So I know that I am way behind by just now doing a 1st Quarter Book Review, but I didn’t want it to pass me by. I started off the year really strong and plowed through several books and then I have totally slowed this 2nd Quarter. I wanted to recap what I have read so far and hopefully do another one for 2nd Quarter. We are headed on vacation next week and I’m planning to get a lot of reading done (#nokids). I found that when I started loving Podcasts about two months ago that it took a toll on my actual reading. Hopefully I can balance both.
Luckiest Girl Alive
by Jessica Knoll
This book received lots of hype and was compared to Gone Girl and Girl On A Train, but I just can’t agree. I loved both of those books and this was not a favorite of mine at all. It took me forever to get into and I almost didn’t finish it multiple times. The story follows the life of Ani. She seems to be living the perfect life, but has a secret from her high school past. It’s sad to relive this time with her and think about these acts happening to other high schoolers. I think the author is trying to bring awareness (and actually has a similar story of her own), but the story just took too long to catch my attention. So many other people loved this book, but I just couldn’t get there. I would not compare it to the great suspense novels of Gone Girl and Girl on a Train. Skip it.
Present Over Perfect
by Shauna Niequist
I started out really loving this book and shaking my head yes to many of the points that the author was making. I think in this age of technology, comparison and busy, busy lives; we can relate to some of what Niequist discusses in this book. In the end, she kind of lost me though. She talks about about herself a lot and turns the book more into a memoir. She’s saying “no” to more large picture engagements that most people can’t relate to and does a good bit of complaining rather than giving useful advice. There are few things to take away from this book; but overall, I don’t think this book lived up to it’s fantastic title. I would recommend to skip it.
The Couple Next Door
by Shari Lapena
I loved this book. It’s a little crazy and maybe somewhat unrealistic, but it did keep me guessing and wanting more! The book has an awesome turn of events at the end that I don’t think most people figure out on their own. The Couple Next Door is about a couple with one baby who decides to go to a dinner party at their neighbors house. While at the party, a terrible crime is committed. This books walks you through the twists and turns of the investigation. I love a good suspense novel and would definitely recommend this one.
Strong is the New Beautiful
by Lindsey Vonn
This book is a little outside the box, but I love Lindsey Vonn. I randomly picked this one up and loved reading her story. As a former athlete, I could relate to a lot of what she discusses. I love what she is trying to get across to young women everywhere. She talks about the millions of different diets that she has tried and her struggles on the red carpet as a “stronger, larger” woman. I loved reading about how she trains, how she learned to eat clean, and what it has taken to get where she is today. She’s relatable and has a great story to tell. I also love following her on Instagram :). I would recommend this book.
Cancel the Wedding
by Carolyn Dingman
I was really excited to read this one and it’s the perfect Summer read for any of you ladies. This story follows a woman’s journey to uncover the secret past of her now deceased Mother. She travels south to Georgia to see this small town that her Mother rarely spoke of, but where she wants her ashes spread. Olivia works to uncover everything she can about her Mother as she puts her own life on hold. Lots of great twists, love stories, and feel good moments in this story. I couldn’t put it down. I would highly recommend it.
Heads in Beds
by Jacob Tomsky
This is a pretty random read for me; but if you travel a lot and stay in hotels, you might find it pretty interesting. Jacob, the author, finds himself in the hospitality industry right out of college. He works in valet for a prestigious New Orleans hotel and works his way through the ranks. He ends up in Manhattan learning the ends and outs of the hotel industry. He walks you through hilarious stories of hotel guests, teaches you how to get what you want from your hotel, and how to always get Pay-Per-View charges removed from your bill. He’s funny and candid about his experiences behind the scenes. You can probably skip this one even though I enjoyed some of the stories and just know this –– always tip at the check-in counter to try for a room upgrade and at check-out let them know that you never rented a movie or touched the mini-bar and your charges will be removed with out question 🙂
Currently Reading:
So many good recommendations on this book. I like it so far, but I’m not flying through it like I hoped. I need to buckle down and get into it a little further. I know it’s a good story.
Like I mentioned above, we are headed on vacation next week with out kids and here is what is packed in my suitcase. I’m hoping to get into a groove and do a lot of reading while we are gone. I’ve downloaded a few audiobooks as well as books to read. I can’t wait to knock a few out.
In My Suitcase:
What’s on your nightstand or has been your favorite read lately??
Here is my 2016 Book Review (small list)
Link up starts at 7 am EST.
