Tuesday, August 1, 2017

July Confessions

Ahh! How is July over? Yikes. Slow down, summer. We have been trying to get down the shore and we were able to for two extended trips. It's so much work with two little ones, but it's so worth it.  I've been reading more YA lately and haven't put them in the DNF pile, so that's a good thing, right?  In fact, a few have been downright stellar. What have you been up to this month? 


I'll be trying to savor every last drop of sunshine this August.  Does anyone have a pause button?

Books Read in July:


1.  Cocoa Beach by Beatriz Williams (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars
2.  The Lake Effect by Erin McCahon (YA Realistic Fiction) - 5 out of 5 stars
3.  I See London, I See France by Sarah Mylonowski (YA Realstic Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars
4.  The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars
5.  Changes in Latitudes by Jen Malone (YA Realistic Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars
6.  Coming Up for Air by Miranda Kenneally (YA Realistic Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars (Review to come!)
7.  Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts (YA Fantasy) - 3.5 out of 5 stars (Review to come!)

Audio Books:

1. Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati (Adult Historical Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars (Review to come!)

Chapter Books/Early Readers:

1.  Captain Underpants and the Talking Toilets by Dav Pilkey - 3 stars
2.  Dog Man by Dav Pilkey - 3 stars
3.  Secret of the Water Dragon (Dragon Masters #3) by Tracey West - 3.5 stars
4.  Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House #1) by Mary Pope Osborne - 4 stars
5.  Knights Before Dawn (Magic Tree House #2) by Mary Pope Osborne - 4 stars
6.  Mummies in the Morning (Magic Tree House #3) by Mary Pope Osborne - 4 stars






1.  Favorite Book:  The Lake Effect  - Outstanding! If you like smart beach reads, you must drop what you are doing and get a copy. Absolutely loved it. 

2.  Biggest Surprise: Coming Up for Air So, I had a strange time reading this book. At first I was completely turned off by the main character. Then I fell in love with the whole friends-to-something more story line; plus, there's competitive swimming!!  I really enjoyed it and by the second half of the novel I was hooked! It's a fun summer read for sure.  I'll be sharing my review this month.

3.  Biggest Disappointment:   Royal Bastards was just an ok read for me. It took me awhile to finish and I felt lukewarm about the whole thing. I never really connected with any of the characters. I was hoping for more of a Jon Snow vibe, but that didn't happen.  Keep your eye out for my review this month.

4.  Favorite Post from July:   If You Love Suspenseful Beach Reads 

5.  Favorite Part of July:  My son's 5th birthday! We had a boardwalk/beach themed birthday party and he had a blast. I can't believe he is five already. 


What I'm Loving:
  • Tiny Fruits - My toddler is obsessed!
  • This Drink - I made it for my son's birthday party as an adult alternative. It was a hit!
  • Hummingbird Feeder -  It's been so cool to see them up close and observe them by our kitchen window.
  • Game of Thrones 
  • Harpoon's on the Bay in Cape May, NJ
  • A Breath of Snow and Ashes audio book - Davina Porter is an incredible narrator.


What I'm Not Loving:
  • The Back to School Displays - what the heck? Can't we just enjoy summer?


What was your favorite book you read this month?  What do you plan to read this August? What have you been loving this month? Let me know in the comments.

6 comments:

  1. The Lake Effect sounds like a good one. I haven't really heard much about it before, but I will check it out! Happy birthday to Dylan. Five already! Time flies!

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    1. I think you'd like it, Leanna. It was smart and oh-so funny. I was laughing out loud. Thanks so much for the birthday wishes. I can't believe he is five either. Eek! Thanks for visiting!

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  2. August already? Say it isn't so! This has become a sad month for me. I noticed last night that it was darker outside when I got home from work. Winter is coming... ;)

    I will have to move The Lake Effect up my TBR pile. Maybe I'll read that one this weekend. It sounds like a lot of fun.

    That is too bad about The Royal Bastards. I've got that one checked out from the library and was looking forward to it.

    My parents have two hummingbird feeders and I enjoy watching the hummingbirds when I'm visiting. They are so pretty and interesting.

    I can't believe your son is 5 already! Happy birthday to him. Glad you had a great time celebrating. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. It is going by too fast isn't it?

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    1. I know. I dread it, Christina. :( I hope you love Lake Effect. It's such a good read. I think you will. I think Royal Bastards is entertaining, but it wasn't my favorite by any means. I look forward to your thoughts. Thanks for the birthday wishes for Dylan. I appreciate it. And yes, summer needs to slow down! Thanks for dropping by!

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  3. The Lake Effect did look amazing, I'll have to be sure and put that on my must-read list. You and I are season-opposites, Christina. I'm over just wishing it would go a little faster so I can get to Fall. I would seriously be happy with an eternal autumn haha. Summer heat just makes me so tired and reluctant to head outdoors. (Not sure it if gets as hot where you are, but we've been right around 105 here all week).
    I may have to look up Davina Porter, either start Outlander or find some others that she's narrated---finding excellent narrators is a rare gem! :D

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    1. I think you'd like The Lake Effect, Becky. Haha. I know so many people that love fall. I like aspects of it, but I love warm weather. WOW! 105! Yeah, it doesn't get that hot here. Very rarely does it hit 100. You should definitely check out the Outlander audio book. It's awesome and Porter is sensational. It's quite long though! Thanks for visiting!

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