Curling Up With A Good Book

When the weather gets cold I think it’s a great time to curl up with a soft blanket, a cup of tea, and a good book. When I lived In my house I’d sit in front of the fireplace and read. I’m excited to do so again once the renovations are done on our new apartment. Yes, we have an actual wood burning fireplace in the apartment! How lucky are we!!

Anyway, you know I love to read and also share what I’m reading. I love psychological thrillers, historical fiction, and fluff! I’m always open to trying a book, but I’ll also abandon it if I’m not enjoying it. I’ve had this discussion with others who have said they won’t stop reading a book once they start even if they’re not enjoying it. My thoughts are that there are so many great books available if I’m not enjoying one, I’m not going to waste my time. 😊 What about you? Will you keep reading something if you’re not enjoying it or move on to the next one?

Well, if you’re ready for some suggestions, here are some of the books I’ve been enjoying the last few months. 

Pretty Girl 13 by Liz Coley: I was hooked from the start. While on a Girl Scout camping trip, 13 year old Angie disappears. That’s the last thing she remembers until she’s walking home. Once she arrives home, thinking she’s been gone for a few days, she learns it’s been three years! Where has she been for the last three years and why can’t she remember anything? 

Maybe In Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Another great read by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Have you ever wondered what if? What if I made another decision; how different would my life be? Hannah moves back to her hometown after having lived in six different cities since graduating from college. She’s out with her best friend, Gabby, when she runs into her high school boyfriend, Ethan. Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to leave and Ethan asked her to stay. What will she choose? The story is then told concurrently based on each decision. I also read One True Loves, another great read by the same author.

Eliza Starts a Rumor by Jane L. Rosen: Eliza started a website, The Hudson Valley Ladies’ Bulletin Board, 15 years ago. Now an empty nester and extremely agoraphobic, this site is her connection to the outside world. When a new website is started, Eliza feels she must protect hers so she starts a rumor to spice things up. Little did she know how this rumor would take hold and the havoc it would cause to so many. I’ve also read A Shoe Story and Nine Women, One Dress by Jane L. Rosen and enjoyed them both.

Following the Fall by Robin A. Lieberman: This is a special book to me as it’s written by a close friend of mine and I’m so proud of her! Following the Fall is the sequel to Searching for September. In the sequel, September, Seppie, has survived an abusive relationship and found a new love. As she rebuilds her life she can’t help but think of Lily, the young daughter from her past, abusive relationship. Seppie and Lily reconnect, but things aren’t always as happy as you hope they’ll be. I got so caught up in the suspense and really enjoyed both books. Can’t wait to see what Robin writes next!

The Girls by Emma Cline: During one summer in the 1960s a young teenage girl, Evie, sees some other girls in the park and is immediately drawn to them. As she starts to hang out with them she becomes entangled in an infamous cult and their leader. Evie becomes infatuated with one of the older girls, Suzanne, and will do anything to be accepted. While not overtly stated, there are definitely similarities to Charles Manson and his followers.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: As an adult Nora is very unhappy with her life. One night she finds herself in a library with her school librarian where she is shown books, each with a different story of how her life could have been. As Nora travels through the Midnight Library she must decide what constitutes a truly meaningful life. I enjoyed the story itself, as well as how it made me think of what is truly important to me. 

Home Made by Liz Hauck: Liz and her father talked about starting a cooking program in the residential program for teenage boys where her dad worked. After her dad dies Liz decides to start the program as a way to honor her father. In this memoir, as Liz works to find her place in life, she learns what it means to show up, to be there for others, and how much can be shared over a meal. This was such a touching read.

The Stolen Hour by Allen Eskens: Lila is beginning her career as a prosecutor, but a case arises that becomes very personal for her. A woman is pulled from a river, barely alive. For eight years Lila has kept the details of her own attack a secret. What is it about this case and this suspect that brings her past to the forefront. I also read and loved two other books by Allen Eskens, The Life We Bury and The Shadows We Hide.

Yes, you do see many book by the same author. When I like a book I immediately search out what else they have written and will then read as many books by them as possible!

Have you read any of these? Please share what you’ve been reading and enjoying-I’m always looking for my next book! 

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Happy Reading!