SLIDER

So Obsessed With: The Baby Edition #4

Sep 27, 2017

I've shared three posts of favorite baby products in the past year (So Obsessed With: The Baby Edition #1, #2, and #3), but I hadn't talked about books yet. I've had this post on my mind for months, and I finally made the time to sort through our ever-growing library of picture books to pick out our favorites. We spend a lot of time reading in our household, and it didn't take me long to identify our most-read books!

For a long time, we read the same 1-2 books on repeat. When my son was a newborn, we'd just read one short book before naps and nighttime sleep. It was boring, but it helped us establish a routine. I still read to him before both naps and bedtime, but now it's usually for about 10 minutes before naps and 15-20 minutes before bed (unless we're too tired to read that long). And, of course, we read throughout the day!

There's a bookcase in the nursery, and the side table next to the chair has a shelf for current favorites. We've got a basket of books in the living room, too, where we spend a lot of our time. My boy is surrounded by books! I think those two things - making reading part of our daily routine and having books readily available in the areas where we spend our time - have been the biggest ways I've helped my son develop a love of books. 

He loves having us read to him and flipping through books on his own. He's got very strong opinions on what he does and does not like, so the following list contains only books that have his seal of approval. I don't love all of his favorites, which I'll mention in my comments on each book, but many of the books are winners for both of us. And there are plenty of picture books that I love that he wants nothing to do with... haha! 

And now, here are my son's thirty favorite picture books:


1. All of Baby Nose to Toes by Victoria Adler - I found this for a few dollars at a used bookstore and couldn't resist it. We love the illustrations, the way it goes through all of the baby's adorable features (eyes, nose, tummy, etc.) and the repetition of the question "Who loves baby's _____?" with "Me! I do." as the answer.

2. Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann - For a few weeks, it seemed like this was the only thing my son wanted to read! He loves pointing to all the different animals. There are no words in this book - sometimes it's fun to embellish the story as I go... and sometimes I just wish I could read out loud without having to think.


3. Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers - I love this book, and so does my son! He can be pretty opinionated on what he does and does not want to read, but this ones always gets a "YES!" It celebrates all the things babies learn to do and way they are cared for "everyday, everywhere." It's wonderful, as are the diverse illustrations. 

4. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury - This is a book that I want to like more because my son loves it. The repetition gets so old to me when I'm reading it out loud, though I'm sure that's a big part of why he loves it + all the noises are fun to act out. But shhh! - sometimes I skip over parts of it.

5. Alphaprints: ABC (and 123) by Roger Priddy - These are a big hit in our house! I think my son loves all the bright colors, the fun text, the embossed fingerprints that are fun to touch and random objects that are used to illustrate the animals. I have a feeling he'll like these for a long time! And I love that they'll help him learn.

6. Bunny Roo, I Love You by Melissa Marr - This is probably in our top five favorites from this whole list. I adore Teagan White's illustrations (the reason I bought the book in the first place). And I love every single thing about the text inside! This will be a go-to baby shower gift for me, without a doubt, because it's just so sweet.

7. Most of Sandra Boynton (The Going to Bed Book) - Boynton is definitely popular with my son, though we don't own all of her work. I don't particularly like these books, but my son doesn't really care about my opinion. Haha! We read The Going to Bed Book frequently when he was younger because it's short and simple.

8. I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak - Aww, I will always associate this book with my son as a newborn. For months, we read this book before every single nap + bedtime. It's not that I love it that much - it's just what seemed to work for him. He cried through so many books early on, but not this one.

9. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney - This wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's fables is absolutely gorgeous! I try to avoid "reading" this one when I'm too tired, but my son loves it even when my storytelling is a bit lackluster. He loves roaring for the lion, pointing to the mouse and staring at the detailed illustrations.


10. That's Me Loving You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal - This book was on my radar because I love the work of illustrator Teagan White. Thankfully, the story was just as lovely! The parent is reminding the child wherever they go, the parents love will be there too. It's super sentimental, but I love it all the same.

11. Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman - My son loves this silly book about a family of bunnies that adopts a wolf. And I think it's such a sweet way to talk about an older sibling coming to love a new addition to the family! It's a fun book to read aloud, and the illustrations are very eye catching. We read this one a lot!

12. Little Excavator by Anna Dewdney - My son usually prefer books about animals or kids, but this is the rare exception. He likes looking at all the different construction vehicles, especially because the text includes lots of noises. The rhyming makes it very sing-songy to read aloud, and the message is a good one.

