This post was written ahead of time, since I knew I would be on baby duty 24/7. I’m glad I did, since I am now finishing it with baby in one arm. More updates to come on Penelope’s delivery soon; I can’t make promises as to when that will be but I will try my best.
Happy two year anniversary to Show Us Your Books! I haven’t been doing it quite that long, but it has easily become one of my favorite times of the month. I have discovered so many new books through it, and am so glad it happens.
Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live by James Andrew Miller – 4 stars
I’ve been watching SNL the past couple years, and while this book doesn’t cover the newest seasons, I always like finding out the backstories behind TV shows. I liked that this book was almost entirely quotes and interviews from former cast members, hosts, and writers. Some seasons were more interesting to read about than others – I really liked the beginning and the latest show discussions.
A Summer at Sea by Katie Fforde – 3 stars
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the setting and the characters were okay. The setting was lovely and did make me feel like going on a summer holiday. I wish there had been a little more romance, although I found the midwife parts interesting. I wonder if midwives in the US are much different from the UK, because it was made to seem like there was a huge battle between doctors and midwives in the book, but I haven’t come across that in the US. That part interested me personally, and the story itself was a little slow-paced but a nice beach read.
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld – 4 stars
I love a retelling of a classic book, depending on how well it’s retold. This is a retelling of Pride & Prejudice in modern times, and at first I was a bit put off when I read the synopsis, because Kitty and Lydia are obsessed with Crossfit and it seemed too modern to me. I actually enjoyed it – it was kind of funny and felt like Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were right on point (and now that they were in modern times, Mrs. Bennett reminded me of someone I know well in real life). The story is a little crazy, but I think the characters themselves stuck to their true personalities (except maybe Liz sometimes – she annoyed me occasionally but I could deal).
The Confectioner’s Tale by Laura Madeleine – 3.5 stars
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I like historical fiction, especially if there’s a romantic story involved. It has an alternating timeline, which sometimes I get distracted by in books, but this one I didn’t mind. I enjoyed the historical parts much more than the more recent timeline, but they were both interesting. The romance was sweet and if you want a light historical novel, this would be good.
A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh – 4 stars
I enjoyed that this was a really short read, so there wasn’t much room for excessive descriptions or background. There is a “twist” that is easy to figure out as you read more of the story, but I still liked it.
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware – 4 stars
I’ve seen lots of mixed reviews on this, which surprises me because I couldn’t put it down. I’m not saying it’s the best book of all time, but if you want a good thriller, you should check it out. It’s my kind of book, because it doesn’t have lots of grisly scenes, just creepiness and trying to figure out who’s being crazy.
The Education of Dixie Dupree by Donna Everhart – 4 stars
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t know a lot about this book going in, which I’m actually glad about. Just know that it has some really dark themes, but is also a Southern tale about a young girl experiencing events in her own way. I recommend it if you don’t mind the rough subjects, which are accompanied by a little bit of charm.
Safe With Me by K.L. Slater – 4 stars
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I felt like this was a solid psychological thriller. The characters and story kept me guessing and it reminded me of The Girl On the Train, because I wasn’t sure if I could trust the main character.
My favorite books this month were In a Dark, Dark, Wood, Eligible, and The Education of Dixie Dupree.
I’m linking up with Steph & Jana today for Show Us Your Books. Follow me here on Goodreads.
Jeans and a Tiara 
I did not feel the same about Dark Dark Wood. I didn't hate it like Cabin 10 but I did not love it at all.
I keep seeing Eligible all over the place and it's making me think I should check it out.
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Look at you reading a ton of Netgalley! Whoop! I had already added Eligible and Confectioner's Tale to my TBR. Now looking into Dark Dark Wood and Safe with Me. I don't feel like I read enough thrillers. XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
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You read a lot right up until baby arrived! Crossfit seems like a really odd choice for Kitty and Lydia, since it doesn't seem like it captures the vapidity of those characters. I feel like it should have been fashion or style or something. They could have been fashion youtubers or instagrammers!
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Definitely adding the last two, they sound like they're right up my alley.
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p.s. congrats on the baby!! Hope you're all doing well.
