First Lie Wins (Ashley Elston)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library, and then had to turn my Kindle's airplane mode on so it wouldn't get returned before I could finish it. December was not my best month for reading.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I used an Audible credit to buy the audio version so I could go back and forth, and the narration was smooth and easy to understand. There was some back and forth in the timeline, so I was glad to be able to reference the Kindle version to keep things straight.

I was kept intrigued throughout, and gave it four stars on Goodreads. Very clever story.

Again, I don't remember specifics. It was on par with most modern books as far as profanity and sexual content, I'd say. Nothing extreme that I remember, but not squeaky clean.

Thursdays at Eight (Debbie Macomber)

Why I have this book: I think it was probably on sale for Kindle, and I've enjoyed books by the author in the past. Seemed like a nice, light read.

So I finished this nearly a month after the last book I finished. Part of that was that we had company and I couldn't focus, but part of it was that it was so boring. Maybe it would have kept my attention better had I read it faster. I don't know. 

The other weird thing was that I bought the audio version to help me get through it faster, but didn't realize that it was an abridged version of the book. So weird! Why would a regular length, nothing-special-about-it book need to be abridged? I only figured that out after I had almost finished the abridged audio version (all the while thinking that I didn't know I was so close to finishing the book itself) with only ten minutes left. I then went to my Kindle to finish those last ten minutes, and realized I was reading stuff that hadn't been in the audio version. Anyway... that just made the whole experience even less enjoyable.

Overall, the story could have been great, but I just couldn't get into it. Was it my brain or was it the writing? Either way, I gave it one star on Goodreads.

I don't remember specifics about the moral content as I'm once again writing this weeks after the date I actually finished it. The topics include divorce, affairs, death, cancer...

Sister Wife: A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Finding Freedom (Christine Brown Woolley)

Why I have this book: I borrowed the audio version from the ebook library out of curiosity. I had binged watched the first 16 or 17 seasons when I had covid back in 2022, and then watched another season or two after that. I haven't watched the last two seasons yet. I haven't had the correct streaming service, plus most of the information is online. 

Anyway, Christine narrates her book, and I think she did an excellent job. Her voice is very soothing, and it all sounds conversational and not stiff or awkward. Because I have watched most of the show, I was easily able to picture many of the situations she talks about. It was good to hear that she feels like what is portrayed on the show is pretty accurate and not being manipulated in an unfair way.

I found it interesting and entertaining, and I appreciated hearing her story from her own perspective. I came out of this liking her even more than just from watching her on the show.

I think it was mostly clean. I don't recall any profanity, but if there was, it was mild. She does discuss sex a little bit, but nothing graphic or gratuitous.

Sisters Under the Rising Sun (Heather Morris)

Why I have this book: I borrowed the audio version from the ebook library after a friend recommended it. She remembered that I had read non-fiction accounts of the same WWII events.

I tried to like this. I think I only got maybe 15'ish % through and had to give up. The writing seemed really simplistic and almost juvenile (even though it didn't seem geared toward younger readers) and I was not enjoying it or looking forward to listening again after a break. I reminded myself that I don't have to finish books I'm not enjoying, so I stopped listening and added it to my "Did Not Finish" list on Goodreads with no rating.

What I read was clean, although there was a some description of wartime violence that was hard to think about.

Reasons to Stay Alive (Matt Haig)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.  I had read his book The Midnight Library, so thought this book about his struggles with mental health might be interesting.

I gave this one four stars on Goodreads. It kept my interest and was educational about depression and anxiety. I also liked seeing someone have success even while struggling with mental health issues. He gave some good suggestions and hope to those who might need help with their own struggles.

I'm sure there was profanity, but (oops) once again, I've waited to update my blog and can't remember all the details.

Someone is After LuLu Dupree (Josi S. Kilpack)

Why I have this book: I bought the Kindle edition after learning about it. I've liked some of her other books and was excited to see her return to a modern setting instead of the regency genre she's been in for a while. 

I was sad to only give this three stars. I liked it, but I had a hard time getting into it like I had with her other "cozy mystery" series. This is supposed to be the first of a series, so I'm hoping it will get more intriguing for me.

I thought it could have used a bit of editing to clean it up, and that surprised me with her long history of writing. 

I'll definitely read the next book in the series because I know she is a good writer, and like I said, I have hope it will get better.

Clean.

A Wrinkle in Time (Madeleine L'Engle)

Why I have this book: I borrowed the audio version from the digital library.

I remember that my best friend in upper elementary school loved this book. I don't think I ever read it? I didn't recall anything from the story as I was listening, so if I did read it as a child, it certainly didn't make an impression on me.

Honestly, it's right up there with the most boring books I've ever read. I have no idea how it won so many awards. It was fairly shallow, anti-climactic, and not very imaginative. It was published in the 1960's, so it's at a disadvantage now that we have books like the Harry Potter series in comparison.

I did enjoy the "afterward" by the author's granddaughter that told about her grandma's life. That was way more interesting than the book itself.

I gave this one star on Goodreads.

Clean. Younger kids might find it scary in parts.

The Last Letter (Rebecca Yarros)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library, then bought the audio version because I've been in a listening mode.

What a waste of an Audible credit. I actually didn't finish this book nor give it a rating on Goodreads.

I really don't like books where a couple can't even communicate or be honest with each other. There were some eye-rolling conversations. And what made me quit (around Chapter 12) was the absolutely asinine things he was saying to her when they were starting to make out. Maybe some women find that kind of talk appealing, but I'd probably laugh (at him) and then slap him. Yuck.

Then I read the synopsis/conclusion of the book, and I was fine being done. It seems like an exercise in frustration and sadness.

