*This post includes Amazon Affiliate links. If you do choose to buy any of these books, please consider using my specific links, as they allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep up my blog! Thank you for your support!
5. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE by Carola Lovering
Photo from @booksandetcetera
Genre: Mystery / Suspense
Why I loved this one? With so many unpredictable plot twists, this story is told with three alternating POVs with a nonlinear timeline. This a total binge-worthy book that I could not put down.
TW: Alcohol and drug addiction, rape and sexual assault, infidelity, obsessive compulsive disorder, loss of loved one.
4. DIAL A FOR AUNTIES by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Photo from @booksandetcetera
Genre: Mystery & Contemporary Romcom
Why I loved this one? This book literally made my LOL. It was fun and completely unputdownable. I loved the characters and relationships developed in this story and I was absorbed in the story until the very end!
Why I loved this one? The chemistry (pun intended) between the main characters was sublime! This romance has a truly unique plot and is perfect for any reader trying to get over a book hangover or reading rut!
Why I loved this one? This is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story that begins with two half-sisters in Ghana in the 18th century. Every chapter portrays the next generation that follows and compares the families of both sisters. To this day I am still thinking about this story. I want to note that this is not a page-turner. Every page deserves to be read carefully and thoughtfully. Out of all of my reads from 2021, this is one of the few that I have actually thought about months and months after reading.
Why I loved this one? This one easily takes the cake. All I can say is WOW. The brainpower that went into creating this story literally blows my mind. As a science person, I loved the methodical progress in the plot. But also the plot twist! This story kept me captivated from the first paragraph to the last. I loved the flashbacks which filled in the gaps of the story and the overall growth in the main character. Even if you aren’t a sci-fi person, this book has so much depth, I recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Let me start by saying that this is one of the most difficult posts I have ever had to write. How can I narrow down a whole year’s worth of reading to only 10 books?! Throughout this year, my world has been opened up to more genres, more authors, and more characters than I have ever been exposed to before. I read a total of 79 books in 2020, so to narrow down the top 10 is quite a difficult feat, but here is what I came up with:
*This post includes Amazon Affiliate links. If you do choose to buy any of these books, please consider using my specific links, as they allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep up my blog! Thank you for your support!
10. In A Holidaze
Genre: Holiday Romance
What I loved: This book is just a lot of fun. This is the perfect holiday read with so many fun Christmas traditions. It has snowball fights, Christmas tree shopping, eggnog, you name it.
What I loved: This is a fast paced thriller that takes place in a remote island off the coast of Ireland. There are many plot twists, multiple POVs, and a nonlinear timeline; definitely my cup of tea.
What I loved: Stuart Turton is one of my favorite authors. His detailed writing style, mini-cliff hangers, and unpredictable plot twists are just some of the reasons why I loved this book so much!
What I loved: I have not met one person who did not love this book. Combine The Hunger Games trilogy with The Handmaid’s Tale, plus its own unique thriller/romance plot, and you’ve got yourself one amazing read!
What I loved: This fast-paced sci-fi reads very similar to a thriller novel. This book was impossible to put down and really leaves you with a heavy book hangover once you are finished!
What I loved: I think this is probably one of the most popular reads of 2020 and that’s for a very good reason. This story delicately and intentionally delves into some difficult topics that need to be addressed. This book is not only unputdownable, but it also gives a fresh perspective through each character in the story that is worth reading.
What I loved: This story hooks you right away and will keep you reading until the late hours of night. This book is dark and twisted and absolutely addicting from beginning to end.
What I loved: This was probably my favorite thriller of 2020. I did not predict the plot twist or the ending at all! This was only my second read of the year and I am STILL thinking about it!
What I loved: Kristin Harmel is one of my favorite authors and this is my favorite book by her. I hardly ever cry while reading and this book gave me ALL THE TEARS. I fell in love with the characters and with the purpose of the story. To anyone who enjoys historical fiction or is wanting to try reading historical fiction for the first time, you need to pick this one up!
What I loved: This story BLEW MY MIND. I literally felt like my brain was exploding because of how incredible the plot was. I felt like there was no way the author, Blake Crouch, could wrap up the story and yet he did, and he did it perfectly. I am not much of a sci-fi reader, but this story also includes romance, thriller, and action. It is the first book I recommend to anyone and everyone.
Have you ever been in a reading slump? You feel like you have a major book hangover or are struggling to get into a book?
