What I Have Been Reading

It's been a HOT minute since I have done a reading recap...

The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower: This book was such an interesting read.  It took a dive into the behind the scenes life at the White House.  I found it really informational and full of insight into the goings on in this house.  I loved getting the behind the scenes gossip and a look into how the house is run.  I also appreciated that both political parties were represented without much bias.

Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks: Jumping back on the Sparks train.  Yes this one was predictable but it was enjoyable and it had a good story.  The characters had depth and great stories, their connection was believable and I really enjoyed the story.  I always enjoy the North Carolina scenery, definitely want to stop by Kindred Spirits one day.

America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie: This one was a little harder to get through at times but was interesting none the less.  I learned a lot about more about Thomas Jefferson's daughter and her life.  With cameos from important historical figures scattered throughout, if you are interested in history and life a romance thrown in this one is pretty good. 

Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger: Eh, nothing to really write home about just a chick lit book without much substance.  The book follows three best friends and their journey to change their lives in a year.  Some of the characters were just a little annoying and the story was just ok.

My Last Duchess by Daisy Goodwin: This book follows Cora Cash and her title hungry mother who won't stop until her daughter is married and married well.  She ends up finding a Duke and the book follows her relationship with him trying to find happiness.  The book is pretty long and doesn't really have that much of a story, also the ending just sort of ends without wrapping things up.

So I definitely had a few misses this go-around.  I would love to know what you all have been reading lately.  Let me know down below!

What I have been reading lately

I read a chunk of books, some good some bad, and wanted to share them with you.  Here's what I have been reading lately:

A Desirable Residence by Madeleine Wickham: I picked up this book as it was by the same author who wrote the Shopaholic series (Sophie Kinsela) under a different name.  I am a fan of her other books and was excited for this one.  I was so disappointed, it didn't have a good plot, the character development was nill and I didn't like any of them.  It followed a family who have to sell their house but they are having issues.  Other characters get mixed in and different drama mixes.  The story line just didn't make a lot of sense and it just ended very abruptly with no wrap up.  Thumbs down from me.

Genuine Lies by Nora Roberts: I have done a few reviews on Nora Roberts books and most of them I have enjoyed.  This one was pretty good, it followed Julia, an author, as she starts a new journey writing a biography on the Hollywood star Eve.  Eve lived a crazy life with lots of drama, including many people who are mad about her writing the book for fear of the secrets that would be discovered.  Julia's life is threatened and she has to decide whether it is worth it to continue with the book or not.  It was pretty interesting to get a little insight (fake or not) into the Hollywood life.  There was plenty of drama and a little romance sprinkled in for good measure. 

Austensibly Ordinary by Alyssa Goodnight: I am a fan of Jane Austen for sure so I was interested in this one.  For the most part I enjoyed it, it was a little mixed up, things didn't make sense and it had a lot of random things going on but it was ok.  The main character Cate found a mystery journal that leaves messages of advice for her.  She soon discovers that the messages are from none other than Jane Austen.  She sets off on a journey following the messages to find her happy ending.  

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout: I had high hopes for this one, after all it was a Pulitzer Prize winner.  The main idea is multiple stories of community members and their connecting string is Olive Kitteridge.  I love a good connecting story and how important people are to each other but this one was not my favorite at all.  Overall it was a little depressing and just sad.  The ending really wasn't any better.  Maybe I am missing something really great here but I was unimpressed.  

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis:  My favorite book from this stack and one that I keep thinking about.  I had heard about Katie Davis and her story mentioned but it was so interesting to dive into her story headfirst and see her life.  For those of you unfamiliar, Katie Davis is a girl from Tennessee who moved to Uganda, started a program for underprivileged children and also herself adopted 14 little girls.  She is truly a woman serving her Lord.  Her story is inspiring and her love for people jumps off the page.  It was hard at times to read about the conditions that people live in and the horrors that they face everyday.  It made me think about how blessed I am and how I should bless others.  She found her purpose in serving the Lord, her servant's heart is beautiful.  She inspired me to seek my purpose to pray for guidance and to show love to others.  If you haven't read this one, definitely check it out.  

What have you been reading lately?