There was probably profanity. I don't remember. Gross sexual talk. Deals with death.

Great Big Beautiful Life (Emily Henry)

Why I have this book: I saw it recommended a lot online, and I think it was on sale for Kindle?

I neglected to see that the author was Emily Henry, and I know I haven't loved other books of hers. I gave this one three stars. I just finished it three days ago, and I'm having to think really hard to remember what it was about...

Yes, I'm dating this post to the day I finished it. One of these days, I'll start writing my reviews the same day I finish the books.

Oh, yeah. I just remembered what it was about. Okay, I liked the side story (the story of the heiress), but the love story of the main characters just didn't fly for me. I think this was the case in her other books, too, but they fall in love in like three weeks, which is so ridiculous for grown adults. It's sooooooo dumb. And there's more descriptive sex than I want to read, and this one had the bonus of having a whole weird vibe around that situation.

The writing is fine and somewhat entertaining. The three stars are for the side story. Otherwise, I need to make a note to not read anything by this author again.

There was some profanity. The sex scenes were more descriptive than I want to read.

The Trumpet of the Swan (E.B. White)

Why I have this book: I borrowed the ebook because (if I'm remembering correctly), Sharon McMahon said it was one of her favorite books as a kid.

I gave it two stars, and I think one of those stars was because he was the author of Charlotte's Webb, and I wanted to be nice to him.

Also, I think I always thought E.B. White was a woman for some reason.

Anyway, the book bored me to tears. Maybe I would have liked it if I had read it as a kid.

Clean.

The Great Brain (John D. Fitzgerald)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library because I remember reading several of the books in this series while I was in upper elementary school. I thought I'd try them out again.

I was kind of surprised that I only gave this book three stars. I think it would have been four stars except that the last chapter or two dealt with a kid who was going to kill himself because he felt useless after an amputation, and it was handled kind of lightly and even humorously. I think suicide was more rare back then, but nowadays it feels like way too sensitive and serious of a topic to make light of it. I was uncomfortable reading that part, to be honest. At the same time, I recognize that I read it as a young kid, and that part didn't seem to have an impact on me one way or the other. Maybe I've just known too many people who have made the choice to end their lives for it to seem casual anymore.

Otherwise, it's a cute book. The swindler brother was annoying to me at this phase of life, but I'm sure I thought it was funny when I was a kid. (Too cynical now?) I don't think I'll read any of the other books in the series, though. I guess I've outgrown it.

Incidentally, I ended up buying the audio version because I wanted to do some other things while reading. After the last couple of chapters, I wished I hadn't spent the $8'ish on it.

Clean other than those chapters I mentioned, plus there was one other death that I recall. 

I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death (Maggie O'Farrell)

Why I have this book: My friend recommended it, so I bought the Audible version.

The author's voice is so melodic. I do recommended listening if you can.

I gave this one four stars on Goodreads. It made me think about how we take for granted the times we survive the possibility of death. I mean, sometimes it's very obvious to everyone when a life is in danger. Survival seems miraculous. Other times, we don't even realize that we were in a potentially perilous situation or how just a split second change kept us from harm.

I loved listening to it.

Clean. I don't think there were any swear words. There were some mild descriptions of life-threatening situations.

The Shift: 7 Powerful Mindset Changes for Lasting Weight Loss (Gary Foster)

Why I have this book: I bought it years ago on Audible. I don't even know where I heard of it. I hope it was cheap.

It was okay. It was really about having a positive mindset that could apply to any situation. Nothing groundbreaking or new. I'm glad I got through it, though, and have one less book to listen to in my Audible library.

I gave it two stars on Goodreads.

Clean as far as I recall.

Where the Red Fern Grows (Wilson Rawls)

Why I have this book: I borrowed the audio version from the ebook library. 

The timing on this was... notable? It became available shortly before we had to schedule to put our own pup to sleep. I started it before that decision was made, and finished it a day after our little guy was gone.

Very, very sad.

As far as the book goes, the narrator (Anthony Heald) was fantastic. The story was probably more coon-hunting than my interest affords, but I loved the parts about their family dynamics/relationships/love, and of course, I loved the relationship between the boy and his dogs. I loved his hard work and patience and dedication to his dream. 

I didn't like the explanation the parents gave as to why things happened the way they did at the end. It didn't make God seem very fair or loving, and I would think it would make a person question the nature of God if that were the truth.

I gave this book four stars on Goodreads. Even though it made me cry (mostly because of the loss of our Tater-Bean), I'm glad I read it. 

PS. I don't know if I ever read it before. I think I probably saw the movie as a kid? I had my husband read it to our older kids when they were young to give them all an experience/memory... which definitely worked. I'm not sure if it's something they remember with fondness or not since it's so sad! There were many tears shed. I remember coming into the room as the last chapter was being read, and the reader and the listeners were all crying. 

Clean. There is some description of hunting/skinning coons, and there are descriptions of a severe injury of a dog. The story also deals with loss.

Regretting You (Colleen Hoover)

Why I have this book: I've read other books by this author before and really had no interest in reading more, but this one was made into a movie that is opening in theaters soon. It looked intriguing, so I bought it on sale for Kindle, and then the audio version was also on sale, soooo...

Ugh. I gave it one star on Goodreads. So dumb, so cringey. (Btw, that word can be spelled as cringey or cringy. I looked it up.)

Maybe I would have liked it more if I just read the Kindle version because the audio version was not good. The narrator that played the daughter did a good job, but the narrator that played the mother sounded way older than the 34-year-old she was meant to be. Her tone and cadence was not great, either. Just a disappointing portrayal of a relatively young mom. She sounded more middle-aged than young.

