May Book Review

Hello!

Okay, so I've been a little MIA. I'm aware. But y'all. Planning a wedding is NO JOKE. It's basically a full time job - and I already have one of those. Not to mention we're "revamping" Jeff's bachelor pad house so it's ready for some newlyweds come November. So, really, I have approximately 15 color palettes going through my head on the reg. Someone asked me my wedding colors the other day and I actually had to think about it.

BUT here I am today with four of my most recent reads. Granted, I've been rewatching Parenthood (and crying my eyes out), so these books have been over the course of the first part of the year, but it's fine. Everything is fine. :)

Also, they were surprisingly all hardback books this time (I normally read on my Nook), so today you get a fancy little cover picture. You're so welcome.

We have a little bit of everything today: chick-lit, chick-thriller, an autobiography of one of my favorite people ever, and the final installment of a winter trilogy. And two of these books I couldn't put down.

Okay, we're starting with the winter trilogy. And while I am fully aware it's 300 degrees outside, I read it in January so it made sense. My suggestion would be wait until the weather cools off to read it, OR if you're going to Antarctica this summer on vacay, bring this book!

Winter Storms

by Elin Hilderbrand

Okay, so the past two winters I've read (and reviewed!) the first two books (Winter Street and Winter Stroll) of the series and loved them. It may seem weird to have to remember characters from year to year (since she wrote one every Christmas), but since she writes from the various characters' perspectives, you really feel like you get to know everyone. It's easy to just jump right back in.

BUT, now that all three books are out, YOU don't have to wait! Unless you're waiting for colder weather. This last book really ties up a lot of loose ends that kept you hanging in the first two. I'm quite sad this little series is over. If you're an Elin Hilderbrand fan (and who isn't?!) don't forget about these this fall!

Okay...now back to the summer beach reads....

It Ends With Us

by Colleen Hoover

I could not put this book down. It was really unlike any book I've read before. I called it a chick thriller because while it wasn't a murder mystery, it definitely had some really heavy parts that made you think. I always know a good book when I count down the hours at work until I get to come home and read, and this was definitely one of those. It'll stick with you for a while afterwards, too.

Now, fair warning - her writing is not PG. At some points I looked like that little wide-eyed emoji. I don't want to share the plot for fear of giving too much away (and you can read the synopsis on the back of the book), but if you're tired of the same ole same ole plot, give this one a try!

Talking as Fast as I Can

by Lauren Graham

So I read this book in a day.

Zero exaggeration.

Granted, I didn't get much else done that day, but I LOVED this autobiography. Because I LOVE Lauren Graham. Loved her in Gilmore Girls. Loved her in Parenthood. Love her in real life. Actually I don't know her but I'm sure I would. And she's dating Peter Krause (#parenthood) and it just gives me all the feels.

If you are a hard-core Gilmore Girls and/or Parenthood fan, you must read this book. She gives a personal account on both the shows and the Netflix sequel series and I was reading like a giddy school girl. She also shares tips on how she does it all. For instance, did you know she wrote a best-selling fiction novel? I DID NOT. Did you also know she and Mae Whitman (#parenthood) are teaming up to do the script write adaptation of The Royal We (#myfavoritebookeEVER). I DID NOT. I mean. This girl does it all. And she never takes herself too seriously.

What I got from this book? Lauren Graham IS Lorelai Gilmore. And that one little realization made me oh so happy. This is a perfect little plane read for your next trip!

This book has also inspired me to read one autobiography each month. Fiction is great and all, but you can just learn good stuff by reading about real live people :)

Save the Date

by Mary Kay Andrews

So I'm not going to lie. I bought this book for three reasons: 1) it's purple, 2) it has a title that is in sync with my life at the moment, and 3) it was on the bargain shelf at Barnes and Noble.

However, I've also read one of her books in the past and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I figured I'd be a fan of this one as well!

If you love weddings, this is a great easy read for you. It's written from the perspective of a florist in Savannah (Southern weddings - heyo!) and walks through the ups and downs of running a small business, dealing with crazy brides and their mamas, and then of course - there's a love story in there too.

I honestly had the same thoughts I had when I read Ladies Night last June. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, really loved the writing, but the book was just really long. And not that I was bored during either book, she keeps you entertained, I just feel like it took me twice as long to read (since it was twice as long of a book).

Now, that being said, if you're going on a long weekend beach getaway and only want to bring one book - I would highly recommend Mary Kay Andrews! They'll give you all the feels, keep you busy during your trip, and you won't have to bring the whole library. Also, if you're a hard copy book person, several of hers rotate on the bargain shelf at B&N, so you can usually find one for less than $7.

