Book Review: The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

Hello readers! It’s sequel time. After finishing The Housemaid for book club this month, I had to dive into book two, The Housemaid’s Secret, and boy is it a juicy secret! Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Now let’s find out about…

The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

The Synopsis

Millie is back with another housemaid job but this time in a multi-million dollar penthouse in NYC. After being contacted by Douglas Garrick, she agrees to the job even if she gets the creeps in their apartment. Not to mention, Mr. Garrick has instructed Millie never to disturb Mrs. Garrick who is in the guest room and very ill. Under no circumstances can she knock and disturb her while she gets better. But things start to get a little weird- like when she finds blood on a white nightgown. Then something happens that causes Millie to have to open the door. As soon as she does, everything changes. Millie isn’t one to back down to a dangerous man, though. And she’s not about to start now.

My Review

If you thought the twists and turns in The Housemaid were good, you ain’t seen nothing yet! This book keeps you guessing until the very last page. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, things get flipped upside down. I flew through it due to the super short chapters. You’ll be reading *just one more* well past your bedtime.
I do think you need to read the books in order, but don’t let that scare you off. If you’ve got a lazy weekend, you’ll finish them both with no trouble. I gave it 4 stars.

Who Should Read It?

Anyone dealing with a book hangover or in a reading slump. Fans of thrillers. Fans of psychological thrillers.

Pair It With…

I’d pair this with a lazy weekend and book one.

I want to know all your thoughts on this one once you read it! Get your copy of The Housemaid’s Secret at your local library, independent bookstore, second hand book website, or here.

Book Review: Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Hello readers! Today, I’ve got a romance set in a small town in the Pacific Northwest with a king crab fisherman for a male lead and a music loving female lead. Lead? Main character. It’s quite charming. Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Without further ado…..

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

The Synopsis

In book one of this duology, It Happened One Summer, we meet the Bellinger sisters, Piper and Hannah. Piper’s story is told in book one. Hannah is our girl for book two, Hook, Line, and Sinker. In book one, Hannah and Piper find themselves nearly broke and in the small town where their father is highly regarded after his death. As they get to know the people in town, they start to make a life for themselves and that’s when Hannah meets Fox, a king crab fisherman who is a bit of a ladies man. They are forced to spend time together on their own and bond over Hannah’s love of music. This causes something to shift in Fox and causes them to strike up a real friendship.
Now for book two. Hannah and Fox have been texting each other for about a year sharing songs that perfectly describe their day or the mood they are in. When the film Hannah is working on hits a snag, she suggests heading to Westport for an authentic setting as the perfect backdrop. While planning, she realizes the guest room at her sister’s house is already spoken for, but Fox agrees to let her crash at his place. After all, they’re best friends at this point. When Hannah arrives Fox starts to see Hannah in a new light. But Fox has always been a playboy. Will he have it in his heart to change? Or will he throw away the best thing that might have ever happened to him?

My Review

Admittedly, I was a big fan of book one, so book two was a no-brainer for me. I do not think that you have to read the first one to understand everything about the second book, but I did like knowing the context of everything going on. It’s worth your time to read both. I thought this was a great summer read due to its light and fluffy content. Nothing got too serious, and I had fun reading it. I will warn the more sensitive readers that this has some open door romantic content. If that’s not your thing, skim through those parts or skip this series altogether. I’m sad to not visit Westport anymore, but I’m sure glad I got to visit it for two books. The narrator on audio is a tad annoying, but not so annoying that I needed to stop listening. I gave it 4 stars.

Who Should Read It?

Lovers of romance and romcoms. Readers that don’t mind a bit of spicy content. Music lovers. I didn’t play this up enough. There’s so many music references in this book. I loved that! Read this if you’re a fan of the friends to lovers and forced proximity tropes.

Pair It With…

Any of the records mentioned in this book but playing your favorite record will work. I think this one also pairs well with a pool or the beach. And of course…with book one, It Happened One Summer.

Let me know if you visit Westport and get to know the Bellinger sisters! Get your copy of Hook, Line, and Sinker at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand book website, or here.

