July Reading Roundup

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I’m starting something new. So welcome to the first edition of my ‘monthly reading roundup’. It’ll be an easy way for me to share what I’ve been reading, and for you to see if I’d recommend it for you. Of course if there is a book that I want to spotlight, I’ll still write an individual post for it, just like I have in the past. But otherwise, I’ll share what I’m reading this way.

This is just a test run, so we’ll see if you like it. Nothing is ever really set in stone here…I’m just winging it. HA.

This month I read three books. I can’t really remember the order (it’s been a long month). So let’s dive right in. I’ve listed them all below in no particular order.

‘Window on the Bay’ by Debbie Macomber

I really enjoy Debbie Macomber books and since I discovered her, I’ve read quite a few of her series. My favorite was the Cedar Cove Series. I LOVED it. I’d recommend it if you like books with sleepy towns, mild drama and the occasional mystery thrown in.

However, Window on the Bay wasn’t my favorite. I’d give it 3 stars. It wasn’t a bad read by any means, I just felt that it lacked suspense and plot. This also could be because I couldn’t relate to the topic.

Two best friends have just become empty nesters. Both of them have been single mothers for as long as they can remember, so this new found freedom is new to them. New problems, new relationships, and new changes ensue.

This is a pretty easy read, that kept my attention, but only because I enjoy the writer so much. If you’re looking for an easy read, or maybe even a book to read while lounging at the beach, I’d recommend this. Otherwise, I’d stick to her other books that I love so much.

Temptation: The Aftermath by Victoria Christopher Murray

Oh. my. goodness.

I don’t even know what to say about this book. I was so excited when I found out it existed because I had read the original book Temptation, many years ago.

This book gave me closure that I didn’t even know that I needed! It was that good. The original book followed the best friend had inappropriate contact with the husband troupe.

This book takes place twenty years after the original. Kyra’s husband, a prominent doctor is at a conference and is the victim of a shooting. His prognosis isn’t good, and Kyra flies in to help him. During this time, her best friend turned nmesis from the first book, tries to offer her help. On top of that, her husband was spotted with another woman at the time of the shooting. One that Kyra knows nothing about. So now she’s wondering, has he really changed?

I’d give this 4.5 stars. But you HAVE to read the first book first, in order to really appreciate how good this one is.

From Twinkle with Love by Sandhya Menon

From Twinkle with Love was another 3 star for me. Again, I looove the author, and it wasn’t a bad read, I just think it was aimed at a much younger audience (high school). Sandhya Menon always writes young adult novels, and in the past I’ve still been able to enjoy the stories. But this time, it was really really young adult.

Twinkle, a girl who wants to produce movies is dealing with all of the teenage problems we’re used to. She’s going through a bff break-up, she’s learning to be comfortable in her own skin, and she’s trying to navigate these new dating waters.

Hoping to make a name for herself, she decides to put together a big movie production for her class, and to her surprise she begins to be who she always thought she wanted to be. Only, it’s not turning out quite like she imagined it would.

This would be a great coming of age book for the middle/high school range. They would give it a much higher rating, and I’d recommend it to them.

Well, that’s all for this time. Please let me know if you like this reading roundup, or if you prefer the individual spotlights. I’d love to hear in the comments. Also, if you have any book rec’s drop them below!

Until next time, make life sweet, and learn all you can.