Tag: #bookreviewblogger

Book Review: The Wives {Tarryn Fisher}

Last week I wrote a post about how my impatience for reading this book momentarily outweighed my desire to maintain my clutter free home.  I literally couldn’t wait even 1 more day to read this one!

So I bought it.  And I read it.

Synopsis From the Back of the Book:

You’ve never met the other wives. None of you know each other, and because of this unconventional arrangement, you can see your husband only one day a week. But you love him so much you don’t care. Or at least that’s what you’ve told yourself.

But one day, while you’re doing laundry, you find a scrap of paper in his pocket—an appointment reminder for a woman named Hannah, and you just know it’s another of the wives.

You thought you were fine with your arrangement, but you can’t help yourself: you track her down, and, under false pretenses, you strike up a friendship. Hannah has no idea who you really are. Then Hannah starts showing up to your coffee dates with telltale bruises, and you realize she’s being abused by her husband. Who, of course, is also your husband. But you’ve never known him to be violent, ever.

Who exactly is your husband, and how far would you go to find the truth? Would you risk your own life? And who is his mysterious third wife?

My Thoughts:

(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)

2 Stars

This review is going to be nearly impossible to write without giving anything from the book away but I’ll just sum it up by saying this:

I really hated this book.

There is SO MUCH hype surrounding this book right now and I truly believe that it’s all due to exploring a topic which isn’t a very commonly addressed one.  I really think the hype is completely surrounding the topic and has nothing to do with this actual story.

The book synopsis sounds so amazing, right?  So here’s something that has never happened to me before…I’ve never read a book where the synopsis was SO MISLEADING as to what the book was actually about.

This book was hardly about polygamy at all!  I was looking for the juicy details behind this fascinating way some people choose to live their lives.

Side Note:  I could never be a part of a polygamist family.  I am an only child and sharing has NEVER been my strong suit.  Sharing my wonderful husband and beautiful children???  HARD NO.

If the topic of polygamy fascinates you, watch Sister Wives on TLC.  I’ve been watching it since the very beginning and it’s one of my favorite shows.  #teamchristine

Something else that has never happened to me before…I felt like that first half of this book was an entirely separate book from the second half!  Like…how does that even happen?! So weird.  For what it’s worth, I enjoyed the 1st half SIGNIFICANTLY more than the 2nd half and I didn’t even really enjoy the first half, lol.

The ONLY reason I am giving this 2 stars was that I DID enjoy Tarryn Fisher’s style of writing.  Short, easy to read chapters.  I quickly read through this one.  Also, this book DID provide a bit of thought provoking insight into the emotional aspect of polygamy…

Would any of my local readers like to own my copy of this book?  Obviously I have zero desire to read it again.  While I clearly don’t recommend it…if you would like it, it’s yours.  I can put it on my porch for you!  Just leave a comment down below on this post  telling me that you want it and I’ll randomly choose a “winner” (notice winner is in quotation marks because I truly don’t consider this book a prize, lol).  Check my post on Monday to see if you’ve “won”!

Bottom Line:

A perfect example of why some books just don’t deserve the hype they receive.

Xo,

Jenny

Did you read this book?  What did you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

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This. Book. Is. AWESOME.

Omg this book.  It’s AWESOME.  From page 1 I was ALL IN…you will be, too.  Couldn’t put it down!  LOVED.  IT.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Natalie, a young art student in New York City, is struggling to pay her bills when a friend makes a suggestion: Why not go online and find a sugar daddy—a wealthy, older man who will pay her for dates, and even give her a monthly allowance? Lots of girls do it, Nat learns. All that’s required is to look pretty and hang on his every word. Sexual favors are optional.

Though more than thirty years her senior, Gabe, a handsome corporate finance attorney, seems like the perfect candidate, and within a month, they are madly in love. At least, Nat is…Gabe already has a family, whom he has no intention of leaving.

So when he abruptly ends things, Nat can’t let go. She begins drinking heavily and stalking him: watching him at work, spying on his wife, even befriending his daughter, who is not much younger than she is. But Gabe’s not about to let his sugar baby destroy his perfect life. What was supposed to be a mutually beneficial arrangement devolves into a nightmare of deception, obsession, and, when a body is found near Gabe’s posh Upper East Side apartment, murder.

