I had big plans to do more reviews in this space in the new year, but as you see, it hasn't happened yet. But it will – I promise!
I've been reading a ton of books this year, and have expanded by preferences, but haven't been writing about them here. So in this new year (which apparently begins in March), I will still bring advanced reviews of newly published books, but I will also tell you about the library and purchase books I've been reading as well. It should be fun.
So let's get started with a roundup of what I read in February? I read some winners and didn't finish a few that I could not make myself love. So without further ado…..
Falling for You, Becky Wade
I started this series years ago when the prequel novella came out and I immediately fell in love with those Bradford sisters. And then I moved on and kind of forgot about this. So I was so excited to find this on my reading list again and I fell back in love with this family. This book focuses on Willow and her on-again, off-again with football hunk, Corbin Stewart. These two put their relationship to the test and do everything in their power not to fall in love, but you know how romance goes. I loved the ending of this one, loved the suspense of trying to figure out if they would ever get together and loved the extra characters we met on the way. Thumbs up!
I started this series years ago when the prequel novella came out and I immediately fell in love with those Bradford sisters. And then I moved on and kind of forgot about this. So I was so excited to find this on my reading list again and I fell back in love with this family. This book focuses on Willow and her on-again, off-again with football hunk, Corbin Stewart. These two put their relationship to the test and do everything in their power not to fall in love, but you know how romance goes. I loved the ending of this one, loved the suspense of trying to figure out if they would ever get together and loved the extra characters we met on the way. Thumbs up!
Something in the Water, Catherine Steadman
I knew nothing about this book other than that seal on the front declaring it a Reese Witherspoon recommendation, but I quickly realized it was highly recommended for a reason. This book is about a couple who finally get married and head off to a dream honeymoon, only to find themselves wrapped up in one crazy of a thrill ride mystery when they pick up a random bag floating in the ocean. I was on the edge of my seat through this entire book and can honestly say I was shocked at the ending. I had no idea! Thumbs up!!
I knew nothing about this book other than that seal on the front declaring it a Reese Witherspoon recommendation, but I quickly realized it was highly recommended for a reason. This book is about a couple who finally get married and head off to a dream honeymoon, only to find themselves wrapped up in one crazy of a thrill ride mystery when they pick up a random bag floating in the ocean. I was on the edge of my seat through this entire book and can honestly say I was shocked at the ending. I had no idea! Thumbs up!!
Just the Way You Are, Pepper Basham
Truth – I read a Pepper Basham book a couple years ago and loved it. It was the first in a series, so when I picked up this book I thought I was continuing that series. I was not. But it did not matter. This book had all the things I love: British castles, romance, mystery, family, and love. We meet Eisley who heads off to England to do family research for her uncle. She immediately meets British star Wes Harrison who turns out to be completely different than she expected. A handful of twists and turns later, and I'll let you figure out what happens between the two of them. This book is also the first in a series, and I have made notes to make sure I continue this series. Thumbs up!
Truth – I read a Pepper Basham book a couple years ago and loved it. It was the first in a series, so when I picked up this book I thought I was continuing that series. I was not. But it did not matter. This book had all the things I love: British castles, romance, mystery, family, and love. We meet Eisley who heads off to England to do family research for her uncle. She immediately meets British star Wes Harrison who turns out to be completely different than she expected. A handful of twists and turns later, and I'll let you figure out what happens between the two of them. This book is also the first in a series, and I have made notes to make sure I continue this series. Thumbs up!
China Rich Girlfriend, Kevin Kwan
Listen, I read Crazy Rich Boyfriend a while back and felt kind of "eh" about it. But I finally watched the movie and discovered this is one of those cases where the movie is better than the book. But it also made me want to read the rest of the series, so here I am. I also felt kind of "meh" about this book, but I will read the third book just because that is what comes next. Thumbs up, thumbs down – I really don’t have a feeling about this one.
Listen, I read Crazy Rich Boyfriend a while back and felt kind of "eh" about it. But I finally watched the movie and discovered this is one of those cases where the movie is better than the book. But it also made me want to read the rest of the series, so here I am. I also felt kind of "meh" about this book, but I will read the third book just because that is what comes next. Thumbs up, thumbs down – I really don’t have a feeling about this one.
Two Can Keep a Secret, Karen McManus
I had never heard of this book but saw it recommended on my library's Overdrive page so I grabbed it. I have a love/hate relationship with Young Adult books so I didn't really expect too much out of it. But the moment twins Ellery and Ezra arrive in Echo Ridge, I realize I am HOOKED. This book has so many twists, turns, bumps, and crazies; and I loved every minute of it. When I headed over to Goodreads to leave my review, I realized I had stumbled on one of this most talked about YA books of the year. Who knew? Million Thumbs UP!
I had never heard of this book but saw it recommended on my library's Overdrive page so I grabbed it. I have a love/hate relationship with Young Adult books so I didn't really expect too much out of it. But the moment twins Ellery and Ezra arrive in Echo Ridge, I realize I am HOOKED. This book has so many twists, turns, bumps, and crazies; and I loved every minute of it. When I headed over to Goodreads to leave my review, I realized I had stumbled on one of this most talked about YA books of the year. Who knew? Million Thumbs UP!
Did Not Finish:
- The Kiss Quotient (Helen Hoang) – I read about half of this one, but I just could not make myself read more. I was bored out of my mind.
- The Proposal (Jasmine Guillory) – Another one I made it about halfway through but could not get motivated to read more. I didn't like anything about it.
- His Favorites (Kate Walbert) – I gave up on this one in the first chapter. I just couldn't.