The Library of Light and Shadow by M.J. Rose
(c/o NetGalley)
This book is the third in a series about the daughters of La Lune, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. (I read the first book and skipped the second, and it didn't make any difference in the storyline). I really liked the beginning of this book, and the whole concept was interesting, but I thought the middle dragged quite a bit. If it wasn't for the pacing, this book would be a solid four stars, but I think it is more of a 3.5 stars for me.
It's Always the Husband by Michele Campbell
(c/o NetGalley)
Honestly, I was pretty disappointed in this book. It is listed as a thriller, but it lacks excitement until almost halfway through. The writing style wasn't my favorite, and I wasn't excited about the ending. There are just so many better thrillers out there. I would pass on this one.
Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay by Jill Mansell
(c/o NetGalley)
Whenever I'm in the mood for a feel-good romance, I know Jill Mansell will deliver. The characters are always quirky and likable, and I like the stories. In this case, I liked both Clemency and Sam, and the book was filled with many funny and heartfelt moments. It would make a perfect summer read!
I Liked My Life: A Novel by Abby Fabiaschi
(c/o NetGalley)
This book was both beautiful and powerful. It deals with a daughter and husband dealing with the aftermath of their mother's/wife's suicide. It also has thoughts from the mother/wife from beyond (which I would normally think is odd, but it was done well). It was raw, heartbreaking, but also full of hope. Honestly, I have avoided this book for a few months because I thought it would be depressing, but it really wasn't. It's definitely a good read!
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
(c/o NetGalley)
I like WWII historical fiction, but I only read it a few times a year. This was my first WWII book of the year, and it was an interesting read. I always learn something new when I read WWII books, and this was no exception. The Kurc family was spread out during the war, so there was information on everything from Siberian work camps to being a refugee in Brazil. I liked how this was based on a true story-it really made everything feel so real and intense. Even though many parts were hard and depressing, there was also a lot of hope throughout the novel. If you like WWII historical fiction, put this book on your list!
The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley: A Novel by Hannah Tinti
(c/o NetGalley)
I don't know if it was a matter of timing, but this story didn't captivate me in any way. The book is well written, but I just couldn't connect to the story. I was bored and felt like I forcing myself to finish. I was also not a big fan of the ending. I know a ton of people who loved this book, but it just wasn't for me.
Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave
(c/o NetGalley)
This was a short, fun read I finished in one sitting. It took me a little while to warm up to Sunshine, but I think that was the point. I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the novel. If you're looking for a quick summer read, I would definitely recommend this book!
The Forever Summer by Jamie Brenner
(c/o NetGalley)
This book is the perfect summer read. It's a little sad, but it's also full of hope. It's filled with drama and secrets in a gorgeous setting. I liked all the main characters and found myself rooting for their lives to turn around. If you're hanging out by the pool or going to the beach this summer, pick up this book!
The Blackbird Season by Kate Moretti
(c/o NetGalley)
This was an interesting thriller about a teacher accused of having an affair with a student...and then the student goes missing. I did think it had a little too many points of view and felt a little slow at times, but I was still eager to see how it ended and was able to finish it quickly!
The Grave Tender by Eliza Maxwell
(c/o NetGalley)
This book was so dark, raw, and heartbreaking. After her life takes a turn, Hadley returns to her childhood home with her daughter. As soon as she gets there, the secrets of her family begin to unravel. It was one of those stories where you almost don't want to know what happened, but it's hard to look away. If you're into dark but captivating reads, pick up this book.
The Breakdown by B.A. Paris
(c/o NetGalley)
I never expected to read this book in one sitting, but it sucked me in, and I couldn't stop reading. I liked it even better than Behind Closed Doors. I liked Cass, and this book had some interesting twists. If you are a fan of thrillers, read this one!
Stolen Beauty by Laurie Lico Albanese
(c/o NetGalley)
This is a historical fiction novel based on two strong women who were related to each other. One is experiencing Austria at the turn of the century while the other (her niece) is dealing with the beginning of World War II (and beyond). The story is a little slow at times, but it's really interesting, especially since it was based on real women.
Favorite reads in June: Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay, We Were the Lucky Ones, and The Breakdown
Holy cow you read a lot of really good books this month! I definitely added We Were The Lucky Ones and The Breakdown to my list! I already had Stolen Beauty on my list, but it sounds like I need to pick it up sooner rather than later! I hope that you're completely over your cold! I bet that it's miserable being sick and not being able to take a lot of drugs to help you get over it!
ReplyDeleteSo many good books in this post! I don't know if I've ever read a Jill Mansell book, but I think I definitely have one or two on my tbr. The Forever Summer sounds really good and I love the cover of Stolen Beauty. I hope you're feeling better soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear you weren't feeling well! There are so many great books here that I am going to put a few on my list for my hopeful one day I will get around to them lol. Beautifully Candid
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Breakdown for Erin's Reading Challenge so it makes me happy to see another positive review for it. I have It's Always the Husband on hold at the library. I'll probably still give it a try but if it doesn't wow me, I'll DNF it. I hope. I can be such a book masochist. :D The Grave Tender sounds right up my alley - adding it to my TBR. I've seen Jill Mansell books on the link-up before but haven't read any of her books. I need to keep her in mind when I need something a bit lighter to read.
