Quick Lit: March 2018

Quick Lit: March 2018

Apr 6, 2018

I read 30 books in March – a record for me! I was on a major reading binge and didn't want to do anything else in the evenings. And that's the reason I barely posted anything on the blog in March, though I did manage to review Still Me by Jojo Moyes. If you're looking for more recommendations, check out the Quick Lit linkup hosted by Modern Mrs. Darcy.

I'm reviewing 9 of the 30 books in today's post, but I've got different plans for the others. In addition to the books below, I re-read Illumine and Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff before moving on to Obsidio, which I'll have a full-length review for soon. I also re-read Shatter Me, Unravel Me, Unite Me and Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi before flying through Restore Me. I wanted to talk about my experience re-reading that series + my thoughts on the newest, so that's coming soon (I hope haha!). Then, I devoured the Devil Riders series by Anne Gracie and Survivors' Club series by Mary Balogh – and decided to do something special for both. The last book I read was Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas, and I actually just forgot to add that to this post so I'll just include it in my next Quick Lit update. Okay, whew! 

THE DUKE AND I BY JULIA QUINN | At the beginning of the month, I found myself in the mood for some historical romance and decided to give the Bridgerton series a shot. It has a number of elements that sounded right up my alley, including a fake courtship that turns into something more, but it just didn't quite work for me. I hated the revenge element, and I was frustrated with the hero -- even though I knew I ought to feel more sympathetic. Then, the heroine does something infuriating and unacceptable... Although I liked the family and the humor, I was just So Okay With It overall. I was invested in the couple at all! And now I can't decide if I'll continue this series, but I am curious.

PRINCE IN DISGUISE BY STEPHANIE KATE STROHM | I love this cover and the summary definitely had my name written all over it, so I couldn't resist buying it when the Kindle edition went on sale. I was soon swept up in this delightful story! It combined so many fun things: Scottish castles, reality TV, pop culture references, complicated family dynamics and a sweet romance. It's a little cheesy/fluffy, but that didn't bother me. I laughed so much while I was reading, highlighted so many quotes and embraced the feeling of wish fulfillment that I got while reading. Teenage me would have eaten this story up -- and the adult me So Enjoyed It! Sometimes a cute, escapist read is just what you need.

THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS, THE CROWN OF EMBERS AND THE BITTER KINGDOM BY RAE CARSON | I didn't listen to any audiobooks in January or February, but I knew I needed to get back in the habit. I finally decided on a re-read of the Girl of Fire and Thorns series – which I'd read and loved back in 2013 but had never revisited. I was immediately drawn in my Jennifer Ikeda's narration, and I'd happily recommend the audiobooks for that aspect alone! But, thankfully, the characters make the story worth reading, too. I enjoyed Elisa's personal growth, swooned over the romance, gasped over the twists and turns in her journey and cheered over its resolution. I So Loved It! 

ROOMIES BY CHRISTINA LAUREN | As soon as I started this book, I found myself unable to stop until I'd finished reading it. I gravitate towards marriage of convenience stories in historical romance, so it's no surprise that I loved this modern twist! The characters were charming, the NYC setting was perfect, the banter was adorable, and the romance was swoony. What more can you ask for?! It read like a rom com, which was exactly what I needed at the time. Plus, I loved reading about characters in their 20s going through (mostly) relatable things. I found a few things a bit crude (that's my Southern side showing, I suppose) but that's just a disclaimer rather than a complaint. I So Enjoyed It! 

MARRY IN HASTE AND MARRY IN SCANDAL* BY ANNE GRACIE | I just recently read and reviewed Marry in Haste, but I decided to re-read it before Marry in Scandal to refresh my memory because I've read so many other historical romances since then. And sometimes they start to blend together! I don't have anything new to say about it aside from the fact that I So Loved It just as much the second time. Cal and Emm have such a sweet story, and I was glad I re-familiarized myself with the family history. And when I read the summary for the second book and realized the hero was Cal's friend? That made me all the more excited to find out what would happen next! I do love Gracie's rakes.

I was excited for sweet Lily to fall in love and reform the rake, but the biggest surprise of the book was the way she stands up for herself! Her brother, sister and niece have such strong personalities that for me she always faded into the background when they were around. She certainly displays her strengths in this book! I loved that she saved herself from a dangerous situation, helped the hero find peace with his past, and began to find her identity outside of her learning disability. I was a bit less in love with the hero -- but that's just because it took him a long time to let down his emotional walls. I wanted a bit more relationship development between them, too, but I still So Enjoyed It overall.

