August Book Reviews

August Readings and Reviews

Hi y'all. I am leaving town tomorrow (Hello, France, Here we come....) but I wanted to check in and do a few book reviews before we head out.  I am currently almost finished with The Fringe Hours and plan to read a book or two on our trip - so I will have one final summer book review post once we return.

I have so much to say about The Fringe Hours which I will hold off until I finish - but the key point is that women need to find time to use their extra little pockets of time in ways that help them de-stress, get more done and do things they loved.  There is so much that I need to improve on with properly using time, but the one thing I realized that I recently do well is using my fringe hours to read (18 books this summer so far).  I love reading but in past phases of life (law school, etc), it was the first thing to go. However, this past year, I basically decided that I was claiming some reading time for myself.  I squeeze reading into my metro rides, waiting in line, a few minutes at lunch, drying my hair, etc.  My kindle and kindle phone app have helped me to be able to read on the go.  I still love good old fashioned hardback or paperback books, but I do encourage my kindle - as it truly does make reading anywhere a bit easier. And squeezing in that extra reading makes me much happier.

Same disclaimer as previous months: I am not a literary critic or an English teacher. These are just my humble opinions so take with a grain of salt.  Also, some books are more challenging and some are easy light fluffy reads. (don't we all occasionally need some fluff?)

You can find my entire Summer list here, my May/June reviews here and my July reviews here.


What I read in August.....

The Right Thing by Amy Conner

Rating: 2 stars

 This is one of my least favorite books I read this summer, which saddens me as I was so excited about it.  The main character in the book states that sometimes the responsible thing to do is not the right thing to do. While I agree that in such cases, this statement could be true (IE, the responsible thing to do would be to follow Nazi orders but the right thing to do might be to hide Jews; the responsible thing to do might be to follow down the path your parents chose for you but the right thing might be to start a non-profit or pursue an acting career or start a restaurant, etc), I found that its application in this story was way off.  The main character thought that the right thing to do was sleep with another man and leave her husband.  Although I enjoyed the dialogue and references to Jackson, I think the viewpoint that the southern wife and mother lifestyle was so oppressive that a woman should do what it takes to get out (even if it hurts others) was a bit misguided. Also, I felt like the development to the ending was a bit off.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Rating: 4.5 stars

I loved this book. I see why it got rave reviews.  The book focuses on the stories (starting during childhood) of a young blind French woman and a German orphan boy.  They both end up in St. Malo, France during WW2.  This is their individual stories and then the story of how their lives overlap. Fair warning: This is not a happy book. You will see the good in humanity and there are happy parts, but it doesn't wrap up neatly and not everyone survives. I loved how it reveals the complexity of the war. It's easy to see all Germans as bad and all Allies as good, but that's not the case.  Some people were thrust into a war they never wanted to join.  A lot of evil went on during that time, but so did a lot of survival and forced compliance. 

My one complaint with this story is that it starts out slowly, so it can be hard to get into at first, but by the end, you can't put it down. There are a TON of chapters (it's a long book) but the chapters are short so it's easy to wrap up a chapter or two each evening or on the metro ride to work.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Rating: 5 stars

This may be the best book I read all summer. I loved it. Absolutely adored it. It was another French WW2 book - but it was a book that focused on the "Women's War" - and how two French sisters go involved in the resistance in very different ways.  It's also a story of forgiveness, redemption and healing in broken family relationships. The book involves love, survival and loss....and I seriously fell in love with the characters.  Also, although there were no perfectly happy endings, I felt the story wrapped up a bit better than All the Light We Cannot See.  I think both both books are excellent reading.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Rating: 4.5 stars

I read this book in between my heavy WW2 books - and it was a welcome break.  It is about a scientist with Asperger's (who doesn't realize it, at least not in the beginning) that creates the "Wife Project" to find a suitable mate --and in the process, meets a girl (Rosie) that is all wrong for him but has her own project "The Father Project" where she tries to determine who is her biological father.  He eagerly jumps in to help her - and the two develop a friendship and maybe a little more.... I think the book shows that relationships (whether love or friendship) can't be based on what seems good on paper. Sometimes the people that are the best for us are a bit different than us!  This is entertaining and a light read!

