August Reading Recap & Recommendations

 Happy September friends! It is back to school time for many of us and as I start my student teaching and college classes back up again, I am thrilled to be getting back into a more normal routine of life. I hope each of you are healthy and safe right now and enjoying some good reading time.

During the month of August I enjoyed several books, and I just can't wait to share them with you today!

The Dilemma by: B.A. Paris

This story is centered around the main characters fortieth birthday extravaganza and the tragic and dramatic family events that unfold before, during, and after the party. Every family has it's secrets and tragedies that no one saw coming.

B.A. Paris has become an auto-read author for me. Her previous thriller books are some of my absolute favorites and so when I saw that she had come out with another book last month, I was excited to dive in. This was a different book for her because she typically does psychological thrillers and this one is more of a family drama. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed it.

Rate: 4/5 Stars

The Good Girl by: Mary Kubica

This book is about a young art teacher who gets kidnapped when her boyfriend doesn't show to the bar one night. What ensues is a confusing journey with her captor who isn't who she originally thought he was. Who is he working for? What would her alternative have been? Will her family search for her? The answers are not what you think they might be.

I liked this book okay. The story line was interesting but the characters weren't all that likable. I did like reading about the kidnapper and how he got to a point in his life where he is able to do such horrid things. It is a good reminder that everyone has a story. I didn't however think this book was super interesting and could have kept my attention better.

Rate: 3 /5 Stars

Finding Freedom by: Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand

I think the tag line of this book sums it up perfectly saying; "Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family".

There are a lot of small details in this book about the royal family that might intrigue royal enthusiasts but for the most part, the book felt to me like Harry and Meghan defending themselves and not taking blame for anything. I was very excited to hear their side of the story because the media really tore them apart and you didn't get to hear from them directly. However this book felt a little forced. I think highly of the royal family and think that this book aired some family issues that definitely should have stayed private. This book made a lot of people look bad but never Harry or Meghan, shocker. They did have a hand in writing most of this book (even though they are never allowed to have their name as authors on a biography). Overall, it was really interesting to learn about their whirlwind romance and the effect the media had on them. It wasn't however a very unbiased book if that is what you are looking for. I enjoy reading and learning about the royals though and loved the quick way this reads. 

Rate: 3/5 Stars

The Summer I Turned Pretty by: Jenny Han

This is the first book in a trilogy by the author of the well known series To All The Boys I've Loved Before. This series is about a sixteen year old who spends her summers at a beach house with her mothers best friends and two sons. Both of which she has confusing relationships with. Their summers are full of flings and drama.

I wanted to like this book so much but really didn't care for the characters I know I was supposed to root for. I liked the main character and her feelings were relatable, but the brothers at the beach house both felt like an afterthought. I didn't like this book enough to continue with the series.

Rate: 2/5 Stars

Ninety-Nine Glimpses of Princess Margaret by: Craig Brown

The title of this book is exactly what it is. 99 random and out of order glimpses into Princess Margaret's life told through fun and informative anecdotes that her many acquaintances have shared in the past.

This was a fun and different read for me! I have started watching The Crown and found that I wanted more information on Princess Margaret since she is not given a ton of screen time on the show. I found this book very informative and interesting. She was truly a character and a force to be reckoned with. The only thing I didn't care for however, was the out of order and often random sequence the anecdotes were put it. If you love all things royal and want to know more about The Queen's sister, check this one out!

Rate: 3/5 Stars

He Started It by: Samantha Downing

This book is about three adult siblings who reunite to go on a road trip identical to the one they took as children. The difference, is that this time they are heading to spread their grandfathers ashes. The ashes of the man who took them on this trip the first time. There is more to this trip and more to the trip they took years before than what meets the eye. 

I have to give this author credit because I couldn't put this book down. The whole book keeps you guessing and you are itching to learn more about the characters and their background. I was however SO disappointed by the ending. What was such a promising story came to such a rushed and blood bath of an ending. Overall, it was really good up until the end, so take that as you will.

Rate: 3 Stars

Meet Molly: An American Girl by: Valerie Tripp

Did any of you grow up with American Girl Dolls? I was so excited to find an AG book at my local used bookstore. This is the first book about Molly who is growing up in the midst of WWII with her father fighting the war far away. 

I just loved this book and reading her story again. I didn't have Molly personally but I loved her books and movie growing up. I can't wait to reread other American Girl books soon. So nostalgic and fun!

Rate: 5 Stars

Those are the seven books I read during the month of August. What did you read this past month? I hope you have some good recommendations for me. I am excited for a lot of the books I have planned for September.

Have a great day. Talk soon. xoxo