What I Have Been Reading

It's the last day in August and that is crazy!  It has been a while since I have shared what I have been reading, I finished four books since my last share.  Check out my review and let me know your opinions:

Habits of the House by Fay Weldon:  I had high hopes for this book, it had Downton Abbey vibes.  It started out interesting, following the house of Lord Dilberne and his family you learn they are having financial trouble and are in search of a wife for their son Arthur in hopes that her dowry will save them.  You get insight from all the characters as well as servants, it just got a little boring, predictable and the characters weren't developed well. 

Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews: I am a fan of Mary Kay Andrews, for a light quick chick lit read she is pretty good.  This one was interesting, a woman's husband leaves her and takes all her money (surprise), she then tells a little lie and things spin crazily out of control with all the other lies.  Yes it was predictable and silly but for a light summer read it did the trick. 

Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler: The most serious book I read this time, it dealt with race, love, friendship and choices made.  Eighty-nine year old Isabelle asks her hairdresser Dorrie to drive her from Texas to Ohio for a funeral.  Along the way Dorrie learns about Isabelle's history and learns about herself.  The story was well written and gave me vibes of The Help. 

Silver Linings by Debbie Macomber: I have been watching Cedar Cove on Netflix and since this book was set there I thought I would give it a go.  Very light read but it was interesting.  It followed three women, one who owns a bed and breakfast in Cedar Cove the other two are coming back for a high school reunion.  They all are figuring out their love lives.  It was a sweet story and if you are a fan of Cedar Cove it is worth a read. 

What have you been reading lately? 

What I Have Been Reading

I finished a stack of books and decided it was time to share.  I haven't been reading as much so I go away from monthly books and am sharing my reads whenever I get a good stack going.

The Pioneer Woman Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond: I really enjoyed this one, Ree Drummond is the cutest.  I haven't really watched her show but I do follow her on instagram and have a few of her cookbooks.  This book follows the love story of meeting her husband and how she went from city girl to ranch wife.  Being a farm girl myself I really enjoyed reading about her experiences (so funny!)  It was well written and I enjoyed getting to know more about the pioneer woman, definitely made me want to read more about her. 

The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews: I like to read Mary Kay Andrews in the summer, they are really easy reads and just fun chick lit.  This one was pretty good, it followed a Washington lobbyist Dempsey who is caught in a political scandal.  She gets out of town and heads to Georgia to work on a house that was left to her dad.  Throw in a little romance, drama and southern charm and you have an easy summer read. 

The Kitchen Boy A Novel of the Last Tsar by Robert Alexander: This was my favorite book in the stack for sure, and also my favorite book I have read in a while.  I talked about this one in my Five Things Friday, it is historical fiction about the Romanav family from their capture to their murder told from the eyes of the kitchen boy.  I couldn't put it down!  If you are a fan of Anastasia, the Romanov's or historical fiction check this one out.   

When Light Breaks by Patti Callahan Henry: This one was pretty good, another southern summer book.  It followed Kara who is getting ready to get married.  She meets an older lady and she shares a story of her first love.  The story touches Kara and makes her think back to her first love.  The story had Irish touches which I enjoyed and overall I really liked it. 

Big Fish by Daniel Wallace: I have seen the movie so I knew what to expect but it was still interesting to read the story and get more details.  For those of you unfamiliar this is a story of Edward Bloom, of his life.  It is told in a series of legends and stories and through them his son William begins to understand his father's greatest feats and failings.  It is a story about family, self, emotional certitude and understanding the relationship between parents and children. 

What have you been reading lately?  

Five Things Friday

It's been a while since I have shared my weekly favorites and I figured it was time to bring it back...I also had a good number of things I really wanted to share.

O-Venture Keyring: I have seen these guys all over instagram and was interested in them.  The ladies were really sweet and sent one over so I could try it out, y'all I love it!  These are leather key rings that are big enough to slip over your wrists.  Honestly they are super awesome and I am obsessed!  My husband even remarked on the usefulness of it when he drove my car the other day.  They are a little pricey but the quality is amazing!

Adair Sandals: In case you missed my post on getting these Jack Rogers for less than $20, check it out here.  I picked the natural cork color and I am obsessed with them!  They were super comfy from the get-go, which is different from all my other Jacks.  Typically they take a little while to break in. They also have a rubberized bottom on the leather so they aren't slippery on the floor.  Definitely thankful for that as I have slipped quite a few times in my other Jacks. Jack Rogers are high quality sandals and I know they are going to last for years so for under $20 you absolutely can't beat it!     