Forgotten God by Francis Chan

Rating: 3.5

This summer, we did a little something different for our Small Group/Dinner Club.  People were going to be in and out but we wanted to still meet. So, we did various video seminars/talks instead of an in-depth study (so no weekly homework) . We also picked a book to read over the summer and discuss at the last summer meeting.  That book was Forgotten God.  I must admit, although I read this book, I read it on my Kindle - and I feel like a good in-depth challenging book like this one needs to be read in traditional book form with a pen or highlighter in hand!

The book is about the Holy Spirit, the person of God that most Christians know the least about. His presence is everywhere in my life - but I rarely acknowledge it.  I grew up in a less charismatic tradition - and the author points out that although it can be wrong to always assume you feel the Spirit's leading, it can also be wrong to never look for the Spirit's leading (many more traditional churches often fall into this problem).  Also, the point that hit me most is that we often are focused on where we think the Spirit is leading us for the future (should I be a missionary? go back to school? move? adopt?) that we miss how He calls us daily.  I plan to reread this book a little more thoroughly --and maybe take some notes!

What I have read/still have left to read: 

Book Club Books 

1. The Stranger by Harlan Coben

2. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan (and *possibly* the sequel, China Rich Girlfriend)

ADDITION: Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave (my July book)

Home and Marriage

3. The 7 principles for making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman

4. Eight Twenty Eight by Larissa and Ian Murphy

5. A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home by Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman

Southern Fiction

6. Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

7. The Right Thing by Amy Conner

8. My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh

French Reads

9. Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

10. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

11. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

12. A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable

13. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan 

ACCIDENTAL ADDITION: Paris Hangover by Kirsten Lobe

General Fiction

14. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

15. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

16. The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

17. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

18. Paper Towns by John Green

19. The Life Intended by Kristen Harmel

20. Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Religious Reads

21. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Quireshi

22. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

23. Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life

ADDITION: Forgotten God by Francis Chan (We read this book for our dinner club/small group Bible Study)

NonFiction

24. The Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner

25. 11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative by Dr. Paul Kengor

Beach Bums

"Let that igloo cooler mark your piece of paradise" - Rascal Flatts

Summer is quickly passing by - and what a fun summer it's been!  Since I kindof stepped away from blogging to enjoy relaxing, I thought I would do a little catch up. In mid June, my family all met up in Florida at the beach! Well, everyone came except my brother who was in summer school and was supposed to be able to come but then there were changes in class dates, test dates, professor, etc -- poor guy had to stay home and we missed him.  Not quite a family vacation without him!!

We headed to one of my FAVORITE places -- the beaches of 30A which is a 2 lane highway that runs along a strip between Destin and Panama City.  This area is more cute little beach towns, local restaurants, cute shops and less big condo buildings and put put golf parks! If you are southern, you have probably been to this slice of heaven - and if you are not southern, you might want to look it up and consider it for your next vacation. The beaches are white fine sand with lovely emerald water. It's very family friendly - and if you stay in a little beach town/community, you can walk everywhere!

We stayed in the Seacrest community- which is right next to Rosemary Beach, so we got to enjoy the benefits of both little communities!

The past winter was a rough one - and I so desperately needed to get away, stick my toes in the sand, dive into a book, enjoy a great cocktail and get some sun - with some of my favorite people. Dave and I were so counting down for weeks.  We are used to spending portions of our summers in Florida (and sadly, Maryland beaches just don't compare!) so we were so eager to get back! You would have thought we were planning a trip to Hawaii of Mexico with our level of excitement! Nope, "just" Florida!!

I love the way my family does the beach -- we eat in most nights. We come back to the house mid-day to have a casual lunch. We wear casual clothes and rarely put on makeup.  We sip cocktails and play board games (although none were played this year??) and watch movies and just relax. There is no pressure to try local restaurants or get gussied up! We just relax! 

I miss Florida beaches. Dave and I have talks about when we will move back south - and I must admit, 2 big pulls (right behind family and friends) is to be closer to beaches and college football (and hunting and fishing, for Dave) These two things are so much a part of me - and I feel a bit more myself when I am there.

