Another month, and another reading report. This was a great summer reading month. I knocked off a bunch of books for my two reading challenges, read a few fluffier reads which passed the time nicely while in the car or on the deck, and I branched out a bit with some books I normally wouldn’t read.

Linking up with Steph and Jana today, as always!! Thanks again for the great link-up, ladies. Head over to their blogs to check out what other people have been reading lately!!! I’m sure there are a lot of great summer reads out there being reviewed today.

 I’ve decided to put these in order by # of stars on Goodreads (which is TOTALLY subjective of course – but it’s my blog and these are my opinions ;)). 5 star reads are either books that were extremely well written from a literary standpoint, or books that were EXTREMELY enjoyable to me personally. Books are so difficult to rate sometimes because I find that one person’s 5-star read is more like a 3 for me all due to personal preference. For instance, I have rated most of Jane Austen’s books that I’ve read in the 4-5 star range, but that doesn’t mean you should run out and read them all right away if you aren’t in the mood for her writing. ANYWAY…I could talk about that all day. Here’s my new rating scale (succintly):

August’s 5 Star Reads 

 The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It took me awhile to get into, and I’m not sure why, because it was so fun to read. Sophy’s character is quite unique compared to other women in this time period, and I thought that was great. She really seemed to help people enjoy their lives more, and you can’t help but love someone like that, right?? This book was also really funny. I will admit that I saw the ending coming, but that’s pretty typical of these types of books for me, and I don’t mind it at all.

Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was sooo interesting from a Canadian/Quebec history perspective. I also really enjoyed the dual settings & the flashbacks of other storylines. It was fun picturing winter in Quebec City. The character development of Armand Gamache was at the forefront of this book (as in other novels in the series, but this one especially) and I found myself completely wrapped up in what happened to him. I also enjoyed Three Pines’ characters’s interactions primarily with Beauvoir instead of Gamache. I think that this was one of the best in the series so far. Can’t wait to get into book 7 right away.

August’s 4 Star Reads

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was really unique and while I quite enjoyed it, I found parts of it to be a little bit confusing (this is probably just me not reading closely enough though). I think a few of the references were lost on me too, although I am so grateful I had an understanding of Jane Eyre (and I love what Thursday Next did to it in the book!). I remember hearing before I read this that people either love it or hate it, and I fall more towards loving it, but I’m not sure that I’ll pick up the rest of the series right away. Still a really interesting and unique read and generally a goodbook about people who love books 🙂 I’d say it’s more like a 3.5 thinking back on it.


Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having enjoyed Judy Blume books as a kid, I happily selected this for a book challenge this summer but I put it off for awhile because I wasn’t the biggest fan of In the Unlikely Event. I definitely liked this book a lot more. The characters were complex, and it was fun to watch them grow up (or not grow up!). This was a great book about friendship, loving, and finding out who you are and where you want to be.

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will say that this wasn’t my favourite Moriarty book, but by the end of it, I still really liked it and I especially enjoy the reading experience that I get from her books (i.e. torture – need to know what happens). 😉 I spent the first part of this book DYING to know what could have possibly happened at the barbecue, and what did happen was not at all what I was expecting but made sense looking back on some of the hints from the first part of the book.
I can’t say much more about this book without sharing any spoilers, but as a mother and a wife, I found this to be an interesting look at marriage after children, marriage with possible future children, and motherhood. These aren’t themes that are new to Moriarty, but the juxtaposition of the three marriages in this book really made me think about it more – especially because the book overall seemed to be a bit more about “ordinary people” than some of her other novels.
If you’re a fan of her writing, I would definitely recommend this book. While it wasn’t QUITE as over the top as her other novels (which I loved about the other novels), this one was very relatable in some ways and worth the read. I also really enjoyed this Reading Guide (SPOILERS which I thought about after reading it).

