Archive for the ‘Reads’ Category

September Happy List

Friday, October 4th, 2019

Looking for the next great find? I’ve got you covered with a new skin care routine, how to make that pressure cooker feel like new again, all the things you should be streaming this month, and my new favorite pajama jeans! Let’s talk about this month’s happy list!

Happy Friday, friends! I’m so excited to share a brand new happy list with you.

September was such a fun month on the site with loads of new recipes, a new series on how moms can begin making passive income, and I redesigned our newsletter for you!

Have you been missing the 3 little things list each week? Just so you know, this feature didn’t go away…it just moved over to my newsletters each week.

Sign up is super quick over here.

I promise to never spam you. Life is too short to spend time deleting worthless emails, amiright?

Today I wanted to share what you might have missed this past month in one big giant happy list!!

New-To-Me Korean Skin Care Products

I have been on the hunt for a great anti-aging moisturizer and have heard a lot about snail repair creams and how beneficial they can be to the skin. I added this Snail Repair Cream and this Vitamin C serum to my usual oil-cleansing and argan oil routine and I can’t rave enough about how much better my skin feels.

Keep in mind, most people don’t need two oils to have moisturized skin. I have very dry skin so I add a couple of drops of the serum to my argan oil, after cleansing. I then layer this wrinkle repair cream on top of that and my skin is feeling so much better. Most people could get away with just this moisturizer and serum after cleansing their face.

If you are a bit squeamish about the snails, just know that this has a tangerine smell and a little goes a long way towards improving the look and feel of your skin. It looks like your standard moisturizer, it just has a little snail slime in it. Hahaha!

I do plan to reorder these and loop this into my routines moving forward. I really notice a big difference in the condition of my skin.

My Recent Grove Order

I needed to order some new hand soaps and decided to add a few “fun” items in my cart to share with you in this little happy list.

Here are a few items I snagged and what I thought-

Grove Sink Caddy– This is so nice for organization around the sink area. The tray comes apart for easy cleaning and there are two clever spots for hanging your dishcloth and a place to put your sponge. I do wish that it had a wider spot for multiple scrub tools (like my bottle cleaners), but really like this overall.

Flour Sack Towels– I love flour sack towels because they don’t wrinkle and always look fresh. Truth be told, these were for food photos because they make a great backdrop. If you are trying to up your photo game on Instagram, they are pretty handy!

Eucalyptus Apron– I was looking for a more structured apron with pockets for doing my food photography. This apron fit the bill perfectly. I’m a mere 5’1″ so aprons can look a little ridiculous on me, especially if they aren’t tailored. This one fits beautifully though and I love the adjustability on it.

Cleaning Gloves– Is it just me or do no cleaning gloves actually fit? I decided to give these a spin and I am absolutely loving these. The trim helps to block water and the sizing is better, especially if you have wee lady hands.

Bubble-Up Dish Soap Dispenser– I go a little CRAZY when it comes to dish soap so I love this clever little soap dispenser that helps distribute just the amounts you need to get the job done. It also happens to fit beautifully in my new sink caddy.

Coconut Scrubber Sponges– These do a great job getting my pots clean and are very absorbent. Due to their color though, they can look pretty dingy quickly, especially when cleaning up big messes. They did do a great job with getting stuck-on food off.

European Dishcloth– My husband hated these and things they are germ-breeders so he won’t use them. I actually think these work as well as a paper towel and you can run them through your dishwasher or microwave to sterilize, but what do I know? They are highly absorbent, but can look a little off-putting because they harden when they dry.

Grove Awake Essential Oil– This smells AMAZING and has been my new favorite scent to start the day. It has such a pleasant citrus smell and a few drops seem to go a long way.

Grove Sleep Essential Oil– Didn’t do it for me. I prefer lavender over this one, but it was worth a try to share with you.

If you haven’t tried Grove before (or haven’t heard about it from a million bloggers), it is a subscription-based service that you can use to have green products delivered to your doorstep. Just like most services, you can cancel at any time and adjust your orders as you need to.

They used to be mostly cleaning products, but have expanded into a lot of other fun categories like your personal care items and more decorative items for your home. I have been with them for years and really love the convenience of it, particularly, trying out there own branded items. If you want to try it for the first time, this referral code should yield a 5-piece gift set for FREE to add to your cart.

ASMR SleepPhones

Speaking of sleep, I need to share with you about these new ASMR SleepPhones that I got to try out. I have mentioned, in the past, that I have been watching ASMR shows on YouTube to try to unwind and help with better sleep. I haven’t found it as beneficial though because the screen has really been disrupting my sleep.

If you haven’t heard of ASMR before, this is a great introduction to what it is all about.

SleepPhones launched a new product that offers eight hours of ASMR content, with many of my favorites from YouTube. The nice thing is that this doesn’t involve a screen and you can rest comfortably on your pillow without the annoyance of earbuds or cords.

If you aren’t sure which ASMR sounds work for you, this has lots of different options for you to try until you find the ones that work best for you. Certain sounds are not pleasant to me and, thankfully, you can fast forward to the segments that fit your needs best.

If you were wondering, I love the sound of a brush, hair cutting, and cleaning sounds.

Basically, I just need someone take care of me.

Would you like to try out a pair of these? You can use coupon code MOMADVICE for $5 off anything in the store (excluding gift cards) with a minimum purchase of $39.

One Maple Glazed Doughnut Protein Bars

When I went on my last trip, I stocked up on a few good snacks for the road. Protein bars are usually something I suffer through because they are often rock hard or lack flavor. I decided to take a risk and pick up some One protein bars and, guys, THESE ARE DELICIOUS.

This is the first time I have loved the flavor and texture of a protein bar. It is also the first time that a protein bar felt like a legitimate treat and was something I looked forward to. If you struggle with the same thing, the maple glazed doughnut was delicious and this flavor wasn’t too shabby either. Did I mention the second one has sprinkles?

So. Dang. Good.

National Geographic Short Film Showcase

Don’t ask me why, but my husband and I have a routine of winding UP at night about world issues. Doesn’t that sound so relaxing? While I definitely feel it is important to stay informed, I know this is not a good way to end our day.

Instead, I discovered the National Geographic Short Film Showcase and we have started watching a couple of these digital shorts and going to bed with a smile on our face.

Can I share a few to end your day with, that will warm your cold Grinch heart?

United by Ping Pong
A Look at the Whimsical Life of a Traveling Showman
This is the Extraordinary True Story of the First Camera Phone
He Tastes Water Like Some People Taste Wine
Can Cell Phones Save Rainforests?
Iceland is Growing Forests for the First Time in 1,000 Years

This Genius Phone Hand Strap

My hands and fingers become quickly fatigued when holding a phone and lately I have been having thumb pain from using it as the ol’ kickstand when my fingers get tired. I stumbled upon this simple phone hand strap that you wrap around the back of your phone for comfortable support for your hands. Bonus, the finger holder also can double as a kickstand if you are watching shows.

I also was excited to use it this week, looping it through my bike handle, to clock in my 500th mile on my amazing stationary bike. If you are on the hunt for a spinning class on a budget, I highly recommend this option.

The Perfect Jeggings for Fall

Sometimes thrift shopping leads to more inevitable purchasing and that was the case when I scored this pair of jeggings from my local shop. I had no that Old Navy carried such cute jeggings in their stores and I have been wearing these daily since I got them.

I loved them so much that I ordered three more pairs and can’t wait to add these to my regular rotation. They are slimming, have gentle compression, cover any muffin top issues, and no one would ever suspect how comfortable they are.