Bobsweep: This was another instagram find, I saw a few people talking about them and looked into what Bobsweep was all about.  I have been wanting a Roomba for years and this guy was another option.  They were really great and sent one to me to try out, I'm hooked.  I set Bob up and he just goes!  I can chill out or work on other home projects and Bob will vacuum my floor, such a time saver.  Yes he gets stuck sometimes and his charge definitely doesn't last long enough to do the whole house but for not being able to always vacuum myself I'm all about Bob!

The Kitchen Boy A Novel of the Last Tsar: I have been really interested in the Romanav family since watching Anastasia when I was little.  It is such an interesting story and something I realized I didn't know a lot of details about.  This book dives into the capture of the Romanavs and their tragic story told through the eyes of the kitchen boy.  He claims to be the last living witness of the tragic murder of the Romanav family and sets out to tell the dark secrets surrounding their deaths.  It is a fictional book but filled with historical facts.  I was so interested in the story and ended up looking up more details on the actual events in history surrounding the Romanavs.  If you are interested in Anastasia or historical fiction check this book out!

Important date art: I got this beautiful date art pieces from Wishfulinkling Designs on etsy and I love it!  She sells just the prints so you have to get your own frame but Michael's or Hobby Lobby have you covered.  Each print is a special date and location, I decided to showcase where we met, got engaged and where we got married.  I love the timeline it shows and the going back and thinking about those places and times in our life. 

What have you been loving lately?

Thrift Haul So many books!!

Yes I went thrifting again...when things are this cheap I really can't stop!  I stopped by my local thrift store and picked up a HUGE pile of books and also a bag, all for less than $4!!

This thrist store is my absolute favorite since they have books for 10 cents!  10 cents y'all!!  I ended up picking up 11 books and am so excited for them!

I have had really good luck with bags at this thrift store lately.  I have eyed this Relic tote bag in stores before but never purchased, so when I saw it for $2 at the thrift store I had to pick it up.  I have been using it nonstop and I love all the pockets.  Honestly I am contemplating picking up another color, I love it that much.

What have you found thrifting?

What I read in February

February is a short month but I feel like this one dragged by a little bit.  I read three books this month, one great, one ok and one terrible.  Keep reading to see which was which.

Ready or Not by Meg Cabot: I read a lot of Meg Cabot when I was younger (any Princess Diaries fans out there??)  I picked this one up at the thrift store and decided to step back into my younger self.  What a disappointment, this book was just blah.  I almost stopped reading it because it made me a little angry but I was already almost half way.  The story of Samantha, who saved the life of the president continues but most of this book concentrated on an agenda focused on sex ed.  Characters were annoying and it was just a disappointment.

Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews: Light and fluffy, this book was a super easy read and for the most part enjoyable.  It follows the basis of a lot of Ms. Andrews' books where the heroine has an issue with a man (in this case her husband is cheating on her) and she is left to start a new life.  It was ok, pretty easy to figure out and nothing too exciting in the characters.  If you are a fan of Mary Kay Andrews it's worth a read.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah: Ok so now for the best book of the month (definitely the best one I have read this year).  I got this one for my birthday and was so excited to jump in.  I actually finished half of it in one sitting, I couldn't not finish it.  Set in Alaska in the 1970s and 80s Hannah describes it as beautiful and visually stunning but also full of dangers.  It is told from the view of the daughter Leni who follows her mom and dad to Alaska.  Her father is a POW struggling with PTSD (before they knew what that was).  Leni discovers that he is abusive to her mother and realizes that the dangers of Alaksa are not always outside.  I loved this book, the characters were so complex and well developed, as with all of Kristin Hannah's books the female characters were especially strong and she delved into what makes them strong.  I really enjoyed the Alaskan setting and it made me want to go there.  Highly recommend this one! 

What have you been reading lately?

What I Got for my Birthday

I recently turned 28 and I'm not sure how I feel about it yet...I did however get some pretty cute things that I wanted to share:

Leopard sandals: I have been eyeing these on Amazon since I saw someone wearing them on Instagram last year.  They are super comfy and I love a good leopard print, it's a neutral after all ;)  

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah: This was the one thing I really wanted and my mom came through.  After reading The Nightingale Kristin Hannah became on of my absolute favorite authors.  I really didn't even know what this book was about but I knew it would be a good one.  I can't wait to start reading!  

