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Oh baby’s it is so cold outside right now, but my reading habits are anything, but. Actually my reading has been on fire since the end of last year and the holiday time.
I belong to Goodreads and take a lot of recommendations from those I follow over there, as well as Dana and Allie, as these two ladies are always sharing their latest reads on their on blogs. I cannot thank them enough for this, because honestly if I do get stuck as to what I want to read next, I usually go back and check their shares as I feel I can never go wrong with their book suggestions.
That said, I felt it was time to update my own reading list here for those who may not follow me on Goodreads.
The first two were read over Christmas break, while the remaining have been all read from January through the first week of February.
[Tweet “What have you been #reading this winter? #bookreview #goodreads #kindle “]
Like I said, my reading has been a blaze and keeping me warm on these cold winter nights, as well as my Netflix binge watching (but that is a post for a different day).
Now for your reading pleasure, here is what I have been devouring in the recent two months.
Finding Audrey, by Sophie Kinsella
This is the first book that Kinsella, author of the Shopaholic series, has written for the young adult set and definitely a worthy contender from my standpoint. It chronicles, 14 year old Audrey, who just happens to be plagued with an anxiety disorder.
Even though her condition is truly serious, the author manages to bring much needed humor still into the fray with this book and even a bit of romance, as well.
You just can’t help, but want to see Audrey find some much needed peace and also recover from what set her down this anxiety laden path. Might not be the next, The Fault in Our Stars by any means, but still worthy contender in its genre.
Grey (Fifty Shades #4), by E.L. James
Yes, I fully admit I read and actually re-read the first three books in this series, even having seen the movie for the first Fifty Shades book, as well.
I know many would tell you that Fifty Shades is mommy porn and even poorly written, but I have to admit the tale of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele left me only wanting more.
Thankfully, E.L. James re-wrote and complied by penning the original Fifty Shades’ story from book one, but this time it was told from Christian Grey’s viewpoint not Ana’s. My first thought, honestly, was this would probably be a repeat from the original, but as I began to read I found myself immersed in the story all over again.
However, this time was allowed to see it from a new set of eyes–Christian’s. If you are a Fifty Shades fan, I would definitely recommend. If you aren’t, but still curious, I would also say give this one a try.
Bared to You (Crossfire #1), by Sylvia Day
Coming off of Grey and Fifty Shades, I kept hearing that Day’s Crossfire series was a a contender for the romance novel genre, but got to be honest I wasn’t nearly as captivated by the matchup of Gideon Cross and Eva Tramell as I was by Fifty Shades’ Christian and Ana.
That said, the pairing was definitely provocative, but still I wouldn’t recommend reading right after Fifty Shades as I was truly comparing these two series more than I probably should have. If anything, this one should be read, but leave a bit of spacing between it and Fifty Shades if nothing else.
A Window Opens, by Elizabeth Egans
For this book, I kept seeing that if you read and enjoyed, Where’d You Go, Bernadette? that this was a must read. And again found myself not being able to resist, because yes I did very much enjoy the former.
This one as much as there was that initial comparison stood out all on its own and I honestly not only enjoyed it, but also very much found myself rooting for the main character, Alice Pearse.
Plus, as a wife and mom close to her age, definitely could relate to her wanting more and still having trouble finding a delicate balance when all was said and done for her new hip job and her family life, too.
The Knockoff, by Lucy Sykes
As soon as I read the Goodreads summary, this fashion lover from way back, as well as NYC girl at heart knew that I had to read this one. And again I wasn’t disappointed, as this one had it all.
See Imogen Tate, the book’s main character, hero and all around fashion darling that just happens to be the editor in chief for Glossy magazine, who finds that upon returning to her position from having taking a leave of absence for illness that her former assistant, Eve Morton has taken over the magazine by storm by bringing it into the digital world. Eve is truly a wicked and spoiled brat that this reader just couldn’t wait to see get her comeuppance.
On a side note, I also couldn’t resist thinking of a role reversal with Imogen as the opposite of Miranda from The Devil Wear’s Prada fame. This one is just a fun read being worthy and than some to me.
Meant to Be, by Lauren Morrill
I can’t help, but also enjoy my fair share of young adult books. So, when this one came up on my Goodreads feed, I knew I had to give it a second glance. Truly glad, I did, because what ensued in this book was an enjoyable romantic comedy that translates even if you aren’t quite necessarily a young adult anymore.