Have a different body type than me or don’t like a skinnier cut? No biggie! They actually have loads of different sizing options, including plus sizes, tall, and petite versions of these in loads of different washes and styles.

If I’m looking for jeggings that feel like sweatpants (with zero compression and just feel like pajamas), I am still reaching for these in my closet.

I love the thrill of the hunt with thrift shopping because it is such an inexpensive way to find new brands to love. This dress was my other favorite score that I can’t stop talking about. What a great shopping day that was!

A New Pressure Cooker Sealing Ring

If you use your pressure cooker a lot, I have discovered a new seal on this gadget really has cut down on my cooking time. I ended up ordering this three pack from Amazon. Since they are all different colors, they allow you to assign sweet and savory dishes to the seal so you don’t end up with overlapping flavors.

As exciting as this was (hahaha!), I had to share that this is the first time that I’ve ever received a written thank you note from an Amazon order. It was a simple note that thanked me for supporting their small business and ordering through them. Although I have become accustomed to this through my Etsy orders (crafters are THE BEST), it was such a fun little surprise this week to see that from a third party Amazon seller.

Our Netflix Obsessions Continue

Are you looking for your next great show? Here is what I’ve been loving this month on Netflix.

Bombshell Documentary– If you are looking for a REALLY incredible documentary, we absolutely loved Bombshell this month (thanks to An Oregon Cottage for this recommendation!) This documentary is about one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood who also happened to be incredibly smart. She is so smart, in fact, that she cracked the code on secret communication and is the reason why we enjoy our wifi communications today. She never profited from her invention, but we all are. This would be a fantastic documentary to share with your daughter! (Watch the trailer)

American Factory– Fun fact: I come from a family of factory workers (my mom, dad, grandpa, and grandma all worked for Miles (later, Bayer) when I was growing up. This is why I was excited to see this incredibly moving documentary on a Chinese billionaire who acquires a Midwest factory and brings their own factory workers over to train American workers. I absolutely loved this glimpse into their daily life, the relationships (both good and bad) that were brought between these workers, and the glimpse into the incredibly hard jobs that factory workers do every single day. ( Watch the trailer)

Hello, Privilege! It’s Me, Chelsea– Love her or hate her, I do think Chelsea Handler has been doing some interesting things with documentary films. This month’s special explores how white people can be better allies to others and what white privilege really is. Although this one didn’t have as much meat as I was hoping, I do think it brought up some interesting angles to privilege that I had not thought of as a privilege. (Watch the trailer)

The Mind Explained– We absolutely loved this first series that Vox did and spent an evening watching the entire new series on the human mind last weekend. Emma Stone narrates this series and it does a deep dive into mindfulness practices, where anxiety stems from, how our memory really works, and why we dream. As I am leaning into meditation and mindfulness practices, I found this to be really encouraging. The memory one, in particular, was really interesting, as they explore one woman’s memories of 9/11. (Watch the trailer)

Books, Books, & More Books

I went to the library and checked out an embarrassingly large stack of books. It was so large, in fact, that I almost didn’t make it to my car without dropping them and REALLY embarrassing myself.

I’ve been trying to get up at 5 AM and really squeeze in two solid hours of reading time and I’ve read some REALLY incredible books this month. The Dearly Beloved become one of my favorites this year. It is the kind of story that I think ANYONE would love.

Read my September Book Reviews HERE!!

Curable App

Did you know that September is Pain Awareness Month? It means loads of companies are offering discounts to their customers. The Curable app is something I have been thinking about using, but the price tag always made me reconsider. This month they offered a 50% special and I decided $60 for the year would be a heck of a lot cheaper than even a single therapy session.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is what it is all about and the app teaches you ways to turn off those pain signals so that you can reduce your pain response. It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it.

Should I tell you now that I have no affiliation with them before I begin?

Honestly, this has transformed my relationship with pain in ways I never imagined. It has brain training exercises (to stop the pain loop response), meditation, and interviews with leading experts on the mind body connection.

I don’t believe in woo-woo (or however you refer to things like that- hahaha!) so I was skeptical. Hearing a neurosurgeon explain pain and why my brain is doing certain things though is believable and grounded.

For the first time in a couple of years, I have slept pain free without the need to take anything or (honestly) drink a lot of wine to make it stop. It doesn’t take away my disease (ehlers-danlos syndrome) so I will still experience these things. It has transformed my relationship to pain though.

I’m putting it out in the world that I hope to write an e-book very soon about what has helped. This will definitely be on the list. (check out the app)

Inside Bill’s Brain

This new special from Netflix takes a deep dive into how Bill’s brain works and what consumes it. It is really balanced with stories from friends and family about what Bill was like growing up. Clever animation really brings these childhood stories to life. The first episode explores his efforts to develop a high-tech toilet for third world countries who have lost so many children due to sanitation issues. Bill Gates brings on the best and brightest to help him figure out how to save the lives of these children in some really incredible ways. Watch it just to hear about his reading routines alone- it’s quite astounding. Fun fact: my husband interned at Microsoft and got to go to a BBQ at Bill’s house. How cool is that? (watch the trailer here)

Rakuten App

You can read more about this app on the blog this month, but I just have to give it a shout out today. Basically, this site can give you cash back rewards on your purchases, if you shop through their page or through the phone app itself. Every three months, they send you a Big Fat Check with all the cash back rewards you made. That’s it. No points to cash in, no weird hoops, no nonsense. Here is ten bucks to get you started and be sure to check out my article below to learn why I’m using this as a money-making tool for our family this year. (check out the app here)

Top Ten Most Purchased Items in September

Top Ten Books Purchased in September (join the club to be notified of daily deals!)

I hope you enjoyed this month’s round-up of September fun. I hope my month of happy brings a month of happy to you too! If this post doesn’t convince you my newsletter is fun, I’ve got nothing. Sign up over here to get this fun weekly in your inbox.

*this post may contain affiliate links- I only recommend what I love though. Check out past editions of It’s the 3 Little Things!

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Amy’s Notebook 10.04.19

Friday, October 4th, 2019

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Subscribe to my happy little newsletter and I’ll send you a reading guide!

How adorable is this no-sew Halloween costume?

Why you are more likely to hear about the sober curious movement.

Thinking about painting your brick exterior? This had a great list of pros and cons.

The most important thing you can do about the climate change crisis.

20 haircuts that never go out of style.

I started cognitive therapy for managing my chronic pain and have seen enormous benefits. If you struggle with anxiety, these cognitive therapy techniques might be helpful to you too!

Looking to settle in for a television binge? Check out this great list of fall shows.

This is the piece I keep reaching for this fall. It’s sweater perfection.

How to wear leopard print. This is, for sure, my husband’s least favorite fashion trend (that I actually love).

I’ve been blown away by the response to this new series.

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I want to dive face first into this Mexican Corn Dip. YUM!

The toll of #MeToo.

How to meditate on your commute.

I’ve got this fall dish bubbling away in my slow cooker today.

This is what I’m reading this week.

How pretty is this punch needle pattern?

This is a sheet pan dish idea that a girl can really get behind.

I struggle with this so I needed these reminders today.

6 ways to keep food fresher longer.

I hope you enjoyed our notebook, a collection of gathered links to DIY crafts, food projects, thrifty ways to spruce up your home, and thoughtful reads. Nothing brings me more joy than to highlight other fabulous bloggers. Follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration!

