Between family visitors, overnight guests, a birthday party, and a brand new puppy, I was certain I wouldn't have any time to read. Consider me pleasantly surprised. I ended up reading six books again this month. One literary fiction, one psychological thriller, a dystopian suspense, a coming of age story, one contemporary fiction, and a fantasy/sci-fi/magical realism story. Here's a quick wrap-up of all my April reads (click on the links for a more detailed review of each book). My least favorite book of the month was Early Morning Riser, by Katherine Heiny. I just don't love a character heavy story without a real arc and this one … [Read more...] about April 2022 Reading Wrap-Up
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The Grace Year, by Kim Liggett
Want a book that will stay with you long after you're finished reading?! Pick up a copy of The Grace Year by Kim Liggett and prepare to have ALL the feels. A mash-up of The Hunger Games, Lord of the Flies & The Handmaid's Tale The Grace Year is a feminist dystopian fiction about the girls of Garner County who are believed to emit a powerful magic that drives men absolutely wild. These girls are gathered together when they turn 16 and banished from their homes. They're sent to live on an isolated compound for a year (the grace year) to expel their magic and come back purified and ready for marriage. The only caveat is that they … [Read more...] about The Grace Year, by Kim Liggett
Mary Jane, by Jessica Anya Blau
If you're a fan of coming of age novels, don't sleep on this one. Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau is such a charming, unforgettable story! Many have compared this book to Daisy Jones & The Six and Almost Famous, but it's definitely a novel that stands on its own merit. The only thing comparable is the time era in which the story takes place. Mary Jane is a story about a 14-year-old girl raised in a very conservative, narrow minded home. She's hired as a summer nanny by a very liberal, free-spirited family and is awakened to a whole new world...one that is the complete polar opposite of her own. I absolutely fell in love with the … [Read more...] about Mary Jane, by Jessica Anya Blau
After I Do, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I absolutely love Taylor Jenkins Reid. Daisy Jones & The Six is one of my favorite books (the audiobook is ELITE). I'm on a mission to read all the rest of her books this year, so I decided to start with this one. After I Do is beautifully written story about relationships & marriage and I'm so glad I picked it up! Lauren & Ryan have reached a breaking point in their marriage. They make a mutual decision to separate for a year. The only caveat is that they can't have ANY kind of communication for 365 days. Albeit an unconventional way to heal what's broken, the couple hopes that at the end of the year mark they'll find … [Read more...] about After I Do, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rock, Paper, Scissors by Alice Feeney
"The reason a person lies is often more interesting than the lie itself." - Rock, Paper, Scissors This was my first novel to read by Alice Feeney, but if this one is any indication of how her other books are written I can promise you this won't be my last. Rock, Paper, Scissors is the kind of psychological thriller that's easy to devour in one sitting. Page turning, unputdownable, fast paced, GOOD! A husband and wife travel to a remote area in Scotland in hopes of saving their marriage, but the ten years of lies and secrets within their relationship threaten to destroy their union. This book has a little bit of everything I love in a … [Read more...] about Rock, Paper, Scissors by Alice Feeney
The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig
If you're looking for a book that reminds you, "the only way to learn is to live", let The Midnight Library by Matt Haig be your next read. A dash of sci-fi, a sprinkle of fantasy, and a pinch of magical realism. For me, a combo of It's a Wonderful Life and The Butterfly Effect all rolled into one. Nora feels trapped inside of her life. She struggles with her mental health and feels like a failure with nothing to gain from or contribute to the world. Her attempt to end her life finds her in a different world...The Midnight Library...where the book selection is limitless, each story containing a different version of her current … [Read more...] about The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig
Early Morning Riser, by Katherine Heiny
While searching for my first book of April, I stumbled upon Early Morning Riser, by Katherine Heiny. One review compared this story to Seinfeld and said, "it's a story about nothing, but yet so much." I, being a Seinfeld fan, had to give this one a shot. Early Morning Riser is a story about normal, everyday life. Specifically about the life of Jane, a teacher in Boyne City, Michigan. The story follows Jane through two decades and those with whom she has relationships. Quirky characters. Ordinary happenings. No real arc. Just a simple story told in 7 parts. I think I might be in the minority when I say I didn't love this book. … [Read more...] about Early Morning Riser, by Katherine Heiny
French Braid, by Anne Tyler
