I kicked off 2021 with some AMAZING READS! This probably was one of my favorite months of reading I've had in awhile. This year I'm trying to focus more on reading and being more creative and productive. I've honestly had enough of social media and the spread of negativity, so the only social media I've been using this month is my Pinterest and Etsy. If I'm not reading in my spare time, I feel good knowing I'm at least trying to focus on being creative and educating myself, as opposed to engaging in the negatives of social media lately. I've found myself to be much more present and relaxed this way.
Here are some of my favorite reads this month that were a great escape for me!
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Rating: 5/5 Stars // Literary Fiction
All I have to say is that this is probably one of the best books I have ever read. This was my first novel by Kristin Hannah, and it's safe to say her writing emotionally wrecked me, but in the best way possible. I ended up picking this book up when I realized that Netlix was releasing a series based on this novel February 3rd. I always love reading a book before a series/movie, and I'm so glad I read this book. It's about the life-long evolving friendship between Tully and Kate from 1974 all the way into the 2000's. They took two completely life paths from one another but their friendship remained as strong as ever, while experiencing many ups and downs life threw at them. If I could recommend this book to ANYONE, it's this one. It was such a moving novel and Hannah is an amazing storyteller. This has me so excited now for the Netflix series starring Kathryn Heigl and Sarah Chalke.
Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Rating: 5/5 Stars // Southern Fiction
Thank you Kristy for the advanced copy! Release date: 4/20/21
This was hands down one of my favorites from KWH. I flipped through these pages so fast and read it in about two days! Since Kristy is a southern author living in Beaufort NC, her writing always makes me feel comforted and right at home. Amelia and Parker grew up in Cape Carolina as next door neighbors, who both took their own separate life paths and ended up living in Palm Beach. Both of their lives take devastating turns and their paths cross back again in the most unexpected way. This was an amazing and moving story that made me laugh and cry. KWH outdid herself on this one an it will be the perfect summer read.
The Heiress Gets the Duke
Rating: 5/5 Stars // Historical Fiction
Who else has already binge-watched Bridgerton on Netflix? If you loved the series as much as I did (which I'm pretty sure is the case), I highly recommend this book to get your Bridgerton fix! This novel is the first in a new series and it did not disappoint. August Crenshaw is not your average American heiress. She is passionate about working for her family business and has proved to be quite independent. That changes once Duke Rothschild sets his sights on her and is set on marrying her. The true question is will her stubbornness and independence get in the way of her finding true love?
The Dating Plan
Rating: 3/5 Stars // Romance
This was one of those romances that immediately can pull you out of any funk. I always like reading a romance when I'm having a "blah" kind of week, and this one was perfect for that! It would definitely be a perfect Valentine's Day read or if you're looking for something light and fun to lift your spirits. If you're all about a good Hallmark movie, I'd highly recommend this read for sure.
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
Rating: 3/5 Stars // Romance
This book was released right around the holidays, and I saw that it was the perfect read for right around New Years, so I saved it. I read this book right after I read "In a Holidaze" (save this one for Christmas time btw), and I definitely could see it was the right read for NYE! Minnie Cooper has the absolute worst luck on her birthday every year, which happens to be New Year's. Fully prepared to hide away on her birthday again because of the curse, fate brings her to Quinn, who just happened to be born at the same time and place as her thirty years before. This book definitely gave me Hallmark movie vibes and the perfect holiday read!
Astrid Sees All
Rating: 3/5 Stars // Historical Fiction
Thank you to Atria Books for sending me an ARC of this title!
After receiving an advanced copy of this title, I had no idea what to expect. I will say I was honestly was pleasantly surprised! The reason I was intrigued by this book was because it took place in the exciting time of the 1980's in New York. It was interesting to read about the night life and all the references to public figures that Astrid and Carmen saw. The setting and scenes are what captured my interest, but I will say I felt disconnected at times to the storyline. I truly found bits and pieces tough to read. While I never had a hard time putting the book down, I personally didn't necessarily love it.
Message me or tag me if you end up reading any of these titles! I'd love to know what you think of them. As always, thank you for reading!
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