13. A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers - I got this book because I loved it, and initially my son wanted nothing to do with it. It didn't surprise me because I think this will be most appreciated by adult book lovers, but recently my son has changed his tune. I'm happy because it's a lovely tribute to imagination and the power of stories.

14. Little Blue Truck (and Little Blue Truck Leads the Way) by Alice Schertle - This is a top five favorite for both of us! It's one of the first "longer" baby books that my son would sit through. We love everything about it: the illustrations, the rhyming text, the message about being friendly, and all the sound effects. 

15. The Quiet Book (and The Loud Book) by Deborah Underwood - We love reading The Quiet Book at bedtime - the perfect read aloud to wind down before sleep. I never would have thought of all the "different kinds of quiet," so I'm a fan of the concept of this one. The illustration are soft and muted, which is just right for the story.

16. Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev - Oh man, I love the message of this story: when a boy and his elephant are banned from a pet club, they create their own where all are welcome. I appreciate the diversity in the illustrations (which are also so lovely) and the themes of inclusiveness. A surprise treasure!

17. Explorers of the Wild by Cale Atkinson - This was a random find at the library, and it's gone on our "to buy" list because my son loves it so much. It's cute to see the little boy and the bear exploring the wild - and then teaming up to have adventures together! The story is simple but sweet, and I'm a fan of the illustrations.

18. Dream Animals (and Day Dreaming) by Emily Winfield Martin - I bought these for my son this past Christmas (mostly because I love the artwork), and they were a little too long for him at the time. Now he really enjoys these books, and I like that they celebrate dreams and imagination. They're lovely books!


19. Llama Llama (gotta start with the original, Llama Llama Red Pajama) by Anna Dewdney - Y'all, we love all the Llama Llama books in our household! The illustrations are cute, the situations are relatable (like llama's first overnight trip in Llama Llama Gram & Grandpa) and the sing-songy text is perfect for reading aloud.

20. Little Critter (I Just Forgot is our favorite!) by Mercer Mayer - My mom wouldn't stop talking about how much she loved the Little Critter books when we were kids and how she regretted getting rid of them. Thankfully, my boy got quite the collection for his birthday and he loves them! These are probably our most-read books.

21. If You Give... (If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a winner) by Laura Joffe Numeroff - I found a cute little box set of five of these books at Costco earlier this year and gave them to my son for his first birthday. At the time, he didn't really care for them. But lately, he's obsessed! He likes the silly antics of the animals.

22. BabyLit Primers (Pride & Prejudice is my son's favorite, and YES I'M SO HAPPY!) by Jennifer Adams - Years agoI told my mom I wanted these for my future baby. After I found out I was pregnant, she got my baby's library started. We like some of these primers more than others, but the illustrations are so cute in all of them.


23. Sharing the Bread by Pat Zietlow Miller - I saw Betty talking about this book back when she blogged and bought it based on her rec. I'm so glad I did! We've been reading this one on repeat lately. I love the message, the illustrations and the way each member of the household contributes to the Thanksgiving meal.

24. A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit - This is one of the few Christmas books I've found that I like too because it explains the Nativity in an engaging way. It isn't too short or simplified, but it isn't super long either. I like that the illustrations depict kids performing the story at a Christmas pageant. It's unexpected and cute!

25. Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck - This is a more simplified Nativity story, but it was perfect last year because my son was so young. Each illustration shows a different animal or person involved in the story with a simple rhyme about their role (ex: I am the donkey, / soft and gray, / I carried his mother / from far away.)

26. The Story of Easter by Fiona Boon - This was in my son's Easter basket, and he loves it way more than I expected! This book tells the story of Easter with rhyming text and cutesy illustrations. I like that it's simple enough for my son to listen to it, but it still accurately tells the story and presents the Gospel.


27. Bright Baby: Animals by Roger Priddy - This book is basically just a bunch of photos of animals labeled with their names, but my son loves it. He likes to point to the photos, tell me the noise they make (for the ones he knows) and have me say the name. But the "Lift-the-Tab" on the cover made me think it had flaps (it doesn't).

28. Where's Spot? by Eric Hill - This, on the other hand, is a lift-the-flap book and makes a frequent appearance around here. The story is kinda dumb, but the point of this is obviously the hide-and-seek aspect. Boring but a definite favorite for my son and it's cute when he seems surprised to find Spot in the end.

29. Busy Farm by Scholastic - This is a lift-the-flap book that teaches colors, numbers, shapes, animals and animal noises. I'll often bring this one in the car because it entertains my son for a little while. I like the learning element and that it uses real photos rather than illustrations (so it's easier to teach him to identify things).