My Thoughts:

(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)

4.5 Stars

This was the 2nd Robyn Harding book that I’ve read and although I didn’t love the last one, I truly did love this one!  Her writing is descriptive, easy to follow, and definitely captivating.  I flew through this book and it held my interest from page 1.

I literally could not put this book down. I LOVED IT!

I found the “Sugar Baby/Sugar Daddy” lifestyle absolutely fascinating…people really live like this?!?  Apparently so and the details behind it are so involved.  Who knew???  Clearly I need some more interesting friends…

The ONLY reason I’m not giving this gem 5 stars is because the last 75 pages or so didn’t capture my attention as much as the rest of the book did.  I still LOVED it and couldn’t stop reading but those last 75ish pages definitely weren’t the best part of this book.  I obviously wasn’t nearly as interested in learning the details of the murder as I was in learning the details of the Sugar Baby/Sugar Daddy lifestyle!

Bottom Line:

READ THIS.

Xo,

Jenny

Did you read this book?  What did you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

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*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

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*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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WWW Wednesday #2 {Book Coffee Happy}

I’m not going to participate in WWW Wednesday every single week but I loved doing it last week so I thought I would do it again this week 🙂  I first saw WWW Wednesday on Wonderfilled Reads and I immediately knew I wanted Book Coffee Happy to participate!  Thanks so much to Sam from Taking on a World of Words  for hosting!

The Three W’s are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

Read this post to see the desperate measures I took just to get my hands on a copy!  Full review coming as soon as I finish reading!

What did you recently finish reading? 

Full blog review coming your way SOON! 

What do you think you’ll read next?

Oh man, I’m just not sure.  Here is my current stack of library books (it keeps growing). None of them are especially calling to me although I’ve heard great things about all of them (especially The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo).  Have you read any of these?  Which should I read next?  **No spoilers please!!**

Did you read any of the above books?  What did you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo


Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*

*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

*Follow me on Instagram*

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*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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Quotes to Live By and 4 of My Favorite Quotes from Where the Crawdads Sing

I have a very special place in my heart for quotes. I LOVE quotes. I am constantly writing them down or adding them to the self created “quotes” folder on my phone! Years ago I had entire notebooks where I would write down my favorites. I’m constantly taking pictures with my phone of quotes I see while in public. My house is decorated with inspirational sayings!

My most recent blog post received an overwhelming amount of comments on both Facebook and Instagram. Clearly people love Where the Crawdads Sing just as much as I do! What I DIDN’T mention in that post were the 4 quotes that I took pictures of with my phone while reading so I would remember them. I often will take pictures of quotes that touch my heart while I’m reading.  Anyone else do that?

**I used my extremely subpar photoshopping skills to block all other language and cropped out all page numbers…no spoilers here!**

This is just a gorgeous quote and deeper meaning into life:

Interesting perspective on how we treat others:

The power of words is spectacular:

And then there is this. Not inspirational, not motivating…but…holy hell is this fascinating (and super weird and super creepy, lol):

So now you know THAT little random tidbit.  You’re welcome 🙂

Did you read Where the Crawdads Sing? Any quotes that stuck out to you? As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

The following quote has been my absolute favorite for as long as I can remember. It was even my “senior quote” when I graduated from high school! It has truly applied to every single stage of my life and continues to do so:

“I always knew I’d look back on the times I had cried and laugh but I never knew I’d look back on the times I had laughed and cry.”

Love. It.

Be sure to check the blog on Monday…I’ll be having a giveaway for an ADORABLE book!

Do you have a favorite quote or saying? I’d love to hear what it is in the comments below!

Xo,

Jenny

Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*

*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

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*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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I Broke My Toe!

Unfortunately this might just become a new series here on my blog!  You can read last year’s first installment of “I Broke My Elbow” here, (insert face plant emoji).

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know all of this because I’ve been updating my Instastories like crazy…it has kept me entertained!  God bless Instastories.

See this railing in my dining room?  I used to love it.  Now it scares me.

Here’s the short version of the story:

Railing + pinkie toe + trip to the ER + x rays + getting home from the ER at 10:43 + 22 girls at our house at 11:00 for my daughter’s birthday party +medical tape + ugly boot + frozen peas + orthopedic surgeon + more x rays = 6 weeks of boot wearing, medical taping, icing, and elevating until my next appointment with my orthopedic surgeon for more x rays in March.

