Books Read in August: 24
Books Read for the Year: 144/175
Topical Books/Monthly Goal Books:
Women in Sunlight, by Frances Mayes (cultural). This is an incredible read about three women and Italy!
The Bronte Plot, by Katherine Reay (TBR). I really do love this author’s work. I felt like the beginning of this was a little rushed, but the rest of the book was very enjoyable. And I got some books to add to my TBR list!
Manfast, by Natasha Scripture (nonfiction). Eh. Can you really call it a man fast if you hook up with random guys and think nonstop about relationships, meeting someone, and dating?
The Legends of King Arthur and his Knights, by James Knowles (classic). I skimmed this more than anything. I’d never heard the part where King Arthur becomes Roman Emperor.
The Best Yes, by Lisa TerKerst (spiritual). This was a book full of food for thought. What if saying “No” is the Best Answer for you?
For Review:
House of Salt and Sorrows, by Erin A Craig. I loved the culture the best in this tale of a family who have lost a mother and four daughters when one daughter decides to find out if the deaths were accidents—or something more is at work.
Blow: A Love Story, by Tracy Ewens. Millie is a romance author struggling to write a “serious” book. Drake thinks he’s recovered from his near-death six years before. Both of them have issues they need to work out. I intend to read the other books in this series ASAP.
The Last Hope, by Krista Ritchie. I hadn’t read the first book in this duology, so it took me a bit to figure out what was going on, but this was a fascinating world.
The Silence Between Us, by Alison Gervais. Loved this story of Maya, a deaf girl who now has to go to a hearing school, and her struggle to accomplish her goals while getting people around her to accept who she is and who she wants to be.
State of Lies, by Siri Mitchell. After a physicist’s husband dies in a car crash, she’s just struggling to learn how to live again. When she receives a message from behind the grave, she starts questioning everything. This was highly readable.
Color Me In, by Natasha Diaz. Nevaeh is 16, biracial, and reeling from her parents’ separation and moving in with her mother’s family, where she doesn’t fit in. For a girl who’s never questioned her identity, now she is faced with the reality of prejudice and must decide whether to blend in—or make her voice heard. This is an incredible read, and I loved Nevaeh from the first page.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo, by Christy Lefteri. The story of two Syrian refugees seeking asylum in England. Told in three different timelines, which was initially a bit confusing, but this is such an emotional, moving story. Such a good read!
Crown of Coral and Pearl, by Mara Rutherford. Fantastic read! I loved all of this.
Isaiah’s Daughter, by Mesu Andrews. I’m a huge fan of this author, and this biblical fiction did not disappoint!
The Red Death, by Birgitte Märgen. This was merely okay for me. I love dystopian and medical thrillers, but the characters and their implausible actions, along with too many “convenient” resolutions just didn’t quite work for me.
Dear Haiti, Love Alaine, by Maika and Maritza Moulite (review forthcoming). This was an interesting read. Alaine was sometimes whiny and sulky—an annoying teenager—but she grew so much in this novel. I loved the look at Haitian culture, too.
A Jewel Bright Sea, by Claire O’Dell (review forthcoming). I really enjoyed this tale! I’ve never read anything by this author, but the worldbuilding was fantastic, and I loved the characters. Also, pirates!
Spin, by Colleen Nelson (review forthcoming). I learned a lot about DJing in this book, but the solid family core is the real focus here. A quick, entertaining read with some deep issues.
Rebel Girls, by Elizabeth Keenan (review forthcoming). It’s weird reading a book set when I was in high school. Except…I went to a small country school, and this is set in a Catholic school. But still, same issues. I enjoyed this read!
Just Because
Enchanted Ever After, by Shanna Swendson. Because I love the Enchanted, Inc. series and I was so happy to see another book! I stopped reading everything else to binge on this one!
Never Have I Ever, by Joshilyn Jackson. I actually thought this came out at the end of August—not the end of July—so when I realized it was already out, I binge-read it. It’s a big change from Jackson’s usual Southern fiction (which I adore), but this was absolutely un-put-down-able!
Flirting with Forty, by Jane Porter. I’ve read this a handful of times—and I still love it!
Sent Rising, by Erin Lorence. This was supposed to be for review, but…there were some issues with the writing that bothered me enough I decided not to review. I enjoyed the book. Just some technical issues.
Of Blood and Bone, by Nora Roberts. Looking forward to the third one!
Tomorrow Is Another Day 
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