We’ve all been there! Me especially! Usually when I am overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, I really struggle to sit still and focus on what I’m reading. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of people post about being in a reading slump, so I thought I would compile a lists of great reads to help you! These are some of my favorite books that I hope you love as much as I do!
*This post includes Amazon Affiliate links. If you do choose to buy any of these books, please consider using my specific links, as they allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep up my blog! Thank you for your support!
Reason: This is such a fun young adult read! Imagine: what if President George Washington was actually the first monarch of the United States? I mean, how can you resist that? This book has romance and drama and royalty, oh my!
Reason: Oh my heart! I am so hoping that this book becomes a movie! If you read this and don’t fall in love with the main characters (ahem, Jonah, ahem) then I’m not sure what will do it for you!
Reason: Okay, so I know when people hear “nonfiction,” they tend to avoid it like the plague, but this book is OH SO GOOD. Tara writes a memoir about her life growing up in a cult that is preparing for end times. Her life is absolutely absurd you almost can’t believe it’s true. Her story is absolutely captivating!
Reason: What better way to get out of a reading slump than to read a young adult dystopian story? I lent this to my sister and she read it in one sitting! It’s both dark and delightful.
Reason: This is a fun rom com that will make you feel like you are on an island with a cocktail! Doesn’t that sound lovely? It’s light and fluffy and will make you laugh multiple times.
Reason: This romantic book has just the right amount of steam to get you out of a reading rut! If you are trying to squeeze a few more drops of summer, you need to pick this one up!
Reason: If I had to pick one physiological thriller for everyone to read, this will be it! This book is a page turner and the plot twist is completely unpredictable.
Reason: What better way to get you sucked into a story than an absolutely dark dystopia? If you can’t get sucked into this one, I don’t know what to tell ya! I started the TV series, but *not to be basic,* the book is so much better.
Reason: This thriller is dark and twisted and absolutely addicting. If you want a book that is unputdownable, this one is it! It’s also the perfect Fall read!
What. A. Month. This month was more difficult for me to focus. I was very anxious prior to school starting, and very tired once school actually started. While this was a “slow” month, I think overall finishing 7 books is still pretty dang good.
This was also the first month that I didn’t have a five star read! I have gotten feedback that some of my ratings might be slightly inflated, and it’s difficult to know which books I truly and whole-heartedly loved. From now on, I am saving a five star rating for books that absolutely changed me. Books that I ardently loved and would recommend anyone and everyone to read.
I think I may have overdone it a bit with thrillers this month. Anyway, here are my August reads:
*This post includes Amazon Affiliate links. If you do choose to buy any of these books, please consider using my specific links, as they allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep up my blog! Thank you for your support!
1. She Lies Close by Sharon Doering
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Genre: Thriller
Short summary: Grace Wright begins suffering from crippling insomnia when she discovers her new neighbor, Leland Ernest, is a suspect for the abduction of five-year-old Ava. Grace is a mother of two and is paranoid that they are not safe. As her obsession with discovering the truth takes hold of her, she struggles to distinguish reality from dream.
What I loved: Boy did this book give me the creeps! Sharon did a great job getting you into the mindset of Grace, who is, quite honestly, losing it. This is a great read for the fall and had all of the feels of Lisa Jewell’s And Then She Was Gone.
What I didn’t love: The ending was too abrupt. The twist felt like an afterthought. I do feel that the purpose of this book was not to have some crazy surprise ending, but rather to question Grace and her concept of reality (which was different and interesting).
2. We Are All the Same in the Dark by Julia Heaberlin
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Short summary: It’s been a decade since Trumanell Branson, a beloved girl in a small town, disappeared, leaving only a bloody handprint behind. Her brother, Wyatt, is cleared of wrongdoing by the police but tried and sentenced in the court of public opinion.
What I loved: This one got you hooked in very quickly. I loved how the POV evolved throughout this story and how each chapter ended on a mini cliffhanger.
What I didn’t love: The ending fell a little flat and was wrapped up too quickly.
Short summary: Maggie Holt doesn’t believe in her father’s ghost story and well-known book: House of Horrors. While this story is supposedly based on their lives growing up at Baneberry Hall, she dismisses the Book as a tale of lies. After her father dies, however, she discovers that she inherited this estate and comes face to face with forgotten childhood memories and haunting ghosts.
What I loved: This was a fun, fast-paced read. I loved the spooky ghost vibes (even if I don’t believe in them).
