Recent Reads: October

With all the Halloween festivities going on next week, I thought I would do my monthly book post a little early this month! Once again, I read three books and really enjoyed reading all three. None were out-of-this-world amazing, but all kept me entertained.

Here's what occupied my nightstand this month...

Modern Romance
By Aziz Ansari

I became a fan of Aziz when Parker and I binge watched Parks & Rec. When we saw he had a book, we decided to listen to the audio version for a long road trip. It's basically a giant analysis on how romance has changed and how much technology has played a role in the way we meet, interact, and enjoy each other. He was really well researched and kept it funny and interesting. If you are an Aziz fan, listen to the audio version of this one for the full effect!

Bachelor Nation
By Amy Kaufman

I have been watching The Bachelor since the beginning and just can't seem to quit #noshame. I love the silly franchise and get into the love story each and every time. Being the fan that I am, I knew I would love this book. Amy Kaufman is a journalist for the LA Times that worked closely with the franchise, so she has an inside scoop on the inner workings. She also interviewed many past contestants on the show and printed those interviews in the book, which made it all the more intriguing. The book analyzes why America has such a fascination with this franchise and what really happens to contestants at every stage. If you aren't a big Bachelor fan, skip this one. If you love The Bachelor, pull up a chair and dive right in.

The Wedding Date
By Jasmine Guillory

This was a chick flick in a book. Although it was fairly predictable from the beginning, it was so fun to read, and you instantly liked both characters. A chance meeting in an elevator turns into a date at a wedding where they "pretend" they are together. The pretending leads to real feelings, and the book takes a few more twists and turns from there. This was an easy, enjoyable read that kept me happy the whole time.

What are you reading and loving lately?

Recent Reads: August

It's the end of the month, which means it's book day on the blog! Each month, I review three books that I read. For this month, one is something that will stick with me for a long time, one I learned from, and the last I just enjoyed. 

Here's what occupied my nightstand this month. 

My Story

By Elizabeth Smart

Elizabeth Smart's kidnapping is the first story I remember really following. She was kidnapped in 2002 at just 14 years old, and I can still remember seeing the interviews on the news of her parents begging anyone to bring their daughter home and Elizabeth's face plastered across the magazines at the grocery store. I read this book and don't honestly have words to adequately describe it. Elizabeth is candid and just detailed enough to give us a sense of what went on during the 9 months she was missing. She endured more at 14 years old than anyone should ever, ever have to. Her outlook is so inspiring, and the way she came out of the tragedy and now leads a normal life with a husband and kids is something I don't think many people could do with as much grace as she has. This book had an effect on me, and I found myself recounting the chapters at night to my husband. I highly recommend reading it. 

Bringing Up Bebe

By Pamela Druckerman

This book is written by an ex-editor for the Wall Street Journal that moves to France with her husband. She is intrigued when French children are all sleeping through the night by 8 weeks old, choosing fruits and vegetables over pastries, and using manners over tantrums. She documents the wisdom of French parenting and what they seem to be doing right when other cultures are failing. I really liked this one. It obviously applies to my current stage of life, but it had practical, sound advice that I think a lot of moms can learn from. If you're a young mom or expecting, read it!

Talking As Fast As I Can

By Lauren Graham

I needed an audio book to get me through a long drive by myself, and I thought this might be a fun one read by the author. I enjoy celebrity memoirs read by the author because I feel like I connect more, and that was true here. I have seen most Gilmore Girls episodes and loved the series in high school, so I was excited to hear her stories and experiences from the show. She talked a lot about Gilmore Girls and also talked about her upbringing and gave funny anecdotes here and there. It was an enjoyable listen, and if you are a big Gilmore Girls fan, I think you will like it too. :)

That's all for this month! Anything you've been reading and loving lately?

I am signing off for a week to enjoy Labor Day weekend. See you all next Wednesday!

Recent Reads: July

It's been a hot minute since I did a recent reads post, so I wanted to take today to share my thoughts on three books I recently read. If you're not a bookworm, hit the snooze button and come back next week for some non-book talk! ;)

I wasn't obsessed with any of these, but I didn't hate them either. They were all entertaining and had solid pros in their own way. 