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And those are my reads this month! (er - the past few months). I have a lot of travels for work coming up the next few months, so if you have any good reads be sure to let me know. Also, if I see you frequently, let me know if you want to borrow any of these bad boys. That's the beauty of a hard copy book. What's mine is yours - after I'm done with it :)

To see all my blogged book reviews, click HERE.

Until next time,

Katy

July Book Review

Y'all - I am so stinking excited for today's book review. 

Like... I haven't been this excited since I told you about The Royal We. 

Right before I left for Australia I didn't do much reading. Those last few weeks consisted of a lot of packing, hugging, and binge watching Brothers & Sisters. 

BUT - since I've been in Australia I've done a lot of reading...and not necessarily because I'm by myself. Primarily it's because I don't drive. Anywhere. I take the train/buses everywhere I go, and I have a book with me always. I'm basically reading anytime I'm commuting. 

So I basically look like this.

....but really. Everytime I get off the train and can't put the book down (sometimes you're just at a good part!), I think about this. And naturally get the song stuck in my head. 

This month I have three fictional books and a Jesus-book (a must-read if you're looking for a new devotional book!). Of the three fictional books, two were NEW authors - and both were HUGE successes in my opinion! I honestly loved them more than the "old" author. 

Let's begin....

Silver Girl
by Elin Hilderbrand

Ohhhh Elin. If you've read my book reviews before, you know I'm an Elin Hilderbrand fan. I discovered her when my girls and I decided to start a book club (pretty sure it lasted about 2 months...) and a Hilderbrand book was our first. I've been reading them ever since! Elin really develops the characters and makes you feel like you're living on Nantucket. Not to mention all of her novels are based here, so by my 5th or 6th novel, I actually am familiar with street names! 

It wouldn't be my #1 pick from her repertoire, but it still was a good read! What intrigued me about this one was it was about two ladies in their fifties. A lot of books these days (...or maybe just the ones I'm reading) are about young girls in their late 20s/early 30s. So if you're sick of reading about young love and wish those silly girls would just grow up - maybe give this one a try :)

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The Best Man
by Kristan Higgins

Kindle recommended this book to me and I'm completely sold. Sign me up. I've never heard of  Miss Higgins before but we are going to get along juuuust fine. I've told you how much I love Catherine Bybee books, and this is very similar writing except less... "saucy," as my mama likes to call it. I laughed out loud, I got choked up, I seriously just loved it. It's totally a love story, and kind of predictable (hello - title much?), but it's so intriguing and does have some unexpected twists/turns. 

I just really love the way she writes. It makes it enjoyable and easy. If you need a summer read - I'd highly recommend this one. This is part of a series and I can guarantee that you'll see one of these books in each of my reviews the next few months. Actually - you know what this reminded me of? A Hallmark movie. In book form. Agh - so good!

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Cancel the Wedding
by Carolyn Dingman

This book was AMAZING. 

And not really at all like what you would expect from the title. 

I originally expected some dramatic story line (insert all those rom-coms here), but it actually was a love story mixed in with deep roots of family mystery and history. I ran into a trashcan reading this book (obviously I'm not as smooth as Belle). I just couldn't put it down. I found myself intrigued with the romantic layer but more-so trying to predict (albeit, unsuccessfully) what was happening next. 

And it is SU-THERN. Like they eat boiled peanuts. And say "bless your heart." Someone hold me.

I also completely fell in love with her writing (and often chuckled out loud). The second I finished I immediately went online to see what else she had written that I could read. And much to my dismay, this is her first book. Sigh. Oh well - when her next one is available I'm totally pre-ordering. 

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The Battle Plan for Prayer
Stephen and Alex Kendrick

If your prayer life needs a kick-start, re-boot, or downright slap in the face - you need this book. I'm not even halfway through (I read a chapter a day) and it has already done wonders for my prayer life. It speaks to your soul and wakens up your faith. The kind of faith you should have in prayer. You know - the faith that prayer can literally do the impossible. May the next "Jesus-book" you buy be this one. 

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And those are my books! Any other must reads? I love walking into large immobile objects when I read. So if there's one that I must add to my list, please let me know! 

To see my other book reviews, click here.

Have a great day everyone!

Until next time,
Katy

June Book Review

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Well it has been a hot minute since I've done a book review.

I blame the whole "binge watch TV shows" thing...

But alas, I am here today with four books to discuss! I actually feel like I read much more than four books worth, but I think that's because two of the four books I read were pretty lengthy... 

Anywho - let's begin. 