UGH.

Emergency Room selfies that I had sent to my best friends:

Even my beloved Dunkin’ coffee couldn’t keep my tears away.

Thank GOD for frozen peas!  Regular ice packs won’t work since I broke the tip of my pinkie toe and the ice packs won’t stay put.  Frozen peas for the WIN.

I basically spent 2 straight days in bed.  It was awful!   I finally told my husband that I needed to get out of the house and I needed to go somewhere to make myself feel better.

I took a shower (FYI shaving your legs with a broken toe is hard), I drove straight to Dunkin’ to get coffee, and then I took myself on a much needed trip to the library (aka my happy place).

Hobbling (!) silently through the stacks was EXACTLY what I needed.  Just being in the library surrounded by books gave me such a sense of peace.  Some people would go to a bar and drink in a situation like mine…I just go where the coffee and the books are 🙂

I try to find the silver lining in situations and this situation most DEFINITELY has a silver lining.  I checked out a library book that day and because I’ve been spending so much time icing and elevating my poor toe, I’ve already finished it.

Hands down one of my top 5 favorite books I’ve read.  EVER.  In my entire life.

Omg this book.  It was so beautifully written, I literally devoured it.  Literally couldn’t put it down.

I can’t WAIT to share it with you!  Full (beyond glowing) review coming later this week!  Any guesses??????

As for my poor toe, it’s very sloooooooowly healing.  It still hurts just as much but the bruising is SO much better.  It was so disgusting when it first happened!  It’s still black and blue but doesn’t look nearly as frightening.

I would say it’s taking “baby steps” but…more like “baby hobbles”.  UGH!

Here are my beautiful best friends and I over the weekend.  We were celebrating Amy and Beth’s birthdays!  Trying my best to hide my ugly boot but not really succeeding, lol…

My orthopedic surgeon promised me that I’ll wear high heels again “someday”.  Someday better get here quickly!

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

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*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

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*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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***BOOK GIVEAWAY (5 winners!!!)***

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest blog review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As soon as Jaina Thatch reached out to tell me about her gorgeous book, I knew it was a book I wanted to read with my daughter.  I’m so excited to share this one with you today and I have FIVE (!) autographed copies to give away!

Synopsis:

Author Jaina Thatch was inspired by her daughter’s tenacious spirit and love of Super Hero clothing that made her daughter feel strong and beautiful. If you’re raising a strong willed and determined daughter, this book is for you! Empowering and validating little girls that your authentic true beauty comes from within and from using your Super Powerful mind. By doing that, you can achieve and do/be anything that you put your mind to!

My Thoughts:

(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)

Oh this book is beautiful.  I love a good rhyming book and the rhyming in this book flows so nicely.

The illustrations are gorgeous!  Bright colors and special details combine to create such beautiful additions to this lovely story.

Aside from the fantastic rhyming and beautiful illustrations, the most wonderful part of this book is the important message that it sends.  Children can be anything they choose and using their imaginations can lead to amazing results.  The back of the book tells that “authentic, true beauty comes from within”… I just love this book and the beautiful messages that it sends.

A quote from within the pages that really spoke to me was, “My super power is my mind.”  If all children (and even adults) truly believed this, how wonderful would our world be???

My absolute favorite part of the book is the last page where there is a space for the reader to draw themselves as a superhero and to describe the super powers that they possess.  My daughter absolutely loved doing this:

This book would make such a fantastic gift for the holidays for any child.  Teachers, this would be such a wonderful addition to your classroom library!  The discussions this book could spark both at home and at school would be so amazing.  I speak from experience…after reading this book, my kids and I had such a wonderful conversation! If you have a special child in any aspect of your life, this book would make such a beautiful present.

Behind the back selfie while reading to my daughter:

This book isn’t just for girls! My husband and my son also loved reading it:

Beautiful book, beautiful author…

You can read more about Jaina and her beautiful book’s mission on her website: www.jainathatch.com

A Conversation with Jaina Thatch, In Her Own Words:

How did you create the idea for your book?

