My Current Book Recommendations For You!

"Hey! Having Any Book Recommendations For Me?" -Anyone who realizes I read a lot of books 

I thought it would be fun to break down some of my favorite books I have read over the last two years. To help with anyone who wanted to start reading and wondered upon my blog! I will break it down with genre(one's I felt it fit) and give a small one or two sentences to make it very easy!

Romance:

This is hard because I love a good romance and rom-com so I tend to gravitate toward those more when at the bookstore! So I did my best and narrowed it down to two great books!

1. Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. - I am finding it incredibly easy to read ALL of their books because they are so easy to consume and enjoy. after reading five books by them this year I've realized that they do have a formula to their storytelling but that's my only critic! This book is so adorable and hilarious. It was a fun ride from beginning to end and you will find it very hard to put this Rom-Com down! Summary: When Olive(The maid of honor) and Ethan's (Best man) are the only two to get sick at the wedding, the two enemies are left with no option but to take the newlywed's honeymoon in their place.  
2. The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo - This is such a powerful romance story that spans over years. It had its turns and heartbreak and love and you really feel like you are growing with these two characters. I know if they ever make it a movie the entire theater will be in tears before the end of the movie! I found it incredibly moving. Summary: One day can change everything you once held as true. Lucy and Gabe may be star-crossed lovers, but are they destined to burn out or find each other in the end? 

Honorable mentions: The Proposal and One Day In December

Coming of Age(?):

Not sure if this is considered a genre but I'm choosing it as one. It's my blog I can do what I want!

1. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman- This book is charming in the most hilarious way. I really loved this novel and the twist that it help were shocking! If you read The Bookish Life Of Nina Hill you will love this book too. It starts off a little dry but changes quickly and you'll find yourself wanting more! Summary: Eleanor is not your average woman, she lacks social cues that most people know, but when Raymond comes in her life, will he be able to heal her scars? 
2. Such a Fun Age By Kiley Reid - I have never in my entire reading life connected to a character SO much, physically and mentally. It's about race, transactional relationships, and being young in this modern world. This story was such a fun read that had me flipping through it quickly, desperate to know what happens to these complex characters. Summary: Emira, a 25-year-old black woman, take the child she babysits for to the store late at night at the parents' request, but when a security officer takes his job too seriously secrets will come out and true feelings revealed. 

Honorable mentions: Oona Out Of Order and Bookish Life of Nina Hill

Thiller:

1. Conviction by Denise Mina - WOW. this book is probably my favorite of 2020 It was so unexpected. And the overall idea of the novel is so different and new and twisting. Throughout the entire novel, you don't know what will happen or how it'll all end! Summary: It started like any morning and ended like nothing you could ever imagine, but one thing stayed true for Anna, her true-crime podcast. But when she realizes she knows the people in the show, will she be able to reveal the truth?
2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - Another favorite but of 2019! This book has it all and so much more! It has mystery, murder, romance, hope, and beauty. Owens makes you feel as if you really there with the characters the feeling and visuals are amazing. You will not regret this book! Summary: Kya has raised herself in the lonely nature of the marshes of North Carolina, which gave her the name "Marsh Girl". But when a local is murdered, everyone suddenly looks at Kya as the main suspect. 

Honorable mentions: Something in the Water and The Other Woman

Historical Fiction:

1. Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn - The reason this book was such a standout was that you really felt as though you were walking in Rome with these characters each moment. Quinn does an excellent job of blending creativity and facts seamlessly. If you're willing to dive into this genre, you'll really enjoy this one! Summary: Thea is a slave girl in Rome and through betrayal and power her life is held in the hands of the most powerful people in the incredibly beautiful and deceitful city that is Rome. 
2. Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott - This one was a little hard in the beginning but then I fell for this beautiful story about two sides of one problem. It had romance and mystery while blending in a very real moment in history. And that ending? Oh my goodness you'll enjoy this! Summary: Set in the middle of the Cold War and told from the view of the women who were a very large role within, this novel takes on both sides of this war. 

Honorable mentions: Next Year In Havana

A book I couldn't decide where it fit but needs to be mentioned: 

1. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal - Okay first off, good luck reading this in public and not blushing with story or cover. It was a really special story that had so much rich culture and heart. It's one part Coming of age, one part romance, and one part Thriller. It gives you everything and the stories of these women! I loved this book so much. Summary: Nikki is at that age where you don't know what to do with your life and takes on a class teaching the widows in her community but it's not what she thought it was and then it turns out to be more than she could ever imagine. But as the confidence of these women restores, secrets are revealed and it could endanger them all.

That's all I can think of to help everyone out! Now go read some amazing books!!

-MDB