Cabin in the City

Books, cats and midwestern charm.

What I Read // May 2025

06.04.25 | Books
Vinyl records

Unsolicited Advice: Make a Baby Playlist

05.20.25 | Life

What I Read // April 2025

04.30.25 | Books

On Grief and Joy

03.05.25 | Life

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What I Read // December 2022

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via Goodreads

I tried so hard to hit my 2022 reading goal of 50 books, but I fell two short. I chalk it up to getting a Switch this summer and spending all my time playing Cozy Grove for two months. Anyways, I finished up the year with four Christmas-y reads plus a few others.

Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger • ★★☆☆☆

I fall for this setup every time: Friends meet up at a cabin, country home, island, retreat, villa or what have you for a long overdue vacation. All is not as fun and carefree as it seems, however.

But with Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six, I felt like a lot of the action happened away from the titular cabin. 90% of the story occurred before this over-the-top rental was even booked. And was that story even interesting? Not really!

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen • ★★★★☆

It took about four months to get this hold in from the library, but it was worth it! Spoilers ahead!

In Counterfeit straight-laced, one-time lawyer Ava forms an unexpected partnership with her old college roommate Winnie. The business? Knock-off designer handbags.

I absolutely loved how this book was told 90% from Ava’s perspective as she spoke to a detective. Over halfway through the book, it switches to Winnie as the storyteller and you learn that Ava’s not the reliable narrator you once thought. What I loved most, though, was that neither woman changed their ways. Instead, they vowed to get smarter and go even bigger—with diamonds this time.

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss • ★★★☆☆

Jenny Bayliss wrote one of my favorite Christmas rom-coms of all time: The Twelve Dates of Christmas. Since then, I pick up all her cozy holiday books (see last year’s A Season for Second Chances).

This one didn’t quite satisfy like the first ones. In Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, Nory reunites with friends for a Christmastime wedding at a country estate. Are there hiccups? Sure! A lovely wedding? Obviously! Is there a handsome gardener there? You bet! It’s cozy and comfortable and it instantly makes me wish that I had a life like this.

What I didn’t love about this read, though, was the constant mention of Nory’s body being squeezed into clothing or being larger than her friends. This is a comfy holiday read and Nory is a nice character; why do we need to bring in body issues? Yes, I am 100% for creating diverse characters of all kinds, including size. However, not everyone that’s more than 150 pounds needs to have a complex. I had this same problem with A Lullaby for Witches. This is escapist reading! Let Nory be!

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun • ★★★★☆

The premise of Kiss Her Once for Me, like many good rom-coms, is absolutely inconceivable. Barista and former animator Ellie drunkenly falls into a marriage pact with Andrew, a local Richie Rich. Andrew wants to get married so he can tap into his trust fund. Ellie wants to not live paycheck to paycheck.

Of course, they end up fake dating. Of course, it turns out that Ellie had a super-intense, one-day fling with Andrew’s sister Jac. And, of course, they are all spending the holidays together at the family cabin. What could go wrong?

Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan • ★★★☆☆

I don’t want to say that Jenny Colgan’s books are the equivalent of a Hallmark Christmas movie because the stories and characters are so much better. However, there are an awful lot of them and they always deliver holiday cheer, so in that regard, they are similar.

Whatever the case, I enjoyed listening to this book as I baked cookies and decorated the house. And, no, I won’t give you further details because I don’t remember anything than just taking it in beside the Christmas lights.

Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan • ★★★☆☆

OK, I didn’t technically finish this one until January 2, but it’s so seasonal I had to include it in my December roundup.

There were plenty of storylines going on in this one, but the one I found most charming was that of Konstantin, a Scandinavian socialite who exiles himself to the island of Mure. There he sheds his playboy ways and finds ways to delight the town (and himself). Sweet!

I am always astounded by how Jenny weaves so many characters into her stories. And I’m astounded at how she does it in such a way that I actually remember who is who. Major props!

As always, you can follow along with my progress and see what I’ve read over on Goodreads! Also, if you’re an audiobook fan, I encourage you to try Libro.fm—you can support your favorite small bookstore while downloading your next listen.

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Dream Come True: I Was on NPR!