This Girl

By Colleen Hoover

This is the fourth book that I have read by Colleen Hoover. She wrote one of my all time favorite books, It Ends With Us, so I started her Slammed series shortly after. This is the third book in the Slammed series. The first two were captivating, entertaining, and real page turners, so I was so excited to finish the story of Layken and Will in the third and final book. Yall, I was so disappointed! This book picks up on Layken and Will's honeymoon, and the entire story is them laying in bed together recapping their love story. Aka, this book is just summarizing the other two. I was so bummed! I had just read the other two, so I didn't really want to waste time reading a giant recap. Oh well. :/

I Got This: To Gold and Beyond

By Laurie Hernandez

Raise your hand if women's gymnastics is your favorite Olympic event! (insert hand raising emoji) I followed Laurie Hernandez in the 2016 Olympics as well as her journey on Dancing With The Stars, so I was excited to pick up her book. She recounts her journey to the Olympics and talks about her time on Dancing With The Stars as well. If you followed Laurie through any of that, you'll find this book entertaining. I enjoyed it, and it was a pretty quick read. 

What Alice Forgot

By Liane Moriarty

I typically love Liane Moriarty novels by the time I finish them, but they also usually take a while to suck me in. This one was no different. In What Alice Forgot, Alice suddenly loses her memory and has no idea where the last 10 years have gone. She thinks she is happily married and expecting her first child, but she wakes up in the middle of a divorce with three children she has no recollection of. She has to pick up the pieces and figure out how how her life got to this point. The book makes you think and has some neat perspective. I liked it and would recommend it to a friend. :)

What have you been reading and loving lately??

Recent Reads: January

I am determined to keep blogging when I can sneak a quick 15 minutes in to write (which is apparently harder than it sounds these days!). So today, it's another recent reads post with my three latest reads. It's been a good month of reading lately because I loved all three! If you're a fellow bookworm, read 'em! :)

Scrappy Little Nobody

By Anna Kendrick

I find Anna Kendrick completely hilarious. I feel like we could be friends in real life, but I also feel like she is way too cool for me. I really like her as an actress and was excited to read her book! It's filled with personal stories about her journey to becoming an A-list actress, and it's just plain funny. If you like celebrity memoirs, you will like this one. I was entertained!

Point of Retreat

By Colleen Hoover

I have been on a Colleen Hoover kick lately and have loved everything she has written so far! I started with It Ends With Us, which was easily one of my favorite books of 2017. Slammed was so good, and this book, Point of Retreat, is the sequel. It picks up with the story of Will and Lake right where Slammed left off, but this one is told from Will's perspective. It's so well written, and you just find yourself really rooting for these characters. I love their love story, and if you like lighthearted "chick lit", you'll love it too. 

The Magnolia Story

By Chip and Joanna Gaines

I have been waiting to read this book since June of 2017! No joke, I was on a waiting list so I could read it for free, and the waiting list ended up being 6 months long. I should have just bought the book so I could read it right away, but there are so many books that I wanted to read, so I didn't mind waiting. I am like every other girl in America in that I love Fixer Upper. I love the dynamic between Chip and Jo as a couple, and I think they are amazing role models for young couples and families. I have told Parker probably 100 times that I wish I could go shadow them for a weekend and watch them parent, because I feel like I could learn a lot that I would emulate with our kids. Anyway, back to the book. I loved it. It's the story of how their empire came to be. They start from meeting each other on a bench outside of Jo's father's store and go all the way to filming Fixer Upper. I loved loved loved this book! Great people, great book. 

What have you read and loved lately?

Recent Reads: November

I may not have been a good blogger in the month of November, but I did get into a few books this month! I read two that I absolutely loved and didn't want to end, and I read one that I never should have picked up in the first place. Here's what occupied my nightstand this month...

It Ends With Us

By Colleen Hoover

Yall, this is one of those books where I was so bummed when it was over. I just loved it! It's about Lily who had a tough life growing up, but everything seems to be working itself out now that she has fallen in love with Ryle. They are happy and perfect, but the reappearance of Atlas, her first love, threatens to change everything and causes her to question everything she thought she knew. I am a new fan of this author because she writes in such a personal way that you can't help but get sucked in. I loved this book and think you will too!