30. Let's Find Momo by Andrew Knapp - This is definitely my favorite of the four "activity" style books! The left page in each spread has four objects to find (one is always the dog, Momo) and the right page has a photo in a different setting (a bookstore, a carnival, etc.). The dog is adorable, and my son likes finding the objects!

What picture books should we read next?
I'd love recommendations!

'Hope was such a painful thing, far more painful than rage.'

Sep 22, 2017


The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

Release Date:
 June 6, 2017
Publisher: HarperCollins | William Morrow Paperbacks
Pages: 503 pages
Source & Format: ARC; Publisher
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Summary (from Goodreads)
1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She's also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie's parents banish her to Europe to have her "little problem" taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister. 

1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she's recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she's trained by the mesmerizing Lili, the "Queen of Spies", who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy's nose. 

Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn't heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth... no matter where it leads.

Thoughts on The Alice Network
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn was on my radar because I knew how much Kelly from Belle of the Literati loved the author's Rome series. While I'll try those books someday, I was way more curious about this new release because I love these time periods. I requested it for review and was so excited when it arrived. Kelly read it first and immediately raved about it, so it didn't take me long to dive in. And I'm so happy that I can say this is one of the best books I've read this year and has become a new all-time favorite! 

Do you ever love a book so much that you just can't bring yourself to write about it? It doesn't happen to me that often, but it definitely did with this book. I finished it at the end of May, and I kept meaning to review it. It is, after all, one of the best books I've read in a long time. Who wouldn't want to push a new favorite on all their friends? Well, this is a recurring problem for me. If I really love a book, I can drag my feet when it comes to talking about it. It's so much easier to pinpoint what didn't work for me about a book than it is for me to explain all the reasons that I ADORED it. But I'll try anyway because The Alice Network MUST be on your radar...

This is the story of two women — a female spy in the real-life Alice Network in France during WWI and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947 — who are brought together in an unexpected way. In 1947, Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried and desperate to find her cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during WWII. Her search brings her into the path of Eve Gardiner, a former spy during WWI who now spends her days secluded and drinking to forget a betrayal from long ago. Eve is reluctant to help Charlie, but a single name leads them on an unforgettable search for the truth. 

Y'all, this book somehow managed to be funny, inspiring, heart wrenching, anxiety inducing and romantic. Do you have emotional whiplash from that sentence? Just wait until you read the book! I'm not usually a fan of dual timelines, but it was done perfectly. That's HUGE coming from me. Somehow, Quinn made me so invested in both stories. I never wished that one timeline didn't exist or took up less time. I loved both equally and felt both were absolutely necessary. The structure was crucial and added so much.

In addition to loving both stories, I was blown away by both heroines. They're such strong women - but in very different ways. They're both unconventional for their time, and it made me love them all the more. I loved the challenges they both overcame and how they helped each other find and face the truth. I was rooting for these women! I adored the setting and how the two time periods were distinct but complemented each other so nicely. The mystery that brings them together was compelling, tightly paced and so emotional. Quinn's writing was so lovely, too. The story came alive because of her skill with words!

Honestly, I loved absolutely everything about this book. Do you see why I have a hard time writing reviews for books that I love? I could keep praising it, but I think the gushing gets old after a while. If you're a fan of historical fiction, YOU MUST READ THE ALICE NETWORK. Sorry for the yelling, but I think it's necessary. Don't miss out on this story - it's one I haven't stopped thinking about and will be recommending repeatedly!

So Quotable
“We lingered inside our fragile bubble of happiness, the kind of happiness that sits on top of melancholy as easily as icing on a cake. I didn't want to leave it.”
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

Three Ways I Tackled My TBR This Summer

Sep 21, 2017

Earlier this year, I realized that the number of unread books that I owned was getting a little out of control. Kelly from Belle of the Literati visited me at the end of April, and she manages her TBR like a boss. I mean, seriously, I want to be more like her! While she was here, I started to look at my shelves even more critically. Why did I buy so many books only to let them sit on my shelves? Something needed to change!

But I felt like a broken record. Buying fewer books and reading more of what I own have basically been my constant refrain during my past five years blogging. In fact, those two principles are the foundation of my goals for The Picky Pledge, a yearly accountability project that I do with Alexa from Alexa Loves Books. It's helped me work on some things, like being pickier with review books, but not so much with book buying...

The more I thought about it, the more convinced I was that I needed to press the reset button. I brainstormed ways to do it, and I came up with three strategies that I put into practice this summer. As the shift to fall begins, I thought it would be fun to reflect on what I did these past three months... and how it went!