If literary fiction is your cup of tea, French Braid by Anne Tyler is brimming to the rim full of detail and characterization. French Braid follows the disconnect between three generations of the Garrett family over a span of several decades. What starts as a chance encounter between two cousins (possibly???) in the present day, travels back in time to 1959 where we meet the patriarch & matriarch of the Garrett family and their three kids. We learn a lot about the family dynamics and how they shape and mold each of the characters through multiple POVs. I personally prefer a story with an arc which this book did not have. No real … [Read more...] about French Braid, by Anne Tyler
March 2022 Reading Wrap-Up
It's been a minute since I've consistently read a string of books one after the other. I've read many here and there, but I wanted to get back into the habit of consistent reading this year. I didn't exactly start "on time" at the beginning of the new year, but it's never to late to start a new habit, so I figured this month was as good a time as any. I was able to read six books in March and for the most part, they were all really enjoyable. Two psychological thrillers, one literary fiction, one contemporary fiction, a crime based fiction, and one fantasy/magical realism. I really nice mix and I'm excited to keep this habit going! … [Read more...] about March 2022 Reading Wrap-Up
The Family Across the Street, by Nicole Trope
Suspense fans take note! The Family Across the Street, by Nicole Trope is a fast-paced page turner that keeps you invested from start to finish. For me, an unputdownable book with an unexpected twist - exactly what I love in a good domestic psychological thriller. The story starts out in current time when shots ring out in a quiet neighborhood and they're coming from the home of a family of four (mom, dad, two 5-year-old twins). Then we go back 8 hours in time and learn about everything that precedes that moment from four different POVs...a nosey neighbor, a delivery man, Katherine West (the homeowner), and one more. I don't want to … [Read more...] about The Family Across the Street, by Nicole Trope
The Unsinkable Greta James, by Jennifer E. Smith
The Unsinkable Greta James, by Jennifer E. Smith was charming and poignant. An overall quick read where the story was easy to get into and the characters relatable. The Unsinkable Greta James explores the rocky relationship between Greta and her father and the feelings and emotions that supersede the presence of grief. Greta James is a thirty-something indie musician reeling the loss of her biggest fan, her mother. Greta is left with her disapproving father and their tumultuous relationship in the wake of her mother's unexpected death. In addition to the familial tragedy, Greta is also dealing with a professional blunder and struggling … [Read more...] about The Unsinkable Greta James, by Jennifer E. Smith
Baby Teeth, by Zoje Stage
Right out the gate I need to tell you that this won't be a book everyone will enjoy, but the psychological suspense fan in me absolutely loved it, albeit dark and complex. After reading The Push back in the fall, I knew Baby Teeth would be a great follow-up and I couldn't have been more right. Baby Teeth is an uncomfortable, horrifying account of a little girl who loves her Daddy and would love nothing more than to see her mommy dead. YIKES. Again, not for everyone!!!!! This story is told from two different perspectives: Hanna (7-year-old child) and her mom, Suzette. Hanna is manipulative and diabolical and wants her daddy all to … [Read more...] about Baby Teeth, by Zoje Stage
One Italian Summer, by Rebecca Serle
What can I say?! One Italian Summer, by Rebecca Serle sucked me in from the beginning and didn't spit me out until the very last page. This book wasn't at all what I was expecting, but a great read nonetheless. I'm a HUGE fan of stories full of magical realism and that's exactly what this book was to me. One Italian Summer finds our main character, Katy, lost and grieving. The love of her life & best friend (her mother) dies after her battle with cancer and Katy is left reeling in the wake of her passing. The two women planned a mother/daughter trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy before her mom's untimely death and Katy decides to … [Read more...] about One Italian Summer, by Rebecca Serle
The Body in Question, by Jill Ciment
To kick off the month, I started with a quick read that can best be described as interesting. The Body in Question, by Jill Ciment, is cleverly written and easy to digest. If you enjoy a good legal drama, this one might be right up your alley. A teenage girl stands accused of killing her toddler brother and a jury is selected to deliberate her guilt or innocence. The actual trial takes a backseat in this fast paced story and the sequestered jury takes center stage. This story is more about what goes on behind courtroom doors moreso than the trial itself. The Body in Question explores the relationships amongst the members of the jury … [Read more...] about The Body in Question, by Jill Ciment
Cheesy Tortellini & Beef
An all-in-one pan kind of meal is a favorite...especially when it takes 20 minutes start to finish! … [Read more...] about Cheesy Tortellini & Beef
Easy Red Beans & Rice
