Less than a month ago I shared a reading guide for myself more than anything else and I can’t even believe it, but I’ve finished 4/5 books on the list!! I really wanted to review all of them, not thorough enough to give anything away, but give my true honest opinion because actually reading them instead of just the synopsis gave me a different feeling! I’m also sharing three more books that I have on my reading list! Before we get into it I decided to skip By Invitation Only mostly because I’ve been working really hard on my side business that I didn’t feel like that was pleasure reading, so I’ll keep this on the back burner until the Fall!
Reading is such a personal thing, we’ve all got different opinions and while some might like fluff or chick lit, other’s focus on non-fiction or even memoirs. With that being said, my stars are reflected based on the “oh my gosh” I couldn’t put this book down and needed to know what was happening at every turn which is 5 stars!
4 stars
Read if you liked The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City!
This book originally came out in 2008 and seemed vaguely familiar to me while I was reading it, but I couldn’t figure out why…then as I was almost finished I realized I had read the book when I first moved to Boston in 2009…forgetful much?! I really enjoyed the book and following along the 3 character’s plot lines. Each of the character’s personalities were very different, a la Sex & The City, but I think anyone reading could connect with at least one! The social references made were still somewhat relevant 8 years later! The end had me feeling excited for the characters, but I’ll be honest and say I wanted more – like tell me what happens in 5 years! Since Lauren Weisberger also wrote The Devil Wears Prada, I wouldn’t put it past her to maybe come out with a sequel to this, but that’s more wishful thinking on my part.
3 stars
Read if you feel like you can connect (or rather wouldn’t mind disconnecting) from the social world once in a while!
While I could absolutely feel for the main character in feeling like she was constantly glued to her phone and was more worried about updating her status on FB rather than actually living in the moment, I felt like quitting the entire internet notion was a bit crazy! Which she found to be true when she would miss invites from friends for birthday parties, couldn’t check what time / where stores were or something as simple as finding a repair place for her computer…that she wasn’t using anymore! I plowed through it, but again the end left me with more questions than answers and to me that’s not why I read, but it passed the time just fine.
4.5 stars
Read if you love rooting for the underdog, enjoyed You’ve Got Mail & have a sweet tooth!
I knew I was going to like this book from the synopsis – you absolutely feel for Sophie and you are overcome with love for her grandmother Bubbles! The story is a bit predictable and you’ll know what I mean if you read it, but it held true to the You’ve Got Mail parallel, but it also had you rooting for the underdog, which was absolutely Sophie in this book! If you’re a foodie (specifically a lover of desserts) this book is for you because there are recipes at the end and even while reading you’ll be reaching for something delicious!
3.5 stars
Read if you find yourself always wanting to check something off of your life list!
As someone who herself has made a 30 before 30 list, I really did go into this book thinking I was going to love it. It fell a tiny bit short for me, but I did enjoy reading it. I felt like I connected with Jill in many ways, especially in my early 20’s, but it seemed like I would have enjoyed this more if it was just an hour long movie on the hallmark channel. I did love that Jill decided to start a blog to map out her adventures – I felt all us bloggers would get a kick out of that one!
3 Stars
Read if you like finance & liked the movie The Big Short
When Reese Witherspoon gives something a green light, I usually go blindly because I know she wouldn’t steer me wrong! Working in finance, I thought there was way too much jargon used about the mortgage crisis. I really thought this was going to be a funnier book than it was, but it left me feeling really sad for all the women in this book, but more so left me feeling disheartened with everything that went on in 2008 (during the mortgage crisis). The bright side was you did learn, so I guess it could be considered an educational read. I didn’t feel like there was a “woman power” feeling in the book – it actually felt like they were saying this is just how banking works and you need to deal with it, which FYI is so not true now, but was probably more true in the early 90’s! The love story also didn’t leave me feeling warm and fuzzy!
I downloaded this book before my trip to India and Dubai in February thinking I’d have plenty of time to read on the plane, well I wanted to watch TV and sleep more than read, so this book never got read! I’ll be honest, the cover had me sold! Beautiful Ruins is the story of an almost-love affair that begins on the Italian coast in 1962…and is rekindled in Hollywood fifty years later.