I began my project in June with a book buying ban. I've attempted these in the past and have always totally and completely failed at them. But I did things a little differently this time, and I think that helped:

1. I decided to do a one-month buying ban, and I think the specific and shorter time frame helped me complete it successfully. In the past, I've tried broader "no more new books until I catch up on what I own!" type bans, and those just don't work for me long term. I wish they did though!

2. I made Kelly my accountability partner because I knew she'd keep me on the straight and narrow. She literally wouldn't let me justify anything that I wanted to buy that month. It was a firm "NO!" every single time, no matter how hard I tried to convince her.

3. I tracked it on a printable habit tracker that I bought from a shop on Etsy. I taped it to a dashboard that I use in my Happy Planner so that I was looking at it every day. It helped keep me focused on my goal!

While I'd love to stop buying books completely until I'm caught up on my TBR, I know that's not realistic for me. But this felt like the best of both worlds, and I could see myself doing it again in the future when I need to hit the pause button on my buying. It was the perfect way to kickstart this project!

The next step was to cull my TBR! I'm not opposed to culling books that no longer interest me, though I tend to do it pretty conservatively. I try to err on the side of keeping stuff if I think I might still read it. But for this cull, I wanted to be drastic. Here's what I did differently this time:

1. I got my friends involved in my mission. I sent Kelly and Alexa a spreadsheet with my full TBR (physical, audio, Kindle and review) with one request: mark anything you think I should cull. If I couldn't really justify keeping a book they'd nixed, that told me something. If I was surprised they didn't mark a book, it was often because I'd expected them to confirm my gut feeling that it needed to go. If I wanted to immediately argue about a book they marked, it deserved to stay. I saw my TBR with new eyes!

2. I did multiple rounds (over several weeks) of culling. I started with the input of friends + my gut feelings, and then browsed through Goodreads reviews (low ratings? topics/keywords I dislike? etc.). Next, I checked the library to see if I could borrow something if I wanted to read it later. Finally, I sat down and read one chapter from each book. With every round, I dug deeper into my reasons for buying and keeping what's on my TBR. 

3. I created a "cull from TBR but keep" pile for a handful of books. Typically, I try to make myself put any books I own but haven't read on my Goodreads "To Read" shelf. But that includes books I want to own but don't really plan on reading anytime soon (if ever), like pretty editions of certain classics. I may read them, but I own them more for looks or nostalgia than anything else. Now, my TBR reflects what I actually plan to read.

When I looked at what I culled, they almost all had one thing in common: I justified buying them because they were on sale. I can't tell you how many Kindle Daily Deals and used bookstore finds didn't survive the cut. But I noticed some similarities with what I kept. And that helped me formalize my new book buying mantra:
"For my collection" gives me the freedom to buy new editions of books that I collect, and "from an author I love" allows me to buy stuff I haven't read before from a trusted author. "For a series I'm reading" specifically includes those last two words because I often buy an entire series before I've even started it. And finally, "that I've read and want to own" is probably my favorite reason to buy a book because it doesn't add to my TBR!
I'll occasionally make exceptions, but it does help me approach book buying a little differently. Because a bargain is only a good deal if you're actually going to use/read something! I don't want to be the bookish version of the extreme couponer with a bunker of products I never would have bought if they weren't on sale.

My first two strategies for tackling my TBR were things I've done before with varying levels of success. I used a few new principles that helped me stay on track more than I had in the past, but that's it. The third strategy, however, was the true gamechanger. And it's the real reason that I was inspired to write this post!

At the end of May, I created a Summer Reading List shelf on Goodreads. I went through my TBR and picked 40 books with one goal in mind: read as many books as possible from this list over the summer. I tried to choose a wide variety of options: fiction and non-fiction, Adult and Young Adult, older titles and newer releases, and multiple genres (with a bit more contemporary since that's what I'm drawn to in the summer). I didn't have to finish the list or exclusively read from it. But it would be my reference point when I thought, "What should I read next?"

In my July 2017 recap, I included a blog post by Christine from Bucking Bookshelves entitled: "The appeal of limited choices... and the irony of my overflowing bookshelves." In the post, Christine shared how having a limited number of books available while  on vacation helped her read from her own shelves. But, as you might expect, it was harder to keep the ball rolling once home and faced with stacks of unread books.

I loved the post because it perfectly aligned with my little reading experiment. And Christine's discovery reflected what I found to be true this summer: having a smaller, curated reading list made it easier for me to tackle my TBR. The specific, limited list of books made it easier to choose what to read next and helped me focus on an achievable goal. The length of the list was long enough to give me options but short enough that it didn't overwhelm me. The variety on the list gave me something for almost every mood. And the fact that my goal wasn't to read everything on the list gave me enough freedom that I didn't feel pressured or obligated.

