I’ve hit the ground reading this year and am on my eighth book for the year, which is a record for me. I’m taking a strategic leadership course for work, and reading has temporarily taken a backseat between that and the blog. It’s been a busy, exciting month, and I can’t wait to share more details in the next few months — I can’t wait to watch this little blog continue growing! In the meantime, here’s my book review volume VII:
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena
I’ve always enjoyed Shari Lapena’s books, so I was excited to pick up her latest novel. A wealthy couple, Fred and Sheila, live in upstate New York, where they get together with their three adult children for a dreaded Easter dinner. Later that night, Fred and Sheila are gruesomely murdered. Was it one of their children? They each had a motive, and all stood to inherit millions but could any of them indeed commit the crime? I appreciate Lapena’s no-fluff writing style and how she allows the action to propel the story forward. The chapters are short and sweet for those who read a few pages here and there, but I found myself compulsively flying through each chapter, making it hard to put down. I’m not sure how I feel about the killer, but it didn’t make this one any less enjoyable.
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty’s books are either a hit or miss for me, and this one fell flat. Joy Delaney, wife and mom of four, goes missing. Her adult kids face the dilemma of reporting it to the police, knowing the obvious suspect is their father, and two of their children aren’t so sure of his innocence. The family will soon have to reexamine their shared history, exposing everything. Sounds intriguing, right? Usually, I love dysfunctional family stories, but this one didn’t hold my attention. Maybe it’s because I had just finished a Shari Lapena novel, but this one seemed to drag on for a lengthy 467 pages. By the end, I was just relieved to start something else. I didn’t care for any of the characters or the ending. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read it because it received many glowing reviews.
When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting
This one had potential, but the ending didn’t work for me. Avery Spark gets into a terrible car accident, leaving her immobile for weeks, and her roommate, Declan, insists that he take care of her. Lines start to blur when Declan and Avery begin spending more time together. I enjoyed that part of the story where their relationship was shifting and growing, but when Avery started recovering and becoming independent again, the book lost its spark to me. The author highlights the importance of therapy, but Declan’s behavior at the end was cringy and inappropriate; I was also surprised because it didn’t seem in his character to act that way, given the book’s first half. I’ve read great things about Helena Hunting’s books, so maybe I’ll pick up one of her other novels, but this one was just okay.
Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens
I enjoyed this cute read. Laura is a journalist for Love Life, but she’s struggling in her own love life. Her mom used to tell her stories about herself and Laura’s dad, and that’s the kind of epic love story Laura wants for herself. When a business opportunity takes her to Jersey in the UK’s Channel Islands to retrace and write about her parents’ love story, she’s in for quite a few surprises. Laura realizes she grabbed the wrong suitcase at the airport after arriving at her hotel. However, after inspecting the suitcase contents, Laura believes the suitcase owner is her soulmate — now Laura needs to find the stranger. Yet Laura will soon have to rethink her outlook on love. Does she want the perfect love story or the man?
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Despite my reservations, I picked this one up because everyone seemed to be reading it last year. I typically don’t read historical fiction, and I’m still on the fence about my relationship with Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I surprisingly loved this one. The story alternates between Mick Riva and June’s tumultuous relationship in the 1950s and their four famous children in Malibu in the 1980s. In 1983, Nina Riva threw her annual epic end-of-the-summer party, and by dawn, Nina’s mansion was up in flames. But before then, each family member’s secrets will surface. Usually, I only care about one storyline over another, but I thoroughly enjoyed Mick and June’s heart-wrenching story as much as I did their children’s. What’s your favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid novel that I should read next?
What have you recently read that I should add to my to-read list? Please leave your suggestions in the comments! To read my other book reviews, click here. xo
I have Apples Never Fall on my TBR list just waiting for it to become available from the library! Not a happy family just added thanks to your review! xo, Biana BlovedBoston
I haven’t read any of these but I’ve been thinking about getting Just Haven’t Met You Yet on audible!
I will add I just haven’t met you yet to my list. I love a good love story, and this one sounds relatable. I think the worst thing in the world is a poorly written book lol. I have many ideas for adult books, but I am still tweaking them because I don’t want the story to be iffy.
I thought Apples Never Fall was a disappointment too; I honestly thought that the last several pages (after it was revealed what happened) were totally unnecessary to the storyline and that the plot could have moved a bit quicker.
I have yet to read a Shari Lapena book although they always sound so good!
Just Haven’t Met You Get sounds cute. Adding it to my list.
Malibu Rising was my least favorite of her books I’ve read so far! I love Daisy Jones & Evelyn Hugo, but I also love her older stuff.
I’m itching to pick up a new book right now! Thanks for the suggestions!
I haven’t heard good things about Apples Never Fall.
I absolutely felt the same about Apples Never Fall. We read it in my book club in October and most everyone seemed to think it was too long and that 2/3 was unnecessary and the ending was underwhelming
bummer about liane moriarty, i think i am just biased and predisposed to love her books lol
i will add that shari lapena book to my list!
Now I have some good books to check
Out! I made a promise to myself to read more this year. Gonna try for a book a month!
I wasn’t a fan of Malibu Rising. I prefer TJR older books. I thought Not a Happy Family was an okay read. I also find Liane Moriarty’s books to be hit or miss and I haven’t liked her newer ones, so I’m skipping Apples Never Fall. I don’t think I’ve seen a review where someone loved it. Just Haven’t Met You Yet sounds cute! Just added it to my to read list.
I love Liane Moriarty’s books. I am excited for this new book.
Great reviews! I’m currently reading Apples Never Fall and I couldn’t agree more with you. It drags on for what feels like forever!
I love Shari Lapena’s books! I’ll have to read the one you mentioned 🙂
I have never read any of these books, but “Not A Happy Family,” sounds like a great read!
Thank you for sharing this list; I’m always looking for new recommendations for my next read.
I need to read more by TJR. Glad you loved Malibu Rising. And I own and hope to read (soon) Not a Happy Family. I’m reading for some mysteries. 🙂
Lauren @ http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
This article is really putting me in the mood to start back reading novels again. haha.
Malibu Rising sounds interesting! Thanks for the suggestions.
ooooh, just found your blog and LOVE it! Also love the book shares. The two I am intrigued by is Just Haven’t Met You Yet and Malibu Rising. Thank you, I will surely check them out!
I read a lot too. I’ll have to check these out! Reading is one of my go-to’s for me time.
Great book suggestions here. Thank you!
TJR is one of my favorite authors, and her books just keep getting better. I’m glad you enjoyed Malibu Rising!
That’s a shame about the ending of When sparks fly, but Just haven’t met you yet sounds like it could be a good read!