The Oxford Comma Momma

Our Little Lies by Sue Watson

2018-10-12T18:20:00.002-05:00

Rating
4.5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Thriller

Goodreads Summary

How far would you go to protect your perfect life?

Marianne has a life others dream of. A beautiful townhouse on the best street in the neighborhood. Three bright children who are her pride and joy.

Sometimes her past still hurts: losing her mother early, growing up in foster care. But her husband, Simon, is always there. A successful surgeon, he’s the envy of every woman they’ve ever met. Flowers, gifts, trips to France: nothing is too good for his family.

Then Simon says another woman’s name. The way he lingers on it, Caroline , gives Marianne a shudder of suspicion, but she knows it’s nothing – she can’t entertain this flash of paranoia.

In the old days, she’d have distracted herself by excelling at work, but Marianne left her glamorous career when she married. She’d speak to a friend, but she’s too busy with her children and besides, Simon doesn’t approve of the few she has left.

It’s almost by accident that Marianne starts to learn more about Caroline. But once started, she can’t stop, because what she finds makes her wonder: is the question she should be asking not ‘should she be jealous’, but... ‘should she be scared?’

Fans of The Girl on the Train and I Let You Go, who are looking for a dark, gripping psychological thriller with a final twist to put their jaw on the floor, will love Our Little Lies.

Review

I really enjoyed this unique psychological thriller! I've read a lot of thrillers over the past few months and some of them start to blend together after awhile. But this book was a refreshing change, and I did not want to put it down! I was intrigued from the very beginning as I learned about Marianne and her life—her husband, her kids, her past and present. Everything was told from her perspective, and I could not figure out whether or not she was a trustworthy character. As I continued to read, all the other characters left me guessing as well. I went back and forth trying to figure out if my suspicions were accurate or completely off. Basically, everything that occurred took me by complete surprise! There were many times throughout this book that I thought to myself, "Wow, that was sneaky!" Everything was just so unexpected, well-thought-out, and superbly done. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of thrillers and suspense!

Author Sue Watson's website

Thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This title is available as of October 11, 2018.

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid

2018-10-11T13:04:00.000-05:00

Rating
4.5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Romance

Goodreads Summary

Have you ever heard of supernovas? They shine brighter than anything else in the sky and then fade out really quickly, a short burst of extraordinary energy. I like to think you and Ben were like that . . . in that short time, you had more passion than some people have in a lifetime.

Elsie Porter is an average twentysomething and yet what happens to her is anything but ordinary. On a rainy New Year's Day, she heads out to pick up a pizza for one. She isn't expecting to see anyone else in the shop, much less the adorable and charming Ben Ross. Their chemistry is instant and electric. Ben cannot even wait twenty-four hours before asking to see her again. Within weeks, the two are head over heels in love. By May, they've eloped.

Only nine days later, Ben is out riding his bike when he is hit by a truck and killed on impact. Elsie hears the sirens outside her apartment, but by the time she gets downstairs, he has already been whisked off to the emergency room. At the hospital, she must face Susan, the mother-in-law she has never met and who doesn't even know Elsie exists.

Interweaving Elsie and Ben's charmed romance with Elsie and Susan's healing process, Forever, Interrupted will remind you that there's more than one way to find a happy ending.

Review
This book is exactly what I needed to get out of a brief reading slump! Shockingly, this was my first Taylor Jenkins Reid (TJR) novel! I've had a few of her books on my to be read list forever, and I finally decided it was time to jump on the TJR wagon. I am so glad I did because this book was amazing!! It pulled at my heart strings in all the right ways and kept me entertained the whole way through. This book tells a captivating story of love and loss, friendship, and personal growth. You will see the main character, Elsie, walk through some really hard things. Things that would be difficult for anyone to grasp. But this story actually wasn't a pure cry fest. It was also full of encouragement, laughter, and hope. I really appreciated finding a romance novel that contained little to no sexual content—it was refreshing. Honestly, please pick up this book if you haven't. It really touched my heart and will stick with me. I'm looking forward to reading another book by this author in the near future!

Author Taylor Jenkins Reid's website

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

2018-10-06T13:37:00.003-05:00

Rating
3/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Suspense

Goodreads Summary

A novel of suspense that explores the complexities of marriage and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.