Camo Sneakers: Like leopard I consider camo a sort of neutral.  I just recently ordered a camo cardigan that I'm pretty excited about.  I have been really into slip on sneakers and these are really fun.  Super comfy with cute zipper detail.

Cognac Crossbody: If you saw my post on Gucci dupes this bag might look familiar.  I posted about the similarities between this bag and the soho bag.  I love the pebbled faux leather and the size is perfect.  It fits everything you need yet still small and easy to carry.

Starbucks Giftcard: Starbucks giftcards are always a good thing.  Now to decide what I want to spend it on...most likely the Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato.  What is your favorite drink?

Black Tassel Crossbody: My mom came through again with this designer inspired bag from Wal-Mart.  Some of the girls I work with asked me if it was a Kate Spade, it looks so similar.  The quality is pretty good and I am loving the tassel detail.  It also fits a lot of stuff for a small bag.

What I Read in January

The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans:

Richard Paul Evans is one of my favorite authors and my Mom always comes through with his new ones for Christmas.  This one was Christmas themed but I feel like you could read it year round.  It followed a best selling author as he goes back to his childhood home after his mother passes away.  He is forced to face his difficult past when he meets a young woman whose past is interwoven with his.  It was pretty easy to figure out the ending but the story was good and if you are a fan of Mr. Evans I recommend it.

The Last Star by Rick Yancey:

The last book in The 5th Wave series and I was so excited to see the how they ended.  The final book catches back up with Cassie and her group as they try and live in a world taken over by aliens.  I was slightly disappointed with the story, as a whole I enjoyed it but there were questions left unanswered and some awkward moments between characters (romances and drama).  As a whole I felt the series was interesting and generally well done, the first book was definitely the best.  Have you read it?  Let me know what you thought. 

The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty:

I am a fan of Liane Moriarty, I loved What Alice Forgot and Big Little Lies.  This one was a slight disappointment.  It didn't seem quite up to par with the rest of her books.  It was an ok story, I just felt it was predictable and not very original.     

What have you been reading lately?

What I Read in November

This is so late but I wanted to share what I read last month.  Nothing super exciting but I do like to document what I read throughout the year:

Going Home by Nora Roberts: This was a set of three books and was just ehh.  They were all focused around the main character and how their family changed their lives.  Some were coming home, some were already with their family but things were changing.  The story-lines were pretty easy to figure out, nothing surprising.  I enjoyed the first mini book but the other two were just ok.  Nora Roberts has really been hit or miss with me lately.   

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: This was recommended because I read Gone Girl and they have similar tones.  This book was about a woman, Rachel, who is going through a tough time in her life.  She recently got a divorce, after her husband cheated on her.  She is an alcoholic and lost her job.  She rides the train everyday and looks for a husband and wife from the window.  She imagines their life and becomes slightly obsessed with their life.  One day she sees the wife with another man and things start to spiral.  Next thing she hears the woman is missing and the police are at Rachel's door asking where she was the night the woman went missing.  This was a really interesting book, fast paced and surprising end.  If you liked Gone Girl check this one out.  

What have you been reading lately?

Thrift Haul

Random thrift haul but I found some goodies.

First off was this velour floral embroidered sweater that I am IN LOVE with!!  It is so grandma chic and I am all about it.  Plus embroidery and velvet are on trend right now.  This was a little more than I wanted to spend (at $4) but I love it!

This purse was $3.99 and brand new.  There isn't a brand on it but it is so nice!  The color is perfect for fall and I love the crossbody style.

I also picked up three books for 10 cents each...yep that's right.  I found three Mary Kay Andrews books.  I have read a few books from her before and really enjoyed them.

For less than $10 I picked up a sweater, bag and books, pretty good haul.  Have you been thrifting lately?  Let me know your most recent finds.

What I Read in September

It's been a little while since I did a what I read post, I figured it was time I shared.

Return to Sullivans Island by Dorothea Benton Franklin: This book was just ok, easy to figure out and a little slow.  I didn't love the main character so it was hard to connect with the book.  It followed Beth who is fresh out of college and is house-sitting her families beach house for the summer.  She meets a developer and falls head over heels. As per usual there was a lot of drama and also the addition of a ghost in her families house.  It felt a little random but it was ok.  