And I'm sorry, but men (and teenage boys) don't talk the way these men and teenage boys do. They are characters obviously created by a woman, who were given sensitivity and insight that generally aren't in most of the male species. They hang on as the stable, understanding ones while the women go through all their crises. 

*side note... One reason I don't like fiction audiobooks is that it's very rare for narrators of one gender to be able to voice the opposite gender with conviction. This book didn't get it right. And listen... I wouldn't be able to do it, either, so I get it, but it takes something away from the characters when they don't sound like a realistic representative of their gender.

The teenage daughter was super immature in some ways. I get that she's been through a recent tragedy, but still. Super bratty and annoying. 

Just overall unrealistic and eye-rolling for me.

Some sexual scenes, mild to moderately descriptive. There was probably some profanity, but I don't remember it standing out. (But I'm desensitized.) The story deals with death and dying, and also involves adultery.

Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart: Thirty True Things You Need to Know Now (Gordon Livingston)

Why I have this book: Someone recommended it online, I think, so I borrowed it from the ebook library. It might have been the audio version... (can't remember)...

I think it was the audio version, but I actually didn't finish this one. It was boring and not really inspiring. I don't remember how far I got into it, but I think it was a handful of chapters.

Anyway, it wasn't for me. I marked it as "did not finish" on Goodreads and didn't give it a rating. 

I don't remember if there was anything objectionable about the content.

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot (Marianne Cronin)

Why I have this book: I saw it on a list somewhere online, so I bought it when it was on sale for Kindle. Then my daughter read it and loved it, so I moved it up my priority reads, and ended up borrowing the audio version.

I gave this one three stars on Goodreads. I really liked the overall story, but some of it was confusing to me. The timeline was a bit hard to follow toward the end, but I worked that out.

I felt like Margot's love stories didn't hit home for me. One did and one didn't, so that was disappointing. I did love the friendships and support the characters gave each other.

The story deals with death and dying. No descriptive sexuality, but maybe some profanity? I can't remember. Should I even keep putting these content reviews since I can't remember anything by the time I add it to my blog?

A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy (Tia Levings)

Why I have this book: I heard about it online, so I bought the audio version. 

Wow. It's quite a story. Honestly, there are some fundamental Christian religions in the US that are nearly as bad as some of the most oppressive ones I've heard of from other parts of the world. Maybe not quite as bad in the sense of society endorsing or accepting it, but definitely in the way it is quietly lived within marriages. 

This memoir was difficult to read in parts because of the horrible way she was treated by her husband. It described sickening behavior that was endorsed and encouraged by their church. It talked about how they "trained" their kids with abusive methods (they = the church, although the author did not follow those teachings with her own children, thankfully) because of a book they revered. (Side note: I was actually given this book by someone in my husband's family because another member of the family was using it. I read it and was so disturbed by the abuse it encouraged, and I let the gift-giver know that's how I felt. Sadly, the other family member did use its principles on her own children.)

Honestly, it's sad how religions can twist people's minds into believing and accepting things that are wrong. 

The author is a beautiful writer and did a great job narrating the audio version, as well. She has another book coming out next year that I will probably read. I gave this one four stars on Goodreads, but would have gone with 4.7 if I had that option. It was so close to earning five stars from me.

There was some profanity, descriptions of abuse (including sexual abuse), and a fairly graphic description of a pornographic website. It also deals with illness, death, and suicidal ideation.

The Last Thing He Told Me (Hannah Hall)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from KU since I was doing a three-month trial again. (A trial which just ended today. Once again, I had borrowed several books I hadn't read yet... I love KU, but I also really need to read all the books I own. Same old story.)

Okay, this is the second time I've tried this book. The first time, I didn't finish it because I just didn't love it. I don't even remember how far into it I got before I quit, but I pushed through this time because my friend read it twice and really liked it.

I gave it two stars on Goodreads after I finished it this time. It's just not great. It's unrealistic. I just don't get the hype. They even made it into a series or movie on a streaming service (another reason I gave it a second try), and I really don't understand. Maybe I'll watch the series (yeah, right... I have so many "to be watched" on my list that I never get to!), and maybe that'll help me understand.

Anyway, there ya go. Didn't love. Didn't even really like.

It's been a couple of weeks since I finished this (yes, I'm dating it to the correct date AGAIN), so I don't remember anything about the swearing or sexual content. Nothing stands out at this point, so it was probably somewhat typical for this day and age? I don't think anything happened that leaned toward the extreme at all.

Dear Alyne: My Years as a Married Virgin (Alyne Tamir)

Why I have this book: I borrowed the audiobook from the ebook library after seeing it recommended.

Meeeehhhhhh. I don't even know what to say or think about this book. The author narrated the audiobook... her voice had an interesting cadence to it. Maybe that's how she talks in real life?

In all honesty, she comes across as pretty self-absorbed. It felt like she plays around with others (especially men). That's just my impression from her words in the book. On the other hand, I have to admire her for putting her life and her desires first overall. She isn't being held down or held back by others out of a sense of duty or being afraid to live her life. HER life. The one she wants and the only one she gets on this earth. I admire her courage to travel the world (on her own sometimes).

She didn't talk as much about her religious conflict as she did about her love life, so that was a bit disappointing to me just because I thought it was more about her religious journey.

She is a rather popular content creator (from what she says in the book), but I've never heard of her before now. I'll probably look at her IG account in a bit, but I doubt I'd follow her.

Anyway, I gave it three stars on Goodreads. It was somewhat interesting and some of her feelings were relatable for me, but I didn't find it inspiring.

There are some swear words, but not a lot. She discusses sexuality, but nothing is graphically described.

Uncharted Waters (Sally Hepworth)

Why I have this book: It caught my eye because I've really enjoyed other books by the author. It was a KU book, so why not?