Book Review: The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

Hello readers! While this story looks like a wintery, cold weather book, I assure you that you will enjoy it at any time of the year. Even in the months where it feels like we live on the surface of the sun, July and August. Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Now let’s discuss…

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

The Synopsis

Mila Pavlichenko is a single mother and is more of the bookish type. But when Hitler starts to invade her home country of Russia, she joins the fight. She’s given a rifle and earns herself the title of Lady Death. Mila makes 300 kills as a sniper and is sent to America on a goodwill tour. While there, she meets and befriends First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. She also discovers an old enemy who has joined forces with a dangerous new foe, and Mila engages in the deadliest battle of her life.
The Diamond Eye is based on a true story about a mother turned soldier turned heroine.

My Review

This book came highly recommended to me by a friend who loves historical fiction, specifically WWII historical fiction, and could not stop talking about how great it was. She also noted how interesting it was that we never get many Russian accounts of that time period. I gave it a chance, and she was right! I was captivated by this story of a woman who risked everything to fight for her country and did it with such talent and guts. This was my first book by Kate Quinn, and I found her writing style to be enjoyable and will definitely give more of her stories a try. I gave it 4.5 stars.

Who Should Read It?

This book is for fans of: historical fiction, WWII heroines, strong female characters, books based on true stories.

Pair It With…

Fur (faux or real- I don’t judge) in blanket form or coat form, a White or Black Russian, which I know didn’t originate in Russia, but a White Russian is such a cold weather drink in my mind. It goes perfectly with the snowy setting of the book.
My White Russian Recipe
In a rocks glass filled with ice:
2 ounces Vodka
1 ounce Kahlua
Finish with heavy cream
Stir and sprinkle with cinnamon

Now I’m in the mood for some cold weather, a warm coat, and a White Russian. Let me know if you pick this one up or make the drink. The cinnamon isn’t usually part of the drink, but I’ve been adding it to mine for years. Get the book at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand book website, or here.

Book Review: The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

Hello readers! I have an excellent beach read for you today that is currently being developed for Netflix, and the main character is played by none other than Nicole Kidman. I’ll definitely be watching, but I HIGHLY recommend that you read the book first. Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Now let’s find out about….

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

The Synopsis

It’s wedding weekend in Nantucket for Greer and Tag Winbury’s son, Benji and his bride-to-be, Celeste. Only, a dead body has been discovered. Everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. The chief of police is tirelessly working on this investigation and starts to uncover all kinds of secrets that surely weren’t meant to see the light of day. You’ll never guess how this story unfolds, but you will quickly see that there’s no such thing as the perfect couple.

My Review

Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorite authors. She writes complex characters and weaves her stories into intricate baskets of entertainment. This is a backlist title of hers (published in 2018), but it still holds up. One thing that you can count on with Elin and her Nantucket books is the setting. I’ve never been to Nantucket, but I feel as though I have after reading so many of her books. It seems like such a lovely place, and I hope to visit one day. Because of the depth of character, expert description of the setting, and the whodunit of it all, I’m giving this one five stars.

Who Should Read It?

Those of us not ready to say goodbye to summer and beach vibes. Those who love weddings. Those who love a dysfunctional family story. Those who love a good plot twist. Honestly, everyone should read this one. I think anyone would truly enjoy it.

Pair It With…

A rum drink. There’s a scene in the book when several characters gather to drink rum. They are choosing to drink very expensive rum straight, but I’d suggest something a little more appetizing such as a Mojito or a Dark and Stormy. But being that it’s a book about a wedding, maybe just some cake! 🙂

I hope you pick this one up before the film version comes out. You’ll probably have plenty of time with the writers’ and actors’ strike currently going on. Not sure they’re currently shooting. When you do, let me know how you like it! Get your copy at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand books website, or here.