Even though I am a Mom of boys, my perception of the world changed when I was expecting my daughter. I really thought hard about who I was as a woman, the expectations on myself as a woman and mom, who I would want her to be and the positive female role models that I would want for her to emulate.

What audience would be most interested in your book?

My audience is geared toward the ages of 3-6, but the message of the book and the conversation elicited from the message of the book is ageless, genderless and universal.   Our authenticity is our superpower.  And if you believe in yourself, your kind to yourself and kind to your friends, then your dreams will come true.

Where can your book be purchased?

An autographed copy of my book can be purchased on my website at www.jainathatch.com. My Superhero Mind is also available on Barnes and Noble.com, and Amazon.com

Use 3 adjectives to describe your book:

Girl Power, Inspirational, Motivation

Any additional information that you would like to provide about you or your book:

I believe that every child is a superhero.  All of their wonderful traits and characteristics, are their superpowers.  You just have to believe, that the best part of being you is you!

Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

***GIVEAWAY DETAILS***

Would you like to win a copy of My Superhero Mind?
I have 5 autographed copies of My Superhero Mind to give away!  Each copy will be autographed and mailed directly to your home.

To be entered, please complete these 2 simple steps:

1. Make sure that you are following and/or subscribed to my blog

2. Tell me about the child you wish to win this book for (you don’t need to mention his/her name)

**You must complete BOTH of these steps to be eligible for the giveaway and you must complete them here on my blog (not on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)**

Giveaway will close Thursday (12/26/19) at 6:00 pm CDT and the winner will be randomly chosen and announced in Friday’s blog post (12/28/19).

Make sure you check the blog on Friday to see if you’ve won (you will have 48 hours from the time I post the winners to email me your mailing address.  If I don’t hear from you within 48 hours, I will pick a new winner).

If you already follow and/or subscribe to my blog, you are still eligible…just leave a comment below to be entered 🙂

Good luck!  Can’t wait to read your comments!

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*

*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

*Follow me on Instagram*

*Follow me on Twitter*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

My Best 8 Tips on How to Get the Most Out of Your Local Library

Libraries are among my very favorite places on Earth to visit.  I may or may not have been known to visit more than 1 location in a day 🙂  I have 8 helpful tips on how to get the most out of your local library experience but first I’d like to highlight some of the many benefits that libraries have to offer.

Obviously the draw to libraries is the vast amount of literature offered.  You can name any topic in the world and the library will have a book (or be able to get a book) about it.  However, libraries offer so much more than just books!

Storytimes

Before I had kids, I dreamed of the day when I would be able to take them to storytime at the library (#booknerd). I’ll never forget when the day finally arrived.  The storytime we attended was specifically for preschool aged kids…and my daughter was 6 weeks old, lol.  Who was the overly excited new mom?!?  I remember walking in with my daughter and couldn’t wait for her to participate in the activities.  Again…she was 6 WEEKS old!  The lady leading storytime was so kind and told me that my daughter and I were more than welcome to be there.  As a new mom who was just excited to be out of the house with my brand new daughter, I was more than excited to stay. So basically I sang songs, listened to stories, and learned new rhymes along with all of the other preschoolers, lol.  My daughter slept through the entire storytime until she made the most gigantic poop in all the land…and of course her newbie mother forgot to bring extra diapers.  Of course!  I was so embarrassed and quickly wrapped her up in a blanket and fled the library without even saying good-bye to all of my brand new preschool friends and their mothers, lol.  Fast forward 7.5 years, another child later…and my kids both love storytime at the library.  AND they are totally age appropriate now which also really helps, lol.

DVDs

Checking out DVDs from the library is always such a treat for my kids! Holiday movies, classic movies, even entire seasons of past television shows (I’m looking at you, Full House and The Cosby Show).  There is such a wide selection of DVDs that the library has to offer.  I love taking advantage of this, especially for my kids.

Quiet Reading Rooms

Both of our local libraries have “Quiet Reading Rooms” where there are fireplaces, comfortable chairs, and…SILENCE.  It’s as dreamy as it sounds and I have spent HOURS in those rooms.  They are glorious.  The first time I discovered this room at one of the libraries, I asked to speak to the director just so I could thank her for the vacation I felt like I was just on in that peaceful room. 🙂

Sick Child?  No Problem!