This short story was not at all what I expected from Sally Hepworth. I don't remember any of her other books having much in the way of sexual content, so I was surprised this one did. (Maybe I'm just not remembering correctly.)

In any case, the story was clever. I gave it three stars.

Brief sexual scene, somewhat descriptive. I don't remember any profanity, but if there was, it didn't stand out to me (desensitized as I am).

Just for the Summer (Abby Jiminez)

Why I have this book: It's the third book in the series I mentioned a couple posts back. I borrowed this one from KU.

I admit it was a stretch to give this one three stars. I'd probably go with 2.5 if I had that option. I don't know... the relationship didn't feel believable. Maybe it was brilliant writing wherein the author purposely kept a little wall up for the readers because the female protagonist didn't allow herself to love people. Maybe.

Clever little tie-ins to the previous books, including a couple of "WHOA!" moments as previous characters showed up and my (slow?) brain realized who they were. I do have to applaud the author for that.

Otherwise, I'm still going to say the editors could have stepped it up a bit with the over-repeated phrases and the punctuation issues with run-on sentences and comma splices. C'mon, people!

Like the other two books in this series, there were some sexual scenes that were moderately descriptive and some profanity.

Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old (Brooke Shields)

Why I have this book: Being of a similar age to Brooke Shields (although having lived a VERY different life), I thought it sounded interesting. I bought the Kindle version when it was on sale, but was also able to borrow the audio version from the ebook library.

I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit. I couldn't relate to anything that had to do with her celebrity lifestyle or her business career, but I did relate to her thoughts on motherhood, menopause, marriage, patriarchy, etc. She seems pretty relatable, and she didn't come across as being prideful or entitled. I gave it four stars on Goodreads.

I thought she did a good job narrating the audiobook, as well.

She does use the F-word on occasion, and as part of mothering and marriage and menopause, she does discuss sex a bit. Nothing descriptive, obviously, but just as a reality in womanhood. She also describes a medical procedure she had on her nether-regions.

Yours Truly (Abby Jimenez)

Why I have this book: It's the second in a series my daughter recommended (and the one I had to buy since KU didn't have this one).

Another three-star book for me. Cute story, but sooooooooo unrealistic. The "epilogue" had me almost laughing aloud with how things were so neatly tied up, and the way they were so unconventional seemed unrealistic even for the level of unrealistic that already existed.

Or maybe I'm just cynical and from a generation/geographical location that makes it seem unrealistic to me.

In any case, the story is entertaining (just like the first book in the series), but still needs editing. Besides the too-often repeated phrases, there's also a punctuation issue at times. Again, I'm wondering why the editors aren't stepping in.

This book had a male protagonist who suffered from anxiety. I liked this description of his experience with that particular mental health struggle: "He wasn't just living what was happening. He was living what might happen. An infinite number of what-ifs, fueled by his anxiety, each one experienced like they were going on simultaneously, eating away at him, terrifying him, tormenting him. And once he started down that path, it was so hard to stop the progression. It was a self-perpetuating cycle of emotional destruction."

As far as content:

Profanity, sexual encounters (moderately descriptive). Typical rom-com for this day and age, but not as bad on either count as some other books out there.

Part of Your World (Abby Jimenez)

Why I have this book: My daughter recommended it, so I did three free months of Kindle Unlimited so I could read the series. Sadly, it turns out that only the first and third of the series were on KU, so I had to buy the second one, but it's fine. Blah blah blah...

I gave this three stars on Goodreads. I was surprised by the amount of editing it needed (especially repeated phrases... "he ran his hand down his face" "she squeezed her lips into a flat line") considering it's a pretty popular series that was written by a pretty popular author. Where are the editors??? 

I have to laugh because my friend has just taken up reading as a serious hobby for the first time in her life, and she commented about the repeated phrases in the book she was reading. She asked, "Where are the editors???" Right! I know!

Anyway, the story was cute. Very unrealistic in several ways, but that's fine when you're just wanting a light read.

Lots of sex (moderately descriptive), profanity (not too extreme). Typical book for this day and age.

Project Hail Mary (Andy Weir)

Why I have this book: My son was listening to it, and said we should both read it and then go see the movie when it comes out next spring. There was a deal when you bought both the ebook and the audio, so I bought them with the idea that everyone in my house could have a chance to read it one way or the other.

I enjoyed the audio version a lot! The narrator did an amazing job, and I actually could follow the storyline better listening to the audio version than reading it myself. Super fun and cute, and still enjoyable even though I did not understand the physics and chemistry parts at all. 

I gave this one four stars on Goodreads. I'm looking forward to the movie.

Profanity (not extreme), death, and a couple very weird conversations about sex by two side characters. I didn't like that part since my teenage son was also reading it. It was very strange.

How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told (Harrison Scott Key)

Why I have this book: A friend recommended it, so I borrowed the audio version from the ebook library.

I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit. The author is the narrator, and he did a great job.

I didn't love the part where his wife tells her side of it. She's not as natural at narrating, but I also didn't find her very likable. I have to give the author credit for sticking things out with her. I'm glad it seems to have worked out for them.

Pretty sure there was profanity. The story was about the wife's affair and how it affected their marriage, so obviously adultery is a topic that is covered.

Kindred (Octavia E. Butler)

Why I have this book: I saw lots of talk about it online, so I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I gave this one three stars on Goodreads. It was interesting, but I felt like the story could have been told without it being a time-travel thing. I had a hard time relating to that part of it. 

I did find it even more interesting that the book was written in the late 1970's and seems to be making a comeback in popularity.

It was fine. I don't hate that I read it, but I thought it would be more amazing just from what I've seen online.