Please note, there are affiliate links in this post- thank you! xoxo

Tags: Amy's Notebook, Crafts, DIY, Food & Recipes
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September 2019 Must-Reads

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019

September Must-Reads from MomAdvice.com

Looking for your next great read? I’ve got you covered with 8 reviews on new releases to help you decide if one of the latest fall releases could be for you. As you head into your fall reading, check out my suggestions from the month of September.

This has been quite the week, in MomAdvice land. We moved servers and transferring sixteen years of fun,it turns out, is NO JOKE. I am hoping that the efforts will yield a much faster site for you and a better user experience.

I know you aren’t here to talk about my technical challenges though so I’m excited to share my next stack of books with you!

follow me on instagram for more great book recommendations

Before we start, here are a few things you might have missed:

Did you download your summer reading guide? It’s not too late to snag it (by signing up for my happy list newsletter) because it contains plenty of my all-time favorite reads to enjoy. This season is a great time to get back to reading while your kiddos are back in school.

While you’re here, be sure to print out the 2019 MomAdvice reading challenge worksheet and join our FREE online book club! You can check out the 2019 MomAdvice Book Club picks over here.

Don’t forget to send me a friend request over on GoodReads for more great book reviews.

Also, did you know Prime members get a read for free every single month?

Grab your FREE books over here.

The Book of Month Club Selections Are Also Out!!

Here is what is available for October!

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Fate of the Fallen by Kel Kade

This month’s deal: New members can get their first book for $9.99 when they join using this month’s code: BIG5 and can cancel at any time.

Here are 8 must-read books I tackled in September:

The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall

I hate to pick favorites, this early in the year, but my favorite book (so far) is this beautiful book. This is the kind of novel that could be shared with anyone in your life and, I just know, they would love it too.

Although this story deals a lot with faith in God, I don’t think you need to be religious (or even believe) to appreciate the themes.

In 1963, two men are jointly hired to steward at a Presbyterian congregation.

Unfortunately, they happen to be taking the reigns during a challenging and turbulent time, when the world is thick with racism and limiting women’s rights.

One of the men, Charles, is a devout believer whose faith seems unwavering. In a weird twist of fate, he falls in love with a woman (Lily) who has no faith in God at all.

The other man, Charles, had a difficult childhood and grew up with a lot of instability. He feels passionately about social issues and sees injustice all around him. He falls in love with a woman though who has had a, “silver platter kind of life,” and is the daughter of a minister.

The contrast in these homes and between these men is what feeds the story.

Imagine being an atheist feminist who is tasked with being a minister’s wife?

Imagine being the “perfect minister’s wife,” yet your husband is intent on shaking up the church with sermons on social injustice and racial inequality?

This story follows these two couples, over decades, as they must learn to love and respect one another. The themes on faith, what the role is of the church through turbulent political times, women’s roles (as wives and as mothers), are all phenomenally done.

If you asked me which book I think you should share with your book clubs this year, this is what I would recommend.

I, truly, did not want this story to end.

5 out of 5 Stars

Permanent Record by H.K. Choi

I was such a fan of H.K. Choi’s first book that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on, Permanent Record.

Pablo is a college dropout who now regularly works the graveyard shift at a twenty-four hour deli. He made numerous financial mistakes including falling for all those credit card offers, that happen on college campuses, and signing up for student loans he can never repay.

When Leanna Smart swings by the deli, Pablo can’t believe his luck. They have, it seems, immediate chemistry and he misses her as soon as she leaves.

Leanna isn’t a regular girl though, she is a social media sensation and well-known pop star.

This is why it is such a surprise when she reaches out to Pablo and suggests he join her for a couple of days on tour. Pablo knows that this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance so he leaves with Leanna and they begin the first of many days together.

This was an adorable story from start to finish.

As soon as I finished it, I handed it off to my daughter (she is 13- fyi) because I knew she would appreciate it too.

Although the love story was sweet, I appreciated this coming-of-age story more for its honesty about identity and taking ownership of the things that are going wrong (or right) in our lives.

I didn’t love this one quite as much as her first novel, but I’m still really glad I read it.

Screening for your kid? There is language in this one (probably nothing different than they hear at school) and there is some glossed over sex scenes. I would give it to them, specifically, for the exploration in student debt and how teens handle social media.

4 out of 5 Stars

The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal

Can I just say how much I love J. Ryan Stradal? I know his stories hold a special fondness, for me, because he writes about the Midwest in such beautiful ways. I loved his first book so much that I had him join me to share about his first book.

As much as I loved his first book, I have to say that this one is even more incredible.

In this story, a father dies and does not split the inheritance evenly between his daughters.

Instead he gives his entire inheritance to his youngest daughter, Helen.

Edith is stunned that her father would do this to her and has found herself struggling to make a living, after her husband passes away. She finds herself working in a nursing home, preparing her award-winning pies for the residents.

Helen, meanwhile, has used her inheritance to open one of the most successful light breweries in the country. She has been doing well with her business for many years, but as the craft beer industry moves in, she finds that she is desperate for help.

When Edith’s granddaughter, Diana, decides to learn the IPA business, Diana’s path ends up crossing with Helen. Diana is determined to forge the same path and her new business just might be the glue needed to bring these two sisters back together again.

Stradal’s storytelling is exquisite and the different viewpoints really bring it all together. This book would also make a fun book club discussion (at a brewery, perhaps?) because it has so many great themes about what it means to be family.

It has heart, humor, and beautifully written characters.

I enjoyed it start to finish.

5 out of 5 Stars

Dominicana by Angie Cruz

I can’t begin to describe just how incredible Dominicana is.

In fact, I want you to pick it up IMMEDIATELY so we can talk about it!

In 1965, Ana Cancion is just fifteen when Juan Ruiz proposes marriage. Juan is twice Ana’s age, but he is making it big in New York City and is willing to take Ana to America with him. Ana knows that if she can get to America, she can also help her family immigrate there too.

When she arrives in New York City, she quickly realizes that Juan isn’t anything like he seemed. He lives in a dirty walk-up apartment in Washington Heights and is broke. He’s also extremely abusive and will not allow Ana any freedoms, confining her to the apartment to wait for his return.

Ana is lonely and broken, but she still seems to find these beautiful joy-filled glimmers that make her time in NYC bearable.

With the Dominican Republic in political turmoil, Juan is forced to leave Ana to try to protect his family’s assets. Juan entrusts his brother, Cesar, to take care of Ana in his absence. Suddenly, Ana is able to actually see New York and the possibility of a different type of life.

It is when she finds love in Cesar and must make a difficult decision.

Should she follow her heart or should she continue her relationship to secure her parent’s trip to America?

I couldn’t put this book down as I rooted for Ana to find joy again. Cruz does an incredible job writing beautifully broken characters.

I won’t be surprised if this one gets optioned for film because it is that good!

I would highly recommend adding this one to your stack this month and I can’t wait to hear what you think about it too.

5 out of 5 Stars

There Will Be No Miracles Here by Casey Gerald

I selected There Will Be No Miracles Here for our book club discussion because so many publications put it on their recommended reading lists.

This memoir opens on New Year’s Eve, 1999, when so many believed it was the end of the world. His grandfather is an evangelical minister who has gathered his flock together for their last day on earth and as the clock strikes midnight, they all go to heaven.

Or not.

This immediately sets the tone for the kind of realistic humor that peppers Casey’s life. Casey’s life is difficult with a mentally ill mother and the abandonment of his father. He is forced to grow up quickly, simply for survival.

When Casey is recruited to play football at Yale, he is brought into a world he could never even fathom. It is here where he is invited into the folds of elite secret societies and the success of Wall Street.

He is also plagued with guilt that he is living this success story.