ReplyDeleteThe Breakdown was seriously great! I am SO bad about not finishing books. I keep thinking they will get better even though I know in reality they probably won't. ;) Definitely read The Grave Tender and add some Jill Mansell when you are in the mood for something light! :)
DeleteThank you so much for the gorgeous review, Olya - thrilled you liked Beachcomber Bay! x
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for writing such lovely books!
DeleteSounds like you had a great reading month! I read Everything I Never Told You, which has excerpts from a deceased family member also. It is hard but can add to the story when it's done well.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same about the second B.A. Paris book versus the first.
ReplyDeleteI just requested the summer book from Netgalley. Love the cover.
Look at you go! Sorry to hear you weren't feeling well, and hope you're both on the mend. I need to add Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay to my list. Perfect read for the beach <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
I cannot wait to read Hello Sunshine. I have picked up a few of Jill Mansell's books to try!
ReplyDeleteJill Mansell is so great! Hope you love her too. :)
DeleteI can't believe that I haven't read a Mansell book yet! I have a couple on my to read list though. I really enjoyed I Liked My Life! Added We Were the Lucky Ones and The Blackbird Season to my to read list!
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely read Jill Mansell! We Were the Lucky Ones and The Blackbird Season were both great!
DeleteThe Grave Tender sounds super interesting! :)
ReplyDeleteI really liked it! :)
DeleteWoo hoo on reading 12 books! Stolen Beauty and I Liked My Life sound super interesting. I'll be adding those to my list. Thank you! (& hope you're feeling better!)
ReplyDeleteSamuel Hawley is one of my favorite books of the year but I get how you wouldn't like it.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I have The Breakdown on my TBR but for some reason it's just not jumping out at me as a must read.
Great job on all your reading - and I hope you're feeling better.
ReplyDeleteI think Hello Sunshine looks cute, and I'm curious about The Breakdown.
-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
Thank you; I'm feeling so much better!
DeleteHello Sunshine and The Breakdown are both great. :)
Jill Mansell is a go to for me too. I like her first name :)
ReplyDeleteHehe, it's a great name! ;) I just love her books!
DeleteWow, that's a lot of books! My mom just recommended Jill Hansell to me, I'm going to have to check her out!
ReplyDeleteadding the breakdown to my tbr... 12 books, I don't know you do it!
ReplyDeleteI added We Were the Lucky Ones. Then again, like you, I try to limit my WWII fiction reading, and I've yet to get to the Lilac Girls. Some day......
ReplyDeleteglad that you liked we were the lucky ones; it's on my list at the library :)
ReplyDeletehmm i might check out M.J. Rose's books, i know you said they could be read as stand alones but i always feel weird when i read out of order in a series lol. i have only read a few jill mansell books, that one included, and they are all so enjoyable. fluffy, but enjoyable. I Liked My Life sounds super interesting. Requested it from the library. Glad I'm not alone with Twelve lives. I really wanted to love it but felt disconnected. Hello Sunshine is on my kindle. The Blackbird Season sounds interesting. Still on netgalley yay (I swear I always request like 10 netgalley books after your post lol)
ReplyDeleteI Liked My Life sounds so interesting and heartbreaking, but glad to hear it wasn't morose in your view. Added!
ReplyDeleteI've read a lot of good things about Samuel Hawley, so it's actually nice to read an alternative POV about it for balance.
We think so alike!
ReplyDeleteI read The Breakdown in a day or two, I didn't love Samuel Hawley, and I'm so glad you liked "I Liked My Life". I also had assumed that a book about a suicide would be really depressing but it wasn't at all.
I'm adding Hello Sunshine to my list - the story sounds interesting. The Forever Summer also sounds like it might be a good summer read. Behind Closed Doors was okay for me - I plan to check out The Breakdown in hopes I will like it a little more.
ReplyDeleteMeet Me at Beachcomber Bay sounds like a cute little read! :)
ReplyDeleteHope you guys are both feeling better by now!
Honestly good recs here. Ive been reading all my life but the last month and some was probably the worst slump reading wise. Im taking recs from these posts and running with it!
ReplyDeleteAdding Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay. I felt the same way you did about Hello, Sunshine. I didn't care much for her at first but she really did grow and I ended up liking the book a lot more than I thought I would. You're the second person who wasn't a huge fan of Samuel Hawley and now I'm less excited to read it.
ReplyDeleteI've had It's Always The Husband on my list for awhile.. I thought it sounded really good! I hate it when you think something is going to be a good thriller and then it's just a disappointment. The Grave Tender sounds really good-- just added it!
ReplyDeleteWhew, I haven't been reading nearly as much recently. Life I guess. :) I love cute little fluffy books. Glad to know you liked Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay! :) Stolen Beauty sounds really interesting too! :) Catching up on my blog reading... haha XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things