The story involves slavery, so there's violence depicted, including rape and murder. I'm not sure if there was profanity... I am writing this nearly a month after reading it. Oops.

Forever (Judy Blume)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library because once in a while, I like to revisit books from my youth.

I'm pretty sure I read this before, but I don't remember how old I was. All I know is that it certainly hits differently when you're a parent of teenagers.

The book got better toward the end. It felt pretty shallow at the beginning. Surprisingly, it needed an editor. The punctuation definitely didn't follow the rules.

What I didn't like... it is too sexually descriptive for a book that was written for teenagers/young adults. The character development is lacking. The parental attitudes about sex felt a bit too casual, but I know it's not always easy to discuss sex with teenagers. Overall, it felt too permissive about teenage sex without showing the repercussions in a meaningful way.

What I did like: I liked that the characters learned that teenage "love" doesn't always work out the way they think it will. That was one really realistic part that I wish all teenagers could learn (and not the hard way of having to suffer because of their choices).

I think what leaves me so unsettled about this book is that the casual way the topic is presented can really shape how a teenager will think of sex before they are mature enough to make those decisions. The story just doesn't go deep enough into the emotional aspects or possible biological repercussions of sex (pregnancy and STD's).

I did give it two stars because it kept my interest, it did get better as it went on, and because it showed that teenagers shouldn't think that "first love" is "forever love." I couldn't give more stars because I feel like she didn't take the opportunity to teach more important lessons about the consequences of our choices.

It's crazy to me that Judy Blume is considered such a great writer. She's really not. I think she gained her popularity because she wrote about topics that were considered more taboo for the younger crowd in her day.

There is some profanity. The sexual scenes are moderately to highly descriptive (for the target audience), and it's definitely a book that a parent should read in order to discuss it with their child if the child is going to read it. 

Mishka (Mike Maroney)

Why I have this book: I must have gotten it free on Book Bub. This is why Book Bub is so dangerous. I always end up with books I wouldn't buy otherwise, and some of them aren't great.

I gave this book one star on Goodreads. It might not be fair because maybe if I were an eight-year-old, this novel would have seemed great to me. As it was, I was bored to tears, and I was skimming the last bit just so I could be done with it.

I'm sure I was taken in by the 4.5 star average on Amazon, but on closer inspection, there weren't that many readers. Maybe they were all his friends and neighbors. It also lists several awards, but honestly, I don't get it. It just wasn't for me, I guess.

Clean.

Death Row (Freida McFadden)

Why I have this book: It was either .99 or free... and I like Freida McFadden.

I gave this one four stars. It is actually a short story, so I read it in less than an hour. I want my two teenagers to read it because it's just such a strange and crazy story. I'd love to hear their perspective on it.

Clean, as far as I remember. It is a murder story, but nothing descriptive happens. There was probably swearing, but again... I don't remember. Oops. I guess I don't absorb the swearing anymore unless it's extreme.

Sipsworth (Simon Van Booy)

Why I have this book: Someone online loved it, so I borrowed it from the ebook library.

Another three star book for me. It was a cute story with a good message about friendship and caring for one another.

Clean. I don't recall any swearing or anything. Ummmm... maybe there was some "British" swearing? I don't remember.

Shunned: How I Lost My Religion and Found Myself (Linda A Curtis)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I gave this one three stars on Goodreads. I appreciate books that are about the process of leaving one's religion because the feelings and treatment and language involved is very similar amongst high-demand religions.

I've read quite a few books now about people who leave the religion they've belonged to their whole lives. All of them were taught that their religion was the only true one. They are often disfellowshipped, they are taught that the world is dangerous outside the religion, that those who leave are "lost" (or worse), etc. It's really quite fascinating how convinced each one was that their own religion was the only truth.

I couldn't relate to most of this author's story in how she handled life after leaving, but it was still interesting to read. She used A LOT of uncommon words. I don't know if she's super educated or just very familiar with the thesaurus. It was so often that it became distracting, to be honest.

Clean. She does talk about having sex with men outside of marriage (nothing descriptive) and maybe there was swearing, but I don't remember.

The Frozen River (Ariel Lawhon)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library because I kept seeing it mentioned online.

Okay, I really was conflicted on whether to give this four or five stars on Goodreads. I really loved the writing. It is so beautifully written, and I felt completely transported to the time and setting of the story (the 1790's in Maine). It felt like a solid five-star book.

I did drop it down to a four, though, because the "c" word got thrown in toward the end. Totally unnecessary and disgusting (I despise that word more than any other), and I felt like the "justice" (while totally deserved) felt a little contrived. I'd give it an easy 4.7 if that were an option, but I couldn't quite go with five stars.

Having said that... I still can't get over the writing. I'm going to look for other books by the author.

The story deals with rape and murder. Other than that one disgusting word, I don't recall any other swearing? No promises, though. There are instances of children being born out of wedlock.

One Plus One (JoJo Moyes)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library because I like the author.

I gave this book four stars on Goodreads. To be honest (again), I finished it a week ago (feels like longer) and already can't remember specifics because I've been engrossed in another book. Oops. (As usual, I'll be dating this as the date I finished the book.)

I do know I thought it was a cute story with enjoyable and interesting characters. Definitely not a likely story—the quick "falling in love" never sits that well with me—but it was such a fun ride. The writing brought me right into the story, and even looking back, I can remember feeling like I was right in the car with them.

I can't be too specific since it's been a week, but I know there was profanity and sex outside of marriage (somewhat descriptive once or twice... and that surprised me because I don't think the author normally makes it descriptive). And now I'm remembering a bit of crudeness at one point in reference to sex, and I didn't like that.