He has all he needs at his fingertips, but he sees how these acts are crushing those that are left in the margins.

How can many have so much while others are barely surviving?

I listened to this selection, read by the author, and thought it had so many beautiful and valid points. His storytelling shines best when he reflects on his lack of faith, his struggles with sexual identity, and the morality of privilege.

Unfortunately, this was not edited properly, and could have benefited from a great deal of trimming. The plot of Gerald’s stories often went into lengthy tangents that took away from the meat of the story. Had this been tightened up, these moments would have felt more impactful.

As a whole, this memoir felt disjointed and unnecessarily lengthy.

3 out of 5 Stars

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

I love books that seem to be orchestrated just for the pleasure of reading. The Ten Thousand Doors of January seems to pull off just that, with imaginative writing and a story-within-a-story plot concept.

January Scaller grows up in a beautiful mansion filled with loads of odd treasures. Her father travels a lot for work and January is the ward of a wealthy man, named Mr. Locke, and often left to her own devices.

January has been carrying around a secret that she has never shared with anyone. When she was just seven, she found a magical door that lead her to a beautiful city. In a moment of bravery, she shared this with Mr. Locke, who grounded her for sharing such ridiculous tales.

When January stumbles upon a book, hidden away in a chest, she begins to find herself immediately connected to the story.

It is about a young woman, named Adelaide, who has also found doors. As January begins to read this story, she stumbles again upon more and more doors that help her understand her own story and the story of her parents.

This is the type of writing where you want to underline passages or read these imaginative sentences out loud. Harrow builds these incredible worlds within each of these doors that lead the reader on adventure after adventure.

If you are looking for a fantasy escape, this is such a good one.

Honestly, it reads like a modern day classic and is just the kind of magic we need to escape with right now.

Add this one to your stack, even if you aren’t a fantasy lit lover. I have a feeling you will fall in love with this story too!

5 out of 5 Stars

No One Can Pronounce My Name by Rakesh Satyal

Satyal decided to write this novel because he noticed that so many novels about Indian culture are rooted in sadness. He wanted to craft an Indian story that had joy and humor in it, and did just that, with his novel, No One Can Pronounce My Name.

Set in Cleveland, Harit is in his mid-forties and living with his mother. After the death of his sister, his mother needed support, and Harit provides that to her. He also quietly struggles with his identity, feeling like a foreigner and understanding his sexuality.

Meanwhile, Ranjana is struggling to find her identity, after her son has left for college. She is consumed with worry that her husband is cheating on her and isn’t sure what her role is now. To channel her feelings, Ranjana has begun writing paranormal romances in secret.

When Harit & Ranjana meet, they soon realize that they both are weathering similar struggles with identity and loneliness. This unlikely friendship is the love and support they both need and they each flourish under the care of one another.

I listened to this MomAdvice Book Club selection on audiobook and absolutely loved the narration.

This story had me giggling out loud and also mixed in some achingly bittersweet moments that made my heart ache.

The ending may have been a tad too tidy, but I think I’m craving those kinds of endings right now.

I loved the development of these two characters and related so well to Ranjana’s struggles to identity as your children grow and leave home.

I really enjoyed this book a lot and can see why it has been so highly rated by others. It was refreshing to read an Indian midwest story and I appreciated Satyal’s humor and heart in his writing!

4 out of 5 Stars

Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington

I’ve been reading a lot of articles about the “sober curious,” movement and thought I’d do a little dive into a book on it too. I listened to this one on audiobook and was excited to learn better habits for unwinding and more about Warrington’s own journey to sobriety.

Warrington writes very honestly about her struggles with alcohol that lead her to the decision to cut it out of her life. She shares some of her favorite side effects from quitting booze, like better sleep, more energy, and deeper connections with those around her.

The idea of sober curiosity is, certainly, a different avenue of sobriety than committing to an AA program. I think it is a great exploration for people that don’t necessarily have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, but want to live a mindful life. I can see how the movement can feel a bit controversial for people who struggle with alcohol addiction because abstaining is the best solution.

Overall, it was an interesting read, but I thought the book would offer more takeaways or a step-by-step process. This seems to focus more on Warrington’s own benefits that she experienced rather than giving readers an actionable plan for curiously seeking sobriety.

3 out of 5 Stars

Read With Me This Year

January 2019 Must-Reads

February 2019 Must-Reads

March 2019 Must-Reads

April 2019 Must-Reads

May 2019 Must-Reads

June 2019 Must-Reads

July 2019 Must-Reads

August 2019 Must-Reads

September Must-Reads from MomAdvice.com

What did you read this month? Looking for book ideas? Check out our entire Book section of the site! Don’t forget to friend me on GoodReads! xo

this post contains affiliate links

Tags: Best Book Club Books 2019, Best Books 2019, Book Reviews, MomAdvice Book Club, September Book Reviews, What to Read in October 2019
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Amy’s Notebook 09.20.19

Friday, September 20th, 2019

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I am definitely adding this Mediterranean Roast Chicken dish to our menu planner- yum!!

The best albums of 2019 so far. There are a few on here that I need to check out!

How adorable is this idea?

Okay, I can’t stop laughing (because it’s true).

How to set boundaries that will change your life. This has changed my life, for sure!

I’m so inspired by this budget-friendly kitchen makeover.

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I adore these quirky little paper ferns for a fun room detail.

Speaking of boundaries, I love these tips on saying no. I need to work on this one!

This post has great actionable steps for a life that is less busy.

10 of the best books written by women of color.

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I love, love, love colorful homes and this colorful autumn entry makes me happy.

A new style icon-that wardrobe..I die.

The case for slow mornings. I’m trying to do this more too.

How about vegan taco “meat” for your next taco night? I want to try that!

Bookmarking this paleo chicken bbq recipe for the ol’ Instant Pot.

I’m reading (and loving) this book this month.

This was your favorite purchase this week! I couldn’t believe the price either so I can see why!

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This simple pizza sauce recipe looks like a winner.

Regarding style, I am getting all sorts of style ideas from this queen of fashion.

How to cut pineapple like a Hawaiian– I can’t wait to try this technique.

Well, that’s genius.

Trying to find the best banana bread to bake? I’m feeling inspired after these reviews of the top banana bread recipes.

Do you have a small powder room too? Here are 50 style ideas to maximize and add beauty to your space.

Does anyone else get as excited as me about fall television?

I hope you enjoyed our notebook, a collection of gathered links to DIY crafts, food projects, thrifty ways to spruce up your home, and thoughtful reads. Nothing brings me more joy than to highlight other fabulous bloggers. Follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration!

Please note, there are affiliate links in this post- thank you! xoxo

Tags: Amy's Notebook, Crafts & Celebrations, Decorating, DIY, Food & Recipes, Recipes
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Amy’s Notebook 09.13.19

Friday, September 13th, 2019

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I’m loving this gathering of new manicure trends to try.

If I stop producing, do I still have value? Oh, this one hit close to home.

I love this spread for a fun fall gathering.

Why don’t doctors trust women? They don’t know much about us.

7 easy meals to make when you have zero time.

6 minimalism tips to help you focus and be productive.

I REALLY enjoyed this book this week.

I’ve also been listening to this book and learning a lot.

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If you can sew, you will love this tutorial for diy reusable paper towels.

How to decorate for Halloween like a grown-up.

Speaking of books, this is a great book recommendation list for pivotal times in our lives.

It might seem over the top, but I’m thinking about trying this strategy with my friends.

What you can do now to save money and spend less over the holidays. Great tips!