Slammed

By Colleen Hoover

I loved It Ends With Us so much that I picked this book next since it is written by the same author. It again did not disappoint! I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn't put it down. Layken, who just turned 18, moves with her mother and brother to a new state where she meets her handsome neighbor, Will. They instantly hit it off and have the best first date either has ever had. A couple of days later, Layken shows up for her senior year of high school only to find out that Will, who is 21, is actually her teacher. Their worlds are turned upside down as they wrestle with the feelings that pull them together but the reality that keeps them apart. The characters are well developed, likable, and relatable. I loved this one and already have the sequel on my list to read for next month!

Everything I Learned About Life, I Learned In Dance Class

By Abby Lee Miller

Ugh, I kind of hated this book, but it's totally my fault for choosing to read it. I have never been a fan of Abby Lee Miller, but I used to love watching Dance Moms, so I thought I would give it a shot. I was hoping for some fun, behind the scenes moments or back story on how the show got started. There was none of that. Instead, she gives parenting advice (she doesn't actually have kids, so there's that) and repeats herself over and over. I really wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. Not so good, yall. 

Recent Reads: October

It's time for another book review on this little blog! My latest three reads were all really good. I read one book that was light and fun, another that I couldn't stop thinking about days later, and a third that affected me in a way that no other novel ever has. Gosh, that sounded dramatic. Here's what occupied my nightstand this month!

Just Listen

By Sarah Dessen

I have read several Sarah Dessen novels, and they are always light, easy reads that I really enjoy. This one is about a high school girl who goes from seemingly having everything to the girl who has nothing and nobody. Annabel has a dark secret and has had to deal with more as a teenager than most do as adults. She meets Owen, a loner, music-obsessed boy, and the two navigate an unlikely friendship as she works to overcome all she has been through. I really liked this book. It was light but wasn't afraid to touch on real issues. If you like chick lit, read it!

Gone Girl

By Gillian Flynn

I am almost embarrassed doing a review on this because I am convinced I am the last person on earth who had not read Gone Girl, but nonetheless, here I am. I absolutely loved it! It's just a brilliant book with an even more brilliant main character. Amazing Amy seems normal at first, but we quickly realize there is more to her brilliance than what meets the eye. She goes missing, and her plot slowly unravels into what is one of the most thrilling stories I have ever read. If you are one of the latecomers to this book too, read it now!

In Order To Live

By Yeonmi Park

It sounds really dramatic to say this book changed my life, but it definitely changed the way I view my life. This is the true story of Yeonmi Park, a North Korean who fled with her mother to China and eventually South Korea to escape the extreme poverty and inhumane life she had in North Korea. Here is what got me on this: this girl is my age. The things she went through while I was going to school, having birthday parties, going to college... it's absolutely mind-blowing. This is a book I will remember for a long time, and it made me wish that I could adopt a baby from North Korea, but of course I know that isn't an option. Yeonmi is real and honest about her journey, and the things this girl did to survive are nothing short of extraordinary. If you read one book I recommend all year, make it this one. 

Recent Reads: August

It's time for another Recent Reads post on the last 3 books that have occupied my nightstand! I read 3 pretty different books and honestly enjoy each one!

It's Not Okay

By Andi Dorfman

Hi, my name is Chelsea, and I love anything to do with The Bachelor franchise. No shame in my Bachelor-loving game! I watched Andi's season, and like all seasons, thought she and Josh would be in love forever. They broke up, but she turned her experience into a best-selling tell-all for our benefit. She writes about her experience on the show, the exes leading up to "number twenty-six" (she never actually names the men in her book), and keeps it all raw and honest along the way. If you like The Bachelor, you'll like the book. Plain and simple. 

Most Wanted

By Lisa Scottoline

If you've read my Recent Reads posts in the past, you know there have been quite a few Lisa Scottoline books included. I just really love her style as an author. Her books are mysteries but just realistic enough that they have you saying "oh my gosh, what would I do in that situation?". In Most Wanted, a couple uses a sperm donor and becomes pregnant. They then see that sperm donor on TV being arrested for serial killings, and thus unravels a mystery and thriller about uncovering the truth. I love all of Scottoline's books, and this was no exception. 

