My book goal to read and listen to this year is 25 books. I’ve already completed 8 in January so I am WELL on my way!
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger // I listened to this on audible. It was easy for me to get swept up in the story pretty quickly. I was invested in the brothers from the start and absolutely loved how the story ended. It has moments that made me think of the book “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate, which is a very emotional book. There were hard parts, tense parts, heart-warming parts. I really loved it.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris // I’m still in my WWII/historical fiction phase and really loved this book. It was hard to read, emotionally shocking and grueling at times, but I absolutely fell in love with Lane and his story and would highly recommend this book.
Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid // I’m desperately longing for TJR to come out with another novel. I love her books. To quell my hunger for the time being, I listened to this novella/short story. As usual, I was hooked right away and invested in the story. Loved it.
How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told by Harrison Scott Key // It’s hard to fully convey all the things this book made me think about. As a Christian it offered a refreshingly raw perspective on aspects of the church. It displayed deep adult friendship beautifully. It showed a very real but not often discussed experience in marriage, and had elements of humor mixed in as well. I didn’t really know what to expect when I started it, but I quite liked it.
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker // This was a very easy love story. Predictable and basic, BUT I really enjoyed the tension, the emotional struggle of the main character, and the elements of community, family, and intimate friendships.
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams // If you’re looking for a tension filled meet cute, this is it. I laughed out loud at parts, and completely predicted the storyline, though still enjoyed reading it for a light and fun love story.
The People We Keep by Allison Larkin // I chose this book after looking at the list of books that Julia Whelan narrates. She’s my favorite narrator, especially of Taylor Jenkins Reid books. This story looked interesting and I hadn’t read anything from this author before. I really liked it! It was a little gritty but I enjoyed the story and was reminded, at times, of Daisy Jones and the Six!
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld // I just finished this book at the end of January. I liked it, but I wouldn’t say I was deeply invested in either the characters nor the story. I think I got a little weary of all the TNO talk? And while I felt like Sally shared her thoughts and feelings on what was happening in the book, I still didn’t get the emotional aspect that I always find in, say, a Taylor Jenkins Reid book. So, it was fine, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