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Me Before You
by JoJo Moyes

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Okay, so I don't know if I just had really high expectations for this book (because everyone else ranted and raved about it), but I didn't quite care for this book. In fact, I didn't even finish it. It honestly was just too slow for me. I got to the halfway point of the book and still nothing had actually happened. I found myself forcing myself to keep reading (mainly because I hate having a book on my Nook that shows anything other than 100%), but I couldn't do it. I'm probably the only person who doesn't care for this book, I know. But I'm still totally going to see the movie!

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Ladies' Night
by Mary Kay Andrews

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 Jeff and I went to Barnes and Noble one Sunday after church, and I saw this bright, fun-colored book on the bargain buy table. I'd never read any Mary Kay Andrews' books, but for $6, I thought I'd give her a try - and I loved it! This book is about a blogger who is going through a divorce (her ex made me downright angry), and basically has to learn how to rebuild herself - with the help of her new friends she made in divorce therapy. The book was kind of long - but it had me intrigued the whole time. I would definitely give another one of her books a read!

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Not Quite Forever
by Catherine Bybee

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 Kristie got be hooked on Catherine Bybee a couple of years ago. It all started with her "Weekday Bride" Series (Wife by Wednesday, Married by Monday, etc.), and we've been reading them ever since. This is the fourth book of her "Not Quite" Series. Catherine's books have a little suspense, a little action, and a whole lotta romance. These books are ones my mom would identify as "saucy books." They're a quick, easy, fun read!

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The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah

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This currently has the running for my #1 book of 2016. 

Jeff's mom read it and told me it was a must-read, but honestly, when she told me what it was about I wasn't too interested. It's about two sisters who survive the war between Germany and France. And while I have zero interest in history (#mathandenglishgirl), I couldn't put it down. This book is over 400 pages and I read it in 48 hours. (An 8-hour round trip flight to Boston helped!)

It has action, suspense, love, history, family values - it's just a really good book. A must read recommendation if I do say so myself! 

PS I totally cried. 

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And those are my four books this month! 

Seeing as I have a 17-hour flight coming up in...ohhhh 28 days, if you have any must reads, NOW is the time to tell me about them!
#pleasepleaseprettyplease
#iamsogoingstircrazyonthatplane

Check back in tomorrow for a little TBT action :)

An to see my other book reviews, click here!

Until next time,
Katy

March Book Review

Yeah, so this says "March Book Review" but I've been meaning to post about it for quite some time. 

How many things can I blame busy season on? :)

But I am finally getting back into the reading game, so prepare for more of these in the future. Plus I cancelled cable, remember? There's only so much I can watch on Netflix!

I. Love. This. 

And something tells me my friend Kristie started laughing (cause she gets it) and my sweet boyfriend just rolled his eyes (cause he doesn't). 

Here we go!

What Alice Forgot

by Liane Moriarty

This is my third Liane Moriarty novel, and while it was good, it wasn't my favorite of the three. It took me a little longer to get into this one than the others, but by the last half I was really enjoying it! It's about a girl who hits her head, loses her memory, and is stuck living 10 years in the past. So nevertheless she has quite a lot of figuring out to do. Rumor has it it's soon to be a movie with Jennifer Aniston playing the starring role - so I'm excited!

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The Choice

by Nicholas Sparks

 
Okay  - confession. I only read half of this book. Cause then the movie came out and I went and saw it and I therefore knew how it ended and didn't feel like reading the end. BUT - the beginning was great :) And me and Emily went to the movie and sobbed our eyes out over popcorn and candy. It was fantastic. Rent the movie. Read the book. Whatever you like. Your choice. 

See what I did there? :)

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Firefly Lane

by Kristin Hannah

So I read this one a few years ago, pre-blog, but I recommended it to Jeff's mom the other day so I thought I'd add it to the list. This book is an incredible book about friendship. And the emotions. Oh the emotions. You will experience every single emotion while reading this book. And you will likely cry your eyes out. But if you want a book that touches your heart and sticks with you for years after - this is it. 

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Dancing Through Life
by Candace Cameron Bure

My mom gave me this book for Christmas, and I was pumped. I've always loved Candace Cameron, but have fallen true to the recent obsession with her and Fuller House. Just recently finished the whole first season and am looking forward to the second. 

Okay back to the book. This is about Cameron's journey through her season on DWTS (one of my favorite shows) and how she incorporated her faith and was tested throughout the process. I rotate several books as part of my daily Bible study and this is one of them, so I haven't quite finished it - but I've enjoyed it so far!

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And that's all I got this time. More books next month. I have a whoooole list ahead :) 

See you tomorrow for some favorites! 

Until next time,
Katy

 

December Book Review

It's the Tuesday before Christmas and all through the house...

All were snuggled reading and quieter than a church mouse.