The sequel to Me Before You, which I absolutely devoured on my trip in February. I can’t even wait for the movie to come out this weekend! I’ve heard mixed reviews on this book – saying it’s not nearly as good as the first or even that they didn’t love how the main character changed with this book – while I of course appreciate all those reviews, I really can’t wait to find out for myself how Louisa has settled into her new life!
I was an assistant right out of college (like so many people) and I often wondered what it was like for the people I worked for and all the money they made – but this book takes it to the next level with an error that leaves the assistant with a hefty check – I guess the book will go on to explain the “What Would You Do” nature!
What have you read lately?
I totally agree that Thirty Days to Thirty could be a Hallmark movie. Too funny! Sounds like you read some other good ones, too!
After You is on my list too and I smiled when I saw Chasing Harry Winston because I read it when it came out all those years ago, lil hard to remember but I think I liked it, lol!! Proud of you for getting some great reading time in!! Have a wonderful Wednesday!!
I like the star ratings and the "read if you…" to help us out too. So glad you found a bunch of books that you've enjoyed.
We listened to Beautiful Ruins on Audible during one of our road trips and really enjoyed it. Plus, the guy who narrated it was really good so that helped too π
I read chasing Harry Winston too! After you is on my list but it's not rated very highly π
All of these sound like books I would enjoy. Sounds like we have the same taste!
Xo, Evelina @ Fortunate House
These all sound like great Summer reads! I like how you compared them to similar options to get a viewpoint.
I think I read Chasing Harry Winston years ago but can't remember for sure. After You is on my list and I cannot wait to see the movie! Thanks for sharing your honest reviews! I have a few new ones to add to my list!
Jill
Doused In Pink
I agree, you totally get more out of a review than just a synopsis! I actually just started Chasing Harry Winston but have not been able to get into it yet… does it pick up? Or if I can't relate to the characters by now should I just move on?
These books sound interestng. I used to read a lot. It feels so great when you read good books. Have a lovely day.
Nina
ninasstyleblog.com
Me Before You was amazing (totally cried at the end), but have to agree, I didnβt love After You as much. Still a good read though! Adding Wedding Girl to my list!
I'm glad that you've been enjoying reading so much recently! I find it hard to do when life gets crazy, too, but i'm always happy when I have the time to curl up with a book.
Also, good luck with your wedding business this summer! I think it's so great that you're working hard on that while also having a job and being a blogger and a wife! You're a busy lady!
Have an awesome Wednesday π Kelsey, So Much Life Blog
I love posts like this because I'm such a big reader! And OMG girl, you will LOVE Beautiful Ruins! It's one of my all-time-favorite books! You have to let me know what you think!
rosyoutlookblog.com
I am so far behind on my reading! I got three books for our vacation and made it through half of one…oops! I started reading Chasing Harry Winston when it first came out too, but never finished. I'm going to have to go back and re-read it, once I finish these other three!!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
Inr had a hard time finishing the ruins, but need to pick it up again! Good recs!
Chasing Harry Winston is on my list! I finally got to read on my trip, so I read 3! MIllion Little Pieces, Hub's Secret, JUst Kids.
Thank you for sharing! I will have to check these out. Which means actually downloading and reading them lol. It's a rainy day here today and reading a book would be lovely!!! π
I loved Chasing Harry Winston, it was funny, cute and such an easy read. I have Me After You as next on my to read list. I had no intention of reading Me Before You but I ended up reading the whole book in the car during my vacation this weekend! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
I liked Opening Belle well enough, but it's the second book from Reese that I was meh on…the first one I hated. LOL
Cheers to a good reading month! I read Beautiful Ruins a few years back on the way to California.
love loved chasing harry winston! i read it when it came out and i couldn't tell you what it's about anymore but i remember loving it π and i am almost done with me before you and i think i may read the next one. loving it!
xoxo cheshire kat
I just started "Me Before You"… want to finish it before I see the movie! My mom said "After You" is SO good so I can't wait to read that either!!
I've been SO bad about reading lately. That needs to be on my summer goal list, lol!!
I still need to read Me Before You! I saw that there's a movie coming out so I need to get on it!