The Piper’s Son by Melina Marchetta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really, really enjoyed this book. After friends suggested Saving Francesca, which I liked, I was anxious to read this companion novel and I think I liked this one more. It might have been a case of the right book at the right time, but I really felt for all of these characters. I think I also found this book a bit more interesting because of all the storylines – it just felt like there was a bit more going on than in Saving Francesca (which still was VERY good). I can’t wait to read Jellicoe Road and Looking for Alibrandi by this author as well as her fantasy series. Her writing is fantastic.

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book, much her book The Golden Son, completely captivated me. I was fascinated by the Indian culture and the class disparity. I was also quite intrigued by the different story lines and how they all connected. This book provided me with a much-needed dose of culture, and I appreciated it for that. I’d recommend it for fans of The Kite Runner. I should probably also note that the ending of this book was definitely tear jerking for me, if that holds you back at all… a beautiful story about love, family, parenthood, and marriage.

Endgame by Susan Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Before this book even came out, I knew I would read it because the author is my aunt. Even though I knew about the existence of this book for years, I didn’t know (very much) about what it was about until I began to read it.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book (particularly the main character), and that is usually the part of any book that I am most drawn to. The relationships weren’t as close in this book as many I’ve read, but I think that was one of the main points of it. This genre isn’t one that I typically read, but there were a few very intense points that really held my interest, and the knowledge that this book has a sequel coming out really propelled me to find out what was going to happen at the end.Some of the technology in this book was quite fascinating, as was the post-epidemic world in Butte, Montana. I can see how it would be especially interesting to read this book if you live near that area.

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the first book I’ve read from Taylor Jenkins Reid, and I was REALLY far on the holds list for it, so I got it on Audible so that I could read it before Brie’s book club discusses it later this month. I don’t often listen to books like this on Audible, but I couldn’t get enough of this one! The narrator did a fantastic job.
When I started this book, I made up my mind immediately about who I thought she should end up with, until part way through the book when I was definitely a bit torn. I was definitely not disappointed at all with the ending though, and I really feel like the entire book portrayed Emma’s huge dilemma in a realistic way.
This book is about love, marriage, choices, grief, and growing up. Its take on relationships was one I had not encountered before, and I was profoundly entertained by the story.

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this for a short stories category in a book challenge, and although some of the stories had been published before, I don’t think I had read them before. I definitely enjoyed some more than others, and of course the last in the book was my absolute favourite. It was fun to be immersed in these characters and stories again after not touching a Lunar Chronicles book in nearly a year!

August’s 3 Star Reads

For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book, the second in a very fun and promising series, centers on Heather Fowler, the Wedding Belle’s assistant wedding planner (but hoping to be promoted!) I really enjoyed Heather’s character and found her to be a bit easier to relate to than Brooke in the first book of the series. I really enjoyed her banter and her chemistry with Josh, her next door neighbour. This was a pleasant and fun read with some funny moments and a lot of smiles. I am really, really enjoying this series and it is making me want to go live in NYC and have lots of fun (which is the point of fiction – isn’t it?!). I’d highly recommend this for fans of Nora Roberts’ Bride Quartet series, or for fans of Sex & The City.

Thanks Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book, which was published on August 30. This would be a fun read to finish off your summer reading. 

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was a quick YA read. I think I enjoyed it more than her other books, but it’s been awhile since I read those. It was a bit too YA for me, but that’s more my problem than the book’s. This passed the time just fine.

An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love these Bridgerton books, and this one was no exception. This book had a very Cinderella-esque field to it (intentionally, I’m sure), and felt a bit like a fairy tale retelling (but I’m not complaining!). It was fun being the reader in this one.
These books are cute and a bit sappy and also a bit unbelievable, but they are fun to read too – especially if you like books from this time frame. They certainly might not be for everyone, but they are feel-good-happily-ever-after books with fun relationships in a unique time period.

The Girl from Summer Hill by Jude Deveraux
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was quite a fun read, especially for fans of Pride & Prejudice. I spent a lot of the book trying to figure out how all of the plot points fit into P&P. It was cute. I found a few parts to be a bit over the top, but I’m still really glad I read this one. A somewhat-fluffy summer read (especially since it takes place over the summer months too).