See on a class trip to London, Julia learns that not all is what it seems and to not always judge a book by its cover, while also learning to open up and have a bit of fun, too with her partnered class clown nemesis. In the end, some things are indeed meant to be!
If I Could Turn Back Time, by Beth Harbison
This was actually recommended by my local online library from other books I had recently read. I admit I probably wouldn’t have given this book a second glance, but something about the description made me cave.
Boy am I glad I did, because this was like a trip back in time for me as Ramie, who was turning 38 ends up hitting her head and being transported back to the last days of her senior year of high school.
The concept of second chances and just the thought of going back knowing now what you might necessarily did then was very intriguing to read. Plus definitely left me pondering a few what ifs if nothing else here.
Always Something There to Remind Me, by Beth Harbison
Since I enjoyed If I could Turn Back Time, Kindle actually recommended more from Beth Harbison and once again couldn’t have been happier that it did. See, this one had a similar feel as the previous, but still had so much to offer on its own merit with Erin Edwards left still missing and wondering, “What if” with her first love Nate Lawson.
While the story might have had some predictable plot lines, I very much still found myself reading and not being able to put it down. Therefore, have to recommend this one, as well from Harbison.
Shopaholic to the Rescue #8, by Sophie Kinsella
Going to admit that I have had the latest installment from Kinsella on my list for quite some time. the reason, I didn’t read sooner was I had a feeling it would be less than a new story and would fall flat as you can only read Becky Bloodwood aka Shopaholic so many times.
I will say, this book had some fun moments, but overall I was right with my initial thoughts. Still, I have read all the rest so far and just wanted to know what Graham (Becky’s dad) was up to. If you are a fan of the series, then I would say you do need to read, but understand that you might be left feeling a bit let down by overall repetitiveness of Becky’s latest saga.
Geoducks Are for Lovers, by Daisy Prescott
As soon as I saw the references to the movie Reality Bites and this one being a modern day look at the likes of those who were once the slacker Gen-X generation, I was hooked. I loved that movie back in the day and still do.
So not going to lie, but was so psyched for this one and yes it very much lived up to the hype as I read it in less than two days time and could totally see Maggie Lawson as an older and wiser, Lelaina Pierce and Gil Morrow as the finally grown-up counterpart, Troy Dyer. Trust me, if you ever wondered what happened years after the final credits rolled, this one is for you.
You, by Caroline Kepnes
Along comes a story so twisted and perverse, but leaves you on the edge of your seat just as Gone Girl did in the past. This is one that was recommended all over Facebook in the past few weeks and kept hearing that it was a must read.
While it took a bit of getting used to Kepnes’ writing style, but once I did I just wanted to see what Joe Goldberg would do next. He is definitely this generation’s, Norman Bates. Seriously, he is a sociopath, who thinks that he is doing the world and those around him a service by stalking, murdering and more in the biggest and greatest city, NYC.
He has a perfectly good excuse for each bad misdeed he has done that as you read, you almost begin to believe him and even feel sorry for him that is until he does something else even more crude and revolting to remind you and bring the reader to their senses. Let’s just say it is a must read and literally just actually finished the sequel to this (Hidden Bodies) as I got an advance copy through Net Galley as I was set to publish this one. So stay tuned for my review on that one soon here, but to get a sneak peek follow me a Goodreads for my shortened review.
The Ramblers, by Aidan Donnelly Rowley
As You was also set in NYC, so is Rowley’s The Ramblers. Except in this book, it is more then just the setting, but truly an ode and love note to the city that never sleeps. See NYC is truly fleshed out and beautifully written about that it is clear that it is also one of the main characters if not the most integral of all in this novel. As a NYC girl myself, I couldn’t help, but love just how much the city was featured and crooned about it her novel.
The main story actually takes place during Thanksgiving week and the three main characters, Clio, Smith and Tate all once Yale alumni now living in NYC find themselves dealing with the fallout and aftermath of some troubled and emotional times in their lives. Their stories are intricately interwoven. The overall message, I felt was that although, we may all be a little bit broken, there is always hope just waiting around the corner in the least, unimaginable places.
Raw, vulnerable and yet completely and utterly relatable tale, which I highly recommend.
Kathy Radigan says
I keep hearing people talk about You, so that is the one I’m going to tackle next! Thanks for a great list!!!!