In fact, it became a bit of a challenge. Although summer isn't officially over, I started reading from the list on June 1 with the intention of wrapping up by September 1. I wanted to spend three months with the list as my reading guide before checking on my progress. So, how did I do?

I was so pleased with my results! I read 42 books total for June, July and August - and 64% of them came from my summer reading list. That's not to mention the fact that I read 7 other books from my TBR. If you add those to my two re-reads, 86% of what I read this summer was something I already owned. That's so much progress on my TBR! I can't remember the last time I read so heavily from my own shelves.

In fact, I've decided to continue the challenge by creating a Fall Reading List. I've got a whole new set of books from my TBR, and I can't wait to see what I accomplish over the next several months. I carried over a few books from my summer reading list, but the majority is an entirely different selection. I have more fantasy and mystery, since those genres call to me in the fall. I included some new releases I've pre-ordered, a series or two I want to binge, and a handful of older titles I just haven't gotten around to yet.

For the first time that I can remember, my Goodreads To Read shelf is below 100 books. It will probably be a while before it's at my ideal number of books, but I actually feel like I'm headed in the right direction. While I hope to continue to implement buying bans and TBR culls when they're necessary, I'm fully embracing the concept of Seasonal Reading Lists. It's a little soon to say for sure, but I think they're going to have a big impact on my TBR and my reading habits. Creating a list and checking off books was so much fun!

Have you used a ban, a cull or a reading list before?
What strategies do you use when your TBR is out of control?

Quick Lit: August 2017

Sep 14, 2017

I have soooo many books in my post today! I read 14 books in August and am reviewing 12 of them in my post today. You'll find a little bit of everything: new favorites, one major disappointment and a number of other enjoyable reads. If you're looking for more book recommendations, check out the linkup at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

Aside from sharing my July Quick Lit post, I didn't post any book reviews in August. I just never found myself in the mood to blog! However, I just recently shared my review of The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley, which I read in August for the "A Book You Were Gifted" Picky Pledge Challenge prompt.

I started a series binge in August with The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling) and finished the next two books, The Silkworm and Career of Evil, in September. I'll review those soon!


A GROWN-UP KIND OF PRETTY BY JOSHILYN JACKSON | I noticed that my library had this available on audio, and I had to have it! I fell in love with Jackson's narration of Backseat Saints and wanted more. Her Southern twang breathed life into her quirky, funny, lovable characters. I really enjoyed this story of three generations of women who uncover a devastating secret. The three POVs were distinct, the characters charmed me, and I was emotionally invested. While the plot and climax were a little weak, I still So Liked It.

THE PEARL THIEF BY ELIZABETH WEIN | Oof, this book. This is the prequel to Code Name Verity, a moving WWII story that I fell in love with a few years ago. I was excited to read about Julie before the war, but I ended up wishing I hadn't bothered. I find Wein's writing really dry, and this was the first time the story didn't make up for that fact. The mystery was dull and predictable, the temporary amnesia was annoying and the pace was so slow. The characters didn't feel realistic or well developed either. I was So Over It.

THE WHOLE WAY HOME BY SARAH CREECH | Jo Lover is making a name for herself in country music and is on the brink of stardom... until her first love comes back into her life. I flew through this book because the setting and story were perfect for my mood. It was entertaining and engaging, which is a win! If you enjoy the TV show Nashville, I think you'll want to read this book. The main thing that kept me from truly loving it was that I never felt the emotional impact - despite the heavy subject matter - and that's why I'd say I So Liked It.*


THE NAMES THEY GAVE US BY EMERY LORD | I loved Lord's first two books, Open Road Summer and The Start of Me and You. But I was nervous about this one because I saw that it involved faith and a church camp, and I hoped that Lord would approach the topic in a respectful way. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised by how authentic and relatable Lucy's faith journey was. This story felt real, and I honestly think it's Lord's best book yet. I was so emotional and felt it had so much depth without being too heavy. Y'all, I'm So Obsessed With It

THE NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT BY KAREN WHITE | Confession time: I primarily wanted to read this because I liked the cover. Thankfully, the story inside proved that sometimes you can judge a book by its cover. I loved the Atlanta suburb setting and all the Southernisms peppering these pages. The characters had me invested in the story, which I didn't realize had somewhat of a suspense/mystery vibe. I thought the main character was just a little too dense because it seemed pretty obvious what was going on, but I So Enjoyed It

HERE GOES NOTHING BY KENDRA BROEKHUIS | When I saw the subtitle - An Introvert's Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor - I had to pick up this book. I loved it initially, but it lost steam by the end. It was repetitive and felt like it was all reflection and very little action. The subtitle led me to believe that it was about an introvert challenging herself to invest in her community, but it really wasn't. It was just a collection of thoughts on what the author felt like God was teaching her each day. Not what I expected, and I was just So Okay With It.