TL;DR – If you like Regency books, The Grand Sophy is definitely a fantastic choice. I also highly recommend the Louise Penny series (I know I sound like a broken record) and I found they get better from book 4 on. If you’re looking for something chick-lit-ey, One True Loves was sooo good as was Truly Madly Guilty. Definitely check out Endgame if that’s your thing because my aunt wrote it!! 😉 

Currently reading: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn via Audible (this one is taking me awhile to get through but it is still very good!)

Have you read any of these books? What did you think? If you’ve read any of these, please chat with me about them!!! Some of the books I mentioned today have major spoilers so I didn’t feel like I could talk about them TOO MUCH but I want to!!!!

This was another great reading month. I know I say that most months, but I really feel like I am enjoying many of the books I’ve read in the past 18 months. Being active on Goodreads and interacting with other readers has really helped me to learn which books are worth my time and which just aren’t (at least not right now!) There have been a lot of days this summer that I’ve struggled to find time to read (some nights I am just WAY too tired at the end of the day), but I am buckling down in August to finish up some book challenges and return a bunch of library books on their due dates!!! Speaking of book challenges, I’ll be posting an update to those later this week too just for my own reference 🙂

In the spirit of summer reading, I’m linking up with Steph and Jana for their monthly Show us Your books post, which is one of the best days in a book lover’s month (in my opinion!). I can’t wait to see what other people have been enjoying this summer. Here are some of my recent reads, with reviews linked to Goodreads:

  The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the best fairy-tale retellings I’ve read in a long time. I really, really enjoyed this book and the characters were sweet. Reading it made me feel the same as I did when I enjoyed The Lunar Chronicles last year (they are quite different but I felt similarly). I look forward to reading the others in this series as well as Shannon Hale’s Newbery winner, Princess Academy. A few weeks later, I’m still thinking about this book a lot and that is a sure sign of enjoyment. One thing I didn’t mention that I really loved was that I wasn’t familiar with this story beforehand (the fairytale it is based on is not as famous as others) and that really allowed me to enjoy it for what it was: a                                             wonderful and magical story.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’d say this is 3.5 and close to 4 stars. I enjoyed it, but it also felt long and I was anxious to find out how it all happened. Although the writing was beautiful at times, I think I just didn’t have the attention span for it at other times. I was really intrigued by the story and I definitely did not see the ending coming, so it had that going for it. It reminded me in some ways of Kate Morton’s The Distant Hours, although I preferred that book to this one (right book at the right time? not sure). I’d also agree with reviewers who recommend this for fans of Jane Eyre & Wuthering Heights – it definitely has that gothic feel to it.

To Have and to Hold by Lauren Layne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2.5 stars – this book was cute and I enjoyed all of the characters enough. Apparently I really enjoy romance novels about independent women and rich bachelors in Manhattan. Shocking, no? I think a lot of people would enjoy that set up! haha. This book felt like a pretty quick and fun summer read and I appreciated it for what that was worth. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. Looking forward to the next in the series.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I totally loved this book from the beginning, but the ending happened a little bit too quickly for me to give it higher than 3 stars. There was one thing that I dreaded happening throughout the book and it got smoothed over just a bit too quickly for me. However, the magical realism was fun, and I really liked the underlying message of being true to yourself and honouring your own gifts. Plus, all of the food (magical or not!) sounded delicious. The sister bond, the love stories, and the adorable kid were all just part of the fun of this book. It won’t be my last by Sarah Addison Allen.

View all my reviews
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I 100% enjoyed this book and especially the Tilneys, it wasn’t my favourite Austen of those I’ve read so far. I guess when I finished I just felt like not much happened in the plot compared to her other books I’ve read. Maybe because it was a bit shorter? Of course, I still really enjoyed it though and it had a slightly different tone that was quite fun to listen to. I also found it easier to keep track of all the characters. Some of the characters were downright humorous and I really liked that. I only have one more Austen book to go!! (Mansfield Park)

The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the first of Louise Penny’s books that I listened to on audio. At first, I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy it in that format, but it grew on me. I think I still missed things here and there in this version, but the story was a good one. It left off with quite the cliffhanger in some ways, and there was A LOT of emotion in this installment in the series, so I am pretty antsy to continue with the series once I finish up some summer reading challenge books.

