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I hope all is well in your world! We have been having picture-perfect weather here in North Texas. Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons. We have been enjoying our happy hours/reading time out on our patio.
We had a private showing of Caught Stealing. After seeing the movie, I understood why we were the only ones in the theatre. I have seen many movies in my lifetime, but none as violent as this one.
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I spent more time covering my eyes than making eye contact with the screen. With clenched teeth, I reminded the Mister that I like movies about attractive, wealthy people, with fabulous wardrobes and homes burdened with BIG problems.
My comment was met with an eyeroll.
Sometimes, I don't think he will ever get this husband training down.
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On a lighter note, we went to a fabulous 70th birthday celebration in the 'hood. It was so much fun reconnecting with some neighbors we hadn't seen in a while. This is part of the host's pretty courtyard.
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I read a lot of wonderful books this Summer. Audible had a big sale in June, and I took full advantage of it. I've only included my four and five-star reads.
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A compelling story about a seemingly happy family hit by a tragic turn. I loved the characters, the AI angle, as well as the sharp writing.
A father and daughter live off the grid until an unexpected turn causes the daughter to join society. This book moves quickly, and I loved watching the daughter's progression as she eases into the outside world.
The story revolves around three college seniors, Jordan, Sam, and Yash. All three are brilliant and love spending time with each other. Eventually, a love triangle forms and lasts many years after graduation. I loved Lily King's last book, Writers & Lovers, and she didn't disappoint with this one.
The title is appropriate considering the story, characters, and writing are spectacular. It centers around two sisters, and the backdrop is a soccer field.
I haven't read any of Grisham's books in a while. I really enjoyed this one, which focuses on a lawyer going through a divorce and needing to drum up some business. In walks a rich widow needing a will to be drawn up. The lawyer reminded me of Eddie Flynn, one of my favorite characters from Steve Cavanagh's books.
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The good news: Mad Mabel has all the ingredients for a 5-star novel. It has a lovable, quirky, geriatric main character who just so happens to have murder follow her wherever she goes. I giggled throughout the book and enjoyed the cast of characters that made this book my absolute favorite of all her work.
The bad news? It doesn't come out until April.
Lisa Jewell has done it again—another page-turner that I could not put down. Martha is dealing with running a floral shop, children, and an absentee husband. Meanwhile, Nina is a recent widow who is living comfortably and dating a schmuck who comes and goes without a moment's notice. I think this just might be Jewell's best.
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This is a big, fat Italian saga written with a lot of heart. Did you know that there are two Lake Comos in the world? You will hear all about the other one in this delicious treasure of a book.
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The unique and clever storyline made this book almost impossible to put down. The multifaceted characters pulled at my heartstrings. I finished the book nearly four weeks ago and am still thinking about it. I am eagerly awaiting Backman's next book.
A beautiful, emotional story that tells the tale of one family with three perspectives and six generations. This book broke my heart more than once during the pages. There are alcohol abuse triggers that may disturb some readers.
Jojo Moyes never fails to amaze me. I loved this book and its crazy family dynamics. One minute, I was chuckling, and the next, I was bawling!
Under the Stars is my favorite novel by Beatriz Williams It revolves around an aging, narcissistic Hollywood star and her daughter, who is in charge of keeping her mother sober, which is no small feat. They are visiting their Summer home on a small New England island chock-full of quirky and intriguing characters.
I enjoyed the witty banter of the mother and daughter. It reminded me of another dynamic duo.
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This is one that the Mister and I listened to in the car. It was narrated by the author, and it was a pure delight. We felt like Henry was in the back seat telling us stories about his life. The only people he talked badly about were his parents, which was interesting.
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This book was written by a first-time author and translated into English. I really enjoyed it. The story revolves around two women who meet on a train. Both are escaping an abusive relationship. One of the women departs the train and leaves all her belongings on it, including an infant. This story moves faster than a speeding train.
This one was an absolute hoot. Lottie, who changed her name years ago, lives a quiet life. She changed her identity many years ago. She was accused of murder and didn't want it to ruin her life. All is well until a pesky journalist arrives at her door and wants to do a documentary on the murder. I was glued to the story and rooted for Lottie every step of the way.
Btw... I am using the cover photo as my new profile picture.
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The President of the United States is up for reelection. Meanwhile, the First Gentleman is being tried for murder. This novel does not miss a beat! I was riveted from page one.
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A perfect couple and darling child are living their perfect lives. That is, until the husband receives a call from the daycare telling him his wife never picked up the child. If you think the husband has something to do with his wife's disappearance, you may or may not be correct. As with all of Lapena's domestic thrillers, the story moves quickly and keeps you guessing.
Secrets, regrets, and apologies - that sums up this story about two couples' intersecting lives in a small town. It dragged in parts and could have been 50 pages shorter.
The story revolves around a popular author's book tour. The author has a few skeletons in her closet that even her husband doesn't know about. Someone is stalking the author, and she receives notes along the tour. Slowly, the pieces fit in the puzzle through the twists and turns. It moved quickly, and I was fully engaged with the story.
And here I thought author tours were full of glitz and glam!
Kimberly Belle never lets me down. The Expat Affair kept me riveted, and I ended up listening to it in one day. (A first for me!) The story begins with a woman who wakes up after a one-night stand to find her date murdered in a bathroom. I could fill you in on what happens next, but I would have to kill you. I enjoyed reading about daily life in Amsterdam as well as the inner workings of the diamond industry.
I am a huge fan of Swanson's, but this one was not his best. The story was told in a backward narrative structure, which I did not care for. That said, the author still kept me guessing, and there is a twist that I never saw coming.
Lastly, I read a darling middle-grade book called Sweetness All Around written by Suzanne Supplee, my Instagram friend from @daffodilhillhome. I highly recommend this captivating story.
And yes, in case you are wondering, I always coordinate my wardrobe with my lampshades.
Now it's your turn... what were your favorite summer reads?
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