Book Review: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Hello readers! If you’re looking for a page-turner, I have just the book for you. Here’s the format for the review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Let me tell you about…

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Synopsis

Millie is an ex-con in desperate need of a job so she can move out of her car and not jeopardize her parole. Going back to prison just isn’t an option anymore. When she gets wind of a live-in housemaid position where she’ll be cooking, cleaning, and taking care of a young child, she jumps at the chance. She’s sure her background check will cost her the position, but to her surprise, she gets the job. She’s relieved and can’t believe the beauty of the house where she’ll be working and living. That is until she’s shown the creepy staircase that leads to the room where she’ll be sleeping. She shakes off the unsettling feeling and revels in the relief that it’s not her car she’s sleeping in anymore. But then the first day of work starts, and things take a turn for the worse. But she never expected it to get as bad as it does.

My Review

I finished this book in one day. I listened to it on audio and couldn’t find it in me to hit the stop button. It had me hooked from the prologue and didn’t let go until the end. It was full of twists and turns, the chapters are short, and it was a wild ride. I had a few issues with some things that felt were loose ends, so I am giving this one 3.75 stars.

Who Should Read It?

Anyone who loves a psychological thriller. Anyone trying to get out of a reading slump. I finished this one right after Fourth Wing, and let me tell ya, that one will give you a book hangover. The Housemaid pulled me right out of it and got my mojo going again. I’m a big chicken when it comes to scary things, and this was not bad at all. Creepy? Oh yeah! But not so bad that I couldn’t read it.

Pair It With…

Well a creepy staircase obviously! 🙂 I would pair this with a bright sunny day or a project like painting because I’m a big ol’ baby when it comes to reading scary things. If I were more thick skinned, I’d pair it with a dark and stormy day on my couch listening to the thunder and the rain for all the moody ambiance.

I hope you pick this one up sometime soon. I’m currently reading the sequel now. It’s shaping up to be as spooky as the first one. Get your copy at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand books website, or here.

Book Review: The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

Hello readers! I can’t wait for you to read about this spectacular book. (See what I did there?) Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Without further ado…..

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

The Synopsis

Marion is a nineteen year old dance instructor. She lives at home with her father, Simon, and older sister, Judy. Her mother died when she was just a child, so it’s been the three of them and their housekeeper who has been with the girls their whole lives. Marion also has a boyfriend, Nathaniel, who is just back from a European trip and is ready to settle down with Marion and get started on a family of their own. But Marion isn’t sure she’s ready for that at such a young age. She craves adventure and purpose for her life that doesn’t involve making meals, running a household, and raising children. When she learns of an open audition for the Radio City Rockettes, she decides she must try.
Meanwhile, NYC has been plagued by the “Big Apple Bomber” for sixteen years and keeps escaping the clutches of the police. At the end of their rope, the NYPD decides to enlist the help of Dr. Peter Griggs, a psychiatrist who has an interesting and unconventional way of studying criminals and the mentally ill.
By chance, Marion and Peter find themselves working together with the police to help find the bomber. Marion soon finds she’s much more of a standout than she thought, and uses this self realization to her benefit and the benefit of the entire city.

My Review

I thought this was a splendid book. I found profound statements such as, “She hadn’t realized until now what a passive participant she’d been in her own life, gliding along with everyone else’s desires for her future.” I was angered by certain, outdated standards placed on women. My heartstrings were tugged several times making me feel sad and sympathetic. My heart rate climbed when the bomber got a little too close for comfort. I also enjoyed a peak into the behind-the-scenes world of the Rockettes audition process. I gave it 4 stars.

Who Should Read It?

This book is for fans of: historical fiction, 1950s New York, the stage life, the Rockettes, family drama, a good mystery, mental illness in the 50s vs. now

Pair It With…

I’m pairing this book with a fuzzy blanket and maybe even a Christmas tree. While the book isn’t even focused on Christmas, the story does take place during December while the Christmas Spectacular is the show that’s performed at Radio City Music Hall. Do you have to save it until December? Certainly not! But if your TBR pile is overflowing like mine, adding this to your holiday reads won’t be a disappointing move.

I hope you pick this one up sometime soon. When you do, let me know how you like it! Get your copy at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand books website, or here.

