely take on the nativity through the eyes of some bad kids. Love this one!
Bringing Down the Duke-Evie Dunmore | A good story with strong female characters. A bit of a steamy read.
The Book of Lost Names- Kristen Harmel (My favorite of the month.) | WWII novel about a woman who forged false papers for people. I waited for 6 months for this book at the library, and it was worth the wait.
A Court of Thorns and Roses- Sarah J. Maas | Everyone said I should read it. They were right.

Februray Titles

The Devil Wears Prada- Lauren Weisberger | It was available in audio format at the library, so I gave it a reread, well, listen. I forgot how much different it was from the movie. Still good.
When Life Gives You Lululemons- Lauren Weisberger | This was funny and cute. Follows Emily from The Devil Wears Prada. Never imagined her to be like she is!
Zombies Don’t Play Soccer- Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones (The Adventure of the Bailey School Kids) | Year after year my students love these books.
Transcendent Kingdom- Yaa Gyasi | Tough story about opioid addiction and loss but beautifully told. Excellent for book clubs.
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge- Phaedra Patrick | This one was not good. Very unrealistic and, well, just not good.
In Five Years- Rebecca Serle | Compelling story that has a bit of time travel. Extremely sad but also very good.
Taste- Stanley Tucci (My favorite of the Month) | Listen to the audiobook to hear him read it but buy the physical copy for the recipes! That’s what I did.

March Titles

The Lions of Fifth Avenue- Fiona Davis ( My favorite of the month) | I couldn’t believe some of the things that happened in this story.
Ghosts Don’t Eat Potato Chips- Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones (The Adventure of the Bailey School Kids) | Better than the soccer one.
Things We Never Got Over- Lucy Score | I didn’t like the writing (though I’m in the minority). I was invested in the characters, but I thought it lacked imagination and depth.
Inheritance- Katharine McGee | This book was a prequel to the American Royals book series. I’ve been loving these characters.

April Titles

Local Woman Missing- Mary Kubica (My favorite of the month) | This book has a great twist- I didn’t see it coming! Very compelling read.
The Matzah Ball- Jean Meltzer | Pretty cheesy but cute. It’s about a Jewish woman who writes Christmas stories. There’s some elements of chronic illness in it, which was something I’ve never encountered in literature.
The Atlas Six- Olive Blake | This was a very popular book series, but I didn’t like it. I just think it’s not my genre. Check out the synopsis before you discount it. Lots of people love it.
Where the Crawdads Sing- Delia Owens | Are we allowed to talk about her anymore? I know she’s steeped in controversy, like murder controversy. Anyway, I reread it to get reacquainted with the story before I watched the movie when it came out in the summer.

May Titles

Lonesome Dove- Larry McMurtry (My favorite book of the year) | An incredible story that will have you feeling literally all the feels. You’ll laugh then cry and miss them when the story is over. If you read a western in your life, read this one.
The House in the Cerulean Sea- T.J. Klune | This book was interesting, weird, entertaining, and a little unsettling. It’s a book a man who is assigned to a home of strange children. One child is named Lucy. He’s the son of satan but is a likeable character who might actually have good in him. Like I said, it’s weird but a good story with lots of happy feelings and a sense of belonging for the outcasts of the world.
In a New York Minute- Kate Spencer | This story had a great meet-cute on the subway. It wasn’t very realistic, but it was an endearing love story nonetheless.
The Home Wreckers- Mary Kay Andrews | There was a good story-within-a-story in this book. I wanted more of that. It was mysterious and lighthearted like most MKA books. I thought I had the mystery figured out, but I didn’t! Liked it a lot.
A Court of Mist and Fury- Sarah J. Maas | Like everyone else says: it was better than the first one!

June Titles

The Big Door Prize- M. O. Walsh | A book about a machine that can tell you what you should do with your life. A small Louisiana town experiences such a machine and you get to witness that upheaval that town goes through. Not anything like I thought it was going to be, but I really liked how it made me think.
Matrix- Lauren Groff | Gosh, what a beautifully written book. The prose just wraps you up and leaves your mouth agape. It’s a book about medieval nuns, but it’s not what you think. Quite the story.
Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind- Ann B. Ross | I had so much fun getting to know Miss Julia and want to read more about her.
The Personal Librarian- Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray | I liked the historical portions of this book about J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian who was a black woman that passed for a white woman. Great story.
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler- E. L. Konigsburg | I started this one with my students, but they didn’t like it. I finished it in the summer and loved it. The ending was especially wonderful.
Meant to Be- Emily Giffin (My favorite of the month) | Oh my goodness! Just read it! It’s a reimagining of what could have been with JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessett Kennedy.
Beach Read- Emily Henry | I am the only person in the world that does not like this author and her books. I’m sure you’ll love it, but I’ve yet to enjoy one of her stories. They annoy me.

