July Confessions

Oh my gosh! It's already the end of July?!? It's crazy how quickly the summer goes compared to the winter months. This month I had a good reading month (at least for me!), due to the audio books I supplemented with.  Also, I read some really great books this month and a lot of middle-of-the-road type of reads that left me feeling a bit meh.... Let me know what you think! 

Books Read in July:

1.  Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand (Adult Fiction) - 5 out of 5 stars 

2.  That Summer by Jennifer Weiner (Adult Fiction/Audio Book) - 3.5 out of 5 stars

3.  The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (YA Fantasy) - 3.5 out of 5 stars  - Review to come!

4.  New Girl in Little Cove by Damhnait Monaghan (Adult Fiction/Audio Book) - 3.5 out of 5 stars 

5.  Haven Point by Virginia Hume (Adult Historical Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars 

6.  The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

7.  The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews (Adult Fiction) - 3 out of 5 stars 

8.  The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George (Adult Romance/Audio Book) - 3.5 out of 5 stars  - Review to come!

9.  A Summer to Remember by Erika Montgomery (Adult Historical Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

 

1. Favorite Book: Golden Girl was my absolute favorite book. For me, Hilderbrand keeps getting better and better. So good!

 
2.  Biggest Surprise: New Girl in Little Cove was so charming! It was such a cozy read and just what I needed! 

3.  Biggest Disappointment: I didn't love The Newcomer, which is odd, because normally Andrews writes such great beach reads that combine some element of a mystery. For me, this one fell extremely flat.

 
4.  Favorite Post: Blog Tour: Radar Girls

 

5.  Favorite Part of July:  I loved spending a weekend at the shore. It was a much needed break. We also celebrated my son's 9th birthday this month. It's been a busy, but fun month for my family filled with camps, pool time, and celebrations. I can't believe we are already approaching August!

 

So, what was your favorite book of the month that you read and did you have any disappointments? Let know in the comments below.

 

May and June Confessions

We have reached the portion of the summer where I'd like it to slow down a bit! How is it already July? I still have so many beach reads to before the summer's end.  What about you? Meanwhile, here's the books I read in May and June. 

Books Read in May and June: 

1.  The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton (Adult Historical Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars

2.  The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth (Adult Fiction/Audio Book) - 4 out of 5 stars 

3.  The Family Reunion by Nancy Thayer (Adult Fiction/Audio Book) - 3.5 out of 5 stars 

4.  The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (Adult Fiction) - 4.5 out of 5 stars

5.  The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Kay Andrews (Adult Fiction) - 3 out of 5 stars  

6.  Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Adult Fiction) - 5 out of 5 stars 

7.  Summertime Guests by Wendy Francis (Adult Fiction/Audio Book) - 3.5 out of 5 stars

8.  Blush by Jamie Brenner (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars 

9.  The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner (Adult Historical Fiction/Audio Book) - 4 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

10.  Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley (Adult Fiction/Audio Book) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

11.  Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars 

12.  The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars  - Review to come! 

 

May and June Top Five:

1. Favorite Book: Malibu Rising was so, so good and The People We Meet on Vacation was also fantastic. It was a great month for engaging and memorable beach reads.

2.  Biggest Surprise: The Lost Apothecary took me by surprise. It was such a great mash-up of fantasy and historical fiction. I really enjoyed the audio version!

3.  Biggest Disappointment: The Summer of Lost and Found was a big disappointment for me, mostly because it focused a too much on COVID. I wasn't ready to relive it all, which is a shame because Mary Alice Monroe usually writes such solid beach reads.

 
4.  Favorite Post: My Favorite Historical Beach Reads

5.  Favorite Part of May and June: My family's trip to Disney was, hands down, the best part of May and June. It was so magical and I can't wait to go back.

What was your favorite book of the month? Were you disappointed by any books? Let me know in the comments below.

March and April Confessions

Before I go on a blog break to take a much needed family vacation, I wanted to share with you guys the books I read in March and April.  There were so many good ones!  And my heart skips a beat thinking about the amazing beach reads that are coming up in the next few months.

 

Books Read in March & April:

1.  The Rose Code by Kate Quinn (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4.5 out of 5 stars 

2.  Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig (Adult HIstorical Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars 

3.  Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton (Audio/Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars  (Review to come!)

4.  Eternal by Lisa Scottoline (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars

5.  Sunflower Sisters by Martha Hall Kelly (Adult Historical Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars

6.  Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan (Adult Historical Fiction/Audio Book) - 4.5 out of 5 stars 

7.  Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars  (Review to come!)