You will assume you are reading about a jealous wife and her obsession with her replacement.

You will assume you are reading about a woman about to enter a new marriage with the man she loves.

You will assume the first wife was a disaster and that the husband was well rid of her.

You will assume you know the motives, the history, the anatomy of the relationships.

Assume nothing.

Review
I feel like I should preface this review by saying I've been on a major book hangover since reading The Light We Lost. Because of that, it was hard for me to pick up another book, and I feel like I probably didn't enjoy this as much as I normally would have. I have heard rave reviews about The Wife Between Us and have been so excited to pick it up. It was definitely a well-written, intriguing read, but it wasn't all that I had been hoping for. There were some good twists and things I didn't see coming, but I kept thinking that it reminded me a lot of The Last Mrs. Parrish, which I loved; however, I was just hoping for more originality. I think this duo of authors is fantastic and do a great job writing a suspense novel. I really enjoyed An Anonymous Girl, which will be published in 2019. With all that being said, I'm probably in the minority of people who didn't really love this book, so I would still suggest you pick it up and see what you think!

Author Greer Hendricks's website
Author Sarah Pekkanen's website

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

2018-10-03T13:26:00.002-05:00

Rating
5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Romance

Goodreads Summary

He was the first person to inspire her, to move her, to truly understand her. Was he meant to be the last?

Lucy is faced with a life-altering choice. But before she can make her decision, she must start her story--their story--at the very beginning. Lucy and Gabe meet as seniors at Columbia University on a day that changes both of their lives forever. Together, they decide they want their lives to mean something, to matter. When they meet again a year later, it seems fated--perhaps they'll find life's meaning in each other. But then Gabe becomes a photojournalist assigned to the Middle East and Lucy pursues a career in New York. What follows is a thirteen-year journey of dreams, desires, jealousies, betrayals, and, ultimately, of love. Was it fate that brought them together? Is it choice that has kept them away? Their journey takes Lucy and Gabe continents apart, but never out of each other's hearts.

This devastatingly romantic debut novel about the enduring power of first love, with a shocking, unforgettable ending, is Love Story for a new generation.

Review
This is one of the best books I've read! I had high expectations based off of all the recommendations, and it definitely did not disappoint! Jill Santopolo is a really gifted writer. I thoroughly enjoyed the style in which she wrote this book—from the main character Lucy's point of view, with present occurrences as well as reminiscing the past. I was pulled into Lucy and Gabe's love story nearly right away. Their relationship covers all the emotions you could think of, and I was fully captivated and invested in their lives. By the title, you can probably guess that this isn't a perfect textbook love story. There are plenty of ups and downs and a fair amount of sexual content. I consider this book to be a bit of mix of All Your Perfects and The Dinner List, both of which I loved. With that being said, I highly recommend it and suggest you have an open schedule when you start this because you will not want to put it down! And if you have read this—or after you do—let's discuss. I have lots to say! 😁

Author Jill Santopolo's website

Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins

2018-09-28T20:10:00.000-05:00

Rating

4.5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Women's

Summary

When their dear friend Emerson passes away, best friends Georgia and Marley are heartbroken. They find that Emerson left behind a list that the three of them created long ago detailing the things they would do once they lost weight. Challenged and ready for a change, they slowly begin to work on checking items off and soon both embark on their own journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Along the way, they deal with deep-rooted issues from childhood, adolescence, and the present. Georgia has a strained relationship with her family and is still recovering from the demise of her marriage. Marley lost her twin sister as a young child and has felt a missing piece ever since. They begin to realize that both of them have issues that need addressing and that what they always assumed would leave them feeling happy and fulfilled seems to fall completely short.

Review
This was my first Kristan Higgins book, and it was a joy to read! It took me on a beautiful journey through the lives of Emerson, Georgia, and Marley and their unique but similar stories. Each character was so real and relatable, and their stories were inspiring. This story continuously captured my attention with the details of these women's lives—family issues, dating, body image issues, loss, etc. My heart was with these sweet friends as they went through some really hard and trying times. While this book had some deep and difficult topics, it was balanced nicely with hysterical commentary in between that had me giggling. Not only are these women struggling, they are also trying their best to have fun and make light of things along the way. Their friendship was uplifting and left me feeling encouraged! Overall, this book was really clean—very limited swearing and sexual content. I would highly recommend it!

