May was such a great reading month. So many amazing books were released. Basically, my summer reading list grows larger and larger.
Unfortunately, there is never enough time in the day to actually read and consume every single book available.
A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads only lives once.
George R.R. Martin
Here is a quick round up and rating of each book, in order, I read/listened to in May:
(Many of these books were kindly gifted to me by the publishers and authors. Thank you for your generosity and partnership. Although some of these were sponsored posts, my options and ratings are completely my own.)
On Thin Icing By: Ellie Alexander – Fiction, Cozy Mystery
Book #3 in A Bakeshop Mystery Series
5 Stars / Recommended
If you are new here, it’s time for you to learn about my unwavering love for Ellie Alexander. Her writing style is filled with dialogue and keeps you wanting more the entire read. I constantly rate her books Four and Five stars. In other words, she is at the top of my “auto buy” list. Lastly, she is just an amazing human being and friend. I have gotten to know her over social media and she is one of a kind. If you haven’t read any of her books, I suggest you do so. You will definitely want to add her books to your summer reading list.
In addition, she often has very interactive Instagram stories that you HAVE to check out.
Caught Bread Handed: By Ellie Alexander – Fiction, Cozy Mystery
Book #4 in A Bakeshop Mystery Series
4.5 Stars / Recommended
Thru Hiking Will Break Your Heart – An Adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail by: Carrot Quinn – Non Fiction, Autobiography
5 Stars / Recommended
Calling all adventure and travel lovers – this book is for YOU! Go ahead and add it to your summer reading list now. It’s safe to say this book came into my life at the perfect time. I had just hit a plateau in my health journey at the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. This book and Carrot Quinn really helped inspire me to keep going through such a dark time. It motivated me to come up with a new and improved morning routine filled with fresh air, alone time, and meditation. Furthermore, I will never be able to express how much this book helped me. In conclusion, it still continues to inspire me to be myself and live my best life on and off the trails.
Currently, this audio book is free on Kindle and also available, on Audible, for $1.99.
Click Here to Purchase.
Everywhere Holy: Seeing Beauty, Remembering Your Identity, and Finding God Right Where You Are: Kara Lawler – Non Fiction, Christian
4 Stars / Gifted for a Sponsored Post
Firstly, this book played a huge roll in my new morning routine. It helped me get into the swing of things. Above all, it made me realize that starting my morning with a self care read would help set my mind for the day ahead. Lastly, this book was kindly gifted to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing to feature on a sponsored Instagram book tour by: @tlcbooktours.
Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life by: J Douglas Holladay – Non Fiction, Self Help
3.75 Stars / Gifted for a Sponsored Post
Thank you so much, HarperOne Publishing, @Tlcbooktours, and J Douglas Holladay for sending me this amazingly informative book.
The Jane Austen Society by: Natalie Jenner – Historical Fiction
5+ Stars / RECOMMENDED TO ALL!
Honestly, I don’t even know where to start with this book. First, I’ll say this book was kindly sent to me by the publisher, St. Martins Press, and by @BookSparks as part of their 2020 Summer Reading Challenge Campaign.
I’ve always been a huge Jane Austen fan and had a feeling this book would be enjoyable. Little did I know that The Jane Austen Society by: Natalie Jenner would be my favorite read, so far, of 2020!
Without giving too much away, just know that if you have any room in your heart for Jane Austen, historical fictions, or country sides – this book is for you. Natalie’s writing style immediately scoops you in, leaving you wanting more. In conclusion, I found that the narration of the audio book was just as enjoyable as reading the book alone.
Do yourself a favor and add this book to your summer reading list.
Of Literature and Lattes by: Katherine Reay – Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
3.5 Stars / Gifted for a Sponsored Post
I’ll be honest when I say I’m not really sure that I gave this book a fair chance. It was the book I picked after the read of a lifetime, for me. The first 100 pages were filled with backstory and very little plot development. However, after the first 100 pages, it did start to pick up. Believe it or not, but I actually enjoyed the ending.
I suppose once the book hangover of The Jane Austen Society went way, I really started to enjoy this book.
NOTE TO SELF:
Don’t pick up a highly anticipated summer read until you are officially over the last one.
Thank you, @Thomas Nelson & @BookSparks for this gifted copy.
The Fight to Flourish: Engaging in the Struggle to Cultivate the Life You Were Born to Live by: Jennie Lusko – Non Fiction, Christian, Self Help
3.5 Stars / Gifted for a Sponsored Post
Thank you so much, @Thomas Nelson, Jennie Lusko, and @TLCbooktours for this gorgeous and inspiring gifted copy.
Pride and Prejudice by: Jane Austen – Fiction
5 Stars / YOU ALREADY KNOW!
I’m sure you all think I’m ridiculous, but I HAD TO READ THIS BOOK! Believe me, the hangover that The Jane Austen Society gave me was REAL! I sat outside, on my porch, and read this book in basically one night. Two nights if we’re being more specific. Anyways, no shame in my Jane Austen game!
Fudge and Jury by: Ellie Alexander – Fiction, Cozy Mystery
Book #5 in A Bakeshop Mystery Series
4.75 Stars / Recommended
What else is there to say about my favorite author other than, go out and purchase ALL of her books. Above all, she has more than one series to purchase and binge. You’ll thank me later!
Clearly this was a great reading month for me. Scheduling time, especially as part of my morning routine, has made a major impact. I now have guaranteed time, each day, to detox and travel to another world through my books.
In short, life is good!
I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.
J.K. Rowling
