Started off the year strong with six great reads in January. No top contenders for favourite book of the year yet, but a couple of five-star reads that I really enjoyed!
LAYLA – Colleen Hoover (4/5 Stars)
I was a little conflicted in my rating of this book because I didn’t LOVE the story line but I LOVE Colleen Hoover and this was so well written, it could have made no sense and I still would have loved it. This book has so many twists and turns, it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
This story is about a guy named Leeds who meets a girl named Layla and they have a whirlwind romance. After an accident that leaves Layla with a brain injury, the couple returns back to the B&B where they first met to try to rekindle their romance. When they arrive, Leeds realizes they are not alone in the house, they are joined by a spirit named Willow who needs Leeds’ help to understand why she hasn’t passed over to the other side.
AMERICAN DIRT – Jeanine Cummins (5/5 Stars)
This was a difficult read but so incredible, this is one book that will stay with me forever. I was constantly struggling with needing to know what happens next and being too afraid to read on.
This book follows the story of Lydia and her son Luca who make the long and treacherous journey over the US-Mexico border in order to escape the cartel that killed their entire family.
Side note – I came across a TON of controversy when looking at Goodreads reviews of this book – I will definitely be looking for an own voices book on this topic to add to my TBR!
AKATA WITCH – Nnedi Okorafor
I got serious Harry Potter vibes from this book! It was definitely on the YA side, but still thrilling enough to capture my attention for the entire book.
This book is about an albino girl named Sunny who was born in New York but living in Aba, Nigeria. When she meets Orlu and Chichi, Sunny finds out that she is a Leopard Person and the group forms the youngest-ever Oha Coven. Sunny learns a great deal about her powers very quickly when together they must track down Black Hat Otokoto, a man who has been kidnapping children in the area.
ONE DAY IN DECEMBER – Josie Silver (5/5 Stars)
I LOVED this book – it was right up my alley! I found myself unable to put this one down, the story kept me wanting more! This was such a cozy, wintery read, perfect for this time of year.
At a bus stop, Laurie gazed out of the bus window and locks eyes with Jack, a handsome stranger. Before either of them can do anything, the bus pulls away. Laurie spends the next year searching for ‘bus boy’, only to have him show up to her Christmas party as her best friend’s date! This book will take you on the journey of three friends as they navigate life and love.
THE OVERDUE LIFE OF AMY BYLER – Kelly Harms (4/5 Stars)
This book was almost a 5-star for me! The characters were so likeable, the plot moved at a great pace, and the writing was fantastic!
Amy Byler has been a single mom for 3 years and needs a break. When her estranged husband returns wanting to take care of their kids for the summer, she jumps at the opportunity to leave rural Pennsylvania and visit New York City. Amy discovers a whole new version of herself on her trip and realizes that she must decide between staying in this new, exciting chapter of her life or returning to her life of being an overworked mom.
Amy Byler has been a single mom for 3 years and needs a break. When her estranged husband returns wanting to take care of their kids for the summer, she jumps at the opportunity to leave rural Pennsylvania and visit New York City. Amy discovers a whole new version of herself on her trip and realizes that she must decide between staying in this new, exciting chapter of her life or returning to her life of being an overworked mom.
TOO MUCH AND NEVER ENOUGH – Mary L. Trump (3/5 Stars)
As a Canadian following US politics from a distance, I enjoyed this opportunity to learn some interesting history on the last President. To be fair, this book was pretty heavily biased but I imagine anyone reading it would know that going into it.
In this book, Donald’s niece, Mary, shines a light on the toxic family that raised him. She uses examples from his life to explain how growing up as his father’s favourite child led Donald to become the often problematic man he is today.
Let me know if any of these have been a favourite of yours or if you enjoyed ones I didn’t/didn’t enjoy ones I did!