Captivated & Entranced by Nora Roberts: I have read a couple of books by Nora Roberts and have enjoyed them.  This book was a set of two books.  They followed the Donovan clan who have a secret, they are witches.  The first book focused on Morgana.  She meets Nash, a screen writer who is writing a new movie about a witch. Of course they fall in love and the story continues from there.  This one was really strange and I really wasn't a fan.  The second book followed Sebastian, Morgana's cousin who is able to see the future.  He teams up with a detective to save a stolen baby.  This one was more interesting and I enjoyed the crime case.  

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher: With all the hype around this book I thought I should see what all the fuss was about.  For those of you unfamiliar the book follows Clay as he receives a set of thirteen tapes.  He soon finds out they are from Hannah, a girl who just recently committed suicide.  The tapes are her way of letting everyone know the part they played in her life (good or bad) and whether that led to her decision.  As you can imagine, it was a pretty heavy book.  The writing was really good and I couldn't stop reading.  I'm not sure how I feel about it as it does bring the idea of suicide more to light and can "glamorize" the idea.  It is definitely a book that sticks with you and make you think about the impact you are making on the lives of others.            

Swapping Lives by Jane Green: This one was a cute read.  It followed Vicky and Amber who are unsatisfied with their very different lives.  Vicky is a single magazine journalist living in London who wants nothing more than to get married and have a family.  Amber is a mom of two living a in beautiful mansion in a neighborhood right out of "Desperate Housewives".  Vicky winds up writing an article about "Swapping Lives" and ends up swapping with Amber.  I enjoyed the read, the story line was cute and I liked the characters.  It was an easy read and reminded me of Sophie Kinsella's books. 

Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews: I am a fan of Mary Kay Andrews and really enjoy her books set in and around Atlanta and focusing on strong southern women.  This one was probably my least favorite.  I wasn't crazy about the main character Keeley.  She finds out her fiance is cheating on her with her best friend, during her rehearsal dinner.  Obviously she calls off the engagement.  The rest of the book focuses on her design business and her adventure decorating an old house in the community.  Like I said I wasn't a huge fan.  Keeley was just annoying and I had a hard time connecting with her.  Overall it was an easy read and I enjoyed it but just not my favorite from Mrs. Andrews.  

What have you been reading lately?       

What I Read in July

Over You by Emma McLaughlin: This was my least favorite book from the month.  It is by the women who wrote The Nanny Diaries.  The story line follows a young girl who suffered a bad breakup and then proceeds to make a company helping girls get over a breakup.  The idea was interesting but I just felt like the book was very young and I got bored.
 
Summer by Karen Kingsbury: Another book following the Baxter family.  This one continues with Dayne and Katy and how their relationship is faring in the Hollywood world. It also switches over to Ashley being pregnant but there are some issues with the pregnancy.  The book was surprisingly good.  I was really interested in Ashley and the things she was going through.  I also enjoyed seeing a little bit into the other characters in the Baxter's life that I have read about in other books.  Mrs. Kingsbury's books are always inspirational and on track with Christian beliefs.    

The Next Always by Nora Roberts: This is my second Nora Roberts book and it was just ok.  Set in Boonsboro, Maryland it follows the Montgomery family who are working to refinish the Boonsboro Inn.  Clare owns the bookstore across the street and she and Beckett Montgomery develop a relationship.  I felt like there was a lot going on in this book: relationship, refinishing, a ghost, and a stalker.  I didn't feel a big connection to the characters and the building of the relationship felt a little thrown together.  Quick read but just ok.    

After You by Jojo Moyes: The sequel to Me Before You continues with Louisa and how she is dealing with life after Will.  She is struggling to say the least.  She joins a grief counseling meeting, has an accident, and a secret from Will's past changes her life.  I really enjoyed getting to step back into Louisa's life and see how she is dealing with her grief.

What have you been reading this month?  

What I Read in June

Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank: This is my second book by Mrs. Frank and it was pretty good.  Just an easy light summer read.  The story focuses on Jackie a single mom who with her son moves back in with her mother for the summer.  Her mom and dad have had off and on marital problems and Jackie's husband has recently passed away.  It is a story about family and the ties that bind us all together.  It was a quick and easy read and I enjoyed it.

Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews: I am a fan of Mary Kay Andrews books.  They are always easy to read, lighthearted and filled with great characters.  This book followed Weezie, an antique picker, a murder, a hot chef all set in southern Savannah.  I really enjoyed this one, it was a quick read and I really liked reading about Weezie's picking adventures.

