It took me awhile to get into this book, but eventually I really fell hard for the characters and their lives while growing up. There was a lot of heart in this book. I’d highly recommend it!! It is a long read, but I enjoyed it on audiobook. It was fun to watch Francie Nolan grow up and experience success in life.

These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 by Nancy E. Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book even though it took awhile for me to get into it. I haven’t read a lot of books from this time period in US history, but this one was a great snapshot of what life might have been like in a certain area at that time. The love story was secondary to the very strong character of Sarah Prine and she was such a determined woman that you just have to love her. There were definitely a few tear-jerking moments and some slower passages, but this book was really special and I’m glad I took a chance on it.

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. I was not prepared to love it as much as I did. I really liked the entire plot where they spent time in the wilderness, I enjoyed Helen’s character and how much she learned about herself, and of course, what wasn’t to love about Jake?
This book was so much more than I was expecting it to be, and if you’re looking for a feel-good read that is not TOO fluffy (in my opinion), this one is really good.

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Started this book at 7:30 pm – finished 85% of it over the next 2 1/2 hours, then woke up early and finished it before work. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing is addictive.
This book was as enjoyable as One True Loves for me, and although there were parts of this book that I couldn’t relate to (I don’t think I could ever do what they chose as a couple even if it worked for them), there were other parts that I absolutely related to. I felt this way about One True Loves too. Her characters are just such real people that when you are reading about them, you think, wow, I’ve felt that way before too. I love that about these books.
I highly recommend this author and I’m certainly going to be picking up her other novels this fall.

A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lot of the relationships in this book were particularly strained, so that added a new level of interest to it for me. It was kind of fun to be back in Three Pines too. I am totally hooked on this series and really enjoying working my way through the books this year.
I enjoyed all the art world talk in this one, and I truly was a bit shocked at who the murderer ended up being, so that was fun!

The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills by Daniel Coyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun read with some very practical tips. I love tips that are backed by research. This book taught me a lot about what I can do to cultivate some skills I am hoping to improve on, and it also taught me that sometimes people are better than me at things because they put A LOT of time, practice, and effort into it.

Some other enjoyable reads:

Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I almost abandoned this book, but got back into it during my commute and it was enjoyable. If you like regency style stories, this one isn’t too bad. It’s not my favourite, but some of the characters are entertaining.

A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an extremely quick read, but so many quotes in it that I really love. I will probably definitely read the whole thing again (seriously

Suddenly Royal, Recklessly Royal and Reluctantly Royal by Nichole Chase
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The first book in this series was the best of the three, but the other two were OK too and it was fun to follow along with the other characters. The first one really reminded me of The Princess Diaries crossed with The Royal We and it was just too much fun to read.

Sunset in Central Park by Sarah Morgan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I felt a bit invested in this series after reading the first book via Netgalley, so I had an idea of how this book would play out. It was a fun read with a happy ending and cute characters.

Steph and Jana are also hosting a giveaway today, so head on over and check that out!!

Happy reading, everyone!! What have you been reading lately?! Any recommendations??