2018 Book Review #2!

June 27, 2018

My goal of 24 books in 12 months seemed to be a semi-easy task until I hid the baby books. Not gonna lie, they slowed me down. But I picked up a few good novels and while I'm a bit behind my goal I feel my stride coming back.

If you missed the last review, you can catch it here! Some of these books are semi-old school. In my nesting phase, I went through 3 crates of books and found lots of books I've never read. One book had a tag from Greece on it, meaning I bought it 10 years ago when I was studying abroad. But hey, the date doesn't matter, it was so dang good.




Ps. If you want to follow along with what I'm reading as I go, hit up Instagram stories, "Books." I keep em updated!


Let's get to it, shall we?


LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE BY CELESTE NG // Little Fires Everywhere explores the weight of long-held secrets and the ferocious pull of motherhood-and the danger of believing that planning and following the rules can avert disaster, or heartbreak. 


I  think Celeste Ng is an amazing writer. She is captivating and cultivates her stories and characters in a way not seen very often. This book was a bit slow for me to start. But, I loved her other book and I had heard such good things I kept going. I'm so glad I kept reading.  

Short Review: This book was so good. 

EVEN IF IT KILLS HER BY KATE WHITE // As the two women return to Jillian’s childhood town to investigate, it doesn’t take long for their sleuthing to cause shock waves. Someone starts watching their every move. As they uncover deeply-guarded secrets, so shocking that they make Jillian rethink her entire relationship to her family, Bailey and Jillian find themselves in great peril. They must decide just how much they’re willing to risk to finally discover the truth about the Lowe family’s murder. 

I read this entire book in one day. It kept me on the edge of my seat and needing more. The plot is great and I love the idea of diving back into a crime that happened years ago. It's a little eery, and keeps you guessing until the end. Once I was done, I thought about this book and its characters for days after. 

Short Review: Read it! 

EMMA IN THE NIGHT BY WENDY WALKER // One night three years ago, the Tanner sisters disappeared: fifteen-year-old Cass and seventeen-year-old Emma. Three years later, Cass returns, without her sister Emma. Her story is one of kidnapping and betrayal, of a mysterious island where the two were held. But to forensic psychiatrist Dr. Abby Winter, something doesn't add up. Looking deep within this dysfunctional family Dr. Winter uncovers a life where boundaries were violated and a narcissistic parent held sway. And where one sister's return might just be the beginning of the crime. 

In theory, this is a great book but I didn't think it was well written. It flits between characters and time periods a lot and is almost hard to follow. I think the characters are underdeveloped from the start and the ending is bad. Throughout the entirety of the book, I hated all the characters. Never a good start. If you have free time I'd recommend it, but otherwise, skip. 

Short Review: Eh. No.

THE OTHER LOVER BY SARAH JACKMAN // Laura and Adam love their life in Brighton. They're in love, and it's uncomplicated, and that's just how they like it. But all that changes when Laura meets an eccentric older couple in the local cafe, Alessandros. Laura is immediately drawn to Rose and William, whose flamboyancy and joie-de-vivre appeal to a side of her that is rarely shown. But early in their friendship the terrible truth of Rose's future is revealed - she is in the final stages of a devastating terminal illness. Laura and Rose grow ever closer, and when the time finally comes they expect to be able to lay Rose to rest in the peace that she deserves. But soon insidious rumours are flying about as to the real cause of Rose's death; was it the illness that killed her, or did her husband, William, take matters into his own hands. In the weeks that follow Laura and William are thrown together as he struggles to prove his innocence - until finally, their friendship becomes something more, and Laura's life is changed utterly.

This book won't will a noble peace price but it's a very easy read. It's also the one I bought in Greece over 10 years ago. It's kind of a weird, sad story with some weird turns but I flipped through this book in one day. It's a sweet story with a weird twist in the middle and a finished ending. 


Short Review: Eh. If you want a VERY easy read, grab it. 


BREAD & WINE BY SHAUNA NIEQUIST // This book is a collection of essays about family relationships, friendships, and the meals that bring us together. Written by well-loved writer and blogger, Shauna Niequist, this mix of Girl Meets God and the Food Network is a funny, honest, and vulnerable spiritual memoir. Bread & Wine is a celebration of food shared and life around the table, and it reminds us of the joy we find in connection and relationship. It's about the ways that God teaches and nourishes us as we nourish the people around us. It's about hunger, both physical and otherwise, and the connections between the two. Recipes are included for the dishes you can almost taste as you read about them. From Butternut Squash Risotto to Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream and Salted Caramel Sauce, you will be able to recreate the comforting and satisfying meals that come to life.


I've read this book over 15 times. It's a book that regardless of where you're at in life, speaks to you. Shauna does such a great job of sharing pieces of her life that are so emotional and raw. I feel as though she's my best friend who knows exactly what's going on in my life and speak right to my soul. Plus, her recipes are so delicious. 

Short Review: Read it, read it again, keep it on your nightstand and in your kitchen. 

Currently Reading: Marriage Vacation by Pauline Brooks


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I love hearing from all of you and greatly appreciate all your feedback and comments! xx Kristen