book review, books

Books

I managed to read a lot of books this month!!! A few of them were rather short, so I suppose that helped. Let just jump right on in! Linking up with Steph and Jana.

Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams

Pies and Prejudice (A Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery, #1)

A small town girl returns home after her husband cheats on her. You get a little love, an old rivalry, a pie shop and a small town murder with big drama.

So, looking at the title and cover of this book I was expecting a little cheese. And it had it’s cheesy moments, but honestly? I really just loved the story. This is a cozy mystery, which I find myself a huge sucker for. Look at the Stephanie Plum series and the Java Jive series that I read. This one had a real southern feel to it being based in a small Georgia town. I think that parts of the  book were overwritten as far as the imagery goes…but overall it was cute. There is also a little magic, which I actually liked.

Bottom Line: If you love cozy mysteries or southern stories, grab it! It is a series and I feel like I might be in it for the long haul.

The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

The Roanoke Girls

When Lane discovers her family’s secrets, she runs far away. She returns several years later when her cousin goes missing, forcing her to face those secrets again. 

What a messed up family!!! I sort of had an idea from the beginning what the secrets were and who was behind Allegra going missing. That didn’t take away from the story though. These are some damaged, imperfect characters and sometimes, I just want that in a book. you know? You get some depth that way and an interesting story.

Bottom Line: If you like dysfunctional families and difficult situations, then this would be right up your alley. It could be a trigger for others, so make sure you read the full synopsis before diving in. I would recommend the book.

**I received a copy of The Roanoke Girls from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

The Expats by Chris Pavone

The Expats

Kate has a secret, her husband is offered a job in Luxembourg and she decides this would be the great fresh start that she needs. Or is it? Another American Couple arrives and her secret is now threatened.

I picked this up after Laura raved about it last month. I did this one via audiobook and I will say, it was a little hard to follow that way with all the time jumping. Could have been a non-issue in book format. You find out bits of Kate’s secret early on, and more and more of it comes together as the book goes on. I was a little shocked at some of the twists and how much lying and deception there is throughout the entire book. It makes you question everything in your own life and what you think you know about people.

Bottom Line: This book kept me interested the entire time and I really enjoyed it. I would recommend it if you are looking for something good to read.

You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day

You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost)

I didn’t know who Felicia Day was before I listened to this book. It sounded interesting and I was looking for something carefree to “read.” (I did this on audiobook, the only way I can really read nonfiction and not get bored.) It was sort of like Felicia was there with me just telling me stories throughout her life.  She is hilarious and a little nerdy, which kind of reminds me of, well, me. And she lived in Alabama for awhile which is pretty cool.

Bottom Line: I got a little bored a few times and sort of tuned out, but overall it was a pleasant read.

69 Million Things I Hate About You by Kira Archer

69 Million Things I Hate About You

Girls has insufferable boss. Girl wins 69 million dollars in the lottery. Girl decides to not quit and see what it takes for her boss to fire her.

This book was so cute and I am so glad that I requested it!!! I think we have all had that boss that we wish we could just pay back a little karma to, no? I literally laughed out loud at some of the things that Kiersten does to Cole throughout the book. This is a romance book, but it isn’t overly racy. You get a nice, slow build and this author is known for her playfulness and happily ever after.

Bottom Line: If you have ever had an insufferable boss, or you just want a laugh. This is for you! So cute! When I was half way through it, I texted Kristen and told her to go request it immediately.

**I received a copy of 69 Million Things I Hate About You from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure

Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness

I knew when I looked at the title of this book, there would be a lot of Christian references in it. To be honest, I am just looking for a way to get motivated to work out and get back on the healthy train again and I never really thought about looking at it from a spirituality point of view. I went back and forth from liking this book and feeling like she was getting a little preachy. I think some of the things that she said that I already know, really hit home  hearing her say it. Like, setting goals and sticking to them. She said, if you lost one pound a week, next year at this time you would be 50 pounds lighter. I just sat there and thought…wow…..she’s right.

I appreciated the stories from her childhood, Full House, and her struggles. But don’t read this book thinking it is more of a memoir, because it isn’t. Also, the recipes in this book are ridiculous. I think we all know how to make tacos, no?

Bottom Line: I would be hesitant to recommend this book to just anybody. I think if you are Christian and wanting to lose weight, you would appreciate it more than someone who isn’t as spiritual. For me, I didn’t take much from the book and I honestly skipped over some parts.

Yes, My Accent is Real by Kunal Nayyar

Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You

Big Bang Theory is one of my absolute favorite shows, so I knew I wanted to listen to this on audiobook. Kunnal himself narrates and he is just as hilarious as you want him to be. He shared stories from his childhood, college years, dating, a little bit about Big Bang and ended with how he met his wife and their wedding.

Bottom Line: If you are a fan of Big Bang Theory and want to learn more about Kunal’s life, this is a fun read. Highly recommend the audiobook version.

