Linking up with Steph and Jana. I only got through four books this month. There were several days when I just didn’t feel like reading. It happens. The books I did read were good, and definitely worth adding to the TBR! In 2019, I didn’t meet my reading goal on Goodreads and I was bummed. This year, I thought I was being lofty and set it for 52, one per week. Well, as of now I am 60 books in for the year!!! Who knew we would have a pandemic and I would be reading a lot more overall?!
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
This book captured my attention pretty early on. I don’t know what it is with me and stories about twins. (I always think about PLL haha.) This was written from Fern’s point of view, and then you get Rose’s POV from her diary. I had some suspicions from the beginning and I was right in the end, but that didn’t take away from the book at all. There was definitely a twist or two I didn’t expect. This book touches on Asperger’s and people with certain sensitivities, and I think it was done really well. This is the writing I come to expect from Sally Hepworth and I am here for it.
Bottom Line: Read it! I flew through it because I wanted to see how it all turned out! (This one comes out early 2021, so pre-order now!!)
**I received a copy of The Good Sister from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**
What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
I enjoyed the second book just as much as the first, and flew through it! I really love all of the characters and the drama between the two families as they continue to find out what happened to Russ and Rosie. I have some theories, but wont know for sure until I can get my hands on the third book!!
Bottom Line: Definitely enjoying this series! Be sure to start with the first. This you need to read them all, and in order.
Bet Me by Lila Monroe
This is the cutest book! I absolutely loved every minute of this. The characters were really fun, I definitely LOL’d several times, and just love a good enemies to lover romp. It was one of those books that I kept wanting to read any second I had to spare. It was just light and fluffy and the right time for me to pick it up. I only have one complaint that I wont say because spoilers. And it wasn’t that big of a deal for me.
Bottom Line: Read it if you are looking for a fun fluffy romcom!
Date Me Like You Mean It by RS Grey
I absolutely loved Aiden and Maddie in this book. It was everything I have come to expect from RS Grey, but a little more this time. It was different somehow? More angsty than her usual and, and I liked how it was split into two parts. I laughed, I got frustrated for the characters, I had all the warm happies, I just loved it. This is a friends to lovers romcom that takes place over a year in Austin and Vail, and you get some Christmas in here too! The chemistry was hot hot hot and I couldn’t put it down.
Bottom Line: Read!!! This might be my new favorite from her.
**I received a copy of Date Me Like You Mean It from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**
Zoe’s Monthly Favorites
I have decided to start sharing a few of Zoe’s favorite books each month. I have done a few posts in the past sharing books she loves. Lately, we have been reading a ton!!! At least one at bed time, and sometimes several throughout the day.
The Monster at the End of this Book
I had this book when I was younger, and I am not sure what happened to it. I was on a mission to find it for Zoe awhile ago and I am so glad I did. Zoe cracks up every time we read this together. I hear her remembering most of the book as she “reads” it to herself too. I just saw that it is on super sale right now here.
I Want To Dance
This is such a sweet book about a bunny that wants to join a ballet class, and the teacher and girls in the class accept the bunny and all her friends. Zoe always comments on how beautiful the book is when we read it. I ordered this book from Carly. Please visit her shop here! If you are needing book suggestions, message her on Instagram and ask her to create a wish list for you! She found so many books for me that Zoe absolutely loves. (She didn’t ask me to say this, she doesn’t even know I am. I am just really impressed with Usborne books and plan to order more.)
The Little Engine That Could
Zoe said that this was a lovely book. It made me smile when she used the word lovely. Who doesn’t love a story where the underdog pulls through? I think I can I think I can I think I can.
Room on the Broom
I know Halloween is over, but Zoe really loved this book and we have still been reading it over and over. The witch in this book shows that there is room at the table or “broom” for everyone. I can’t think of a better message. It also shows the power of friendship and being kind. Definitely a must read for little ones.
Currently Reading
I want to start reading Anxious People because I need to hop on it for book club, but I am in the mood for something lighter. Hopefully I can get both finished before then!
