Books, books, books!

I've really been making it a point to get in some reading every day, because I was missing it so much., and one week I managed to finish three books and start a fourth! So I've got a few more books to share with you for Show Us Your Books this month!

Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan

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Brief Goodreads Synopsis:

"Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the triumphant, epic tale of one young man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours."

MG listened to this as a book on tape and raved about it and Goodreads had over 4 stars so I dove into this book. It's about WWII and typically I get sucked into these type of stories--I was engrossed in Unbroken. 

I'll say that the story for this is pretty incredible, but the downfall for me was that there was so much time spent giving SUPER details that I found myself skimming parts just to get through. The story was interesting for sure, but I just didn't fully connect with the main character. So much of the story seemed like the main character just happened to be at so many pivotal points in history that I actually forgot that this was based on a true story.

Towards the end of the book, I literally was skimming because there were just too many details.

Overall I'd give this one 2.5 out of 5 stars.

The Honeymooner (A Paradise Bay Romantic Comedy Book 1) by Melanie Summers

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Goodreads synopsis:
"Twenty-nine-year-old workaholic Libby Dewitt lives by the motto ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’ She’s finally about to start her dream life with her steady-as-a-rock fiancé, Richard Tomy. Together, they’re the perfect power couple—right down to the fact that he’s agreed to use their honeymoon to help further her career in mergers and acquisitions. But ten minutes before the wedding, her dreams dissolve via text message. "

I actually didn't realize it until after I read the book, but this is the same author as The Crown Jewel which I recently read and wrote about in my last Show Us Your Books. I really enjoy how light her writing is and how easy her stories are to read. Definitely a perfect little rom-com beach read, or something to break up a heavy read. It was a cute, sweet story and a delight to read, but no major literary genius here...and that's ok.
I'd give this one 4 stars for a sweet light-hearted read.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

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Part of the Goodreads synopsis:
"Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish."

It becomes a suspense and a romantic kind of thriller. The book kept me engaged the entire time, despite being very dark! I read this one any chance that I could because I wanted to find out what was gonna happen next. 

I'd give this one 5 stars

How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love by Ken Baker

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Part of Goodreads Synopsis:

" Emery is okay with how things are. That is, until her "momager" signs her up for Fifty Pounds to Freedom, a reality show in which Emery will have to lose fifty pounds in fifty days in order to win the million dollars that will solve her family's financial woes. Emery is skeptical of the process, but when the pounds start to come off and the ratings skyrocket, she finds it hard to resist the adoration of her new figure and the world of fame. Emery knows that things have changed. But is it for the better? " 

This book was given to me by my friend at work, and I picked it up when I finished Verity. It took me a bit to get into the book--I didn't connect with anyone in the family really. But once Emery gets on the reality show, the story picked up and became more interesting. It was a light, easy read (one I did in 2 days). I'd give this one 3 out of 5 stars.

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

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Goodreads Info:

"A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors—a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives. . ."

The gist of the story is that a couple is next door at their friend's house for a dinner party, and they leave their 6month old baby at home, taking the monitor with them and checking on her. Except when they go home, she's gone. And the rest of the story is a bunch of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.

My SIL gave me this book and once I started it, I could not put this book down. I read during nap time. I read after I put Ella down to bed. I read during the few min before work that I had, because I had to find out what happened. Coincidentally my friend was reading it at the same time that I was--so we were texting each other back and forth about it for the 2 days that we read it.

I give this one 4 out of 5 stars.