8.  The Last Night in London by Karen White (Adult Historical Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars 

9.  The Bookstore on the Beach by Brenda Novak (Adult Fiction/Audio Book) - 3 out of 5 stars  (Review to come!)

10.  The Social Graces by Renee Rosen (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars 

11.  Before the Crown by Fiona Harding (Adult Historical Fiction/Audio Book) - 4 out of 5 stars (Review to come!)

 

1. Favorite Book: I absolutely loved The Rose Code and Surviving Savannah---both outstanding examples of compelling historical tales. 

2.  Biggest Surprise: The Social Graces was a bit of a surprise to me in that I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. I definitely want to check out Rosen's other novels in the future. 

3.  Biggest Disappointment: The Bookstore on the Beach was a bit of a disappointment. I was ready for a delightful beach read and it ended up being anything but. It took a dark turn!

 
4.  Favorite Post: Books on the Big Screen: The Woman in the Window

5.  Favorite Part of March & April:  The highlight has most definitely been getting vaccinated. I also have been recovering my surgeries and I am now ready to enjoy the upcoming summer!

 

So, what was your favorite book that you read this month? Let me know in the comments below.

 

February Confessions

Well, I went into the month of February thinking I was going to read allllll the books since I was recovering from surgery. That wasn't the case. I found it really hard to concentrate after my surgery. My brain from all the medication was a bit fuzzy for quite sometime, so I found myself gravitating towards TV shows for the most part. I was able to tackle a decent amount of books towards the end of the month, so I am happy about that.  I am also happy I made time for Kristin Hannah's latest novel. In one more month and I'll be breaking out all the beach reads!  

 

Books Read in February:

1.  The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn (Adult Romance/Audio Book) - 4 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

2.  The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4.5 out of 5 stars  

3.  The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George (Adult Historical Fiction/Romance) - 4 out of 5 stars

 

4.  The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4.5 out of 5 stars 

 

5.  The Love Proof by Madeleine Henry (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars 

 

6.  Ladies of the House by Lauren Edmondson (Adult Fiction) 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

7.  HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes - 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

 

 

1. Favorite Book: I really liked The Four Winds and The Invisible Woman.....both are excellent historical reads. 

2.  Biggest Surprise: The Heiress Gets a Duke surprised me in the sense that I wasn't sure I'd like a traditional romance novel, but I really enjoyed this one. It was the perfect escape after surgery and I'll definitely be picking up book two this summer. 

3.  Biggest Disappointment: Every book I read this month was really enjoyable. I did think I'd like HRH a bit more than I did. I loved all the pictures, but some of the commentary was a bit tedious and repetitive at times.  It's a decent coffee table book though with the pictures being the biggest appeal. 

 
4.  Favorite Post: Books on the Big Screen: Firefly Lane

5.  Favorite Part of February: I really enjoyed spending time with my Valentines. I was recovering from surgery, so it has been nice to slow down a bit and take it easy. 

 

So, what was your favorite book that you read this month? Let me know in the comments below.

 

January Confessions

January was such a weird month.  I thought I was going to read much more than I did, but the events in the USA in early January had me glued to the news.  Then I was glued to the inauguration, which was wonderful to watch.  I am hoping February will be much calmer and I can really tackle my TBR list.  

Books Read in January:

1.  Winter Solstice (Winter Street #4) by Elin Hilderbrand  (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars  (Review to come)

2.  The War Widow by Tara Moss (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4.5 out of 5 stars

3.  The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly (Adult Historical Fiction) 4 out of 5 stars 

4.  Seven Stones to Stand or Fall by Diana Gabaldon (Adult Fiction/Audio Book) - 4 out of 5 stars  (Review to come)

5.  The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars  (Review to come)

6. You Have a Match by Emma Lord (YA Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars

1. Favorite Book: I really liked The War Widow. It was such a great historical mystery and the perfect escape.  I'll definitely continue with the series.

2.  Biggest Surprise: You Have a Match was a cute YA read. I wasn't sure if a summer camp setting would work for me when reading it in the middle of winter, but it did! It was nice to daydream of warmer days. 

3.  Biggest Disappointment: The Wife Upstairs was a decent thriller, but based on everyone's reviews I was expecting to be blown away. 

 
4.  Favorite Post: My Most Anticipated Reads for First Half of 2021

5.  Favorite Part of January: All this time at home with my family has at times made me stir crazy, but it has been nice to slow down, watch movies, play board games, and get outside together.  I am ready for spring though!

 

So, what was your favorite book that you read this month? Let me know in the comments below.

 

November/December Confessions

Whoa! I feel like November just started and here we are at the end of the year. It truly flew by (Good Riddance, 2020!) and although the holiday season was a bit different this year, I really enjoyed the down time. How about you guys?