Bloom
By Kelle Hampton

Kelle Hampton is a lifestyle blogger who became really popular after opening up about her journey with her daughter, who has Down Syndrome. She went through her entire pregnancy thinking her daughter was perfectly healthy and then learned she had Down Syndrome minutes after she was born. She is open and honest about her journey to accepting and loving her daughter for who she is. I appreciated how candid she was. There were moments in the story where I wanted her to be more positive, but I've never walked that journey and can't judge how she handled it. This was a quick read, and I enjoyed it.

What's something you've read and loved lately?

Recent Reads: June

I feel like a liar calling this post "Recent Reads: June" because it took me 6 months to finish 3 books. Let's chalk it up to the I-had-a-baby-and-stopped-having-time-for-anything-else excuse. I think that works here. Regardless, here are my three latest reads and thoughts on each!

The Perfect Letter

By Chris Harrison

Being the unapologetic Bachelor fan that I am, it was only a matter of time before I read Chris Harrison's book. It's a fictional novel about a woman with a secret, an innocent man who took the fall out of love, and the person trying destroy them both. I actually really enjoyed it. It's well written and had me entertained from the get-go. There's also something funny about reading it and knowing Chris Harrison wrote it. We've seen him host more seasons of The Bachelor than I can count, but apparently, he's a pretty good writer too. I recommend this one to a friend!

Instant Mom
By Nia Vardalos

This was easily my favorite book I read this month! Nia Vardalos is the star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, so I love her from that role. She wrote a book about her struggle with infertility and journey that eventually led to adopting her daughter from the foster care system. She adopted her daughter at the age of 3, and she writes an honest, candid picture of what that looked like. I think we can have a tendency to romanticize adoption, and I think it's a completely amazing process, but I liked that Nia wasn't afraid to share about the hard parts as well. I really want to adopt a child one day, so I loved this book.

The Hating Game

By Sally Thorne

This is a really popular book right now with high ratings, so I expected to love it. I just... didn't. I thought it was cheesy, beyond predictable, and just under written. It's about a man and a woman who work together and hate each other. But as time goes on, maybe they don't hate each other after all? You can probably predict how it ends. I was just a little bored by it, but everyone else seems to love it, so give it a read and let me know what you think. 

Book-loving friends: Anything you recommend? I'm shamelessly loving celebrity memoirs these days, so send your favorite suggestions my way! :)

Recent Reads: December

I remember when I used to review 3 books a month on this little blog. I think it was July or August that I last did? Clearly, I have been slacking! I told myself I would become a full on bookworm when Parker deployed, and for some reason, the opposite happened. I had all the time in the world and dedicated it to the ever productive... wait for it... Netflix. It happens, yall.

I did manage to finish 3 books to review for December though! I loved every single one and am so excited to share them with my fellow book lovers. All different genres yet equally enjoyable. So, here we go!

Look Again

By Lisa Scottoline

Lisa Scottoline is probably my favorite author right now. She writes novels about nightmarish things happening, but every situation is realistic and forces you to put yourself in the character's position and say "What would I do?". In Look Again, Ellen receives a missing child card in the mail with a picture of a baby that looks strikingly like her son. She knows her adoption of him is legal and right, but she still can't shake the fact that something is off. As she dives into the mystery, she uncovers more and more details that will ultimately put her in an unthinkable predicament: tell the truth and risk losing him forever or hide and hope nobody finds out? This is the kind of book that had me hook, line, and sinker, and I can't recommend it enough!

The Knockoff

By Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza

This was such a fun, enjoyable read. It's about a fashion magazine's editor in chief who is somewhat of an icon in the fashion world. When she returns to work after a leave of absence, her magazine has been taken over by her old assistant, and nothing is the same. She is forced to adapt and deal with this young, entitled girl's way of doing things while still maintaining what she values most about the magazine. It's such a fun story and would make a really good chick flick! I loved it!

December Caravan

By Rebecca Vandemark

This third book is a collection of short stories written by my sweet friend and fellow blogger, Rebecca Vandemark over at Caravan Sonnet. Rebecca gives a raw and honest glimpse into her life, starting with the abrupt ending to her engagement and navigating through various health issues that have come up along the way. She has been through more than most ever have to deal with, yet her faith and love for the Lord is evident and encouraging throughout the book. It's a quick read that will leave you feeling uplifted and grateful for a God that loves us no matter what life may throw our way. I enjoyed it!

