April Book Review

Yes please! Is anyone else with me there?

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

This was my book club read of the month and while it's not something I would have selected on my own to read, I'm glad I did. The story was very interesting. I'd never heard of orphan trains before. Back in the early 20th century, orphans were put on a train and it made stops allowing people the chance to adopt the orphans. This story follows someone who was an orphan on the train and then intertwines it into modern day as she forms an unlikely friendship with a teenage orphan.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

I'd heard so much about this book that I couldn't wait to read it. It's loosely inspired by William and Kate and as someone who loves all things royals, I had to read it. Parts of this book were really good and parts of this book were really long. The parts that were good were good! I'm talking staying up late reading good. The parts that were long were well...long. I'm not someone daunted by long books, but at 454 pages, there were parts of the book that were very slow moving and felt the book could have done without. All in all, though, I did like the book.

UnSweetined by Jodie Sweetin

I grew up watching her on Full House, recently binge watched her on Fuller House and am currently watching her on Dancing With The Stars. I knew Jodie Sweetin suffered substance abuse problems but had no idea just how much. At times, I felt like the book glamorized substance abuse because she would talk about what a great time she was having while using and I never really felt her pain when she hit rock bottom. It's sad what drugs can do to people. The book really skims the surface and doesn't get too deep when it comes to feelings or Full House details.

Cupcakes and Cowboys by Lindzee Armstrong

By now you guys know about my obsession with Lindzee Armstrong books, right? Her latest book is a novella in the Curl Up With a Cowboy anthology. First off, being from West Virginia and loving to bake, I instantly fell in love with the name of the book. I mean who doesn't love cowboys and who doesn't love cupcakes? As I read the book, I fell in love with the story and the characters, too. A small town girl is left at the altar by her Hollywood star fiancee. When a hot, new Hollywood star comes to her ranch to do research for his latest part, Cassidy must decide if she can let go of the past and let someone in, or if her ex-fiancee has scarred her for life when it comes to dating actors. Yet another great, clean read by Lindzee.

March Book Review

If that's not true love, then I don't know what is.  Here's a look at the books I read this month.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I read this book several years ago but it was the assigned book for my book club this month so I read it again.  The first time around, I thought it was just okay, but enjoyed it more this time around.  After reading the book and seeing previews for the movie, I'm excited for it to be released in June.  

Where You'll Find Me by Natasha Friend

This is another one of those books I picked up from work and it was just okay.  The story follows a middle school girl who is forced to live with her dad and stepmom after her mom is diagnosed as bi-polar.  To top it all off, her BFF has just dumped her and her stepmom is only 10 years older than she is.  I wish the relationships would have been developed more than what they were.

I Said Yes by Emily Maynard Johnson

If you guys know anything about me by now, you know I LOVE The Bachelor franchise.  As soon as Emily's book was released, I had to get my hands on it.  She is a WV girl, you know! ;)  The book was an easy read but nowhere near as juicy as I would have liked.  I wanted more details than what she shared.  I liked learning about her life before the show, but the portions about the show and the failed relationships were just kind of blah.  Then when she got to present day, I felt her relationship with her husband was rushed in writing and just kind of thrown in there.  Also, I wish there would have been pictures in the book, I want to see behind the scenes pictures from the show!  Maybe it was just my e-reader edition?

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

February Book Review

Always.  Isn't that right?  I was so against e-readers until I traveled abroad and realized I couldn't pack all the books I need.  Now that I have one, I'm obsessed.  Don't get me wrong, I still prefer an actual book, but thanks to my e-reader, I have an endless supply of books at my fingertips at all times.  Isn't that crazy?

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

This book was assigned as my book club read this month, and to be honest, none of us really cared for it.  So far I'm 0-2 with Liane's books.  Lots of people love her, but try as I may, I can't.  I don't know, I felt the book was too long but then ended too abruptly and left me with several questions.

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

I read this book several years ago but wanted to reread it before I saw the movie. This isn't one of my favorite books of his.  That being said, I love Gabby and Travis' relationship, but after reading all but one of Nicholas Sparks' books, there are others of his that I like more.

