What I've Been Reading...

50 Shades of Grey Trilogy

EL James

***

Since all of my friends were talking about these racy novels...I gave in.  I kept waiting for things to get better, to pick up, but I never really felt as satisfied...ha.  I guess I am not sure what all the hype is about.  I thought these books were poorly written.  EL James used a lot of the same lines, and the plot was pretty predictable.  Of course, I read all three because everyone raved about them.  The 2nd book was by far my favorite, but the sex scenes got a little monotonous, and by the middle of the 2nd book, I was ready to slap Anastasia's "inner goddess" in the face, and eventually skipped the scenes that were between the sheets altogether...   I would give the trilogy 3 out of 5 stars.

The Long Way Home

Karen McQuestion

****

With D's Amazon Prime Membership, I get a free book each month on my Kindle.  For July, I picked this novel, and I do not regret it!  This book is about the lives of 4 women (Marnie, Reta, Jazzy, and Lavern) that are brought together in unexpected ways, and go on a road trip from Wisconsin to Vegas to visit Marnie's "stepson."  The book is filled with grief, magic, and healing, which in my opinion makes it a great summer read.  Plus, it was free!

Easily Amused

Karen McQuestion

****

After reading The Long Way Home, I decided to try another Karen McQuestion novel.  This one is about a young magazine editor in her 30s named Lola.  Her great aunt (she hardly knew) just passed away, and left gave Lola her house.  Throughout this novel you will meet Lola's nosey neighbors, her best friend who just became a mother, her arrogant sister, the very hot neighbor, and finally a boy from the past.  I definitely recommend this novel!

A Scattered Life

Karen McQuestion

*****

This is by far my favorite McQuestion book.  Skyla has been all over the map growing up, but when she meets Thomas Plinka she finally settles down, and has a beautiful daughter.  A new family moves in next door, and she meets Roxanne, mother of 5 boys (and wants more!), and Skyla finds the best friend she has never had.  This novel is about finding oneself, family, and an unexpected death.  Told from the vantage point of Skyla, her mother in law, Audrey, and her best friend Roxanne.  It is definitely a book that will make you tear up towards the end.

Where We Belong

Emily Giffin

I have been waiting for this book to come out for months.  I read the "sneak peek" in the spring, and could NOT wait!  In true Emily Giffin style, it has a little bit of NYC and the midwest as the the settings.  Marian is a televsion producer, and she has a secret that she has kept from everyone except her mother.  She pushes the secret to the back of her mind, until that secret knocks on her door.  This is not my favorite Giffin book, but it kept me intrigued.  Also, I just read that she has a movie deal for this book....hopefully they don't ruin the story!

Not Another Bad Date

Rachel Gibson

I got the idea to read this from my Houston Tidbits emails.  This is a charming story about a good ol' Texas girl, Adele, who comes back from Idaho to help her sister out since she is on bed rest.  After 3 years of bad dates, she meets a former love from UT, who is now the high school football coach, and ex-NFL player.  She also meets his daughter, and the life size portrait of his late wife that made her life a living hell in high school AND college.  I finished this book is about 24 hours.  It was a quick read, and I loved giving the characters a Texas draw in my mind as they spoke.  

Rescue Me

Rachel Gibson

****

Sadie comes back to Texas for a cousin's (who she hardly knows) wedding.  When she arrives at the JH Ranch, she notices a big black truck that had broke down on the side of the road.  The Texan in her comes out, and she gives the gorgeous/ex Navy Seal/stranger, Vince, a ride.  Sadie asks Vince to be her guest at the wedding so she could avoid the series of questions that go along with being a single 30something after being away for several years.  He says no.  Bummer.  All she wants to do is get out of Lovett, Texas, as soon as the wedding is over, but no such luck.  Typical girly chick book...this one is about distant families, new loves, and finding your "anchor" in life.  

Next review:  Divergent by Veronica Roth

Let me know if you have any books you think are must reads, or that you want me to check out for you (the good Lord knows I have the time!)  

Also, let me know if you want to lend me any books you have on your Kindle, and I can definitely return the favor!

--E