Back in the book business… and I’ve actually accmplioshed my one book a month goal for 2024 so let’s give myself a little high five for the effort. I always find that I sleep much better when I read before bed and give myself a space to unwind, away from technology and the hustle of my everyday… and yes, I am still old school and want the traditional book version = no kindle for this gal. But, I wanted to hop on for some of you leaving for a 4th of July holiday to give you time to stock up on a new book [or two].
Doing a little highlight for each as well as my overall rating, too:
ONE | Bright Young Women [7/10]
Started the year off strong with a mystery that totally grabbed my attention. In this story women go missing and murders occur decades apart as a woman tries to put all the pieces together. I always love two separate vantage points/timelines in a book and this one was certainly suspenseful!! Just don’t think you’re getting a girly beach read with this one 😉
Quote: “Time does not heal all wounds. Grief is just like a sink full of dirty dishes or a pile of soiled laundry. Grief is a chore you have to do and it’s a messy one at that. I’ve tried to make sense of how someone who didn’t stalk his victims in advance ended up going after the best and the brightest.”
TWO | The Housemaid [9/10]
She’s quickly turned into one of my favorite authors [Freida McFadden that is]. The Housemaid is a super exciting thriller that you won’t want to put down! It’s follows the story of a young maid who works for a family that seems perfect, but there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes… the plot twist will blow your mind [didn’t see that one coming!!], and seeing the story from different characters’ viewpoints makes it even more intense. – I absolutely loved it! If you’re looking for a book that’s full of surprises and keeps you guessing, this is the one.
Quote: “What do you like to read?” “Books.” “What kind of books?” “The kind with words.”
THREE | The Housemaid’s Secret [9/10]
I loved the first one so much… I HAD to read the sequel as my next book! This one is another look inside Millie’s life — working for a new couple in NYC, she finally realizes the battered wife she’s trying to save has thrown her to the wolves and blamed her for a crime she didn’t even commit. Crazy town!! And yes, the third installment just came out, so that’s going to be my next read this summer.
Quote: “It’s funny. When it’s right, you just know it’s right.”
FOUR | The Women [10/10]
I absolutely ADORE historical fiction and this is by far one of the best books I’ve ever read… gosh Kristin Hannah can do no wrong in my mind [she also wrote The Nightingale + The Four Winds = two other must-reads] and this story focuses on the lives of young nurses during the Vietnam war. Not only does it give a glimpse of their pre-war lives, but also follows each character throughout their time in Vietnam and their personalities and storylines after they return home… love, friendship and so many other worthy subjects in this one. SUCH a good book and everyone I know who has read it loved it just as much!
Quote: “The women had a story to tell, even if the world wasn’t quite yet ready to hear it, and their story began with three simple words. We were there.”
FIVE | None of This is True [8/10)]
For my 5th book of the year, I went back to the psychological thriller genre! None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell was a great book that centers on a woman who finds herself the subject of her own popular true crime podcast. Chills the entire time! The story is packed with twists and turns that keep you hooked, and I love how the author keeps you guessing the entire time… perfect for anyone who loves a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat read!
Quote: “But I suppose the problem is that people often don’t realize that their lives are changing for the better until after the event, when they stop to look back.”
SIX | It Ends with Us [9/10]
I’ve waited WAY too long to read this, but I finally picked it up a a few weeks ago and couldn’t put it down. I knew the movie was coming out later this season with Blake Lively so it was instantly added to the top of my must-read list to knock it out before I see it on the big screen. It Ends With Us is my sixth book this year, and it’s a total page-turner = it’s packed with all the feels and twists that keep you hooked from start to finish. Lily Bloom’s story of timeless love and strength will have you cheering her on all the way. Super emotional and almost impossible to put down, this one’s a must! Trust me.
Quote: “Sometimes an unexpected wave comes along, sucks you up and refuses to spit you back out. Ryle is my unexpected tidal wave, and right now I’m skimming the beautiful surface.”
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