On My Bookshelf No. 5

I have done so much reading since my last On My Bookshelf! And I pretty much loved them all! Since I’m still social distancing and California has had poor air quality these past couple weeks, reading has been the best thing to do to get away from screens and escape for a bit.

Recent Reads

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

I really enjoyed this book – definitely not what I had expected! Daphne is shocked when her childhood best friend reenters her life and asks Daphne to be her maid of honor. Before the wedding, something horrible happens and Daphne sets out to find the truth. I loved the storyline and mystery, however at some parts I felt the narration was a little too wordy/descriptive for my taste. I would still recommend though!

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

At first I could not put this book down. Amber wants the life that Daphne Parrish has, and so she develops a plan to get it. She quickly becomes engrained in the Parrish family’s life, just as she planned. But, there are some things in her past that she needs to keep hidden. There is a “twist” about halfway through the book that didn’t seem all that shocking to me. Reviews I’ve seen said you’ll be guessing until the end and I have to say, it wasn’t all that mysterious for me after the ‘twist!’ Either way I did enjoy reading, and I would recommend if you liked The Wife Between Us.

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

This book was so cute and a much needed break from all the thrillers I’d been reading! My best friend gifted it to me for my birthday because she loved it so much, and I’m so glad she did! Nina Hill lives a very routine life that includes lots of books and trivia nights. Then her father, who she never knew, dies and Nina discovers she has a huge family. I loved how her relationships with her new family members were written! This book was definitely a slower pace, but not in a boring way at all. Perfect if you’re looking for an uplifting read!

The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn

OHHHH you guys. I LOVED this book. An agoraphobic woman knows almost everything about the other people who live on her street. One night, she sees something terrible happen in her new neighbor’s home. Throughout the book it’s difficult to know what’s real and what isn’t, which makes this thriller so exciting. I couldn’t put it down and the ending was something I never saw coming! Amy Adams stars in the film adaptation of this one, which sadly hasn’t come out yet. Cannot wait for the movie!

Someone We Know by Shari Lapena

Shari Lapena is one of my favorite mystery writers, and this was one of her best that I’ve read (almost up there with The Couple Next Door). I don’t want to give too many details away, but a neighborhood has experienced some break-ins followed by the murder of a woman who lived in one of the houses that was broken into. The whole neighborhood becomes involved in the murder investigation, and many of their secrets are revealed. Lapena writes suburban mysteries so well, and this one is no exception!

Majesty (American Royals II) by Katharine McGee

I can’t believe this book is finally out and I finally got to read it! I read American Royals earlier this year and absolutely loved it. I even reread it prior to Majesty coming in the mail so I was fully prepared. Katharine McGee is such an amazing writer and this sequel flowed so seamlessly with the first book (which is rare!). It went in a direction that was not at all expected, and I loved every page. McGee’s story combines everything I know and love about royalty – Will and Kate, Meghan and Harry, The Crown, and even a little bit of The Princess Diaries – into this fictional story of royalty in America. You must read! Even if you aren’t a royal fanatic, this is hands down one of my favorite series. I have this dream that Reese Witherspoon will produce these books into movies! Oh also, fully expecting a third book. I’m not sure if their will be, but Katharine if you’re reading this, please give us a third (and fourth and fifth??)!