This piece breaks my heart and reminds us how important this topic is.

Intimacy and the internet. This is something I always struggle with too.

This was your favorite purchase this week. SO DANG CUTE!

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How to style your long cardigans for fall. Isn’t this sweater combo gorgeous?

This post has a lot of great strategies for pulling off a monthly grocery shopping trip.

Here are 4 natural ways to relieve your PMS symptoms.

10 myths about sleep you might have.

Oh, I love this idea for future dinner parties.

I’m loving this living room makeover.

Why are we obsessed with other people’s daily routine habits?

Meet the unfluencer.

I see you, Hallmark movie lovers! Here’s your Christmas movie schedule.

I hope you enjoyed our notebook, a collection of gathered links to DIY crafts, food projects, thrifty ways to spruce up your home, and thoughtful reads. Nothing brings me more joy than to highlight other fabulous bloggers. Follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration!

Please note, there are affiliate links in this post- thank you! xoxo

Tags: Amy's Notebook, Crafts, Decorating, DIY, Food & Recipes, Recipes
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Amy’s Notebook 09.06.19

Thursday, September 5th, 2019

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These spicy buttered steak bites look like the perfect date-night-in dish to share.

This carport to porch makeover is unreal beautiful. Anyone else wish they had a carport now?

Looking for new ways to organize your calendar? Don’t miss this post.

Not great, Bob. I felt that.

What are secretly you good at? These comments are gold.

20 new books to read in September. I do love a good book list!

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These sparkling water mocktails look like a great alcohol-free indulgence.

Here is an easy trick to implement to get better sleep.

This is the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. I’m planning to deep dive into this podcast.

This simple side looks like a great way to use up wrinkly tomatoes.

This book is magic– I hope you can make time to read it.

I can’t tell you how good this has been on audiobook. If you are looking for a memoir to sink your teeth into, I’m recommending this one.

Stop spending time with people who deplete your energy. A-MEN.

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This nightstand makeover is so inspiring! I love the way the drawer is lined and sorted.

Struggle with pet hair in your home? I love this genius hack to create a giant lint roller.

Looking for some weeknight dinner inspiration? Check out these 35 dinner ideas!

Speaking of dinner inspiration, this looks like an amazing little weeknight meal.

This might be me– hahaha!

Sliding another one of these in the oven.

Anyone else a smoothie addict? These 21 recipes look like some fun ways to switch up my smoothie game.

Do you recognize these 3 toxic types of mom friends? This has great advice on how to handle them.

This was your favorite purchase this week. I bet you all are AWFULLY cozy.

I hope you enjoyed our notebook, a collection of gathered links to DIY crafts, food projects, thrifty ways to spruce up your home, and thoughtful reads. Nothing brings me more joy than to highlight other fabulous bloggers. Follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration!

Please note, there are affiliate links in this post- thank you! xoxo

Tags: Amy's Notebook, Crafts, DIY, Food & Recipes
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August 2019 Must-Reads

Thursday, September 5th, 2019

Looking for your next great read? I’ve got you covered with 7 reviews on new releases to help you decide if one of the latest summer releases could be for you. As you head into your fall reading, check out my suggestions from the month of August!

I am a little overdue with sharing the last of my summer reads with you. As always, it is always a bit of a struggle to squeeze in that last bit of summer, get back on a consistent schedule, AND get my work life back in order too.

Please forgive me!

I hope you all had a wonderful summer of reading and that my summer reading guide was helpful to you.

It was such a great success that I’m hoping to do that for you again next summer.

It’s not too late to snag it though because it contains plenty of my all-time favorite reads to enjoy. This season is a great time to get back to reading while your kiddos are back in school.

While you’re here, be sure to print out the 2019 MomAdvice reading challenge worksheet and join our FREE online book club! You can check out the 2019 MomAdvice Book Club picks over here. Don’t forget to send me a friend request over on GoodReads for more great book reviews!

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Also, did you know Prime members get a read for free every single month? This is a bonus month though because you get to pick TWO for September Grab your FREE books over here.

The Book of Month Club Selections Are Also Out!!

Here is what is available for September!

The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger (read my interview with the author– he’s amazing!)

If Only I Could Tell You by Hannah Beckerman

Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

This month’s deal: New members can get their first book for $9.99 when they join using this month’s code: ROOTED and can cancel at any time.

Here are 7 must-read books I tackled in August:

American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson

I’m, admittedly, not big on books about spies, but I had heard such good things about American Spy that I just had to pick it up.

This title may also sound familiar to you if you caught Obama’s recent book list because he happened to recommend it too. #booktwins

This novel is set in 1986 and our protagonist is a young black woman working as an intelligence officer with the F.B.I. Since she is both black and female, she often feels excluded from promotions and as part of the team. Instead of working on exciting cases like she would love to do, she has to sit at a desk and do the paperwork.

That is why it is so exciting when she is tasked with a new case. She’s given the opportunity to investigate the president of Burkina Faso, Thomas Sankara. She’s been tasked to find a way to undermine his authority because of his Communist ideology.

The thing is, Marie has a deep appreciation for Thomas and the work he is doing. Seducing him is the easy part because her affection for him is so sincere, especially as she discovers more about him. What happens though when she has to actually use his intimate secrets against him?

I really enjoyed this one even though it was outside of my typical genres. Wilkinson creates a beautiful and believable relationship between the two. She also shows just how hard it is to move up in this world, as a black woman, and how the character is manipulated to work against Sankara’s agenda.

4 out of 5 Stars

The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin

If you are looking for an incredibly compelling piece of contemporary literature, I can’t recommend The Last Romantics enough. I was so caught up in this beautiful book and the story of these family members that I couldn’t put it down.

The story opens with Fiona Skinner, a well-known poet, sharing her own story on one of her most recognized pieces of work. Fiona’s work happened to be inspired by her own family and a betrayal that had lasting consequences for them all.

Fiona is one of four siblings (three girls and one boy) and their family has suffered the tragic loss of their father, after he had suffered an early heart attack. As a result, their mother goes into a deep depression and almost exits their life altogether by no longer caring for their most basic needs. In her grief, she takes to her bed and refuses to care for herself or for her children. The death has also come with some devastating financial consequences and force the children to be resourceful and learn to lean on one another to survive.

This difficult season shapes the rest of their lives as they enter adulthood. It is here where Conklin really pulls together the tragic repercussions of feeling abandoned by both parents.

I could not put this book down and felt fully vested in each of their stories. I did feel the first half was the strongest half because their survival story kept me on the edge of my seat. The second half though is just as important because it really shows how the things that happen to us when we are small can be so life-altering as we age.

If I was going to select the best literary fiction books I read this summer, this book and this book would top my list this year.

5 out of 5 Stars

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

Do you love dark thrillers like me?

If you do, you will DEFINITELY want to read, My Lovely Wife.

As a seasoned thriller reader, it is hard to find a book that catches me off guard or a writer that can craft an ending I never saw coming, but Downing managed to achieve both of those things with this debut novel.

Well played, Samantha Downing.

Told from the husband’s perspective, we are quickly enveloped in how much he adores his wife. They seem like the perfect couple and she does all the things any good wife would do. She’s beautiful, she keeps track of everyone’s activities, she makes incredible dinners, and they have a great romantic life.

It’s just that, their new favorite hobby is working as a team to seduce and murder women.

Yeah, that’s not exactly the extra curricular activity you would expect from this power duo, but do we REALLY know our friends?

What I appreciate about this story wasn’t the suspense of the killings, but the devastating consequences that begin to happen because of these murders.

