Books I Read in June 2022

Britt Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman

4 out of 5 stars

I have to give it to Fredrik Backman. He really has a way of creating a cooky character and making them likeable and also grow. I got hooked on his books after reading “A Man Called Ove.” I’ve also read “Anxious People.” I have no idea what order I’d put them in. They are all fantastic reads! He has a way of turning the turmoil and torture that a character is experiencing into moments of humor and understanding.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

5 out of 5 stars

I read this book in a matter of hours late into the night. I couldn’t stop! This book is being added to my all-time favorites list for its beautiful ability to capture the feelings a person feels in the situations described in this book. READ IT! It’s even going on my re-read list, which consists of approximately three books so that is a rarity. This book simultaneously destroyed me and relieved me. Get excited because the sequel/prequel, “It Starts With Us” comes out October 18, 2022!

The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell

3 out of 5 stars

I was honestly disappointed in this book. It received very good reviews and it was my first book by this author. I felt that there was more opportunity for twists and turns and shocking revelations than what was provided. I’ll probably give this author one more shot so if you know of a particularly good one by her, please leave a comment below!

The Hacienda by Isabel Canas

4 out of 5 stars

The Hacienda is dangerously close to a 5 star rating for me. This is this author’s debut novel and I definitely need more from her! The story grabbed me and held on to the end. A spooktacular and horrific story surrounding the history of a house in Mexico. Read this one! You won’t regret it. And if you have a taste for just a little bit more, you can listen to Book of The Month interview her on their podcast. You’re welcome.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

5 out of 5 stars

Reid hasn’t disappointed me yet! This one ties for my favorite of hers with Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Reid has an amazing way of creating character depth and desire to follow their story. And if you haven’t picked up on it yet, she chooses a character from a previous book to turn into a major character in her next one. It’s a really unique and subtle concept. This book follows Mick Riva’s family. Mick Riva is one of Evelyn Hugo’s seven husbands.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

3 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the concept but I think the author’s writing style threw me off. After reading this book I have often looked at my regrets differently. The angle this book shows of if we went back to our regrets and made different decisions we might still not end up happy really put a twist on the present for me. It’s a really quick read if you’d like a philosophical twist on your summer reading.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

5 out of 5 stars

I have loved every one of Emily Henry’s books! This one ties for top spot for me with her other novel, People We Meet On Vacation. This book taught me so much about editing novels as well which I loved and honestly it gives me a little more writer’s confidence. This novel falls in the romance category with a lot of glorious witty banter and sexual tension. Enjoy!

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

4 out of 5 stars

I loved the concept of this book and the crazy twists and turns! It is based off of a therapy group of women who were “final girls.” If you are not privy to what a final girl is, let me enlighten you. A final girl is the woman at the end of the slasher horror film who kills the killer and is the sole survivor. In this book, non-theatrical final girls who have been part of this secret support group for years start to be targeted one by one. This is the second Hendrix novel I’ve read and it was another great one. Grady Hendrix writes horror novels and he can get as dark and twisty as Stephen King. So, if you’re a King fan, definitely check this author out.