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey: "How do you rid the earth of seven billion humans?  Rid the humans of their humanity."  This is the second book in The 5th Wave series.  I loved the first one so I had pretty high hopes.  This one was different but it didn't disappoint. I thought it was really interesting how it was written and getting to jump into different characters thoughts.  This one made me think, it focused a lot on the idea of what makes us human.  "And I don't know which is more inhuman: the alien beings that created this new world or the human being who considers, if only for an instant, pressing the green button."  This was definitely the most serious book I read this month and one that I felt stuck with me after I finished reading.

Vision in White by Nora Roberts:  This was my first Nora Roberts book, and I might have picked it up because the cover was really pretty...It was your typical chick lit easy read summer book, but I really enjoyed it.  The main character is Mackensie, a wedding photographer who works with her three best friends.  They have a wedding business (venue, cake, flowers, photographer,the whole thing).  That side of things was really interesting in itself.  Of course there is a romance and drama there.  Nothing amazing but if you are looking for an easy enjoyable read this is a good pick.  Nora Roberts is definitely on my list.

What have you been reading this month?  

What I Read in May

I don't even know how it happened but this month I somehow read five books...

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell:  This one was just ok.  I really enjoyed the TV series that was on the CW a while back.  This was similar to the TV show but made me dislike Carrie a little, don't ask me why I just did.  It was also a little rougher and honestly I preferred the TV show...

Ross Poldark by Winston Graham: If you have been around for a while you know I love Poldark.  For those of you unfamiliar with this, Poldark is a show on Masterpiece on PBS and it is amazing!!  When I found out it was a book series I knew I had to check it out.  The basic story line is the same but there are a lot of separate stories and details that were left out of the show.  I loved the book and really enjoyed getting to get back into the world of Ross Poldark.  Maybe it will hold me off until season 3 starts back.  

Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella: I am a fan of the Shopaholic series and anything by Sophie Kinsella.  I know I have reviewed a few of her books on here before.  They are light and fun, an easy read.  This book follows Becky on another crazy adventure, this time into motherhood.  She is pregnant and obviously wants to buy everything for her baby.  Lots of drama and hilarious antics from Becky are to be expected.  If you are a fan of the series check it out, it was a fun read.        

Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews: I have read a few books by Mrs. Andrews before and this one did not disappoint.  It follows BeBe (pronounced "Bay-Bay") a true southern belle from Savannah, Georgia who has been wronged by a man.  She sets out to get her revenge and finds herself in the process.  It was an easy read and perfect for summer.  

The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch: I think this book was a Dollar Tree find from some point.  I was just so-so on this one.  It follows Alex as she leaves her home in California to move in with her grandmother in Georgia.  Her grandmother is the head of the Magnolia League, a longstanding debutante society in Savannah.  Alex is being primed to take over but isn't so sure she wants it.  The more she learns about the society the weirder things get.  Lots of hoodoo and dark secrets are buried.  It was a strange book and I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters or really find myself liking them.  It was an interesting idea but the story just felt a little flat.

What have you read lately?      

What I Read in April

This monthly read is coming to you a little late...April was a little crazy with Kyle finishing up his semester and a pretty big trip to California (post coming later).  I got through two books, and they were really really good ones:

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty: This is my second book by Liane Moriarty and it did not disappoint.  She has a way of making the characters come to life.  They are so real, with flaws.  This book follows the story of three mothers.  Their children are all in the same class and it follows the dramas of parents.  It starts off with someone being dead, you spend the rest of the book trying to figure out what happened.  The twists and turns and surprises are well written.  I would definitely recommend. This book has been turned into an HBO series which I started but didn't' finish because it had a few things different from the book and I wasn't completely into it.  Have you watched it?  What did you think?

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: "So how children, does the brain, which lives without a spark of light, build for us a world full of light?"  This book is a must read, it was one of those books that stick with you.  It was haunting and beautiful.  The book is really two stories set during World War II, following two children growing up in two different countries.  The narration moves back and forth in both time and place, between the two main characters.  The writing was beautifully poetic and mesmerizing, I could not put it down.  Anthony Doerr says: "The title is a reference first and foremost to all the light we literally cannot see: that is, the wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum that are beyond the ability of human eyes to detect (radio waves, of course, being the most relevant).  It's also a metaphorical suggestion that there are countless invisible stories still buried within World War II - that stories of ordinary children, for example, are a kind of light we do not typically see.  Ultimately, the title is intended as a suggestion that we spend too much time focused on only a small slice of the spectrum of possibility."        