Have you read anything nightstand-worthy lately? I'd love to hear!

Recent Reads: August

It's been a while since I did a book update, so I see no time like the present to start that back up again! I figured I would be a reading maniac this summer with so much time on my hands, but the opposite happened. It took me a whopping three months just to read three books, but I enjoyed them all and am excited to share with yall today!

Dancing Through Life

By Candace Cameron Bure

Big thanks to my friend Bailey for letting me borrow this book! I loved Candace on DWTS and of course grew up watching Full House, so I knew I would love this book. Candace is a strong Christian and makes it known in the way she carries herself and lives her life. I loved watching both she and Sadie Robertson on DWTS because they executed every dance beautifully without compromising their morals. This book is a journey through her time on DWTS and how she let her faith guide her through the ups and downs. It was a quick read that I really enjoyed!

The Last, Best Lie

By Kennedy Quinn

I really thought this was going to be a slam dunk for me. I love suspenseful spy books with a strong female lead, and this book had all of that. Unfortunately, the writing was just a little too cheesy for me to get into. The ending had me hooked, but I had to fight through the rest. I so wanted to love it, but it just fell flat for me. 

Through Deep Waters

By Sarah Sundin

This story is just a sweet one that will give you all the warm fuzzies. He is a handsome Naval officer, and she is a shy, humble lady who hates attention and the limelight. They form a deep friendship until it eventually leads to something more. Due to outside circumstances, neither can tell the other how they feel, and the story builds from there. The characters are both so naive, so genuine, and so pure in their intentions, and it was a sweet story. Overall, I really enjoyed it. 

What's your favorite recent read?

Recent Reads: May

May was a good month for reading! Spring and Summer are for happy books in my mind, so that's exactly what I read! Well, technically I read 2 and listened to 1. When it's a book by a funny celebrity, it must be listened to for maximum effect. Am I right? Here's what kept my nightstand (and car radio) occupied in May...

Bossypants
By Tina Fey

Tina Fey is just funny, so when I picked up her audiobook to get me through a roadtrip, I expected nothing less than pure entertainment. And that's exactly what I got! Her book is random yet held my attention the entire 5 hours and had me laughing along the way. If you like books written by a comedian, this one is a must-read. #TeamTina

Spring Fever
By Mary Kay Andrews

This was my first Mary Kay Andrews book, so I was excited to check it out and see what all the fuss is about! The story follows divorced couple Annajane and Mason who have both moved on and appear to be happy in their respective relationships. Fate intervenes, and they slowly realize they might just have a second chance at a fairytale. It's sweet and fairly predictable, but it made a good Spring read. My only complaint is it was a bit lengthy for the story.

I Said Yes
By Emily Maynard Johnson

I love a good memoir from a past Bachelorette! That franchise has me hook, line, and sinker for life, so I might as well own it and read the memoirs! I've always loved Emily and was so excited when I won Ashley's giveaway for this book! Yall, I absolutely loved it! I read it in just a couple of days and was so sad when it was over. She is honest and raw about her journey losing her fiance and then having two failed relationships on national television before finding her now husband. She shares how her faith grew and strengthened through each trial and gives the glory to God for it all. It was such an uplifting read and I couldn't recommend it enough.

That's recent reads for May!

Recent Reads: April

April provided plenty of opportunities to read, and I wasn't complaining one bit! I managed to read a few more than 3 books, but I like doing these reviews in 3's, so I'll save the extras for next month. 

This month, I discovered Ellen Degeneres audiobooks are thoroughly entertaining and remembered that Lisa Scottoline can do no wrong. Here's what occupied my nightstand this month...

Come Home

By Lisa Scottoline

I think I might have a new favorite author. I read and loved Scottoline's Keep Quiet a few months back and loved Come Home just as much. The story was interesting, hard to predict, and had the perfect number of twists/turns along the way. It's a suspense novel where a woman's ex-husband seemingly commits suicide, but as she delves more into it, things just aren't adding up. I gave this 5 stars and definitely recommend it! It was easily my favorite book I read this month. 

