Reading Lately

One benefit of this quarantine life has been more time to get through my giant book stack.  No kidding since the beginning of all of this I have read six books!

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck | This one was a sweet read, about a girl who owns a wedding dress shop and is struggling with her own upcoming wedding.  She randomly purchases an antique trunk and when she opens it she finds this beautiful vintage wedding gown.  She then follows along to discover the history of the gown.  The book switches between past and present following the story of the dress at present and the first owner of the dress.  It was a cute, easy read.

The Bondwoman's Narrative by Hannah Crafts | Deemed the first novel written by an African-American woman, this book follows a slave girl as she escapes her plantation and makes her way to freedom.  The story was interesting, focused on the theme of human desire for freedom.  While sometimes choppy the historical implications are great. 

Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner | This one was just ok for me.  The story focuses on Rachel and Andrew.  Rachel is a high class rich kid while Andrew is raised by a single mom and just getting by.  They meet by chance as small children and then later on as teens.  They fall in love, have issues, break up and get back together (multiple times).  Like I said it was just ok, Rachel comes off as shallow and Andy sometimes comes off as a jerk.  Not my favorite relationship but it was a decent quick read.

Falling by Jane Green | Successful girl leaves her high class job as a banker to move out to the country and start an interior design business.  She rents a little fixer upper from a cute landlord and his young son.  No surprise they fall in love.  I enjoyed the portrayal of multiple relationships in the book, from romantic love to the dynamics of parents and children.  The ending, however,  really wasn't my favorite, surprising and came a little bit out of nowhere. 

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty | This book was probably my favorite from the stack.  The writing was really interesting.  The story revolves around two friends who go to a Bar-B-Q with neighbors one evening.  Something happens that will change everything.  The something is teased for the better half of the book, getting insights from different characters.  She had me guessing all kinds of terrible things that might have happened.  I really enjoyed the way this book was written, if you enjoyed Big Little Lies or any of her other books you should check this one out.

Sisters by Danielle Steel | After a terrible accident four sisters have to draw closer to each other to get on with their lives together.  I enjoyed the sister relationship and getting to go through each sister's character.  The story was interesting and had plenty of drama and relationships thrown in.  It was a quick girly read.

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?  

What I have been Reading

It has been a little while since I have done a post on what I have been reading, to be honest I actually haven't had a lot of time to read.  These three are a culmination of a few months of reading.

The Villa by Nora Roberts: This one started out really strong and interesting, a murder, family drama and romance all set against a beautiful California vineyard.  It got a little stale towards the middle and I had already figured out the end.  Characters were pretty good just needed a little more in the story to hold my interest.

The Broken Road by Richard Paul Evans: I got this one for Christmas and was really excited to start on the next Richard Paul Evans series.  He is one of my favorites!  Exploring the question, "What if you could start over?" this book follows celebrity Charles James in his haunted and unhappy life.  With fame and fortune discovered he is still unsatisfied with his life.  He has a reoccurring nightmare of walking down a pat engulfed by flames, he wonders if he has made all the wrong choices in his life.  By a crazy twist of fate he is granted a clean slate, a second chance at life.  The basis of the story is really good, this first book was really just an introduction to the character of Charles James, how he got to where he is and how he gets the second chance.  I enjoyed it and am interested to see what happens next in the series.   

The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank: My least favorite was this one, not bad just an easy fluff read.  The story follows Leslie, a middle aged woman married and unhappy with her life.  Her husband is golf obsessed, her children don't appreciate her, and all the other husbands have divorced and remarried younger women.  She is surrounded by "Barbies".  The story follows her on her journey to find herself.  Spoiler Ahead- I was disappointed in the characters in general, shallow and boring.  Leslie ends up connecting with her high school sweetheart and sparks fly (while she is still married might I add, without any remorse).  It seemed like they all gave up and were all just spoiled and unhappy.  I found it hard to have sympathy for them and their situations.  The ending was unrealistic and honestly unsatisfying.  Not the Dorothea Benton Frank I have read before.

What have you been reading lately? 

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 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?

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 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.  

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 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?   

2016 Favorites

Can you believe it is 2017?  I feel like we just started 2016, anyone else feel like this year flew by?  2016 brought lost of adventures and new experiences, check out my recap here.  

Poldark: I completely fell in love with Poldark this year.  I wish I could go back and rewatch it for the first time.  The characters are so good, the storyline draws you in from the beginning, beautiful locations and Aidan Turner isn't bad to look at either.  