Janine says
My pleasure and honestly You lived up to the hype and than some that I couldn’t resist the next in this series, which I cannot wait to share my full review here soon, too. So definitely would recommend both in this series to you and hope you get to read very soon now!! 🙂
Kathy Radigan says
Totally want to read You, thanks for a great list!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
My pleasure and again totally think you will enjoy, You 😉
Seana Turner says
Finding Audrey sounds terrific. Having a way to read about a subject many young people experience, especially if done in a light way, could be very helpful. I’m a Sophie Kinsella fan for sure!
Janine says
Finding Audrey definitely tackles a very real and timely topic with anxiety and not only how it effects those around you, but the individual coping with it, as well. I also am a Sophie Kinsella fan, so was glad to see her take on on different style of writing from her usual Shopaholic series with this one, too.
Kelly Frey Suellentrop says
Good list. Right now I’m reading Reclaiming Conversation, about the dying art of talking to each other in this technological age. It’s really interesting and makes me rethink my time on devices!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Sounds like a great read, Kelly and might need to check out as I do have a large tendency to rely on my technical devices here and am guilty as charged!
Lauren B. Stevens says
I’m ALWAYS on the hunt for new reads, so thank you for your suggestions (you reminded me that I’ve been too long without a Sophie Kinsella fix!).
Janine says
My pleasure and I agree, Sophie Kinsella is a great author to read and have read pretty much everything that she has now written 😉
Faye Nagy says
This is a wonderful list – I have read a few, have a few on my list already, and have added a few per your recommendations! Can’t wait to check them out.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thanks Faye and just glad to share as I love getting book recommendations here myself, too 😉
Dani Fleischer says
Nice list. I’m reading The Still Point Of The Turning World. It’s amazing.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thanks Dani and going to have to check that one out now, too!! 🙂
Meredith says
Just finishing up the latest Shopaholic book because I saw it in your Goodreads feed! I love your book recommendations! Keep them coming!
Janine says
Aw, yay and so glad that you got to read the latest Shopaholic, too and promise to keep my reviews coming 😉
Bill says
If they can be found at the public library then I can read them. Thanks for the reviews, Janine, and Happy Monday to you and yours. Spring is on the way, my friend.
Janine says
Bill, I am with you and recently found a way to read books for review that are coming out for free and am hooked, because I hate paying if I don’t have to myself. Spring is most definitely on the way and agree wholeheartedly about this, as well!! 🙂
Tamara says
I have “Finding Audrey” out right now! I’ll read it after finishing “What Alice Forgot.” And I recently finished “Shopaholic to the Rescue.”
I just put Beth Harbison’s book on hold at my library! I’ve been recommended to read her a lot.
Janine says
There is that twin connection strong in and action. Seriously, love that we are reading so many similar titles and authors, Tamara!! 🙂
Celeste says
I haven’t heard of any of these! Thanks for the suggestions!
Janine says
Totally my pleasure and hope you enjoy reading a few of these now!! 🙂
eli@coachdaddy says
I’m sick of responding to wonderful book reviews like this one with “I wish I had time to read.” (You really do write a helluva book review, Janine.)
I’ve officially put “read a damn book” on my Wunderlist.
Janine says
Aw, Eli trust me I love to read and had such trouble when the girls were younger finding more time to read. It broke my heart back then and finally as they are getting older and have time after they go to sleep to read that I am able to do this. But truly do hope you get to read again soon and thank you for the kid words about my book reviews, too 🙂
Joy Hedding says
Going to library!! Just finished Ready Player One.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Joy, going to have to check that one out, too! Thanks 🙂
Alison Tedford says
I need to read more!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
I hope you can soon!! 😉
Britta Eberle says
Great list! Recently I loved reading the Kitchen House.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
I have the Kitchen House on my list still!
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
Thanks Janine! I went on a reading kick over Christmas…I’d forgotten how much I love to read. I need some new books, so I’m going to start with your list. 🙂
Janine says
Michelle, I know there was a point where I wasn’t reading as much a few years ago, but now that I have been able to I truly am so happy to get to enjoy one of my favorite pastimes in reading, too 🙂
Dara says
You’ve read a lot of books! Thanks for sharing them here today!
Janine says
Aw, my pleasure Dara!! 🙂
Jen says
I love when you do a book round up. The books I have been thumbing, but never making it all of the way through lately have been less than satisfying. Thanks for all of the great suggestions.
Janine says
Totally my pleasure and glad to share some books that are truly worth digging into and reading 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
I’m behind on reading. So between you, Dana and Allie I feel like I’m behind on homework! Except, I’m not dreading catching up. The last thing I read/listened to was The Martian which was recommended by Dana. Loved it! I have to try out the other Sophie Kinsella books. I read/listened to I’ve Got Your Number. It was definitely a fun read, the narrator for that one was excellent. I love accents.
