Every Book I Read in 2024 So Far
Here’s everything I’ve read so far in 2024!
The 52 Book Challenge of 2024
33. the RaChel Incident
A love story between two best friends and their leaky Cork apartment in 2010.
- Author: Caroline O’Donoghue
- How I Read: Physical
- Category: Fiction
- Location: Cork, Ireland
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
I feel like I can describe this plot and it wouldn’t sound particularly compelling, but of all the books I’ve read this year, this one is sticking to me like super glue. As someone who took a whole class on the Irish novel in college, this really is a true, modern Irish novel. Its time period, told in flashback to 2010, is so specific to both place and time that the plot really could only happen in this moment.
Rachel and James are such flawed, messy people with flawed, messy relationships but their heated, close friendship with each other feels so real. I’m not surprised the author based James off one of her best friends. Despite my life looking NOTHING like Rachel’s in 2010 or even 2014 when I’d have been her age in this book, I really related to her character’s kind of helpless messiness. I was the same kind of mess at 21 and, frankly, I would’ve probably made the same exact decisions she made if I was in her situation.
IDK, you really just have to read it and let me know what you think! I can’t wait to read the rest of O’Donoghue’s novels.
32. It’s Not You, It’s Me
Delia Moss finds her perfectly average life upended when she proposes to her long term boyfriend only to discover he’s been cheating on her.
- Author: Mhairi McFarlane
- How I Read: Audio (Spotify)
- Category: Women’s Fiction/Romance
- Location: Newcastle & London, UK
- Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
An early Mhairi McFarlane book! This was such a fun read, and I feel like a genuinely realistic look at how someone would handle her relationship with a partner of over a decade after he’s cheated on her. There’s that classic, kick-in-the-butt to restart her life and also a very real look at just how difficult it would be to move on. And, as always, there’s a crew of quirky characters that just make the plot so fun to read.
31. The No-Show
Three women are stood up on Valentine’s Day by the same man…
- Author: Beth O’Leary
- How I Read: Physical (Borrowed)
- Category: Women’s Fiction/Romance
- Location: Winchester & London, UK
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
This BOOK! I really have to give kudos to Beth O’Leary because she manages to spin the best stories from the strangest concepts (my introduction to her was The Flatshare). For about half this book, I kept wondering how on earth I was going to not hate the main guy, Joseph Carter. I briefly guessed the twist but I wasn’t 100% sure and just figured I’d keep reading and get there eventually.
The twist, man. UGH. I loved each of these women’s stories and arcs. I probably related the most to Siobhan but Jane and Miranda felt just as real. I won’t say much more but one of the quotes mentioned tearing your heart out, and I remember thinking, “Okay, huh?” But THEN MY HEART WAS TORN OUT. So, there you go. Read with that warning in mind.
30. Iron Flame
Sequel to Fourth Wing, so no spoilers here!
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- How I Read: Physical (Borrowed)
- Category: Fantasy
- Location: Basgiath in Navarre & Aretia
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
O M G. I know a few people who thought this book was a slog but I have to disagree. Do I think it could’ve easily been two novels? Absolutely. Am I glad I basically got to read two books in one? Absolutely. Just like with Fourth Wing, there’s really no moment of calm in like 600+ pages. I would say the only parts that got a little annoying where Xaden and Violet’s romantic issues. They didn’t really make that much sense to me. Also please just give this man a moment of peace, good lord.
And the ending??!! AHHHH Cannot wait for Onyx Storm.
29. Husbands & Lovers
When her son needs a kidney transplant, Mallory Dunne must both confront her mother’s previously unknown past and her son’s father, who happens to now be a world famous musician.
- Author: Beatriz Williams
- How I Read: Physical (Gifted)
- Category: Historical Fiction/Romance
- Location: Fictional Winthrop Island, Provincetown, RI, Cairo, Egypt, and Galway, Ireland
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
I swear to God, Beatriz Williams books are pure candy to me. If left alone, I feel like I tear through them in under 24 hours, and I still don’t really know how. I love her books and the worlds she creates, and Husbands & Lovers is no different.
How she somehow combines the Brits in Cairo in the 1950s, a mushroom poisoning, Magdalene Laundries in Ireland, Hungary during World War II, and present day summery New England is beyond me but she does it in a way that both makes sense and leaves me wishing I had about 200 more pages with these characters.