This web of lies affects everyone in their house, like their poor unsuspecting children, and it becomes more and more difficult to keep anyone from finding out.

This added and believable suspense is what I REALLY loved about this story and kept me engaged (and guessing!) until those final pages.

I can’t wait to read more from this author and I hope you enjoy these twisty plot turns as much as I did. Fans of Dexter, in particular, will REALLY love this book.

5 out of 5 Stars

I Miss You When You Blink by Mary Laura Philpott

I’m not sure I have ever read a book of essays, but when 10 Things to Tell You (Laura) raved about it, I knew that I just had to read it.

Honestly, I can’t begin to tell you how enjoyable this read was.

At some points, I was misty-eyed.

At others, I couldn’t stop laughing.

It was just so darn relatable that it was uncanny.

Mary is a Type-A, go-getter, and perfectionist who has worked SO HARD to do everything right. She thought that by doing her best and by “following the rules,” she would be rewarded, but instead she’s found herself feeling lost.

This reflection on her life really showcases the real struggles of the modern woman and our identities and roles as we age. We have so many demands on us that we can get stuck in our own heads on if we are good enough or have done enough each day.

Philpott embraces and shares about the power of reinvention and that you always have the power to makeover what your life looks like.

It’s one of those charming books that I would put in a friend’s hand who just needs that reassurance that she is okay and that all of this is perfectly normal.

I loved this so much that I read several of the essays out loud to my husband and he laughed right along with me or just looked plain shocked at how relatable her stories were.

I can’t recommend it enough and I’m so thankful that Laura recommended it!

5 out of 5 Stars

The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess

I’ve been on a bookish book reading kick this summer (is that even a thing?). Bookish themes seemed to be in abundance this year and I am HERE FOR IT. Be sure to send me your recommendations if you have them for more bookish books to explore.

This book, for example, was one of my summer favorites and this one was absolutely adorable too.

I’m such a sucker for a book theme.

That is why I came in with such high hopes for this coming-of-age story. Dukess did not disappoint either with this beautiful summer romance that explores the concept of self-discovery and finding love in unlikely places.

The story takes place in Cape Cod, in the summer of 1987. Eve is a 25-year-old aspiring writer who has been working as a low-level assistance and is very dissatisfied with her job.

When the opportunity arises to work as an assistant to a famous New Yorker writer, Eve jumps at the chance to work as his research assistant and live with him and his poet wife.

With this job, she also receives a coveted invitation to attend their annual, “Book Party,” where attendees dress like their favorite literary characters hosted by the couple each year.

Eve is enchanted by Henry and the world that he lives in. She wants so badly to participate that she finds herself intercepting, this couple’s relationship, in ways she would have never guessed.

Dukess really does a great job at creating Eve’s story and the struggles that people face to break into the literary world.

Her difficulties and her discoveries are beautifully fleshed out in this gorgeous little page-turner.

4 out of 5 Stars

Very Nice by Marcy Dermansky

Sometimes you just need a steamy summer escape and Very Nice was, well, very nice. It leans heavily into dark satire and the a weird love triangle between a daughter, mother, and man.

Rachel attends college and ends up kissing and then sleeping with her writing professor. Zahid knows quickly that he has made a big mistake, but this comes at a time when he is a little down on his luck and could use a warm body.

When he finds himself without a home, Rachel offers him a room at her mom’s house, in hopes the two can continue the relationship they started.

As soon as Zahid walks in though, the chemistry between Rachel’s mom (Becca) and Zahid is thick.

Becca never thought she’d jump so soon into a relationship, after her divorce, but she has so much in common with the professor that they quickly find a connection.

Zahid is caught in a pretty awful predicament and it causes tension between the mother and daughter.

Becca believes that Rachel has a crush on Zahid so she tries to keep their affair secret, to spare her feelings. It isn’t too long before Rachel catches on though and uses her tryst as blackmail against Zahid.

This one is like a soap opera that leans pretty heavy into dark satire.

With the narrative shifting between these characters, it made it a quick page-turner that you couldn’t wait to see how it resolves.

I wouldn’t say this book is for everyone. The characters are unlikeable, as are their motives. A lot of times when I read books with unlikable characters, I get feedback that you struggled to connect. That’s why it might be one of those kinds of books that you really need to be in the mood for.

That said, I couldn’t put it down, even if the ending wasn’t where I hoped the story would travel.

3 out of 5 Stars

The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach

Although this is a departure from my usual reading, we are approaching an age where we really need to get our ducks in a row with our retirement savings.

I have heard great things about Bach’s book and thought I would spend a day reading this to make sure we were on the right path with our savings.

This book tells the story of a couple, that David was providing financial consulting to, and their journey to becoming millionaires. David is completely astounded that they have saved this much because the couple seemed like the typical middle-class family who didn’t seem like they had a lot to save.

Their story, he reflects, is the template we all need to achieve the same financial freedoms.

The idea of automating things is an easy one to implement, especially in this era of technology. His template to remove the “latte factor,” pay off your vehicles, pay off your house, possibly do another property ownership, pay down debts, and then save are pretty straightforward.

The idea of being aggressive with retiring and how to make your savings work for you is where the meat of these lessons worked for me.

One of my tasks this week is to do some of these ideas for automation and we upped our retirement contributions since we have worked hard to put a safety net in place.

If you are trying to pay things down and looking for a strategy to begin, I think this is a great one for learning beginner skills to grow your savings and retire comfortably.

Although I hate to plug my own book, I do think there are some additional lessons you could discover in my book. Bonus, it’s priced at just $4.99 on Kindle.

4 out of 5 Stars

Read With Me This Year

January 2019 Must-Reads

February 2019 Must-Reads

March 2019 Must-Reads

April 2019 Must-Reads

May 2019 Must-Reads

June 2019 Must-Reads

July 2019 Must-Reads

What did you read this month? Looking for book ideas? Check out our entire Book section of the site! Don’t forget to friend me on GoodReads! xo

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Tags: August Must Reads, Book Reviews, Books To Read, MomAdvice Book Reviews, Netgalley Reviews
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The Best Back To School Books For Kids

Friday, August 30th, 2019

Looking for books to help your child as they start school? These teacher-approved books are perfect for young readers. This book list is for parents and teachers to share these beautiful back to school stories with their kids. Whether you are looking for a read aloud book to get your kid ready for kindergarten (and all those new school rules), or you have an anxiety-filled middle school student on your hands, this book list has you covered!

From our new parenting contributor, Julie DenOuden

Freshly sharpened pencils. New school shoes. Sparkly clean lunchbox.

It’s that time of year for back to school and while we might not want summer to end, these back to school titles can help your family get ready for the new school year.

These books are also a great way to ease back into the routine of reading if your child hasn’t read very much over the summer.

The Best Back to School Books for Kids

General Books

One thing I learned during my years as an upper elementary and middle school teacher is that kids of all ages enjoy picture books. So just because the back of the books says it’s suitable for ages 4-7, doesn’t mean older kids won’t connect with these books. These back to school books help calm nerves about the first day, provide excitement for a new school year, and emphasize the importance of showing kindness to the people around us.

First Day Jitters

This book has a fun twist at the end and is great paired with some of your very own Jitter Juice (1 part 7up + 1 part Hawaiian Punch + sprinkles)

The Day You Begin

A wonderfully illustrated book about having the courage to connect with other people even when you feel like you don’t fit in with everyone around you.

The Exceptionally, Extraordinarily Ordinary First Day of School

An excellent book for kids who will be going to a new school and kids with a big imagination.