 

Books Read in November and December:

1.  The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars 

2.  Just the Nine of Us by Jean Kennedy Smith (Audio Book/Memoir) - 4 out of 5 stars 

3.  Dark Tides by Philippa Gregory (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars 

4.  The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (Audio Book/Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars 

5.  The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars  (Review to come)

6.  Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit by Chris Matthews (Audio Book/Biography) - 4 out of 5 stars 

7.  Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words by Andrew Morton - (Audio Book/Biography) - 4 out of 5 stars (Review to come)

8.  In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars  

9.  Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars

10.  Red Sky in Hawaii by Sara Ackerman (Audio Book/Adult Historical Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars  (Review to come)

11.  The Awakening by Nora Roberts (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars (Review to come)

12.  Everything Beautiful in its Time by Jenna Bush Hager (Biography/Memoir) - 4 out of 5 stars  (Review to come)

 

November & December Top Five:

1. Favorite Book:  The Midnight Library is definitely my favorite of both months. It is such a good read that really made me think, too!

2.  Biggest Surprise: The Awakening was a bit of a surprise for me, because I didn't expect it to have so many fantasy elements. It also read like a young adult novel at times. This didn't bother me, but it was unexpected, especially since it's written by Nora Roberts. 

3.  Biggest Disappointment: The Lying Life of Adults was beautifully written, but I didn't love it as much as My Brilliant Friend.

 
4.  Favorite Post: If You Like the Kennedys

5.  Favorite Part of November and December: I had a much slower holiday, just like many other people. It was a nice change to relax a bit more and take a step back from the usual holiday fanfare. I love watching the holiday magic unfold through my sons' eyes.

 

I hope everyone had a nice holiday and is ready to start a new year.  Let me know your favorite book of the month in the comments below.  

October Confessions

Goodbye, October! 'Tis the season for all the fireside and cozy reads. I have a few ones that I am excited for, because that's what we need after this crazy year, right? Cozy reads for the win!

Books Read in October:

1.  The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars

2.  The Glass Ocean by Karen White, Lauren Willig, and Beatriz Williams (Audio Book/Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

3.  Troubles in Paradise (Paradise #3) by Elin Hilderbrand (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars 

4.  Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (Adult Fiction/Classic) - 4 out of 5 stars

5.  Chance of a Lifetime by Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets - 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

6.  Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero by Chris Matthews (Biography/Audio Book)  - 4 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

1. Favorite Book:  I think it's a tie between The Glass Ocean and Troubles in Paradise. Both books were good in their own ways...Troubles was a great escape and The Glass Ocean was a fantastic historical read---just what we would expect from Team W. 

2.  Biggest Surprise: Rebecca really took my by surprise. I didn't except such beautiful writing and quote-worthy lines, but I guess that is what makes it a classic.

3.  Biggest Disappointment: Chance of a Lifetime was just ok for me. I was hoping to care much more for the characters and for the story to have more of an Outlander vibe. That wasn't the case, but it was a nice escape overall. 

4.  Favorite Post: Books on the Big Screen: Rebecca

5.  Favorite Part of October: We had some warm days in October, so it was nice to still enjoy the sunshine and lots of walks outdoors. 

How about you guys? What was your favorite book of the month? Let me know in the comments below

September Confessions

Somehow September is already over. Whoa! It just flew by. Anyone else at home with kids learning from home? I think the craziness of the day makes the weeks just fly by! 

I read a lot of different genres this month---a beach read, a YA novel, historical fiction, non-fiction audio book, and (eeek!) a horor novel. I was all over the place!

Books Read in September:

1.  The View From Here by Hannah McKinnon (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars
2.  The Switch by Beth O'Leary (Audio Book/Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars
3.  Majesty (American Royals #2) by Katherine McGee (YA Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars

4.  The Woman Before Wallis by Brynn Turnbull (Adult Historical Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

5.  The House of Kennedy by James Patterson and Cynthia Fagen (Audio Book/Biography) - 4.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

6.  Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno- Garcia (Adult Fiction/Horror) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

DNF:

The Second Home by Christina Clancy 

 

1. Favorite Book:  I absolutely loved the audio book of The House of Kennedy. If you love the Kennedy family, you'll appreciate this one! I was completely obsessed with this audio book.

2.  Biggest Surprise:  Majesty was so much fun! I really needed a good escape and it was exactly what I was looking for!

3.  Biggest Disappointment: Mexican Gothic was just ok for me. I loved 75% of the novel, but the last quarter of the novel was just bizarre for lack of a better word. I am still processing it!

4.  Favorite Post: My Summer Reading Recap

5.  Favorite Part of September: I loved spending the afternoon apple picking with family. It was just what we needed.  Have you hit up an apple orchard yet?

How about you guys? What was your favorite book of the month? Let me know in the comments below

August Confessions

Goodbye, August! What a strange month it has been, but we tried to make the best of it. I can't believe my oldest is already back to school.

