This month was lighter than the last on the reading front, however I found some that I really enjoyed! I’m still drawn to reading short stories and novellas to try out different author’s writing styles. This month I spent more time watching series in bed rather than reading, but with so many anticipated books being released this month, I’m looking forward getting back into the swing of reading before bed.
Golden Hills by Jennifer Weiner 3.5 / 5 stars
Ida Berkowitz is a congresswoman who is running for the US Senate. Everything is looking good for Ida until someone from her past reemerges. Marissa and Ida both attended Camp Golden Hills during their teenage years, a weight loss camp, where they become bunkmates and close friends. Marissa leads a life that Ida could only dream of. When Marissa decides to hold a press conference about Ida just before the election, Ida finds herself terrified at all Marissa might say that could cost her the US Senate seat. I had so many theories on how this story would end while I was reading it, however none of them were correct.
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid 4 / 5 stars
After reading Evidence of the Affair last month I had an urge to pick up another work by TJR. I was hesitant to pick up this book at first (I wasn’t sure how I would do with reading about spousal death and grief) but the reviews one this book convinced me to go for it. Emma and Jesse are high school sweethearts who are getting ready to celebrate their first wedding anniversary when Jesse is suddenly lost after a helicopter crash where he is presumed dead. Years later, Emma starts her life over with a close friend from high school, Sam. After Emma finds herself falling in love and getting engaged to Sam, Jesse is found alive. Emma now must make the decision to stay with Sam or to restart her life over again with her husband Jesse. This has a very similar feel to Castaway, a man is discovered after being presumed dead for years, lost at sea. This book honestly took me by surprise, I didn’t expect to like it nearly as much as I did. After reading this, I’m still unsure on how I feel about the ending. This book poses the question: Is there really one and only one true love out there for everyone?
Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne 2 / 5 stars
Continuing with the Improbable Meet-Cute Series with this short story by Sally Thorne. Rosie and her sister are spending Galentine’s Day together by having a spa day. While at the spa Rosie gets stuck in the newest floatation tank which then causes a dreamy firefighter to talk down her anxiety while they take their time in prying her out of the tank.. This was my least favorite short story from the series so far. It seemed like Thorne tried to set up a rom-com type plot, however it was just executed poorly. Debating on continuing these series as I think they have only gotten worse as I’ve gone.
