Another month, another book list!
Life has been lifing lately, so I feel good about every book I manage to finish these days, however few that may be. Thanks to audiobooks, I’ve still been able to fit some really good stories into the chaos (side note: why do people say “whenever it slows down in the summer”? It never slows down, we’re all just busy with different stuff!).
Today’s round up includes a some nonfiction, some contemporary and historical romance, and a dash of fantasy. Let’s get started!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I might make some extra coffee money at no extra expense to you if you buy something through one of my links. Read more about that here.
Just Finished:
I listened to this book by a professional poker player about making better decisions, and it was fascinating. I took notes, y’all. I almost never take notes. She goes into the science behind things like confirmation bias and why a bad (or good) decision doesn’t necessarily signal a bad (or good) outcome. She doesn’t a great job of explaining everything in a really accessible way with some interesting stories and examples from her life. Definitely recommend, especially if you have any big decisions coming up!
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Volume 7
Can I just say “if you know, you know” and leave it at that? I’m afraid to say too much lest I spoil any of the best parts, but just know that I am nearly as invested in Emma’s life as I am in my own. She and all her sundry companions are a hoot and half as we say in the south, but there are also so many sweet or poignant moments that balance the story and make you feel for each character.
In Progress:
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking
I love to cook, bake, and eat almost more than I like anything else except maybe books. I’m kind of a kitchen nerd in that I like trying to learn new skills and techniques, and expand my menu. One year, I set a resolution for myself to try at least a dozen new bread recipes. This book has been on my radar for a long time but it wasn’t at my library and hardbacks are expensive, you guys. Jump to my 11-year-old daughter becoming my hero when she actually found a copy that my library had purchased and put it in my hands excitedly because she knew I’d been wanting to read it. I’m only a few pages in, and I’m taking it slowly because I want to absorb as much as I can about the science of cooking and how to combine the key elements the author has identified to level up my recipes.
I’ve been seeing this book on #bookstagram for months, and it sounded fun so I decided to give it a try. When Amelia goes on a date with someone she met online, she ends up at the wrong table—and right in the middle of an FBI investigation. The night ends with best kiss of her life, even if it was a mistake, but it’s not the last she’ll see of Agent Caleb Harris. Shenanigans and romance ensue, and so far I’m enjoying this funny, fast-paced mystery rom-com.
When your 13-year-old tells you she didn’t return her audiobook on Libby because she wants you to listen to it next, you bump it to the top of the queue. This is a YA fantasy with some light romance about a young woman whose mother is under a curse, a young prince whose sister has recently been affected by a similar affliction, and the journey they go on together and apart to try to find a cure. It’s got some Cinderella-esque vibes and good world-building that gives you a clear sense of place. I’m finding it to be very wholesome without being inane (though I have to admit that some of the plot points might be a little predictable for someone who’s been reading for thirty years). With the caveat that I haven’t finished it yet, I still feel comfortable recommending it for young readers who want a great story with lots of plot and mystery, but don’t want any questionable content. FYI, I’ve read other Sara Ella books, and she’s great for this! Definitely check her out for your teen reader.
Up Next:
I have no idea what this book is about, but I know my sister gave it to me for my birthday and it has a beautiful cover. That was enough to jump it up to the top of my physical TBR, and I’m going to read it soon so I can discuss it with said sister who bought herself a copy too. The blurb online says “The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in What the River Knows, Isabel Ibañez’s lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt and filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.” I absolutely can’t wait to dive in. You should also know that the copy she gave me has gorgeous sprayed edges, inching her toward sister of the year. And I have four sisters, so competition is steep and every advantage matters.
Courtney Walsh is an easy yes for me. If she writes it, I will read it, and I’ve got her newest book queued up on Spotify to listen to this week. This one promises to be a sweet, clean romance with an older (forties instead of the typical twenties) protagonist who is reinventing and finding herself after her life crumbles unexpectedly. Courtney writes with so much humor, heart, and compassion that I’m always sucked into her stories immediately. She makes you care about her characters and always manages to teach you something about being human while making you laugh at the ridiculous parts of life.
I’ve read two other books by this author, and both times I absolutely adored the characters, the historical atmosphere, and the hilarious banter. This sweet, clean Regency romance follows Oliver, who takes it upon himself to play matchmaker for family friend Cora, unaware that Cora has harbored unrequited affection for him for years. Will these two be able to overcome the challenges that have kept them apart before now? I’m going to bet that they will, which is the whole reason I’m going to read it.
Leave a Reply