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I loved Eligible too- I thought it was so well done for a retelling, which definitely doesn't always happen. I'm intrigued by The Education of Dixie Dupree and am going to check it out.
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I haven't read any of these books but I few are already on my TBR list. I'm adding a few more now 🙂 Thanks!
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I'm sure In A Dark, Dark Wood is at my local library, I might pick it up next time I'm there (when I've read all the other books!). I've seen a few mixed reviews on it so it might be a win, it might be a lose, who knows, I'll have to give it a chance sometime.
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I went to look for Eligible this weekend & didnt see it at Target. I keep hearing about it.
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Hmm someone else read Dark Dark Wood this month and I am intrigued. I am adding The Education of Dixie Dupree to my list!
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I liked Eligible but I thought it was predictable but I guess since it's a retelling, I should have expected what to happen? I don't know, I just thought it would have been better. I think it just fell flat for me.
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I really enjoy Ruth Ware's novels. They're really quick to read for me, even if I dislike the main characters. Safe With Me sounds really interesting, so I will definitely be adding it to my TBR list!
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I've gone back and forth about reading Eligible, not because I'm an P&P purist, but because Pride and Prejudice with Zombies was so bad. But I think I need to give a chance. Safe with Me sounds good too. I like a good psychological thriller.
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I started reading Eligible, but ending up making it a DNF. Mr. Bennett is probably the only thing I really like about P&P and I just felt like he lost him charm and wit in this version.
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I absolutely loved Eligible. It was so fun, in my opinion, and I'm sure I will re-read it sometime. I have the Confectioner's Tale from Netgalley too so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!! The cover is so pretty too 🙂
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I have dixie dupree on hold at the library 🙂
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i'm glad you enjoyed eligible 🙂 there were some things that annoyed me as well, but overall i loved it.
i'm also glad you liked a matter of class – definitely obvious the further you got into it, but i thought it was all sorts of adorable.
the education of dixie sounds cute. in a dark dark wood is on my list (and i seriously was reading the lines in your picture above and googled the lines and voila, it was that hahaha so i'm glad). safe with me sounds terrifying!
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I think I might have liked Eligible if I could have read it without always comparing to P&P. Or maybe not. I didn't really like any of the characters. I thought it was strange that she kept certain things true to P&P and not others. (She changed George Wickman to Jasper Wick but kept Fitzwilliam?)
In a Dark Dark Wood was a rare DNF for me. I'm too impatient I guess and felt like the “true” story was revealing itself soooo slowly!
Hope you're doing well at home with that pretty baby! 🙂
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I've been out of the blogging/Instagram loop lately (because, you know, life), so I wanted to finally congratulate you on the baby! I hope things are going well with her. 🙂
I felt similarly about In a Dark, Dark Wood. I read most of it in a single day because I just couldn't put it down. It wasn't the best thriller I've ever read, but it definitely kept me interested and that house sounded amazing! I recently read Ware's second novel, The Woman in Cabin 10, and it was a letdown.
I'm adding The Education of Dixie Dupree and Safe With Me. (I can't resist a good psychological thriller!)
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I didn't love The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware, but I've heard that In A Dark, Dark Wood is really good, so I definitely want to give it a try! Safe With Me sounds like a solid thriller that I'd love to check out, and The Confectioner's Tale also sounds like a light read that would be right up my alley. The thing that I didn't like about Eligible was Lizzy's character sometimes too! I just couldn't picture Elizabeth Bennett getting as drunk as she did at the bachelorette party.
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Look at all those books leading up to baby duty! Congrats mommy!!
Dixie Dupree sounds super interesting. I added that and Safe With Me. So many books that I want to read.
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I see so much dissension over Ruth Ware. I can't decide which book to try….like if I pick the “wrong” one, I'll hate her as an author or something, you know?
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Congrats on the new baby!
I love Katie Fforde. Good to know she has a new one coming out.
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I have Safe With Me on my kindle for my next week, glad you liked it!!
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You should give The Woman in Cabin 10 a read! I loved this book by Ruth Ware so much!
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I keep seeing Safe With Me so I added it. I also liked In a Dark, Dark Wood. Congrats and welcome to the world, Penelope!
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Eligible is on my TBR pile. I have heard good and bad but your review makes me want to read it!
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