Fitbit Charge HR: Kyle got this for me for Christmas last year and I love it!  I love how it makes me aware of how much I am moving during the day and really holds me accountable.  I also really like seeing my sleep patterns.  Want to know how to make money with your Fitbit, check out my post here.  

Archer Farms Coconut Chai: This was a random Target find and it was delicious.  It is the best chai I have ever had.  It has just the right amount of sweetness, spiciness and just a hint of coconut.  It is hard to find and my Target doesn't always have them in stock so when they do I stock up.    

Coffee Mate Coconut Creamer: Apparently coconut was a thing this year.  This creamer is my absolute favorite.  It is not too sweet and not overly coconuty, it is the perfect blend of smooth flavor. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: This book is the best book I read all year, it is in my top five of best books ever.  It is one of those books that sticks with you and one that I will probably reread in the future.  It is one that I want to share with everyone because it is just that good.  Check out my review here.    

OPI Dulce de Leche: This nail polish was the color that adorned my nails 75% of this year.  If I went on a trip this was what I chose.  It is a long lasting polish and the color is a perfect nude.  It is one of my top nail polish colors that I own.  

Aldi: I am so happy to finally live near and Aldi and see what all the fuss was about.  Well that fuss was well deserved.  I used to be a Walmart grocery girl, now I do 90% of our grocery shopping here.  It has the best prices around and I have saved a good bit of money making the switch.  If you have been on the Aldi fence go ahead and jump over it's green on the other side.  

Starbucks Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato: I discovered my absolute favorite Starbucks drink this year.  Over the summer they came out with a new iced coffee drink with coconut milk.  I decided to try it and see what I thought, I completely fell in love with the smooth, creamy and rich taste of the combination.  This is my Starbucks guilty pleasure.  Wanna know more check out my full review.    

Crockpot: This little guy has been such a help in making sure we eat dinner on weeknights.  With both of us working late we don't always have time to come home and cook a meal.  With the crockpot I can throw things in before I leave for work and dinner is ready when I get home.  It's super easy and I love finding new recipes to try.  What is your favorite crockpot recipe? 

Ipad: My Mother-In-Law gave me her old Ipad and I had no idea how useful it would be.  I love mine!  My main use for it is to setup and watch shows, youtube videos and movies while I get ready, do chores around the house, etc.  I love the bigger screen and the portability.  Whenever this one dies I will definitely have to look into a replacement.   

What were your favorites of 2016? 

What I read in August

Life has been a whirlwind so I only read two books...  

Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews: I'm a fan of Mary Kay Andrews.  She is your typical southern chick-lit author.  Yes they are predictable but they are a good quick low-key read.  This one was about a woman is the star of a local cooking show.  She ends up in a cooking competition show with a southern man who has his own wildlife cooking show.  I'm sure you have already figured out the ending.  It was a little slow and I got tired of the predictability but overall it was OK.   

The Mortal Instruments City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: This was a recommendation from my sister.  She actually lent me pretty much the whole series and they have been sitting in my office taking up space.  I figured I would see what all the fuss was about.  Honestly I'm not super crazy about the demons and some of the drama in the book is a little much.  Overall it was a pretty good book and worth a read.  It was a very magic, mystical book following Clary who finds out some information about her past that changes her life.      

  What have you all been reading lately?  

What I read in June

Distant Shores by Kristin Hannah: I love Kristin Hannah.  This one was just ok.  It was a good story about a marriage falling apart and a woman finding herself again. The family dynamics and relationships are good but the story was a little predictable.  Still a good book just not her best.  

Looking for Alaska by John Green: Borrowed this one from my sister and it was an interesting read.  Yet again it was another whoa is me teen novel where they feel different from everyone else and the world is a tragic place.  The story is about a young misfit boy who goes to a private school and makes friends with more misfits.  He meets a girl named Alaska and of course falls in love.  The story then takes a tragic turn and the characters are left to find themselves.  It is a sad coming of age, growing up story.  Don't expect a happy ending (but what would you expect form Mr. Green?)  

Save the Date by Mary Katherine Andrews: This is the second book by Mrs. Andrews I have read and I enjoyed it.  This is a cute, easy, summer read.  Definitely chicy lit and predictable.  It follows a young woman who has a floral business, mostly doing business for big southern weddings.  She meets a man, falls in love, drama ensues and she figures out what she wants.  If you like southern books check this one out.  It's cute and easy.  

What have you been reading lately? 

What I read in May

Oh y'all I managed to get through five books!  I was off work for a week and took advantage of being able to read throughout the day.  

Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares: I loved the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series and this one was the grownup ending to the series.  I really enjoyed this one as a wrap up to the series.  I loved getting to dive back into the lives of the Tibby, Lena, Carmen and Bridget and see how they handled growing up and being adults.  This book definitely handled more serious topics so maybe not for the younger fans of the pants series.  Like I said it's the grown up traveling pants.  If you grew up with the books check it out.  p.s. I also heard talk of a third movie coming out {yes please!!}

Lowcountry Summer by Dorothea Benton Frank: I picked this one up at a thrift store for .25 cents because of the pretty cover.  It looked like a cute summer read.  Apparently it's a series but I had never read any of the others and I picked up just fine.  This book is set in South Carolina and stays true to the southern roots.  If you are looking for a low key summer read and you like southern style check this one out.  

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher: Another thrift store find.  I have mentioned before that I am a big nerd (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, I love them all).  This book is a short autobiography by Carrie Fisher who is none other than Princess Leia.  It was interesting to hear her family history and how fame shaped her life (not really for the better).  I would have liked to get a little more insight into her time on the Star Wars films but I guess I'll have to find another book for that.  Super quick read and short chapters which I love.

The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner: This is my second read by Jennifer Weiner and I was not disappointed.  This book follows a young girl who has dreams of writing her own TV series.  Drama, romance and finding oneself happen as with most chick lit.  This one was interesting to see the behind the scenes of what goes into actually making a TV series.  

The Wilder Life by Wendy McClure: I picked this one up at the Dollar Tree.  I always loved the Little House books when I was younger and was fascinated by the pioneer way of life.  Well Wendy McClure surpasses all of my fascination and goes right into obsession.  This lady's a obsessed with Laura Ingalls.  Her obsession was for my benefit as I got to see through her eyes the travels to Laura monuments, museums and old homesites.  It was really interesting to read the facts she dug up and things she discovered about the Ingalls family.  It made me want to dig out my books and re-read them.  

What have you been reading this month? 

What I read in April

The Flirt by Kathleen Tessaro: This was just a so-so read.  Easy, chick lit that is good for the summer.  It is a British author so the language can be a little harsh but story line was good.  It follows a secret group of men whose job is to flirt with women.  They have been hired by their husbands, boyfriends, etc. to boost their confidence by flirting.  It was an interesting idea and neat to see how the stories connected.  If you are looking for an easy read check it out. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: This book was one of the best books I have read in a long time.  It may be in my top books ever.  Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors and this might be her best yet.  It is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of two sisters and their lives in France during World War II.   It is a story about the women in the war and what they went through, events that have rarely been told. This was a book I couldn't stop reading but one I never wanted to end.  It tells of the resilience of the human sprit and the strength of a woman's courage.  This is one of those books that sticks with you long after you finish, leaving you longing to return to the pages.

Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger: Yet another basic chick book.  This one is by the author that wrote The Devil Wears Prada.  It was good but not great.  A little predictable but easy, light read.  It's about a girl who gets a new job and is suddenly pulled into the tabloid spotlight, but is it what she wants?  Cheesy yes but not bad for a quick summer read.

What have you been reading this month?

What I Read in March

Anyone else feel like this year is flying by??  I know I say this every month but I can't believe it is already April.  This month was actually a good reading month I read three books:

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith: I was interested in reading this book because of the movie coming out.  It was actually very entertaining.  Simply put its Pride and Prejudice interrupted by the occasional zombie attack.  I found it comical to picture Elizabeth and the other Bennet sisters being ladylike at a ball and then bam zombie attack they are whipping out their swords and chipping off heads.  Some of the fits and gore were a little gross it overall the story was creative and entertaining.

The Orchard: A Memoir by: Theresa Weir: I picked this up on a whim because of the cover (I know) and the recommendation by Nicholas Sparks on the front (again I know).  It was pretty good.  I flew through it as it had short chapters, my favorite.  It follows a girl and her marriage to an apple farmer.  I wasn't sure what to make of the environmental aspect and the light farming was portrayed.  I do believe that farmers should be mindful of their environmental impact and I think they have come a long way.  Story was good, I just have a gaurd raised against farmer portrayal.

The Lucky Ones by Anna Godbersen: Another book picked up on a whim.  This is the third book in The Bright Ones series.  I didn't know it was a series and probably would have waited to read  the others but I was able to figure out characters and storylines ok.   I read The Luxe by Anna Godbersen before and really liked it, this one didn't disappoint.  The story is set in the 20's right before the depression and during the time of flappers and prohibition.  It follows three young girls and their drama and relationships during this time.  One is married and her husband is a bootlegger, one is in love with an African American pilot and the other is an up and coming actress.  Prepare for lots of drama, glamour and love.

What have you been reading lately?