July Titles

Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?- Lizzie Damilola Blackburn | This was a lovely story about a Nigerian woman who has an overbearing mother and aunties who want her to get married. She discovers herself in the book, and I loved that journey. Seriously great book.
The House Across the Lake- Riley Sager | This book had me up until the big twist. Then I was out. All the way out. No thank you.
28 Summers- Elin Hilderbrand | Ugh! What a gut punch. But it was wonderful.
The Love of My Life- Rosie Walsh | Took me a while to get into it but once I did, I was hooked. Imagine thinking you know who you’re married to and then BAM you don’t! Great story.
It Ends with Us- Colleen Hoover | Jumped on this bandwagon. So glad I did! You should too.
The Paris Apartment- Lucy Foley | This was a pretty good mystery. Not amazing but good.
The Lifestyle- Taylor Hahn | This was supposed to be a reimagining of Emma by Jane Austen with a singers twist. Weird and not for me.
Nora Goes Off Script- Annabel Monaghan | Super cute story of a writer who allows a film to shoot at her home. She meets the lead actor and well, you can imagine what happens next. It was very good.
The Hotel Nantucket- Elin Hilderbrand | Loved this end of summer book. I wish I could stay at this fictional hotel.
Reminders of Him- Colleen Hoover (My favorite of the month) | I didn’t think she could top herself with It Ends with Us, but I was wrong. This one was better. I cried for three solid chapters, but it was worth it.

August Titles

The Sixth Wedding- Elin Hilderbrand | This was a sequel to 28 Summers. I enjoyed revisiting some of these characters. Short and sweet and enjoyable.
Freckle Juice- Judy Blume | I love reading this every year to my students at the beginning of the year.
Things We Do in the Dark- Jennifer Hillier | This mystery didn’t pick up until about page 200. I’d say skip it.
Rivals- Katherine McGee | Finally the next installment of the American Royals series. I thought it was the final book but NO!! More to come! Hooray!

September Titles

Prep– Curtis Sittenfeld | I’m normally a Curtis Sittenfeld fan, but this one was supremely boring and annoying.
Once Upon a Wardrobe– Patti Henry | A feel good novel with a C. S. Lewis connection that tugs at your heartstrings.
The Paper Palace– Miranda Cowley | A complicated tale of forbidden love. The ending left me wanting more, though, not necessarily in a good way.
Anne of Green Gables– L. M. Montgomery | How have I never read this until my 30s? It had me laughing and crying. A must-read.
Persuasion– Jane Austen | After watching the new film on Netflix (which I loved), I had to read it. I listened to the Audible production, and it was wonderful.

October Titles

The It Girl– Ruth Ware | In true Ruth Ware fashion, it’s a good mystery. I found it to be a little too long for my personal taste, but it was pretty good.
Carrie Soto is Back– Taylor Jenkins Reid | I’ve yet to read a book by TJR that I didn’t like. I’ve never wanted to play/watch tennis more. Also, I am totally open to reading more sports books.
The Mother Next Door– Tara Laskowski | This Halloween based whodunit was a fun audiobook to get you in the spirit of Halloween without the scare factor.
The Love Hypothesis– Ali Hazelwood | Just as good as everyone said it was. I will definitely read more from her.
Run, Rose, Run– James Patterson and Dolly Parton | You must do the audiobook for this one. Dolly voices a character, which was delightful to my ears.
Stuart Little– E. B. White | I’d never read this book and decided to read it to my students. None of us really liked it.
Olive, Again– Elizabeth Strout | Olive is a delightfully strange character that I want more of. Elizabeth Strout is a beautiful writer.

November Titles

It Starts with Us– Colleen Hover | I definitely enjoyed getting more of the story of Lily and Atlas. If you loved It Ends with Us, you must read this sequel.
The Other Einstein– Marie Benedict | My main takeaway from this book was that women are incredible and Albert Einstein was a tool. (If any of the things about him are true)
The Best Worst Christmas– Kate Forster | This is an Audible exclusive and was very cute. I wanted a Christmas story, and that’s what I got. It was short and funny.
Ready Freddy in Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble– Abby Klein | I read this one every year to my class. Short, hilarious, and holds their attention. Love it!
This is Where I Leave You– Jonathan Tropper | While the movie is okay, you must read this book! Darkly funny and all the family dysfunction.
Funny You Should Ask– Elissa Sussman | Fun tale about a romance with a superstar. I enjoyed these characters.

December Titles

The Tobacco Wives– Adele Myers | I just loved this story about the wives of the men in the tobacco industry and how they start to discover that glamorous cigarettes maybe aren’t all that great after all.
The Last Thing He Told Me– Laura Dave | I couldn’t stop with this story. It’s a fast paced mystery that has an ending that tugged on my heartstrings and delivered a gut punch all in a matter of a few paragraphs.
A Christmas Carol– Charles Dickens | A delight to read after seeing every movie adaptation ever made, basically. However, I advise reading it along with the audiobook narrated by Tim Curry. He does the best voices.
Christmas in Winchester– Dawn Ramos | A sweet Hallmark movie of a book. I wanted to visit Winchester after I was finished with the story. Adorable.
The Christmas Bookshop– Jenny Colgan | I thought this one was pretty cute. I could definitely see it being played out as a movie or tv show. I enjoyed loving and hating the cast of characters and really loved the setting of the book.
Lessons in Chemistry– Bonnie Garmus | My second favorite book of the year. I couldn’t get over the story of Elizabeth Zott. I think all you girls need to read this one.

Sixty-nine books! Wow! It was a good reading year. I do want to finish he ACOTAR series and would like to read a few more classics this year. Other than that, we’ll see where the year takes me.

The goal for 2023 is 70. I’m not sure how I’ll manage that, but I am up for the challenge. As I mentioned before, I share and recommend books in real time over on Instagram, and I plan to keep that up this year. I’m looking forward to what this year has in store for reading. Please leave a comment with your favorite book or books of 2022. I’d love to see them!