Title: His & Hers
Author: Alice Feeney
Rating: 4/5
Comments: The ending?!?! I did not expect it at all. It definitely kept me intrigued. I wasn’t dying to constantly press play on Libby but I did enjoy it every time I listened. The plot twist REALLY threw me- I was not expecting it at all. It’s a really interesting dynamic between Anna her and her detective ex-husband. It starts with one murder and you think it’s going to go one way until more people get murdered. And the friendship bracelets?! Such a fun inclusion for the reader (in a non-murdery way). I am excited that this book will be adapted into a TV series directed by Jessica Chastain.
Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty
Author: Jenny Han
Rating: 4.2/5
Comments: Wow, I remember being Belly’s age and being all sorts of confused about boys but knowing deep down who had my heart. If I was 15, this book would be so relatable. The dynamic between her and her mom, the dynamic between her and friend Taylor and always feeling like the less-attractive friend, the dynamic with her and the boys… what a time that was. I really enjoyed listening to this book and loved Han’s writing style. However, I was not expecting to cry at the end. I could feel exactly what Belly was feeling and I think that’s a testament to Han’s writing. I am eager to continue the trilogy, especially after this ending. I also started the series on Amazon Prime and I already know I won’t enjoy it as much as the book because so much is already different.
Title: The Good Sister *RRN
Author: Sally Hepworth
Rating: 4.6/5
Comments: I really really enjoyed this. I did not expect the good sister to be the good sister which is obviously the whole point. It is also about a really innocent love story and it made my heart melt each time Fern’s feelings grow. This one kept me reading in a way that hasn’t happened in a really long time. I’m excited for my next Hepworth read!
Title: Bad Mormon: A Memoir
Author: Heather Gay
Rating: 4.3/5
Comments: I really enjoyed this memoir. Heather immediately became one of my favorite housewives of all time when RHOSLC premiered. But after season three and after seeing her on RHUGT, I don’t know if I feel the same way. The book was written pre-season three and pre-RHUGT and I feel like because of what I know now, I am not allowing myself to LOVE it. The writing style? Amazing. Her sarcasm and Housewives references? Golden. Her vulnerability and strength? Admirable. The book itself is really really good but I cannot get past the bad taste her change in personality has given me. Recently, it seems like the fame has gotten to her head and she cares more about the show and the stardom than being her true authentic self. However, I have faith that we will see season one Heather again. I also really hope we get a real reunion from her and Whitney.
Title: Carrie Soto is Back
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rating: 4.3/5
Comments: The best thing about Reid is her crossovers. There are easter eggs from Malibu Rising AND Daisy Jones & the Six. Every time she mentions characters from her other books, I am OBSESSED. As someone who doesn’t know a single thing about tennis, TJR does a great job at explaining what’s happening during matches. I truly feel like I watched it in my mind. I really enjoyed this book even though I didn’t really enjoy Carrie Soto. She is not that likable! I am convinced every TJR novel should be listened to on audiobook. The narrators really help the story come alive when there are multiple characters.
Title: It’s Not Summer Without You
Author: Jenny Han
Rating: 4/5
Comments: There is such an interesting shift in this novel compared to the first in the series. I didn’t miss the presence of Stephen. I think it was really special for us to get the Jeremiah/Conrad/Bellie dynamic. We see the three of them experience hurt, confusion, heartbreak and the importance of friendship. I really appreciate the conversations they have around death. At one point Jeremiah asks Bellie why she didn’t call after (SPOILER) Susanna died and Bellie says it’s because she didn’t think he wanted her to. This is such a big misconception. Yes, of course there are some people who want to be left alone and wouldn’t want a phone call. But the most important thing is to ask the person in your life who is experiencing grief how you can help them. Ask them what they need from you – never assume. I am eager to read the final book in the trilogy!
Title: The End of Her
Author: Shari LaPena
Rating: 4.1/5
Comments: Okay so I really was not expecting the ending and I don’t know how I feel about it. The whole time I was definitely convinced one way so I was pretty shocked at the first plot twist. It is kind of like everyone is lying but telling the truth the same time. The blackmail and the deceit… it’s a lot! This book is unique because it’s in the omniscient point of view- meaning, you hear from the minds of every character so you know all of their POVs. I feel like it’s a really rare POV. Even though you get everyone’s thoughts in this novel, their thoughts aren’t as truthful as you expect them to be. I am excited to read more by LaPena!
Title: The Shadows We Hide
Author: Allen Eskens
Rating: 4.2/5
Comments: I remember loving The Life We Bury way back before I even had this lil blog. Eskens’ writing is so easy and so believable. It really feels like he’s telling the most important parts of a story without all the unnecessary fluff. I was really excited to pick this one up after so many years without my guy Joe Talbert and it did not disappoint. There were some predictable aspects, just like in life, but the unanticipated revelations make the book. I also felt like I didn’t really know how the ending would go at all because either way was realistic. But I am thrilled about the ending and cannot wait to start The Stolen Hours.
Title: People We Meet on Vacation
Author: Emily Henry
Rating: 4.2/5
Comments: I read this in basically a day. It is such a different vibe than my usual books but in the best way. It’s fun, adventurous, and real. It shows the importance of sharing your feelings even when it’s hard. It also shows the importance of not judging a book by its cover, which we all do too often. However, I don’t feel like the title accurately portrays the storyline and I would change it to “People We Are on Vacation.” I heard a lot of mixed feelings about this book but I really enjoyed it and I think it should be on your summer reading list.
Title: Open Book
Author: Jessica Simpson
Rating: 4.1/5
Comments: I learned so much about J Simp! I think I was just a little too young to follow her earlier years so it was really interested learning about how she got started. This book made me realize I cannot name one 98 Degrees song- which is fine because Nick Lachey doesn’t deserve for me to know his songs. And neither does playboy Mr. John Mayer!! I have always heard about his reputation but damn! I wish I didn’t love his music geniusness. I never knew how much Jessica relies on her faith to get her through things which is something that always intrigues me. Her journey with alcohol was also something I didn’t know. I have a new appreciation for her and her career. Justice for J Simp!
Title: The Stolen Hours
Author: Allen Eskens
Rating: 4.3/4
Comments: I just love Lila and I love that this book in the series is from her point of view. She is so fierce and so smart and if I was a lawyer, I would want to be just like her. I read this in like 10 hours- it helped that I was fresh off of The Shadows We Hide. I will say that I missed hearing from Joe and about Joe (her boyfriend) but I did appreciate the full insight into her thoughts and feelings. We learn about her background in The Life We Bury but this book wraps up part of her story in a way that both she and the reader wanted and needed. I highly recommend Eskens and this Joe Talbert series!
*RRN: Read Right Now!
Sarcastically Callie 
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