Books I Read In January

One of the goals I made for myself this year was to read more for fun. I read plenty for work, but I wanted more leisure reading in my life. So, I added a bunch of books to my Amazon Wish List and my parents and Dane totally delivered at Christmas. Well, actually UPS delivered. But that’s not the point, right? Right.

It’s safe to say the year is off to a good start. I knocked back FOUR books in January. FOUR. I think I may have read 4-5 books total in 2016 (it was a rough year, okay?), so I was really happy with that. So here’s what I read, a full synopsis (no spoilers, I promise!) and how I liked it. Plus, I’ll add whether or not I think you should read it. Sound good?

Let’s jump in…

Book #1: The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines – 4 out of 5 stars

I had been wanting to read it since I saw it was coming out and then when I saw it at Costco, I not-so-discreetly told Dane a million times to please get it. I’m a longtime lover of the show Fixer Upper, so I was intrigued to see how their story had truly unfolded. It was exactly what I had expected (when they met, fell in love, how their fixer upper passion blossomed, etc), but they also gave some really great insight on their lives outside of the show, the ideals they have in faith, business and relationships and made no secret about the hardships they have faced. I think that’s what I loved the most out of everything, quite honestly. I know it sounds cliche, but as a normal person, it’s nice to hear that people who seemingly have it all struggle sometimes, too.

Should you read it? Maybe. It’s a quick (only 208 pages) read and I finished it in 3 days, but if you aren’t interested in the show or entrepreneurial life, it might not be for you.

Book #2: Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris- 5 out of 5 stars

Kelsey recommended this book to me about a million months ago and I just never got around to it. I stowed it in my pool bag for our Surfjack staycation, thinking I might be able to crack into it. Boy, was I wrong. I devoured the book in one afternoon. The book chronicles the seemingly perfect couple, Jack and Grace, who seem to have it all – perfect life, perfect vacations ,perfect house. We all know that couple, right? But why can Grace never leave the house by herself? And why doesn’t a grown woman own a cell phone? It all unravels in this twisted tale of love, friendship and revenge.

Should you read it? YES. GO BUY IT NOW. This book has the twists and turns of a true psychological thriller.

Book #3: The Woman In Cabin 10 – 3.5 out of 5 stars

This book has been raved about on the internet since last fall (or maybe before?), so it had been on my to-read list for awhile. It chronicles the story of Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist battling panic attacks, on the assignment of a lifetime aboard a luxury cruise ship. Things start to unravel on board pretty quickly and soon there is a supposed murder, creepy clues and chaos ensues for the narrator. I found this to be an easy read, but there were entire chapters I wasn’t engaged and I found the ending predictable. It’s a great suspense thriller if you’re looking for a relatively easy read.

Book #4: The Life We Bury – 4 out of 5 stars

I’ll admit, this book took me FOREVER to read. For whatever reason, I kept starting and stopping it over the course of several MONTHS. This, of course, led me to having to read and re-read certain parts of it so I could mentally regain my position within the pages. I had all but given up on it, when the story line took hold of me! The Life We Bury chronicles college student Joe Talbert trying to write a final paper on a convicted felon, who also happens to be a dying war veteran. Balancing a rough personal life, as well as a rough assignment, Joe has to decide who he wants to believe…in all parts of his life. Though it took me awhile to become invested, once I was hooked, I couldn’t put it down! If you can survive chapters 1-4ish, you will love this book.

Right now, I’m halfway finished with “The Couple Next Door”, but I’ll be fresh out of books when it’s done…ACK! What have you read lately? Send me recommendations!