If I Built a School

Help kids imagine what their dream school looks like to help create excitement for the new school year. And if they really like this book, there are two others in the series to continue the fun.

We’re All Wonders

A gorgeous picture book that pairs with bestselling book Wonder to help kids understand the importance of always choosing kindness.

Fish in a Tree

A chapter book designed to help kids realize that everyone is smart in different ways so it’s okay to ask for help and embrace who you are.

Grade Specific Back to School Books

I love general back to school kids to help build excitement for the new year but it’s also helpful for kids to identify with book characters their very own age. Each grade comes with a unique set of worries and milestones and reading these books is a fun way to prepare for the year.

The King of Kindergarten

Help build excitement for this milestone day of the first day of kindergarten.

Junie B Jones

First grade is synonymous with Junie B. Jones and this series will accompany your budding reader all year along.

First Day, Here I Come!

A book of poems to create excitement for the upcoming year in second grade.

Third Grade Angels

Navigating life as a third grade can be challenging but this is a fun look at this transitional year of school when kids really switch from learning to read, to reading to learn.

Fourth Grade Rats

Continuing from Third Grade Angels, now it’s time for these students to become the Fourth Grade Rats.

Tales of a Fifth-Grade Knight

A wildly imaginative book about an average fifth grader whose life takes a turn from ordinary to extraordinary.

Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja

Another excellent book about transitioning to a new school and making new friends. As a bonus, this is a series, so if they get hooked kids can keep on reading!

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

A graphic novel that tackles the issues of middle schoolers…buillies, crushes, and fitting in. Another book that is the beginning of a series so kids can continue reading if they get hooked.

About Julie-

Having taught in both California and Pennsylvania and everything from 3rd to 8th grade, this year Julie is teaching 3rd grade at an elementary school in Southern California. She enjoys helping her students fall in love with reading and reading during the school day is a big priority. Julie loves traveling in her free time and always makes time to pop into local bookshops when she travels. When she’s not reading or teaching, she loves running, cupcakes and Christmas. You can find her blogging too over on her blog, Girl On the Move.

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Like these parenting tips? Here are 3 other posts you might find helpful today!

how to homeschool a child with special needs

7 habits for better mornings with your kids

teaching kids the importance of failure

book series for kids who love harry potter

diy tween self-confidence kit

Tags: Back to School Kids Books, Back to School Middle School Books, Best Books for Back to School, Teacher Recommended Elementary School Books
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July 2019 Must-Reads

Thursday, August 1st, 2019

Are you looking for your next great read? I’m sharing eight AMAZING reads with you and why I think you should read them. From twisty thrillers to gorgeous historical fiction, there is something for everyone in this month’s stack!

I can’t believe that our summer is coming to a close already. I don’t know about you, but I feel like it was just beginning and now I have to prepare for the back-to-school craziness.

You can picture me crying in a corner and begging that I don’t have to start the schedules, the school supplies ordering, the check-ups, the uniform shopping ALL OVER AGAIN.

read all about the reading retreat

It has been quite the bookish month! Not only did I host my first reading retreat (and it was just as magical as I had hoped), but I also spent this week writing all about how you can get your books for FREE on you Kindle. It’s more than just a post about the library though. It’s about allll the app options and Amazon benefits you should be taking advantage of.

I also hope you didn’t miss my FREE Summer Reading Guide I made for you. This guide should keep you very busy, as summer comes to a close, with loads of beautiful reads.

While you’re here, be sure to print out the 2019 MomAdvice reading challenge worksheet and join our FREE online book club!

You can check out the 2019 MomAdvice Book Club picks over here.

Don’t forget to send me a friend request over on GoodReads for more great book reviews!

Did you know Prime members get a read for free every single month? Grab your FREE book over here.

The Book of Month Club Selections Are Also Out!!

Here is what is available for July!

The Whisper Man by Alex North

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

The Reckless Oath We Made by Bryn Greenwood

Dominicana by Angie Cruz

Well Met by Jen DeLuca

This month’s special: New members can get their first book for $9.99 when they join using this month’s code CHASE and can cancel at any time.

Still somehow in all the craziness, I managed to read so many incredible books this month.

Here are 8 must-read books I tackled in July:

The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins

I devoured this gothic historical fiction novel from debut author, Sara Collins. This murder mystery follows the life of a slave named Frannie Langton and her difficult life as a slave for two different couples.

The novel opens with the trial of Frannie Langton and the accusations that she pulled off a brutal double murder of her employers. The couple, whose deaths are in question, are wildly eccentric and Frannie finds herself entrapped by both the husband and the wife.

The thing is, she cannot recall what happened the night of the murder, even though this information could save her from certain death. Found to be covered in blood and laying next to one of the victims, she doesn’t even have the memories to help her remember her role that evening.

The novel winds through Frannie’s journey from her Jamaican plantation upbringing to her time serving a couple in London. This woman’s story is very dark and very twisted with a forbidden relationship that no one could have ever predicted.

If you were tempted by the forbidden fruits of V.C. Andrews, love a good Sarah Waters novel, or found yourself entranced by Alias Grace…you must pick up this book.

Although it had a slow start and, honestly, far too many loose ends to wrap up, it was still worth every minute of my reading time.

Please note, this novel is graphic/brutal in nature. I would not recommend for the highly sensitive reader!

4 out of 5 Stars

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house for providing an advanced copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Let’s just admit that most buzz books do not deliver. I am so thrilled to say though that Ask Again, Yes, was one of the first summer buzz books that REALLY delivered on its promise to be an incredible 2019 read.

If you haven’t gotten to this one yet, let me fill you in a bit on the plot.

The story chronicles the lives of two rookie cops, Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope, who also happen to be neighbors. Set in the 1970’s, the two wives (Lena and Anne) should be close friends, but they are both battling their own demons at home. Lena is very lonely and could use a friend, but Anne is emotionally unstable and not the kind of person that can support Anne through this chapter in her life.

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The two neighbor kids, born just six months apart, have found a forever friendship with one another that trumps all of their parent’s difficulties and struggles.

In a very shocking twist of events though, one moment changes everything for these two families in a way that the reader would never expect. This event causes their loyalties to divide and their bonds to be tested.

Keane chronicles the next 40 years so beautifully that it made my heart hurt. The storytelling is exquisite and I hung on every last word.

When I ended this book, I looked at my husband and said, “FINALLY. A BUZZ BOOK WORTH READING.”

I guarantee that this one will be going on my best books of 2019 list.

5 out of 5 Stars

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

I used my Book of the Month credit on this intimate nonfiction exploration of real women and their secret sex lives.

If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, please carry on!

I, honestly, cracked the book open in the morning with coffee and ended the book THE SAME DAY with wine.

I then handed it off to a girlfriend and begged her to read it too, just so I had someone to talk about it with.

Perhaps, it is my conservative Midwest upbringing, but I found this book to be eye-opening, especially because women so rarely discuss their own sexual desires openly. The author, in fact, had many people bail on her, midway through this project, because people began to worry about the anonymity factor.

As the title suggests, this profiles three different women and what is happening behind closed doors.

One Midwest woman is struggling to get her husband to even kiss her, let alone be intimate with her. It is because of this rejection that she rekindles an old flame and begins having an affair.

Another woman starts a relationship with her English teacher, at the tender age of seventeen. What begins as something innocent begins to slowly evolve into an inappropriate relationship. Just as she begins to be fully vested into this relationship, her teacher completely cuts her off from his life.

To her surprise, now as an adult, he is nominated as, “Teacher of the Year,” and no one in her town believes her story of her affair.