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

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1)

Lara Jean keeps the love letters that she has written to all of her crushes in a box her mother gave her. Somehow the letters get sent, and her personal life is forever changed.

This was such a cute YA read. While it was light and fluffy, I felt like the characters are a little more complex than your typical YA book. I won’t give anything away if you haven’t read it, but there was a character that I was rooting for the whole time and was happy at the end of the book. There are two more books in this series, and I hope to read those soon!

Bottom Line: Read it if you are looking for a cute YA or need a break from darker subject matter.

Seriously…I’m Kidding by Ellen Degeneres

Seriously... I'm Kidding

I think Ellen is hilarious and I enjoyed listening to her read this on audiobook. I really liked what she said about being proud of how old you are and that you made it another year. And also about just being yourself. I felt like I wanted a little more from this book? It was kind of short and some of the chapters were very sparse.

Bottom Line:  If you are an Ellen fan, go ahead! This is a really short audiobook, just over three hours. I borrowed it from my library…probably wouldn’t pay for it.

Always by Sarah Jio

Always

Kailey is engaged to the perfect man, but runs into her now homeless first love. Now she must chose who her heart really belongs to.

Bottom Line: I am going to be very honest and say that I did not finish this book. The writing was really choppy for me, and I don’t like being spoon fed while I am reading. I feel like the premise was good, but the writing fell short. I didn’t really feel anything from the characters and life is too short to finish a book you are not enjoying.

**I received a copy of Always from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Currently Reading

Sting by Sandra Brown

Sting

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30 Comments

  • Reply Andrea @ Living On Cloud Nine October 10, 2017 at 6:29 am

    The Sting is on my list so I can’t wait to hear what you think. I am totally down for a YA read from time to time. Of all these, The Expats looks most interesting to me so it just went on the list! Always love your recommendations!!

  • Reply ShootingStarsMag October 10, 2017 at 8:03 am

    Wow, you got a lot of reading in. I want to read some of these like Yes, My Accent is Real, You’re Never Weird…(I own this one!!), and Ellen’s book. 🙂

    I’m a big fan of cozy mysteries; I really need to read some more. It’s been awhile.

    -Lauren

  • Reply Heather October 10, 2017 at 8:07 am

    That Sandra Brown book is on my list as is the Lara Jean series!! I just couldn’t do Roanoke Girls…it was a bit too much for me! That Pies and Prejudice series sounds good too – is it at all like Pride and Prejudice because it doesn’t sound like it but you’ve gotta wonder with the title?

  • Reply Laura October 10, 2017 at 8:55 am

    Holy shnikes with all your books! I’m currently reading a Sandra Brown book too! (of course!!). I’m glad you liked the Expats, but I could see how it would be hard at times to follow along with an audiobook. I want to read Kunal’s book so bad. It’s on my list!

  • Reply Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders October 10, 2017 at 8:59 am

    You seriously read so many books last month and they all sound like really good reads too, for the most part! I love Big Bang too, so Kunal’s book sounds super interesting! I also love that the audiobook is him narrating too! 69 Million Things I Hate About You also sounds like a really cute book, and I love the main character tries to do everything possible to get fired!

  • Reply kathy @ more coffee, less talky October 10, 2017 at 9:27 am

    STILL waiting for expats. all of my books sucked this month and currently waiting for a new batch to arrive.

  • Reply Brittany Pines October 10, 2017 at 9:48 am

    The Roanoke Girls is on the TBR! I liked Never Weird (Almost), except for the gamer part just because I couldn’t connect as much.

  • Reply SMD October 10, 2017 at 9:56 am

    I think I have a Sandra Brown on my kindle.

    I like Chris Pavone.

    The cover of the first one is seriously cute, that is exactly what the cover of a cozy mystery should look like!

  • Reply Missy @MySh!ttyKitchen October 10, 2017 at 11:02 am

    The Expats has been in my cart for awhile I and I need to do it. I also need the Ellen book, I love her! You have been a reading fool!

  • Reply Carly October 10, 2017 at 11:09 am

    Soo many books! Pies and Prejudice sounds so cute– the cover gives me Hallmark movie vibes, which I love, lol. Last year (or the year before?) I read a book by Jio that I probably shouldn’t have wasted my time finishing because it was so bad too.

  • Reply Rebecca Jo October 10, 2017 at 11:13 am

    I just loved those Jenny Han books – I thought the stories were good & decent & nice to have a good read without too much language & CRAZY drama… fun easy reads.
    I’m not a huge audiobook fan but I do love biographies read in the people’s voice – I love hearing people’s stories straight form their own voice.

  • Reply Tanya @ A Mindful Migration October 10, 2017 at 11:36 am

    I used to love mystery cozies and then they became too cheesy, but now I want to get back into reading hem again because I need some lighter mystery fare to balance my darker mysteries. So adding Pies and Prejudice to my TBR. I really enjoyed The Roanoke Girls. It was definitely messed up but very well written. You have me curious about The Expats, so on it goes to my TBR. While I’m not particularly interested in Dj Tanner’s book, I had a boom moment too with the 1 pound per week tidbit too. It definitely took some pressure off my shoulders – so thank you!