DEVIL IN SPRING BY LISA KLEYPAS | I enjoyed the Wallflowers series last year but wasn't sure I'd read more from Kleypas. Her stories are just a bit too sexy for me personally, which means I end up skimming/skipping parts, but I do love her characters. So, I've been torn. But when I found out that the third book in the Ravenels series involved the child of a Wallflower, I couldn't resist! Gabriel and Pandora are so dang adorable, and I was so invested in their relationship! I liked the unconventional heroine, the witty dialogue and the Wallflowers references and cameos. I don't think I'll read the other books in the series, but this one definitely ranks as a So Enjoyed It. 

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

What have you been reading lately?

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March 2018: Recap + On My Shelves

March 2018: Recap + On My Shelves

Apr 5, 2018

I'm so excited for spring's return, though I haaaate all the pollen that's currently making it hard to enjoy being outside. But at least sunny days and warmer temps are finally here... if you're in the south, at least.

1. March Madness Wager – I never watch March Madness, but Kelly is legit obsessed. She convinced me to fill out a bracket, and we wagered on the perfect prize: the winner got to pick a planner product for the loser to gift them and got to "make" the loser read a book of their choice. And... I lost. Haha! But only by one game, so I didn't embarrass myself.

2. Puzzles & Playtime – It was a pretty quiet month around here. It was (mostly) too cold to be outside much, and Nick was traveling a decent amount. That meant lots of one-on-one time with my little boy! Whether we were putting together puzzles or riding the carousel at the mall (his latest love), we made precious memories. I love being his mom!

3. New Happy Planner Goodies – I've mentioned before that I've fallen in love with Happy Planners, and the obsession shows no signs of fading. I bought an undated Memory Planner and 2018-2019 Daily Planner + five new stickers books in March. Yes, I have a problem. I really do need to write a post about how I use my planners. Hopefully soon...

4. Adventuring in Athens – I wish I'd taken more photos from this day, but oh well. Nick and I both graduated from UGA (in Athens), and we live close enough that we occasionally go for a fun, nostalgic day trip. We went on a beautiful day and enjoyed walking downtown, reminiscing and eating at one of our favorite places there. 

Read 30 Books | Favorites:

Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi

The Devil Riders Series by Anne Gracie (my fave)

The Survivors' Club Series by Mary Balogh (my fave)

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Honorable Mentions:

Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Roomies by Christina Lauren

“She was a master of that prized Southern tradition of an insult so subtle you’d almost miss it.”
Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm

“Perhaps that’s what happens when you meet someone you really quite like,” Jamie said thoughtfully.
“You both feel a bit as though you’ve tricked the other person into liking you.”
Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm

 “When one had once suffered a great hurt, there was always a weakness afterward,
a vulnerability where there had been wholeness and strength before - and innocence.”
The Proposal by Mary Balogh

 “One should love from a position of wholeness.
One should have a firm and rich sense of self no matter what.
For there is always pain—it cannot be avoided in this life, more’s the pity.
But pain should not destroy the person who feels it.”
The Escape by Mary Balogh

 “We can never benefit today from the wisdom we will have gained tomorrow.”
Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh

 “The trouble with running away is that you must always take yourself with you.”
Only a Promise by Mary Balogh

 “We are made up of everything we have ever been, Percy.
It is the joy and the pain of our individuality. There are no two of us the same.”
Only a Kiss by Mary Balogh

“I was thinking," he murmurs. "There'a billion different versions of you out there,
in a trillion different universes. And I still can't get over how lucky I am that,
out of all those versions, you're the one that's mine.”
Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

“Good God, she really did walk in circles.
A pang of tenderness centered in Gabriel’s chest like an ache.
He wanted all her circles to lead back to him.”
Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

I didn't meet my blogging goals in March; instead, I spent almost all of my free time reading! I finished 30 books during the month, and I think that's a record for me. I just couldn't stop! I neglected my blog because I was too busy reading. Oh well! There's always April, right? I do love a good reading binge, and this month's was epic.