I've been SO much better about reading more, and I really do love it. It's just the time factor that I don't always dedicate, but posts like this make me add more books to my list and make more time for myself π I think Chasing Harry Winston will be added to my list next!
Wedding Girl sounds like a book that I need to add to my reading list – great reviews today! I'll be anxious to hear what you think of After You – I think the fact that you didn't read it right after Me Before You might help because it's almost like a separate story.
I can't wait to see what you think of After You–it was not my favorite at all but some in my book club loved it. Like you said, it just goes back to personal preference. I think I need to read Chasing Harry Winston. I've usually bypassed it but I think I need to get it this time!
Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
I love all of Jojo Moyes' novels! Thanks for the recommendations and I'll definitely have to add these to my summer reading list!
thecourtneydiaries.com
Also looking forward to Me Before You, definitely feels like the romantic movie of the year! Xx
thefashionfolks.com
I just downloaded After You and look forward to reading it. Right now, I'm really North & South. It's really good but super long. I probably won't finish it for weeks. haha Happy Wednesday.
Great review!! Thank you for the "read if you like… "! That is very helpful for my simple little brain!! Make today work, Rachel -CubicleCouture
Great reviews! Chasing Harry Winston sounds like a good summer read so I am definitely picking that one up, and I am with you on After You, but after reading the Epilogue in Me Before You, I am a little confused on what is happening. I guess I will have to read and find out. Thanks for the reviews!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Wedding Girl is on my list and I am reading Me Before You and will read After You next!!
You are on a reading roll! I think I always thought Wedding Girl was largely about a dog because of the cover, haha, but it definitely sounds really cute. I really enjoyed Beautiful Ruins and After You– I keep seeing The Assistants around so I can't wait to hear what you think of it.
I've been wanting to read Chasing Harry Winston forever! Sounds super cute and so does the Wedding Girl!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
I had been wanting to know your thoughts on Love and Miss Communication from the moment you shared you'd be reading it. Based on your snippet, it's not what I had thought it would be. I thought it would be on a relationship of sorts that went wrong due to misinterpreted text messages that we've all received and sent. I couldn't imagine how one would live in today's world by completely disconnecting from the internet, it's almost impossible. Social media, that I can understand because it's not all that necessary, especially if you don't have an online business or platform. Nowadays, everyone, including businesses, post important information/updates online, so I could only imagine how the character must have felt missing out on so much, so quickly! Thanks so much for sharing, beautiful, I can't wait to read your thoughts on The Assistant. I was a research assistant in a lab and I always wondered about how much those doctors made and how their prestigious positions made them feel, haha! I hope you're having the best start to your day so far!
XO,
Jalisa
thestylecontour.com
You read A LOT girl! I can't seem to finish the book I've been reading for months, it's not a good one, that's why. I'll be adding Chasing Harry Winston to my list, sounds like something I would really enjoy. And I'm glad you are doing this series, I love reading little recaps!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lilyο»Ώ
I just finished After You – & yes, it can't compare with the original book but it was still enjoyable. The world just isn't as good without Will Traynor though π
Chasing Harry Winston is SO good! Read it last year and loved it. I read What Alice Forgot over Memorial Day Weekend and it was amazing. (I read the whole book in less than 24 hours haha)
amemoryofus.com
Omgosh Biana I loved reading this post!! SO much!! I'm always on the lookout for a new good book and I loved hearing your honest reviews. I want to read Chasing Harry Winston and The Assistants sounds like a great one too. Can't wait to hear what you think about that!!
Xox Dana Ivy // iadorewhatilove.com
Wedding Girl and Chasing Harry Winston are going on my list. Can't wait to hear what you think about After You! I enjoyed it because I went in with zero expectations and I loved hearing what happens with Lou.
I need to read me before you and after you! Going on my kindle queue. I love how you say read if you liked _____. So helpful!
I'm gonna add this to my list! thanks!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
I just got Me Before You to take with me to the beach and I can't WAIT to read it!!!! I've heard nothing but good things!
Thanks for such a nice, lengthy review. I want to read all those first three books and both "Me Before You" and "After You". Must go see the movie too. I just got "Opening Belle" and was looking forward to start that. Too bad you didn't care as much for it. But keep these types of posts coming, babe.
Happy Hump Day!