Author Kristan Higgins's website

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

2018-09-21T21:32:00.000-05:00

Rating

4.5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Suspense

Summary

She looks beautiful in her wedding dress. It fits her perfectly and is exactly what I'd imagined she'd go for: elegant, understated, and unique—just like her. My heart breaks that her days will never come, but she doesn't need to know that yet. I think about the guests who won't attend, the picture frames with no photographs, the first dance that will be silent, the cake that won't get eaten, and I feel my resolve weakening. I pull myself up. This is not a time for doubt. There is still so much work to do, so much more pain to inflict, but I will not be deterred. I failed once before, but this time, I'll get it right. There's too much at stake to get it wrong.

(from the Prologue of The Other Woman by Sandie Jones)

When Emily meets Adam, they quickly fall for each other and make plans for their future together. All appears fine and dandy until Emily meets her future mother-in-law, Pammie, and is left wondering why it seems as if she is always trying to undermine her and leave her out. But what once bothered her soon seems trivial compared to what she is about to endure because it seems as if Pammie will stop at nothing to make sure Emily doesn't end up with her son.

Review

This book was excellent! It makes the stereotypical mother-in-law look tame! I just finished it and am still trying to process everything. I really appreciate the time the author put in to establishing Emily and Adam's relationship, as well as Adam and his mother's relationship. It helped me connect with the characters and their reasons for doing the things they did. I had tons of emotions going on throughout—sympathy, frustration, fury, and everything in between. At different parts of the books, I had a thorough dislike for each character. They were each awful while also being super likable at other points, and I mean this as a positive. This book had some serious twists that left me going "WHAT?!" I pretty much could not have guessed any of the things that ended up happening in the end. I love when a book sucks me in like that and leaves me wondering what in the world I just read! I highly suggest adding this one to your list if it's not already on there. I think this will be one that people will be talking about for the rest of 2018!

Author Sandie Jones Q&A

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

2018-09-20T13:28:00.001-05:00

Rating

4/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Chick Lit

Summary

Days away from marrying the man of her dreams, Poppy Wyatt loses both her engagement ring and her cell phone. Amidst the panic, she stumbles upon a cell phone in a garbage can and quickly claims it as her own. After all, finders keepers, right? It turns out that the actual owner of the phone, businessman Sam, is none too happy about her claiming. Soon Poppy is playing assistant to Sam—without his knowledge—while also trying to find her ring, gain the approval of her fiance's family, and make last minute preparations for her wedding. Follow Poppy's hysterical, witty story as she learns to love herself, flaws and all.

Review

What a fun read this was! It was a nice little break from the types of books I normally read. Poppy is amusing, clever and dramatic, and I loved every bit of it! Maybe that is because I can relate to her crazy ways! Her antics and the way she handles awkward, less-than-ideal situations will leave you laughing out loud. Underneath all of that, however, is a sweet, insecure 29-year old woman who just wants to be loved and accepted by people. Can't we all relate to that? This book read quick overall and was entertaining from start to finish. It's a great choice if you are looking for a light-hearted, silly read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more of Sophie Kinsella's books in the future!

Author Sophie Kinsella's website

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

2018-09-20T13:12:00.002-05:00

Rating

5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Suspense

Summary

Amber Patterson arrives in Bishops Harbor, Connecticut with a plan to turn her life around. With a painful childhood and rocky past behind her, she is determined to create the life she deserves. Her eyes are set on affluent millionaire Jackson Parrish, knowing that she will have all that she wants in no time. First, Amber asserts herself into the life of the Parrish family through Jackson's wife, Daphne. Once the two bond over their similarities, they form a friendship that Daphne has been longing for. Before she knows it, Amber is—more or less—considered a part of the Parrish family. She has family dinners with them, vacations with them, helps with their children. Soon, her manipulation starts to touch every area of Daphne's life, and her past begins to unfold. But nothing will stop Amber from getting what she thinks is rightfully hers.

