Book Reviews

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

March 26, 2022 by Leah Leave a Comment

Over the years, I have read a lot of books. On this site, I write about all of the books I like. You’ll never see a book on here that I didn’t like. I don’t see the point in writing about something I didn’t like. Just the other day, I finished a book that is probably the best book I’ve ever read. That book is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Since finishing the book, I have talked to three people about the book. Talked about is putting it mildly. I raved about the book and now I want to read everything by Kristin Hannah.

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About The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

From Amazon –

France, 1939 – In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads for the Front. She doesn’t believe that the Nazis will invade France … but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent. When a German captain requisitions Vianne’s home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates all around them, she is forced to make one impossible choice after another to keep her family alive.

Vianne’s sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old girl, searching for purpose with all the reckless passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets Gäetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can … completely. But when he betrays her, Isabelle joins the Resistance and never looks back, risking her life time and again to save others.

With courage, grace, and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah captures the epic panorama of World War II and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women’s war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France―a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.

My Thoughts

Well, as you know, since I’ve already told you, this is the best book I’ve ever read. And the funny thing to me is, this is totally NOT a genre I ever read. Like ever. My husband was surprised I wanted to read it, but I had heard really good things about it and my sister in-law told me it was going to be a movie, so I read it. And I loved it. Like…I couldn’t put the book down, I stayed up way to late many days in a row, loved it. The book has 608 pages, but please don’t let that scare you away. It almost scared me away. I can’t tell you the last time I read a book that long. To be honest, I don’t know if it’s everything that is going on with Russia and Ukraine right now or what, but I was just really into this book. I had learned about everything that went on with World War II, but the way that Kristin Hannah writes about it had me horrified and upset that people had to go through that. Likewise, it made me really think about what people are going through right now in Ukraine. I truly believe this movie is going to be fantastic.

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Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

If you have been following me here or at my other blog, Diaries of a Domestic Goddess, then you know that I love my Kindle. I used my last Kindle so much, I think I wore it out! For my birthday this year, my husband got me the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. This thing is amazing! The reading portion of the screen is bigger…more edge to edge; it stays charged for weeks and weeks; and it has wireless charging and is fully charged so fast! Having a Kindle is really nice for me. It fits in my purse and literally goes everywhere with me. I usually get to my daughters soccer practice about 30 minutes early to insure I get at least 30 minutes of reading a day. But lets be real, I read WAY more than that in a day! If you are looking for a great gift, I would seriously consider a Kindle Paperwhite.

Other Books by Kristin Hannah

When I like a book, I become obsessed with the author (Colleen Hoover anyone?!). I now have a huge list of books by Kristin Hannah that I will start reading once I finish the one I just started. I compiled a bunch below. Please let me know if you have read any and which ones I should definitely read next!

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

March 13, 2022 by Leah Leave a Comment

I’ve read another book by my favorite author, Colleen Hoover. Like every other book I have read by Colleen Hoover, Ugly Love is one I could not put down. I think I read it in about 24-ish hours! You know a book is good when you can’t put it down! With this particular book, I got really invested in the characters. Colleen Hoover does a really good job developing her characters and getting readers to like (or dislike) them.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

Regretting You Ugly Love: A Novel Colleen Hoover 3 Books Collection Set (November 9, Ugly Love, It Ends with Us)

About Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

From Amazon –

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she doesn’t think it’s love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.

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My Thoughts on this Book

I typically read dark books with a serial killer them. However, every once and awhile I need what I call a “brain cleanser” and I read romance novels. When I tell you I was invested in the characters, I felt like I was falling in love right along with Tate Collins. I am a firm believer that when a book can make you feel something, then it’s a pretty darn good book! Ugly Love definitely made me feel something! And if you know Colleen Hoover and have read Verity, then you know that her books typically make her readers feel something!

Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans

Do you Have a Kindle and Kindle Unlimited?

First of all, if the answer is no…GET ONE! Yes I love actual books. I love going to the library and smelling the books, but I don’t have the space to keep the books in my home. With a Kindle Paperwhite (my personal favorite), you can store a TON of books on it and it’s super light and easy to throw in your purse. I don’t know about you, but I spend a lot of my time in school pick up lines, so having a the Kindle with me is a must! If you have a Kindle, you MUST get a Kindle Unlimited membership. The link above gives you your first month free. For such a low price per month, you have so many books to choose from.

What Should I Read Next?

I am always looking for books to read next. What are books should I be adding to my list?

Karen M McManus – One of Us is Next

January 28, 2022 by Leah Leave a Comment

Since being laid up from knee surgery, I have watched way too much tv and read a lot of books. One series I watched on Peacock, One of Us is Lying, was based off the book with the same name. When I basically got to the end of Netflix, I started browsing Amazon and my Libby app for a book to read. That’s when I came across the sequel to One of Us is Lying. One of Us is Next by Karen M McManus picked up where the previous book left off. And it did not disappoint!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

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About One of Us is Next by Karen M McManus

From Amazon –

Come on, Bayview, you know you’ve missed this.

A ton of copycat gossip apps have popped up since Simon died, but in the year since the Bayview four were cleared of his shocking death, no one’s been able to fill the gossip void quite like he could. The problem is no one has the facts.

Until now.

This time it’s not an app, though—it’s a game.

Truth or Dare.

Phoebe’s the first target. If you choose not to play, it’s a truth. And hers is dark.

Then comes Maeve and she should know better—always choose the dare.

