Recent reads

Monday, July 10, 2017

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!

17 comments :

  1. I'm always all about Liane Moriarty, she always keeps me entertained! And I loved The Nightingale. It was such a good but intense read. Definitely going to have to download One True Loves next! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  2. I am so impressed with all the books you've been able to read! I've been reading For the Love for months now and probably only have read 40 pages haha. I need to make more time for reading instead of watching mindless tv, especially with nothing being on during the summer! I've heard the nightingale is really good, I need to add it to my growing list!

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  3. Anything by TJR is a great read for me!! I never finished the husband's secret but I think I should try again! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  4. Yay for date night! And thank you for the recommendations; I need to read so many of them! Loved "For the Love." SO GOOD.

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  5. omg yes. when breath becomes air is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read - i can't wait! and the magnolia story i know i'd love. such good recs girl!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  6. I've recommended The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead to anyone that will listen haha! I read it in February and it's the best book I've read this year so far!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

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  7. Yay for babysitters and date nights. I haven't read any of these books so thanks for sharing. Will be adding them to my reading list.

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  8. I've had Chip & Jo's book since the spring and really need to find time to finish it! That dog book looks so cute too!

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  9. Thank you so much for sharing! I'm always looking for good books to read :) I've been wondering about Nightingale, because I'm not a huge history/war genre fan either. I've been listening to audiobooks lately and it does feel slightly like cheating but I'm getting through so many more books! :)

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  10. I am reading Nightingale right now and can't put it down!! I can't wait to finish it!! I will keep these other reads in mind for when I am done!

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  11. That sounds like a wonderful weekend!! Looks like you've gotten in some great reading! If you haven't read it yet, I just finished The Woman in Cabin 10 and it was so good!

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  12. I love your reading list! I've had the Magnolia book on my shelf for months - that one has to be next on my list! Thanks for sharing!

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  13. Well - I've had The Nightingale sitting on my shelf for months - I guess I should really crack it open; I've heard nothing but wonderful things about it!

    www.natslife6.blogspot.com

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  14. Love love love The Magnolia Story! I haven't read the rest; I'll have to check them out!

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  15. I loveeee book recommendations - putting holds on a few of these at the library right now :) I loved Nightingale! What Alice Forgot was really good too!!

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  16. So many of my favorites here! I've been wanting to read The Art of Racing, but something about dogs makes me an emotional mess, lol. I don't know if I could handle it!

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  17. Yessss! When Breath Becomes Air was such a good read! I honestly think anyone who works in health care should have to read it! Made me cry but thankful I read it! Did you get to hear his wife speak when she came to Greenville?

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