One of our local libraries has the most amazing service.  You call them, tell them about your sick child’s interests, and within 2 hours they will put together a selection of books and movies that you can pick up at the drive thru to keep your little one entertained!  How awesome is that?!?

Side Note ***for the love of GOD do NOT bring your sick child into the library***

Programs/Events

My children have attended some amazing programs/events at our libraries.  Traveling zoos, jugglers, movie viewing parties, musical performers, and so much more!  One of our local libraries currently has a traveling dinosaur exhibit and I can’t wait to take my son!  Libraries offer amazing opportunities for adults as well!  Book clubs, classes, etc.

Libraries are truly wonderful places full of amazing resources and opportunities.  Some of my very favorite memories of my children were made within the walls of the library 🙂

Play Areas

Don’t even get me started.  UGH.  You can read this post to hear all about my feelings on this one.  Spoiler: I hate them.

Book Coffee Happy Pro Tips:

  1. If there is a book that you want to check out but your library doesn’t have it and can’t get it from another library, they might be able to order it…and you will be the very first person to read that new copy!  I have done this a few times. I loved that I was able to add some wonderful books to our library for others to enjoy…and I loved being the very first person to check them out!
  2. Place a hold on multiple books that you want to read at one time.  They won’t all be ready for pickup at the same time so you will have plenty to keep you busy while you are waiting or the others.  When you’re done reading one, anther will be ready for you!
  3. If you get the call that your book is ready for pickup but you know that you won’t be able to start reading right away, wait a few days before you pick it up.  Your checkout date begins from the day the book is actually checked out, not the day it’s ready for pickup. At our library, holds expire after 7 days so I plan on when I pick up accordingly, especially if it’s a popular book that I know I won’t be able to renew if I don’t finish reading in the allotted time frame.  **Be mindful of others waiting for these books and don’t do this often**
  4. Older books have a much higher chance of being available than new releases.  Always keep a list of older books that you would like to read in case none of the new releases are currently available.
  5. If you know there is a book coming out that you want to read, you can place a hold on it months ahead of time!  Get your name higher on that list before the book is even released!
  6. Many libraries have remote locations where items can be returned.  In my community,  there is a location at our grocery store and also at the community building where my kids take classes.  Easy!  Be sure to check and see where your library has remote locations.  I rarely return books to the actual library…but I’m always at these remote locations.
  7. You can return your library books to other local libraries, it doesn’t have to be to the library from where you took out the book.  Just be sure to allow travel time for the book to make it back to your library so you won’t incur late fees.  When you return your item to a different location, there is no way for that location to track when it was returned.  Only when it is actually returned to it’s home library and checked back in can that date be tracked.  Sometimes it’s just easier to return items other places depending on where I am on that day.  **Again, be mindful when doing this!  I would imagine that libraries don’t love when people do this often**
  8. Busier libraries will have a less likely chance of newer books being on the shelves (although these libraries DO tend to own more copies of these titles).  When there is a particular book I’m looking for, I know exactly which of our local libraries will have a better chance of having it on the shelf and which libraries I shouldn’t even bother trying.

Do you visit your local library?  What are some things that it offers?  Any tips you have for helping others to get the most out of their library experience?

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*

*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

*Follow me on Instagram*

*Follow me on Twitter*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

 

 

Looking for an ADORABLE Book? I’ve Got One for you!

This contemporary romance book has been allll over the book blogging community since it was published 5 months ago.  Everyone loves it and I couldn’t wait to see if I would agree.  The verdict?  I SO AGREE!!!  It’s absolutely wonderful 🙂

The Bride Test By: Helen Hoang

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions—like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better—that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.

As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working…but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection.

With Esme’s time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he’s been wrong all along. And there’s more than one way to love.

My Thoughts:

(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)

5 Stars

I. LOVED. IT.

Oh this book was ADORABLE!  I went into reading this with very high expectations because so many book bloggers have loved it…and it was so much more than I was expecting.  What a beautiful story.

Reading at the eye doctor!

From the very first page, I was completely sucked into this story.  I always find books about other cultures SO fascinating and this one was wonderful.  I have always loved learning about cultures that are so different from my own.

Each character was more interesting than the next!  I laughed, I cried, I smiled SO many times while reading.  This book would make for a great and easy beach read.