Review

I can now understand why people were talking about this book so much! Wow! I loved it! After I finished reading it, two words kept popping into my head to describe it—scandalous and riveting! This book is a bit dark and, without a doubt, has some disturbing aspects that some people may not like. But it is unputdownable! (And yes, that is a word. I checked! 😊) Both Amber's and Daphne's stories sucked me in and always kept me wanting more. Their two viewpoints are crazy different and offer such contrasting perspectives that really left me in awe! There was some definite shock factor! If you are looking for a fast, suspenseful read that pulls you in from the very beginning, this is it! I flew through it and didn't want it to end. I highly recommend this book!

Author Liv Constantine's website

The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

2018-09-13T20:31:00.001-05:00

Rating

4/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Metaphysical/Romance

Summary

If you could choose five people—dead or alive—to have dinner with, who would you choose? At Sabrina's thirtieth birthday dinner, she is accompanied by five individuals of her choosing. Sitting with her are her absent father, her favorite college professor, her best friend, the love of her life, and Audrey Hepburn. Each is there for a particular reason, which they will soon learn, as Sabrina recalls the past and looks ahead to the future.

Review

This book had it all: love, friendship, abandonment, coming of age, and more! It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The beautiful love story that unfolded really captured my heart. I could relate to the ups and downs, and I felt like part of my own story was being shared. The struggles that Sabrina faced are real and relatable—things we have all gone through in one way or another. I enjoyed the interweaving of the past and present that told a larger story as a whole. One without the other left questions but, when put together, things slowly began to connect and make more sense until it was clear why each person was chosen to be at the dinner. An interesting twist on the classic love story, this book is one I would suggest to anyone! The ending shook me—I will just leave it at that. Pick this one up ASAP, and let me know what you think of it!

Author Rebecca Serle's website

Thanks to Flatiron Books for a free copy of this novel.

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

2018-09-12T15:28:00.003-05:00

Rating

5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Suspense

Summary

Jessica is a young makeup artist trying to find her footing in New York City. Struggling to make ends meet and help her family out back home, she joins a study on morality and ethics to earn some extra money. After the session, she leaves feeling a bit exposed and vulnerable. When the professor of the study—Dr. Shields—contacts her for further participation, and thus money, Jessica accepts. After all, everything is confidential. But as the requirements for the study grow stranger and more demanding, Jessica starts to wonder what type of study she got herself into. Is she being paranoid or being manipulated?

Review

This was a fantastic book! The whole premise was intriguing to me since it is rather unique and original. I love when a book can keep me on my toes and guessing throughout, and this book did exactly that! Any time I thought I knew what was going on, I started to question myself. The plot twists were so fascinating and unexpected, and there were many times I could not put this book down because I was dying to know what was going to happen next. I felt like I was trying to put a puzzle together and would not be content until all the pieces fit. I found this to have a good amount of suspense without being overly disturbing or gruesome. Overall, I appreciated the original and enticing writing, and I would highly recommend this book to fans of suspense!

Author Greer Hendricks's website

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This title will be published in January 2019.

The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton & James Patterson

2018-09-05T20:15:00.000-05:00

Rating

2/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Thriller

Summary

When the president of the United States learns of a significant threat through an unlikely source, he's forced to put his recent personal loss and health issues to the side in order to save what could destroy his country. The most dangerous and daunting kind of cyberterrorism that the world has ever seen causes the president to make some choices that leave even his closest White House staff wondering what he could possibly be thinking. And with a possible traitor in his own cabinet, not a single person can really be trusted. How far will the president go to protect the country he has been appointed to put above all else?

Review

I was so excited to read this book! I've always enjoyed James Patterson's books in the past, and adding Bill Clinton into the mix sounded super intriguing! I don't know if it was my mood, the book, or a combination of both, but I could not get into this book at all. It was way more of a political thriller than I was anticipating—I was thinking it would be more just a typical suspense//thriller like most of James Patterson's others. I guess I wasn't expecting the book to dive into the aspects of war, government structure, and the dynamics of other countries to the extent in which it did. As someone who is not into politics in the least bit, I felt like a lot of the story was boring and over my head. I can completely see why a lot of people loved this book though! It contained some great content and twists. However, it fell very short for me, and I struggled to even finish it. So, take my opinion with a grain of salt and read it if you think it's a topic you may enjoy!