When we left, I told Dave that I was sad because I am a better version of myself at the beach! It's true! I love to travel - but when touring cities and countries, I stay incredibly busy. However, travelling to the beach forces me to slow down, take walks, enjoy conversations, laugh and relax.  It's an excuse to not be overly planned, organized - a chance to just be!

Here are some pictures from our time in Florida. I usually got up with my nephew, Gil, and we went on a walk.  A couple mornings, I took Jack for "chocat donies"  We usually split our days between the pool and the beach and enjoyed lovely homemade meals in the evening!  Such happy moments!

we are "in this" together

Entertaining the nephew - by letting him bury me....

Love this pool!

our little slice of paradise for the week......

this kid can put away some donuts and some ice cream (his two fav. foods!)

Morning Walks with Gilbo!

Everyone's favorite children's doctor - always being a goofball!

Love me some sweet gil and his mama!

On his way to the beach for the very first time!

We are "close"

Pool Time with Mom!

Jack loved castle building more than the ocean (my uncle builds AMAZING castles -- maybe Jack will follow in his footsteps???)

Oh to be young and thin enough to willingly have a bikini picture taken and posted on social media....

With my dad....

I was fortunate enough to get to have ice cream with this college friend followed by dinner with some law school friends.

That's just a little peek into our first summer vacation (our second vacay happens to be in early September, so a fall vacation I guess?)  We alternate family vacations each year - so next time, we will take time go out of town with Dave's family and we are so excited for that getaway.  When we go home to Mississippi, we have extended family and friends to see, plus often times, our parents or siblings still have work to do! Or, we are home for an event or holiday which is always busy! So, vacations away with just our immediate family mean a lot of time together, no obligations or distractions!

Summer Reading List: July Book Reviews

Whoaaa, I really need to update my blog. It's been a month since my last post. I promise a full update on life soon! I guess blogging idleness is the sign of a good, happy, busy summer right? And it has been FULL-- full of visitors, friends, family, trips and lots of rest. Part of rest has included reading - I tackled several books off my list this month and am ready to offer reviews. 

Same disclosure as last time - If you read one of these books and hate it, remember that I am not a literary critic or an English teacher. I just like what I like, so take my opinions with a grain of salt. Your cup of tea might be different than mine!

You can check out last month's reviews here.

July Readings and Reviews

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dove

Rating: 4.5 stars

This was not even a book on my summer reading list. It was my July book club book, so I had to make a little detour from my list and I am so glad I did. I loved this book and had not heard of it, so I probably would not have read it if not for the fact that it was required of me. The book is set in Sonoma County at a family winery when all of the family is in town for the harvest party and a family wedding.  From the beginning, the reader is aware that each of the family members has his or her own struggle, with some of the conflicts and hurts within the family. This is a tight close knit family that is trudging through loss, change, hurts and disappointment with each other. Even more, they are at a crossroads where they have to let go of part of their past in order to move into the future. None of the characters are "bad guys" per se, so you find yourself rooting for each one, flaws and all. I really wanted to see healing, opportunity, hope and love come to each character.

What I loved about this book is that I (and probably many of you) could easily relate to this fictional family.  I, too, come from a close knit, in-your-business, type of family. A family filled with traditions - sure, these traditions aren't "harvest parties" but football games and tailgates, holidays, cookouts, etc. A family with its own share of hurts, both within and outside of the family walls. So, I could easily identify with the characters - the ones hurt by their family, the ones who did the hurting, the ones who were hurt out in the world and came home for comfort, the ones who were scared of change, etc. 

The book wasn't perfect, but it was very enjoyable and actually hopeful - but not in a cheesy fairy tale kind of way.  It doesn't have a "perfect" ending, but instead it has a real ending.

Eight Twenty Eight by Larissa and Ian Murphy

Rating: 4.5 stars

I love this sweet couple. I mean, how can you not? These two were seriously dating with Ian saving up for a ring when a tragic accident placed him in a coma (and then traumatic recovery) and derailed their future plans. Despite a brain injury, they decided to keep dating and eventually, go ahead and move forward towards their goal of marriage - and their marriage looks far different than they had planned.  How incredible to commit to "for better or for worse" even without the marriage covenant binding you!  She is totally sacrificial in her love of him and he is totally trusting - two areas I could definitely improve on.