But by the time Knox is about to be tagged, things have gotten dangerous. The dares have become deadly, and if Maeve learned anything from Bronwyn last year, it’s that they can’t count on the police for help. Or protection.

Simon’s gone, but someone’s determined to keep his legacy at Bayview High alive. And the rules have changed.

My thoughts

I am totally partial to a series. With a series, you are able to get invested in the characters and I don’t know about you, but I like the familiarity of it all. I initially read the first book in the series awhile ago, but Karen M McManus does a nice job of reminding the reader of what happened in the first book. In no time, I was caught up and completely invested in the new storyline. This book is written by multiple points of view. I really like books like that and I especially like it when the author lets you know at the top of the chapter who’s point of view it was. This YA book is definitely one I would recommend.w

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Why an E-Reader?

I love books. Going to the library or a bookstore is one of my favorite things. However, I don’t have the space to hold on to all of the books I read. Since I have teenagers, I spend a vast majority of my time in a car waiting for them. I like to throw my iPad or Kindle Paperwhite in my purse and take it with me. This way I can read wherever I am. The Kindle Paperwhite can hold thousands of books so you will never be without! I even bought my kids each a Kindle Paperwhite because they are required to have a book with them at school. This can slip in their backpack or binder very easily.

Other Books by Karen M McManus to Read

When I like an author, and I like Karen M McManus, I tend to read everything they write. Other books by this author that you should check out are:

Two Can Keep a Secret
The Cousins
You’ll be the Death of Me
Nothing More to Tell

In 2023, the third and final book in the One of Us is Lying series, One of Us is Back will be out. Go ahead and add the book on GoodReads to remind you when it comes out!

Colleen Hoover – Reminders of Him

January 20, 2022 by Leah Leave a Comment

It’s no secret…I am a huge fan of Colleen Hoover. Verity is one of my favorite books she has written. I don’t typically re-read books, but this book is one that I want to read over again. This book is so popular, that there is a Facebook group to discuss the book. The theories about this book that fans have come up with are crazy! So, when I saw that Colleen Hoover had another book coming out, I couldn’t’ wait to read it. Since I am laid up from knee surgery, I read her latest book, Reminders of Him, in one day. I have nothing by time to read and watch Netflix!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

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About Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

From Amazon –

After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself.

The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them.

The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.

My Thoughts

This book was fantastic! The thing I like most about reading is when a book makes you feel something. A good author allows their readers to feel something by painting an emotional picture with their words. Colleen Hoover does a fantastic job doing just that with Reminders of Him. When a book can make you cry, you know that author has done something right! I started reading this book when I woke up and I didn’t stop (besides to eat and do my leg exercises) until I finished it. It was that good! Like every other book by this author, I highly recommend it.

Regretting You Layla Heart Bones Verity November 9: A Novel It Ends with Us: A Novel Never Never: The complete series

Colleen Hoover on Social Media

When I like an author, I tend to follow them on social media. Colleen Hoover’s Instagram page is one of my favorites. She shares her books, but also shares her humorous side! Definitely check it out! You won’t be disappointed! While you’re there, feel free to check out my Instagram page, as well!

What Should I Read Next?

Being laid up for a long time, recovering from surgery, can take its toll. Thankfully I love to read and literally do that all day long. What I would love is to add a few more books to my “to read next” list. So tell me, what should I add to my list?

Romance Novel – November 9 by Colleen Hoover

November 18, 2021 by Leah Leave a Comment

When I choose my books, I tend to gravitate towards stories with mysteries, serial killers, etc. Typically, if the book scares me, then I will like it. And the funny thing is, my husband used to travel a lot for work. I would read these books while he was gone and yes, I would scare myself! Despite liking more challenging subjects, I also like a good, old fashion romance novel. I refer to them as my brain cleanser after reading something scary! Now, as you know, I am a Colleen Hoover fan. So, when it was recommended I check out another book by this author, I immediately placed a hold on it in my Libby app. November 9 by Colleen Hoover did not disappoint.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

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About the Romance Novel, November 9

From Amazon –

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in Los Angeles together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?

Not a very long synopsis, but sometimes I prefer that. It has just enough to pull me in to read the book, but doesn’t give much away.

My Thoughts on the Book by Colleen Hoover

When this book was first recommended to me, I was kind of not feeling it. I read the short synopsis and it made me think of that Anne Hathaway movie, One Day. That movie wasn’t my favorite. It wasn’t a bad movie, but not one I cared to watch again. However, November 9 was a Colleen Hoover novel. We all know how much I enjoy her books. It’s also a romance novel and I was needing a brain cleansing right about then, so I gave it a try. I’m glad I did. I found the characters to be likable and believable. Nothing annoys me more than not believing and buying into the characters. I know some people say the plot is everything in a book, and they aren’t wrong, but if you can’t buy into the characters, does the plot even matter at that point? While reading, I was waiting for that big OMG moment. There had to be one and boy was there. I think I may have gasped out loud on the airplane. Actually, I know I did! All in all, I really enjoyed this book.

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A Kindle Makes a Great Gift!

My favorite gift I ever got was my Kindle Paperwhite. Being a mom, I am forever sitting in a car line somewhere. With my Kindle Paperwhite, I can shove it in my purse and take it anywhere with me. I always have a few books downloaded on it, ready for me to read. With my Kindle Unlimited membership and my Libby app through our public library, I always have access to books. You can learn more about the Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans here. I’ve had this membership for years and it really is a valuable membership. Right now the Kindle Paperwhite is on sale!

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Be sure to let me know if you’ve read this book. I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Likewise, leave me a comment with a book I should read next!