February Reading Wrap Up | 2020

February went by so fast and I didn't get as much reading done as I would have liked. I read 4 books and didn't finish 1 book. You can see my video on IGTV where I will be going more in-depth about the books I read. In this post, I will be sharing the title of the books and a star rating from 1 to 5, 5 being the best.

February Reading Wrap Up

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

⭐⭐⭐

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

 ⭐⭐⭐

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoy these reading wrap-ups as much as I love making them for you. If you want to know my thoughts on these books check out my IGTV here. Also, go check out Homework and Horesplays reading wrap up over on her blog.  See you next time!

January Reading Wrap Up | 2020

I had a wonderful month of reading and loved just about everything. I read a total of 8 books and that number shocks me. I use to struggle so much in even reading 1 book month. So happy I changed some things up and I will talk about that in another post. I get asked all the time now for book recommendations or what I am currently reading. I thought writing a monthly blog and sharing what I read would be a great way to share the books I read with you. I do have a video that goes into more depth. You can find that video on IGTV. In this post, I am going to share the book I read with a link to Good Reads. I am also going to share my star rating 5 being the best. If you would like to know more about what I thought about each book then head over to Instagram by clicking here. Don't forget to also check out Roxanne's reading wrap up, you can find that here.

 

 

January Reading Wrap Up

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 

⭐⭐⭐

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am very excited to see what books I will read in February and if I will like them or not. I hope you enjoyed this post and don't forget to check out my IGTV video as well as Roxanne's post. Thanks for joining me here and I will see next Monday!

Bookstagram Newbie Tag | 10 Questions for book lovers

What is Bookstagram? Well, it's a lot like BookTube but for Instagram. If you search the hashtag #bookstagram you'll find thousands of posts about books. This is a great way to find book suggestions or to find other book lovers to follow on Instagram. We thought it would be fun to start this tag to get to know everyone better. To find the posts on Instagram answering this question all you need to do is search the hashtag #thebookhop.

You can see my video of my answering these questions on IGTV here. I will also be posting my answers here for you to read. If you would like to participate in this tag, feel free to do so. Just make sure you use the hashtag #thebookhop so we can find your post and make sure you tag a friend!

Bookstagram Newbie Tag

1. Why do you love to read?
In 2019 I discovered that I suffer from anxiety. I worry about things I can't change to the point of making myself sick over it. Reading is an escape from that. I am also trying to cultivate a love for reading in my children and I want to lead that by example.


2. Do you have a favorite place to read?
 Not really. I read all over my house and like for my kids to see me reading. I get a bulk of my reading done at night in bed.

3. What book or series got you into reading?
I will admit that as a child I suffered from some kind of reading problem. It took me longer to learn how to read and because of that I hated reading for a long time. I didn't read for enjoyment until I was in my 20's. I don't really have a certain book or series that got me into reading. I just started to pick up books and read.


4. What kind of books do you like to read?
 I love all kinds of books and I could never just pick one. I enjoy a thriller, romance, Christian fiction, and fantasy.

5. Do you prefer paperback or hardcover? Why?
Definitely, hardcover because I like how they look on a shelf and I like the feel of them in my hands.

6. Do you read more than one book at a time?
 Not really, I like to have my full attention on one book. Sometimes I have a Bible study type book I am reading on top of my other reading I like to do.

7. What book or book series are you most excited to read this year?
I am so excited to read the Nevermoor book series with my kids and I can't wait to read the book Darling Rose Gold.

8. Do you reread books? Why or why not?
I'm on the fence about this. I have not reread any books but I wouldn't mind going back and rereading some I have read. I have a pile of Christmas books I read in December that I do plan to read again next December.


9. Do you have a monthly book budget?
Yes and no. I probably wouldn't spend more than $100 but I also wouldn't be upset if I did, especially if I got them on good deals. I plan to mix things up with buying books and borrowing books from the library. Full disclosure though, library books sometimes creep me out. I always seem to get a book that has a questionable mark on them. Is that poop, a booger, or a Cheeto fingerprint? Gives me the heebie-jeebies just writing about it.


10. What question(s) would you like to ask your favorite Bookstagrammers?
 How do you cut out time to read, how do you find books you want to read, and how do you store all your books?


I hope you have gotten to learn more about me from this and I can't wait to see your answers to these questions on Instagram!

P.S. If you are looking to find other book lovers on Instagram come follow Book Hop. Book Hop is a great way to find other accounts from follow loops and trains.  

 

 

Most Anticipated Book Releases of 2020

Today I am excited to share with you some of my most anticipated book releases for 2020. One of these books was on my TBR list I shared a few weeks ago. You can find that post here. I will have these books linked to Good Reads so you can read more about the book if you'd like. After you have a look at these books go check out Homework and Horseplay's list!

