Hi Friends!
Well, today is my half birthday. As an adult that means nothing but I remember as a kid it meant a LOT. I was the youngest of my grade so to be able to say I was something, “AND A HALF”, was a big deal. Happy Groundhog’s Day AND Happy 1/2 Birthday to me! 😉 {Now, I’d like us all to pretend that I’m not halfway closer to another year older. ha!}
If you’ve been here a while then you know I’m an A+ reader in January. I think it’s a mixture of…
- It’s cold outside so I have more time to read.
- My kids’ sports aren’t happening right now which gives me more time to read.
- Everyone has just posted their FAVORITE READS of the previous year so there are TONS of good book recommendations.
Seriously, I always have a big list of books to review in January. My goal is always to finish the year like I started but odds are, I’ll read one book in November and December. I am who I am! 😉
I read some GOOD books this month though so I’m excited to share with you….
Just a sneak peek of a few of them.
Gone Before Goodbye-The reviews weren’t too kind to my girl, Reese, on her first novel but I wanted to read for myself what this was all about. It’s a suspenseful thriller that leads the reader to continue to question what has happened. {I always struggle with reviewing thrillers without giving too much away.} I didn’t want to put it down and never pick it up again but it wasn’t my favorite. I’d skip it and read a thriller below {unless you’re a Reese fan like me and just have to see for yourself}. I’d give this one 3 stars. It was “meh”.
Theo of Golden-OH MY GOODNESS!! My friend, Shanna, recommended this book and I honestly didn’t see what the hype was all about. I read, read, read and kept wondering WHAT is the point. Theo moves to a small town where he does kind things for others. We get to know multiple characters from the town he’s interacting with. {Again, I’m thinking WHAT is the point.} Then all of a sudden the end of the book wraps everything up SO NICELY! I sobbed and sobbed. We were on our flight home from New York City and Tab was whispering to me, “It’s FICTION! It’s NOT REAL! Pull it together!”. I couldn’t help myself. It touched my heart in the best of ways. I felt like Jesus was ALL over this story….there’s forgiveness, redemption, endless grace. My goodness! I’d encourage you to read it. Know that it’s a bit long in the middle but you need all those details to make the end even sweeter. 5 Star read from me!
The Boyfriend-Freida fan here! Her thrillers are quick reads that are intense and ALWAYS hold my attention. This one was good {I’d give it 3.5 stars} but I’d suggest you read….
Never Lie! It was EVEN better! My niece told me this was her favorite Frieda book and I understood while reading! It was so good, kept me on the edge of my seat AND I didn’t want to put it down! I’d give it a solid 4 star…if you’re into thrillers, give this one a try!
The Irish Goodbye-Is a family saga type novel where three sisters end up back at their family’s house on Long Island. Each sister brings their own issues to the house. Much has changed since they’ve been home and there are many secrets that are revealed before the family can move on. This was just an “okay” read for me. I’d give it 3 stars. {I’m currently reading a different family saga novel that I’d recommend over this one. Book review coming in February!}
The Names-I chose this one because a review I read said it reminded them of Theo of Golden. Not me! In this novel, we follow a family that’s about to have a baby. If the mom names him one name, then his life takes this path or a second name with a second path or a third name with a third path. Because each path was so different, it was hard for me to read this because it almost felt like I was reading three different novels within the one book. I know there are people who will read multiple books at once but that’s not me. This was a tough one for me. If you read it, I’d love to hear what you thought!
How to Read a Book-One thing I love about reading in January is you get to see everyone’s TOP BOOKS from the year before. I tend to always read my best books in January because of reading others’ favorites. This book hit the charts for many people which confused me. The cover + title didn’t give anything away but it was such a charming read…Violet is serving time in prison where she meets Harriet, a volunteer who does a Book Club in prison each week. These two form a friendship where once again we read about forgiveness + redemption + grace. {I saw Jesus in these pages as well.}. If you liked Theo of Golden, then I’d suggest you read this one. Different books and styles but both heartfelt reads! Another GREAT read from January!
Okay, what’s the best book YOU read in January?! I’d love to hear!
XO