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Coming as a surprise to no one: I’m an NPR nerd! I’ve been listening to my local station for ages. It’s by far my preferred way to get the news, and I love so many of the programs.

Recently, my love of NPR has grown even more; I was invited to be on “All Sides with Ann Fisher” on WOSU out of Columbus, Ohio.

It was so much fun to be on this show. I got to talk about some of my favorite holiday cookies—including some lesser-known varieties like rosettes and khrustyky.

Listen to the show here!

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What I Read // November 2022

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A month of reading with no duds? Finally! I knocked out four books this month, and am currently sitting at 43 books total for 2022. My goal is 50. Before I start thinking about how I can possibly make that happen on top of holiday crafting and baking, let’s get into this month’s reads.

A Well-Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler • ★★★★☆

It’s been a minute since I’ve read this sort of historical fiction. I love a creative retelling of a prominent historical figure—in this case, Alva Vanderbilt.

This was the perfect book to read while anxiously awaiting the release of the second season of The Gilded Age.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston • ★★★★☆

Despite loving Red, White & Royal Blue, I resisted One Last Stop for a good while. Why? I loathe time travel. I find it overly complicated. I just don’t like it! But when I saw this at the library, I figured why not? And I’m glad I picked it up.

In One Last Stop, aimless August moves to NYC and falls madly in love with Jane, a stranger on the subway. The only catch is that Jane is somehow stuck in 1977 despite it being 2019 everywhere else. Of course, August and Jane fall in love. But how do they get Jane unstuck and off that damn subway car?

I appreciated this book because it made the story more about relationships than the logistics of time travel. Plus, I genuinely liked every character. What a win!

Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix • ★★★★☆

Much like One Last Stop, I avoided Horrorstör for a long while. It was one of those books that were always available at the library which made me think no one wanted to rent it.

But then my good friend, a serious bookworm, recommended it and I decided if it was good enough for her, it was good enough for me. And guess what: I loved this book.

Set in an Ikea-type store, three coworkers patrol the building overnight to get to the bottom of some strange goings-ons. Well, it turns out that the turned-over furniture and stained cushions aren’t just hooligans; they’re ghoul-igans (HA!).

My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix • ★★★★☆

Yep, two books by the same author in a single month. What can I say? I really did like Horrorstör!

My Best Friend’s Exorcism walked the same line between scary and cheeky that I found so fun. Plus, it’s set in the ’80s so there were lots of fun references to the music and movies of the time. Prepare to queue up “I Think We’re Alone Now” on Spotify as you listen.

I’ll also say that the end of this book was just so so good. It proves that the rituals and relationships that we create are just as important as the religious ones we inherit.

As always, you can follow along with my progress and see what I’ve read over on Goodreads! Also, if you’re an audiobook fan, I encourage you to try Libro.fm—you can support your favorite small bookstore while downloading your next listen.

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 5

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Welcome back to the last installment of this series of 2022! I hope you all found some time to recharge this past weekend and had a wonderful holiday. Let’s get into the home stretch (though, I’m grateful all year long!).

Day 26: Routine

One routine that has stuck for Michael and me over the years has been Sunday Morning Cartoons. Each Sunday, we stay in bed and watch a show together. Sometimes it is a cartoon, like Bob’s Burgers or Central Park. Other times it’s SNL or Ted Lasso. This is such a nice way to roll into a relaxing Sunday. I’m grateful this is one routine that’s stuck.

Day 27: Art

Art versus craft is a debate I love to have with myself. Whatever it is that I spend my time on, I am glad to have these creative outlets. Being able to sit down with a needle and thread or pull out the sewing machine is really satisfying and joyful for me. I’m so thankful to have these creative outlets and grateful to my mom for introducing them all to me!

Day 28: Energy

Over the years thanks to many failures and therapy, I’ve learned better ways to ration my energy. Yes, I’d love to give my all to everything to every project, every meal, every get-together, every invite, but that’s not possible.

While I still struggle with burnout, I am getting better at dividing my physical and mental energy. I’m in a better place than I was even six months ago; that’s something to be thankful for.

Day 29: Ideas

Maya Angelou once said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” I’ve found this to be absolutely true.