  • Reply kristen October 10, 2017 at 11:54 am

    you’ve sold me on Pies and Prejudice so adding it now!
    The Roanoke Girls is on my kindle, I’m hoping to get to it by the end of the year lol.
    glad you liked Felicia Day’s book, I can’t believe you didn’t know who she was! Did Chris? There were definitely parts of this book I got bored with, but overall I liked it.
    I am SO glad you told me to read 69 Million Things I Hate About You – I never would have picked it up otherwise and it was flipping hilarious.
    lol we all know how to make tacos. for real though. i am not a fan of hers because of how preachy she is. i’ll skip that one.
    i think i told you i wasn’t a fan of the other jenny han books i read but i will add that series to my list.
    yay i am so glad you didn’t like Always hahahaha i really did not like it at all!
    hope you like Sting! it’s on my list. i think i have it from the library. maybe.

  • Reply Dani October 10, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    You read a ton! I just realized I never reviewed The Expats but I read it for a book club and I really liked it. I agree that I wouldn’t spend money on Ellen’s book, but I did enjoy it. Roanoke Girls and Jenny Han are both on my TBR. I really like BBT and especially Kunal Nayyar’s character so I’ll be adding that one, thanks!

  • Reply Ana October 10, 2017 at 1:25 pm

    I loved My Accent Is Real and The Ellen DeGeneres book, I love celebrity books!!

  • Reply Elizabeth October 10, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Cozy mysteries are my go-to for when I need a reset. Adding the Expats and the Roanoke Girls to my list!

  • Reply Olya @ The Siberian American October 10, 2017 at 3:08 pm

    Always was SO bad. You didn’t miss anything not finishing it! I felt the same way about Roanoke Girls.

  • Reply Kay October 10, 2017 at 4:08 pm

    Totally going to dig into pies and prejudice soon. Ill also be read 69 things – I heard its pretty good!

  • Reply Kelly @ Noodle to the Rescue October 10, 2017 at 4:19 pm

    Ooh, I do love a cozy mystery! Pies and Prejudice looks super cute. 🙂

  • Reply Danielle October 10, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    Wow you read a ton. That is awesome. I so want to read the 69 million things book. Sounds like right up my alley.

  • Reply Jana @ Jana Says October 10, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    I loved The Roanoke Girls despite how fucked up it was

  • Reply Audrey October 10, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    Oh my gosh! So many books! And so many good one!! I’m glad you had an enjoyable reading (& listening) month!

  • Reply emelia October 10, 2017 at 9:28 pm

    You read a lot- go girl! I just added Pies and Prejudice to my list, that sounds good. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on Roanoke Girls because I just finished it too- SO twisted! I have to check out Ellen’s book, she’s just so awesome!

  • Reply Marie October 11, 2017 at 10:19 am

    Wow you read alot. I like Candance Cameron Bure but I do find her to be a bit peachy. But she does look really good and she is adorable on Fuller House. I am adding Pies and Prejudice to my reading list, thanks!!

  • Reply Alexandra October 11, 2017 at 10:49 am

    Woohoo! So many books this month! 🙂 I’m so glad you loved To All The Boys… I LOVE LOVE LOVE Lara Jean. Which I know I’ve told you a BUHZILLION times now. 😛 The last book was a lot different from the other two (to me), but I still enjoyed it. I added Pies and Prejudice and 69 million things.. to my TBR. 🙂 I like Candace Cameron Bure a lot, even though I sometimes shake my head a little because I personally don’t agree with all of her viewpoints, but I think that’s ok. I had been debating whether or not to read any of her THREE (wow) books. I also see that she’s coming out with a new one that is fashion related. Which I am all for. We’ll see if I end up reading any of them! 🙂 Yes, my accent is real sounds like a good one for KC! 🙂 I love that cover. Woohoo to the designer! 😉 XO – Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

  • Reply Kate October 11, 2017 at 10:54 am

    Awwww Raj! Definitely need to check out Kunal’s book and The Expats looks good too <3

  • Reply texerinsydney October 11, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    The Expats is already on my tbr. Sounds like I need to get to it sooner, rather than later.

  • Reply Biana October 11, 2017 at 9:00 pm

    Okay that book with the girl winning the lottery sounds really funny!! I am definitely going to request it! You read some great books recently! I think it’s a great idea to have non-fiction books in audio format. I need to do that! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston

  • Reply StephTheBookworm October 12, 2017 at 10:12 am

    I’m a huge fan of cozies and that one has been on my list to read! I also added the 69 Million Things book because I love reading about / hearing about lottery winners, even if it isn’t real. How fun!

  • Reply Pam October 13, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    I’ve been reading alot of YA lately but have not read any of Jenny Han’s books. Not sure where to start? Pam

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