I currently have 13 books that I’ve read and haven’t talked about yet on the blog. I hesitate to say I’m “13 books behind for review” because it creates unnecessary pressure on me but alas. I haven’t been doing a good job about blogging plus I’m still trying to decide if I just want to do batches of talking about what I’m reading or take the time to do longer book talks. I feel like people don’t really read reviews/book talks anymore and I want to talk about books in a way that lets me get out all my ~book feels~ and a way that is helpful for you guys in finding book recs or someone to commiserate over a book with.
Anywhoooo, here’s some of what I’ve been reading lately! Let me know in the comments what you’ve been reading also!
The Secrets of Wishtide by Kate Saunders
About In A Sentence or Two: The first book in a cozy mystery series featuring a lady detective and widow, Laeticia Rodd.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this cozy historical (Victorian) mystery as I was definitely missing the void of finishing Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries earlier this year. Laeticia Rodd is a fiery lady private inspector and solving this mystery with her is a perfect way to spend a chilly Fall day. I fell in love with Laeticia — she’s clever and thoughtful and just such a wonderful character to follow on a trail of fake identities, love affairs, family secrets, scandals in high society and WAY more! I enjoyed that even though I was turning the pages to unravel this well-plotted mystery I also really loved the characterizations of all the people she encountered.
Rating:
Then I read:
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
About In A Sentence Or Two: A lighthouse keeper and his wife living off the coast of Western Australia raise a baby they rescue from an adrift rowboat.
Thoughts: Oh man, this was one of those books that made me anxious with the scenario at hand. A baby and a dead man drift to their shore and the wife, having just lost another pregnancy, thinks it’s a sign for them to keep her and raise her. Immediately I was like RED ALERT RED ALERT this is not a good idea and the way the whole thing played out tugged at my heart especially when they discover the mother is still out there. I could feel the guilt of the husband. The love and the pain of his wife — even though I didn’t agree with her decision. I felt absolutely horrible for the mother of the child from the beginning and then even more later on. But then, right along side all that messy heartbreaking stuff, is joy when you see the love and happiness. Even when you know it is built on something false. I felt torn so often. A very emotional story that’s for sure! I hope to see the movie because the setting was something I pictured so vividly!
Rating
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
About In A Sentence Or Two:
Thoughts: I had heard lots of things like “OH YOU WILL SOB!” about this and they were right…I did. What a haunting story. I think I might write a post at some point to talk further how this book straight up threw me back in time to when my mom was sick with cancer and all the messy/guilty/complicated/fearful/grief-stricken things that were swirling in my head but yeah…it definitely awoke something in me. The illustrations are incredible and add to the mood of the story. I am just still in awe of this masterful portrait of grief in this coming of age story.
Rating
Have you read any of these? What did you think?! Any of these going on your TBR? Tell me what you’ve been reading!
[This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a very small percentage of the sale that helps go towards maintenance of this site and giveaways and the like — no extra cost to you! I always so appreciate when you shop through these links! ]
Pili @ In Love With Handmade says
You said lady detective in Victorian times and I’m sold! Totally checking that one out!
I’ve been really crappy at reviewing as of late too, the blog only gets updated if it’s a blog tour or something and I have no idea of how to get more motivation to blog back!
Jamie says
I hope you enjoy it!! do you have any other mystery series recs??
And I feel ya…motivation is hard to find!!
Rachel says
I adored The Light Between Oceans and also felt the setting was very visceral. My friend who saw the movie said they took things out so not everything was clear (in terms of Tom/Isabel/Hannah), but that the wide shots of setting were gorgeous. I want to borrow the movie from the library to see how I like it, since the book was so moving and heart wrenching. I haven’t read the other books on your list yet.
Jamie says
Yeah I think it’s def one I want to rent from the library! Will be curious what changes they made!!
Kailana says
I am glad the movie is making more people check out A Monster Calls lately. I read it when it first came out and really liked it!
Jamie says
I’ve been kicking myself that it’s been on my shelf for so long but better late than never! Makes me def want to read his other books I own and haven’t read!!
Becky says
I haven’t read any of these, but A Monster Calls has been sitting on my shelf forever and I just haven’t gotten to it. Oops haha. Right now I’m in the middle of Still Star-Crossed by Melinda Taub – I was curious about it since it’s apparently going to be a TV series. So far it’s pretty good, but I haven’t been reading much in general lately.
Jamie says
Yes A Monster Calls was on my shelf for a while. It was definitely a pretty quick read and I highly rec! I didn’t realize Still Starcrossed was a book! Very excited about the show!!
brunettegirl27 says
MONSTER CALLS <333 I loved that book. It was my first Patrick Ness book and I actually can't wait for the movie.
Lauren @ Bookmark Lit says
I really think a lot of blogs are going the way of book round-ups instead of full-on reviews. I’m definitely a fan of this. It makes life a lot easier!
Kayla @ Tiny Bookshelves says
I have been going back and forth on A Monster Calls for about forever. I don’t know what my hesitation is – but I saw a really awesome special addition at my local bookstore today (yes, I spend my lunch breaks at the bookstore – hah!) and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Chances I go back and get it are about 90% 🙂 I have read The Light Between Oceans and I’m really excited for the movie!
Lindsay says
I thought “The Secrets of Wishtide” sounded like a very promising new historical mystery series when I first read the blurb! I want to request it from the library but I’ve got to get through what I already have checked out first. Library books sure have a way of piling up — I have four holds to pick up today!
I read “The Light Between Oceans” a couple years ago and I enjoyed it (and it’s actually on my TTT list today for thought-provoking historical fiction). I’m excited to see the movie when it comes out on DVD! I can’t imagine living in such a remote, desolate setting and, like you, I’m intrigued to see it presented on screen.
Tiffany says
The Light Between Oceans is really good. I read it a couple of years ago. I missed the film at the theater (didn’t it come out?), but I hope to catch it later.
kristen says
i read your reviews 🙂 i don’t know about other people, but you’re the only one that i do read reviews from, so.. at least there’s me! i don’t write long reviews and they are mostly only my feelings because i am not a good writer of reviews, but that is okay by me. so you do whatever is okay by you!
i’m gonna add The Secrets of Wishtide because you mentioned Miss Fisher.
I read the light between oceans a couple of years ago and i still remember all the emotions.
i am majorly intrigued by A Monster Calls.
Cynthia @ Bingeing On Books says
The Light between Oceans is totally on my TBR! I recently found out it is being made into a movie and I saw the movie trailer. The trailer made me cry so hard so I just knew I had to read the book. Great reviews!
Jessica Spencer says
Anything by Patrick Ness instantly goes onto my TBR list. Lights Between Oceans has such a perfect cover. I need it now. Also, I LOVE your rating scale slider. It’s so adorable!
Stephanie B says
I just started reading A Monster Calls this week and the illustrations really are amazing. I’m hoping that I enjoy this one and that it’s a fast read.