I'm reading Me Before You right now and seriously would have stayed up all night had my ipad not died!! If I lived in Boston we could totally go watch the movie together! π Oh…and of course go eat some amazing food.
So many great choices! My sister got a double order from Amazon and is sending me her second copy of Me Before You. Can't wait to read it before seeing the movie!
Ashley
acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
These all look like books I would love! I still need to read Me Before You before I see the movie – I'm sooo behind in reading! -xx Leah || Chasing Texas
I've been wanting to read Chasing Harry Winston for a while now, I'll have to pick it up!
Kisses,
Sarah
EverydayStarlet
Chasing Harry Winston definitely just got added to my must read list!
I read Wedding Girl and Chasing Harry Winston too. Loved the books. Thanks for sharing some other reads I can pick up for the summer.
I hate when you finish reading a book, only to find out that you've actually read it before! At least you still enjoyed it! I've heard a lot about Beautiful Ruins, and it's definitely one that's on my list!
I LOVED Beautiful Ruins! Hope you love it too. I agree with everything you said about Opening Belle-just way too much financial jargon!
Ive been debating reading "After You" too- I loved Me Before You so much that I don't want to "ruin" that story with another! I can't wait for the movie π
I love these posts because they help me weed through what is actually worth reading and what I can skip out on haha π Wedding girl sounds right up my alley!
xo Candace
Lovely Little Rants
Great reads! Lovely post
Take care doll! Oh, I'm hosting a giveaway, I'd love if you entered!
BLOG | TAISLANY
Great article! Loved your picks!
Kisses,
Andreea
couturezilla.com/
Thanks for the honest review on Opening Belle! I was thinking about reading that one but not sure if it's at the top of my list now. Definitely wanting to read After You!
Zelle
Southern Style
Haha I have totally done that before, finish a book and then realize I'd already read it! Bummer about the Reese Witherspoon recommended book, she usually only picks winners!
One of my goals for this summer is to read more, I just don't do enough of it anymore. Your reviews are helpful!
Chasing Harry Winston sounds like a fun read! I need some good pool/beach reads for the summer; this list is awesome!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I love reading, but somehow find I never have time…which makes me sad! The Thirty by Thirty sounds like a book I'd love!
beautiful ruins has been on my list (and shelf at home) for ages. hoping to get to it soon! i hope you like after you – i think as long as you're not expecting an exact sequel, it will be okay. i loved it, but it had been a few months in between me before you and after you for me. so it almost read like its own book, which a lot of people didn't like.
Okay a few of these sound like they are right up my alley. Adding them to my list! Love the comparisons as well!
So many great recommendations! I don't read as much as I should – I'm such a magazine girl!
THANK YOU for this! I need some suggestions for summer reading!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
thanks for sharing! π
Have a great day!
Animated Confessions
The ones in your primary picture all look like things I want to read!! Thanks for the recommendations!
xo,
Sara Kate Styling
Great picks. Chasing Harry Winston is on my list now.
ootdchannel.com/
I'm the only person who hasn't read Me Before You, so I better start that immediately! I read Chasing Harry Winston a bunch of times and really liked. It's a quick, silly read. The Assistants is pretty good, too!!
I need to read Me Before You so I can then read After you! I also have "The Assistants" on my list for this summer, too! xo, Champagne&Suburbs
Just finished the Wedding Girl. I'd requested it at the library after seeing your list, but didn't recall the "shop around the corner/You've got mail" note you posted – was making my own jumps. It was a pleasant read and as I love to incorporate fiction books that revolve around food/cooking into the mix a happy beach read. Thanks for that.
Also read the Miscommunication one. As one not yet into the smart phone, I could relate and applauded this break from the internet, although know that I would be able to do that and keep my job as it revolves around marketing and social media. Still oh to have those breaks as I often think while technology is great, it is starting to take away from our personal one-on-one face-to-face connections that actually mean the most.
Next up – your Assistants rec and I'm going to try Boston Chic Party's rec of SweetBitter – also food related by Stephanie Danler.
Keep posting as I'm always looking for that next great book -and curious as to what this year's best reads are – no standouts I'm seeing like last year's Girl on a Train and In the Unfortunate Event. π Keep up the great posts. TAF