TELL THE TRUTH, SHAME THE DEVIL BY MELINA MARCHETTA | I was intrigued by the news that Marchetta was tackling an entirely new genre: adult mystery. The book somehow managed to be everything I'd expect from a Marchetta novel while also being entirely different from anything she's written before. I adored these characters, this story, the writing, the emotions - ALL OF IT. I was so sad when I finished that I had to go back to a world with no unread Marchetta novels waiting on me. In case you can't tell, I was So Obsessed With It.

AFTER HELLO BY MHAIRI MCFARLANE | Mhairi McFarlane is an all-time favorite author for me, and I was excited when I saw this novella on Amazon a few months ago! I liked the idea of revisiting Ben and Rachel (from You Had Me at Hello), even though that's my least favorite of her books. While the novella reminded me of why I adore McFarlane's writing and sense of humor, I wasn't crazy about the story itself. The conflict was frustrating because it was driven by insecurity, but McFarlane's writing made it a So Liked It at least.

WORDS IN DEEP BLUE BY CATH CROWLEY | I read Crowley's Graffiti Moon a few years ago but didn't really remember anything about it. However, her most recent release ended up on my radar because Alexa recommended it to me. And I'm so glad she did! I loved the bookshop and the idea of leaving bits of yourselves in the pages of what you read. The romance was sweet, too, but I was so frustrated with one character being a complete idiot for WAY TOO LONG. Thankfully, the writing and themes meant I So Enjoyed It.


CROWN OF MIDNIGHT BY SARAH J. MAAS | With the publication of Tower of Dawn quickly approaching, I knew I wanted to re-read several of the previous books in the series. I skipped to this one for the sake of time. Honestly, I never get tired of this story! This was the book that made me truly OBSESSED with this series, and I love re-reading it (this was my fourth time). It's interesting to revisit some of it in light of what happens in the later books, but I'm So Obsessed With It regardless. PS - I listened to the audio and enjoyed narrator Elizabeth Evans!

YES PLEASE BY AMY POEHLER | When I spotted this audio at the library, I couldn't resist (since I just watched all of Parks & Rec for the first time). I loved the beginning, a few other sections, and Poehler's narration. However, the drug references and language were off putting for me. Poehler clearly doesn't want to talk much about her personal life, which is her right. But the result is a collection of mostly shallow stories with no real point. I probably would have hated it if I hadn't listened to the audio. As it was, I think So Okay With It seems most fitting. 

THE AUTUMN BRIDE BY ANNE GRACIE | This is the first in the Chance Sisters series and was a gift to me from Kelly. I ended up finding the audio at the library and listened to it in about a day - the perfect companion as I cleaned my house! I loved the friendship between the four girls, their loyalty to one another and how their fortunes changed when they met Lady Bea. I wanted more development of the romance, however, because it took such a backseat to all the other storylines. But I still So Liked It and will continue the series.

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

What have you been reading lately?

'Ye cannot ever say which way this world will take ye.'

Sep 7, 2017


Practically from the moment she finished reading it, Kelly from Belle of the Literati was pushing me to read The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley. She'd discovered a new all-time favorite, and she couldn't stop talking about it. Plus, she knew that I was a fan of adult historical fiction, too, and would likely enjoy the Scottish setting. It seemed meant to be! So, she gifted me with a copy this past Christmas to make sure I'd read it.

Since then, anytime I mentioned that I wasn't sure what to read next, she suggested starting this book. I had to admire her persistence! And it paid off, too, because it was the first thing that came to mind for August's Picky Pledge Reading Challenge prompt, "A Book You Were Gifted." I often ask my family and husband for books for my birthday or Christmas, but choosing one of those felt like cheating. I wanted a book that someone picked out for me all on their own! And this one definitely fit the bill.

In The Winter Sea, Carrie McClelland is hoping to turn the Jacobite uprising of 1708 into her next bestselling novel. She's struggling a bit with the story until she visits Slains Castle in Scotland. Suddenly, inspiration is everywhere. She creates a heroine named for one of her own ancestors, Sophia, and begins to write. But something strange is happening with the story and Carrie's memories...