Pictures of You (Emma Grey)

Why I have this book: It was getting a lot of attention online, so I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I gave this one three stars. It felt pretty implausible (although I know trauma can create memory loss/repression), and it left some significant loose ends with no indication that there would be a sequel. I'm not an expert, though. Maybe it's entirely plausible.

The good guy was a little "too good" in that he seemed very sweet and ideal, but probably not realistically so. There were also a couple of obvious editing issues.

It's too bad, since I did like the other book by this author that I read, and I even had a short messaging exchange with her about that one.

It was good, but maybe not as good (for me) as the hype made me expect. Looks like it took me a while to get through this one, but that's because we had company, and like I mentioned on the previous review, we had some extra stress going on. It was difficult to focus on this.

I think there was some profanity (but I don't remember because I'm halfway through my next book), and there are people having sex, but it's not described.

 

Still Me (JoJo Moyes)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library to finish out the series.

I gave this one four stars on Goodreads. Probably not a likely scenario, but it fits in the way a rom-com or love story plays out in the movies.

I didn't realize I was behind again on writing my reviews, so I can't remember many details, but I gave it four stars, so I obviously liked it. It closed out the series nicely. Then again, we had company as I was trying to finish it, plus I was dealing with some extra stress, so... that's my excuse.

There's some non-descriptive sexual activity, profanity, etc. Just your typical modern novel stuff.

After You (JoJo Moyes)

Note: This is an updated updated review after reading the book for a second time. I'm copying and pasting the original review here with my updated opinion in red.

Why I have this book: I borrowed it because it's the sequel to Me Before You, which I reviewed earlier. I've borrowed it a second time because I decided to read the third book in the series, and I couldn't remember what happened in this one.

I just don't know where to "label" JoJo Moyes. I don't know why I thought I needed to "label" her at all! This book, like the other one, are so emotionally charged that I just get sucked in. Me Before You was a story that was more important than the swearing (even the F-bombs). This one... I'm not sure about. OK, reading this now in 2025, I kind of laugh about how my tolerance for profanity has changed. I still don't love profanity, but it's just easier for me to move past it without giving it too much thought. I know some people might think that's just awful of me, but I don't care. 

There was more sex, although none of it was descriptive at all. There was one crude comment made by the protagonist... just something that made me cringe even though she meant it in a playful way. I don't even know what comment I was referring to here.

There is a situation involving the teenager that was difficult to read and just yucky all around. This was still yucky because of the situation and the description.

I still can't get past the bathtub scene. (It's not sexual. It involves a paramedic washing someone else's blood off of him, but he's sitting in the tub, turning the water pink, not taking a shower with antiseptic soap or anything. I just can't deal with that.) I still think this is really gross and unsanitary, not to mention hazardous to health! And then she climbs in the tub with him after he let out only half the water and added some clean water. Nooooooo... it's all so gross.

Anyway, I have another of her books on hold. I haven't decided yet if I should borrow it. I love the way she writes and her stories and the depth of them. I love the human emotions. I HATE the F-word. I wish she would just write the story without the bad words. Is the F-word bad in Britain? It seems to be used liberally, but I say that while also admitting that I've never been there. It's just my impression. I have read a couple of her other books, and now I'm starting the third book in this series. I don't care if she uses profanity. That's not to say I love it or use it myself, but I just am not shocked by it anymore. There are too many really good books out there that tell stories of humanity that might have some profanity. I don't need to live in a little Puritan bubble and miss out on the emotions of being a human just to avoid some profanity. Let's face it, my high schoolers hear it all day at school. It just is what it is.

I originally gave this book two stars on Goodreads because I was too bothered by the profanity, I guess. I changed that to four stars after reading it again. Also, I related to the protagonist's mother this time around with all her feminist leanings and wanting to figure out who she was outside of being a wife and mom. It was a fun part of the story.

(Content review contained in the review above. Haha...)

I Am the Messenger (Markus Zusak)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library because my daughter recommended it.

Okay, this isn't an overly lengthy book... around 360 pages. Quite typical for a novel. But oh, my gosh. It took me forever to read it. It was just so slow and boring. It went on and on and on and on and on and on...

I started out giving this two stars, then I realized I was only giving that second star because his book The Book Thief was amazing. It was as if I were giving him extra credit on this one for that one. 

No. I'm not doing it. No extra credit. I didn't like this one at all, so I'm only giving it one star on Goodreads.

I know I'm supposed to feel all inspired, but it really fell flat for me. I'm not sure I've ever been happier to finish a book so I could move on. I just want to shake it off now. Bleh.

Profanity, some sexual talk, some violence, including domestic assault, death... blah, blah, blah... 

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (Gabrielle Zevin)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library because it was recommended here, there, and everywhere.

Meh. I gave it three stars. The first part was better than the last part. There was a lot happening, and it was kind of intriguing, but I just couldn't grasp a depth with any of the characters. It felt like I was watching the story from a distance, and I never quite felt a part of it.

I gave it three stars on Goodreads just because I was feeling generous, I guess?

Profanity, some mildly descriptive sexual situations, death, suicide, affairs...

Here One Moment (Liane Moriarty)

Why I have this book: I'm a fan of Liane Moriarty, so I borrowed this book from the ebook library.

I'm always happy to read books by Liane Moriarty because it reminds me how truly gifted writers use words. Such a clever story with so many characters and details. She's such a good writer!

There was one mistake... a psychic knew the name of someone, but nobody mentioned or questioned or even seemed to notice that he said the name, so I have to think it was an overlooked detail that probably shouldn't have been there. 

(And again, I think I need to be a professional proof-reader to catch these little things.)

