Hello everyone! I hope your new year is off to a fantastic start, and you’ve been reading all the books! Here in Ohio, this month has been snowy, cold and windy – a great excuse to stay inside with a warm blanket, a hot mug of tea, and good books. Not that I need an excuse.
One of my pet peeves is finishing a book and then realizing it’s part of a series – and, of course, not the first book in the series. That happened to me twice this month! I think the book covers should be clearly marked that they are part of a series and what number they are.
Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn
I started reading “Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal” by Meghan Quinn a couple days after Christmas. I really enjoyed this book – it was light, warm funny and sweet. It was like a Hallmark movie – but rated R. So, if you’re offended by the F-word or detailed sex scenes, you will want to pass on this one. Once I finished it, I realized it is #2 in the Kringletown Christmas Series. It did read fine as a standalone. The first book is How My Neighbor Stole Christmas. It looks like #3 is in the works, Christmas Staycation.
Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
I started this one in December and finished it this month. I don’t know if there is ever a good time to read this book. Not a whole lot of happy. Poor Tess! I was surprised at the ending – not that there was more sadness but by the way it ended. I can’t recommend it because of how sad and depressing it is. I was glad to be done with that one.
The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews
This one was a good read. It had a lot going on – romance, sex (but not detailed), murder, a reality TV show, father/daughter relationship drama, a dog who saves the day and more. It takes place in Savannah – one place I would like to visit so I especially enjoy reading about it. I’ve read a few others by Mary Kay Andrews. They are usually good reads if you like “chick-lit,” which I do.
The Supreme Macaroni Company By Adriana Trigiana
I just finished this one and discovered that it is #3 in the Valentine series. Sigh. Very Valentine is #1 and Brava, Valentine is #2. This book didn’t do much for me. The best part for me was when the author talks about Valentine’s cousins that are from Youngstown, Ohio, which is about 15 miles from where I live. It turns out that the cousins are people I actually know of, and they have dinner at a local restaurant where I have been. That part was fun, and I enjoyed reading it for that reason alone.
I was so ready to say good-bye to January – why is it the longest month of the year? Looking forward to reading some love stories in February to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Love is in the air.
Talk to you soon!
Julie
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