A Very Lucky Girl

Remember when I wrote monthly book reviews? Oops. Between Bachelorette recaps, trying to keep up with Blake’s Stagecoach conquests on Bachelor in Paradise, and having to come up with something to make for dinner 5 nights a week -- I fell behind. I have every intention of getting back on track with these in the fall, but I finished some amazing books this summer so I’m laying out my top-rated so you can finish off your year on a high note!  Before diving in, allow me to explain my personal rating system. I adhere pretty closely to Goodreads star standards with some variation:  Goodreads 1 star - “did not like it”  My 1 star: I hated this book and I’m really annoyed that I selected it. Thought about quitting partially through multiple times.  Goodreads 2 stars - “it was ok ” My 2 stars: I would not recommend this book to anyone and likely powered through. Did anyone proofread this text?  Goodreads 3 stars - “liked it” My 3 stars: Thi...

February was a “light” month in terms of novel volume, but some gems were certainly uncovered. March has been mind-blowing and I hope to share those soon!! Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 5 stars Be prepared to feel all the feels with this one. It’s our book club read for April and I’m looking forward to discussing it with some of my favorite ladies. The books covers themes from one spectrum to another: prejudice, resilience, desperation, and determination (to name just a few). You’ll be captivated by Kya and intrigued by the mystery of her life in the marsh. Swimming Pool Sunday by Madeleine Wickham 2 stars Fun Fact: Madeleine Wickham is a pseudonym for Sophie Kinsella (whose books I adore), so I was looking forward to this read. Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed by the storyline and the writing wasn’t nearly as fun as the Shopaholic series. If you were considering picking this one up, stick with Becky Bloomwood and her persistent overdraft habit instead...

2019 is off to a wonderful start when it comes to reading! I'm looking forward to continuing to challenge myself with selections that are outside my comfort zone. Fair warning: I've recently contracted a podcast addiction so the audiobook count might be dropping drastically in the next few months. Bachelor Nation: Inside the World of America’s Favorite Guilty Pleasure by Amy Kaufman 3 stars This book was SO INTERESTING. I can’t call it a masterful piece of literature by any stretch of the imagination, but I listened to it and was hooked. Kaufman addresses the myth of producer rose selection as well as what actually happens in an ITM (In the Moment session, when a producer takes a contestant aside to speak to them individually on camera). She spoke with Bachelor celebrity fans and alum alike to create this book and I highly recommend it, especially for my fellow Bachelor lovers! I rarely do this, but I’d suggest the audiobook over the Kindle/print edition in this ...

It's a new year and I have new book goals! I'm so excited for all the adventures I'll be taking between the pages of a book from the comfort of my couch. December was busy with parties, wrapping presents, etc., but I still made time for my happiest pasttime.  Source Ghosted by Rosie Walsh 5 stars This was one of those novels that raises question after question until all I had was questions and I wondered if this author would ever provide any answers!! It didn’t frustrate me, but rather raised the intrigue factor. Girl meets boy and it’s love after a mere 6 days. Except then boy disappears and girl doesn’t know if he’s in danger, dead, or is just a prick. It kept me guessing until the very last pages and I almost feel like I need to reread it knowing what I know now after the ending. It’s Not Okay: Turning Heartbreak into Happily Ever After By Andi Dorfman 2 stars I have a confession: I didn’t watch Andi Dorfman’s season of the Bachelorette. To be f...