After hearing so much praise from Kelly, I definitely had my hopes up going into this book. How could I not?! When I finished it, I could see exactly why she loved it so much. If I'd read this first, I would have immediately flagged this as a "Kelly book" on so many levels. I really enjoyed it overall and am so glad she gave me a copy! I probably wouldn't have picked it up on my own, and I would have been missing out on a good read. 

My main dislike is actually tied to one of my reading quirks: I'm typically not a fan of dual timelines. This book alternates between a contemporary and historical story, and I honestly wished I was only reading the historical one. Carrie's story explores the idea of ancestral memory, and I think that's the main reason it was included. Aside from that aspect, you don't really need the contemporary storyline since Carrie is mostly just writing and researching in it. If you love the concept of actually experiencing the life of someone in the past, I don't think you'll mind the dual timeline aspect. But it didn't quite work for me. 

The only issue I had with the writing itself was the occasional info dump. It took me about a hundred pages or so before I was truly hooked by the story because the beginning was pretty slow. Kearsley included a lot of background on the Jacobites and their rebellion! I appreciated the history lesson, but it did feel there was a bit too much of it at times. In general, I'd rather the history be shown (a gripping battle scene) than have it told (characters having detailed conversations about the outcome of said battle). 

Thankfully, those two complaints were balanced out by what I loved about this book: the historical story and the setting. I was interested in Carrie's writing process, her research and her time in Cruden Bay... but I was absolutely swept away by Sophia's life-changing time spent at Slains Castle. I loved the devastating past she had to overcome, her romance with a handsome rebel, her strength of will in the face of danger and her loyalty to the people she loved. I was itching to get back to past anytime the story shifted to the present!

And in both time periods, I loved the setting. I've never been to Scotland, but Kearsley brought it to life. I could imagine it all in my mind - the wind sweeping in off the sea, the crashing of the waves, the dangerous footpaths along the coast, the crumbling ruins and its former splendor, the beauty of the greenery, the warmth of the tiny cottage, and the nosiness of the nearby villagers. Honestly, I wished I could transport myself there! The tone of the story complemented the mood of the setting, which made it such an atmospheric read. 

While it wasn't quite an all-time favorite for me, I am so thankful that Kelly pushed me to read The Winter Sea. I enjoyed reading it and loved chatting with her about it after I finished! I can see so many historical fiction lovers being drawn into this story. If you're looking for an unforgettable journey to Scotland, this book is your ticket. 
Release Date: January 2008 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Pages: 536 pages | Source & Format: Gifted; Paperback
Series: Slains #1

This was my eight read for The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge that Alexa and I are doing in 2017! It's the perfect motivation to read books from my TBR and adds an extra dose of accountability, too. In addition to reading and reviewing one challenge book per month, we're answering three questions about each one!

1. How long has this book been on your TBR? 
Only about eight months! It was a gifted to me this past Christmas.

2. Who gave you this book? 
I received this book from Kelly from Belle of the Literati.

3. Do you know (or have a guess) why they chose the book for you?
Because it's one of her favorites, and she was in major book pushing mode!

August 2017: Recap + On My Shelves

Sep 5, 2017


It's beginning to feel like fall, but it's bittersweet because this summer was one of my very best! Living in the South means it will be warm for weeks, but I welcome the slight dip in temperatures... and pumpkin everything. 

1. Exploring the Chattooga River - Nick has been traveling a lot this summer, so we weren't able to make it to the beach for our normal summer vacation. But we did find the time to do a little adventuring closer to home! We drove to the Chattooga one day and had fun helping our boy pick up rocks and throw them in the river.

2. Hiking to Angel Falls - In the same week we went to the Chattooga, we went on two hikes. One of them was to Angel Falls, and it was so gorgeous. Definitely our best adventure! The hike was the perfect distance and the view at the end made it so worth it (and I say this as someone who is generally a hard no on hiking).

3. Happy Memory Keeping Release - I've become a complete Happy Planner addict lately, so I was thrilled when they announced their new Memory Keeping line. I loved the idea, especially because I always wish I was better about printing photos and recording memories. So, obviously, I had to buy stuff to get started.

4. Movie Date with My Dad - It's always fun to spend a little one-on-one time with my dad! Back in June, I gave him a Fandango gift card for Father's Day and told him that we'd have a movie date once there was something out we wanted to see. That ended up being Dunkirk! It was the perfect thing to see with my dad.

