February Book Review

I’ll blame it on the cold and dreary weather we have been having along with a few long car rides, but I logged 4 books over the past month! I always start the year off strong and I’m so glad. Reading gives me a certain peace and calm. Today I’m sharing my February book review.

The Things We Wish Were True

Amazon: From the outside, Sycamore Glen, North Carolina, might look like the perfect all-American neighborhood. But behind the white picket fences lies a web of secrets that reach from house to house. During the course of a sweltering summer, long-buried secrets are revealed, and the neighbors learn that it’s impossible to really know those closest to us. But is it impossible to love and forgive them?

My Thoughts: This book started a little slow for me but then it picked up quickly and I was shocked as some of the secrets were revealed. This book is told from the perspective of several characters and I find I love this type of story telling. This book has just enough hidden secrets and love interest to keep me turning the pages but it was also an easy read.

One True Loves: A Novel

Amazon: From the author of Maybe in Another Life—named a People Magazine pick—comes a breathtaking new love story about a woman unexpectedly forced to choose between the husband she has long thought dead and the fiancé who has finally brought her back to life. Who is her one true love? What does it mean to love truly? Emma knows she has to listen to her heart. She’s just not sure what it’s saying.

My Thoughts: I cried multiple times as this book came to an end. I found myself so sad as Emma made a choice and then so sad again as she made another. The author definitely lets you inside Emma’s heart as she has to choose. Any time a book can evoke strong emotion from me I’m giving it a huge thumbs up and I seriously sat beside Keith reading this and bawling my eyes out. I definitely think this is a great read if you love a good love story.

Party Girl (The Girl’s Series)

Amazon: Landon Brinkley’s dreams are all coming true. She’s landed an internship with the fabulous Selah Smith, event planner for the Hollywood elite, taking her from small-town Texas to the bright lights of LA. Landon soon finds herself in a world in which spending a million dollars on an event—even a child’s birthday party—is de rigueur and the whims of celebrity clients are life-and-death matters. At first, the thrill of working on A-list parties and celebrity weddings is enough to get Landon through the seventy-five-hour workweeks and endless abuse at the hands of her mercurial boss. But when the reality of the business reveals itself, she’s forced to make a choice: do whatever it takes to get ahead, or stay true to herself.

Drawing on the author’s real-life experiences as an event planner to the stars, Party Girl takes readers on an adventure among Hollywood’s most beautiful—and most outrageous—people, revealing the ugly side of Hollywood’s prettiest parties.

My Thoughts: Every since I heard Rachel Hollis share her story on the Jen Hatmaker podcast I’ve been a bit of a fan girl. I pre-ordered her brand new book Girl, Wash Your Face but also saw Party Girl was available on Kindle Unlimited which I received on a trial run with my new Kindle Paperwhite. I’m so glad I snatched up this read! I finished this week and I absolutely fell in love with Landon Brinkley! Of course it doesn’t hurt that her character was raised in Texas! And it also doesn’t hurt that Rachel drew from her own experiences as an event planner. I seriously have been dying to know if I’ve identified the celebrities from the descriptions even though the names have been changed. This is a quick read and a feel good book!

Grace, Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy

Amazon: Grace, Not Perfection takes this message from a daily planner to an inspirational book that encourages women to simplify and prioritize. Designed with Emily Ley’s signature aesthetic, this book gives women tangible ways to simplify their lives to give space to what matters most. With a focus on faith, Emily reminds readers that God abundantly pours out grace on us—and that surely we can extend grace to ourselves.

My Thoughts: The Jen Hatmaker podcast is also responsible for introducing me to Emily Ley! I knew who she was but had never really gotten past her being a planner designer. Oh, she is so much more! While this book is not rocket science, it does reinforce so many of the things we as women need to hear. I knew this would be one I needed in print because I grabbed a highlighter and marked it right up for future reference. Plus, it is just such a pretty book!

The biggest thing that caught me about Emily’s book was her genuine desire to share her story to help others lead a more simplified life. I totally believed her!

I’m now up to 6 books for 2018! If I keep this up I could definitely for myself. Check out the January Book Review to see the other two books I’ve crossed off this year.

What do you have on your reading list for 2018? Share your favorites on the 3rd Wednesday each month with Stephanie! and the 2nd Tuesday each month with Taz and Belly!