I tried to read as many beach reads as I could this month and I am glad I got around to a few more from my never ending list. I hope to read even more until the end of September.  What books did you read this month?

Books Read in August:
1.  Two Truths and a Lie by Megan Mitchell Moore (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars
2.  The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars
3.  Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner (Adult Fiction) 3.5 out of 5 stars
4.  Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch (Audio book/Biography)  4 out of 5 stars
5.  On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe (Adult Fiction) -  3.5 out of 5 stars
6.  The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4.5 out 5 stars - Review to come!
7.  The Guest List by Lucy Foley (Audio Book/Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

1. Favorite Book:  The Exiles was outstanding. It had everything I love in a historical fiction.  Fans of historical fiction won't want to miss this one. It's definitely one of my favorite books of the year. 

2.  Biggest Surprise:  Big Summer ended up being a BIG surprise for me since I didn't see that plot twist coming!

3.  Biggest Disappointment: I can't say that I was disappointed by any books this month, although a lot of them were decent beach reads and not mind-blowing by any means.

4.  Favorite Post: Blog Tour: The Switch

5.  Favorite Part of August:  August has been a strange month, but I enjoyed all the extra time with my kids at the pool and doing fun activities at home. We were able to take one last trip to the Jersey shore, so that was extra special.




How about you guys? What was your favorite book of the month? Let me know in the comments below.

July Confessions

This is how it always is, right? The summer just flies by. I can't quite believe it's already August. My son heads back to school August 31st.  I haven't been enjoying much reading outside this year as in past years (it's been really hot here in PA), but I did manage to read six books this month, which I am pretty happy about.  I am hoping to squeeze in as many beach reads as possible this coming month.


Books Read in July:
1.  Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams (Adult Historical Fiction) -  3.5 out of 5 stars
2.  The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4.5 out of 5 stars
3.  Cashelmara by Susan Howatch (Audio Book/Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars
4.  The Heir Affair (The Royal We #2) by Jessica Morgan and Heather Cocks (Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars
5.  Girls of Summer by Nancy Thayer (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars
6.  A Week at the Shore by Barbara Delinsky (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come

1. Favorite Book:  The Last Train to Key West is such a good read. I've read quite a few books about the Labor Day Hurricane, but Cleeton brought something new to the story. If you like historical fiction focusing on strong women, you'll appreciate this novel the most.

2.  Biggest Surprise:  Cashelmara took me by surprise. I was definitely hooked on this audio book that spans generations.  

3.  Biggest Disappointment: A Week at the Shore was a bit disappointing to me in that it involved a lot of family drama and got a little depressing at times. I prefer my beach reads to be a bit more lighter and to focus on the coastal setting a little more.

4.  Favorite Post:  Books For Little Beach Bums

5.  Favorite Part of July: We celebrated my son's birthday with extended family this month. It was a socially distanced party and we wore masks. It was so nice to see family members that I haven't seen since Christmas and socialize like normal people (even though we were wearing masks, etc). 

How about you guys? What was your favorite book of the month? Let me know in the comments below. 

June Confessions

I didn't get nearly as much reading as I would have liked to this month, but what can I say? It's a strange time and I am still finding it hard to concentrate on reading as much as I normally would.  I find myself wanting summer to slow down, but I also want to fast forward this year since it's been pretty much a dumpster fire.  

On a positive note, I did really like listening to Normal People and am currently watching the show on Hulu. I love when I can read a book before watching the show!  Did you see the show or read the book? Let me know your thoughts.

I did read some amazing beach reads (28 Summers!!!) this summer and hope to read even more in July. Fingers crossed!



Books Read in June:
1.  The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars
2.  Normal People by Sally Rooney (Audio Book/Adult Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars - Review to come!
3.  Summer Darlings by Beatrice Lea Foster (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4 out of 5 stars
4.  28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand (Adult Fiction) - 5 out of 5 stars
5.  The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

Children's Chapter Books:
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (Children's Fiction) - 5 out of 5 stars

1. Favorite Book:  28 Summers was most definitely my favorite book of the month and will definitely be on my list of favorite books of 2020. It was so good and I highly recommend it, especially if you are looking for a good escape.

2.  Biggest Surprise:  The Jane Austen Society was such a charming read. I could easily see it being a show on PBS. So adorable!

3.  Biggest Disappointment: I can't say that The Lies That Bind was disappointing, but I didn't love it as much as her Darcy and Rachel series.  More on this later. 

4.  Favorite Post:  My Favorite Southern Beach Reads 

5.  Favorite Part of June: My favorite part was life getting back to just a little bit of normalcy. I was able to visit the beach with my family, so that was fantastic. 

How about you guys? What was your favorite book of the month? Let me know in the comments below.