Author James Patterson's website

No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert

2018-08-31T19:21:00.001-05:00

Rating

5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Contemporary/Christian

Summary

Follow the lives of Camille, Jen, and Anaya as their worlds entwine when an inner city school district loses its accreditation, sending many of their misplaced students to a well-to-do school district that is less than excited to take them in. Camille seems to have it all—a wealthy husband and three beautiful children that attend some of the best schools available. How will this school integration affect her affluent family? Jen, her husband, and their newly adopted Liberian daughter are new to town and just trying to settle into a normal life. Should they send their daughter to school with other kids like her or one where she is the minority? Anaya is in her first year of teaching and has accepted a job in the school district receiving transfer students. Despite her hesitancy, she is determined that she will make a positive impact somehow. With racism and segregation at the forefront of this story, these three women will have to figure out a way to do what is best for their children, family, and community.

Review

This book was incredible! I was intrigued from the very beginning. There is such an intricate and enlightening story that unfolds, and it will stay with me long past the last page. Topics such as racism, segregation, family dynamics, adoption, and faith are all delicately and empathetically discussed within a story that just flows so well together. Each character was well developed and portrayed, with each of their personal stories and growth being equally fascinating. How Katie Ganshert managed to piece together such difficult topics into a story so beautifully is beyond me. I think it really says something about a book when it can make you look at things differently in life—in a good way. My eyes have been opened to some of the significant struggles many individuals have faced and continue to face. I would highly recommend this book to anyone! It would spark some great discussion for a book group, or it could just be an enthralling solo read. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Author Katie Ganshert's website

Thanks to NetGalley and Waterbrook & Multnomah for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

4 star books

2018-08-29T16:01:00.001-05:00

Here are some more recommendations for you all! I have read each of these books this year and gave them 4 out of 5 stars. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I did!

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

Read Bottom Up by Neel Shah & Skye Chatham

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

As you probably know, the Crazy Rich Asians movie is currently in theaters. I always prefer to read the book first and then see the movie. Hoping I can see it sometime soon!

Have you read any of these books? What are your thoughts on them? I am such a huge fan of Liane Moriarty and Ruth Ware, in case you don't know that yet. 😊

Happy Reading!

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

2018-08-24T20:35:00.001-05:00

Rating

3/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Contemporary Romance

Summary

Up and coming political enthusiast Ella Durran is off to fulfill her childhood dream of a year studying at Oxford University. Upon arrival, as she quickly worries that she is in way over head surrounded by Oxonians, she meets an arrogant playboy named Jamie Davenport, who turns out to be her professor. As their relationship develops into something unique, Ella learns that Jamie has been hiding something from her. In order to figure out how to move forward, she must look within to decide if what was important when she first arrived at Oxford is still important now.

Review

So, I went into this book knowing very little about the content. I had only heard it had received great reviews, therefore I suppose my expectations were a little high. The first half of the book was a bit rough for me. I definitely wasn't pulled in from the first page. I felt like a fair amount of the language was way above my head, which—I'm not going to lie—left me feeling somewhat inadequate. The second half picked up and was more enjoyable for me. This was probably due to the fact that the major story line and conflict occured. I found Ella to be a really neat character, and I could empathize with her in many ways. I would recommend this book mostly based off the fact that so many others loved it—I tend to be in the minority for some of these popular books. So, give it a shot and, if you do, let me know what you think!

Author Julia Whelan's website

The Thinnest Air by Minka Kent

2018-08-18T19:57:00.001-05:00

Rating

3.5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Suspense/Thriller

Summary

Meredith Price feels like she hit the jackpot when she marries a wealthy, older man with two children. She quickly settles into her new life of luxury—spa days, yoga classes, and shopping. But when she suddenly goes missing, her wallet and keys still left in her car, no one has a clue what could have happened. When her sister and closest confidant, Greer, flies into town, she starts to wonder who can really be trusted. And soon she might be more wrapped up in this case than she ever thought possible.