28. You Belong With Me
A sequel to Who’s That Girl? so no spoiler here!
- Author: Mhairi McFarlane
- How I Read: Kindle
- Category: Women’s Fiction/Romance
- Location: Nottingham, UK
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
I mean – we’re not surprised that it was Elliot Owen knocking on Edie’s door at the end of Who’s That Girl?
Reading this book felt really refreshing because it felt like I was genuinely reading a romance novel where the main characters actually acted like adults. SHOCKER! Maybe because the characters were in their thirties?
I don’t know how to explain it but I just loved that despite the whole premise being that Elliot is a major star, it felt grounded and realistic in how two people that genuinely loved each other would approach a relationship. I liked seeing how they navigated the weirder and more invasive parts of Elliot’s fame as well as how they both could be insecure in a long distance relationship.
Anyway, if this ever gets turned into a movie and they Americanize it, I vote Glen Powell to play Elliot.
27. Who’s That Girl?
When the groom kisses Edie at his own wedding and destroys her life in London, she takes a job interviewing celebrity Elliot Owen and flees home to Nottingham.
- Author: Mhairi McFarlane
- How I Read: Kindle
- Category: Women’s Fiction/Romance
- Location: Mainly Nottingham, UK
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
No secret, I am here to spread the word of Mhairi McFarlane! As I always mention, she gets sold as romance but she’s more a blend of women’s fiction with varying bits of romance. What makes her books so compelling is that she usually tackles a sort of important life or social issue in a way that feels cathartic. And, of course, along the way there’s plenty of witty quips, a fun group of characters, and a little touch of romance to sweeten things.
ANYWAY – this is one of her earlier novels! She recently came out with a sequel, and because I was in Europe, I wanted to pick it up early since it won’t be out in the US until September. I wound up buying this on Amazon because I could not for the life of me find it in any bookstore after spotting it in the Bergen Airport and deciding to wait to buy because it was like twice the price (#norwayproblems).
Edie might be one of my more favorite McFarlane characters! One of the big issues is the way she’s unfairly villainized while the man that kisses her at his own wedding is almost instantly forgiven. It’s a little more romance-y which I also enjoyed because her rapport with Elliot is funny and very cute. They also have parental issues which kind of dictate their motivations and attitudes, and it’s nice watching them both work them out through the novel.
Of course, I immediately jumped into the sequel and have it with me as I write this post.
26. The Paradise Problem
Anna and Liam pretended to get married for cheaper dorm housing. Five years later, he’s asking her to continue to pretend to be his wife so he can inherit millions of dollars.
- Author: Christina Lauren
- How I Read: Audiobook (Spotify)
- Category: Contemporary Romance
- Location: Fancy Private Island near Singapore?
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
You know, I’ve read four Christina Lauren books now, and I think where they shine best is when they just lean into the whackier concepts. I didn’t love Love & Other Words but I thought The Un-Honeymooners and Something Wilder were absolute hoots. The Paradise Problem falls into the latter because it’s such a goofy, unrealistic concept, I had fun falling into the plot and the characters.
25. This Summer Will Be Different
Prince Edward Island. A best friend. A best friend’s brother. A runaway bride.
- Author: Carley Fortune
- How I Read: Physical
- Category: Contemporary Romance
- Location: Toronto & Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
I liked Fortune’s writing in Every Summer After but I wasn’t crazy about how the plot went, so she wasn’t on the top of my TBR list this year. However. HOWEVER. If there is one location you could use to sucker me right in, it’s Prince Edward Island. I’m finally, FINALLY going this year, but this little island has been at the top of my list since I was a middle school girl opening Anne of Green Gables for the very first time.
This book is so delightfully perfect; I’m not surprised that when Fortune starts off her acknowledgement section, she says, “Fun.” Because this book is that – fun. The romance between Felix and Lucy? Kicking my feet and giggling. The friendship between Lucy and Bridget? Love, love, love. Every single way PEI is woven into the plot and story? BRB gotta go star locations on my Google Maps.
UGH I want to live in this book!!!
24. How to Murder Your Life
A story of addiction, fashion, and 2000s NYC.