Mid-Year Reading Review

One of my favorite things to talk about is reading. I love to discuss books with bookish people and with people that “don’t really get the whole reading thing”. I feel confident that with the right book anyone can totally “get it”. I’ll always share what I’m reading because I love consuming content of what other people are reading, and I know I’m not the only one who loves that. I get some of the best recommendations from this kind of content, and if that helps you with even one book, then I’ve done my job.

I decided to break it down into some unique categories, so this won’t necessarily be a list of my favorites but rather a fun spin on what all I’ve read this year.

Favorite So Far

There’s just something about the writing duo that is Christina Lauren. I was loaned this book by my friend, and I loved it so much. The story of Elliot and Macy was so very good. I laughed and cried my way through it. I loved the dual timeline and truly fell in love with these characters and was rooting for them the whole time. Grab your copy here.

Least Favorite

This one came with high praise and nothing but wonderful things said about it causing me to go in with very high expectations. And yet I didn’t like it. It was the longest short book I’ve ever read. If you want to be a little sad and read about a crack in a pool and someone with Alzheimers, then maybe you’ll like it, but it just wasn’t for me. The writing was actually interesting and kind of beautiful, but the story was a different, well, story. If you’re curious, get it here.

Prettiest Cover

I don’t know what it is about this cover that got me; it’s so simple. But I do love these pink flowers with the muted gray background. I would have picked Pineapple Street, but I couldn’t get through the audiobook due to the narrator. This caused me to be put at the bottom of the wait list for the ebook copy. Anyhoo, The Magnolia Palace is a dual timeline story about Lillian and Veronica and how their worlds intertwine all because of the famous Frick family. Get your copy here.

Longest

In the last book of the ACOTAR series, we get a story written mostly about Nesta and Cassian. I started out unsure of this book, but it did turn out to be an incredible story that I could not put down. It left me with quite the book hangover, and I cannot recommend enough. However, I cannot recommend it to you as a stand alone. You MUST read the entire series in order for this book to make sense. But don’t be scared of a series or of fantasy. It is 100% worth your time. Get yours here.

Didn’t Meet Expectations

I know I just said what I said about this series being worth it and all and now you see this book under the “didn’t meet expectations” category. Here’s what I mean- It is a necessary part of the story, but if you’re in the thick of the ACOTAR universe, this book pales in comparison to the one you will have just finished. However, it is a lovely little palette cleanser, and I would never suggest that you skip it. Get it here.

Exceeded Expectations

After almost writing off Emily Henry altogether due to what I thought were terrible audiobook experiences, I was urged by some friends to give her one more try and to read the book rather than listen to the audiobook. They were indeed right, and I could not have loved this book more. I think I even gave it five stars on Goodreads. Nora and Charlie are work rivals. While on a vacation with her sister, Nora bumps into Charlie and finds out their quaint vacation spot is actually his hometown. Well, it’s a romantic comedy, so what do you think happens? It was so much fun! Get it here.

Favorite Author

I’ve read four Christina Lauren books this year. F O U R. I recommend both reading and listening to their books. The narration for all the ones I’ve listened to have been great. Here’s the list: The Soulmate Equation, Love and Other Words, Something Wilder, and The True Love Experiment. Another favorite of their’s is The Unhoneymooners– you’ll laugh so hard! I’m looking forward to reading In a Holidaze during December.

Best Non-Fiction

I’ve usually read a bit more non-fiction this time of year, but I just haven’t been feeling it lately. I’ve read three, and Beth Moore’s memoire was by far my favorite. It’s a beautiful, difficult story but one full of Jesus. If you love Jesus, you should read this memoire. And if you’re an audiobook listener, she reads the book, and it is 100% the way to go. Get your copy here.

Most Fun

Killers of a Certain Age is a fun, action packed story about four 60-something women on the brink of retirement. So on the brink that they’re on a celebratory cruise for that reason. They have earned this relaxing trip because they’ve been working as assassins, and they’re darn good at their jobs. Being so good at their jobs helps them to realize that maybe this cruise isn’t going to be so relaxing after all and that just maybe they are the mark this time. I loved this one! I listened to the audiobook, and thought it was a very nicely done. Get your copy here.

