What I've Been Reading

The new year has brought with it some pretty good reads for me, and I'm hoping to get more in before baby (and hopefully some after baby, too)!

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

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The Goodreads synopsis: 

"Allyson Healey's life is exactly like her suitcase—packed, planned, ordered. Then on the last day of her three-week post-graduation European tour, she meets Willem. A free-spirited, roving actor, Willem is everything she’s not, and when he invites her to abandon her plans and come to Paris with him, Allyson says yes. This uncharacteristic decision leads to a day of risk and romance, liberation and intimacy: 24 hours that will transform Allyson’s life."

This was a cute, easy, light read for me. It brings you back to when you were in that transition time between high school and going off to college. And then you add in Europe as the backdrop for much of the story and it made it that much more fun to read. This would be a perfect beach/pool read.

I gave it 3.5-4 stars

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Series, Prequel), by Sarah J. Maas

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Part of the Goodreads synopsis:

"Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. "

I have Kathleen to thank for this recommendation. I was worried about this being too much fantasy for my liking, but it wasn't. The mini stories kept me engaged and I really liked seeing how the main character develops. I haven't read any of the other books in the series yet, but I definitely plan to in the future.

I gave this one 4 stars.

Blood Defense, by Marcia Clark

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Part of the Goodreads synopsis:

"Samantha Brinkman, an ambitious, hard-charging Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, is struggling to make a name for herself and to drag her fledgling practice into the big leagues. Sam lands a high-profile double-murder case in which one of the victims is a beloved TV star—and the defendant is a decorated veteran LAPD detective. It promises to be exactly the kind of media sensation that would establish her as a heavy hitter in the world of criminal law."

I'd read another of Marcia Clark's books and I'll be honest, I liked the other one better. This one wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as the last one I feel. As usual, there are lots of moving parts in the story here, which made it fun to read and keep up with. It was an enjoyable read, though and definitely an easy one to breeze through.

I gave this one 3.5 stars

The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah

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The Goodreads synopsis:

"Despite their differences, sisters Vianne and Isabelle have always been close. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Vianne is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. But when the Second World War strikes, Antoine is sent off to fight and Vianne finds herself isolated so Isabelle is sent by their father to help her. 

As the war progresses, the sisters' relationship and strength are tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Vianne and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions."

I'd seen this book in blogland for quite some time and just never got around to downloading it, or didn't feel in the right headspace to read a WW2 book. But after Katie raved about it, and I'd just finished a book, I figured why the heck not and boy I'm glad that I did. This book.....just everything. I loved everything about it. It is SO well written, and you totally engage with the main characters, especially the further you get into the book. What I liked most about this book was the perspectives of two women during WW2. Most WW2 books are about the front line, soldiers fighting, etc. This one was what it was like to be occupied by the Germans and I found it heartbreaking, but also so interesting.

If you haven't read this one yet, read it.

I gave this one 5 stars.

Right now I'm over halfway done with a book that's been super good too. Can't wait to share that one with you once I'm done, too!

Hoping your reading has been fruitful and fulfilling! :)