Tuesday, September 1, 2015

August Confessions

Is it me or does summer get shorter every year? I can't believe August is over and before we know it there will be pumpkins, mums, and falling leaves. Even some of the leaves on the trees in my backyard are starting to turn colors and fall. While this is all very pretty, the summer girl in me is devastated. I could use a few more months of summer! Anyway, I had a pretty good reading month.  There wasn't a book that was especially stellar; in fact, there were a lot of middle of the road books. I guess not every book can be five stars, right?

Books Read in August:
1.  The Blue by Lucy Clarke - 4 out of 5 stars
2.  The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle - 3.5 out of 5 stars
3.  The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki - 4 out of 5 stars
4.  Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas - 4 out of 5 stars
5.  If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins - 3.5 out of 5 stars
6.  Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead - 3.5 out of 5 stars (review to come)
7.  The Sisters of Versailles by Sally Christie - 3.5 out of 5 stars (review to come)
8.  Tiny Little Thing by Beatriz Williams - 4 out of 5 stars (review to come)
9.  The Appearance of Annie van Sinderen by Katherine Howe - 3.5 out of 5 stars (review to come)

Did Not Finish:

  • Everybody Rise by Stephanie Clifford and Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines - For my reasons why, check out my It's Not You, It's Me post
  • Anne & Henry by Dawn Ius - I just couldn't. This contemporary retelling of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII did not shine for me. I couldn't get past the casting of Katherine of Aragon as a blonde devious cheerleader. That's not how I see her at all. She's more like a Catholic schoolgirl, if you ask me, but more on this later.




1.  Favorite Book: Tiny Little Thing by Beatriz Williams - Although I didn't love this one as much as A Hundred Summers and The Secret Life of Violet Grant, I still thoroughly enjoyed this Kennedy-esque tale.  Review to come in September.

2.  Biggest Surprise: The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki - I really enjoyed learning more about the Hapsburg Court and Empress Sisi. Fascinating stuff!

3.  Biggest Disappointment: There were three books I DNF this month.  They definitely are my biggest disappointments. I just don't have time for books that don't immediately draw me in. I want to be "wowed" and that doesn't seem to be happening much lately.

4.  Favorite Post: If You Love Stories About Royals...

5.  Favorite Part of August: My favorite part of August would have to be pushing myself to get back into running.  It feels good to hit some goals, especially when you didn't think you could do it. I love proving myself wrong! 

So, what is your favorite book that you read this month? What was your favorite part of August? Are you looking forward to September? Let me know!

10 comments:

  1. I am hoping to read Tiny Little Thing sometime soon. I am going to be reading Along the Infinite Sea for review so I thought I should get caught up. I also want to read The Accidental Empress after reading your review of it.

    I am very sad that August and summer basically is over. I am going to try to enjoy the fall though I hate that the nights get darker, the weather gets colder and rainier and winter is on its way :(

    My favorite book of August is a tie between Ink and Bone and Everything, Everything. Dumplin' was pretty good too. My most disappointing book was Soundless by Richelle Mead, not because I didn't like it but because it didn't live up to her other YA fiction. Another contender is The Lure of the Moonflower by Lauren Willig which I started but haven't finished.

    My favorite part of August was my trip to Canada. This month I'm looking forward to watching season 6 of Downton Abbey, reading some good books (Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson for one) and trying the new PSL at Starbucks (I usually just drink steamers since I shouldn't have caffeine but I'm going to break the rule to learn what the fuss is about).

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    1. I think you'll like Tiny Little Thing, Christina. It wasn't my favorite of her novels, but still very good.

      Me too! You know I love summer. I will have to check out Ink and Bone. Sounds like something I'd enjoy. Are you watching DA early? If so, I am jealous. I am excited for the last season, but also sad, if you follow me. Thanks for visiting, Christina!

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  2. Shoot! I have Anne and Henry on my list for this week and had such high hopes for it. I saw a 2-star review yesterday and now a DNF here, now I'm sort of dreading it! Maybe I'll fare a little better, who knows. I'm sorry it just didn't work for you Christina!

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    1. Maybe you'll enjoy it, Jenny! You never know! I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Thanks for visiting!

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  3. Yeah, I skipped the new Abbi Glines.....

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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    1. Yeah, I'm not sure she is the author for me. Thanks for visiting, Kate!

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  4. Oooh, yea, I'm not sure I'm as excited about Anne & Henry now lol. I may still try it, but like you, I don't have time right now for books that don't grab me somewhat immediately. Oh I loved The Accident Season! But I knew from how different and bizarre the writing style was that it definitely wasn't going to a favorite for everyone. :D

    Good luck with your running goals! I'm definitely not a runner LOL, but I love taking long walks around my little town and getting to my step-count goals every day! :D

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    1. I hope you do enjoy Anne & Henry. It wasn't for me, but you never know! I enjoyed The Accident Season as well...it wasn't my favorite, but I appreciated the writing and atmospheric qualities. Thanks for visiting, Becky!

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  5. I'm so ready for fall! Football!!! Lol. What was my favourite last month? Probably both books by Ernest Cline. Have a fantastic September, Christina!

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    1. I love football too, Joy. So excited for it! I will have to check out Ernest Cline. He is new to me. Thanks for visiting!

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