This month I really focused on “cleaning out” my Kindle–AKA reading books I had purchased forever ago that had just been sitting patiently waiting to be consumed, therefore, none of these are new releases but I hope you’ll enjoy them just the same! Comment below if you have suggestions for next month’s reads and be sure to check out all my recommendations from January – May 2020 by clicking HERE!
Rating Scale:
1 star = Couldn’t even finish it
2 stars = Pretty bad; definitely don’t waste your time
3 stars = Okay, but better options out there
4 stars = Really liked this book & recommend it
5 stars = Incredible & you must read it ASAP!
Pretty
by Jillian Lauren
Publisher: Plume
Date: 2011
Genre: Adult Fiction
Review: This is the story of Bebe whose life spirals out of control after her boyfriend suddenly dies in a car accident she survives. When the book starts she is living at a halfway house and working her way through cosmetology school, but continues to struggle with her loss. Unfortunately this book is depressing and well-written, however, the story really never goes anywhere and I was left wishing I hadn’t wasted my time reading it. I’ve heard this authors autobiographical novels (Some Girls: My Life in a Harem & Everything You Ever Wanted: A Memoir) are much, much better.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Recommend?: Skip it
Here’s to Us
by Elin Hilderbrand
Publisher: Hodder &
Stoughton
Date: May 31st, 2016
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Review: This is the story of a very broken and scattered family coming together in Nantucket to say goodbye to the man who links them all together. The 3 main women are all the current or ex wives of Deacon Thorpe, a famous chef who also has 3 children trying to deal with their own struggles. Written in the style of short chapters from many characters’ points of view, it was an easy and fast read. The character development was SO great and I found myself loving most of the characters despite huge personality flaws. This author has 20+ other novels and I can’t wait to read more from her!
Rating: 5/5 stars
Recommend?: Yes!
I Invited Her In
by Adele Parks
Publisher: MIRA
Date: 2018
Genre: Fictional Drama
Review: This is the story of Melanie who invites her college friend Abi into her home after 17 years of no contact. Abi turns Mel’s family upside down and does all she can to ruin everything she has ever loved and worked for all because of a dark secret from almost 2 decades ago. This book is marketed as a thriller, but I’d more accurately call it a drama with great twists and turns throughout. Great character development and entertaining the entire way through. This author has tons of publications that I plan to read in the future!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommend?: Yes
Little Bee
by Chris Cleave
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: 2008
Genre: Fiction/World Conflict Awareness
Review: This is the story of an English woman named Sarah and a Nigerian refugee named Little Bee whose lives converge in the most unexpected way. The loss and tragedy both women face throughout the story is heart-breaking and speaks to the resiliency of women, no matter where they come from. This book is very depressing yet a beautiful story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Written in a style that flows effortlessly and with very real dialogue, I recommend this book to everyone.
“So when I say that I am a refugee, you must understand that there is no refuge.” – Little Bee
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommend?: Yes
Well-read travels <3
Elin Hilderbrand is amazing. I tend to always choose one of her novels if I’m going on a tropical vacation or looking for something to read during the summer. They are always fast, easy reads and have great stories. They are all placed on Nantucket but have different characters and stories each time!