So, I only posted four times in March. The first was the last day of my UK Recap Fit for a Queen event, which I counted as a February post in my February 2018 Recap. Then, I got my February 2018 Quick Lit posted in a timely manner. Take a look at that if you're interested in mini reviews of what I read that month! And finally, I shared a full-length review for Still Me by Jojo Moyes, a book I had no intention of reading until Kelly convinced me to give it a try.

1. Behind the Screen: A Book Blogger Tag by Lauren from Bookmark Lit – I love how often Lauren introduces me to new bookish tags! I haven't done any in ages but saved this one because I think it would be fun to fill out. 

2. 10 Audiobooks So Good You'll Want to... by Anne from Modern Mrs. Darcy – I didn't save this one for the post itself but rather for all the recommendations mentioned in the 157 comments. I need to add some to my Audible wishlist!

3. 20+ Fun Activities for Kids While They Listen to Audiobooks by Janssen from Everyday Reading – My son isn't at this stage yet, but I hadn't thought about him eventually listening to a book while doing an activity. Saved for the future! 

Favorite Album: Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
I've been eagerly awaiting this album, and it hasn't disappointed!
It came out at the end of the month, so it will be on repeat all April, too.



Favorite Song #1: "Chasing Fire" by Lauv
This was a Spotify recommendation for me, and I'm so glad.
I like a few other Lauv songs but always forget to look for new releases from him!



Favorite Song #2: "Good Kisser" by Lake Street Dive
I saw someone recommend this song in an Instagram story,
and now I'm obsessed! I can't stop listening.

Queer Eye, Season 1, starring Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski & Jonathan Van Ness –  I saw everyone talking about this show online, and I couldn't resist the hype. And oh man, it's so deserved! I don't watch a lot of reality TV, but this is exactly the kind I love to binge. It's funny, heartwarming and totally made me tear up a few times. I can't wait for the second season, and I've already pushed it on friends. Bonus? It was filmed in Georgia.

Felicity, Season 1, starring Keri Russell, Scott Speedman and Scott Foley – I almost didn't include this since it's a rewatch and I haven't quite finished the first season (since I keep picking up books instead of turning on the TV). But it still counts! I watched this show for the first time when I was in college, which was probably 10 years after the show aired. I've been so obsessed with it ever since! And I'm #TeamBen, OBVIOUSLY, forever and always.

Pre-Ordered: Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi and Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Used Bookstore: First Comes Marriage, At Last Comes Love, Seducing an Angel, A Secret Affair, Only Enchanting, Only a Promise, Only a Kiss and Only Beloved by Mary Balogh

Gift Card: Hand Lettering 101 & 201 by ChalkFullofLove and Hand Lettering for Relaxation by Amy Latta

Audible Credits/Sale: The Crown of Embers and The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson, The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson and Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

NetGalley (Berkeley): Someone to Care by Mary Balogh and Marry in Scandal by Anne Gracie

NetGalley (Macmillan): The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo and Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Perez

Edelweiss (HarperCollins): My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

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The 'Me' Lou Needed to Be

The 'Me' Lou Needed to Be

Mar 16, 2018

 Still Me by Jojo Moyes

Release Date: January 29, 2018
Publisher: Penguin Random House; Pamela Dorman
Pages: 390 pages
Source & Format:
Series: Me Before You #3
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Summary (from Goodreads)

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life. 

As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places?

Thoughts on Still Me

I read Me Before You not long after it was released — one of the first books that I requested and read for review! It became an all-time favorite for me, and I've always loved that I knew about the book before it became a bestseller. Despite its sadness, I loved that the ending allowed me to imagine all good things for Louisa Clark.

When After You came out, I was skeptical. I didn't think the first book needed a sequel, but I was also convinced that Moyes had good reason for continuing Lou's journey. Unfortunately, I didn't feel that way when I finished it. I found myself describing the book as boring, contrived, and depressing — which shocked me! Afterward, I imagined that Louisa Clark's story ended with Me Before You and that the events of the second book were just a bad dream.

When the third book was announced,  I honestly thought that Moyes was just milking the characters for money at that point. I knew exactly what I was going to do with Still Me: pretend it didn't exist. And then... While we were abroad, Kelly was reading it. And y'all, watching her cry happy tears in Waterstones and listening to her persuasive argument in favor of it made me curious enough to order a copy as soon as I got home. No one is more surprised than me about what I’m about to say next: I LOVED IT!