One part was a bit difficult for me. The characters are considering adopting from South Korea, and it's mentioned that they didn't know at that time that the adoption practices were unethical. That confused me, so I looked up Korean adoptions, and it does look like there are some children (now adults) who believe/know they were stolen from their families or women who were bribed to give up their babies. It makes me sick.

It looks like tighter controls (because of investigations) were put into place before we adopted, but it does make you wonder if things weren't on the up-and-up like we assumed. At what level were these unethical or illegal practices being implemented or approved? Who was aware of it? Who turned a blind eye to it? And where do we all go from here?

As far as the book goes, I gave it four stars.

There is some profanity, some situations involving death, some sex (not described).

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave (Elle Cosimano)

Why I have this book: It's the fifth book in a series I've been reading. I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I thought this was the last book in the series, but it ended in a cliffhanger, so I guess another one will be out at some point. I'm not sad about it.

Another fun, light read that I enjoyed thoroughly. I gave it four stars on Goodreads.

There is a bit of language, a bit of sex (not descriptive), murder, dead bodies... but all on the light side.

Five Total Strangers (Natalie D. Richards)

Why I have this book: Again, my daughter checked it out from the school library. I don't know how it came up for borrow from the ebook library for me shortly after... did I already have it on hold? Did I look at it after she told me and then it suddenly was available? No idea, but I borrowed it and read it.

I gave it four stars at first, then after thinking about it, I changed it to three stars. The four stars were because it kept me completely engrossed the further I got into the story. I was on the edge of my seat.

Three stars would be because there were some loose ends that could have been more fully explained, and the "bad person" played out in a somewhat corny manner.

The writing was easy to get into, but it wasn't particularly deep. It's written for the high school crowd, obviously.

I would have gone with 3.5 if that were an option.

This psychological thriller is maybe not quite to the "creepy" level, but definitely close. It might be creepy for some people, though. There is profanity. Nothing sexual that I recall.

Five books in the "Ann Fay Honeycutt" series by Joyce Moyer Hostetter

Blue

Comfort

Aim

Drive

Equal

Why I have these books: I read the first book in the series a while ago, and I liked it so much that I bought the rest of the books in the series. For whatever reason, I barely got around to reading them.

I've also seen this series called "The Bakers Mountain Story" series.

I gave the first book five stars back when I read it in 2021. I probably would have gone with four stars now, but I didn't change the rating on Goodreads. I gave four stars to the second and third books, and three stars to the last two books in the series.

I liked learning more about the historical events that took place during the years this series covered: polio, WWII, civil rights, the Cold War, etc. There were also some relational topics that dealt with friendship, marriage, PTSD, death, bullying, racism, abuse. A lot was covered! Some of the characters were fictional and some were real people. The author distinguishes between the two in her notes.

Overall, I'm glad I read them, but I was also glad when I finished the series. That last book took me more than a few days to get through. I just lost my interest a bit.

Clean, but it does deal with the topics I mentioned above. It's written for probably upper elementary, so it's appropriate for that age group.

The "Tokyo Ever After" series by Emiko Jean

Tokyo Ever After

Tokyo Dreaming

Why I have these books: My daughter borrowed the first one from her school library and loved it, so I bought both books for my Kindle. She never did read the second one... but I read both.

I gave the first one three stars and the second one four stars. To be honest, I'm once again writing this weeks after I read them... today is April 17, but as you'll see, I'm posting as if it's March 13, the day I finished the second book... so I don't remember much about why I chose those ratings.

They were cute books. They could probably be made into a movie series for teenagers. They seemed a little grown up for the teenage years (at least the teenage years I'd want my kids to live), but I realize that life outside of my conservative area is probably more like these books portray.

My previous conservative self might have been appalled that my daughter read the first one, but I'm not quite as uptight now. It's nothing she's not seeing or hearing at school.

There is profanity in the book, can't remember the level, but more than I'd want my kids to ever be saying even if they were adults. The second book has more sexuality in it (not descriptive), but both books do feel more "young adult" than "teenage" when it comes to the dating relationships. Again, I'm a month from reading these, so I might be forgetting things.

Fat Mom on a Mountain: Fifty Weeks that Restored My Life (Kriste O'Brien)

Why I have this book: I think it came up on Bookbub for cheap, so I bought it hoping it would inspire me to exercise more. Haha...

This book earned only two stars from me on Goodreads. The writing was okay, but maybe it wasn't better since one of her goals was to write a book about the experience. It wasn't like she had the experience, then decided to write a book about it, you know? She decided to do the experience and write a book about it as she was going along. It just didn't come together for me.

I saw several reviewers say the book ended very abruptly, and I agree. There was a lot of detail about the months leading up to the hike, a good amount of detail about the hike to the summit itself... then nothing. Nothing about the descent, nothing about how she felt afterwards or how her recovery went, nothing about what she's done since.

She expressed a lot of negative thoughts about others or what they were thinking about her or how they annoyed her, etc. She didn't come across as very likable, to be honest.

I like what she set out to do and that she accomplished it. I just didn't think the book made it as compelling as it could have been. I also didn't like that her method for her weight loss goal was drinking weight-loss shakes for most of her meals. She didn't do it in a medically-supervised way, so it just seems a little unhealthy for those readers who might be inspired to follow her example without researching it or checking with their doctors.

I think there were some swear words, but it was clean otherwise.

The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self (Michael Easter)

Why I have this book: My son recommended it sometime in the last year, so I bought it. I have both the ebook and audio versions, but I ended up just listening to it.

I gave this one 4 stars on Goodreads. I admit the narrator (the author) wasn't my favorite — his reading wasn't super expressive — but overall, the book had a great message and gave me a lot to think about. The life lessons were supported by research and experts, and it was all interspersed by stories from a trip he took to the Arctic to hunt caribou. I liked the life lessons and research better than the hunting saga, but I get that he was sharing what he learned during that experience and was tying it all together with what he was trying to teach us.