Most Anticipated Book Releases of 2020

 

 

1. Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
This book is about a girl named Pepper and a boy named Jack. Both of their families own restaurants and have an ongoing feud with each other on Twitter. Jack and Pepper also unknowingly have been chatting with one another on an anonymous app that Jack created. Their Twitter feud goes viral and the two are falling for each other over the chat app.
This book will be released on January 21st.

2. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Dannie just nailed her dream job and her boyfriend has proposed to her. She goes to bed that night so happy that her life is on track. When she wakes up the next morning she has a different ring on and is in bed with a different man. When she watches the news on the TV she discovers that it's not 2020 but 2025. The next day she wakes up and is back in 2020. Dannie tells herself it was just a dream and goes on living her life. This all changes when 4 1/2 years later she runs into the other man she woke up next to.
This book will be released March 10th

3. Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel
Rose believed she was ill for the first 18yrs of her life. She was in a wheelchair and believed she was allergic to everything. She was in and out of the hospital. The neighbors felt bad for her and held many fundraisers. Turns out that Rose's mother has lied to her for her entire life and she is healthy. After being in prison for 5yrs Rose's mother has no place to go and begs her to take her in, so she does.
This book releases March 17th

4. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
A woman returns to a house that her dad made famous from a book he wrote. She goes to find out for herself if this house is really haunted.
This book releases July 7th

5. Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin
There isn't much information on this book as of yet. This is the 2nd book to Serpent & Dove.
This book releases September 1st.



These are my top 5 and I hope you found some new books to add to your to be read pile. I'm so happy you joined me here today and I hope you get some time to also check out Roxanne's list over at Homework and Horseplay. See you next time!

2020 TBR (to be read)

2020 is almost here and today I am sharing 24 of my TBR books. I'm so excited to be sharing this list with you and I'm excited that this is a collaboration post with Roxanne over at Homework and Horseplay. After you are done reading my list go over and check out Roxanne's.

My 2020 TBR

I am going to link the books for you below so you can easily find them on the Good Reads website. I will also do my best to give a short description of each book. Without further delay, here is my 2020 TBR list.

1. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

 This book is a little hard to explain in just a few short sentences but basically, the main character comes across a strange book that's about him and it leads him on an adventure. The author of this book also wrote The Night Circus. I absolutely loved that book so I have high hopes for this one. You can read more about this book here.
*Update* I received this book as a Christmas gift and I could not wait to start it. I am over halfway through the book and it is incredible and has the potential to be my favorite book. I will keep you updated on that.

2. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Hulu series is based on this book. I love the series and I am excited to read this book. The book is about Offred who is a handmaid and she lives with a commander and his wife. Her job is to get pregnant by the commander and deliver a baby for them. Her worth is found only by her ability to get pregnant and have a healthy baby. Read more about the book here.

3.  The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

This book is a sequel to the Handmaid's Tale. I don't want to say too much about this and accidentally give something away. You can read more about this book here on Good Reads.

4. Campaign Widows by Aimee Agresti

What better book to read when going into another election year. This book follows a few different women who become friends while their husbands are on the campaign trail. It sounds like such a great distraction while everyone on social media argues with strangers about who will make a better President. haha. Check out the book here for more information.

5. Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

Jules takes a new job as an apartment sitter for rich and famous people who live in a very well known building. Another apartment sitter tells Jules some history about the building that Jules passes off as just a ghost story. One day the girl goes missing and Jules tries to find out what happened to her new friend. This book is a thriller and so many others have raved about it. You can see some reviews here if you'd like.

6. American Royals by Katharine McGee

In this book, America has a royal family and the princess is in love with someone who is off-limits. This book seems like another great one to read for a healthy distraction during an election year, haha. See more about it here.

7. P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

I love the movie so why not read the book. Holly's husband passes away and she is lost without him and has a hard time picking up the pieces. To her surprise, her husband has written her letters and over time with the help of the letters, she is able to find herself. Find out more here.

8. The Young Wives Club by Julie Pennell

This book follows 4 women and the relationships that they thought would be perfect. The synopsis of this book reminds me a little of The Desperate Housewives. I am unashamed to admit that I love that show. Read more about the book here.

9. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

This book comes highly recommended from lots of different blogs I have been reading. I'm not even going to give a brief description of this because I want you to go read the full synopsis of it here.

10. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around. That alone grabbed my attention and I added it to my TBR list. You can read the entire description on Good Reads.

11. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Set during the gold rush, Angel is a prostitute and meets a man named Michael who listens to God's calling and marries Angel. Angel feels unworthy of love and ends up running back to her old life. This book is based on the book of Hosea of the Bible. See more on this book by clicking here. 

12.  The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts

This story takes place in the 1950s and follows the story of an unlikely friendship between an African American woman who lost her son and a white Amish woman who holds secrets of her own. So many people have said this book was a great emotional read and I can't wait to dive into it. You can find out more here.

13. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Emma and Jesse are high school sweethearts who get married and live a wonderful first year of marriage together. Jesse ends up dying and Emma is heartbroken so she moves back to her home town. Years later she falls in love with a new man and they get engaged. She is ready for her second chance at love but then Jesse is found, alive. The synopsis of this book gives me goosebumps. You can find the book here.

14. The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel

The cover of this book caught my eye and the synopsis caught my heart. You would need to read the synopsis yourself to appreciate what this book is about. Go check it out here.

15. A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo

Trix comes from a hard life and she steals to make it on her own till she gets caught. Trix is given the choice to do jail time or to live with her long lost family. She chooses her long lost family and while there she notices that they each have certain gifts. This book sounds magical and heartwarming. You have to see the book cover as well, view it here.

16. Bird Box by Josh Malerman

If you haven't watched this movie don't do it. Read this book first. I have read lots of reviews saying the book was so much better than the movie and that's funny because the movie was great. Bird Box is about something horrible running around and if you look at it you end up killing yourself. You can read more here if you'd like.

17. Malorie by Josh Malerman

This is the sequel to Bird Box. That's all I want to say but if you want to know more you can check it out here.

20.  Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel

This book doesn't come out till March but it is one that I am extremely excited about. This book is about a mother and daughter. The mother has the daughter believing she is sick to get money and sympathy from people. Eventually, she gets caught and ends up going to jail but when she gets out she asks her daughter if she can move in with her. This reminded me of the Hulu series called The Act and the cover of this book is stunning. I can't wait to get my hands on this book! See the cover here.

21. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

This is a Beauty and The Beast retelling and it sounds like a good one. In this book, the female character has cerebral palsy. I think it's wonderful that books are including more characters with illnesses and disabilities. See more here.

22. The Institute by Stephen King

This will be my first Stephen King book I will read. I am so excited because I have heard lots of things about his book. This book is about a boy who is kidnapped and his parents are murdered. This boy is brought to an institute where other kids are also there and they have special talents. The people running The Institute are not kind. This book has gotten lots of great reviews so I can't wait to read it for myself. See more on the book here.

23. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

This story follows a witch and a witch hunter who is forced into marriage. I keep hearing great things about this book, you can read more about it here.

24. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

When I was picking out books to read for 2020 I knew I had to add this to my list. This book follows Jay Gatsby and his new love during the 1920s. This book is a classic and a perfect read for 2020! You can find out more here.


There you have it, 24 books that I have on my TBR list. I hope you found some good books here to add to your list. Don't forget to check out Roxanne's TBR list.
Have a happy new year!

5 Christmas Books You Should Read

I have made it a mission of mine to read Christmas themed books through December. I technically started in November after Thanksgiving because, for me, that is Christmas time. I have truly enjoyed getting back into books and the Christmas season has been the perfect time to do this. Okay, let's get into the books.

1. One Day in December by Josie Silver

This book mainly takes place in London. The main character sees a guy at a bus stop while she is on a bus. They lock eyes and she instantly feels sparks. She waves for him to get on the bus but before he can the bus pulls away. She tells her flatmate who is also her best friend about this guy. Over the next year, she tries to find him but doesn't have any luck. During a party, her best friend introduces our main character to her new boyfriend who happens to be the guy from the bus stop. The book covers a 10yr span and it's so good! I adore how this book ended. 
Warning: This book does use cuss words and has some sex scenes but doesn't get over descriptive. All in all, I enjoyed this book and I easily skipped over the sexual parts and it didn't take away from the book.

2. The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere

This book is about a man who works too much and a little boy who's mother has terminal cancer. The paths of these two unlikely people cross in such a wonderful and Christmas spirited way. I don't want to say much more than that because I really think you should read this book. I cried so much but it also reminded me what matters most, especially during the Christmas season. I will probably read this book every December because I loved it that much.

3. The Christmas Town by Donna VanLiere

The main character in this book had a hard upbringing. Her father left when she was young and her mother has been in and out of jail leaving the girl to be tossed around to different foster homes. This Christmas all she wants is a family so she goes on Craigslist looking for one. She also comes across a neighboring town and meets some wonderful people in it. This is such a heartwarming story and I fell in love with many of the characters.

 4. The 13th Day of Christmas by Jason F. Wright

This book has a unique friendship between a little girl and an elderly woman. The little girl's family has lost everything and has to move into a trailer home. The little girl makes friends with one of the neighbors who is an elderly widow. There is something special about December 26th and it's not revealed till the end. I borrowed this book from the library but I loved it so much that I am going to buy it next year. It's such an amazing read and has forever changed December 26th for me.

5. Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury: Holiday Stories to Warm the Heart by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Matthew E. Adams

In this book we have lots of Christmas stories shared from all over that are all so heartwarming and sure to put anyone in the Christmas spirit. I kept this book on my nightstand and read it throughout the month.


Thanks so much for joining me here and I hope you can read at least one of these books! If you have other book suggestions I would love to hear them.