Said no one ever. 

The hustle and bust is in full force, people. Full. Force. 

You should see my room right now. I mean between the gifts that need to be wrapped, laundry that needs to be done, ski-wear that needs to be packed...my poor dog is like 'hey mom, can you at least make me a bath from my bed to the front door?' Sorry Charlie.

BUT - while these next few days will likely be both rushed and loud, come Saturday you're going to be like...what on earth do I do with my life? And the answer: snuggle up and READ. Come January you're going to be all over those resolutions, so you might as well take some down time for yourself the last week of December. 

So I've totally missed the boat on the last two months of book reviews...wamp wamp. But today I have FIVE books to share with you! And three of them are holiday themed! I've actually never read a "Christmastime book" - and I have no idea why. They're so good and festive! 

Alright enough chatter... 

 For the Love
by Jen Hatmaker

I can't say enough completely wonderful things about this book. It's hilarious, it's inspiring, it's for every single female (not just mothers), it's easy to read but makes you think. It's just an amazingly well written book. And I want to be best friends with Jen Hatmaker. 

Each chapter is a thought, or revolves around a thought, so you don't have to sit down and read it all in one sitting. You absolutely can, girrrl do whatchuwant, but I personally read a chapter with my morning quiet time. 

I know you have ohhhh like three days before Christmas, but if you need a stocking stuffer - THIS IS IT.

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The Husband's Secret

by Liane Moriarty

Okay, so ironically, in September when I told you all about how I read "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty, several of you contacted me telling me how you bought The Husband's Secret by Ms. Moriarty per my recommendation and absolutely loved it. It was weird. The covers do look a little similar, but it was just odd at how many of you read the wrong book :) BUT since so many of you said you loved it, I had to read it myself! 

Jeff's mom let me borrow her copy and I will say - it was hard to put down. Liane's books give you tid bits and make you wonder the whole dang book. It's like a mystery without being a "whodunnit." You will probably be able to finish this in a few days - it'll grab your attention and not let go!

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Winter Street and Winter Stroll

by Elin Hilderbrand

I'm doing these two together since they're a series (with the last installment coming out next Christmas). My friend Lauren told me about this book, because her Kindle account told her about it, and I of course had to read it. This is when I scolded myself for never having read a holiday book. 

I love Elin's books in general because you hop characters. Each chapter is written from a different character's perspective, so it keeps you entertained and on your toes. These were no different. What I REALLY loved about these books is they're pretty short. On my nook each book was less than 200 pages (while most books on my nook are between 300-400). So if you're thinking you just don't have time during the holidays to sit down and read a novel, no worries, this isn't a novel :)

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There's Something about Christmas

by Debbie Macomber

This is actually my first Debbie Macomber book! My friend Kristie has read like all of them and recommended them to me. While I'll admit I have not yet finished it (the hustle and bustle, people, the hustle and bustle), I will say so far so good! It's fun to read a new author every now and then - sometimes you get used to how the others write. I plan on finishing this in Colorado next week, but I don't think I won't like it :)

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And there are my five! Be encouraged to slow down and curl up before 2016 hits. You live a fast paced life 51 out of the 52 weeks of the year....slowing down for one won't kill you :)

THREE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

Until next time,
Katy

September Book Review

First of all - I feel as though I must address that it is National Coffee Day. I am aware that these days it is always national "something" day - but nevertheless, today is a day worth celebrating! So here's to hoping (imaging me holding up my mug) you are drinking coffee when you read this. And hopefully it was free. (Pssst - go by a Dunkin Donuts today and it will be!)

Alrighty...back to the books. 

Not sure why, but this picture looked literary to me. So I went with it. 

This month I read some really great books, and I also ventured out on authors. But MOST of all, I found what I truly believe is my absolute favorite book I have read this year. Like couldn't-put-it-down-stayed-up-way-too-late-reading favorite book. But let's start from the top.

Big Little Lies
by Liane Moriarty

I bought this book at the airport when Amy and I were stranded there for a six hour flight delay from South Carolina. I had heard of the author, but honestly bought it due to the rave reviews about it. And I will say, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I ended up finishing it in a different airport (I travel a lot) and sure did say "oh my gosh!" out loud in the terminal. It got me. This book also is written from the perspective of 4 or so different characters, so it keeps you on your toes. It's a mystery layered under a lot of kindergarten mom drama. Reese Witherspoon instagrammed that she was reading it, so maybe you should too :)

PSA: If you travel a lot, you must indulge in the read-and-return policy the airports have going on. It's wonderful. You buy a book at the airport, read it, and return it at a participating airport (majority of airports) and receive half your money back! I returned this book this past weekend when I traveled, and it worked like a charm! 

