Welcome to the last summer post of 2024, dearest readers! Before we begin a full autumnal immersion in a wee bit, I wanted to share a wrap-up of all the books I read over the summer.
If you remember, I shared about some reading prompts I gave myself for some fun, light summertime reading earlier in the year. I told myself no pressure and that this was just for fun. Not a challenge, but rather, just a way to read some books off my shelf. And, of course, allowing flexibility and wiggle room in case my mood reading tendencies took over. You can check out my prompts here. I am pleased to report back that I did complete a number of my prompts and even found a few favorites along the way. I did hit a couple duds, which quickly became DNFs. And seeing as how it was the first time I did this little reading method, I really enjoyed it. It's definitely something I want to do again!
Below are all the books I read over the summer months. I am sharing some thoughts and such on each one as well as which prompt they fulfilled. I hope you enjoy some bookish ramblings...here we go.
The Choice
by Nicholas Sparks
Prompt: A Nicholas Sparks novel
My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Though I have seen many of the movies inspired by Nicholas Sparks' books, I hadn't read any of his books yet. I picked up this one because I enjoyed the movie by the same title. The book went pretty much perfectly along with the movie, so there weren't any major spoilers or changes that I noticed. And I did quite enjoy the writing style and storytelling of the novel. However, the reason why I gave this one just 3.5 stars was simply because there was a part of the story that I just did not love. I didn't appreciate how it was handled and the message it tried to get across. I knew about this aspect of the story going in, because, like I said, I watched the movie. That was my only problem with this book. Nicholas Sparks made the setting come to life with absolutely stunningly gorgeous descriptions of the coast and beach and small Southern town. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book.
Finding Love at Mermaid Terrace
by Kate Forster
Prompt: A beachy novel
My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
This was my first book by Kate Forster, and I did really enjoy the story. The setting (which is always important to me in books!) was exquisite. She really made me feel like I was on the Cornish coast and visiting Mermaid Terrace, an adorable little cottage in town. There was one scene (if I remember correctly) that was a bit too sexually graphic for my taste, and I didn't love that. But again, I really enjoyed the overall story. However...at the end of the book there was one incredibly heartbreaking and sad thing that happened that I felt was completely, 100% unnecessary. I felt like it was just thrown in there out of nowhere. It really put a damper on the book for me. Along with that, I must say that I have never in my life read a book with so many typos. It was literally insane! Even the characters names were spelled different ways numerous times, along with many other typos, which honestly, made the book a bit hard to read at times. There was also so many arguments in the book that I felt like could have been avoided with two little things I like to call: maturity and communication. That got to the point of annoying. Overall, just an okay read for me. I do have one other book by this author on my shelf, but I'm in no hurry to get to it anytime soon.
The Beach House
by Jenny Hale
Prompt: A Jenny Hale novel
My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I already shared all my thoughts on this book during our July book club discussion. You can read all about this one here.
The Marlow Murder Club
by Robert Thorogood
Prompt: A mystery
4 stars out of 5
I read this one because the new TV show inspired by this book series comes out in October and I wanted to read the book first. I really enjoyed this mystery. I did not figure it out as I was reading, which I really appreciate about mysteries. This was not a gory or graphic sort of mystery, but it also wasn't a cozy mystery. It was simply a small village mystery set in England about a trio of unlikely new friends as they solve murders taking place in their village. I am going to continue this series, but I do think I prefer a cozier vibe. However, I must say that I am very much looking forward to watching the TV series on PBS. I'm glad I read the book first!
A Cross-Country Wedding
by Courtney Walsh
Prompt: A Courtney Walsh novel
4.5 out of 5 stars
As with most Courtney Walsh books I’ve read, which is quite a few, I didn’t love the main female character. She always writes sarcastic, sassy, super trendy female leads, which I never love. But, boy, can Courtney Walsh tell a story. That’s why I keep coming back to read more of her books. Her storytelling skills are superb, and I love how she makes you feel like part of the story, too. This was a fun sequel to a favorite Christmas book and even though I found the concept of a “road trip wedding” weird and not necessarily a sweet way to get married, the general road trip theme was fun for a summer read.
Love and Other Great Expectations
by Becky Dean
Prompt: An armchair travel novel
4.5 out of 5 stars
This book came recommended by my sister. She knows how much I enjoyed Love and Gelato a few years back and said this one had similar vibes. I basically never read YA books, nor does she. But sometimes, there are exceptions, and this book is one of those times. I loved this book! While I really didn't care for the main character, Britt, much for the same reasons why I don't like Courtney Walsh's main female characters, I adored this story. The whole concept of doing a sort of scavenger project around the UK was so much fun. It was the perfect armchair travel story and the way the author described all the places and landmarks and the food and just all of it...it was as if I had my passport stamped and was right along for the ride. I also must say that I rarely like male characters in books. Most of the time they are super stereotypical and full of toxic gender-norming tendencies, but I was very pleasantly surprised with Luke in this book. He was such a gentle, kind-hearted, nurturing, considerate, understanding, compassionate, caring guy. He really stole my heart! I will definitely be making more YA exceptions when it comes to Becky Dean's books. This was one of my favorites in this list!
The Telephone Box Library
by Rachael Lucas
Prompt: A slice-of-life novel
5 out of 5 stars
I will be sharing all about this on the 26th with our book club chat. I can't wait!
Hint: I LOVED THIS BOOK!{{smiles}}
The Tale of Despereaux
by Kate DiCamillo
Prompt: Middle-grade novel
2 out of 5 stars
This was the August book club choice for The Cozy Wallflowers Book Club, so I shared all about it then. You can read my thoughts here.
There you have it. All the books that I read from the middle of May to the end of August. I enjoyed most of them thoroughly, found a couple new favorites, hit a few duds along the way that I had to DNF, but overall, I greatly enjoyed my summer reading...
But, now it's time for autumnal books. And for that, I am awfully excited! I've been enjoying them since September began and oh, what a delight it's been.
I'll be sharing an autumnal bookstack soon.
What were some of your favorite books that you read over the summer? Do share with me!