I loved the theme of interconnectedness throughout the story, the crossing of the invisible lines and how they influenced each other.  It was emotional and beautiful, a story not to be missed.  

Five Things Friday

Luca + Dani Jewelry: I received two pieces from Luca + Dani and I am so in love!  I got the Pink Opal Pendant Necklace and the Blessed Key Bangle.  Luca + Dani is a jewelry company that sells handcrafted pieces made in America.  I am so in love with these pieces, first of all they are beautiful!  I have been loving opals lately and the detail on this pink one is stunning!  I also love the bubble chain style, so sparkly!  The blessed key bracelet is one of my new favorite layering pieces.  It is so simple and pretty and it actually fits my wrist!  They come in different sizes for average and small wrists!  I am so impressed with the quality of these pieces and how beautiful they are.   

Dollar Tree Sunglasses: I spotted these sunglasses on the rack in Dollar Tree and picked them up on a whim.  I know what you are thinking Dollar Tree sunglasses??  I am right there with you.  I have gotten sunglasses from there before and they are so flimsy and I don't even feel like they block the sun.  This pair was different.  They were thick and sturdy, with nice lenses.  I wore them pretty much the whole time I was at Disney this past month and loved them!  Take it from me don't look past the sunglasses at Dollar Tree sometimes you can find gems.  (The ones linked aren't the Dollar Tree pair but a Target pair that looks almost exactly the same).  

NIke Free RN Flyknits: These shoes guys!!  I have been looking for a pair of flyknits for about a year, ever since I heard glowing recommendations from friends.  I was randomly at the Nike Outlet last week and found these for $39.99, which is an awesome deal as is but they were offering an extra 30% off!  Y'all I got these for $30!!  If you have a Nike Outlet near you run and pick these up!  They definitely live up to the hype and are so comfortable.  They feel like supportive socks and the design is so cute, matches everything! 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty: Once I started this book I could not put it down!  This is my second book by Liane Moriarty and it was so good.  She has a way of writing that makes the characters so real and makes you feel so connected to their lives.  The situations the characters are in are so authentic.  I'm sure most of you have heard of this book with the HBO series that recently ended, but for those of you who haven't it focuses on three women living in a small beach town.  It opens with someone being killed during a family trivia night at school and then goes back in time to before the incident and how/why it happened.  It keeps you on your toes and I really enjoyed the characters and the story.  Have you seen the HBO mini series?  What did you think?    

Duck Dynasty: I can't believe I haven't mentioned this on a favorites yet!  You know I am a fan of the Duggar family, well the Robertson's are also a favorite family.  Kyle and I have been enjoying watching the Robertson's and their antics for a while.  They are crazy and definitely good ole southern boys but the family dynamics and feel good message that comes with the show have drawn me in.  They stand up for their faith and are true to their values, in today's world that is a rare thing to find on TV.  

What have you been loving this week? 

What I Read in March

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes: This book has been so hyped and I was so excited to finally read it.  Honestly I was a little disappointed in the story as a whole.  The writing was good, characters were interesting it was just the basis of the story that I didn't like.  I'm sure all of you know this book/movie but the premise is Will has been injured and is paralyzed.  He is depressed and feels like his life is not worth living.  Lou starts work as his aide and tries to show him that his life is worth living.  It really wasn't what I thought.  I felt like the message of the book was that life is not worth living for a person with a disability, now not everyone in the book agreed with this idea but people went along with it and it just struck me in a wrong way.  I struggled with this book because I believe that all life is important and should be treasured.  What did you think?

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman:  Since I saw the trailer for this movie I knew I had to read this book.  It was a really interesting book.  The book focused on Tom who is a war veteran who marries Isabel and takes a job maintaining a lighthouse off the coast of Australia.  The lighthouse is on an island and the boat to the mainland comes every season.  It was an interesting to think about life where they are so isolated from the rest of the world.  Tom and Isabel desperately want a child but have had a series of miscarriages.  One day a boat with a dead man and a baby washes up on shore.  Isabel convinces Tom to keep the baby as their own.  While in the mainland they meet the biological mother of the baby.  They are faced with a decision affecting the lives of four people.  This book was really interesting and made me think about decisions we make as humans and how they affect those around us even if they are originally made for good.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey: For such a large book I absolutely flew through it.  It follows Cassie, a girl living in a tragic world.  The world that we know has been changed.  Aliens have "invaded" and caused the human race to be on the brink of extinction due to earthquakes, tsunamis, and disease.  She is trying to save her brother Sam.  She meets up with Evan, an unlikely alliance and they start on the journey to rescue Sam and stay alive during the 5th wave.  I really enjoyed this book.  It was so fast paced and action filled I could not put it down.