My one complaint is that the book does seem to jump around a bit - and sometimes I had a hard time keeping up with the timeline. But, the Murphys are not professional authors, just two amazing people sharing their story. Also, there were parts of the story I wanted to know more about - for example, I wanted to know more about when and how he woke up from his coma and what that was like. However, it's not my story to tell - and she told their story so tenderly and honestly, obviously sharing what she saw as the most important moments in their journey and Ian's continued recovery.

For those who read this  book, you will fall in love with them both and you will cheer for them and cry with them and hope right alongside them.  You can follow their blog here.

Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

Rating: 4 stars

This book is a short easy read and quite entertaining! I found it to be a great little metro/lunch break read as I could easily ready a couple chapters in a short amount of time.  The author is a world renowned chef and cookbook author who fulfilled his lifelong dream of moving to Paris after his partner unexpectedly died.  Some said he was running away, but he saw it as one chapter ending (sadly) and using the ending as a chance to take another opportunity.  He tells about the good, bad and ugly of French living - how the French cut in line constantly, how everything takes longer, how sales people aren't always helpful- but he also tells about the great people, great food, wonderful little shops with expert sales people and all the charm of this city. After all, every culture has its pros and cons.

The book also includes some of the author's recipes and a list of his favorite restaurants in Paris.  I hope to make use of both!

The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan

 Rating: 3.5 stars

I ended up liking this book, but I must admit, it started out slowly (for me, at least)  But, to be fair, I was reading a few books at once and some of them flowed quickly so this may have sounded slow by comparisons.

The main thing I loved about this book was that it was set in Paris - and at a chocolate shop. Paris, chocolate - what's not to love? The book focuses on two English women - Claire who is in her late 50s, a divorcee, mom of 2 and cancer patient, but spent a glorious summer in Paris 4 decades prior - as a nanny. She fell in love with Paris and a chocolate shop owner - and has always remembered that summer as her happiest of days. The second woman, Anna, is 30 years old, in need of a life change and a former student of Claire's. With Claire's prodding, Anna leaves for Paris to work in the same chocolate shop owner. Finally, with Anna's help, Claire makes one final trip to Paris, a city where she found love and a different version of life forty years prior.

What I liked about this book is that there were second chances at life and love, reconciliation, forgiveness, deep friendship between women 25+ years apart and also, a realization in all the blessings life provided along the way.  After all, life isn't always romantic summer flings in Paris, but it can still be filled with family, commitment, happy moments.

The book is not life changing, but it is a happy little piece of chick lit set in one of the world's most romantic cities.

The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

Rating: 5 stars

Oh, I loved this book. I could not put it down!! It is not my typical type of book as kind of dark, but it is a page turner and keeps you guessing (and I was quite proud of myself for solving the mystery before the murderer was revealed)

The book's main character, Rachel, is not really very likable. She is a depressed unhealthy drunk woman who rides the London commuter train that passes her former house (where her ex, his new wife and their baby still live).   The train also passes a house with what she imagines to be a happy couple. She watches them on their patio and has created a happy life for them in her head.  However, when the woman in the couple goes missing, Rachel places herself into the investigation, providing insights and also realizing that people aren't always who you imagine them to be.  Also, throughout the book, you slowly start to like Rachel a bit more as you realize some of the reasons she is the way that she is.

I can't say too much about this book without giving away critical information, but if you want a page turner that you can't put down, this is your book.  Many have called it the next Gone Girl!

Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life by Michelle Cushatt

Rating: 3 stars

I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would - but the good news is, that by the end of the book, I liked it a lot more than I did in the beginning.  I think my frustrations were because I imagined the book to be a Christian Living self-help type of book (is it pathetic to say self-help?) with advice and scripture on how to handle life's unexpected troubles.  I just came off a very hard 6 months and I wanted some encouragement on living with unexpected life turns.