Read 14 Books | Favorites:
The Winter Sea by Susana Kearsley
The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord
Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil by Melina Marchetta
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
“Men who watch, and say little, very often are much wiser than the men they serve.”
The Winter Sea by Susana Kearsley

“You can be okay again. Just a different kind of okay than before.”
The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

“I might have my own ideas on what I think is the best way to help other people,
but until I know who other people are, I also have the potential of disempowering them
or recklessly hurting them in the process. And that takes time, time spent together
and time spent building a solid relationship.
That takes forgetting the goal of becoming a helper to the helped
and focusing on a deeper compassion that is found in mutual friendship.”
Here Goes Nothing by Kendra Broekhuis

 “Sometimes people who care about us say all the wrong things for all the right reasons.”
Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil by Melina Marchetta

 “We are the books we read and the things we love. Cal is the ocean and the letters we left.
Our ghosts hide in the things we leave behind.”
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley

“That is the motto women should constantly repeat over and over again. Good for her! Not for me.” 
Yes Please by Amy Poehler

 “... women need to hear the words. They don't need the world conquered for them,
but they do need a man to speak the words that are in his heart.”
The Autumn Bride by Anne Gracie
August was a slow month on the blog! I shared my July 2017 recap and July Quick Lit, and that's it... If you're curious about how I spent my time instead, just take a look at the What I Watched section.
I barely checked Feedly the past month, so I've got tons of blog posts to catch up on. If you've got any I should read, share the link in the comments. But here are two articles I read and enjoyed this past month:

1. "I Give A Book To Every Single Person Who Visits My Home, And It's Changed How I Feel About Reading" by Sadie Trombetta for Bustle - I thought this article was so interesting! I admire the practice and what it's taught the author, even though I can't imagine implementing this in my own life. I'm a book hoarder!

2. "I spent my career in technology. I wasn’t prepared for its effect on my kids." by Melinda Gates for The Washington Post - It's kind of scary to think about how technology will (and already does) affect my son. I hope to do my best navigating this aspect of life, and I liked the practical tips + thoughtful reflection in the article.


Favorite Song: “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift
This song took a little while to grow on me, but the video won me over.
I'm not ashamed to admit that I cannot wait for this album in November!


Audiobook: Crown of Midnight narrated by Elizabeth Evans
I didn't listen to a lot of music in August, which I partially blame on TV/movie watching.
But I did re-read Crown of Midnight via audio and loved revisiting this world and characters!

Parks and Recreation, Seasons 1-7, starring Amy Poehler + Best Cast Ever - OH EM GEE. Y'all, I decided to start this on a whim at the beginning of August, and I spent the rest of the month bingeing the entire series. I'm so obsessed with it! I already want to watch it again and may need to write a post about my love.


Trolls (2016) starring Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake - When I spotted this on Netflix one day, I decided to turn it on allegedly for my son. But, I'll admit that I was curious about it. I had zero expectations going into it and was surprised by how much I liked it. It's not a new favorite, but it was still fun to watch!


Dunkirk (2017) starring Fionn Whitehead, Tom Hardy and Mark Rylance - I already mentioned this movie in the What I Loved section because I saw it with my dad, but I didn't tell you that I absolutely loved it. The pace was slow, but I loved the multiple timelines and different viewpoints. I'm so glad I got to see this one in theaters!  


Gifted (2017) starring Chris Evans and Mckenna Grace - This was a random pick for me, but I was pleasantly surprised! Chris Evans is great in the role, and the girl playing his niece was so adorable. I liked it!

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) starring Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law - This movie was so awful! What the heck happened?! Nick and I were excited to watch it, but I'm honestly surprised we even finished it.

A United Kingdom (2016) starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike - This movie is from the director of Belle (a favorite), and I loved it so much! It was wonderfully cast, beautifully shot and such a great story.

Lion (2016) starring Dev Patel and Sunny Pawar - I somehow didn't know much about this movie going into it, but I'm so glad I rented it! This was such a moving story - my husband and I were both a little teary at the end.

Used Bookstore Credit (Already Read): Backseat Saints, A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty and Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson and Catch of the Day and The Next Best Thing by Kristan Higgins

Used Bookstore Credit (TBR): The Best Man, Waiting on You, Too Good to Be True, My One and Only, Until There Was You and Fools Rush In by Kristan Higgins, Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, Still Life by Louise Penny, Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave, The Trespasser by Tana French and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

$3 Bargain Buy: Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon


For My Collections: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (L/R)

From Nick: An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon and Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Unsolicited for Review: The Other Alcott by Elise Hooper, They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera and Even the Darkest Stars by Heather Fawcett


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