Review

I enjoyed this book; it was definitely good, but I wouldn't put it in the category of great. I really liked the suspense—it kept me reading as I was always curious to know what was going to happen next. I do, however, think the ending was a bit short-lived. It felt rushed and anti-climatic to me. It's the classic woman goes missing, money is involved, whodunit book. Nonetheless, this is a great one to pick up if you're looking for a quick, suspenseful read!

Author Minka Kent's website

Hey Ladies!: The Story of 8 Best Friends, 1 Year, and Way, Way Too Many Emails by Michelle Markowitz & Caroline Moss

2018-08-12T19:48:00.003-05:00

Rating

4.5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Humor

Summary

A year in the life of eight friends as told through their emails and text messages. Each friend has their own unique personality and quirks that speak to the type of friend they are. From failed relationships to job issues to planning for an upcoming wedding, there is no shortage of hilarious antics in this quick read that will keep you entirely entertained.

Review

Guys, I loved this book! I found it to be so hilarious—there were many times I was laughing out loud. It was also a fast read due to the format of writing. I was worried that I might not be able to differentiate between the eight friends and keep everything straight, but as soon as I got into it, it was super easy to tell them all apart. This is a group of girls being totally candid so with that comes some crude humor and language, but I found it to be at a manageable level. I would definitely suggest this book as a light, easy read; one that can be a nice break when you've read a lot of heavier books lately. Hope you love it as much as I did!

Hey Ladies! website

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

2018-08-12T19:46:00.001-05:00

Rating

3/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Contemporary

Summary

The Richardsons are an affluent family living in the pristine community of Shaker Heights—where things are perfectly planned, laid out, and cared for. Worlds collide when Elena, the family matriarch, rents out a home to Mia and her daughter, Pearl, who come from an entirely different background and way of life—only just making ends meet and moving from place to place. As the Richardson children grow close to Pearl, Mrs. Richardson begins digging up Mia's past. Secrets are uncovered, friendships are formed and destroyed, and no one is likely is to be the same after all is said and done.

Review

This one started out slow for me. I had seen others say the same thing so I decided to keep reading anyway. The first portion focused on getting to know each character and definitely moved at a snail's pace. However, about one-fourth of the way into the book, it started to pick up. The character development was nicely done, allowing the reader to have a better understanding and appreciation for the events that occur. I enjoyed the detail in which the author explored each relationship and took the time to establish them. Even though this was a slower moving story, there were definitely some surprises that kept things interesting. If you can go into this one with lower expectations than the hype it received and welcome the serious tone, I think it's one you could really enjoy. Will it stick with me for years to come? Probably not. Am I glad I read it? Yes.

Author Celeste Ng's website

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

2018-08-08T17:32:00.003-05:00

Rating

4/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Romance

Summary

A beautifully-written, heartbreaking love story about two soulmates who meet in the most unlikely of ways. Their relationship, then and now, is explored—how two people can grow and change in different ways over time. Graham and Quinn must dig into the depths of their souls to determine whether or not love is truly enough.

Review

Graham and Quinn are two fascinating characters. With chapters switching between the past and present, I grew to understand and empathize with them both, and I felt like I was personally invested in their relationship. I was elated by their successes, heartbroken by their hardships, and hopeful through it all. I love a book that exquisitely establishes its characters and their relationships, and this book does just that. However, there is a fair amount of sexual content included, a distinction that I, personally, could have done without. Additionally, one of the main topics is infertility, which I know can be a sensitive topic for many.

Author Colleen Hoover's website

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

2018-08-04T19:20:00.000-05:00

Rating

4.5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Suspense

Summary

Anna Fox lives a lonely life inside her four-story home. A home she never leaves. A home from where she regularly watches her neighbors' lives through her window. One night, shortly after a new family moves in across the park, Anna sees something horrifying. As she tries to sort out what she saw, she begins to question what is real and what isn't, who is lying and who isn't.