However, the book tended to be more about the author's journey - with occasional advice mixed it.  Her writing was vulnerable and expressive, but to me, it read more like a memoir of a rough few years in her life instead of an encouragement book for others. I did enjoy the book because I became involved in her life story, rooting for God to show up in big ways amidst some really hard troubles (cancer, wayward children, sick family members, foster kids, etc) and truthfully, even without instruction spelled out in clear black and white, I did gain encouragement from her story. However, I would have preferred a little bit more clarity - here's how to get through life's detours, here is encouragement for when life feels undone.

So, not a bad book, but not quite what I had hoped for.

What I have read/still have left to read: 
***You can read my original list and thoughts here.

Book Club Books 

1. The Stranger by Harlan Coben

2. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan (and *possibly* the sequel, China Rich Girlfriend)

ADDITION: Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave (my July book)

Home and Marriage

3. The 7 principles for making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman

4. Eight Twenty Eight by Larissa and Ian Murphy

5. A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home by Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman

Southern Fiction

6. Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

7. The Right Thing by Amy Conner

8. My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh

French Reads

9. Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

10. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

11. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

12. A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable

13. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan 

ACCIDENTAL ADDITION: Paris Hangover by Kirsten Lobe

General Fiction

14. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

15. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

16. The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

17. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

18. Paper Towns by John Green

19. The Life Intended by Kristen Harmel

20. Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Religious Reads

21. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Quireshi

22. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

23. Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life

NonFiction

24. The Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner

25. 11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative by Dr. Paul Kengor

Looking forward to several new books this month. I have already started on "All the Light We Cannot See" to fully get in the France mood before our trip. Anyone else read anything great lately?

May/June Book Reviews

Just like last summer, I am on a mission to do lots of summer reading during these lovely summer months.  Although I only posted my reading list just a couple weeks ago, I started composing (and working my way through) the list about 6 weeks ago, so I am actually already several books in!

Here are reviews and ratings (1-5 stars) of what I have read so far. As I noted in an earlier post, take my recommendations with a grain of salt. I am not a literary critic or English professor - just a girl trying to enjoy some summer reading! Feel free to not like a book I like, or to like one that I did not enjoy!

The Stranger by Harlan Coben

Rating: 3 stars

Harlan Coben is an author I have never read before, but I really enjoyed this book.  It was full of suspense and surprisingly made you think about how much we don't know about others.  We are all hiding something that we would rather others not know, even perfect suburban housewives.  In this book, a stranger makes it his goal to expose people for their secret sins (or make money as they pay him to keep quiet).  The stranger sees it as a win-win - people come clean or he is paid.

I would definitely read another Coben book.  It's not going to be the most challenging novel you ever read, but the story is entertaining and suspenseful enough to keep you turning the page. It is a perfect metro read! I would definitely read this author again!

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Rating: 3.5 stars 

I am surprised how much I enjoyed this book. If you remember from my original description, June was my book club's "beach read" month -- pure chick lit.  This was an easy read -- except for the fact that there were about a million characters to keep up with!  The book entertained with each new page.  The premise is that there is a extremely exclusive, private wealthy circle of old Asia money in Singapore.  One of the wealthiest family's sons brings home his Chinese girlfriend from America and most of the family and friends make her life miserable. This book is dramatic and entertaining, but certainly nothing more! However, as someone who LOVES travelling, I loved the description of the different places in mainland China and the various islands.  This is a great beach or pool read for sure! I may even read the sequel! (which came out two weeks ago)

A Beautiful Messy Happy Handmade Home by Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman

Rating: 3.5 stars

I liked this book -- which is essentially tips with a ton of pictures and projects.  I may even try a few of the projects in our apartment.  I read and reread The Nesting Place last summer and was hoping this would be just as good (it wasn't).  It's a different type of book, not a lot of commentary and sentimentality, but a lot of help on project ideas.  As someone who appreciates creativity but often needs to be directed in how to be creative, I appreciated the ideas and hope to put myself to work soon! If you feel like your home could use a little sprucing up (on the cheap), check out this book!

