What I read in May

 I finished 6 books this month, and today I thought I'd share them with you.  If you're like me, then you are always looking for a good book to read, or at least another one to add to your list.

I read a little bit of everything this month.

Also, I found these little ★'s that I thought would be fun to use to rate the books on my blog.  When I leave reviews on Amazon, or Goodreads they always ask me to rate the book.  I thought you might like to see what I rate books without having to go somewhere else to see it.  This is the system I use.

★= I didn't like it

★★= It was just okay

★★★= It was good

★★★★=I really liked it

★★★★★=I loved it

Usually you'll see me rate books anywhere from a 1 star to a 4 star.  I rarely give a book 5 stars.  I have to absolutely love it!  It has to be one that I want to keep forever.  One that I'll want to read over and over again.  It has to earn it's way into my list of 5 stars.

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

★★★
Shay mentioned this book in her book review last month.  I took a chance on it, and thought it was good.  It's about a woman who has lost her husband in an airplane accident, only to find out a couple of years later that he's alive and on his way home.  The problem is, she finally accepted his death, and had moved on... she's engaged and very much in love with her Fiance.  She has to decide who to say goodbye to.   I thought the story was thought provoking and interesting, but it does have a few scenes, so if you prefer a clean read, it may not be for you.

It's one of those books that has you thinking, what you would do in the characters situation.  I definitely didn't envy this woman, and the decision she faced.  Almost a month later, I'm still thinking about it.

The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller

 ★★
This book is one that I read for the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I wanted to like this one since I've read other books written by Judith Miller that I've enjoyed, but this book just wasn't for me.  I think there are a lot of other readers out there that might enjoy it... I just didn't.

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

★★★★
This book was just what I needed to read this month.  I don't want to give too much of this book away, but I wanted to share one little paragraph, that I related to and loved.

"In many ways, I loved this life- loved my husband, adored my kids, was so thankful to be a writer.  But it's like I was pulling a little red wagon, and as I pulled it along, I filled it so full that I could hardly keep pulling.  That red wagon was my life, and the weight of pulling it was destroying me.  I was aware that I was missing the very things I so badly longed for: connection, meaning, peace.  But there was something driving me forward- a set of beliefs and instincts that kept me pushing, pushing, pushing even as I was longing to rest."

If any of this speaks to you, I would highly recommend reading Present Over Perfect.  It has really motivated me this month to take a look at the way I choose to spend my time.

The Governess and Mr. Granville by Abby Gaines

★★★
This was a sweet book.  Serena is the Governess for Dominic's children.  Dominic's wife had died a couple of years back and Serena tries to talk Dominic into marrying again for the children's sake, but he isn't interested.  These two characters personalities are a bit like fire and ice, which made for a fun read.

Wings Of The Wind by Connilyn Cossette

 ★★★★
This is another book that I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I really liked this one!  It had your love story.  It had some suspense.  It had a bit of drama.  It was good!!!   It was such an easy book to read.... I was hooked right away.  I would definitely add this one to your lists of books to read.

Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand

 ★★★
This was the first book of Elin Hilderbrand's that I have read.  Well, actually listened to... I bought this one and have been listening to it on my drives out of town.  I thought the story was fun and interesting.  I was torn over this book because I wanted to like it more than I did.  I could get past a few of the awkward scenes, but I have such a hard time reading a book that takes the Lord's name in vein.  It's so offensive to me that I cringe, which made it hard for me to enjoy this book... otherwise I would have liked it more.

Is there something that is a huge turn off for you, when you're reading a book or
watching a show?

Also, have you read anything good lately?  If so, be sure and let me know.  I have a small list going, but I always love good recommendations.


Enjoy your day!

XO,