Reading Lately

It's been a while since I've shared what I've been reading and I'm so excited to share today because I've had some awesome reads lately.

Last month, Shay invited me to a book signing and then dinner with author Sally Hepworth and it was EVERYTHING!  Sally was lovely and kind and personable and so much fun!  It was so neat to get to hear about her process and how she started writing and a little about her family.  I was 1000% charmed.  We decided that when she moves to Texas we're all going to be besties ;)  I'd read her book The Mother-In-Law and loved it and this month read a couple more of her books and loved them both!

I read her new release The Younger Wife and couldn't put it down!  It's been a while since I've sat and read an actual paper book (I typically read on my kindle or listen to audiobooks) and I forgot how much I loved turning the pages.  I was hooked right off the bat and the wedding prologue had me instantly intrigued.  It's told from three point of views (the two sisters and then the younger wife) and I may have audibly gasped at one point.  It was a delightful "familial thriller" full of drama and suspense and just overall disfunction which is way too fun to read about. 

"Stephen Aston is getting married again. The only problem is, he's still married to his first wife, even though she is in a care facility for dementia. But he'll take care of that easily, by divorcing her—even if his adult daughters protest. 

Tully and Rachel Aston look upon Heather as nothing but an interloper. Heather is the same age as Rachel and even younger than Tully. Clearly she's a gold digger and after their father's money. Heather has secrets that she's keeping close, and reasons of her own for wanting to marry Stephen.

With their mother unable to speak for herself, Tully and Rachel are determined to get to the truth about their family's secrets, the new wife closing in, and who their father really is. But will getting to the truth unleash the most dangerous impulses...in all of them?"

I also read  The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth and I ADORED IT!  Fern was one of the most endearing characters ever and I found the whole story captivating.  This wasn't as much of a thriller as much as it was more fiction with some mystery thrown in - but the sisters relationship (and FERN!) was really what made the book for me.  I think I loved it a little bit extra after getting to sit with Sally and listen to her talk about how/why she wrote Fern's character as she did (how cool is that statement?!?!) and this was my favorite pick of the month.

"There's only been one time that Rose couldn't stop me from doing the wrong thing and that was a mistake that will haunt me for the rest of my life.

Fern Castle works in her local library. She has dinner with her twin sister, Rose, three nights a week. And she avoids crowds, bright lights, and loud noises as much as possible. Fern has a carefully structured life, and disrupting her routine can be...dangerous.

When Rose discovers that she cannot get pregnant, Fern sees her chance to pay her sister back for everything Rose has done for her. Fern can have a baby for Rose. She just needs to find a father. Simple.

Fern's mission will shake the foundations of the life she has carefully built for herself and stir up dark secrets from the past, in this quirky, rich, and shocking story of unexpected love."

I LOVED The Guest List by Lucy Foley and was excited to check out The Paris Apartment and while I enjoyed it it wasn't anything exceptional.  I enjoyed the concept but felt like it dragged a bit.  I really enjoyed the way the story was told by multiple voices but it wasn't super memorable.  

"Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half brother, Ben, didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only when she shows up - to find a very nice apartment, could Ben really have afforded this? - he’s not there.

The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question.

The socialite. The nice guy. The alcoholic. The girl on the verge. The concierge.

Everyone's a neighbor. Everyone's a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling."

I kind of randomly listened to The Family Holiday as a recommended listen on audible and I'm so glad I did!  If you're into suspense you HAVE to check this out but do yourself a favor and don't read the synopsis because I felt like it gave too much away - I found myself wishing I hadn't known some of what it mentioned before I listened but still really enjoyed it.  The book is based on a holiday "swap" (think "The Holiday" movie) which I felt was super unique and interesting and I for sure didn't see some of the twists coming.  Overall I really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Last, but not least, I read  My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella and, as with all Kinsella books, it was charming and whimsical and FUN.  It's been a while since I read one of her books and I was pleasantly surprised with some of the "depth" woven in with the fun and lighthearted parts of the book.  It felt a little more substantial than some other "chick lit" types of books and I enjoyed it A LOT.  I also really enjoyed the setting of the book and the 'glamping' concept and ADORED Katie's dad and step-mom - so endearing!  If you want something lighter but still with some heart and laughs add it to your list!

"Katie Brenner has the perfect life: a flat in London, a glamorous job, and a super-cool Instagram feed.

OK, so the truth is that she rents a tiny room with no space for a wardrobe, has a hideous commute to a lowly admin job, and the life she shares on Instagram isn’t really hers.

But one day her dreams are bound to come true, aren’t they?

Until her not-so-perfect life comes crashing down when her mega-successful boss Demeter gives her the sack. All Katie’s hopes are shattered. She has to move home to Somerset, where she helps her dad with his new glamping business.

Then Demeter and her family book in for a holiday, and Katie sees her chance. But should she get revenge on the woman who ruined her dreams - or try to get her job back? Does Demeter – the woman who has everything – actually have such an idyllic life herself? Maybe they have more in common than it seems.

And what’s wrong with not-so-perfect, anyway?"

I have a pretty big stack I'm working through right now but would love to hear what you're reading and loving!  Happy Wednesday, friends!!!