I keep hearing great things about Cancel the Wedding! I’ve got to move through some of these other books before I can justify picking it up, though!! I felt the same way about Luckiest Girl Alive. It literally took me almost a YEAR to read it. Plus it was a little bit dark for my taste! I listened to the Couple Next Door and agree, a little unrealistic in parts but good if you are in to suspense. Your list for your upcoming trip is awesome! The Royal We and What Alice Forgot are two of my all time favorite books! I would recommend The Woman in Cabin 10 if you haven’t read that yet, too!
Yes! Was obsessed with the woman in cabin 10! Can’t wait to read the Royal We!
Struggled with the Woman in Cabin 10. Just couldn’t get into it. Not a huge fan of suspense. I just received an advance copy of a book from a publisher. The book is called The Break Down by B.A. Paris. Will let you know what I think although I don’t think I do a great job reviewing suspense/thrillers.
You’re going to love What Alice Forgot….a perfect read for the summer
Thanks for the great book reviews! I love to spend time outside on my deck reading in the summer. Peace!
Cheryl Tucker
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Also just started Crazy Rich Asians! Can’t wait to see if it lives up to the hype 🙂 Have a wonderful vacation!!
I loved Cancel the Wedding too! What Alice Forgot and Behind Closed Doors are also two of my faves. The Royal We is a decent read but it was really long…like I almost got tired of reading it and gave up. You might save it for last. 🙂
Love the recs, thank you so much for sharing!! I am definitely going to try Cancel the Wedding and also Heads in Beds, because we travel CONSTANTLY. Hope you enjoy Crazy Rich Asians!! It was one of my favorites a couple summers ago, so fun and funny!!
these are great summaries/recommendations! I have been totally obsessed with podcasts lately too, and I have been trying to transfer that new love over to audiobooks… I just started “The Polygamist’s Daughter” by Anna LeBaron. It’s a true story/memoir about her childhood in a polygamist cult, so it’s interesting, but a little bit intense… not as “light and fluffy” as I prefer for summer reading!
The Royal We is one of my favorites 🙂 I just loved it! I started the Nightingale and could not get into it. I think I need to take it on vacation with me so I have more time to just dig in to! I heard similar sentiments about Present over Perfection. Thanks for the fun link-up! Hope you have a great vacation! xoxo ERIN
I have been reccomended the couple next door multiple times and now I feel like I HAVE to read it! that or cancel the wedding lol bc just the title is enticing enough for me! Thanks for the great reivews!
Julie | https://scorseofstyles.com
I couldn’t finish Present over Perfect. Agree on your “skip” rating. So disappointed!
You are going to LOVE the Royal We!! I also enjoyed One True Loves and What Alice Forgot.. and I’m halfway through Crazy Rich Asians! XO
I felt the exact same way about Present Over Perfect. Loved the beginning and the overall message, but she lost me a bit with the last half of the book. Great job doing so much reading!! I’d love to start a book club with friends so I am always on the hunt for good books 🙂
I tried to read Luckiest Girl Alive and just couldn’t get into it. It’s rare for me to stop reading a book but I don’t think I am going to finish it. I LOVED The Royal We. What Alice Forgot was really good. I just started The Girls and I am struggling to get into it for some reason
I just finished “Behind Closed Door” in two days. It was an excellent suspense thriller and I could not put it down. I can’t wait for your review. Next I will read “The Couple Next Door”, after that “The Two-Family House” by Lynda Cohen-Loigman. They were Mother’s Day Gifts from my husband. Happy Vacation and reading!
I am currently reading the Nightingale too! I had SO many people tell me it was the best book they’ve ever read. I think my problem is that I’m so sleepy when I finally get in bed that I read 2 pages then fall asleep. Then the next night I forgot what I’ve already read and have to go back a few pages… sigh! Heading to my in-laws this weekend aka free babysitting so I’m hoping to get more into it!
I hear that! The book is so long, it’s a little overwhelming! I having been consistently reading it either, so I have to go back to remind myself what happened ?
The Nightingale is great! I ended up downloading the audiobook and that helped me read through it quickly. I just rarely have time to sit down and read something. If I do I usually end up falling asleep. Listening to a book in the car or on a walk is my favorite thing to do!
Love this list! I’m definitely going to check out Cancel the Wedding and the Lindsay Vonn book.
Crazy Rich Asians is so, so good! What Alice Forgot is good, too. I wouldn’t start with The Royal We it so long and can be pretty tedious! Hope y’all have a blast on your vacation!
Lindsey Vonn’s book sounds really good – going to have to look her up on instagram now!