Still Me was an emotional end to Lou’s story, and it may even change my mind on the second book. After You will never be a favorite for me, but I think I can appreciate it more now that it exists within this three-book arc. While I still think that the story could have ended with the first book, I'm glad that the third book exists to provide closure for these characters.

In Me Before You, Will challenges Lou to make the most of her life because you only get one. And I think what made After You such a difficult read was seeing that not much had changed in Lou's life. It was realistic -- she was, after all, grieving. And major life change doesn't happen overnight! But man, it was rough to see her struggling.

What I immediately enjoyed about Still Me was the change in tone! Lou has moved to New York for a new job, and her earnest optimism is back in full force. It was a breath of fresh air! Throughout the course of the book, you get to watch her navigate a challenging workplace, settle in to an entirely new place and embrace a long-distance relationship with Ambulance Sam. So, her life isn't without its detours and dead-ends. But her confidence in herself and the courage she shows by taking chances made it such a delight to read!

There's such a great story of personal growth in these pages, and I can now see how the second book needed to exist to propel Louisa to this place in her life. Do I wish she could have jumped right over the rough patch in the middle? Absolutely. But I think I can appreciate that season more now that I've read the third book! It brought everything full circle, redeemed some of my least favorite aspects of After You and was the perfect emotional resolution.

I didn't enjoy everything about this story (a few aspects were just a bit too reminiscent to Me Before You). but I truly loved it overall. I haven't talked very much about what actually happens in the book because I think that's best left for you to discover. But I'm happy to say that Louisa Clark is back and better than ever! I look forward to re-reading all three books in the future now that I know that the ending delivers the heartfelt, hopeful future that Lou deserved.

So Quotable

“I had a choice. I was Louisa Clark from New York or Louisa Clark from Stortfold. Or there might be a whole other Louisa I hadn’t yet met. The key was making sure that anyone you allowed to walk beside you didn’t get to decide which you were, and pin you down like a butterfly in a case. The key was to know that you could always somehow find a way to reinvent yourself again.”

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Quick Lit: February 2018

Quick Lit: February 2018

Mar 8, 2018

I read 12 books in February, and I'm reviewing six of those in today's post! If you're looking for more book recommendations, check out the Quick Lit linkup that's hosted by Modern Mrs. Darcy.

In February, I talked about my favorite reads from January -- the Rose Trilogy by Jennifer Donnelly. And once I got home from my trip to the UK, I reviewed the books I read abroad. That accounts for three of the February reads that aren't included in today's post. My full review of Still Me by Jojo Moyes is coming soon, and I'll review  Making Up by Lucy Parker and How to Walk Away by Katherine Center a little closer to their release dates. So, let's chat about the other six!

IF YOU ONLY KNEW BY JAMIE IVEY | Ivey is the creator and host of The Happy Hour Podcast, but I actually heard about this book on The Popcast. I didn't know anything about the author prior to reading this book, but I can't resist a good memoir! In If You Only Knew, Ivey tells every part of her story -- including the messy parts that fear and shame have always told her to hide. While I thought the writing left a lot to be desired, I absolutely loved Ivey's vulnerability and message. She brings every part of her story back to the gospel -- focusing on the freedom she's found in Christ and the way God has redeemed every part of her story. I So Enjoyed It because there is so much truth in these pages.

SURPRISE ME BY SOPHIE KINSELLA* | After loving Kinsella's My Not So Perfect Life, I couldn't wait to dive into her newest release! I'm not sure if my expectations were too high, but I ended up being a bit disappointed with Surprise Me. The premise didn't really appeal to me, but I expected Kinsella to infuse it with her trademark humor and relatable characters. Unfortunately, that wasn't really the case. The first half felt very long, and I eyerolled a lot at the over-the-top hijinks. The second half was better, and I loved the theme at the heart of the story, but the tone was much more serious. It was so disjointed -- like two books combined into one, unsuccessfully. I was So Okay With It.