Janine says
Kenya, I can not get past listening to books for some reason and probably should as Kevin is always telling me I am straining my eyes reading, but still I just love reading the words for myself. Still, you are so not behind and hope that you do get to read a few of these soon now 🙂
April G says
I hadn’t finished reading this post. Yes! I’m excited that I finally have YOU in my possession. I heard Caroline on a podcast and I loved her. YOU may be picked up for TV and she’s writing another.
Janine says
April, I can so see YOU being picked for TV or even movie, because the story and plot are just that good. So that wouldn’t shock me. Have to check out Caroline’s podcast now – so thank you for sharing about that here, too 🙂
Kisma says
My list is almost as long as yours! I get wrapped up in a book and either read it in a day or two, or sometimes life throws a cold my way, so I haven’t read at all.
This a great list!
Janine says
Kiss, I am pretty much the same as you. I go through times where I can read non-stop and then others where I don’t read much at all. I love the times though that I do read constantly and happy to share my recent list here with you 😉
Carrie Groneman says
Thanks for a new reading list Janine and hope you’re having a wonderful week. The winter will be winding down soon, we can all hope.
Janine says
My pleasure Carrie and I have fingers crossed for Spring to find us very soon now 🙂
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says
Thank you soooooo much for this list!! You know how much I love your recommendations!! I take these very seriously and will be purchasing a lot of them! I didn’t realize there was another shopaholic book out but like you said I’ve read SO many over the years I’m not sure if I can do one more. I love Sophie Kinsella but I was sure that book was age appropriate.
Janine says
Nellie, always so happy to share my reading list here with you and I know Shopaholic has a special place in my heart, but still the newer book left me kind of flat to be honest. But still glad I read as I have read all the others. Hope you get to read a few on my list though soon now 😉
Sam says
I am also a sucker for young adult fiction. Currently making my way through The Mortal Instruments series, and I’m OBSESSED. Thanks for the suggestions. I was just trying to figure out what to read when I get through the series I’m on (don’t want them to be over!)
Janine says
I love YA fiction, too and might have to check out this series. But happy to share as I am also always looking for new book to add to my list, as well. So love paying it forward with reading here 😉
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
I loved the Shopaholic series and I totally get into some teen fiction – there are some great books out there and fabulous novelists for that age category.
I haven’t read many of the books you’ve shared here but there are a few that interest me. I’ve been so into non-fiction books lately… I’m due to read a good fiction.
Thanks for sharing! Wishing you a lovely week.
xoxo
Janine says
Aw, happy to share and admit I don’t read as much non-fiction as I read fiction, so probably due in reverse myself now. Have a lovely week, as well!! xoxo
Diane Roark says
Janine,
You always recommend the best books. I have been reading so many blogging books lately that I truly need a break. I will have to choose one of these amazing looking books.
Blessings,
Diane
Janine says
So happy to share with you, Diane and hope you get to enjoy a few of the books now, too! 🙂
Allie says
You are so sweet! Thank you for the shout out. You know I loved A window Opens and The Ramblers. I adore Beth Harbison. Always Something There To Remind Me – oh, be still my heart. That was a steamy read, too. Would you believe I’ve never read the 50 Shades Books? The summer everyone I knew was reading them, I was out on the road with the kids and it just didn’t seem appropriate.
Janine says
Absolutely my pleasure giving you a shoutout here as your reading list was total inspiration for me with quite a few I ended up reading as you could see. Totally understand about 50 Shades, but highly recommend if and when you can read.
Amanda || Growing Up Madison says
I have been looking into getting a few new books for my Kindle for my upcoming trip and will have to look into a few of your recommendations. We have an 18hr flight with a stay over in Iceland so anything that will keep my mind off my flight is a.ok. I’ll pass on the Grey book however, I bought the first book when there was this huge hype over it before the movie was even a possibility and couldn’t get into it at all. 🙂
Janine says
Wow, 18 hours and I would definitely be reading for some of that if I could, too. So, hope you can try to take a look at a few of these now, as well for that 😉
catherine gacad says
i am finally reading “all the light you cannot see.” i have a lot of catching up to do.
Janine says
I haven’t read that yet myself, but would love to know what you think so far.