Review

Wow, I really enjoyed this book! It has definite similarities to The Girl on the Train, but it has enough differences that I wasn't at all bothered by it. My overview of the book above may seem vague, but there is so much great content in this book that I don't want to give away. I think you're better off going into it knowing very little. The super-short chapters and page-turning suspense make it an overall quick read. There are so many twists in this book, and I don't think I saw any of them coming. If you are looking for a book to really pull you in, this could be it! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Author A.J. Finn's Facebook Page

The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir

2018-07-31T12:06:00.001-05:00

Rating

4/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Contemporary

Summary

The Hicks have made quite a name for themselves as an upstanding, virtuous family with their own reality show, Six for Hicks. Father is the leader of a mega church; Mother gives off the image of perfection and maintains control in all situations. Their spotless reputation is suddenly at risk when Essie, their youngest daughter, winds up pregnant. Essie's mother, Celia, begins concocting up ideas of how to handle the "situation." Abortion? Arranged marriage? They'll do anything to cover it up and keep their image. However, Essie has her own idea of the direction this could possibly go and, with that, she stands to both lose and gain immensely. It turns out this isn't the only secret the Hicks family is trying to hide.

Review

I have to admit that the first thing that drew me to this book was the presumed similarity to the Duggar family and their television shows. This book was full of many surprises that kept me reading, wondering what could possibly happen next. Each character is either really quite lovable or painstakingly reprehensible, and they each have their own compelling perspective. I enjoyed this book greatly; however, there are a few difficult themes discussed throughout that some individuals may have an issue with. If you are planning to read this, be aware that it contains topics of abuse as well as different aspects of faith and beliefs. Overall, I found The Book of Essie to be enlightening, heartfelt, and captivating.

Author Meghan MacLean Weir's website

The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian

2018-07-27T19:47:00.000-05:00

Rating

3/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Suspense

Summary

Meet Cassie Bowden–a flight attendant in her late thirties with a highly self-destructive lifestyle. If she's not actively tending to customers on a flight, she's drinking, to the point of blacking out, or engaging in some form of promiscuity with the next random guy she meets. Then she wakes up next to the dead body of a man she slept with the night before with no recollection of what happened. Did she kill him? She can't seem to remember. If not her, who did this? And why? Cassie is determined to figure out the truth, which, of course, isn't as simple as it may seem.

Review
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book, but I suppose it was to be expected after reading four five-star books in a row. The book was decent overall but didn't live up to my expectations of it. I found it drug on a bit, and I was hoping for a bit more suspense. However, the author did a really nice job of establishing the main character and story line. The ending did have a really great twist, which I am a total sucker for. I think a couple more twists throughout would have kept me intrigued a whole lot more.

Author Chris Bohjalian's website

5 star books

2018-07-24T20:59:00.000-05:00

Here are six books I've read so far this year that I've given a 5 star rating to.

I highly recommend each one! I've linked each to Amazon for ease of finding.

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Defending Jacob by William Landay

I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of the above books! Did you love them as well? Or maybe they weren't your favorite? Let's chat in the comments below!

Happy Reading!

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

2018-07-24T17:12:00.001-05:00

Rating

5/5 stars

Genre
Fiction - Contemporary

Summary

Eleanor Oliphant is a lonesome, socially inept twenty-nine-year-old who lives alone, works a less than exciting nine-to-five office job, and talks to Mummy every Wednesday evening. Her only social interactions, seldom and usually unwelcome, are with co-workers. That is until one day, she is forced into human interaction when she and the IT guy at her work save a man lying unconscious in the street. And so begins a series of events that switch up Eleanor's very simple life. She soon begins to wonder what is it like to have a friend? Could another person truly want to spend time with me? But underlying it all is an extensively complicated relationship with her mum.

Review

I loved the story of Eleanor's life and getting into her mind to understand why she is the way she is. Yes, she is blatantly awkward and clueless, but she also has such a longing, like all of us, to just be loved. I really took to Eleanor, quirks and all; I empathized with her, and my heart broke for her again and again. I felt like I knew her and, by the end, wanted nothing but the best for her. The mix of hilarity with hardship was well done and balanced the story out nicely. I laughed out loud on many occasions and, quite frankly, considered incorporating some of Eleanor's lingo into my own life for fun's sake. I highly suggest this book; it is definitely one that will stick with me!

Author Gail Honeyman Q&A