While I’m not making at the same levels as I have in the past (see above), I’ve found myself full of a lot of creative ideas. I’m grateful that these ideas are still coming! I’m hoping to capitalize on a few for the holiday season.

Day 30: Self-Love

I like myself. That’s a good place to be!

This was the last 2022 entry in this series. Hope you all have counted a few blessings along with me.

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 4

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I’m back with week four of this series. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying time at home, out shopping for loved ones or putting up holiday decorations.

Day 19: Family

I’ve got a wonderful family and I married into a pretty darn good one too. I love you all and am grateful to be bonded with you for life.

Day 20: Inspiration

Above is my great-aunt’s convent in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. Visiting this place is always an inspiration to me. It’s such a great example of sisterhood.

At one time, this place was nearly self-sustaining with a farm, orchards, a bakery and even a post office. While the nuns no longer grow and harvest their own apples, this place remains. I am always inspired by what these wonderful women accomplished.

Much of the convent and its surrounding buildings are now up for sale, but I am forever thankful that I’ve had the pleasure to visit so many times (and even get married there!).

Day 21: Beauty

Wisconsin is truly a beautiful place. This was taken at Big Bay County Park on Madeline Island. It’s one of our favorite vacation destinations of all time. It’s so serene and it’s easy to see why this place is special to so many.

Day 22: Memories

Yes, I know I already talked about kayaking on Lake Superior in this series, but that’s OK! It was a really wonderful experience and a special way to spend our seventh wedding anniversary.

This wasn’t all we did to celebrate seven years, though. We also went out to Greunke’s for dinner and caught a showing of The Bob’s Burgers Movie over in Ashland.

I’m grateful for these memories and for having a spouse who thinks this is as great of a day as I do.

Day 23: Books

Books have become a major part of this blog. Looking back on my Goodreads stats, I realized that my reading has increased majorly over the years. I’m glad to have discovered audiobooks and how easy it is to borrow ebooks from the library.

Taking some time at the end of the day to read is a real joy to me. And assembling a puzzle while queuing up an audiobook is just about the best way to unwind if you ask me. I’m thankful I’ve found more ways to fit books into my life. It feels good.

Day 24: Home

I love my home and I’m so fortunate that Michael and I can call it ours. This 1960s ranch once belonged to my great-aunt and it’s been really so much fun to find our place in it over the years.

This home is so good to us. While small, it gives us all the room we need to relax, rest, work and practice our myriad hobbies.

Day 25: Change

While we love our home, it does need updating. This year, we finally got the ball rolling with a big remodeling project for our entryway and bathroom. It’s going to be a big change! It’s also something I know we’ll be so happy we did. I’m grateful that we’re finally making this project a priority and that we’re moving our home into the 21st century (or at least some of it).

One more week of this series! Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 3

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I’m back and still grateful! Be sure to count your blessings this week leading up to Thanksgiving. Life is hard but there’s a lot of wonder and joy in this world too.

Day 12: Work

I get to do some pretty awesome stuff a Taste of Home. This year, I had the pleasure of joining in on a virtual bake-along with Christina Tosi, one of my favorite bakers of all time.

Because I’m not just fortunate, but very fortunate, I’ve gotten to speak with Christina four or five times over the years. It’s always a joy and am I ever thankful! Also thankful that Christina turned me on to adding malt powder to brownies (try it even if you aren’t a malt person!).

Day 13: Kindness

I’m married to the kindest man. Michael, I am so grateful to be married to someone with a soft heart (and someone that knows just where to take me for birthday dinners: Ishnala).

Day 14: Food

Is it absolutely ridiculous that the donut above was at the top of my list of must-do Maine activities? Yes. But it was also so incredibly satisfying.

While it took we had a few false starts, my mom and I snuck a trip to HiFi Donuts in while we were in Portland. It was absolutely delicious and maybe my favorite eat of the whole trip.

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: I am so grateful that I got to do this trip with my mom and so happy we got to revisit a few places from our last trip to New England.

Day 15: Music

This year, my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. This is a big deal and the celebration required all the bells and whistles—including live music.

Booking a band on short notice during peak wedding season was a challenge, but in the end, I am so thankful that I was able to track down the Pray Trio. Sarah and John did such an incredible job and added so much joy to this party. Thank you both for playing family favorites from Patsy Cline, James Taylor and Elvis for us!

