Books have made a HUGE COMEBACK in my life this year. When I was a kid, I was a HUUUUUGE reader. Like, to the point that I would sneak a flashlight and a book under the covers at bed time. I would bring my book EVERYWHERE with me. My parents were practically begging me to take my eyes of the page to interact with others. But nope, I just wanted to read. Flash forward 10-15-something years and I totally lost my love of reading when I was in high school and college and reading like crazy for my studies. I spent so much time looking at my textbooks or a screen that I couldn’t bear the idea to read any more.
Something changed when I graduated from college. As a recent grad, I realized there is no homework to do when you get a full-time job. If you find the right job, you can really just work your scheduled hours (aside from some long nights for project deadlines or some early meetings) and have your evenings to yourself. I found myself wondering what to do with myself. And then, 2020 hit. And I suddenly had a lot more free time – no more social obligations, trips, dinners out, drinks with friends, etc. when you’re in a global pandemic. Enter reading.
2020 Reading Challenge – More Books = Better
At the beginning of the quarantine, I was reading easily one book per week, maybe more. I’ve since slowed my pace a bit, but I made a personal goal to read 25 books this year! So far I’m on track at 18. I keep track of my books with GoodReads – follow me on there if you like!
Since my last post about Books To Read While Social Distancing was such a hit, I figured why not do it again! Today, I am rounding up some of my favorite reads since my last post in March. I’ll give you my honest rating, 1-5!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (5/5)
It’s rare that I give a 5/5 but this book was one of my absolute favorites! I loved the old Hollywood glamour paired with an unexpected love story and a shocking twist at the end. Evelyn was such a multi-dimensional character and I loved seeing her relationship with Monique, the author of her auto biography develop. While I didn’t love Daisy Jones and the Six by the same author, this book was the BEST!
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena (3.5/5)
Before the quarantine began, I rarely picked up a suspense novel. I have been enjoying them more and more. I think I didn’t enjoy this one as much because I couldn’t relate as much to the characters. The book centers around a young couple and their baby and a tragedy that occurs. There are some interesting twists and turns throughout the novel that keep the reader engaged.
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James (3/5)
I KNOW – another suspense novel! The Sun Down Motel follows a young girl trying to solve the mystery of her aunt’s disappearance in the 1980s. I enjoyed the setting and flashbacks in this book. I did, however, find it hard to suspend disbelief sometimes in this one – lots of ghosts and spookiness!
Verity by Colleen Hoover (5/5)
If you’re going to read any book on this list, PICK THIS ONE! Especially if you like suspense. Verity is a journey, with crazy twists and turns you actually won’t predict. I am still thinking about this book almost 5 months after reading it. Very rarely do I re-read books, but I just might with this one! And, it’s rumored that a sequel or connected book is coming. The author, Colleen Hoover shared this teaser on her Instagram.
One Day In December by Josie Silver (3.5/5)
One Day in December is a cute romance novel set in London. I loved the setting of London at Christmas-time. The main characters were a little frustrating in my opinion. I’m also not a huge hopeless romantic type, so this wasn’t my favorite ever. I did enjoy the story and it was a quick read!
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware (2.5/5)
I had a really tough time getting into this book. The main characters were a bit older and the setting was rural England, so it may have just been harder for me to relate. I felt like I was waiting for something to happen the whole time since it was a thriller, but it ended up being sort-of uneventful. That being said, I would like to give some other Ruth Ware books a try. I have The Woman in Cabin 10 on my must-read list!
The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand (4.5/5)
Elin Hilderbrand has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books. I enjoy the New England summer setting of most of her books. Nantucket just seems lovely – now I want to visit! This was an easy and quick read, with fun characters and storylines!
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber (3/5)
I wanted SO BADLY to love this book. The characters were amazing and I truly felt a connection to each of them. The imagery and setting of the book were lovely. After reading, I even felt a tie to Wicklow, Alabama. But, it was one of those books where you wait for a big reveal or twist and it never happens. After reading a bunch of thrillers and suspense books, I think this one was too uneventful for me. Like I said, I wanted so badly to like it and I totally fell in love with the characters. It is worth a try, especially if you love Southern food and hospitality like I do.
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine (4/5)
This book was a favorite in the suspense category for me! The Last Mrs. Parrish was an easy and quick read. I enjoyed the glitz and glamour of this book and the lifestyle of Mrs. Parrish. There were some turns that really shocked me!
Beach Read by Emily Henry (3.5/5)
If you haven’t heard, Beach Read isn’t exactly a beach read. More of a romance novel with some serious character development and back stories. I enjoyed the beach condo setting and the unlikely romance between the characters. I did, at times, feel frustrated with the main characters. This book was a fun spin on the classic romance beach novel!
Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand (4.5/5)
Like I mentioned earlier, I love Elin Hilderbrand’s writing style. Her books just sweep you away to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard and you really feel like you are there! What I particularly loved about this one was that it is historical fiction. I am a big history nerd so this was a really fun read for me. Elin brings some important topics to the forefront surrounding race, religion, gender roles, war, and more that bring this book way beyond the surface level of a Nantucket summer.
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (currently reading)
I am currently reading this one, so no rating yet! Check back for an updated rating once I’ve finished reading. It has Reese Witherspoon’s stamp of approval, so I think I will enjoy this one – I always like her recommendations for books!
What books have you read lately and enjoyed? Drop your book recommendations below!