The third is the raciest of the storylines and features a woman who is happily married and her husband is also happily open to them having other people in the bedroom (*ahem*).

The book reads like fiction, but Taddeo has spent years on this book to make sure that she tells their story as truthfully and honestly as possible. It has seemed to struck a chord with many and now has been picked up for a Showtime television series too.

My inability to put this one down makes it a winner, at least in my book.

5 out of 5 Stars

The Chain by Adrian McKinty

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house for providing an advanced copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

If you gravitate towards the darker thrillers, I have a feeling that you will enjoy this new novel, The Chain.

The plot revolves around a mother, named Rachel, who is on her way to an oncology appointment, when she receives a panicked message from a woman who tells her that the caller’s child has been kidnapped.

She is desperate for Rachel to help her get her child back.

The only way the caller could get her child back though is to kidnap ANOTHER child…and Rachel’s daughter has been chosen.

This crazy woman has her child.

Say what?

To release Kylie, Rachel’s kidnapped daughter, she is required to send a ridiculous amount of money and KIDNAP ANOTHER CHILD to complete the chain.

What is the consequence of breaking this chain? If she breaks the link, her child will be killed.

Rachel is down on her luck financially, is divorced, and has been beaten down with cancer. She would do or sacrifice anything though to get her child back… including taking someone else’s kid. With the help of her ex-brother-in-law (a Special Forces veteran), she goes against everything she is to get her daughter back.

McKinty adds a lot of layers to Rachel that include both her difficult life and her background as a professor of philosophy. He also adds layers to her accomplice that make him unreliable and put the reader on edge.

This is another book that I polished off in a single day and ended up being a fantastic little summer escape.

4 out of 5 Stars

Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house for providing an advanced copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Are you tired of every thriller saying that they are the next, Gone Girl?

Me too!

The thing is, this is probably the closest thing I’ve read to that novel that really delivered on great thriller plot twists.

That’s why, I’m actually going to give this one the Gone Girl Award (trademarked) for 2019.

Sabine Hardison has went missing, but this isn’t the first time that she has done this. Her husband, Jeffrey, is concerned that this time is different though and reports her missing to the police.

When her car turns up abandoned, the only evidence they have is that all signs are pointing to foul play.

Sabine’s sister knows that Jeffrey isn’t the supportive husband that he is sharing with the police though and thinks that Sabine may have disappeared just to escape the abusive relationship. When you learn more about Sabine’s story, you know you would have to leave too.

Now known as Beth Murphy, she has cut off her hair, dyed it in a new shade, and is doing everything she can to escape the cycle of abuse she was part of. “Beth” has to keep moving though, and keep an emotional distance from everyone, because the last thing that can happen is being found by her husband.

One detective is unwilling to end this case until these answers are found and he will stop at nothing to figure out where Sabine is hiding or who could have murdered her. This game of cat-and-mouse is on!

I loved, loved, loved this thriller and highly recommend this one if you are looking for a solid plot to really sink your teeth into. The twists were so well-played that it took me, even as a seasoned thriller reader, by surprise.

5 out of 5 Stars

Necessary People by Anna Pitoniak

A thriller without GIRL or WIFE in the title AND focuses on a twisted friendship instead?

Sign. Me. Up.

I used one of my summer Book of the Month credits to snag this fun thriller and really enjoyed it.

Stella and Violet have been best friends since college, but could not be more opposite. Stella is the beautiful and reckless one who oozes privilege. Violet, on the other hand, has had to work really hard to get where she is and seems to be available to clean up any mess that Stella might be making.

Violet ends up scoring her dream job, after graduation, and finds herself working for cable news. Due to her dedication and focus to detail, she is quickly moved up the ranks from intern all the way up to assistant producer. She loves having her own thing, separate from Stella, and feels like she is finally on a path that hasn’t been clouded by her taking up the spotlight.

When Stella becomes jealous of her new life, she works her family’s connections to score a job at the same news center. She begins infiltrating herself into Violet’s relationships and wins the coveted role as a news anchor.

Just as Stella is to begin her dream job as an anchor, she disappears. It’s not the first time she’s left though so no one is suspicious that there could be foul play.

Ah, but Violet has had enough with Stella moving on her turf and she just might know where Stella is.

This was another fun summer thriller that I really enjoyed this month.

Pitoniak does a great job showcasing the love-hate relationship between these two and creates the right amount of sympathy in Violet, along with the right amount of narcissism in Stella.

I would definitely add this one to your reading list this summer!

4 out of 5 Stars

The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

Thank you to the publishing house for providing an advanced copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

I selected, The Masterpiece, as our book for discussion on our MomAdvice Reading Retreat. It ended up being a really charming historical fiction novel that made me want to dive into more of the offerings from Fiona Davis.

If you are unfamiliar with Fiona Davis, she tells stories, that are set in New York, at famous historic landmark locations. This novel goes back and forth through time and the setting this time is in the Grand Central Terminal.

Did you know that the Grand Central Terminal used to house an art school?

Well, it did and this story shares about that time in history and the artistry that was developed through this school.

Fifty years later, Virginia is working the information booth at the Grand Central Terminal and the building has a planned renovation that may remove beautiful portions of its history. When Virginia stumbles upon the art school, now boarded up and abandoned, she finds a beautiful watercolor that might be worth something. Virginia takes it upon herself to find out who that artist is and to learn more about the history of this school.

This is a PERFECT book club discussion book because two of these fictional characters are based on real people in history and it also was so fun to discover that there was an art school tucked away in this building.

We had an excellent discussion and it is the kind of book you could pass on to ANYONE and they will enjoy it too.

I’m really glad we got a chance to talk about this one, especially since this was our first time talking about a book in person.

4 out of 5 Stars

In Sight of Stars by Gae Polisner

If you are looking for an incredible young adult novel, be sure to pick up, “In Sight of Stars.”

The MomAdvice Book Club was lucky enough to not only have a video chat with Gae, at our MomAdvice Reading Retreat, but she also joined us for our online book chat as well. Gae is one of those generous kinds of authors that is so giving of her time time and talks openly and honestly about her books.

If you are looking for an interactive book chat, this is YOUR GIRL.

Don’t have a book club? You can join mine for free and find the chat with Gae under our Events tab.

This story explores the life of seventeen-year-old Klee (pronounced Clay) and the aching grief of losing his father. Klee’s father was his world and was the one who introduced him to art by taking him to the MoMA and sharing his stories about the artists that hung on those walls.

When his father dies, a little part of Klee has died too and he can’t help to think his mom might be partly to blame for his death.

Klee needs a little happiness in his life and when he meets Sarah, in his art class, he believes that she is just the ticket to bring him back out of his shell. She is everything he is not- wild, carefree, and lighthearted.

When Sarah betrays him though, Klee finds himself in a psychiatric hospital for teens where he is forced to deal with the emotions of his father’s death, his anger with his mother, and losing the one person who brought him joy again.

Luckily, this boy is surrounded by a staff of helpers who help Klee come to terms with ALL OF IT and his role in these stories.

Polisner really opens this story in a way that makes it confusing to the reader and she does so purposefully. She wants her reader to understand what it is like in Klee’s head and how hard it is for him.

More importantly, she confronts how the things we think we know about our parents aren’t always the real story. She challenges her reader to look at their stories in a different light and with a little more grace than they might have before.

What teen doesn’t need to hear that?

I really loved this novel and so many of our readers did too.

I would also recommend this one for older teens due to language, sex, and adult themes.

I encourage you to add this one to your stack!