Above is a photo of my parents in 1982—the year they were married.

Day 16: Health

I’m so thankful that my mom’s health has been good enough to allow her to do so much this year, including taking our annual trip up north. It was an absolute blast.

Day 17: Seasons

My mom and I hit New England at just the right time for fall colors. I’m so happy and grateful that we did (that was the plan, but you never know booking so many weeks out!). This photo was taken on our last day in Maine. It was just about to pour, but we stopped the car and snapped this photo. It captures the essence of our trip perfectly.

Day 18: Joy

I talked about recognizing unexpected joy last week, but this idea is worth revisiting.

This year, I went on a press trip to Sonoma, California (yes, again!). It was a really lovely time and full of top-notch food, wonderful wine and stunning views. Despite all these lovely things, the highlight of the trip for me was getting to stomp grapes.

As a kid, I was a major fan of I Love Lucy. Getting to stomp grapes a la Lucille Ball was so much fun! I could not stop grinning. It paid off: I was given the “most enthusiastic stomper” award and came home with a hat (which I wear on the reg). Without this trip and my role at Taste of Home, I’d never have the opportunity to live this childhood dream. I’m so thankful I got to do this!

I’ll be keeping up with this series throughout November. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 2

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I’m back with another week of things to be thankful for. Take some time to count your blessings this month along with me.

Day 5: Creativity

When I first reflected on this year, I thought I hadn’t done as much creative work as I have in the past. But you know what, I still did a lot! I had a great craft show this spring and I have really kind neighbors that think of me for their creative projects like the one above.

I’m glad and grateful that my creativity can make others happy. And I’m very thankful that even in a tough year, I was able to make some space for making.

Day 6: Weather

After a few 70ºF days this week, the weather is finally turning truly autumnal. I love this time of year. And, thanks to Karolina Zebrowska, I’m appreciating Novembers more than ever.

Today it’s cool and breezy. That, my friends, is perfect sewing weather. I love and appreciate having days like this.

Day 7: Adventure

Three years ago, my mom and I visited Maine for the first time. We loved it. Before my mom had brain surgery, I promised her I’d take her back when she was up to it.

This October, we returned to Portland and Kennebunkport. I am so beyond grateful that I was able to go on this adventure with my mom.

Day 8: Words

After explaining my feelings of burnout to my therapist, she asked me, “so what are you doing for yourself?” At that time, the answer was not much beyond the basics.

So after my appointment, I walked over to Black Twig Bakery and bought myself (and Michael) some cookies. It’s now become a ritual after my sessions and it’s really been great! In sum: I’m so grateful for the kind and measured words of my therapist. Going on a regular basis has been amazing.

Day 9: Connection

I’ve taken a step back from a lot since my mom became ill. I feel like it’s the right thing for me and my family. But I am still so incredibly thankful for kind friends that reach out to check on me and ask how the fam is doing. Thank you for keeping these connections alive when I am not able to give them my all.

Day 10: Wonder

When I saw that I could walk out to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in Portland, Maine, I couldn’t contain my glee. As I leaped from rock to rock on the breakwater, I was filled with awe and wonder. I got to be on the waters of Casco Bay and see really stunning sights. I also was fortunate enough to have the breakwater to myself to take it all in. It was one of the highlights of this trip and I’m so grateful I got to enjoy it.

Day 11: Feelings

I think it’s important to take note of the times you find yourself unexpectedly smiling. These unplanned yet marked moments of joy are what make life so wonderful.

A few times I found myself smiling or laughing without realizing it: managing a tricky stretch in a yoga class, seeing a litter of kittens up for adoption at the pet supply store, winning at darts in a dive bar, watching any episode of Lego Masters and playing Night in the Woods for the first time.

I’ll be keeping up with this series for the rest of the month. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 1

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The past few years, I’ve followed this Instagram prompt by @positivelypresent. It’s a great way to reflect on the year and focus on what’s going well.

2022 has been a rough one (I know, I said this last year, too), but I do find that taking time to be grateful really does help keep some feelings of anxiety away. It also sets you up to express love and gratitude to the people you care about. That’s all good!