Throughout reading this book, I was blown away by how well Helen Hoang was able to convey to the reader the way a person with Autism thinks, acts, and responds to daily life.  Once I read through her author bio, it all made perfect sense:

Helen Hoang is that shy person who never talks. Until she does. And the worst things fly out of her mouth. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since. In 2016, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in line with what was previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Her journey inspired THE KISS QUOTIENT. She currently lives in San Diego, California with her husband, two kids, and pet fish.

After I finished reading, I was researching this book online and I am just now seeing that it is book #2 in a series!  Who knew?!?  I knew that Helen Hoang wrote The Kiss Quotientwhich has been on my list to read for quite some time.  I’m just now seeing that The Kiss Quotient is the first in the series, The Bride Test is #2, and book #3 (The Heart Principle) will be released in May of 2020.  From reading each synopsis, I gather that each book is a stand alone novel with some minor character crossover…am I right?  Have any of you read these books?  I need to get my hands on a copy of The Kiss Quotient ASAP!  I’ve heard it’s fantastic…some people apparently even like it MORE that The Bride Test?!?

I do have one extremely nit picky issue with this book.  The font choice and how the capital letter Q has an insanely long tail!  One of the main characters has a name which begins with the letter Q and it drove me nuts how each time he was mentioned, that damn tail jumped out!  And…there were many pages in which that name was mentioned more than once.  A page of tails!  Have any of you noticed this???  Now you totally will lol…you’re welcome 😉

Bottom Line:

Ignore the weird Q.  This book is FANTASTIC.

Xo,

Jenny

Did you read this book?  What did you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

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5 Awesome Psychological Thrillers

I LOVE a good psychological thriller.  It is hands down one of my all time favorite genres.  There is nothing better than a twisty plot that takes you on such a ride that your heart starts beating at triple speed and you never even saw any of it coming!  The BEST.

From Wikipedia:

Psychological thriller is a thriller narrative which emphasizes the unstable or delusional psychological states of its characters. In terms of context and convention, it is a subgenre of the broader ranging thriller narrative structure,[1] with similarities to Gothic and detective fiction in the sense of sometimes having a “dissolving sense of reality”. It is often told through the viewpoint of psychologically stressed characters, revealing their distorted mental perceptions and focusing on the complex and often tortured relationships between obsessive and pathological characters.[2] Psychological thrillers often incorporate elements of mystery, drama, action, and paranoia. Not to be confused with psychological horror, which involves more terror than psychosomatic themes.

HELL.  YES.

The latest psychological thriller that I read and LOVED was this one.  Omg that book was so amazing.  If you can somehow manage to get your hands on a copy (it was just released last month), I highly recommend it!  Stop whatever you are reading and read this one STAT.  You’re welcome.

However…if your library waitlist is long or your local bookstore is sold out of this incredible new release, I’ve got you covered 🙂

While you are waiting to get your hands on a copy, here are 5 (older) psychological thrillers that I also loved which should be a bit easier to get your hands on:

The Good Girl

I just love Mary Kubica so much.

The Couple Next Door

Read it in 2 days.  Literally couldn’t put it down.

Gone Girl

One of the very few times where the movie was just as good as the book!  I LOVED the book, I LOVED the movie.  I think they did such a good job bringing this one to the big screen (and I RARELY say that)!  Awesome story.

The Woman in Cabin 10

I suspect that this one may be a bit hard to find right now as everyone is scrambling to read anything by Ruth Ware!  This one was great.

Behind Closed Doors

Another one that I finished in 2 days.  AWESOME book.

Have you read any of these books?  Did you love them like I did?  If you haven’t read any of these…do any of them sound interesting to you?  What are other psychological thrillers that you recommend?  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

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A Smile for You

My husband took my daughter to a farmer’s market and she picked out flowers to give to me 🙂 I’m obsessed with the color pink and they are the most gorgeous flowers I have ever owned in my home!  They were HUGE, I cut them down to fit in my favorite Kate Spade vase.  My dining room table now resembles a table at a wedding reception. Every time I walk into the room, these beautiful flowers make me smile….

….so I wanted to share them with you.  Hope this makes you smile today, too 🙂

I’ll be back later this week to discuss books!

Anyone know what type of flowers these are???  LOVE.

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*

*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

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*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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