I ended up finishing up four books in November, just one shy of my goal of five! I read a HUGE variety too, which is just how I like it!
Here’s what I got through last month.
📊 Reading Stats
Books Read: 4
Genres:
Fiction (3): Romance (1) ◦ Horror (1) ◦ YA (1) ◦ Christmas (1)
Nonfiction (1): Memoir
Formats: Print (1) ◦ eBook (1)
Sources: Library (3) ◦ Netgalley (1)
Average Rating: 3.75 stars
📘 The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice
Author: Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, Allyson Charles
Genre: Fiction ◦ Romance
Publication: 2019
Format & Source: Print ◦ Library
Dates Read: October 22 – November 5, 2019
Rating: ★★★★☆
This is an anthology of three romance novellas that center around Halloween and fall, so you know I was all in on this one!
Each story takes place in small town Maine, and they are all very loosely linked. For instance, the bakeshop featured in the first story makes appearances in the others as well, which was a nice nod. The stories were all long enough (right around 100 pages or so) that they felt fully developed. The characters were fun, the romance was magical, and the setting was fantastic. I will also note that for the most part, I am NOT a fan of short stories, but these definitely read more as novellas, so don’t let that deter you if you’re like me.
I absolutely enjoyed my time with this one, as well as last year’s release The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine which also takes place in the same town. I highly recommend these books to all fans of romance and fall! I am fervently hoping that this trend will keep up, and we see another fall anthology next year out of Moonbright, Maine! Also… props for the best book covers ever.
📘 Those Who Came Before
Author: J.H. Moncrieff
Genre: Fiction ◦ Horror
Publication: 2019
Format & Source: eBook ◦ Netgalley (for review)
Dates Read: September 29 – November 10, 2019
Rating: ★★★☆☆
This was an interesting combination of crime thriller and folklore / legend. It also alternated between past and present.
The story starts out with a camping trip at Strong Lake. Reese, a 20-something, is camping with his girlfriend and another couple. He wakes up in the morning to find the rest of them all slaughtered with no recollection of what happened. Rumors swirl around about a Native American tribe who once lived there, and their painful demise.
This novel focuses in on the investigation and suspicion cast upon Reese by a pair of detectives investigating the (very) gruesome murders. Eventually, we also start seeing flashbacks of the lost tribe, which slowly reveals their story and the tragedy that struck them down. The stories begin to intertwine in interesting ways as we learn about the history of the lake, and a mythical creature who may be stalking the campground.
The writing seemed a bit amateur at times, and I found Reese to be a bit more childish of a character than his actual age. It sometimes felt like I was reading a YA book as opposed to adult. However, I thought it was very unique with the historical aspect and the investigation. It dabbles a bit in horror, but reads more like a crime novel.
If you like crime novels and are interested in folklore, this would be a good pick.
📘 Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
Genre: Fiction ◦ YA ◦ Christmas
Publication: 2010
Format & Source: Print ◦ Library
Dates Read: November 10 – 18, 2019
Rating: ★★★☆☆
This was the November pick for my Forever YA book club, and while it was cute, I was a little disappointed. I feel like there’s been a lot of hype for this book, but to me, it was a typical YA romance story.
Don’t get me wrong…. there were some good things about this one, and I enjoyed it overall. For instance, I loved the setting in New York City, I loved the unique way their romance developed via hidden notes and scavenger hunts, I loved the general Christmas feel. The characters were likable too, even if their situations were not quite believable. For the most part though, I didn’t find it to be overly engaging. I also noted that it was slightly outdated (even though it’s only from 2010). As a long time fan of YA, I’ve noticed that some of it trends to YOUNGER young adults, while some of it is veered more toward older teens, young adults, and adults. I would say this one veers on the younger side, which may have hindered my enjoyment a bit too because, ya know, I’m 30 now and all.
I’d say if you’re looking for a quick Christmas read, give this one a go. It was definitely sweet and festive, but it just wasn’t a favorite for me.
Note: this was my Forever YA book club pick.
📘 The Clothes Make the Girl (Look Fat?)
Author: Brittany Gibbons
Genre: Nonfiction ◦ Memoir
Publication: 2017
Format & Source: Print ◦ Library
Dates Read: August 29 – September 8, 2019
Rating: ★★★★★
I’m kind of a Brittany Gibbons fangirl. I discovered her a few years back when her first memoir, Fat Girl Walking, was released and I quickly devoured it. She’s a fellow plus size girl who has worked very hard to grasp the idea of body positivity as someone who is not a size two. Oh, and she’s also hilarious. You can see why I relate, right?
In her latest memoir, she recounts many memories and stories of times when her body and size collided with clothes and fashion.
I’ll just put it this way and say that both of her books have been five star reads for me. She writes about life in a real, honest, and funny way. I relate to her as a mother and a wife, but her frequent writings on being plus size resonate with me the most. She makes me hate my body a little less. She makes me think “oh! It isn’t just me!” She’s hilarious, relatable, and someone I wish I could call a friend.
Empowering and humorous, I recommend her memoirs to every woman I know, but especially to those women who have struggled with weight, body image, and acceptance. I really, really can’t wait for her next book to come out.
🎖️ Favorite Book of the Month
The Clothes Make the Girl (Look Fat?) by Brittany Gibbons
That’s a wrap on this month’s reads — here’s to another great chapter! 📚
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