There was a lot of profanity when he was quoting his hunting buddy. Other than that, I don't recall anything offensive. (Again, writing this a couple weeks after reading it!)

Six "books" in the Memories on the Lake series by Sage Parker

Why I have these books: They were super cheap... the whole series was around $10 total, so I bought them. They sounded interesting, so...

First off, each book was more like a novella. I'm not sure why they were marketed this way, but they averaged about 77-80 pages each? When all was said and done, it would have been a book  of about 470 pages had it all been in one novel.

I enjoyed the first few, although I thought it was strange how quickly the protagonist and her children seemed to get over her husband's death. Maybe the writing just wasn't deep enough to portray the loss appropriately, but it was literally just a few weeks before she seemed to be over it.

I gave the first four books three stars each, then gave last two books only two stars each. If it had been one book, I'd probably have given it two starts overall.

It feels like cheating to get six books counted for my yearly reading goal on Goodreads, but that's the way they come up, so I guess I just read six books instead of one (as it should have been). Also... why does Goodreads put things in the wrong order if you enter more than one book on the same day? To look at my "Read" shelf, it appears as though I read them out of order. I can assure you that I did not. 

That's about it.

Fairly clean. There may have been some swearing. I'm once again writing this several weeks late, so I don't really remember. Oops.

Midwives (Chris Bohjalian)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I actually read this book years ago when it was still fairly newly published. I remember loving it then, so I decided to read it a again. 

I gave it four stars on this second reading. (I didn't have Goodreads or this blog the first time I read it.) I'm very impressed that the author is a man, but wrote the book in the voice of an adult woman remembering events from her teenage years. He did a great job making it a believable voice! He also writes in such a way that you can picture everything happening. I plan to read more of his books.

This is another book I finished a while ago, so I will date this for that finish date and excuse anything I get wrong in the following "content" summary.

There may have been some swearing, but I don't recall anything too strong. Some mentions of teenage sexuality, but not descriptive. The story deals with death.

The Girl on the Train (Paula Hawkins)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library after a friend recommended it.

I gave this one four stars on Goodreads. Lots of twists and turns right up to the very end.

To be honest, my "I can read and function normally while working" attitude from before took a nosedive, and even though I finished this book on January 15 (which is when I'll date this post), I no longer have that attitude. It's been survival mode. Listen, my amazement at working moms is very strong. I don't know... maybe if it's a job you love, it's different.

But... anyway... this isn't meant to be an essay on working outside the home. I only meant to say it's about a month after I read this book, so I can't give too many details. All I know is that I gave it four stars on Goodreads.

Pretty sure there was profanity and some sexual situations (not very descriptive, if I'm remembering correctly.) Also involves a missing woman and some domestic violence, affairs, murder.

The Lonely Hearts Book Club (Lucy Gilmore)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library because it looked and sounded good.

It was three stars good. It actually was four stars good until toward the end. The story is told from the perspectives of a handful of book club members, and it was all good until the voice of the older, cantankerous man. In my opinion, the author didn't capture his voice. It didn't sound like him as he had been described the whole time. 

The ending fell flat for me. The "engagement" part didn't really fly. The backstory of the two professors didn't make much sense depending on what year that was supposed to have happened. Maybe they aren't as old as I was imagining? I don't know.

The premise was cute, but it just didn't completely come together for me.

I think there was some profanity. I don't recall anything sexual.

Dangerous Love (Chad Ford)

I should add the subtitle before anyone starts thinking this is a smut novel:

Dangerous Love: Transforming Fear and Conflict at Home, at Work, and in the World

Why I have this book: My son recommended it, and it was available to borrow from the ebook library in both audio and ebook form. I just listened to the audio, though.

I gave this three stars on Goodreads. I feel somewhat conflicted by it.

On the one hand, it sounds lovely. If we just love unconditionally, see others as people (rather than objects), and expect nothing in return, we are "loving dangerously." In other words, it takes a willingness to be vulnerable. It feels risky and dangerous because the other person might not respond or want to fix things. I guess the hope is that if nothing else, we feel peace.

On the other hand, I can't help but think about how the current way of thinking is that we need to set boundaries in our lives when relationships are toxic. We need to protect our peace and not allow others to treat us badly.

Which is better for mental health? Always trying to love and be kind no matter how you are treated? Or being able to love (or at least forgive or have inner peace) from a distance in order to protect yourself from toxic relationships?

I just don't think it's as black and white as the author wants it to be. Interesting that he seems to have a difficult time living the principles he teaches (by his own admission) including in his marriage which apparently ended in divorce, as well as with some career issues. (If the marriage survived, he didn't talk about it. I don't know what happened after the book was published. He is currently married, but I don't know if it's a second wife or if he reconciled with his first wife.) Which is fine! Nobody is perfect, we all struggle, and not all relationships work out. He just came across as so sure that what he is teaching is the answer to every conflict, but it's not working that way even in his own life. 

Anyway, the principles can work, I'm sure, in some circumstances, but not in every situation or in every relationship.

Clean. He does discuss some political violence.

The Things We Do for Love (Kristin Hannah)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.

This one earned three stars from me. I thought it was going to be four stars, but the love scenes were a little unrealistic (not descriptive... just the vibe). I mean, I guess some readers might think they are realistic if that's how it works for them... anyway...

I also wish there had been an epilogue.

But it did keep my interest, and I liked the storyline. I would give it a 3.5 if I could, but it's not quite a four star book for me.

There is some occasional profanity. The love scenes are very mildly descriptive. The story involves unwed pregnancy, pregnancy loss, adoption, and substance abuse.