I can’t believe it has been 2 months in a row that I’ve been reading. I hope I can keep this up. It’s been really fun and rewarding. If you missed last month’s post, here is what I read in June.
What I Read In July 2019
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
This book wasn’t what I expected. I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Maybe I thought the storyline would be similar to the movie Bride Wars. Fun fact, that’s my best friend and I’s favorite movie. Clearly, I didn’t read the synopsis of this book. But I am glad I didn’t. The element of surprise is what got me hooked. The book goes over the poverty that happens in Southeast Asia, Asian culture and expectations, and Autism. If you want a feel good book, this book is for you. The main characters go through life challenges, but they fought for themselves and what they believe in, and in the end they got what they wanted. I love this book because I think the good ending is realistic.
I also was very intrigued by how the author portrayed the autistic character that I decided to learn more about Helen Hoang. It all made sense when I read her biography and learned she was also diagnosed with autism.
The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
This book immediately got me hooked by reading the first page. It was thrilling, mysterious, and every page got me to want to know what the heck is going on. A quick summary, this book is about a female journalist that works for a popular travel magazine and she went on a press trip on this new and swanky Scandinavian cruise. During her time there, it turns out that she witnessed a murder. The weird part is that no one is missing according to the list of attendees. So she tries to find out who was that person and starts to question herself if she really saw a murder.
Even though I loved this book, there were certain parts that I felt the author dragged on about. I truly think the book could cut out 100 pages. It has the suspense and I didn’t care for some of the narratives. I also didn’t really like the main character. She was a very frustrating person to listen to. She reminds me of one of those people that you want to just shake and be like “will you just listen to me!” But her personality is the reason why it adds suspense to the storyline. The ending is one of those where I kind of predicted it but at the same time I was surprised.
What the Lady Wants: A Novel of Marshall Field and the Gilded Age by Renee Rosen
So I came across the this book because I was about to get Park Avenue Summer from the list of book recommendations you all sent me and the same author wrote What the Lady Wants. Immediately I was intrigued because it had to do with Marshall Field and the Gilded Age. I have a fascination with the Gilded Age and anything about Chicago, especially Marshall Field because I grew up going to Marshall Field & Co (I still refuse to accept that the Macy’s on State St is called Macy’s. It is still Marshall Fields to me.)
The main focus of this book is about Delia Spencer and the biggest scandal during the Gilded Age – Marshall Field’s love affair with Delia Spencer. I love this book because it really goes over the history of Chicago, how Chicago was built and the Great Chicago Fire. All the details about how Chicago’s downtown and neighborhoods were created and shaped was so fascinating. Even more interesting that Marshall Field has a lot to do with it. Of course, the story line is really good too! At the end of the book, Renee Rosen (author) shares which details are facts and fictions.
Thoughts
Overall, I really enjoyed all 3 books. There wasn’t an obvious frontrunner like last month’s reading. Each book was different and entertaining in its own way. Currently, I got Park Avenue Summer to read next. Looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this next month!
What have you read this month?
xo RD
Ok, I really need to pick up a book to read. I have collected so many recommendation but I’m yet to pull the trigger on a buy. I’m adding The Woman in a Cabin to my list.
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
I definitely think you will enjoy that book!
All of these sound amazing! I haven’t read a new book in a while so I just might pick one of these up!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Thank you Lizzie!
Thanks for sharing your reads! I need to pick up something new desperately and I always love these posts to decide what I should read next!
Chic on the Cheap
Thanks Lydia! Let me know if you end up reading one of these!
The Bride Test sounds fascinating! I’d love to read that and see how Autism is portrayed as I think it can be so misunderstood and this sounds so realistic! Thanks for sharing – ALWAYS looking for new books to read! x Shannon • http://www.essellesse.com
It was definitely a fun and easy book to read!
This books must have been very interesting! I like your creative photos dear 🙂
xoxo
http://ysiakova.blogspot.com/
It was! I recommend them!
All these books look so interesting. I personally want to read The Bride Test as from your description of it, it sounds very interesting! Thanks for sharing <3
https://lifewithmins.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed them!