Day 1: Comfort

Much of this year has been about seeking comfort wherever and however I could. I’m really grateful to have a home that brings me a lot of joy and is always a cozy place to come rest.

No, it’s not a showplace or very fancy, but it’s warm and inviting to me. Plus, it’s always full of good snacks and cats—two of life’s greatest comforts.

Day 2: Nature

This summer, Michael and I returned to Bayfield to celebrate our seventh anniversary. While we were there, we kayaked along the shores of Lake Superior and even got to explore a few small sea caves.

Getting to experience nature in a new way was awe-inspiring. It gave us both a new appreciation of the beauty and the power of this Great Lake.

We also had the privilege of kayaking with some really knowledgeable local guides, some of whom are members of the Ojibwe tribe. Thank you for sharing some of your experiences and beliefs with us!

Day 3: Wisdom

For the longest time, I lived by the motto “better out than in!” when it came to emotions, stories—pretty much anything. But over the years, I’ve picked up a bit of wisdom from my sweet husband. Not everyone needs to know everything. Not everything needs to be said the second it comes to mind. It took me a decade to pick up on this, but it’s something I take to heart.

Day 4: Love

Back in March, I had to say goodbye to my sweet girl Zara. It was incredibly hard. Adopting a new kitten was also challenging. I wondered if I could grow to like her.

Well, Little Miss Ember is no Zara (and I wouldn’t want her to be!), but my heart has made so much room for her. Seeing her and Mukki together is so darling. I love these two beasts and I am so grateful to wake up to them each morning.

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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What I Read // September + October 2022

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via Goodreads

I’m not sure why, but seasonal reading never struck me as an idea until a few years back. Now that I’m into it, I’m into it. This fall I read a lot spine-tingling and witchy books (and I still have a few more in progress).

The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling • ★★★☆☆

I’m realizing that I love nothing more than a seasonal rom-com. The Kiss Curse is the follow-up to The Ex Hex, which I listened to last October.

I mean who doesn’t love some friendly competition between witches running their own magical shops? And, oh no, they have to ally themselves when one’s magic starts to disappear! I loved it. It’s a fun listen.

A Lullaby for Witches by Hester Fox • ★★☆☆☆

I thought that I’d been fooled by Hester Fox once, but looking back, I realized I’ve read two of her books (The Witch of Willow Hall and The Widow of Pale Harbor). A Lullaby for Witches will be my last. Spoilers ahead!

In this Hester Fox outing, Augusta makes some big changes in her life: she gets a new job at a small museum, dumps her boyfriend, moves in with her mom, starts dating a new guy and sort of becomes possessed by a spirit all within a few months. I mean, I could be into that in a general sense.

But when it came down to it, ugh. Augusta was such a bland character. And the author kept weaving in these tidbits about her trying to eat less and avoiding desserts. It’s a detail that didn’t make the character interesting or play into the plot. Spoiler: I don’t want to hear about any diet plan IRL or otherwise. Besides that aggravating fixation, Augusta was just very bland. How many times can I read about her taking notes on the condition of some old furniture? How often does that need to be done?

And, yes, I know that books with paranormal elements ask you to suspend belief. I can do that! I am all about believing that someone could be possessed by a vengeful half-witch from the past. But I also want people in these books to react to these outrageous situations in realistic ways. If your new girlfriend said, “I think a spirit is speaking with me and giving me visions,” your immediate response wouldn’t likely be Wow! Makes sense to me! I mean, sure you could get on board but not without some serious reckoning first.

One more thing: The author makes it seem like Augusta and Margaret, the witch from the past, have some really profound familial connection. It’s more like Margaret was her great-grandma’s niece. That doesn’t seem like quite enough. Who was my great-grandma’s niece? I DO NOT KNOW.

AND ANOTHER THING: Augusta’s mom is really reluctant to talk to Augusta about her late father. It turns out it’s because he was physically abusive. Instead of being sympathetic to her mother, Augusta is all Oh, well sometimes our memories of people are good and bad. What’s important is that we keep people’s memories alive and cherish the good times. Ummm… Not when that person is an abjectly terrible man. PASS.

Maybe this should be one star…

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas • ★★★★☆

The Goodreads synopsis of this book had me at the first sentence: Mexican Gothic meets Rebecca.