Leah says
Thanks for the good recommendations! I’m looking for a few to read in the next little while. I saw the new shopaholic and wondered if it might be overkill – but I agree, I’ve read them all, have to read this one too:)
Janine says
I totally felt the same way, Leah!! 🙂
Dana says
I just downloaded Hidden Bodies as an audiobook – can’t wait to listen! And I won The Ramblers from Allie’s giveaway, so that’s waiting for me too. I haven’t read most of these Janine – thanks for the recommendations!
Dana says
And thanks for the mention, too – I’m glad you enjoy my book reviews!
Janine says
Absolutely so happy to mention you as I truly do love your book reviews and look forward to them! 😉
Janine says
Dana, I think you are going to enjoy both, Hidden Bodies and The Ramblers. And huge congrats on the win, too 😉
katherines corner says
I do love a good book. But I have difficulty finding uninterrupted reading time. I have been sharing my “what I’m reading” list on my sidebar this year. Not just to encourage others to read, but to remind me that I need quiet time to read too. I will add your suggestions to my list my friend. leaving some love on your wonderful blog my friend xo
Janine says
Aw, thank for the love always and I think that having what you read on your sidebar is a great way to remind yourself to take some downtime to get read totally xoxo 🙂
Christine Carter says
Okay, so let me ask you this- How do YOU READ ALL THESE BOOKS AND ALL THE BLOGS? My gosh, Janine- I SO want to be like you!! You, and Dana and Allie just amaze me with all your reading. You seriously must be incredibly fast readers? Or you don’t sleep! LOL
I SO wanna be like you. I’m a very slow reader… 🙁
Totally sharing and pining this for future reference for my ‘to read’ list of books!!
Janine says
Thank you again for sharing and I admit I don’t sleep as well as I probably should and read later into the evening hours, but still just love it and glad when I can find the time 😉
Erin @ A Welder's Wife says
I tried really hard to get into “You”, but it was so creepy! I have decided to put it back on the shelf for now. Maybe one day I will be able to read it.
Erin | http://www.awelderswife.com
Janine says
I know it was pretty creepy, but I honestly just couldn’t resist and as it went on it sucked me in that much further.
Maria says
Perfect timing Janine! I’ve been on the hunt for books to read before winter is over, so your list is so very helpful. From the looks of it, we have the same taste in genre! I’m definitely drawn into the Shopaholic series (Kinsella is a favorite of mine) and love love young adult reads as well. Can’t wait to get into these! Thanks so much for sharing them on #SHINEbloghop this week. Pinning and sharing across my social media 🙂
Janine says
Thank you so much Maria for pinning and sharing, too. And so happy to share over at the #Shinebloghop. Also love that we have similar tastes in reading, as well!! 🙂
Jack says
I have been reading Aidan’s blog for something like 5 years and I haven’t read any of her books, one of these days I should do something about that.
Never enough time to read, never enough time not to .
Janine says
Jack, I totally get it and making a more conscious effort this year, but definitely been a struggle for me, too in the past. Also was peaking around Aidan’s blog after reading her book and definitely liking what I saw over there 😉
Rea says
I just bought myself a book yesterday! First for this year and my first Rowell’s book, Carry On. It’s like a treat for getting my first pay from my new job, hehe. I saw Finding Audrey from the shelves too and didn’t think of getting it yet but maybe next time. Good luck to our reading adventure! PS: Haven’t checked my Goodreads acct in a long time!
Janine says
Yay on the new book purchase. I like be Rainbow Rowell and yet haven’t read, Carry On. You are going to have to tell me how you like it, too. And congrats on the new job, as well 😉
Aunt Gloria says
I’m impressed with the amount of reading you manage to get into your busy schedule. But if you enjoy it and find it relaxing and a way to “escape”…..all the better. I don’t make time to read….and when I do, I fall asleep! Oh well…..Enjoy! xxoo
Janine says
Thanks Aunt Gloria and trust some nights I fall asleep reading too xoxo
Leslie says
I enjoyed the Shoe Addicts series from Beth Harbison, so I might just have to give If You Could Turn Back Time a shot. I recently read The Nightingale based on Dana’s recommendation and it was so good I can’t seem to find anything to get me as excited!
Janine says
I loved The Nightingale and still do. It was just a book that left me reeling for days even after reading it. That said, I think you will like, If I could Turn Back Time and if you read would love to hear what you think 😉
Bev says
Ooh, lots of books to add to my reading list! I’m always on the hunt for a good book. I actually haven’t read any of these. (And I adore Dana’s suggestions as well!)
Janine says
Aw, so happy to add to your list and I agree about Dana’s suggestions, too 🙂