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

January Book Review

How amazing would that be?  I'm all for adding an eighth day solely for reading.  Is anyone else with me?  Until that actually happens, here's a look at what I read this month.

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

This was a book I really really wanted to like, but didn't.  I'd heard so much about the book but once I actually read it, I found it to be a little boring and slow moving.  Maybe it's just one of those cases where you hear so much about something that it can't live up to expectations.  I felt like it took forever to interweave the three main characters.  For a bit of the book, I felt like I was reading 3 separate stories.  Even once we saw how the characters played a part in the lives of one another, I wish we would have seen more of that interaction.  Overall, this book just didn't do it for me.

Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky

We got sent this book at work and as soon as I read the cover for it, I knew it was something I had to read. It's about these 4 girls obsessed with a boy band (does that sound like anyone to you ;)? )  I was surprised at the language used in this book, not something I would expect from a YA novel. The book follows the four friends as they kidnap a member from a popular boyband and decide how to handle everything.  The book was actually kind of sad because I'm sure there are fangirls out there crazy enough to do what these four did.  The ending was a little sudden and there were some holes in the story.  Overall, it was an easy read, but not my favorite.

It's All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick

This was another book I picked up from book and it seems the theme for this month's books must have been teenage girls rebelling because that's what this book was about, too.  A straight-laced girl is sent to keep an eye on her wild movie star cousin for the weekend and of course trouble follows them.  This wasn't a favorite of mine, I found the book to drag out.

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

December Book Review

Does anyone else agree with me?  I will now pretend to be Elsa and sing this song every time I enter a bookstore.  I know, I know.  Just when you think you've escaped Frozen, I throw a reference to it on my blog.  Let it go, people! ;) #sorryimnotsorry  And just for kicks, here I am with Elsa herself earlier this year!

If you've never taken a 4-year-old to Disney before, I highly recommend it; it's so magical to see Disney through their eyes.

Anyway, on to this month's book review.  As soon as Thanksgiving hits, I'm all about the Christmas books.

The Christmas Bouquet by Sherryl Woods

I was so excited to read this book after reading the back cover, but was quickly disappointed.  There is no Christmas theme in it except for the fact that Caitlyn, the main character, caught the bouquet at a holiday wedding.  The book was very slow moving and I could not get into it at all.  Caitlyn is extremely whiny and very annoying.  Even through her whining, her boyfriend still worships the ground she walks on.  It's so annoying.  An unplanned pregnancy derails the plans she has for her life and instead of being happy about the baby, she is selfish and whines the whole novel about how she doesn't get to live the life she wanted.  I didn't feel any passion in their romance.  It seemed like Noah was head over heels for Cait, but she didn't care about him at all.  Overall, this was a huge letdown as a Christmas book.

Angels at the Table by Debbie Macomber

My mom has recently gotten into Debbie Macomber books and loaded up on her Christmas ones.  This was a cute read about well-meaning angels Surely, Goodness, Mercy and Will.  They do their best to help two New Yorkers find their chance at love, but some of their best intentions turn disastrous.  It was a sweet read that definitely put me in the Christmas spirit.  And a huge bonus -- the book was set in NYC!

Buffalo Valley by Debbie Macomber

Another sweet Christmas read by Debbie Macomber.  This one is set in a small town and focuses on a man who comes to check out Buffalo Valley as a location for a major corporation.  He ends up falling for the town and the people in a David and Goliath-type story.  This one mentioned a lot of characters and it was hard to keep them straight, but overall, it was a cute book.

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

November Book Review

This makes me giggle because it is so true!  Now let's get straight to the books.  Here's a look at what I've read this month.

Playing with Heartstrings by Lydia Winters

I was sent a free copy of this book for my honest, unbiased opinion. I'm not going to lie, I was a little hesitant reading a LDS book, mainly because I'm not that familiar with the Mormon religion. That being said, I LOVED the book! You don't have to know anything about the religion to understand or appreciate the book.  The book focuses on Sienna, a young woman who got pregnant as a teenager and gave her baby up for adoption, and Aaron, a young man who was adopted as a child and feels out of place in his family. As the two become closer, Sienna is forced to decide if she should keep her history of being a birth mother a secret, or risk telling Aaron. Then throw in the fact that Sienna's baby's bio dad comes back into the picture and I couldn't read the book fast enough.

