I haven’t shared what I’ve been reading at all in 2023 so let’s catch up! In prior years I have read a *lot* of non fiction – anything I could learn from!! Since becoming a mom I feel like my brain can’t handle any more information so my preference has changed to almost exclusively fiction! I love reading in the evening to wind down and I want a storyline I’m sucked into! I’m going to go in order of what I’ve read this year and will post the other half next week! Keep in mind that these are just my thoughts. Everyone’s has different opinions on books, and that’s a good thing! The first half of 2023 I was kind of on a bad streak of books, most of them are listed below. BUT I also found my favorite book of the year! Next week I’ll be sharing some more that I’ve loved!
The Dutch House 2/5 – I almost feel embarrassed to rate this so low! Someone tell me what I’m missing here! I think this is very beloved to a lot of people so maybe I’m just not smart enough for it?!? ha! I could barely get through it. It feels a little like reading Wendell Berry- if you read it slowly and savor it you enjoy it- if you’re looking for something fast paced you won’t. Except I do like Wendell Berry….so I don’t know but this book just didn’t do it for me.
The Plot 1.5/5 – I kept reading because everyone talks about the *plot twist*. Wow, it was a twist alright, but it just didn’t redeem how much I disliked the book as a whole. Honestly a little disturbing.
The Wrong Kind of Woman 1/5 – Not my cup of tea.
*as you can see, I started the year off on a bad streak, but don’t worry, things look up shortly!*
Love Without Boarders – I find it hard to rate a book that’s just someones life story so that’s why there isn’t a rating. I love following Angela Braniff so I loved hearing her whole back story.
The Maid 3.5/5 – A lovable murder mystery! I’m not sure how else to put it! Didn’t rock my world, but I did enjoy it. The main character had my heart!
Mexican Gothic 3.5/5 – This was cute! Just the right amount of spooky for my taste!
Lessons In Chemistry 5/5 – Best book I’ve read all year! I could not have loved this book more and I didn’t want it to end! I waited a *long* time to get it from the library and it did not disappoint one bit! Six-Thirty!! I mean, come on. This is a book I will 100% re-read.
A Praying Life 4/5 – This was my second time reading this and it is a really helpful, practical guide to prayer!
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird 4/5 – This book was both cute and heartfelt. I felt like it was really unique and I was so curious where the story would go. I would definitely recommend this one!
The Mother In Law 5/5 – I love anything by Sally Hepworth! I’m always sucked in from the second I pick it up! This and The Good Sister are probably my top two of her books! They are almost thrillers, but more like a mystery with unpredictable relationship dynamics. In her books you always feel like you really get into the mind of the characters.
On the Rooftop 3/5 – I loved this in the beginning but felt like it fizzled out as the book went on and the ending fell flat in my mind. Overall I did love the character development and sister relationships and felt like the story was really engaging.
The Match 3/5 – Dan read this and recommended it to me. It is a sequel and I didn’t read the first (terrible of me, I know!) It wasn’t my favorite, but I did really enjoy it! I might just have to read the first!
We are What We Eat 2.5/5 – I had really high hopes for this book but found it to be a let down. I love reading about health/nutrition/slow cooking, but this felt like a 200+ page rant about how the system is flawed in America. After reading the book I felt no closer to knowing how to make better food decisions in my own life.
Live Wire – Like the Angela Braniff Book, if you like Kelly Ripa you will LOVE this book. I grew up watching Regis and Kelly with my mom and so I found it hilarious! I switched to the audiobook about 50 pages in and totally recommend that! Hearing it in her voice is just too good!
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