PRETTY FACE BY LUCY PARKER | After I finished reading Act Like It, I couldn't wait to get home and buy the second book in the series! And y'all, that was an excellent life choice. I loved the first just a tiny bit more because it's one of my favorite tropes, but this book definitely solidified Parker as one of my new favorite authors. I'm obsessed with Parker's writing, snarky sense of humor, and slow-burn romances. Best of all, she proved once again that she can introduce just the right amount of drama and resolve it in a really satisfying way. I loved Luc and Lily, swooned over their romance and didn't mind the age difference one bit. Plus, the theater setting was just so fascinating! I So Loved It.

FAKING FRIENDS BY JANE FALLON | I picked this up when I spotted it on sale at a bookstore in Oxford, and I decided to purchase it because the part I sampled was so promising. I was immediately intrigued! When the heroine finds out that her fiancé is having an affair -- with her BFF! -- she decides to get revenge. And for the first half of the book, I was entertained! And then... things took a turn with the addition of a new POV. Y'all, I hated the second half on every level. I kept forgetting the heroine and her friend were 40 years old because they acted so juvenile. The friendship was toxic, the story was tedious and the character were completely unlikeable. I'm So Over It. Ugh!

ONE PLUS ONE BY JOJO MOYES | After my previous read was a dud, I decided to re-read an old favorite to cleanse my palate. Kelly chose One Plus One from my stack of options, and I was so glad she did! I  loved it so much the first time I read it, but I'd never revisited it. And that was four years ago! As soon as I started, I couldn't put it down. I adore these characters and was so emotionally invested in their journey. And who can resist a good road trip story?! I laughed out loud and cried a little, too. I'm not usually a fan of multiple narrators, but it's used to great effect here. The only thing I'd change? The fact that it ended! I wanted more time with these characters because I'm So Obsessed With It. 

HAPPINESS FOR HUMANS BY P.Z. REIZIN | I was drawn to this book every time Kelly and I saw it on our trip, but I just couldn't justify buying a hardcover that I knew nothing about. Then, Kelly found a copy for £3 at a tiny used bookstore and surprised me with it! This is a story about what happens when Artificial Intelligence becomes just a bit too smart... and possibly develops emotional intelligence, too. This romantic comedy was such a fun read! However, it made me sideeye all the technologial devices in my house. The writing was fun, made me laugh and didn't overwhelm me with the slight sci fi angle. I think it could have been shortened a bit, but I definitely So Enjoyed It. And I love this UK cover!

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

What have you been reading lately?

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February 2018: Recap + On My Shelves

February 2018: Recap + On My Shelves

Mar 7, 2018

February is usually one of my least favorite months in the year, even though it's my birthday month, but my trip to the UK has made it the month to beat in 2018. Will anything this year top my trip? We shall see...

1. Birthday Adventures - My mom, son and I spent the morning of my birthday visiting The Story Shop and eating a delicious lunch nearby. Then, Nick and I had a date night packed with all of my favorite things: visiting craft stores, browsing at the bookstore and dinner at one of my favorite restaurants. I felt so loved!

2. Besties Abroad - Honestly, this could have been ALL of What I Loved about February! But I figured you've heard me ramble about my trip enough since I just shared my UK Recap, so I decided to reign it in. This trip was definitely a dream come true -- and it was made even better by being there with Kelly. I'm so thankful for her!

3. Reunited with My Boy - As much fun as I had, I was excited to come home and be reunited with my sweet boy. Nick travels a lot for work, so I'm a little more used to time away from him. But this was the longest I've been away from my son since he was born! Needless to say, I loved coming back to his sweet snuggles and todder 'tude.

4. Major Haircut - The week I got back, I chopped 8+ inches off my hair and added some highlights. It had been almost a year since I'd last gotten my hair cut -- for no other reason than pure laziness on my part. I went to a new stylist and loved her, so that's a win! My son got his very first haircut on the same day, and he officially looks like a toddler now.

Read 12 Books | Favorites:

If You Only Knew by Jamie Ivey

Act Like It by Lucy Parker (+ Pretty Face & Making Up)

Still Me by Jojo Moyes

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

“Three-quarters of these people are a walking waste of oxygen.
And that's a conservative estimate.”
Act Like It by Lucy Parker

“I don't believe that you're somehow completed by romantic love.
You aren't born half a person, doomed to drift through life unfulfilled
until you find someone who can validate you. You're a whole person with a whole life,
 that you might choose to share with another person. Or you might not.”
Pretty Face by Lucy Parker

“Whenever I need help, you're there.
It was one really shitty page in what I hope is a very long book for both of us.”
Making Up by Lucy Parker

