I’ll be real here: I spent all of September trying not to go overboard on scary stories so I had something to look forward to for the spookiest month of the year. Here’s what I read and listened to this month:
Vintage by Susan Gloss • ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once in a while, a fluff book is nice. Vintage was definitely pure fluff and an easy listen. Did I see the end coming from the very start? Yes. Did I still listen? Also yes.
The book, about a vintage shop owner, is set in Madison, Wisconsin, and the author would not let you forget it. For someone that lived in Madison once upon a time, this was sort of heartwarming (hearing Pinkus McBride given a shoutout was sweet), but it was overkill. I felt like I was being hit over the head with charming details about a city that loves to remind you how charming it is.
The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James • ⭐️⭐️
This Gothic-ish book was really promising in theory, but wasn’t super satisfying.
I’d elaborate, but I don’t need to spend any more time on this book. Next!
The Girl with the Golden Scissors by Julia Drosten • ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love a good bit of historical fiction, especially if it includes any of the following: is set in Europe, involves a hobby I enjoy or is about an independent lady.
The Girl with the Golden Scissors had all three and it was a good read. It’s a story about an orphan moving up in the world, first as a student, then as a maid and then as a seamstress and entrepreneur. I love that sort of arc. I didn’t love how part of the book ended up set during World War I (I just don’t love wartime fiction), but still enjoyed this read.
The Perfect Couple by Lisa Hall • ⭐️⭐️
This book was fine. After reading a lot of historical fiction (some of which I’m still working on), I wanted a domestic thriller without a lot of Gothic trimmings.
The Perfect Couple fit that just fine. I waffle between two and three stars because the characters were so annoying, but I also was compelled to keep listening. Honestly, this is what I’d consider a good airport read. Nothing more or less.
The Last Mrs. Parrish • ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another suspenseful domestic story. The Last Mrs. Parrish is definitely a beach read (or listen in my case).
I was poised to give this book a lower rating until halfway through the book shifted perspectives from one woman to another. It switched up the whole novel, not necessarily in an unexpected way but satisfying. This reminded me of a B.A. Paris novel, but a bit more plausible.
Save this one for when you finally get to go on vacation again. You’ll like it.
As always, you can keep up with what I’m working on over on Goodreads!
Leave a Reply