Well, I sort of fell off the band wagon last year about talking about the books I read. I did read some really good ones I really liked! You can check out my Goodreads if you want to see how I rated some of them. I read 66 books last year. A lot of that had to do with the pandemic, stress around quitting my job and starting a new one, struggling still with my parents’ divorce, and finding out about my dad having cancer. 2020 was just a doozy of a year for me personally (as well as on a national/world level) and I woke up many nights not able to go back to sleep so I would read in order to help quiet my mind.
I found that this month I leaned toward light, cozy reads and they were just what I needed during this dreary month.
500 Miles from You by Jenny Colgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author’s books always make me smile and have provided a certain level of comfort these past few months during stressful times. This book was such a funny, sweet, heartwarming story about two nurses who participate in a job exchange for a few months and they both experience new lifestyles they’ve never experienced and during communication with each other about certain patients/job duties…grow close. I love reading this author’s books because she creates such an enjoyable escape with her characters and locations. Such a delightful read to start the new year with!
Kindle – Libby app
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, just wow! I loved this book and did not want to put it down. I was so sad when it was over. This was about a sweet romance that got a second chance. I felt all the feels with this one…joy, seriousness, fun, regret, love, sadness, grief, etc…all the emotions. I am not going to give a summary because I just can’t do it justice, but please just go read it for yourself and you’ll definitely thank me later!
Kindle – Libby app
All That We Carried by Erin Bartels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was about two sisters that have drifted apart since their parents were died in a car accident 10 years ago. They decide to go on a hiking trip together and along the way discover more about not only themselves but each other. My favorite part about this book was the detail on the hiking and the scenery. I’m glad I read it because the author brought up many points throughout that made me stop to think about my belief system and also it made me want to go hiking soon when the weather gets nicer!
Paperback – I received a free copy of this book from Revell Reads for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was just what the doctor ordered. It was such an enjoyable and light-hearted read and I enjoyed taking a “trip to Paris” while reading it. This book is about two women, Anna whose life is ahead of her and Claire whose life is ending. These two ladies meet in a hospital and begin a friendship that will both change their lives. Claire sees herself in Anna and wants to show her how to experience life and true love. Their stories intertwine and this story is a story of deep love, regret, strength. Jenny Colgan is such a talented author in how she describes the scenes of Paris life and helps to make it come alive for the reader. This was such a sweet (no pun intended) story and I enjoyed it so much!
Kindle – Libby app
The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the perfect book to read in January snuggled under a warm blanket with a hot cup of tea or coffee! This book has been on my TBR list for a long time and my library never had it. By chance I checked again and they had it. You better believe I snatched it up and I am so glad I did! This book was about a baker who after an unfortunate accident was “suspended” from her job at a well-known, high-end restaurant and ended up as the baker at a cozy, lovely inn called the Sugar Maple Inn. The pace of life is very different from what is she used to and she learns more about herself and finds herself embraced by people in the small town. This book just left me with “warm fuzzies” and I’m looking forward to reading the author’s other book – The Late Bloomer’s Club.
Kindle – Libby app
I hope everyone has had a great start to the New Year and are staying warm!
Until next time…keep it simple!
Lindsey
