I’ve always loved reading, but I stopped reading as much over the last few years. However, one of my goals for 2021 is to spend less time on social media and pick up a book more. Today I’m sharing book review volume I of what I’ve read this year thus far.
Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
I read some great books in January, but this one was probably my favorite in this book review. It’s told from alternating perspectives of the mom, Morgan, and her teenage daughter, Clara. I loved Morgan’s and Clara’s storylines and felt they weaved together seamlessly. A family tragedy reveals a monumental secret — I’ll leave it at that because I don’t want to spoil it, but I was shocked by the twist. The story’s about betrayal and grief, but it’s also a story about forgiveness, love, and moving forward. I tried getting into Colleen Hoover’s books years ago and never did, but I’m so glad I gave her books another shot. If you’re a Colleen Hoover fan, let me know what else from her I should read.
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
I flew through this one because I needed to know how it ended. The main character’s husband, Seth, has two other wives, but the wife has never met and knows nothing about them. It’s not an ideal arrangement, but she’s crazy about Seth. But one day, she finds something that tells a different and horrifying story about her husband. A race to figure out who Seth truly is before he realizes she’s on to him ensues. I kept telling Brett about this one because I found the plot very intriguing; however, I thought the ending was a cheap plot twist that ruined it for me. Despite the end, it was a deliciously compulsive, fast-paced read but ultimately ridiculous. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this if you’ve read it.
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey covers his 7 Baby Steps in this book. He has a lot of great advice, but I did not feel compelled to cut up my credit cards after reading it. I use my credit cards to get cash back and points; however, I always pay off my cards, so I never accrue any interest. I think it’s important to do your research and make the best decisions for you. Nonetheless, this book is a great starting point for anyone who wants to get their finances under control.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
I remember when Brock Turner received just six months in county jail after sexually assaulting a woman on Stanford’s campus, and it was all over the news. She was known to the world as Emily Doe when her victim impact statement went viral. Now I can see why — Chanel Miller is a brilliant writer. She takes us back to that night, the aftermath, and the trial process. I was impressed by how articulate she is, and there were many times that I wanted to highlight quotes to reference. It was an emotionally exhausting, heavy read that I had to put down a few times, but I would still highly recommend it. Also, this is an unpopular opinion, and I don’t know if it was intentional, but some parts felt drawn out and repetitive.
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
I’ve seen numerous people talking about hygge lately, so I decided to pick up a book on it. Hygge is a term that doesn’t have a literal translation in many languages, but it’s a concept that everyone’s familiar with: coziness and warmth. The Danish are said to be some of the happiest people in the world because of hygge. While I love the concept of hygge, I found this book to be a bit repetitive and boring. (I thought it would be similar to How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are, which I loved.) By the end, I was looking forward to my next book. I have a few other books about hygge on my to-read list, so I’ll report on them after I read those.
What have you recently read that I should add to my to-read list? Please leave your suggestions in the comments! To read all my book reviews, click here. xo
I love book recs. Thanks so much. laurensparks.net
I agree on Regretting You- one of my faves by Colleen Hoover- Know My Name sounds fantastic- will def check it out- thanks for sharing!
Ooh another one to add to my list! Thank you!
Great list-I’m eager to read Chanel Miller’s book as well. Thanks for sharing!
I have been looking for a new book to read and I think I am going to go with Regretting You. The Wives sounds like a book I would love minus the ending. Thanks for sharing this list!
Great reviews! I liked The Wives a lot. I love Colleen Hoover but I haven’t read Regretting You yet! Thanks for sharing 🙂
The Wives definitely sounds like a book that I would love to read!
I was given that Hygge book as a gift. I might just skim it more if it’s repetitive. Let me know if you find any other good hygge books!
I’ve read the total money makeover – it was a wonderful resource for my family!
I agree with you on Ramsay. (I tried to say more, but your blog keeps rejecting my comment, so I’m trying cutting that part out.)