Here's a quick and easy recipe that's sure to please...especially if you're a fan of creole comfort food! This easy red beans and rice dish requires minimal ingredients and prep time and takes a total of 20 minutes start to finish. Tastes amazing, too! … [Read more...] about Easy Red Beans & Rice
Halloween Costume Dinner Party
This year we decided to host our 1st annual costume dinner party. Halloween is our favorite holiday of the year and we wanted to do something special for, and with, our friends. We told our guests to arrive in costume and we'd take care of everything else. It couldn't have been more incredible!!! So let's talk details, shall we?! DECOR While I was in the planning process, I knew I wanted to host our dinner party in the backyard. We have a pretty perfect space to set up a long table + games and it's a lot less stuffy outside than it is indoors. I borrowed a few tables from one of our friends and used the chairs we had sitting … [Read more...] about Halloween Costume Dinner Party
Laundry Room Makeover
Our washing machine recently bit the dust after a good 10 year run. In all honesty, I was secretly THRILLED to finally get rid of our front loader. Truth be told, it just wasn't my favorite...especially toward the end. After a lengthy conversation with our repairman about the life span of different washers and dryers, we decided that a basic model would be best...y'know, a washer like grandma used ;) A top loader with an agitator and NO electronics. We ended up with the Maytag Commercial Grade High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer & Electric Dryer Set. Our previous washer and dryer set were big and bulky and made our small laundry room … [Read more...] about Laundry Room Makeover
Easy Cleaning Schedule
Cleaning has never been my favorite. The last thing I want to do after a long day at work is clean. But I do love having a clean house. Some seasons of life lend themselves to my house being a lot cleaner than others (I'm sure you can relate!) My oldest is innately a sort of self-proclaimed "neat freak". Without being asked, he's usually the first to take out the trash, pick up his room, tidy up shared spaces, and load the dishwasher because he genuinely doesn't enjoy a mess. It puts him in an angsty teenage mood when there's a lot of disarray and he tends to get out of sorts and befuddled in the midst of clutter. To the … [Read more...] about Easy Cleaning Schedule
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup
I love finding new-to-me soup recipes. I have quite a few Mexican flavored soups we barrel through on a monthly basis so I tend to try and steer clear of those because how different can they really be?! But when I found this recipe and read that it included Masa and cheese, well, I was sold. Thick and hearty and full of flavor...a different flavor than any of the other Mexican soups we keep repeating. And it takes NO TIME to make!! Even better! … [Read more...] about Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup
2020 Holiday Gift Guide – The Kitchen Edition
*This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission. Thank you so much for supporting my blog!* Ninja Air Fryer - a 4 qt. air fryer perfect for any kitchenWooden Oven Push Pull - the easiest (& safest) way to pull out & push in an oven rack while bakingBelgian Waffle Maker - my personal favorite applianceKitchen Conversions Wall Sign - I absolutely adore this little kitchen accessory. Completely unnecessary, but really cute!Tomato & Grape Slicer - the easiest, cleanest, fastest was to slice small veggies and fruits!Defrosting Tray - Yes. Just yes to this. Defrost meats the quick and … [Read more...] about 2020 Holiday Gift Guide – The Kitchen Edition
2020 Holiday Gift Guides for Kids, Teens, and College Students
It’s always a bit of a challenge shopping for kids whether they’re young, teens, or semi-adults. I’m all about the gift cards personally, but when I’m gifting to the kids in my family I like to try and put a little more thought into what I purchase. Hopefully these gift ideas help you while you’re crossing things off your list this year! If nothing else, I hope they give you a little inspiration and maybe a few new ideas! *This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission. Thank you so much for supporting my blog!* Collapsible Solar Powered Lantern - whether your child is indoor or outside, this LED lantern … [Read more...] about 2020 Holiday Gift Guides for Kids, Teens, and College Students
Italian Chicken Soup
My husband isn't a fan of leftovers, but he can eat this soup for days on end. Flavorful as all get out and makes enough to feed a small army. Hands down, one of our favorites to date! … [Read more...] about Italian Chicken Soup
2020 Holiday Gift Guides for Her & Beauty Lovers
Today's gift guides are geared toward the ladies in your life and might even give you a few ideas for yourself! *This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission. Thank you so much for supporting my blog!* Fuzzy Slippers - because you can never go wrong with comfy, cute slippers.Silk Pillowcase - another step in preventing wrinkles and hair damage, a silk pillowcase would be a perfect stocking stuffer & pair beautifully with a little calming pillow spray, too.Two Tiered Jewelry Tray - absolutely LOVE this jewelry tray & the vertical storage option on the one!Never Too Soon Hand Sanitizer - because … [Read more...] about 2020 Holiday Gift Guides for Her & Beauty Lovers