First, how is this year half over?! Second, what a fun way to analyze what you’ve read thus far in 2023. I hope I’ve inspired a few books for you to read. I hope you’ll chat with me in the comments or over on Instagram, where I mostly hang out, about these books. I’d love to know your thoughts if you’ve read them. Speaking of the comments, tell me one book you think I should read before the year is out.

Happy reading!

Recent Favorites

We’ve got makeup, we’ve got jewelry, we’ve got press on nails, we’ve got books, we’ve got art, and we’ve got so much more! Let’s get to it, shall we?

Amazon Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes have been something I have needed for quite some time now. As luck would have it, I was watching Instastories and ran across someone sharing these, a dupe for some really nice and expensive brushes. When I realized they were only $15, I scooped them up and the eye makeup brushes too, which is what I desperately needed. I love them all. They’re a little gaudy, but I guess I can be too. Ha! I think they’re excellent for the price I paid.

Beautycounter Satin Finish Lipstick

If you follow me on Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen me share about this new product plenty. But if you haven’t, allow me introduce you to Beautycounter’s newest power play, the Statement Maker Satin Finish Lipstick. She’s beautifully pigmented and lasts until I eat. I do need to reapply after eating, but I think that’s fair in a lipstick that doesn’t promise to stay on all day.
Plus, y’all know how much of a stickler I am for clean lip products. I hate that we ingest what’s on our lips, so I like to make mine clean. Grab one here.

Red Aspen Almond Shape Nails

I love a good manicure, but I refuse to pay and sit for an actual one in a salon. I discovered Red Aspen on Instagram and gave them a try. I haven’t looked back, and I am LOVING these almond shaped ones. I am normally a short nail gal, but after giving these a try, I think this extra bit of glam is exactly who I’m supposed to be.

Walmart Triple Link Bracelet

Remember when Hoda Kotbe talked about these fancy and expensive bracelets? Well, Walmart came through with a $6 version!!! It has held up pretty well, and I love the chunky style. Plus, it’s 3-in-1. What’s not to love?

New Balance 237

One of the happiest birthdays was my 37th. My husband spoils me to no end, and I am not ashamed to say how much I love it. I sent him a link to these adorable sneakers after falling in love with the 327s. He surprised me with them, and I have found them extremely comfortable and so pretty.

Not the Norm Boutique

Listen, I am loving all the things from Not the Norm and am so happy to be able to support them. This local boutique hosts pop ups and is always open online. I am still loving my Cinco de Mayo top (wore it today but it’s out of stock) and I got so many compliments when I wore the Harlow Satin Tank. I got the size x-large in beige and find it fits pretty true to size. I could wear the large but liked the extra room in my chest. The quality of these clothes is fantastic, and you must give them a follow on Instagram and shop online right now!!!!

Loopy Case

I love a Loopy Case. I’ve had so many over the years. I just can’t quit the convenience of having the loop to carry on my hand. I thought this butterfly one was perfect for spring and summer. Paul must have listened to me talk about it, because it was a late birthday surprise for me. Highly recommend trying these out if you haven’t yet. Use code THANKYOU10 at checkout for 10% off.

Mallory Mize Art

We gifted our moms a piece of Mallory Mize art this year for Mother’s Day, and Paul got me one too, from the dogs. I don’t know if you’re aware of what paper art is or what it can be, but I’m here to tell you this is such a unique and beautifully crafted piece of art to add to your collection. I already have plans for an Iris Apfel piece because it reminds me of my Aunt Sharon and maybe the oranges in the bowl because those colors are GORGEOUS! If you have children, consider having her custom create a silhouette. They are remarkable!

Books

I read seven books in May, but these two stand out the most. I am all the way ready for summer reads, and Book Lovers by Emily Henry totally fits the bill. I also thought that Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn was way too much fun and the perfect way to kick off your summer reading.