Not Your Match by Lindzee Armstrong

You guys know how much I love Lindzee, right?  (P.S. She also rights under the name Lydia Winters -- see the book above!!) Well, she sent me an advanced copy of this book which made me love her even more!  I absolutely loved this book and couldn't read it fast enough! This book is so unique because it took a minor character from another book I loved and told her side of the story. I liked Andi enough during the first book, but after reading this book and hearing her story, I love her! Her relationship with Ben is so sweet and there were times throughout the book I wanted to reach in there and shake both of them and say "YOU BOTH HAVE FEELINGS FOR ONE ANOTHER!!!" One of the best things about this book is that you can pick it up and just read it without reading any of the others in the series (though I highly recommend that you do!!).  Lindzee doesn't disappoint with this follow up book and I'm already looking forward to the third installment in the series and hope she continues on past three! (Hint hint!! ;) ) In true Lindzee fashion, this book is very wholesome and clean. I cannot say it enough how much I appreciate and admire that in her writing.

October Book Review

Can I get an "Amen," please?  I can't be the only person out there who deals with this almost daily!  I always have a book with me and always want to pull it out and read.  #bookwormproblems  This was a good month for reading as I discovered two new authors that may end up on my favorite author's list.  Now, on to this month's book review.

Home Front by Kristin Hannah

Wow.  Just wow.  I couldn't put this book down.  This book is about a couple whose marriage is on the rocks when the wife gets deployed.  The story goes back and forth between the family at home trying to find their way without their mom and Jolene, the wife/mom, overseas on the battle line.  This book really opened my eyes; sure, I've read some war books, but they all make going off to war seem romantic: the handsome boyfriend goes off to war while the girlfriend stays faithful and loyal while they write romantic letters back and forth.  This book is different, it doesn't romanticize war, in fact, the author sat down with real life military pilots to make sure everything was as accurate as possible.  Be sure to have tissues on hand when you read the book, I can't even tell you how many times I cried.  I can't wait to read more books by Kristin Hannah.

Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig

This was a cute, easy read -- definitely what I needed after reading Home Front.  Ginny rekindles with an old flame and their one night together results in her becoming pregnant.  Ginny's two roommates come to the rescue and are with her every step of the way through the pregnancy and raising the baby.  It was a cute story and there are more books in the series that deal with the other roommates.

To Be With You by Opal Mellon

Very rarely, do I not recommend a book, but this is one of those times.  Seriously, save your money.  I don't even remember downloading this book -- I'm hoping it was a free download from Amazon.  The plot line seems sweet and romantic: A girl joins a dating service and her best friend joins in hopes that he'll be set up with Nicole.  It sounds sweet, right?  Well it wasn't.  The writing was terrible, the plot was shallow, descriptions were weird and the characters were annoying.  It was a short book, but still way too long in my opinion.

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

I sure knew how to pick out the tear jerkers this month. In high school, Posey had a crush on Liam, but the feelings were unreciprocated.  Flash forward nearly 2 decades and Liam, now a widower and father of a teenage girl, moves back to town.  Posey goes weak in the knees, as well as most of the women in town -- Liam was quite the player -- but is it finally Posey's turn for love?  The book was so sweet and had me tearing up several times.  I'm so glad I was introduced to Kristan Higgins and can't wait to read more of her books.

Now & Forever by Susane Colasanti

I wanted to like this book, I really did, but I didn't.  It was just ok.  This book was about Sterling, just a normal high school senior, whose boyfriend turns into a rockstar overnight.  The story follows Sterling as she navigates her new life in the spotlight.  I found the story and writing to be weak and predictable.  The chapters were short and the story was a little choppy and jumped around a bit.