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Treasured by Thursday

by Catherine Bybee

   

I blame owe my friend Kristie for my love of these books. Kristie got me hooked on Catherine Bybee books a few summers back, and I've loved every single one I've read. This particular book was the seventh and final (boo!) book of her Weekday Bride Series. These are pure love stories with a touch of action/mystery that keeps you on your toes. Easy reads that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. But you need to start with the first one! See the full series here. 

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The Knock-Off

by Lucy Skyes and Jo Piazza

This actually was our book club selection for the month. I'll admit, it took me about 80ish pages to actually get into it, but once I did I really enjoyed it. It was kind of a modern day Devil Wears Prada (or so it reminded me of) - older magazine editor must adapt to young techies. I chuckled out loud quite a few times and towards the middle it was hard to put down. A different read than I'm used to - but one I did indeed enjoy! 

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The Royal We

by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

 AAAAHHH!! (that was a blog scream)

This is by far my favorite book of the year. I'm in the middle of it and I literally can't put it down. I crawled in bed at midnight on Sunday after a jam-packed weekend in California.....and then proceeded to read for an hour. Then I took yesterday off to do adult things like bake, laundry, decorate for fall, clean, etc. Nope. I read all day. I woke up abruptly this morning at 4 a.m. from a nightmare and my first thought was "hey, I can read a little before my alarm goes off." 
Charlie is so over this book. But y'all it's so dang good. 

It's a fictional novel based on the courtship/relationship of William and Kate. The ironic thing is, I never really jumped on the royal bandwagon when it happened, so I'm surprised I'm as addicted to this book as I am. I laughed, I cried - I just LOVE this book. If you want to read a good story on the ups and downs of relationships, or have any interest in the royal couple, then do yourself a favor and read this book! Fair warning: it'll make you want to go (back) to London.

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And those are my September books! I am just loving these book posts. I have SO missed reading. Any recommendations for October are so very welcomed!  

See my August book review here.

Until next time,
Katy 

August Books

Happy Wednesday!

Several blogs I read do a book review every so often, and I get a lot of author/book ideas from those reviews. So I thought I'd do a review of my own and give you fine folks some new reading material! :)

Word. This is so true. I love escaping into a book. It's like nothing else in the world matters. You're removed from your current surroundings and placed over in Nantucket or something. And the Nantucket in my head is often a lot more glamorous than this Texas summer. 

Here we go! The books I've been reading the past month:

The Rumor
by Elin Hilderbrand

 This book was this month's choice for my girls' Book Club. I'll have to say this was my first Elin Hilderbrand book - and I really really loved it! I read it in three sittings; it was definitely a page turner. A little predictable - but honestly that never bothered me. Cheesy love dramas are so my thing, whether I can guess the ending or it's a total surprise. And this book led me to....

The Matchmaker
by Elin Hilderbrand

This one took me a little longer to "get into" than the Rumor, but it also had less predictability. There were some twists and turns in the middle/end that I just didn't expect! What I did like about reading this right after The Rumor was that they were both based in Nantucket - so my "image" of the island was already established! The new characters just fit right on in :) Moral of the story: there are definitely more Hilderbrand Nantucket novels in my future.

The One and Only
by Emily Giffin

I was so stinking excited for this book. And so stinking disappointed. I have read and loved (and own) all of Emily's other books, so naturally this was a no-brainer when walking through Target. Plus it was centered around Texas college football, so the cities and schools I was all too familiar with. What I couldn't get on board with was the plot. I don't really want to give too much away, but you definitely have to think outside the box in this romantic relationship, and it was just a little too weird for me. 

Those are my three novels I've read, but I also have been doing a little "side reading" this month. Now, I was never one of those that could read two books at once, but the following book I've just been reading a chapter a morning with my devotional. And y'all - it is a must read. If you are dating someone, engaged to someone, or newly married to someone, I highly recommend this book. My mom gave it to me when I was home this summer, and my parents gave it to her when she started dating my dad. 

Letters to Karen

by Charles Shedd

Please note: this is what the book looks like NOW. My copy is worn with yellow pages....and really special :)

This book is a compilation of letters from a dad to his daughter. She asked her dad how to keep her future husband loving her for the rest of their lives, and these letters are his response. They're short, humorous, and real life. I look forward to reading a little tid bid of wisdom each morning with my coffee. I highly HIGHLY recommend it. PS - thanks, mom!

And there we have it! My books from August. I'm already onto my next novel for September's review, and let me tell you, it's a good one :)

OH - and all you females please check back tomorrow. We're having girl talk. Me and my hair need some help. 

Until next time,
Katy