Thanks for sharing these books! I’m always on the lookout for new reads! I just finished The Escape Room by Megan Goldin and the Whisper Network by Chandler Baker, both of which were really interesting! And since I enjoyed The Woman In Cabin 10 too, I’m planning on reading her new book, The Turn Of The Key!
http://roadesque.com
Oo I need to check them ouT! Turn of the key is on my list!
I’ve been eyeing the woman in cabin 10! I’ve got a bunch of books I want to read this summer.
It’s so good!
These sound really interesting, especially the last one. Gotta check out the “What the Lady wants”. Thanks dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I thought the book was so interesting and love the historical facts!
I’m saving this for sure! Book recommendations are a must for me!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Glad I can help!
I want to read Bride Test, seems like my ideal kind of story. You pictures look fun and chill!
http://www.busyandfab.com
It was a good one!
I love good books recommendations!
I’m reading Shogun by James Clavell but will check these once finished!
xx Elisa
http://www.francinesplaceblog.com | DIY & LIFESTYLE BLOG
I need to check that out!
The Bride Test synopsis was not what I was expecting based off the cover! They all sound good. I’m still reading my French book and fan fiction. Does that count😂
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Totally counts girl!
I love me a mystery novel, gonna check out The Woman in the Cabin next time I’m at Barnes and Nobles
Xoxo
Sarah Lindner
http://www.TheHouseOfSequins.com
If you love mysteries then you will definitely love The Woman in the Cabin.
I’m in the market for a good book!! All of these sound like books I would absolutely love!
Yay!
I’ll definitely pick The Bride Test from your list! Sounds fun and cute!
Marie
The Flower Duet
It is for sure a fun book!
Your book rec’s are always spot on, babe!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you so much Ashley!
I love a realistic but yet feel good book. Might have to check that first one out.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
You will definitely love the bride test!
Thank you for the review! Reading is always a great escape, and one always comes back with a refreshed mind and big ideas.
http://www.lindifique.com
It really is!
I always love seeing what you’re reading. Adding a few of these to my library list!
Thank you Greta!
I totally agree that The Woman in Cabin 10 dragged on for too long. However, I loved some parts of the slow suspense 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Glad I’m not the only one that sees it too!
I would like to read that second book 🙂
Oo yes! It’s a good one!
All of these books seems very interesting. I didn’t read any of them, but I would check it. Thank you for recommendation.
New Post – http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2019/08/victorias-secret-bombshell-eau-de-parfum_10.html
Hope you end up reading some of these!
All these books sound amazing! I added them on my list, I’m such a book addict!
xo, Andreea | https://www.budistyle.com/en/
Yay! I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did!
These sound like great books! i’m impressed you read so much too! I’ve been trying to finish a book for a few weeks but it’s hard to find time with the little ones. I did start taking it to work but I am often busy even at lunch time so I haven’t made much progress!
Hope that you are having a wonderful weekend 🙂
Hopefully you can make time soon!
Lovely book to read. I have been reading one book and struggling to finished it.
http://www.thestylegalaxy.com
Oh no! Hope you can finish it soon!
Wow! This is an amazing dress for every day! Wonderful outfit!
I read in July Dostoevsky’s small collection)
http://www.recklessdiary.ru
Thank you Anya! I’ll have to check that out!
That second book sounds right up my alley! I’m totally going to check it out.
Definitely a great book!
I’m currently reading One Of Us Is Lying. Might have to add The Woman In Cabin 10 to my list.
Oo I need to check that book!
LOVED the woman in cabin 10!!
Omg wasn’t it so good?!
I really enjoyed reading The Woman in Cabin 10! I’m putting What the Lady Wants on my reading list. I love anything related to Marshall Fields and Chicago too. I’m totally with you on the Macy’s thing. I remember signing a petition years ago to keep the Marshall Field’s name!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Right?! Just doesn’t sound right to call it Macy’s.
Love these recommendations hun, I need to read more, I find it so inspiring and relaxing at the same time 🙂 xx
It truly is so entertaining and relaxing at the same time!