- Author: Cat Marnell
- How I Read: Physical
- Category: Memoir
- Location: Bethesda, MD & NYC, NY
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
This. Book. Is. Everything. My friend, Lisa, recommended and lent me her copy along with Fourth Wing, and I became obsessed with Marnell’s writing. She is also just so ridiculously charming, I can’t even hate on her even though I absolutely should!
On the one hand, I loved, loved, loved getting more about the fashion magazine world at a time when I, a suburban teenager, was gobbling them up like they were my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I probably read countless of her blurbs and articles without ever realizing it. (Fun Fact: fashion magazines are how I got into blogging – I literally could not get enough and turned to the interwebs for more).
On the other hand, this is an extremely stressful warning against drug addiction. Even when Marnell’s life seems like the kind of crazy, glamorous NYC life I dreamed of, it always felt like one step from teetering off the edge. I’m shocked she’s alive to be honest, but I am very excited for her follow-up memoir.
23. Fourth Wing
Violet Sorrengail was meant to go into the Scribe Quadrant, but her mother, the top general in the kingdom, forces her into the deadly Rider Quadrant, she’s determined to survive.
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- How I Read: Physical
- Category: Fantasy
- Location: Basgath in Navarre
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
I’ve had Fourth Wing on my list for ages thanks to Booktok and a few friends who said they were obsessed with the series! I mostly dragged my feet because only two books were out, and George RR Martin has permanently damaged my trust in fantasy series. However, I’m catsitting for my friend in Norway, and she has the physical copy, so I decided to read it while I’m here!
This book is a lot of fun. I thought the world building was done really well and while my initial instinct was to eye roll at Violet as a main character, I really enjoyed her tenacity and focus on getting better and better. Also, damn, between this and the last ACOTAR book, I just want to get into like super fit, fighting shape. Started doing kickboxing workouts again bahaha.
Also, yes, Xaden is very hot.
22. A Northern Light in Provence
When Ilse Erlund convinces her boss to allow her to travel to Provence to translate the works of its last living troubador, she’s excited to finally leave her Greenland town for an adventure of a lifetime.
- Author: Elizabeth Birkelund
- How I Read: Physical (Gifted)
- Category: Women’s Fiction
- Location: Greenland & Provence, France
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
When Random House reached out to potentially gift me this read, I jumped at the chance once I read the summary. As you all know well by now, I particularly love stories that can bring a place to life, and this book has done just that with both coastal Greenland AND Provence. Birkelund’s writing is just poetic, I kept describing this book to my friend as pretty. There’s just something really magical about traveling abroad for the very first time, and seeing Provence through Ilse’s eyes reminded me of my early trips in school.
Truly, though, Birkelund made me fall in love with Greenland! Ever since two of my friends visited a few years ago, I’ve been a bit fascinated by the country (heck, I’m pretty in love with the Nordic countries in general), and this book just made me want to visit more. Which is funny because I swear half the descriptions were about the terrible rain and how much Ilse wanted to leave.
The only criticism I’d have is that I wish the third part had been drawn out just a little more. I wish there’d been a little more of Ilse transitioning from her post-travel mooning over Provence to realizing she loves her town and community in Greeland more. But maybe I also just wanted more time with Val, Donny, Beluga, Malu, and Duggan.
21. Just for the Summer
What should be a fun, summer fling gets complicated when family is involved.
- Author: Abby Jimenez
- How I Read: Audio via Spotify
- Category: Contemporary Romance
- Location: Minnesota
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
Jesus what a trauma dump of a novel. It’s like Jimenez wanted to tackle certain family traumas all at once in one book and then used the flimsiest of romantic plot lines to tie it all together. I find insta love to be extremely boring, and the couple themselves were kind of uninteresting. The main female character was too toxic positive Mary Sue for my taste and the guy was… just a guy?
Maybe I’m too cynical for this much earnest romance where both leads have a boat load of baggage. Or maybe it’s just too jam packed of uniquely specific trauma that it just didn’t feel realistic. I need some sarcasm and funny one liners in there too.
(Also I guess I also don’t really enjoy kids being involved in a romance novel!)
20. The Frangipani Hotel
A series of short stories related to Vietnam.
- Author: Violet Kupersmith
- How I Read: Audio via Spotify
- Category: Literary Fiction/Short Stories
- Location: Vietnam and the U.S.
