Best Books of April
April was cuh-razy, with the A to Z Challenge and moving. We closed on a house this week and as you're reading this, we're surrounded by moving boxes. But I still managed to read five books this month. It will probably be no surprise that two of those books were read via audiobook while I was packing and cleaning. Thanks to Lauren Myracle and Paula Hawkins for making moving so much more entertaining.
And now...the best books I read in April.
My first book is by two authors I consider friends even though I haven't met them in person yet. This book is pure awesomeness! You must pre-order it now. It's on sale May 19.
You're Invited by Jen Malone and Gail Nall is the first in a two-part series about tween girls who run their very own party-planning business. The concept of a group of girls running a party-planning business is so fun, but these mega-talented authors make it about so much more than that. The themes of friendship and parental acceptance are something every reader can relate to.
My second book is another one for young girls that readers of all ages will enjoy. In Jo Whittemore's Colonial Madness, a tween and her mom are challenged to spend two weeks living in colonial times.
This book is a fun learning experience, especially for young girls, who don't realize how lucky they are to wear clean clothes every day and get milk from the refrigerator rather than the barn. But the overall message is even more important: family comes first, especially the bond between mother and child.
Next up is Defying Reason by Elizabeth Seckman. I'm sure I've already gushed about this author a million times, but I'll gush some more.
This is a new adult-ish romance, with characters in their early 20s. I haven't read the other books in the series, but this book stands completely on its own. Tanner and Jo leap off the page as incredibly realistic, likable characters. Best of all, the story is completely unpredictable, which I love in a romance!
The first book I read on audio was Lauren Myracle's The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life.
I loved her book TTYL, so I was excited to see this on the list of books Audible recommended to me. Lauren has a knack for capturing the voice of her intended age group, usually in a unique format. TTYL was a story told in instant messages. The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life is told through diary entries. Lauren perfectly captures the strains of peer pressure while also showing young girls that it's possible to find your own way in life.
My last book of the month is one that I've wanted to read since January. I always try to read the most-talked-about book of the year. This year, that book is The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.
Let me just say, this book isn't what you expect. It's been compared to Hitchcock and in premise, I'd agree. Like Gone Girl, however, this book delves deep into unlikeable characters and makes you somehow like them despite their many (many) flaws. People said this one started off "slow," but I don't think so. If you're expecting a thrill-a-minute mystery, though, you might be disappointed. If you're just ready to settle in and enjoy the ride, I highly recommend this one. Catch it before they cast the movie. It's always more fun when you aren't picturing Hollywood faces on the characters, I've found!
Have you read any good books lately?
And now...the best books I read in April.
My first book is by two authors I consider friends even though I haven't met them in person yet. This book is pure awesomeness! You must pre-order it now. It's on sale May 19.
You're Invited by Jen Malone and Gail Nall is the first in a two-part series about tween girls who run their very own party-planning business. The concept of a group of girls running a party-planning business is so fun, but these mega-talented authors make it about so much more than that. The themes of friendship and parental acceptance are something every reader can relate to.
My second book is another one for young girls that readers of all ages will enjoy. In Jo Whittemore's Colonial Madness, a tween and her mom are challenged to spend two weeks living in colonial times.
This book is a fun learning experience, especially for young girls, who don't realize how lucky they are to wear clean clothes every day and get milk from the refrigerator rather than the barn. But the overall message is even more important: family comes first, especially the bond between mother and child.
Next up is Defying Reason by Elizabeth Seckman. I'm sure I've already gushed about this author a million times, but I'll gush some more.
This is a new adult-ish romance, with characters in their early 20s. I haven't read the other books in the series, but this book stands completely on its own. Tanner and Jo leap off the page as incredibly realistic, likable characters. Best of all, the story is completely unpredictable, which I love in a romance!
The first book I read on audio was Lauren Myracle's The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life.
I loved her book TTYL, so I was excited to see this on the list of books Audible recommended to me. Lauren has a knack for capturing the voice of her intended age group, usually in a unique format. TTYL was a story told in instant messages. The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life is told through diary entries. Lauren perfectly captures the strains of peer pressure while also showing young girls that it's possible to find your own way in life.
My last book of the month is one that I've wanted to read since January. I always try to read the most-talked-about book of the year. This year, that book is The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.
Let me just say, this book isn't what you expect. It's been compared to Hitchcock and in premise, I'd agree. Like Gone Girl, however, this book delves deep into unlikeable characters and makes you somehow like them despite their many (many) flaws. People said this one started off "slow," but I don't think so. If you're expecting a thrill-a-minute mystery, though, you might be disappointed. If you're just ready to settle in and enjoy the ride, I highly recommend this one. Catch it before they cast the movie. It's always more fun when you aren't picturing Hollywood faces on the characters, I've found!
Have you read any good books lately?
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