Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes – Book Review. Where do I even begin with this book? I didn’t really know what to expect when I started the audio. In fact, this book wasn’t anywhere near the top of my TBR list. It just so happened to have come available from a library hold I’d forgotten about when I was about to start some cleaning. I downloaded it and hit play. I then became addicted to it and listened to it quickly over 3 days. It was one of those novels that I couldn’t get enough of, but also didn’t want to finish it! You sometimes forget that a…
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Wildflower Bay Review
Wildflower Bay by Rachael Lucas Book Review. I picked up this book while in London because I fell in love with the cover. When I flipped it over and read that it’s set on a Scottish island, I was sold! Have you ever judged a book to quickly? The main character, Isla, drove me a little crazy at the start of this story and I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the book. I decided to read a bit further and it didn’t take too long for me to get sucked in. You start to understand Isla more and can see why she has these big walls around…
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The Bookish Life of Nina Hill Review
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. Nina Hill has her life all planned out… quite literally. If it’s not in her planner, it’s not happening. Her days consist of working at a bookstore, trivia nights with her friends and scheduled (and non-negotiable) reading time. I’m in agreement with Nina that these are all great things! Suddenly though, her perfectly planned life is shaken up by something very unplanned. The father she never knew has passed away and left her with something she never expected- a large extended family. This is introverted Nina’s worst nightmare! This is a really cute read with a storyline that I was drawn…
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The Flatshare Book Review
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary book review. How to get over jet lag? A good book! This book was good enough to help keep me awake when I was exhausted, but trying to power through and adjust to the England time zone on nights one and two of my trip last month. It also was there for me on night three (and made it totally enjoyable) when my body evidently decided not to be tired and didn’t want to sleep. This book has such a cute and unique plot- Leon needs to earn a little more money and since he only works nights, he figures someone else could live in…
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England Book Haul: YA Books
Last month I spent a great 10 days in England. My husband and I stayed in The Cotswolds and London and did day trips throughout the Cotswolds, to Oxford and Blenheim Palace and to Windsor. I’m looking forward to sharing more about these destinations! I went a little book shopping crazy and ended up bringing back a lot more books than I originally planned on, but I have no regrets! Plus, even with the exchange rate, books are cheaper in the UK than in the US! I’m going to break my book haul into a couple posts and I’m starting today with my YA/Middle Grade purchases. Malamander by Thomas Taylor…
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Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand Review
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson. I’ve finished another one of your recommendations for books that take place in the English countryside! Thank you @erindotsmith for suggesting this one! The widowed Major Pettigrew is left contemplating his quiet life after the death of his younger brother. His has been a life of following all the rules. When he strikes up an unlikely friendship with the Pakistani local shopkeeper, Jasmina, things begin to take a turn as he starts to learn what’s truly important. I listened to Major Pettigrew on auidobook, which I would definitely recommend. This is a good one for fans of A Man Called Ove. It’s endearing and heartwarming…
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Don’t Want to Miss a Thing Book Review
Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Jill Mansell book review. When I asked for recommendations on my instagram of books that take place in The Cotswolds @xoxokellynina *delivered*. This is a fun and sweet story that was a super quick read for me. Don’t Want to Miss a Thing primarily follows Dex who is left reeling after he loses his older sister, especially since he is left as the guardian of her baby. He knows he needs to change his lifestyle and decides to move out to the country. We are introduced to many members of the village and the story jumps quickly between these multiple intertwining storylines. If you…
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Cover Crush: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Peel Society is one of my most frequently gifted books. I have given so many copies of this to friends and family. When I found this gorgeous edition from Bloomsbury Publishing I wanted to stock up and start gifting these beautiful ones. I definitely have a cover crush on them! Guernsey is such a charming book and is perfect for book lovers! I’ve already read this book twice and I have no doubt I will read it again. I also really enjoyed the Netflix movie adaption. It has quite…
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The Queen of Hearts Book Review
The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin. This book follows two best friends, Zadie and Emma. It switches between their time in medical school and present day where they are married, mothers and successful doctors. We get to follow along as they are forced to relive the difficult time they both endured during their med school days. The “why” of their problems is left mostly unknown as the story unfolds. I read this book while in a bit of a reading slump and it was the perfect cure. Fast paced, interesting characters, intriguing plot… I was hooked! I love a good medical drama and this delivered. Personally don’t love being…
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Next Year in Havana Book Review
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton. This book received all the rave reviews last year! I’m always hesitant that a book with so much hype won’t live up to it, but this one definitely did. I appreciated that this book had such a great story that swept me along and made it hard to put down while also delving into the history of Cuba and the turmoil both past and present. This book has dual timelines taking place in 1958 and 2017. I often find that I am drawn more to the present day story in dual timelines books. I like to follow along in the process of discovery,…