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
This book has been on radar for ages, ever since I put together a list of Vietnamese books I wanted to read. I also saw Kupersmith published a full novel while I was in London, and I figured I’d better start with her short stories before I committed to the full length novel! I honestly wish I had read this instead of listening only because I love the way she writes and I wanted to sit with the words. Each story blends Vietnamese folktales with a more contemporary setting but they all bring Vietnam to life whether it’s the country itself or the diaspora.
Also, like, shout out to another Pennsylvanian author!!
19. Temple of Fortuna
The final installment in the Wolf Den trilogy – this time we finally see what happens when Mt. Vesuvius erupts.
- Author: Elodie Harper
- How I Read: Physical via Doylestown Bookshop
- Category: Historical Fiction
- Location: Pompeii & Rome, Italy
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
UGH this trilogy is going to stick with me for a while. The same way Stephanie Dray’s trilogy on Cleopatra Selene still sticks with me, so will Amara’s story. If you haven’t read this series, read now! Harper did such a good job bringing ancient Rome and Pompeii alive and Amara is such a fascinating character. Now I’m even more annoyed my school trip skipped Pompeii the year I went to Italy!
18. How to End a Love Story
Tied together by a tragic event in their past, what happens when Helen and Grant wind up working together in a writer’s room.
- Author: Yulin Kuang
- How I Read: Physical from The Doylestown Bookshop
- Category: Contemporary Romance
- Location: Los Angeles, CA & Dunollie, NJ
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
Aw man, I was so primed to love this book. I would say I liked it but I didn’t love it, and if I had been the editor, I would’ve recommended streamlining the story more, slowing down the burn, and/or fixing some odd character moments. As a romance it’s fun and gets quite steamy. I wish there had been a bit more with the writer’s room characters and even the show itself but I do appreciate the family tie-ins in New Jersey.
17. A Court of Silver Flames
The fifth installment in the ACOTAR series – this time about Nesta.
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- How I Read: Kindle
- Category: Romantasy
- Location: Night Court in Prythian
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
Nesta has become my favorite character, so I was really excited to get to this novel and read more about her. I’m pretty sure she’s my favorite because the way she responds to things is definitely how I tend to respond to things (anger before sadness), and I enjoyed watching her heal and find her footing. I almost think this could’ve been two books with slightly different edits but I’m not mad about getting a ginormous read.
Also, yeah, this is the book where everything gets very, very smutty. But it a fun way!
16. The House with the Golden Door
Sequel to The Wolf Den, so no spoilers here!
- Author: Elodie Harper
- How I Read: Paperback
- Category: Historical Fiction
- Location: Ancient Pompeii
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
Man, this was SUCH a rough read. Rough as in I absolutely loved it but also felt deeply anxious for Amara for literally the entire novel. She was in such survival mode in the first book, it’s like she finally had some semblance of mild security and she let a lot of her logic fall the way side and let her heart take over. Which isn’t bad but still you just knew nothing was going to go well and when the cards finally fell, it was so hard to see.
I will say I feel like I barely registered Philos as a character in the first book but he was such so, so lovely in the second. It’s nice to see Amara not only experience love but sex where she actually enjoys herself. I’m still absolutely furious with Victoria but she’s also a victim of like a million different abuses so the real villain will always be fuckin’ Felix. Also, Britannica is, of course, iconic.
15. A Court of Frost and Starlight
More of a novella in the ACOTAR series – kind of a cozy read!
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- How I Read: Kindle
- Category: Romantasy
- Location: Velaris in the Night Court
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
If the first three books are more of a trilogy and A Court of Silver Flames is a standalone Nesta book, ACOFAS acts more like a bridge between them. It’s pretty short and takes place around Winter Solstice so has all sorts of cozy, wintry, festive holiday vibes.
I did think it was interesting how she kept Rhys and Feyre’s first person POV and then did some third person POVs with some other characters. I’m not sure I would’ve kept it that way but I’m also three and a half books deep in this series so I also don’t really care.
Also, I don’t know if anyone else noticed it, but I swear most of Rhys’s POV was him being beyond horny. Like damn.
