October is here! Time for some spooky reads, am I right? I love reading a mix of genres, and usually try to pick one or two books during months like this that fit the mood, hope you enjoy!
I am pretty sure I have enjoyed every book I have read by Liv Constantine, and “The Second Mrs. Parrish” was pretty decent for a sequel. Daphne has finally gotten away from her manipulative horrible husband, and has started a new life with her girls far away. Her daughters do not understand what her ex-husband put her through, and when one runs away, she is forced to return back to her old home to save what is left of the relationship with her daughter. Her ex-husband and his new wife reenter the scene, and while things supposedly have changed, it quickly becomes apparent that they have not. There were some things in this book that I literally was screaming in my head, “NOOOO! Don’t believe him!”… and felt like dumb decisions were made, but of course, they were necessary to have the story. 😉
I have loved listening to Gretchen Rubin this year, and “Happier at Home” was another great read. I love her practical tips for creating more joy in our lives, and also just appreciate her outlook on things. It makes me stop and consider how I’m viewing things, and gives me ideas on how to reorder my life and my thoughts to make things more positive for myself and everyone involved.
I’m telling you, listen to “Never Enough,” and you will pull your kids from public school so fast their heads will spin haha! I’m exaggerating, but I will say that I listened to this after we decided to homeschool the boys this year, and it majorly solidified our decision. The pressures on young people from school, teachers, peers, parents and society is unreal, and I am so thankful we have the means to provide alternate learning environments for our kids to grow without the pressure.
Sweet memories with this one…I picked up “A Novel Love Story” at the cutest bookstore in Woodstock, VT on the trip I took with Jacob this month. You can see more about that here! I wanted a paperback to read while we were on vacation, and also thought it would be a fun souvenir. I’m on the fence with Ashley Poston, but I really liked this one. Eileen stumbles upon the “real life” city of a book series she adores. All of the characters are there, all parts of the city are there, and she becomes a real life character. There is one person in the city that she can’t place from the novels, more comes from that new relationship, and then of course there is the struggle to remain in a fictional city, or leave and return to her real life. I’m not always a fan of paradoxical plots, but I this one was definitely an exception for me.
Gretchen Rubin has not steered me wrong yet, so I gave “Outer Order, Inner Calm” a listen this month, and it was right up my ally. I am one of those people that has to clean up the clutter in order to relax, and feels so much better when things are in their place. Loved the practical ideas in this one too! Some of it was a little repetitive, but still helpful thoughts.
It’s October, so I have to read a book about witches, ok?? 😉 “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” was cute. It took me a little longer than normal to get through, I think it didn’t hold my attention well some of the time, but overall I enjoyed the story. I mean, who wouldn’t enjoy a story about a witch trying to find her way in the world, only to end up helping three younger girls understand who they are and find their way. Throw in friendship and a love interest, and you’re good to go.
I listened to “Let Them Be Kids” this month and thought it was good too. Again, mainly a lot of good reminders about kids and parenting in an age where we are bombarded by technology…I thought overall it was worth the time though.
Ok, I listened to “Ready or Not” this month and was not a fan. Eve becomes pregnant after a one night stand, which undoubtedly alters ever aspect of her life. She finds that an old friend she grew up with is there for her the most, and she realizes maybe she feels differently about him than she once thought. I should have quit just with this premise, but I struggle with not finish books, so here we are. Language was an issue with this one, and I definitely skipped over a scene or two, yikes!
Thanks for following along! If you’re interested in seeing what I read the last year, you can click on my Books tab above! If you want to follow along with me on Goodreads, check out my profile! I keep track of the books I’m reading, what I’ve read and the reviews on books I’ve made there! Thanks for stopping by!
What I’m Reading – January 2024
What I’m Reading – February 2024