Everything I Read in September
September seemed to fly by as fast as it came, and I am not sad about it! I always joke (but low key serious) that I hate September, because it is grueling to acclimate back to a school schedule. After an incredibly indulgent summer of traveling and sleeping in, the brutal reality of alarm clocks and the most DEMANDING schedule I have ever had at work just really hit me hard. Despite the shock to my system, I still managed to keep reading this month. Books are always a fun escape for me, but sometimes I am just too tired at the end of the day. However, audible made reading so accessible for me, giving me company and entertainment when I am on long trail walks, running errands, or commuting to work. I devoured 4 great books this month, a mix of fiction, suspense, historical fiction, and beach reads. I guess I got a little fix of everything! Ok, let’s get to it!
Carrie Soto is Back- Taylor Jenkins Reid
Hot take- Carrie Soto is Back is Taylor Jenkins Reid’s best book yet! Don’t come after me if you are a lover of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. While I liked the book, I personally found it overrated! Her newest release had a little bit of everything that I found came together to make a great novel— sports, romance, and a story of redemption. I was rooting for Carrie the entire book to make a comeback in her late 30s and reclaim her position in the tennis world. In the end, she found even more! Trust me- this is a must read!
The Kitchen Front- Jennifer Ryan
This book came to me as a recommendation from my best friend, Devon, who knows me well! I feel like I have read A LOT of historical fiction books based on female protagonists during WW2, and they just leave you feeling depressed. However, that is not the case with The Kitchen Front! During the war, Britons were forced to ration items and food was scarce. A local radio station created a contest for women to compete, yet showcase how they can feed their family with limited items and ingredients. Four women start as competitors, yet through the process, find an unlikely bond and friendship. This was heartwarming!
Hidden Pictures- Jason Rekulak
This may be my favorite suspense book that I’ve read all year! That is saying a lot, since this is my FAVORITE genre. Trust me, Hidden Pictures is just unexpectedly amazing. A young girl comes to stay with a family in the summer and nanny their 5 year old son. While everything seems normal and cookie cutter on the surface, over the course of the summer, Mallory quickly learns that there is nothing normal about the family she is working for!
The Hotel Nantucket- Elin Hilderbrand
Nantucket is an incredibly special place to me, since I have been visiting it regularly with my girl, Nancy, for years! She introduced me to this special island and it truly is a gem. I can’t believe this is my first Elin Hilderbrand book, who primarily writes about the island where she is a famous resident. When I saw The Hotel Nantucket featured on Book of the Month, I figured I would give it a chance, even though beach reads are usually a little too cheesy for me! While the book is a story about the refurbished, elegant Hotel Nantucket and how a legendary ghost story impacts its opening, I primarily loved the story due to all the references to my favorite Nantucket restaurants and beaches. Even if you haven’t been to ACK, this is a great, light read!
This was another month of all great reads! I promise I am not exaggerating— I would recommend any of these books. I spend way too much time reading book blogs and getting recs, but it pays off. My books choices lately have been spot on! Happy Reading!
xoxo, L
As always, thanks to my BFF, Andy Hook, who enables my audible habits with supplying me all the credits I want to read!