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?