This month I read a lot of books but didn’t have one that I loved the most. Lots of 3 and 4 star reads but nothing that I would say you have to read! I think that’s ok, that just means that next month I’ll have something really good to share. Or maybe you can share your favorite 5 star read with me!

James by Percival Everett

If you are familiar with the story of Huckleberry Finn, then you will have the background information for this book. This book is told from the perspective of Jim, an educated slave with a big heart. You learn about his background, his desire to help Huck, but to also be free. It introduces racial stereotypes and gives you an idea of what life would have been like for Jim. I thought it was a delightful read and would give it 4 STARS.

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

If you know Ina Garten, then you’ll love this book! If you don’t know her, you’ll learn to love he because of this book. It is basically an autobiography of her life. From her beginnings working in the White House to opening the Barefoot Contessa, to her career as a Food Network personality and author of bestselling cookbooks. My favorite thing to see what that she wanted to create simple but delicious recipes. She learned how to host and govern a crowd and shared her success and failures. I immediately purchased two cookbooks and have been using the recipes in our home. I gave it 4 STARS.

 

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

This book took a while for me to get into. It is a story about a breakup and the journey to finding why it didn’t work and how to find love after losing the perfect person. This book is written in the perspective of the man, Andy. He is miserable after ending a perfect relationship with no idea why. It goes through his personal discovery of self and entry back into the dating world. Then it tells the story of Jen, the perfect girl, who wanted more than a relationship, she wanted to find herself without the relationship. I honestly didn’t love the book until I read that about Jen. I truly believe that in order for a relationship to be successful, you have to be 100% content and aware of who you are alone before you bring someone into your life. I gave this one 3 STARS.

Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez

Lily Lyon leaves town to enter a summer sabbatical to escape an embarrassing breakup and rediscover who she is. She books a summer rental in Miami Beach where she plans to read romance novels and sip cocktails. Little did she know, the building would have other plans. She meets Benedicto Romero, a university professor and poet, who will become quite a surprise. Together they form a book club and are later asked to do a podcast full of their book reviews. It is a slow burn, friends to lovers, eccentric and charming. I gave this one 3 STARS.

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center

Sadie, an up and coming artist, placed as a finalist in the North American Portrait Society competition. It was her literal dream come true. Until an unfortunate fall, led to an unexpected brain surgery. Following the surgery she can see, but every face seems blurry. Read how she navigates this new challenge and still is able to participate in the art competition. The loss of sight is both helpful and hurtful. Read how she meets one person who will change her life completely. It will keep you smiling and rooting for love. I gave this one 4 STARS.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

Eve is pretty content with her life. After a fun night with Ethan, she receives a little more than she expected. Eve is pregnant. Now she must tell her baby daddy, one night stand, he is the father. It is an interesting mix of hoping for the best and hoping for something better. Fortunately Eve has her best friend Willa and her brother Shep to help her. You will soon see that Shep may want to be more than friends. It is a classic rom/com and will make you happy for choosing love. This book was very similar to Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young. I gave this one 4 STARS.

 

Overruled by Lana Ferguson

Two divorce lawyers are determined to share only beds but not hearts. Every encounter is obviously their last. They will soon discover that love is something that can’t be overruled. Danica Pierce has a great love  for her work. When the biggest case of her career gives her a shot of making her partner, it seems like nothing could stand in her way, except the secret, she is sleeping with the enemy. Ezra Hart is known for charming his way around the courtroom. Will his charm work to soften Danica to be more than bedroom buddies? WARNING: This book is a little steamy but I loved the connection and trust formed by the two lawyers. I gave this book 3 STARS.

 

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

This book was one of our book club books. It is an interesting look into the past. Lucy and Savy were the golden girls of their small Texas town. Lucy married a dream, guy with a big home. Savy was the social butterfly loved by all and, rumored to be popular with the men. One night Savy is killed and the entire town thinks Lucy did it. The only problem is, Lucy doesn’t remember a thing. Did she kill her best friend or is someone else to blame? Lucy returns home after 5 years of wondering to be interviewed by true crime podcaster, Ben Owens. Will they discover the truth? Only you can find out! I gave this one 4 STARS.

 

Finlay Donovan Digs her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

This is the 5th book in the series and if you haven’t read them, they are a total hoot. Finlay Donovan, a writer and mother of two, finds herself in the middle of trouble. It is almost comical the things they do. In this book Finlay and her nanny/partner in crime Vero, work with their elderly neighbor/snoop to discover who put a dead body in her backyard. As always there is more than they can and should handle alone but always get into the middle of it. It will leave you laughing and guessing what happens next. I gave this one 4 STARS.