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
21 Comments
Adding the Sally Hepworth book. I love her stories.
I didn’t finish The Flatshare, but I think we have different tastes lol. I saw many readers had issues with the actual writing style though.
Love me some RS Grey. I saw that she just released this one so ill have to pick it up!
Nice reading month!!! I’m curious about The Flatshare and Anxious People so hopefully you will love both of those. I like that you share the books Zoe is reading. Usborne has amazing books – I sold for them for a bit!
-Lauren
The Good Sister sounds super intriguing! I love books about messed up families haha. You had a great reading month!
But did that book give you anxiety like PLL?!? HAHA. I’m definitely adding Bet Me – I could use a good fluffy romance right about now. Also love the addition of Z’s faves!
I really want to read the Elin Hilderbrand series. It will be a great way to start the year! I watched the Room on the Broom movie with my niece around Halloween and it was SO CUTE!
You had a good month of reading! All of these sound good! I love that you are sharing Zoe’s faves! Getting them reading young is so important!
Did I dream telling you the third Paradise book is on Netgalley?
I love Grover.
I have the Sally Hepworth from Netgalley. I have not been reading many Netgalley books lately and that shit is piling up.
Putting the Monster book on M’s wishlist right now! The Broom one, too!
Bet Me sounds adorable!! Is it weird that I feel weird reading a romance with my kid’s name as one of the characters…? Hahaha. I love R.S. Grey so maybe I can get over it. Ha.
I havent read an Elin book in a really long time – I miss her writing so I really need to get back to her books! xo, Biana
I have the Good Sister from Netgalley so will get to that soonish! I can’t wait to hear what you think of the third Elin Hilderbrand when you get to it. And OH I think you’ll love the Flatshare too! I love Zoe’s favourites. I just learned in 2020 that there is a sequel to the Monster at the End of this book – just FYI lol. We LOVE Room on the Broom and all of her books. I could talk kid books all day LOL.
(Also – hope you love Anxious people when you get to it – it was a slow start for me and did eventually end up being 5 stars) I’ve broken up with R.S. Grey a bit but I am intrigued!!!!
The Monster at the End of This Book is a classic and it was one of E’s favorites, too!
I haven’t read a Sally Hepworth book yet but I have about 4 on my list!
You are SO sweet for the shout out– seriously just made my day! I’m so glad Zoe is loving that book, I am keeping my eye out for the other dancer book you asked about. Mason was obsessed with “the giant witch” aka room on the broom, lol on Netflix, but hadn’t ever read the book. It was just under $2 so I ordered it for him for next year, but now I want this one too with the interactive pages. I had the first book in that EH series from the library but I just saw that it goes back in 2 days, so probably won’t get to it this time. I’m hoping to start Anxious People– I was on the longest waitlist and then realized I had an arc from netgalley this entire time.
The Monster at the end of the book!!! I still have mine from when I was a kid – what a classic!!!!
I love when a book actually makes me LOL. .like ACTUAL out loud.
Sounds like you read some great books! I think I read Elin’s 3rd book in just a day or two as I wanted to know what happened and how all those loose ends were going to tie up. The Monster at the End of the Book was one of my favorites growing up an it probably one of only a handful of Golden Books I bought for my boys when they were little too. It’s so fun and funny.
Oh how I love that you’re including Zoe’s monthly favorites! Can’t wait to read The Good Sister.
I should get The Monster at the End of This Book for Nephew B. Nephew A wasn’t into Sesame Street at all so I didn’t bother. B needs to be indoctrinated.
I’m caving and putting the Paradise books on my list. It’s going to be a long winter and someday I’ll get back to an island!
Good suggestions – I enjoyed the flatshare, happy reading!
The Monster At The End of the Book is great. I still love that book.
Bet Me and The Flatshare sound like fun reads for me. My kids are older, but we all still love Room on the Broom – we let Netflix read it to us 🙂 Thanks for sharing and enjoy your month.