My Beach Reads

We just wrapped up a much needed family vacation to the beach. It was our first beach trip without cousins, aunts/uncles and grandparents but we survived! Dan and I were a little nervous about being on our own - we are always outnumbered - but we had a great time. We did miss the adult conversations and having cousins around to play with the kids. 

I thought for sure this would be the year that I could spend hours reading on the beach. It wasn't exactly that way but I did manage to finish two books over the 10 days we were away. I stopped at the library before we left to pick up various options but two digital loans I've been waiting for became available right before we left. So, I ended up reading on an iPad at the beach. I don't love doing that for a number of reasons but it worked out fine. 

Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorites, especially, for a good beach read so I was thrilled when The Perfect Couple came available just in time for vacation. Besides her writing style, I love the recipes, menus and food descriptions she works into every book. 

 

September Reading List

We are at the end of September and it finally feels like fall! I checked the 10 day forecast the other day and the 80+ degree days temps are all gone. So, welcome fall! 

My September reading list is almost non-existent this month. Other demands kept me busy so my reading for fun took a break. 

Here's what I did read! 

// The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand //

I am still on my Elin Hilderbrand kick. The Matchmaker was one of my favorites so far. Her books are light and easy to read but this one made you reflect on life. I, also, read The Tailgate which is a short story prequel to The Matchmaker. 

// Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter //

By the end of this book, I really enjoyed it but it was a slow read. It took me awhile to adjust to the authors writing style. The story was great though and it had me in tears. It is a definite must-read. 

So, that's all! But, if you want to talk education policy and issues happening in the state of Ohio, I'm your girl! I am reading something new now, my kindle is full and I just renewed two more books. 

Hope you have a great day - we are half way to the weekend! 

xo,

Stephanie 

What I Read in August!

Another month is coming to a close and here is a list of what I read in August! 

This month's reading list was fairly light with one exception. I spent most days reading education related articles so I didn't mind something a little mindless in the evenings! I realized how trained I am to read before bed because I finished my last book a week ago and falling asleep has been difficult. 

// All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr //

My SIL was reading this on vacation so I was thrilled when she dropped it off for me to read. This is the second book about WWII this summer and I am fascinated by the history. Add to it a great story and I was in love with this read! I highly recommend! 

//Barefoot and The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand //

I am still loving this new-to-me author and her stories. They are easy reads but fun and leave you wanting more. The Rumor is a new release this summer so I was excited to get a copy already! I just started another Elin Hilderbrand I will share at the end of next month. 

// Strange Brew by Mary Kay Andrews //

I cannot say I love the MK Andrews mystery series as much as I love her other books but they are still fun reads. This one was no exception! 

What are you reading? I am always looking for good book recommendations! Don't forget you can check out what is on my Goodreads list here and my other summer reads here. 

Hope everyone has a great week! 

xo,

Stephanie 

Book I Read in June & July

Is it really August? Summer is flying by...surely a sign that we are having fun! 

In June, I shared some of my favorite books and a few I was looking forward to reading this summer. Below is a look at what I read in June and July! 

 

    

 

// The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah //

Put down whatever you are reading and go get this book! So, so, so amazing! I had no idea because if I had, I would have read this book ages ago. It is a story about two sisters in France during WWII. One works hard and plays by the rules. The other speaks her mind and is a bit of a loose cannon. This story had me from the very beginning and left me in tears. 

// Beach Town by Mary Kay Andrews //

As I mentioned in my June post, I am a big fan of MK Andrews and was excited about this newest release. I did not hold out until our beach vacation because I was so excited to have my hands on it. Sadly, I was disappointed. I didn't believe the story and it didn't tie together for me. It was still a fun read but not one of my favorites.

// The Castaways & The Island by Elin Hilderbrand //

Elin Hilderbrand is a new-to-me author whose stories take place on Nantucket. These are the first two books I read from her and they were both great reads. I, especially, loved The Castaways. Currently, I am reading Barefoot so stay tuned for that review next month. 

// The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller //

This is a story of two neighbors, one older and one younger but both finding their way through life. Perhaps it was the author's intent or maybe it was just me but it had me questioning the characters decisions and pondering the reasons they made them. I really enjoyed this book! 

// The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows //

This book was on my list for a long while before I finally decided to read it. It is written in the form of letters back and forth between characters. It is sharp and witty and I really enjoyed it. The authors do a good job developing the characters and showing their personalities. I wish I read it sooner! 

// Gray Mountain by John Grisham //

I may have read this in May...I cannot remember. This was the first Grisham I've read in years! This story takes place in coal country which was interesting to read about. There were some intense parts and I couldn't wait to see how it ended. 

// The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold //

This is the story of a 14 year old girl who is brutally murdered but her body is never found. She narrates the story from heaven as she sees life on earth. It was interesting to think about heaven and earth in a different way. The characters were all well-developed and showed how they struggled and survived this tragedy. I admit that it was hard to get into at first but I ended up really enjoying this read. 

So, please don't think that every book I pick up is a winner! A few that I just couldn't get through: The Paris Wife (although I think I will come back to this when I am low on options), Happy Never After (Mary Kay Andrews), and The Bone Clocks (bizarre and confusing...I only lasted a chapter or two. I will not be going back to this read.). 

What are you reading this summer? I always love a good book recommendation! Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to see what I am reading next!

xo,

Stephanie 

Summer Reading!

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. We didn't have much on our calendar this weekend. That is always good and bad. The good is that I can get caught up on cleaning, laundry, the usual. The bad is that the kiddos are easily bored which means a lot of whining. 

This is our last week of school so I have summer on my mind! I am busy planning summer activities, our family vacation and hoping for warm, sunny pool days. 

Also, I am making a list of books I want to read this summer. Growing up I was an avid reader but that slowed once I had babies. I am certain that my dislike for Eat, Pray, Love is due to me reading it in the wee hours while nursing baby #1! 

A little over a year ago, I made it a point to start reading again and it has been one of the most rewarding treats I've given myself. Some of my reads are serious and some are easy and fun. I look for books and authors that allow me to lose myself into a story. 

I thought I would share some of the books I enjoyed over the past year on today's post.  

// Liane Moriarty //

There isn't a Liane Moriarty book I don't love! Big Little Lies, The Last Anniversary, Three Wishes, What Alice Forgot, The Husband's Secret and The Hypnotist's Love Story. You really cannot go wrong with any of these books and they are perfect beach reads.

// Mary Kay Andrews //

Another author I discovered over the past year and whose books I cannot put down. I am so excited for Mary Kay's newest release, Beach Town! I am trying to see if I can hold out until I am actually on the beach to read this one. I just finished Little Bitty Lies which I started last summer but couldn't get into. After reading, Save the Date, Savannah Breeze, Savannah Blues, The Fixer Upper and a few more, I wanted another MK Andrews read. Little Bitty Lies was great second time around. Deep Dish was like that for me too. Really fun, easy reads!

// The Secret Life of Bees //

Loved The Secret Life of Bees! This one really tugged at the heart strings. I, also, read Invention of Wings but didn't enjoy it that much and couldn't get into The Mermaid Chair. 

// The Kitchen House //

I just finished reading The Kitchen House. I love a story that incorporates history into it. This is one of those books that I stayed awake reading because I just couldn't put it down.

Because I could go on and on, here some more that I highly recommend (in no particular order).

 

You can see my other reads by following me on Goodreads here. What books are you reading? I would love to hear from you! 

Happy reading!

xo,
Stephanie