What I didn’t love: Honestly, I think this book was overhyped and the ending far too predictable.
Short summary: Three friends, Mackenzie, Lily, and Robin are inseparable. Or so they believe. Nothing could come between these three best friends . . .Except for a betrayal. Nothing could turn them against each other . . .Except for a terrible past mistake. Nothing could tear them apart . . . Except for murder.
What I loved: I always enjoy a thriller with multiple POVs! This book had short chapters with multiple cliffhangers and was a really fun read cover to cover.
What I didn’t love: I think I was hoping for more in the end. It just kind of felt “meh” after the big buildup. I would still really recommend this one, though!
Short summary: Frankenstein is consumed in his curiosity of alchemy and the idea of creating a living being. After obsessing over his research, he finally produces a living creature, but to his horror, he actually created an unnamed monster that will cost him everything.
What I loved: This book is so eloquently written. The rich diction and imagery is absolutely excellent in this novel. There are so many layers to this book and I honestly could reread this one.
What I didn’t love: The beginning was so slow and the story is much more of a slow burn. But man is it worth it!
Short summary: Julia Weathers has been struck by tragedy. After desiring change, she stumbles upon a job opportunity: “teacher needed in one-room schoolhouse on remote island in Maine. Certification in grades K-8 a must.” After accepting this position, Julia learns very quickly that everything and everyone on this island isn’t what it seems.
What I loved: This book definitely had the creepy vibes and was easy to follow.
What I didn’t love: The ending was really abrupt. Like all of a sudden it was over. I needed more closure about all that transpired.
Short summary: Former Sergeant DeMarco and his girlfriend are ready for some peace and quiet and in desperate need of a break from near death experiences. However, when two women are found dead in a smoldering car, along with a man brutally murdered nearby, they are dragged back in to solve the case.
What I loved: If you are interested in books with detailed criminal investigations, you would probably be interested in this one.
What I didn’t love: There wasn’t a plot twist and the story moved too slowly for my taste.
Welp! My friends, this was my last full month of summer! Even though my district is delaying it’s start, I will spend a good portion of time this month preparing for this school year. Let me just say that I love this time of year! I love the back to school frenzy, meeting my students, shopping for new school clothes, setting up my classroom, catching up with my coworkers, and the anticipation of finally having a normal schedule and routine.
By this time of year, I am itching to be back in the classroom, and with how everything has panned out so far this year, I am all the more eager! I really appreciate how my district and principal have handled everything thus far. There is still so much uncertainty, but I feel like necessary changes and decisions have been made to attempt to protect the students, staff members, and families in our community.
Now on to books! I think this was one of the best months for me thus far! Here were my July reads.
*This post includes Amazon Affiliate links. If you do choose to buy any of these books, please consider using my specific links, as they allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep up my blog! Thank you for your support!
Favorite July Read:
1. The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Genre: Historical Fiction
Short Summary: This story jumps between two timelines. In 2005, Eva was living in the US when she came across a magazine with a picture of her long-lost book, The Book of Lost Names, that was discovered in Germany. This book was stolen by the Nazis and the founder is attempting to reunite it with its original owner. Inside this book contains coded messages and clues that only Eva would know. In 1942, Eva narrowly escaped Paris after a major roundup where her father, a Polish Jew, was arrested. Seeking refuge in the Free Zone, she begins to forge identity documents for Jewish children who are fleeing to Switzerland. Using codes, she documents each child that she saves in hopes of preserving their identity.
Photo from @booksandetcetera
What I loved: Oh my heart! This story gripped me. I love World War II novels and this one is one of the best. I cried so hard at the end! This story is so well written and you really feel what the characters are feeling. Kristin Harmel has done it again!
Short Summary: Kate is going on vacation with her family, her three best friends, and their families. However, once she is there, she sees an incriminating text on her husband’s cell phone. Her husband is having an affair with one of her friends and she is determined to find out who it is. The more she learns, however, the more she realizes that everyone is hiding secrets.
Photo from @booksandetcetera
What I loved: I could NOT predict the ending of this one! The chapters were short and ended on mini cliff-hangers, which I loved. Lastly, I am all for books with multiple POVs!
Short Summary: Austin Channing Brown shares personal stories with her encounters with racism, microaggressions, and white fragility. Through these experiences and her faith, she shares her desire to bring about racial justice, radical reconciliation, and fundamental changes in our society.