Beatriz is Rodolfo’s second wife. She spends her time at the family hacienda while he works in the capital. When he leaves, she’s plagued by visions and ghosts. Who is this ghost? What’s up with the sister-in-law? Can the local priest help? Is he more than a priest?

I wouldn’t necessarily categorize The Hacienda as a Halloween read, but it definitely had some unsettling gothic elements that feel right at home this time of year.

The It Girl by Ruth Ware • ★★★★☆

Ruth Ware is back! Who doesn’t love to read a book set at an elite college during back-to-school season? Especially when there’s a mystery afoot.

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw • ★★☆☆☆

I’m not sure why I bought this book in retrospect; the reviews were not great! And here comes my review—also not great.

In Nothing But Blackened Teeth, a group of five friends stays overnight in a supposedly haunted Japanese mansion. The legends say that a bride was buried alive in the walls of the home after her husband-to-be died on the way to the wedding that was to be held there. This is fine. This is a good haunted house setup!

What wasn’t great were all of the characters. These five were friends but there was absolutely no evidence of that. Everyone had serious beef with one another. Why would they agree to vacation together? To attend one another’s weddings? Maybe if any of the characters were more than half-baked, I’d have understood.

In sum: Come for the terrifying cover, leave the second you crack this one open.

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson • ★★☆☆☆

I was very into A Dowry of Blood, the first in a series about Dracula’s different partners for the first bit. It’s written in the style of a confession by Constanta, once a peasant girl then a vampire who sought to drain only those who deserved it. Spoliers coming up!

That is what sounds interesting, right? A vampire whose first kill was the army that slayed her family, who went on to kill abusive husbands and corrupt politicians. This idea could make for a very good book.

But within about 40 pages, Constanta is no longer a powerful warrior. Instead, she’s taken to tending to her husband, along with a second wife) in what seems to be a pretty psychologically abusive relationship. I went along with this, even though it can be hard to read, because I expected a really satisfying plot and payoff. Instead, the author just keeps hammering on this point—sometimes in Prague, sometimes in Verona, sometimes in St. Petersburg and later in Paris—over and over again. When the revenge came, it wasn’t sweet; it just seemed long overdue.

Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist • ★★★★☆

The instant I see a new release with the subheading A Gothic Novel, you know I have to check it out. Gothic novels are my favorite novels!

And I really did enjoy Tripping Arcadia. Here Lena, a med school dropout, gets a job assisting a family’s private doctor. Her job is primarily to attend to the family’s ailing twenty-something son, but soon finds herself thrown into a world of parties and excess—but not in the way you’d think.

I don’t want to go in too deep, because this is one that deserves a read or listen. Think of it like The Secret Garden meats Girl in the Rearview Mirror.

I Walk in Dread by Lisa Rowe Fraustino • ★★★☆☆

I brought this Dear America book to Salem three years ago. Three. While I didn’t visit Salem on my latest trip to New England, I still decided to commit to this book this time around. Is this a book for middle schoolers? Yes. Did I still enjoy it? Yes.

As always, you can follow along with my progress and see what I’ve read over on Goodreads! Also, if you’re an audiobook fan, I encourage you to try Libro.fm—you can support your favorite small bookstore while downloading your next listen.

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What I Read // August 2022

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via Goodreads

I haven’t done six books in a month in a long time, but ’tis the season! August is always my best reading month of the year. This month’s reads were a mixed bag. Two flops and a few really good reads. Let’s get into it!

Bath Haus by P.J. Veron • ★★★★☆

You know I love a good domestic thriller, and oooh was this a twisty one!

I don’t want to give you too much up front, but here are the basics, Oliver lives with his partner, a successful doctor, in D.C. He should be happy, but isn’t quite. So he visits a gay bath house one evening and barely escapes. What he hopes is the end of that encounter, of course, is just the beginning.

Dead Lake by Darcy Coates • ★★☆☆☆

I’m not sure how I fell into the trap of reading another Darcy Coates book, but much like The Carrow Haunt which I read in 2020, I was simultaneously engaged and irritated.