Paper Towns by John Green

Rating: 3.5

I will be honest  - I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as his best seller, "The Fault in Our Stars."  Green is an excellent writer, but it seemed that the characters were all a little immature - and one in particular was quite selfish. However, then I realized that of course they act that way, they are teenagers! When reading young adult fiction, one can't be too disappointed if the characters act like teenagers! I still do appreciate "The Fault in Our Stars" more, but this book was entertaining and well written.  There is a bit of a mystery within it as well - as a group of friends is trying to find their runaway friends. Despite being overly dramatic, the book balances too ends of the spectrum in teen lives that we all face: (1) the attempt to fit into our worlds;  and (2) the annoyance of going through the motions (college, marriage, job, babies, etc) and the desire to do something else.  As a teen, who hasn't struggled with both the desire to fit in and the desire to flee our expected paths?

John Green is an excellent writer and this book will definitely entertain (even if you find it a bit over the top like I did).  Paper Towns will be playing in theaters soon, so it might be good to read it before you see it on the big screen!

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
Rating: 5 stars

I love Shauna Niequist so much. Her words always touch my heart.  She writes about the mundane, the ordinary, the challenges and heartache and joys we all experience- but she makes them seem special and unique and beautiful.  My favorite Shauna book is Bittersweet (about growth and joy through the hard times) -- but this book, "Cold Tangerines", was pretty great too.  The book focuses on celebrating the good and wonderful in every day life.  I think it's so easy to fall into the trap of living from weekend to weekend, vacation to vacation, holiday to holiday.  I am a big fan of countdowns and anticipation - but how often do I overlook the beauty that comes from dinner, tv and cuddling with my husband - or laughter over Tuesday night happy hour with a friend? A perfect Saturday walk, successfully trying a new recipe or the pleasure that comes from a clean home?  I love summer because I feel like I have the time to slow down and read, go to movies, sleep in, enjoy the sunshine, sip wine on the patio, etc. This was a good reminder that the mundane, the everyday, is beautiful! I highly recommend this book (or any of her books, really!)


Paris Hangover by Kirsten Lobe
Rating: 2 stars

This was an "accidental" read, meaning I had considered it for my summer reading, but then eliminated it from the list. However, when it came time to order a beach read (I wanted a paperback, not a kindle read), I must have forgotten which books were on my "french reads" list because I ordered this one - and read it while in Florida.  I just today discovered that it was not on my list.

What I liked about the book: the premise.  A 34 year old woman gives up her great career, perfect boyfriend (well, perfect except for the fact that he does not want kids), fabulous NYC town home to move to Paris and pursue her dreams of being an artist and meeting a French man and starting a family. I loved reading about all the places she visited in Paris (I wish I had wrote them all down for our trip!) However, that's about all I liked about this book.

The main reason I would not recommend this book: it's a bit too dirty. Let me clarify, I am not a prude.  I understand that books will have sex scenes, but in this book, there was too much.  This girl went from boyfriend to boyfriend, from bed to bed.  Thankfully, the author wasn't too descriptive, but even so, I was a bit tired of hearing of the character's sex life!  Also, I was confused at how the character was managing to afford to live in Paris.  Sure, she had some savings - and she had downsized her lifestyle (small studio, no designer shopping) but she did not have a steady job.  The book refers to just a few paintings sold at a local gallery over a 2 year time span. Maybe I am too practical, but I find it hard to believe that she could afford fancy coffee at a cafe daily - or drinks at a swanky bar - without a stead income!

I will say this, though, despite her many flaws, the character was at least likable enough for me to want to finish the book. I wanted to know if she decided to stay in Paris or return home and if she ever met the right type of guy.  I would probably rate the book a bit higher if there was a little less friskiness and a bit more development of the facts (like how the h*ll she could afford her lifestyle!)

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Rating: 4.5 Stars

This is one of my favorite reads so far this summer.  What I love about Elin Hilderband's books is that although they are beach reads, they are also thought-provoking and well-written.  The setting is Nantucket at a fine dining restaurant with a girl who is running away from her past and workplace romance.  That's about as beach read as it gets.  But, the characters are a bit more complex than your normal fluffy chick lit.  After reading this book, I am now obsessed with going to Nantucket (I may have looked up rooms....) and I regret never spending my summer working in a beach town! (Do you think Dave would let me do that now? haha!) My one complaint - the ending. It wasn't a particularly unhappy ending, but I just felt that the main character accepted everything that had happened and left it in the past, even without an explanation. I found it a bit unbelievable. However, the book as a whole was quite enjoyable!