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

September Book Review

It's finally beginning to feel like fall.  I spent the month of September in New York City and it was hot!  It hasn't been until the last few days that it's seemed like fall.  I'm so excited to wear boots, sweaters and hoodies!  And we can't forget pumpkin everything!  I can't wait to curl up read read read during October.  Until then, let's take a look at the books I've read this month.

The Perfect Letter by Chris Harrison

Is there anything this man can't do?  Not only does he host the most dramatic shows ever, he's an author, too; and a good one at that!  The whole time I read this book, I kept thinking if they make this a movie, I want to play Leigh.  She's a country girl living in the Big Apple and is a book editor...does that sound like anyone you know? ;)  The book reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book and I hope Chris Harrison writes another book ... SOON!

Meet Your Match by Lindzee Armstrong

I've now read every one of Lindzee's books and am impatiently waiting for the release of Not Your Match.  Remember how I said my only complaint about Miss Match was that I wanted more background into Brooke and Luke?  This was the answer!  Well, actually, it was released before Miss Match but I didn't know that and read that book first.  I've talked about this book so much that my mom has finally downloaded it and is almost halfway through.  In fact, she just called out "My book is going to end too soon!"  Good thing there's another book in the series she can read!

Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

Another month, another Hannah Swensen mystery.  These books are such great reads and offer recipes, too!  I love the small town setting and feel like I'm at home in Lake Eden.  If Hannah is ever looking for more help at The Cookie Jar or solving mysteries, sign me up!

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

August Book Review

This blows my mind.  It also saddens me how few books I'll read in my lifetime.  I wish I would have started keeping track of the books I've read sooner than what I did; I officially started writing down books I read and the completion date starting in 2013.  This quote makes me want to up my reading game!  Now, onto this month's book review.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

This was the assigned read for a book club I'm in and I'll admit, I was a little hesitant to read it.  I read Gone Girl earlier this year and was disappointed in it and found it very predictable.  This book however; whoa, totally not predictable.  Every time I thought I had it figured out, a new twist was thrown my way.  I couldn't get through the book fast enough and can't wait for the movie to come out!

Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

Alright, Shay has been mentioning Elin Hilderbrand for the past couple months and now I'm wondering what took me so long to hop on the bandwagon.  A local bookstore sells library books for $1 and I found two of hers and quickly snatched them up without even reading what the books were about.  I read this book at the beach and fell in love with Hilderbrand and Nantucket -- where all of her books take place.

For the Right Reasons by Sean Lowe

As a HUGE Bachelor fan, I'm embarrassed to say I'm just now getting around to reading Sean's book and have yet to read Trista and Chris Harrison's books.  The book is an easy read and I really liked it.  I just wish we would have gotten more stories of Sean growing up and more behind the scenes details from filming, but I do know there are confidentiality contracts signed for the show.

Miss Match by Lindzee Armstrong

This book was the perfect beach read! I think I finished it in a day and a half ... maybe two days. I loved the book and couldn't read it fast enough. I was sent the book for free to review and can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The storyline is very sweet and wholesome. It's rare to find a book that doesn't have promiscuity or language, but this one doesn't and it's such a refreshing change! It would be a lie if I said I wasn't on the verge of tears or crying the last third of the book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series (due out in October!!). Lindzee Armstrong has found a new fan in me.

Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand

Remember how I told you I picked up two books at the bookstore?  I read the second one on vacation as well.  I think I might have loved this book even more than the first one.  If that's how it goes with Hilderbrand's books, I might explode after I read all of them.  This book takes place over a wedding weekend and not just any wedding -- a wedding that was planned by the bride's mother before her death, she left a notebook with instructions.  The story is really neat because it tells the story of the wedding without using the bride's point of view.  I can't wait to get my hands on some more of Hilderbrand's books.

My Week with Marilyn by Colin Clark

This book was thrown into the spotlight years ago with the release of the movie with the same title.  I refused to see the movie without reading the book.  Now years after the release, I can watch the movie.  I struggled to get through the book yet can't really pinpoint why.  It was just really slow moving and not what I was expecting.