Photo from @booksandetcetera
What I loved: This book was very insightful, genuine, educating, and well-written. For those who desire to be allies and bring about social justice in the world should definitely pick this one up! It is a pretty quick read, but I definitely learned a lot from this book!
Short Summary: Imagine if after the Revolutionary War, George Washing became king instead of president? This book is written as if we had the House of Washington as the ruling monarch of the United States, and we are about to have our first Queen!
Photo from @booksandetcetera
What I loved: This was such a fun read! I really enjoy books about monarchs and royalty, fiction and nonfiction. The idea of the U.S. having a monarch is so fascinating!
Short Summary: In 2020, Mallory is on her deathbed and instructs her son, Link, to open an envelope and call the number inside. To his surprise, Jake McCloud, husband of the front-runner in the upcoming presidential election, answers. The story then goes back 28 summers to the beginning, to when Jake and Mallory first met.
What I loved: This story starts every new year with big events that happened, which was really interesting. This book has ALL the summer feels and is very well written. I also love books that span over several decades.
What I didn’t love: The entire relationship is built on infidelity. I’m not okay with that.
Short Summary: After the death of his wife, Tom Kennedy and his son Jake move to a new town, Featherbank, in order to have a fresh start. However, years ago in this town, five young boys were abducted and killed by Frank Carter, who is known as “The Whisper Man” because his victims claimed that they heard him whispering to them outside their windows. Since then, Frank has been caught and locked up in prison. But as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, Jake starts to hear whispers coming from outside his window…
What I loved: Wow did this book have all the creepy feels! I loved reading this one late at night tucked under the covers for added effect! The chapters were short and I was immediately hooked!
What I didn’t love: The ending fell flat for me. I was hoping for a little more in the end.
Short Summary: Allison James is a hardworking people pleaser and rule follower. But her world falls apart the day before her 35th birthday. She unexpectedly gets fired for unknown reasons at the company she’s invested 12 years in AND her fiancé leaves her for her maid of honor. Feeling utterly lost, she begins a journey of moving on, self-reflecting, and discovering who she really is.
What I loved: This was a light-hearted chick lit read! I was engaged the whole time and it was a fun and easy read!
What I didn’t love: I am not super into the concept of “finding myself.” I feel like it is a little superficial and the idea that the character goes from being totally lost to totally in tune with themselves by the end of the book is not realistic.
Short Summary: Emily is a disaster. She lost her job, her acting agent, and soon will lose her apartment. But her luck seems to turn around Scot Denny, a wealthy CEO, offers her a job as a housekeeper at his remote French estimate. There she will assist Scott’s wife, Nina, and daughter, Aurelia. Without hesitation, she accepts the job only to discover that her new role isn’t what she expected.
What I loved: I love that this book took place in a hidden mansion in France! The idea behind the story was interesting. The chapters were short and had multiple POVs.
What I didn’t love: This story felt flat. You think some twist or turn is going to happen, but it was predictable and honestly a little disappointing in the end.
Short Summary: Kate and Gina were best friends 10 years ago while they went through the police academy together. After leaving Gina and her first position behind, Kate returned to her roots and eventually became Chief of Police in Painters Mill, a quaint community mostly populated by the Amish. Out of the blue, Gina finds Kate and begs for her help. Gina has been shot at and is running away from the corruption of the cops in her district, or so she says. Can Kate trust what she is telling her?
What I loved: So first, this book has Amish people! How cool is that! If you loved detective stories that include corrupt cops, coverups, and investigations, this is your book!
What I didn’t love: This story had almost no surprises or twists. I could have guessed the ending pretty early on in the book.
10. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russel: NO RATING
Genre: Literary Fiction
Short Summary: This book has two timelines. In 2000, Vanessa is 15 years old when Vanessa’s 42 year old English teacher begins grooming and sexually abusing her. 17 years later, she is still in contact with her abuser when other former students come out that he has also abused them. She firmly believes that her relationship with her teacher was special and that he truly loved her. But as more information is unearthed, she struggles to understand what really happened to her and is faced with pain and heartache as she remembers their past together.
What I loved: This story is heartbreaking and so dark. You really see inside the mind of a victim of sexual abuse. This story jumped between past and present and was extremely well written.
What I didn’t love: I honestly don’t recommend this book. It was so dark and heavy, it took me days to emotionally recover from it. This book could potentially have many triggers to someone who has been a victim of abuse.
is absolutely captivating!