I’ve had this book on my Kindle for years and finally dove in after seeing this advertised as the perfect book to read by the campfire at a bookstore. I mean, I love campfire stories, so this could be good!

And in the end, this is pretty much a campfire story and shouldn’t have gone further than that. Like the last Darcy Coates book I read, this book lacked so much detail and overlooked so many small errors. How you ask? Let me tell you!

In Dead Lake, Sam visits her uncle’s cabin to work on paintings for an upcoming art show. She’s got a week to put together a collection of oils for this major show and hasn’t started anything. Not a single thing. And it’s oils—paints that take literal weeks to dry.

Some other issues I had: Her uncle is friendly with the city council so he got to build a cabin in the middle of a park just for fun. Presumably a national park or at the very least a state park based on context, but we don’t know! In this cabin, there’s no running water, just a pump (that’s fine!), but the bathtub is upstairs. Ummm… No one in their right mind would build a cabin that way. No one wants to lug water upstairs. Also, it’s set in the US but she keeps calling flashlights torches. This was the same in The Carrow Haunt. It’s not a big deal, but it’s such an easy edit! Also, if you want the stories to be set in the UK, that’s fine! They are so vaguely written that she could easily set them in the US, the UK, Slovakia, Indonesia, New Zealand—wherever.

In summation: Anything that was scary about this book was made lame by the vague writing.

The Family Plot by Megan Collins • ★★☆☆☆

Maybe I would have liked this book better if I had read it versus listening to the audiobook. I was not a fan of the voice actor’s rendition. And maybe I wasn’t into the execution of this book either.

It sounds promising from the Goodreads synopsis: “[Dahlia was] raised in a secluded island mansion deep in the woods and kept isolated by her true crime-obsessed parents, she has spent the last several years living on her own, but unable to move beyond her past—especially the disappearance of her twin brother Andy when they were sixteen.” Right?

But it was just so flat and implausible. A bunch of murders happened on this small island and during their childhood and no one was worried? Everyone still found it to be normal to be obsessed with true crime instead of, you know, concerned for their safety? I’m not buying it. And I didn’t find it to be chilling or scary, which was the whole point.

The Retreat by Sarah Pearse • ★★★☆☆

I’m not much of a series reader, but I really enjoyed Sarah Pearse’s The Sanatorium. When the next volume came out in what is now a detective series (a specific type of series I’m not really super interested in), I figured I should pick it up.

And it’s a good read (and no, you really don’t need to have read the first in the series to jump in). Detective Elin Warner heads to a remote island to investigate the death of a resort guest. The island has a spooky history, both criminal and paranormal. Sounds good to me!

I think if you’re into detective books, this would be a four-star read, even five, but police work isn’t something I’m really keen on.

Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam • ★★★★☆

I rented this audiobook on a whim after I saw it made Barack Obama’s summer reading list. I’m glad I did! This book was a thinker but also one that kept me listening whenever I could squeeze in a few minutes.

Let’s just say what I thought this book didn’t go where I was expecting it. I mean, it went there but then way, way beyond.

Depending on the type of person you are, it’s the perfect read for vacation or the worst read because you know that the family vacationing in this book doesn’t end up with the trip they expected.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry • ★★★★☆

Gosh am I a sucker for an Emily Henry book! Beach Read remains one of my favorite rom-coms of all time. Book Lovers is a worthy follow-up (People We Meet on Vacation was also good, but comes in third in my ranking).

Anyways, I love how this book leans into the rom com tropes, turns them on their head and then turns them over again. It’s very clever and sweet.

Oh you want detail? Literary agent Nora thinks of herself as the cold city lady that every rom-com leading man leaves behind for a new woman in a small town—and she is! She has several exes that have left and married the type of women featured in Hallmark movies. But here’s the thing: Her sister loves these sorts of stories and insists they live a rom-com-style life when they go on a trip. Is there a handsome man in town? You bet! A tiny bookshop? Obviously! Quirky locals? Duh!

But Book Lovers is about more than romance, it’s also about sisters and family and how to choose the life you want to live. Gosh, it was a good one.

As always, you can follow along with my progress and see what I’ve read over on Goodreads! Also, if you’re an audiobook fan, I encourage you to try Libro.fm—you can support your favorite small bookstore while downloading your next listen.