Seriously...I'm Kidding

By Ellen Degeneres

I listened to this as an audiobook on my long drive to Jacksonville. It's actually a very quick read/listen and was over in about 3 hours. I can only speak to the audio version, but because it was read by Ellen Degeneres, I think that added to the humor of it all. It was quite the random hodgepodge of anecdotes, advice, and ramblings, but honestly, Ellen Degeneres could read the dictionary and make it funny. If you're looking for a book with a point or some sort of lesson at the end, this isn't for you. However, if you're looking to be entertained, this book will do just that. 

Can You Keep A Secret?

By Sophie Kinsella

This was my third Sophie Kinsella book after The Undomestic Goddess and I've Got Your Number. I enjoyed the other two more than this one, but this still kept me entertained. The plot centers around a woman who spills every little secret she has to a stranger on a plane on the verge of crashing. The plane doesn't crash, and the stranger ends up being the CEO of the company she works for. It was fun to read, but I wasn't too obsessed with the plot itself. It was just a little underwhelming for my taste. 

What did you read this month?

Recent Reads: March

It feels like it's been a while since it was book day on the blog, but these are always some of my favorite posts to write. I love talking books with people (my high school self is calling my current self a nerd right now), and I love suggestions on what to read next!

I read three pretty different books this month: one I liked okay, one was good but drawn out, and one was maybe my favorite book I have ever read. Here's what covered my nightstand in March...

The Girl On The Train
By Paula Hawkins

This book came highly recommended from just about everyone. I feel like it took me a while to get into, and I expected with a thriller like this one to be sucked in from the beginning. Once I was into it, I enjoyed it. I couldn't put it down at the end, but I did struggle to pick it up during the first half. The storyline also made me sad, which I think was the intent. The main character is an alcoholic, and while the author did a good job conveying such raw and real emotions, it was definitely depressing. I would love to hear your thoughts on this one!

The Royal We
By Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

This one also came highly recommended by the rest of the world. It was definitely enjoyable and a really fun story. It is told from Bex's perspective, your normal, every day American girl who falls in love with a prince. It felt like a real glimpse into how Kate must have felt falling in love with William and all the hooplah that came with it. Great story, but man it felt like it went on forever! That was really my only complaint. Other than that, it was a sweet read and a fun story.

Wonder
By R.J. Palacio

I could write a whole post on just how much I loved this book, and it still wouldn't do it justice. Yall, it was easily one of the best books I have ever read! It's about a fifth grade boy named Auggie who is severely deformed in the face, but all of his mental capacities are in tact. Different chapters are told from different points of view, so you get to hear about his life from Auggie himself, his sister, and a few of the kids who befriend him.

The thing I loved so much is that, through his story and encounters, you realize he is a normal kid just like everyone else. If this had been a movie, I don't think it would have been nearly as powerful. They give you a few ideas of what his face looks like but really let your imagination create whatever picture it wants. Since you aren't staring at an image of his deformed face, you end up focusing on his character and the feelings he expresses. Yall, it was powerful. I think every kid should read this and every adult should too. I cannot recommend it enough.

Recent Reads: January

It may be a new year, but some things never change. It's books, books, books around here! I have gotten to the point where I genuinely get so excited to finish a book because it means I get to dive into another. Thankfully Parker shares the reading enthusiasm as well. One of our favorite things to do at night is curl up in bed and read. Old married couple, party of one. I don't hate it!

I read 3 fairly different books this month and am excited to share my thoughts with you today! One I thought was just okay, one I really liked, and one had me literally laughing. out. loud. Let's get to it!

I've Got Your Number

By Sophie Kinsella

This is my second Sophie Kinsella book (I read The Undomesticated Goddess last year). I really enjoy this author and know I can count on her for some good quality chick lit. I've Got Your Number did not disappoint! The plot was sweet and original and only mildly predictable, which is usually a win when it comes to chick lit. I liked this one a lot and would recommend to a friend!