Watermelon Punch

From a recent Instastory. I 100% think adding lime juice makes it even better!

The happiest of summer cocktails is this!

Frozen watermelon cubes (the amount is trial and error until you get the desired consistency)
2 shots of vodka (or less, or more, or none-it’s an excellent mocktail)
A squeeze of fresh lime juice (or the bottle stuff- I use it too)
A spoonful of simple syrup (but only if your watermelon isn’t very sweet-otherwise, it’s not needed)
Blend in the blender

I tried it with tequila, specifically reposado. It’s okay. But watermelon pairs best with vodka or silver tequila in my opinion.

Simple Syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Heat in a boiler over med to high heat (don’t boil) until sugar dissolves. Stir as needed. Set aside and let cool to room temperature. Add to cocktails/mocktails as needed.

Cheers to summer!

Books I Read in May 2023

Hello, summer! I am so happy I’m officially on summer break. I have two work days this week, but after that I’m D.O.N.E. May is such a ridiculous time for teachers. I don’t know how I found time to read anything. Yes I do-audiobooks! Keep reading for what I read this month. Hopefully you’ll find one or two to put on your summer reading list.

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

Kate Quinn comes highly recommended by a coworker. I’ve tried to listen to The Alice Network several times, but I cannot get into the audiobook. That being said, I didn’t have super high expectations for The Diamond Eye, but once I pressed play I was hooked. A lot of WWII historical fiction is about women in Paris or women who were nurses or women who helped people in an undercover fashion. But this story tells of Lady Death, a Russian sniper, and a real person, who fought against Hitler and also somehow developed a friendship with First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. I was completely captivated by the story and appreciated a different type of woman as a WWII main character. Highly recommend.

Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt? by Gare Thompson

Because I read The Diamond Eye, I had to pick up this one to give me a little more background on Eleanor Roosevelt. She seemed to be quite the character, and the same coworker recommended that I follow up with this quick non-fiction book to give me just a bit more info on her. I’m glad I did and learned a lot from this children’s book.

The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka

I’m going to go ahead and throw my mama under the bus here, though I was totally on board with her choice for a book club pick. She and I had both heard how wonderful The Swimmers was. One of our favorite podcasters even deemed it her favorite book of last year. I truly cannot see how this was her favorite one. It is honest and raw and weird and sad. It’s also short, so it makes the weirdness and the sadness of it totally doable, but I do not think most people will enjoy this book.
It tells the story of a group of people who swim at an underground public pool. One day the pool gets a crack in it. The author fixates on this crack in the pool for entirely too many pages. One of the swimmers is a woman who is slowly succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease, and after the talk of the crack is over, the book jumps to the facility where she will be living. That part is equally as weird, though I did find humor in it. The last part is about everything that the woman’s daughter will experience as the disease progresses. This is the sad part. If you’ve experienced this within your own family, you’ll find similarities and maybe even comradery in the awful club that you become a part of when someone you love receives this diagnosis.
It wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read, but it certainly wasn’t the best. And I don’t think it’s one I will outright recommend to people. If you do give it a shot, at least you know now what you’re getting into. Also, I read and listened to this one. The reading was tedious. The narrator was good. I don’t think either was better than the other.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

I was not an Emily Henry fan. I had previously listened to Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation and hated both of them. I was telling this information to two of my bookish friends, and they both said not to give up. Book Lovers was their favorite, and I had to give it a try. However, they said I had to actually read it- no more audio. Well, I was wary and wasn’t about to waste my money on a book I likely would hate, so I borrowed the e-book from the library, and what do you know?! I LOVED it! I’m convinced the banter that Emily Henry so expertly writes is just not the same when someone else reads it to you. I needed to hear it in my head with my own imagination. If I didn’t have a TBR list as tall as the Empire State Building, I’d probably go back and read the other two that I hated just to see if it truly was the audiobook experience that I hated. However, her newest book, Happy Place is on that too tall list, so maybe I’ll knock that one out this summer. If you’re a book lover, you must read Book Lovers!