14. Funny Story
What happens when Daphne has to move in with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancé’s ex-boyfriend…
- Author: Emily Henry
- How I Read: Physical Book
- Category: Romantic Comedy
- Location: Fictional Waning Bay, MI
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
I make it no secret on this blog that I freakin’ love an Emily Henry book. She’s a master at combining plot, romance, witty dialogue, world building, and real life challenges into one, sweet story that’ll have you wanting to move to her fictional towns. I feel like I have to re-read her other novels to fully decide where Funny Story falls but I’d definitely have to say it’s near the top.
Daphne’s journey feels so real and heartbreaking and I love that the underlying lesson she learns is to not let a romantic partner absorb her whole life. Miles is sweet and feels real – like I feel like I’ve met many Miles in my life (and all of them, naturally, were taken and/or definitely not interested in me lol). I just love this story and this world and I wish I could send that one scene with Ashleigh to every friend that has abandoned me for boyfriends!!
13. A Court of Wings and Ruin
The third book in the ACOTAR series, so not spoiling anything here.
- Author: Sarah J Maas
- How I Read: Kindle
- Category: Romantasy
- Location: Prythian – All Over
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
A lot of people describe ACOTAR as kind of a trilogy with a bonus novella and then a stand alone novel after that, so I see ACOWAR as kind of the end of the first three novels. I actually can’t believe how much is packed into this novel – like we start with Feyre in the Spring Court and end with the great war against Hybern. SO MUCH HAPPENS.
I was doing pretty good about reading it steadily and then one day I just sat down to read and found myself spending that whole day finishing it. Just know the romance is definitely on the chaste side so, again, if you’re looking for faerie smut, this ain’t it. But I really loved the whole story and the build up to the war as well as the war. Heart in throat for the entire war section
12. the Wolf Den
The harsh life of a slave in Ancient Pompeii’s brothel.
- Author: Elodie Harper
- How I Read: Physical Book
- Category: Historical Fiction
- Location: Ancient Pompeii
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
I really did not expect to be affected by this book as much as I was! It’s a very easy read but the subject matter is a lot. Harper does a really good job writing about it a way that isn’t overly graphic but still, it’s just a lot. I love Amara, the main character, and her perseverance in trying to improve her life anyway she can. I was hooked on how she navigated Ancient Pompeii.
Just a warning the last maybe fifty pages or so are HEARTBREAKING. I’m really intrigued to see how the next two books go but damn. I finished this one and just had to sit with it for a bit.
11. A Court of Mist and Fury
Sequel to ACOTAR – not going to spoil anything that book in this bit!
- Author: Sarah J Maas
- How I Read: Physical Book
- Category: Romantasy
- Location: Prythian – Night Court
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
PHEW! Everyone told me that if I actually enjoyed ACOTAR instead of seeing it as a world building first book, I would love ACOMAF. They were not wrong – I actually can’t believe this is a sequel. SO much happens and SO much is revealed, I don’t even want to write it down here in case someone reads this as a spoiler. If ACOTAR was all about the Spring Court, ACOMAF is all about the Night Court and its main players.
I also just take issue with people calling these books faerie smut. Trust the tension and the pay off is fantastic but I’d hardly call these books smutty, and I do think it does them a disservice! (Although maybe I’m speaking to soon lol). The book is 600+ pages and it honestly feels like a blip that’s how much happens and how well Maas can balance both the story’s pace, introducing new characters, build new worlds, and manage relationships.
Yes, there are some funny idiosyncrasies like the toilet or the way Lucien’s fake eye is always whirring, but honestly that just seems like nitpicking. If you need one more sign to get on the hype train, let this BE IT!
10. What the Mountains Remember
When Belle Newbold returns to the mountains for building of the now famous Grove Park Inn, she finds she must confront her past if she has any hope of finding a place in the future.
- Author: Joy Callaway
- How I Read: Paperback – Gifted ARC*
- Category: 1900s Historical Fiction
- Location: Asheville, NC
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
THOUGHTS
Joy Callaway actually messaged me on Instagram to see if I wanted to read her latest book, and it just seemed like the most perfect timing! I’d literally just gotten back from Asheville, and if you know me, I love the artistry behind grand hotels and homes – especially historic ones.
The best way I can describe this book is sweet but not in an overly saccharine way. The real love story here is the creation of Grove Park Inn, which made a lot of sense when I read that Callaway grew up going here and still visits now. I enjoyed the way she wove details of its construction into the narrative, and now I need to return to Asheville so I can stay here and see its architecture for myself.
