A Life In Review

I’ve done more reading in the last 6 months than I did all of last year. Reading is a great escape from snacks and dirty diapers. I’m actually feeling pretty good that I’ve replaced (some of) my nightly TV binging with books! Of course I haven’t given up all of my shows, but I’ve found so many good books to lose myself in.

If you remember back a few months I shared some good winter reads with you (you can find those here). I thought it might be weird to have 2 book posts within 6 months, but I know summer is sometimes the only time some of you have to read leisure books, so I’m pulling together another one. There is one book that will be a repeat because it’s totally worth reading in the summer and the winter (that’s how strongly I feel about it, I’m recommending it twice!) Here we go!

Book #1: The Love and Hypothesis by: Ali Hazelwood

This book is like a Hallmark movie met a Lifetime movie. It was sweet and romantic, and sad (not bitterly sad though like some of the books on this list) and easy to read. It’s written from the view of a female scientist who is testing the boundaries of real love and and her place in the science world. It’s a good book to read if you are looking for something to make you feel all warm and fuzzy. That said, there should be a trigger warning with it for sexual assault/harassment. It’s brief, but it’s still in there and if that’s triggering for you, I’d skip this one.

Book #2: The Wife Upstairs by: Rachel Hawkins

You’ll find that I have two of Rachel Hawkins’ books on this list, because she is THAT good. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down (seriously, I put a movie on for my toddler so that I could keep reading). It’s about the romance of a woman named Jane and a man named Eddie, but nothing is as it seems in this thriller. Everyone is hiding something and the truth eventually comes out. I could never have predicted how this book would end or how things would turn out for some of the characters. If you like to read suspenseful books (not necessarily scary), this book is for you.

Book #3: Reckless Girls by: Rachel Hawkins

This book was equally incredible as the one above. This was actually my first Rachel Hawkin’s book. Along the same lines as The Wife Upstairs, NOTHING is as it seems. You’ve got these strangers who all come together on this cursed island and chaos ensues. Somehow everyone and everything is connected and the ending will leave you with your mouth hanging wide open. This one was a bit more of a scary thriller than her other book. I (as someone who gets nightmares frequently) had nightmares following this book, but it was worth it. I will buy any book this woman writes, from here on out.

Book #4  People We Meet on Vacation by: Emily Henry

This is by far the happiest book that I have added to my list. I cannot stress how
amazing this book is. It was released in September of last year and quickly made
it as a finalist for “book of the year”. Though the book didn’t win, it’s more than 
worth a read this summer, especially if you DON’T have a fun tropical vacation planned. This book will take you on vacation right from your couch (or bed). It is a romantic getaway x10 with a little heartbreak and a happy ending. I’m not even going to give you more detail because it’s just so good you need to check it out for yourself.
** Text has been altered slightly from my original post**

Book #5: The Golden Couple by: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Okay, apparently my theme this year has been thrillers or romance books. I say that as I bring to you another AMAZING thriller (with a little romance in the mix). This one came out in March of this year, so it’s still really new, but quickly became one of my favorite books of the Spring. I read it in just under two days. Basically you walk alongside a couple that is going through some intensive marriage counseling from a woman who doesn’t even have a license to practice therapy anymore. As with most thrillers (and in real life) nothing and no one are as they seem. Everyone is hiding something and when the truth comes out someone will die. Do yourself a favor and add this to your list of books to read. I’ve added more books from these authors to my “Future Reads” list.

Book #6: We Are the Brennans by: Tracey Lange

I don’t even know what category this book falls under, but it’s another good one. This novel is about the sweetest, most dysfunctional family that I never knew I needed to be a part of. It’s about a daughter coming home to a family who needs her just as much as she needs them. It’s about putting the pieces of life back together and remembering what’s truly important. There are some twists and turns, but mostly this story is a heartwarming tale of family reunited. (I would read this one after you read one of the thrillers so that you can feel better about the state of our society 😂).

There were so many more books that I could have added to this list, but I’m trying not to overwhelm you. I might do a third reading themed post this year just so that I can share more of the amazing books that I have read (I’ve currently surpassed my 2022 goal of 25 books already and it’s only June). I am always open to more suggestions so if you have read a good book lately, be sure to drop the name and author in the comments so we can all read it.