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

When you tell me that Leonardo di Caprio is going to be in a new movie this year and it’s based on a book, I’m doing all the research I possibly can to prepare myself. I listened to this one through the Libby App and really enjoyed the experience. There are three different narrators and all were excellent.
This story tells of the real murders of the Osage people. Early on in the story you learn that because of the oil that was discovered on their land and a very clever Chief, several of the Osage people were given a monthly payment for that oil for life. Well, we all know that money can make people crazy, and the crazy that is in this story…wowzah! I’m extremely interested to see what Martin Scorsese and Leo do with this one. The film comes out October 6 in theaters and to Apple TV+ October 20.

Killers of a Certain Age- Deanna Raybourn

Apparently killing was the theme of my monthly reading. This is the third book with murder in it. However, this one was the most fun! Y’all, this book was definitely my favorite of the month. Killers of a Certain Age follows four retired assassins who are in their 60s. They are sassy and completely badass. The are all celebrating their retirement on a cruise as the book starts. Well, while on the cruise they discover that perhaps their past isn’t completely in the past, and that maybe they are the ones on the hit list. All sorts of action and adventure ensues along with flashbacks to their time working with their organization. Seriously, this book was so much fun and is a an excellent choice to kick off your summer reading.

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

First, I can’t believe I finally finished this series! The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series has been a fun, grown-up way to reenter the world of fantasy. I had really only experienced that world with Harry Potter. Make no mistake, ACOTAR is not suitable for children! This one is for adults only. There are many open door romance scenes in these books along with adult language, though not a ton of it.
A Court of Silver Flames is the most recent book of the ACOTAR series and is primarily told from the point of view of Nesta. Nesta is a force to be reckoned with. I didn’t love her at the start of the book, but once it got going, I quickly joined her team and rooted for her to the end. I don’t want to give anything away. I was so happy to go in blind to this whole series and appreciate all the people who would not give anything away even when I asked. You have to read the books in order. You cannot just pick up this book and expect to understand anything. However, I highly recommend giving it a go. It lives up to all the hype that’s surrounding it.

Seven books completed in one of the busiest months for a teacher. Not bad! On deck is The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren. I am so excited to start that one and to kick off my summer reading. I’d love to hear about a good one you read this month. Leave it in the comments. Have a great one!

Low Carb “Spaghetti” and Meatballs

Who doesn’t love a good meal of spaghetti and meatballs? Now I should say up front that this recipe is nothing special. You will not be blown away by something insanely decadent or groundbreaking. I’m about to hit you with a super quick, super delicious, low carb meal that you’ll truly enjoy. I’m not just saying this- but I actually like this better than regular spaghetti noodles. (I’m fully aware that’s because I’ve only ever had bad boxed pasta noodles that do not always sit well on my tummy.) Anywho, here we go! A low carb and delicious “pasta” dinner perfect for any night of the week.

A few things you should know:

I usually just judge the size of the zucchini to know how many to get. I say get more zucchini than you think you’ll need. You can always roast what you don’t need another night.
The zucchini puts out a good bit of water once it starts cooking. That’s okay. You can drain them just like you would regular noodles.
You don’t have to season the zucchini, but you can add salt and pepper to it while the zoodles are cooking.
This is the Spiral Vegetable Cutter that I have. It’s hand-held and inexpensive and easy to use.
You do not have to use the extra seasonings in the sauce, I just really love oregano, so I always find an excuse to use it.
I’m sure this would work with homemade meatballs. Just make those according to their recipe and top with warmed up Rao’s sauce and put over the zoodles. Maybe I’ll try that one weekend. I’ve never made meatballs before.
I use the Italian style frozen meatballs when I make this, but regular ones would be fine too.

As I said before, I know this isn’t groundbreaking stuff, but it’s delicious. I like to serve it with a salad. And listen, you’ve saved on a lot of carbs here, so go right ahead and serve with some garlic bread. 😉

Let me know if you try it!