The story that surrounds Grove Park Inn is a sweet, very slow burn romance between Belle and her fiancé, Worth Delafield while she grapples with her and her mother’s secretive past in a world full of some of the richest men in America. She’s afraid of falling in love after seeing what it did to her mother after her father’s death so agrees through her stepfather to marry a man she barely knows. Only she actually does start falling for him when they finally meet in person. It’s just a very sweet romance that had grinning giddily by the end!
9. The Fox Wife
A mystery where the detective can tell when someone lies and the woman he’s trying to find isn’t want she seems.
- Author: Yangsze Choo
- How I Read: Audiobook – Spotify
- Category: 1900s Historical Fiction
- Location: Manchuria, 1908
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
Thoughts
I had no idea Choo had another book out until I went on Spotify to find something to listen to. I LOVED The Ghost Bride and The Night Tiger, so I immediately downloaded The Fox Wife. And, just like I loved the other two books, I loved this one. It’s a bit of a detective mystery set during the end of the Qing dynasty in 1908 Manchuria with a heavy dose of fox mythology woven in. The audio narrator also really captures the charm of Choo’s characters really well.
I would say my only wish is that it had a little more romance. Choo’s books are more story with a sprinkle of romance and this was a story with like the smallest pinch.
8. A Court of Thorns and Roses
When a mortal girl kills a Faerie, she gets drawn into their world.
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- How I Read: Physical Book
- Category: Fantasy
- Location: Prythian
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
Thoughts
Alright, y’all consider me buckled in for the ACOTAR journey! It’s legitimately taking everything in me to not speed my way through all the books. I’m here for this fantasy faerie world and the Spring Court sounds like my dream (or maybe nightmare depending on how allergies work). The memes on Tiktok are absolutely cracking me and while I don’t 100% see Rhysand’s appeal, Tamlin’s appeal definitely faded after the first half.
Also I don’t what it says about me but Nesta is already my favorite sister, and I don’t think we’re supposed to totally like her yet. Lucien is my favorite over all, poor guy.
7. If I Never Met You
What happens when your boyfriend uses your life for TV fodder?
- Author: Mhairi McFarlane
- How I Read: Physical Book
- Category: Modern Fiction
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
Thoughts
Back to a Mhairi McFarlane book! This one is actually a bit more romance-y with the fake dating trope. Maybe it’s my age, but I feel like I know so many Lauries who had steady, long term relationships end out of the blue! Laurie and Jamie have really fun chemistry as they fake date their way to him getting a promotion at their law firm and her getting back at her idiotic ex (also at this law firm).
6. The Weaver and the Witch Queen
When two childhood friends reunite to find one’s kidnapped sister.
- Author: Genevieve Gornichec
- How I Read: Libby – Audiobook
- Category: Viking Age Historical Fiction
- Location: Norway
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
Thoughts
Okay, so this tells the story of Oddny (fictional) and Gunnhild (Mother of Kings in Norwegian legends). Essentially they swear a blood oath with each other and Oddny’s sister, Signy, after a wise woman makes an ominous prophecy but no one knows which one.
I was really into the story for maybe the first half and then I hit a wall. I felt like the pace just slowed to molasses and while I don’t mind both Oddny and Gunnhild’s romantic entanglements being a big part of the plot line, it just made the book feel unnecessarily long. It also kind of reads like YA, and I’m just not into YA.
And, yes, the dialogue is pretty atrocious. And, yes, the trans character feels thrown in and highly unrealistic. And, yes, I was hoping this would be more of an epic to get Signy back than a muddling romance with a PG-rated pay off. Apparently the author’s first book is better, so I might give that a try some other time.
5. The Club
Three friends in the nineties create a video game that launches them into the big leagues.
- Author: Ellery Lloyd
- How I Read: Libby – Audiobook
- Category: Murder Mystery
- Location: Island in the UK
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
Thoughts
The Club is something like Soho House crossed with Fyre Festival crossed with White Lotus-esque murder mystery. I feel like it was a glitzy, frothy ride but not particularly memorable? Felt a bit cluttered with all the POVs and, again, hard to distinguish over audio sometimes.
4. The Wife, the Mistress, & the Maid
What really happened to Joseph Crater? The answer might lie with the three women who knew him best.