I’ll also have to check out Regretting You – I used to read all of Hoover’s books, but then a few weren’t my favorites and I drifted away from her. I have to give her another chance!
I LOVED Regretting you! I’m reading another Colleen Hoover book right now called Confess and so far I am really intrigued as to where this storyline is going.
i read the wives last year? maybe? i still don’t know how to feel about it. it was completely bonkers but unputdownable.
I thought The Wives was an okay read. But I loved Regretting You. Hoover is one of my favorite authors.
You’ve read many books! Your reviews are awesome too. Would love to read something from Colleen Hoover.
http://www.lifebeginsattwenty.com
The Little Book of Hygge sounds like a good read!
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-books-about-fresh-starts/
The Wives is on my list too!
I really want to read Know My Name. I’m sure it’ll break my heart and make me angry, but it’s an important story.
So excited to add the ones I haven’t read to my Goodreads! You should link to your Goodreads if you haven’t, that’s such a fun way to keep track of what you’re reading!
Thanks for the suggestion! Here’s my Goodreads account if you want to add me. xo
I’ve had that Hygge book on my list, but when I ended up getting it, the format was weird & I never bothered to check it out again. I read The Year of Living Danishly (or almost all of it– I think I had a chapter or two left before my library loan expired), and remember finding it interesting.
I loooved Regretting You. It was just soo good! I’m actually doing Ramsey’s Financial Peace University right now, and reading his daughter’s book. There IS a lot of good info, but I agree, you need to decide if it’s right for you. I’m paying off cards, and I’ll cut some of them (I can always have a new one sent if I need it), but I’m not going to close them.
I love reading too and need to start reading more instead of being on social media as well. Regretting you sounds so interesting so I’m going to have to check it out.
I have just read The Little Book Of Hygge and felt the same way about it as you did. I was excited to start it and I love the idea of being more Hygge but the book was lacking something for me.
I’m currently reading The Winter Garden by Heidi Swain who is one of my favourite feel good authors. This one is the third in a series of stand-alone novels featuring the inhabitants of Nightingale Square in Norwich, England. The books can be read in any order, but take place in chronological order and feature many of the same characters.
I often disappear into a Heidi Swain novel for some escapism. It’s bliss.
If you haven’t read them yet, I would totally recommend
– Tools of Titans by Timothy Ferriss
– I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
– The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
– Atomic Habits by James Clear
Lots of good-looking books to check out! I really want to check out the ones by Chanel Miller.
Regretting You and Know My Name both sound like really interesting books. I can’t wait to give them a read!! I love discovering new books to read!
I, too, flew through the wives book. It was very good! I just finished The Wrong Family by that author and I couldn’t put that down either!
Great post and I love the books! I’m particularly interested in The Wives, I keep being recommended to read it and the plot is so intriguing! Also, I keep hearing about Dave Ramsey, I’m thinking about getting this book! Thank you!
The Wives sounds interesting. I’ll be adding this one to my list. Thanks for sharing!
I’m definitely trying to read more in 2021 as well. I’ve heard of Colleen Hoover, but never read anything yet. Maybe I’ll try Regretting You.
I’ve had The Little Book of Hygge on my TBR for ages but still haven’t actually picked it up. I need to do that soon. I primarily read fantasy novels or contemporary romance and I read between 10-12 a month, so I’ve done a LOT of reading lately haha 🙂
I loved the Wives and regretting you – Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite authors!
Great reviews! I’m interested in hygge too, but I haven’t read any books about it yet. Know My Name is on my TBR list. I saw it on a lot of “best books” lists last year.
Regretting You sounds like a book I would LOVE! I am putting it on my reading list!
I, too, was interested in hygge… but I hate that the book was boring! What the heck! Thanks for the review. I’ll save my money.
I also loved How to Be Parisian! I’d love to read it again 🙂
Just found your blog! I absolutely LOVED Regretting You and The Wives pulled me in and the ending completely threw me!
I want to read a book about Hygge. Let me know if you come across something good. I love to read books, especially in the area of simple and slow living.