What I have read/still have left to read: 

Book Club Books 

1. The Stranger by Harlan Coben

2. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan (and *possibly* the sequel, China Rich Girlfriend)

Home and Marriage

3. The 7 principles for making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman

4. Eight Twenty Eight by Larissa and Ian Murphy

5. A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home by Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman

Southern Fiction

6. Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

7. The Right Thing by Amy Conner

8. My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh

French Reads

9. Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

10. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

11. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

12. A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable

13. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan 

ACCIDENTAL ADDITION: Paris Hangover by Kirsten Lobe

General Fiction

14. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

15. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

16. The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

17. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

18. Paper Towns by John Green

19. The Life Intended by Kristen Harmel

20. Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Religious Reads

21. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Quireshi

22. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

23. Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life

NonFiction

24. The Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner

25. 11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative by Dr. Paul Kengor


I am looking forward to tackling several books of my list during July -- starting with "The Girl on theTrain" !! If you are looking for me this weekend, you can find me by the pool, drink in one hand, kindle in the other hand!

Two Years, Two Lessons

A few days ago, Dave and I celebrated two years of married life together! In some ways, it seems like we have been married forever, but in a lot of ways,  it seems like just yesterday, we were doing this....

And this....

Year 2 brought a new job (Dave started at a new firm a few weeks ago), passed exams (5 down, 2 to go), tons of travels (NYC, Harper's Ferry, Canada, Rosemary Beach, State College), a paid off car note, savings for our one day home, a new apartment, tons of visitors, a new nephew, lots of growth, some heartache and loss - and lots of JOY and LAUGHTER!

Just a few of this year's memories....

Stealing Kisses

Harper's Ferry

Cherry Blossoms

Easter

Toronto, Canada

Rosemary Beach, FL

Macy's Parade, NYC

Valentines Day, State College

We celebrated a day early with dinner at Founding Farmers and Shake Shack for dessert.  I cooked us a good breakfast the next morning and we sat on the porch to eat and toast with our wedding flutes! We then spent the day being DC tourists!

2nd Anniversary!

I am still learning this whole "marriage" thing, so I don't have too much advice to offer yet. However, I will share two lessons I have learned to help keep our marriage happy and growing!

(1) Remember that each day in marriage is a blessing (and one that you are not promised)

One of the things that most helps me remain joyful in my marriage is that I spent most of my twenties not married. What I mean by that statement: I know that marriage is not promised. I know that there are men and women who would love to meet the right person to settle down with, but life has not happened just as they hoped.  I know there are widows/widowers who have to move on daily without their life partners. So, I also know that despite the cover stealing, bickering, chore sharing, finance discussing drama that marriage can bring, I am very lucky to be married to my sweet Dave.

Don't get me wrong -- there are moments where Dave irritates me incredibly (and probably far more moments where he can't stand me). But, when I start to complain or focus on problems in life and marriage, I try to remind myself how fortunate I am to have a great husband and how so many men and women are hoping to meet some one or are recovering from losing someone.  Often times, the thing we complain about is what someone else is what someone else longs for! And, at one point in time, this particular gift was something I longed for as well!

Marriage is a blessing - and I don't always see it that way, but when I remember how fortunate I am, my perspective towards my husband and the hassles of matrimony changes.



(2) Keep a long record of the good and short record of the bad.

Remember all the fun things about your marriage, all the kind things your spouse does, all the great dates and fun trips and flirty texts and sweet goodbye kisses.  Be thankful and appreciative of all these things. Be verbally appreciative and be reciprocal.  But, try not to hold on to the bad memories, fights, hurtful words. It's easier to keep account of the bad than the good, but the good is the stuff worth remembering!

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Oh, and Have Fun! People talk a lot about how hard marriage is -- and it can be really hard (but then again, life - in general - is sometimes really hard.) but we often make it sound all "doom and gloom"  Marriage can also be a blast!   I recently filled out an "advice card" at a bridal luncheon with advice from the guests for the bride.  My last piece of advice was "Have Fun" because spending life with your best friend can be crazy fun.  And, it's those happy moments that get you through the tough ones.