“Frusture is my word for the exquisite fury that only your husband can give you.
Not only are you furious, you feel like he's doing it all on purpose, in order to torment you.”
Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

 “I thought about how you’re shaped so much by the people who surround you,
and how careful you have to be in choosing them for this exact reason, and then I thought,
despite all that, in the end maybe you have to lose them all in order to truly find yourself.”
Still Me by Jojo Moyes

“So much of life is just grinding through.
So many moments just exist to deliver you to the ones that follow.
But this moment was a destination in itself.”
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

I'm trying to blog more consistently in 2018, so I've set some low-pressure, achievable goals for myself. And I was so pleased that I met them in February! As always, I kicked off the month with my January 2018 recap. Then, I was excited to share my January 2018 Quick Lit in a timely manner. I hate when I forget to post it!

Then, Kelly and I were off to the United Kingdom and collaborated on an event together while we were gone: UK Recs Fit for a Queen. If you missed it, check out my favorite UK books, movies/TV shows and places/memories. 

My favorite post of the month was a collaboration with Rachel from Hello, Chelly, Alexa from Alexa Loves Books and Kelly from Belle of the Literati. I had a blast sharing "You're My Person" // A Galentine's Day Gift Guide. I was inspired by Rory Gilmore and Paris Gellar from Gilmore Girls and loved the way the post turned out!

Aside from the January Quick Lit, I only shared one review in February -- but I was quite pleased with it! I devoured The Rose Trilogy by Jennifer Donnelly early in the year, and I already know they'll show up on my "Best of" lists at the end of it. I hope I've convinced more readers to try them! 

And finally, Kelly and I decided to recap our trip with our UK Recap Fit for a Queen. We talked about the books we read abroad, what we did while we were gone and what we were up to back at home. It was so lovely to relive all the memories we made together -- and to dream about trips to come!

1. A Life Well-Nourished: Reading Intentions for 2018 by Madeleine from Top Shelf Text - I really enjoyed this post and can relate to taking a step back from something assess what is/isn't working. And man, it's so refreshing when you return with a clearer vision for moving forward. And it reminded me that I still have to write about my word of the year!

2. How About We Don't Expect Meghan Markle & Kate Middleton To Get Along by The Fug Girls for Bustle - This was my favorite article from February! I love the Fug Girls and appreciate their insightful commentary. This was such a great take on how friendship takes time to develop -- and the expectation that society has for women in the public eye.

3. I Miss Blogs by Kristin from Super Space Chick - I don't watch a lot of booktube videos, so I was excited to see a new blog post from Kristin pop up this past month! I was going through Feedly recently and experienced some of the same feelings she mentions in her post. It's sad to see many of my favorite blogs that are inactive now.

Favorite Song #1: "Wild Love" by James Bay
I looooooove James Bay, so this was a highlight of the month!
I love the new sound and cannot wait for more. Until then, I'll just wear this out on repeat.

Favorite Song #2: "Butterflies" by Kacey Musgraves

I didn't realize how much I was missing new music from Kacey until she released some!

This song (and "Space Cowboy") definitely have me hyped for the full-length album.

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Seasons 1-3, starring Essie Davis, Nathan Page, Hugo Johnstone-Burt and Ashleigh Cummings - I watched the first season of this show on Netflix a few years ago, and then I forgot to continue! So, I binged all three seasons in February and have no regrets. This is a delight to watch!

Black Panther (2018) starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o and Danai Gurira - I'm not really interested in superhero movies, but my husband loves them. And all he wanted for his birthday was for us to go see this in theaters. He loved it, and I enjoyed everyone in it. The women stole every scene!

For My Collection from the UK: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Biographic Austen by Sophie Collins, Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (from Kelly)

UK Editions: Faking Friends by Jane Fallon, Happiness for Humans by P.Z. Reizin (from Kelly), Who's That Girl? by Mhairi McFarlane (from Kelly), The Country Escape by Fiona Walker and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman 

Couldn't Resist: After You and Still Me by Jojo Moyes

From Nick: Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology edited by Danielle Binks

From My Mama: Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson

Audible Credit: A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn 

Kindle: Act Like It and Pretty Face by Lucy Parker, Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm, and Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center

NetGalley: Making Up by Lucy Parker

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