First Love Second Choice by Lindzee Armstrong

Remember how I told you I'd been sent a book of Lindzee's to read and review?  Well, she was kind enough to send me another book to review and loved it, too!  Guys, I've even talked to Lindzee on Twitter some and she's so sweet!  Anyway, I had just finished reading My Week With Marilyn and really struggled through that book.  I needed something quick and easy to read to lift my spirits after my last read.  This was the perfect book for that.  A wedding planner who loves ice cream and trashy reality TV? Yes, please!! The story may be short, but it has plenty of ups and downs and comes full circle and ends with a bow on top -- or should I say a red balloon? ;)  My heart broke for the main character, Keslee, who is still grieving the loss of her twin sister when she sees an old high school crush. He doesn't know her twin has died and calls her by the twin's name. Keslee tries, but fails at telling him she isn't her twin and ends up going on a date pretending to be her sister. I'll leave it up to you to find out if Keslee gets herself out of this mess!

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

July Book Review

Because of my New Month Resolutions for July, I didn't read as many books this month.  I read 4 though which is up 1 from last year!

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

I read this book for the first time last year, but the sequel came out this year so, of course, I had to reread the first book.  This book is so relatable; the main character, Lara Jean Song, writes letters to guys she's had a crush on -- ahem, this sounds familiar to me ;) -- as her way of "getting over" them.  When her 5 letters accidentally get mailed, you can imagine her embarrassment.  A fake relationship is quickly formed with one of the guys as a way to really drive in the fact that she's over all of the crushes, even though she may not really be.  Things get complicated when feelings turn real and rumors are spread.  It's an easy read and I loved it just as much the second time around.

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

The second book picks up right where the first one left off as Lara Jean decides to turn the fake relationship she was in into a real one.  However, insecurities creep in when the boyfriend starts spending time with his ex-girlfriend and drama follows.  Mix that in with the fact that one of the boys Lara Jean wrote a letter to comes back into the picture.  I didn't think this book was quite as good as the first one, but it was still enjoyable and a quick, easy read.

Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke

It's time for the winter carnival in Lake Eden and a celebrity chef comes to town for the festivities.  When the celebrity is found murdered in Hannah's bakery, she jumps into action to catch the killer.  Again, this series is a light-hearted mystery.  (Is that even such a thing?  Well, it is now!) The books are easy reads and I feel as though I'm friends with all of the characters.  I love working alongside Hannah to figure out whodunnit???

Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

If only I'd have read this book a few weeks earlier in July because it takes place around July 4th!  I like this book in the series because the person who was murdered is someone we were introduced to earlier in the series and not just a new character brought in to be killed off.  These are fun reads and the recipes included sound delicious!

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

Carpool Book Club

I'm linking up with Narci today as part of Carpool Book Club.  The 3rd Wednesday of every month we're linking up to make new friends, talk about books we've read, give reviews and get recommendations.  I'm listing all the books I've read since May 20th, the last Carpool Book Club.

This is a Love Story by Jessica Thompson

I loved this debut novel from Jessica Thompson.  It's a love story, but neither person knows the other one likes them.  Throughout the novel there were several times I wanted to yell at the main characters and let them know the other person loves them back!  It's frustrating, but I loved every minute of it -- the "will they, won't they?" kept me turning every page.  This is a great Chick Lit read for the beach.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

I first read this book, and several from the series, back when I was in middle school.  The Hallmark Channel recently made a movie out of the book; I haven't seen it yet but decided to reread the series -- which is up to 18 books!  Even though the books focus on murders, they are easy reads about a small town baker, Hannah, who has a knack for finding dead bodies.  Possibly my favorite part of the book is the fact that it includes recipes!!  I'm sure throughout the next few Carpool Book Clubs you'll be seeing several of these books.

The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You by Jessica Alba

This is a super easy read and an informative book.  All of the information can be a little overwhelming, but Jessica Alba says the book is to be used as a guide and something you can reference constantly.  While the book does suggest using products from Alba's company The Honest Company, she gives DIY recipes and other products to try.  I can't wait to try some of her tips to make my life healthier.

What books have you read this month?  I can't wait to get new book suggestions.  Follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads and I hope you'll join us next month, July 15th!