Yes Please

By Amy Poehler

Oh. my. gosh. To start, I think this is the first book I ever found myself laughing out loud to. I am a big Amy Poehler fan, which I am sure helps, but her book is such a standout. It's funny and honest, and I actually tried to read it more slowly so it would last longer. I think I was driving Parker crazy because every 10 seconds I said "Oh my gosh, let me read you this line!". She talked about her time on SNL and Parks & Rec and even dove into her personal life, making it all hysterical as only Amy Poehler can do. It's January and I already know this will be one of my favorite books of 2016!

Paper Towns

By John Green

This one is tough. I really, really wanted to love it. Since The Fault In Our Stars was my overall favorite book of 2015, I had high hopes for John Green's other bestseller. Maybe I put it on too high of a pedestal, but I just wasn't obsessed with Paper Towns. It was entertaining enough, but the plot left something to be desired, and it ended very abruptly. I just couldn't help but feel a tiny bit disappointed in this one. Did anyone else feel this way?

That's a wrap for January! We'll talk books again with a whole new round of contenders in February!

2015 Favorite Reads

Hello, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones! I have missed this little blogging space, but a nice break to spend time with family has been so rejuvenating and much needed. To ease back in, I thought we could all sit down and talk about books today.

I wrote a post about my quest to be a bookworm a little over a year ago. I didn't particularly care for reading as a past time, but I knew I was missing out. Thankfully, all I needed to do was discover a few books to hook me, and I was sold. Now, I will pretty much read anything and everything I can get my hands on! I genuinely look forward to curling into my bed each night to read a chapter of whatever happens to be occupying my nightstand at the time.

So far this year, I've read twenty-eight books this year. Twenty eight. That probably isn't very many to some, but it sure seems like a lot to me! In the spirit of being a self-proclaimed bookworm for one whole year, I thought it would be fun to recap my favorite reads of 2015.

My favorite fiction novel was...

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty was one that had me hook, line, and sinker from the get-go. I love the way she wove different stories together, and my jaw actually dropped as I read the epilogue. Loved this one!

My favorite suspense novel was...

I don't know if I have ever had a book that I just couldn't stop reading quite like Hour Game by David Baldacci. I was on vacation with my family who I never see in an awesome new city, and I just wanted to get back to the hotel so I could read this darn book. It was so thrilling and brilliantly written and easily took the title as my favorite novel in the suspense category. Honorable mention was Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline, because I really did love that one too. Any other year when Hour Game wasn't in the running, Keep Quiet would have taken the cake.

My favorite memoir was...

I read For The Right Reasons by Sean Lowe almost cover to cover on a long flight and never lost interest. He is one of my favorites from the Bachelor franchise, and his book was an honest look at his life and the show that brought him his wife. If you are a Bachelor fan, read it!

My favorite historical fiction novel was...

Finding Rebecca by Eoin Dempsey was the very first book I read in 2015 (Technically, I think I even read this December of 2014. Semantics.), and it has stuck with me ever since. It was raw and real and so well done.

So those were my favorite books by category. I also wanted to pick a favorite book altogether. When I set out to pick my favorites, it took about .02 seconds to decide my favorite book of the year. This book actually brought me to tears, something that comes easily for movies but is no small fete for the written word. I just loved it. I don't usually reread books, but I'll reread this one in the coming years.

My favorite book of 2015 was...

I really can't say enough good things about The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. I read twenty-eight books, and none were as gripping or entertaining as this one. If you haven't read this one, march your rear end to the book store and start reading it now. Yes, this was definitely my favorite book of 2015!

Here is a list of the books I read this year (linked to the reviews I wrote throughout each month)...

Finding Rebecca by Eoin Dempsey
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I Didn't Come Here To Make Friends by Courtney Robertson
For The Right Reasons by Sean Lowe
Where We Belong by Emily Giffin
The One And Only by Emily Giffin
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
The Silent Wife by A.S.A Harrison
The Boy In The Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
Babyville by Jane Green
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
Life Is Beautiful by Sarah M. Johnson
The Making Of A Navy Seal by Brandon Webb
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Flightsend by Linda Newbery
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James
Girl At War by Sara Novic
A Lot Like Love by Julie James
Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
Hour Game by David Baldacci
Double Cross by James Patterson

One year of some good old-fashioned reading is in the books! No pun intended. I am excited to discover some more literary greats in 2016 and share them with you all!