The Mother Letters: Sharing the Laughter, Joy, Struggles, and Hope by Amber C. Haines
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was quite lovely. I love the fact that Mr. Haines created it for his wife and that she expanded it into this book. Motherhood, especially first-time motherhood, can be a lonely thing to experience. In many ways, the Internet & “mom groups” can make this better, but it can also make it worse if you are constantly comparing yourself to other moms or comparing your baby to other babies. These letters talked about many different experiences, and I found them quite interesting. Some had humour, and others were tear-jerkers. This is a wonderful collection and would be a lovely gift for a mother in your life. There is some beautiful advice, and these letters will definitely have you nodding in agreement at the paradox that is loving being a parent and needing a break from it all at the same time.

Thank you to Netgalley and Revell for providing me with an advanced copy of this book to review.


When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a longtime Cup of Jo reader, I had heard about Joanna’s brother in law’s battle with cancer via her blog and read his essays and heard about his book there too. I waited quite awhile to get it via the library, and I was NOT disappointed. This book was absolutely gripping and so heart-wrenching. The stories that Paul shares are inspiring. His views on life and death are so interesting and this is a book that will really make you think about how you want to live your life.  The epilogue led to tears streaming down my face while driving. It was an incredible read and I would highly, highly recommend it. I especially enjoy books like this (memoirs) in audiobook format because it feels like the author was telling a story the entire time (honestly, I forgot that there was a narrator who wasn’t Paul Kalanithi himself).

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Parts One and Two by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I definitely have a lot of thoughts about this one, so if you aren’t a fan, feel free to just skip this paragraph!!!! There are also (maybe) some very minor spoilers if you haven’t read it – but nothing really that hasn’t been said in the media.

I really tried my best to read this one slowly and savour it because I knew my expectations for it were so high, but I couldn’t help myself and finished it in less than a day. It was quicker to read in play format, and was comparatively shorter than the last few HP novels. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about reading this in script form, but once I got used to it, I did actually quite like it. Did it feel like reading a Harry Potter book? Maybe not, in some ways. It definitely lacked the prose and detail of J.K. Rowling’s novels, but I don’t think it’s necessarily fair to compare it in that sense. I also feel that some of the magic of this story was lost in the pages and would be more evident in seeing the live play or even in a movie. HOWEVER, as you can see, I loved the story and have rated it 5/5 stars. Due to my own extreme Harry Potter bias, I can tell you that simply revisiting some of my favourite characters after 10 years would have likely led me to rate this 5 stars without even reading it. haha. However, I enjoyed this as a parent myself, I enjoyed the new characters (especially Scorpious!), I enjoyed the time travel aspect, and Ron and Hermione. There was a major plot point near the end that I really second-guessed and will need to re-read book 7 soon to see if it’s actually a possibility or if it was made up, but all I can say is that I am dying to read the books again (3-7 since I just read the first 2 again last month). If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will probably enjoy reading this just to reconnect with the characters. I can honestly say it was not (and will never be) my favourite in the series, because it really isn’t a part of the original series.

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was SO enjoyable to listen to on audio with many cast members adding their thoughts to Cary Elwes’ narration. The behind the scenes stories and discussions about everyone’s feelings during the shoot and the camaraderie they experienced was heartwarming and fun to hear about. If you are a fan of The Princess Bride, I’d highly recommend this audiobook. I am dying to watch the movie again now & I fully plan to do so this weekend!!!

I have about 4 books on the go this week (again, why do I do that to myself?! It’s so weird!!) and I’m working on finishing up the Semi-Charmed Summer Reading Challenge by next week and moving on to read some more books in Erin’s challenge 🙂 It’s difficult in a way to try to balance finishing up library books that I can’t renew (because they are requested) and wanting to just sit and read more Louise Penny and books that I own…BUT I’m not complaining. Just loving having books to read 🙂