- Author: Ariel Lawhon
- How I Read: Libby – Audiobook
- Category: 1900s Historical Fiction
- Location: New York City & Belgrade, ME
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
Thoughts
A fictional take on the real life disappearance of Joseph Crater, a lawyer who was also a New York Supreme Court justice in the 1920s. As the title suggests, it focuses on his wife, Stella, his mistress, Ritzi, and his maid, Maria, and how their lives intertwine in the lead up and fall out.
I would recommend reading this one vs listening to it. I don’t know why but I keep mixing up the narrators, and because it’s a bit of a mystery, you need to really focus.
3. Between Us
What happens when your boyfriend uses your life for TV fodder?
- Author: Mhairi McFarlane
- How I Read: Physical Book
- Category: Modern Fiction
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
Thoughts
If you can’t tell, Mhairi McFarlane has quickly gone into my “Would Literally Read Their Grocery List” list of authors. As I keep saying, her books are more fiction with a sprinkle of romance, and this one is no different. I would say this book tackles a few different things with its main lead, Roisin. The first is a relationship that’s gone on too long and might just have some gaslighting involved. The second is issues that face a friend group who may have bonded over something similar back in the day but are now drifting apart as they mature. And the third is addressing the way your parents’ dysfunction may be affecting your present day.
All that’s to say it’s all tied in with a nice little friends-to-lovers romance, a group of friends where each one feels real, and McFarlane’s classic humor. If you like her other books, you’ll like this one too!
2. Windfallen
Two childhood friends and a bohemian house.
- Author: Jojo Moyes
- How I Read: Libby – Audiobook
- Category: 1900s historical and modern fiction
- Location: Merham, England
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
Thoughts
I downloaded this because I needed something to listen to while running. It was available and I generally like Jojo Moyes. As soon as I finished I had to look up when she wrote this and sure enough it’s definitely one of her earlier novels. Like it’s almost good and the writing talent is there but… the storytelling leaves a lot to be desired.
I literally can’t even remember the proper plot or how it ends. It’s a dual story, and I just remember the plot dragging and then just when it was getting somewhat juicy, the book cut to the present. Almost like two semi-complete books in one. I even think some of the plot points didn’t make sense at the end. IDK it was THAT forgettable.
1. Three Sisters, Three Queens
A fictional account of Margaret Tudor’s life.
- Author: Philippa Gregory
- How I Read: Audibook – Libby
- Category: 1500s British Historical Fiction
- Location: Scotland & England
- Shop Local // Buy on Amazon
Thoughts
Please do me a favor. Next time I consider reading a Philippa Gregory book, tell me to not even bother. Especially where the Tudors are concerned. This book is sold as though it’s about Margaret Tudor (Queen of Scots), Mary Tudor (Queen of France/married Henry Cavill’s character from the show IRL), and Katherine of Aragon. You would think with a title that literally says “Three Sisters, Three Queens,” we’d be getting equal attention to ALL THREE WOMEN.
However, this is not the case. It’s all told from first person POV via Margaret, and my word does Gregory’s hatred against strong historical figures continue. She makes Margaret, who is such a badass IRL, sound either whiny, pettily jealous, or high off her own supply. It doesn’t help that this book goes on forever and she’s like this to the bitter end.
Someone please recommend a book about Margaret Tudor that’s actually good. And for that matter for Mary Tudor and Katherine of Aragon!!!
Please do me a favor. Next time I consider reading a Philippa Gregory book, tell me to not even bother. Especially where the Tudors are concerned. This book is sold as though it’s about Margaret Tudor (Queen of Scots), Mary Tudor (Queen of France/married Henry Cavill’s character from the show IRL), and Katherine of Aragon. You would think with a title that literally says “Three Sisters, Three Queens,” we’d be getting equal attention to ALL THREE WOMEN.
However, this is not the case. It’s all told from first person POV via Margaret, and my word does Gregory’s hatred against strong historical figures continue. She makes Margaret, who is such a badass IRL, sound either whiny, pettily jealous, or high off her own supply. It doesn’t help that this book goes on forever and she’s like this to the bitter end.
Someone please recommend a book about Margaret Tudor that’s actually good. And for that matter for Mary Tudor and Katherine of Aragon!!!