What have you been reading lately? 

What I Read in February

Even though this was a short month I got through four books, and I was pretty happy about it:

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper: This was a book I have been wanting to read for a long time and finally decided to jump on it.  It was short and honestly I was a little disappointed in it.  The beginning was really interesting.  It discussed his accident, death and the short experience he had in Heaven.  The second part of the book was a little disappointing as it discussed a lot of his healing with his injury and how his life continued.  It is a good story but I wanted to hear more about his afterlife experience.  It is really interesting to read these accounts from people and their experiences in Heaven.  The experience they recount have direct connections to how the Bible describes Heaven. If you are interested in this subject check out Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo.  This book had a very detailed explanation of Heaven from a child's point of view.      

The Siren by Kierra Cass: I picked this book up at Dirt Cheap for a super deal and really excited to start it.  I read The Selection series and loved it.  This book is by the same author and was pretty good.  This book follows a girl named Kahlen (she likes different names) who becomes a siren and is bound to serve the ocean for 100 years.  She and the other sirens lure humans to their deaths with their beautiful voices.  She meets a human boy Akinli (weird names) and falls in love.  I enjoyed the look into the fantasy world of sirens and their history.  The love story was a little off, short and I didn't feel a lot of connection between the characters but it was still a good story and worth a read.    
Landry Park by Bethany Hagen: This book was a Dollar Tree find and I was surprised at how much I liked it.  The back said "Gone with the Wind mixed with The Hunger Games", I knew I had to check it out.  It was a teen dystopian story, the baseline follows Madeline Landry, a girl born to a life of glamour and riches.  Her ancestor developed the nuclear energy that has replaced electricity.  She soon learns that life outside of Landry Manor is not as beautiful as hers.  She befriends the "Rootless" and must make a choice between her family and her new found knowledge.    

The Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard: After being left hanging in the first book I could not wait to continue the story of Mare Barrow.  The book jumps right back into the battle between the rebel army and the silver army run by King Maven.  She, along with the other rebels search to recruit red and silver followers to join in the struggle to defeat Maven.  It was a good book but slightly a let down.  I don't really have a reason why it just seemed to not quite match up with the intensity of the first one.

What have you been reading this month?   

What I Read in January

First month of the year done and I read four books, I'd say we are off to a great start.

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines: Along with the rest of the world I have fallen in love with the Gaines' family.  This book was really interesting to learn the story behind Fixer Upper.  You learn how Chip and Joanna met, their early years of marriage and how Fixer Upper came to be.  They are cute as can be and I want to be best friends with them.  

Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks: I have read pretty much every Nicholas Sparks book ever written.  Lately I have been disappointed by the books.  This one was a little disappointment as well.  The story was ok.  Husband and wife have issues, husband ends up raising daughter as single parent for the most part.  As per usual Nicholas Sparks tragedy happens and romance sparks.  There were a number of things in this book that I was really disappointed in and honestly a little irritated about.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard: I have been wanting to read this book for a long time since I heard it mentioned on a few Youtube reviews.  It had a very Hunger Games/Divergent esque feel.  The Royals  (Silvers) are in charge, they have all the power as they have special abilities.  The regular people (Reds) don't have any abilities and are poor and unhappy.  By chance Mare Barrow, a red, discovers that she has a special ability as well.  She is taken in by the Royal family and is forced to prevent the Reds from starting a revolution.  With a member of the royal family she works with the revolution itself, an organization called The Scarlet Guard.  The story is really interesting, fast paced and I just wanted to keep reading it.    

The Heir by Kierra Cass: This is the followup to The Selection series.  The Selection had the prince hosting a selection to find his wife, very Bachelor.  The Heir is the story of the daughter of the selection.  She is now first in line for the throne and has a lot to learn.  She ends up having to have a selection herself (surprise).  It was interesting to see the selection from a girls point of view.  Yes it is a cheesy young teen romance but it's a quick read and I enjoyed it.

What have you been reading lately?