Recent reads

Happy Monday! We had such a great weekend at home. It was the first weekend in weeks that we didn't travel so it felt great to get lots of things done around the house. Saturday night we got a babysitter and enjoyed a dinner date with pizza and beer then met some friends for bowling. It was so nice to have uninterrupted conversation with Garrett and I always forget how much fun bowling is!

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Reading is one of my favorite past times that was pushed to the back burner after the baby was born. However I have finally started reading again! Here are some of my recent reads with a short, honest review. I love reading books that have been recommending by someone so hopefully you can find a few good books to read from this list!

THE NIGHTINGALE

By Kristin Hannah

Tells the story of two sisters trying to survive through World War II. It is very heart wrenching as the women are treated awfully by the Nazis, sent to concentration camps, and do everything they can to survive. A story of bravery, strength, and love during such an incredibly hard time. I don't typically like "history" and war novels but this book was great. I had many people say it was the best book they have ever read and I'm not sure I would say that, but I would definitely read it again.

FOR THE LOVE

By Jen Hatmaker

An absolute must read for moms who need a good laugh and to remind themselves that they aren't alone. She delves into "mom guilt" and reminds us that comparison is the thief of joy. She reminds us that the picture perfect Pinterest lifestyle is overrated and that there is joy in the messy, normal days of parenting. One of my favorite quotes from this book: "We should let them fail, wobble, persevere, overcome. Let's not engineer our entire lives around their entertainment and manufactured success. If our kids only expect blessings and exemptions, they will be terrible grown ups." YES! I had the privilege of meeting Jen Hatmaker when she spoke at a women's conference at my church a few years ago and she is absolutely hilarious.

ONE TRUE LOVES

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

A great beach read. A story about a woman forced to choose between her husband that she thought was dead and her fiance who has mended her heartbreak. I am a sucker for a good love story and would read this again.

WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR

By Paul Kalanithi

A memoir of a young neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. If you work in the medical field or are interested in medicine, this is an absolute must read. It was thought provoking and had me in tears. Not a light beach read but I read it in 2 days because I was so hooked.

THE HUSBAND'S SECRET

By Liane Moriarty

A story about a letter that a husband wrote to his wife that was only to be opened after his death. His wife finds the letter while he is still living and it contains a dark secret. I love all of Liane Moriarty's books and this one is no exception. Great book!

THE MAGNOLIA STORY

By Chip and Joanna Gaines

Who doesn't love Chip and Jo?? If you are a Fixer Upper fan, this is a must read. This couple is serious goals. They are so down to earth and genuine. This is their story about how Fixer Upper and the Magnolia Silos came to be. It also delves into their personal life and tells their love story and all about their family life. I wish I could be friends with Jo IRL!

THE NEST

By Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

A novel about four adult children and the inheritance they are receiving from their deceased father. There were too many characters and I couldn't keep everyone straight. Sub-par and the story line just wasn't intriguing. I would not read this book again. 

THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN

By Garth Stein

This book is told from a dog's point of view which sounds weird but it was good! It is definitely a tear jerker and if you have a doggy that you love like family, this is a must read. Enzo, the dog, tells his life story as he grows older and watches his owners go through sickness, heartache, happiness, etc. Very different but very good!

WHAT ALICE FORGOT

By Liane Moriarty

Another great Liane Moriarty book. A story about a woman who wakes up and has lost all memory of the last decade of her life. She tries to put together all the pieces of the puzzle and figure out how her life ended up like this. One of the characters is going through IVF which made this relatable. Great read!