Four Books I’ve Been Reading

I reached my goal! I set a goal on Goodreads to read 45 books in 2015; I’m currently on my forty-eighth book of the year.

Today, I want to tell you about my four of my recent reads in case you’re seeking something to add to your to read list (more books to read can be found here):

Lemongrass Hope by Amy Impellizzeri – I found this book on Book Bub, a service that sends out daily emails featuring e-books that are sale. You set the parameters of the books you’re interested in—mysteries, nonfiction, fantasy, whatever—and the platform on which you read your e-book, and Book Bub sends you suggestions. Lemongrass Hope was… okay. It had the unfortunate burden of following the deeply satisfying Life After Life, which I adored. Both books feature heroines faced with the chance to redo their lives, bringing up questions about choice, forgiveness, and destiny. Life After Life does such an exceptional job; Lemongrass Hope really didn’t have a chance. It is an easy read, though, and the evolution of the main character was addressed well.

The Art Forger by BA Shapiro – In this tale, the author, inspired by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist, created a tale about an up-and-coming artist drawn to Gardner’s story while entering a world of forgery. I liked learning about the artist’s life—how she used different painting techniques, found inspiration, and struggled to find her way—and, of course, I loved to see Boston featured in literature. I’d consider this one for a snowy afternoon, curled up on the sofa with a cup of cocoa.

Juliet by Anne Fortier – While I can’t remember how I found this book, I am glad I stumbled upon it; it’s an engrossing read. The novel is based upon the idea that the Romeo and Juliet
we all know from Shakespeare’s famous play were not the real Romeo and Juliet. While the real lovers also were torn apart by family obligations and political intrigue like the play, the details of their story have changed in the telling and the retelling, and their love story was, if possible, more profound. The protagonist finds herself on a journey to understand their story and her role in it. There’s drama, history, ancient rituals, and catacombs, too. Add this one to your Goodreads to read list.

After You by JoJo Moyes – Did you read Me Before You? Did you LOVE it like I did? Did your brain explode when you heard a sequel was coming out? After You is that sequel, which I read in about two days. I loved being immersed in the next phase of the characters’ lives, but, as you can expect, book two is never quite as good as book one. That being said, read it if you love JoJo Moyes’ way with your heartstrings—she’s got some mad skills in that department—and read them both together if you have not experienced the whirlwind story of Louisa and Will. Have the hankies handy.

One month until the end of this year! Can I read 50 books in 2015? Fingers crossed.

Photo Credit: on the nightstand via photopin (license)

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About The Author

Kimberly