Tag: book review

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Fabulous living

Summer Reads

Happy Wednesday! 

As we make our way through June, I always try to use these months as a time to slow down by keeping my schedule a bit more open.Ā 

I like to try to have the flexibility to take a walk after work or enjoy a spontaneous ice cream date without having a packed schedule. I also like to use the summer to catch up on some of my favorite books. Since the start of 2021, I’ve made it a point to read every day, whether it’s a chapter of one book, of 150 pages of another. If you enjoy reading on the beach or having a few good books on hand for vacation, I have a few suggestions for you. This is a round up of my favorite summer reads. This list is a mix of different genres and authors. If you want to keep up with what I’m reading, you can check out my Instagram stories where I keep track of all my books.

Beach Read

If you are on vacation and on the beach, this is the book for you. Beach Read follows the story of a young writer who spends a few months at a little beach house that is left to her.Ā  Her goal is to work on a new book and learn more about the cottage and how it came into her possession, but her next door neighbor proves to be a bit of a distraction. Will our protagonist find the answers she’s looking forĀ  and what will from there cut boy next door? You have to read this fun book to find out.Ā 

Paris is Always a Good Idea

If you are looking to escape, not just to Paris but Ireland and Italy too, this is such a fun read. After working nonstop for nearly a decade, a young professional decides to go to the places she traveled right after college in order to find herself again. She meets some old flames which brings up memories of the past in each of the cities she visits. While abroad, she makes peace with the past, but will it allow her to move on fully once she returns home? Pick up this book and find out. P.S. after reading this book, you will want to book a one way ticket to Europe-the description of the places is incredible!

Not a Happy Family

If you like suspense and mystery and a bit of who done it, here’s a summer read you won’t want to put down. After a large, Easter dinner, the parents of a well-known family are found dead in their home. But, who killed them and why? Was it one of their children? The maid who found them or a random home invasion? This book has so many twists and turns that your guesses will change all throughout the book. This story has a lot of suspense but it’s not too scary that you won’t be able to sleep at night. I do have to warn you, once you start, it will be hard to put it down.Ā 

The Silent Patient

Sticking with thrillers and mysteries. This book tells the story of a doctor who works in a Psych ward and he tries to uncover the mystery behind his patient who is accused of murder but won’t speak. This may seem dark, but it’s much more suspenseful and mysterious than scary. When you start reading, you won’t want to finish until you have all the answers you are looking for. There’s so many twists and turns and the ending will catch you off guard. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!

Grace Not Perfection

If you know me, then I have probably talked to you about my love for Simplified and Emily Ley. Grace Not Perfection is the first book she wrote and it is the perfect summer read. If you are looking for that push to have you slow down and be more present in the moment, this is the book for you. Emily has written other books, but her first book always holds a special place in my heart. This is the perfect book to read as the sun rises or sets or by the pool. Once you read this one, I guarantee you that you will want to read her other books.

Going There

If you are a fan of memoirs, then Katie Couric’s book would be a great option for you. Whether you followed her career for years or just wanted to get to know more about her, I found this book to be so insightful. From her childhood, big stories she’s covered, her personal life and where she is today, she covers a lot of ground. I enjoyed Couric before her book but I respect and admire her even more now. You will learn so much from this book. A must read for anyone who enjoys news, journalism or women being awesome!

If you are a big reader or looking to try some new books for the first time, I hope this list gives you some suggestions for summer reads. What books are you loving this summer? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Reading!

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Fabulous living

Summer Book Review

As promised, my summer book review. My goals was to read 20 books. Letā€™s see how I did.

My spring and summer melted together so around May was when I started reading summer books.

–Inspire Your Home by Farah Merhi

I have followed Farahā€™s Instagram account for years. I love anything fashion and interior design and thatā€™s exactly what Farahā€™s personal and professional pages are. When she announced she was writing a book I knew I had to get it. It covers all different rooms in her home and how to decorated them all. She also talks about decorating on a budget, for different seasons and different seasons of life. Although, I am still living at home and donā€™t have my own place yet. I know this will come in handy when I am on my own and decorating my own space. The book is filled with pictures, text and explanations. If you are looking for home inspiration or design help, this is the book for you, plus it doubles as a great coffee table book.

Grade: B

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Since I graduated and have been working, saving and budgeting have been areas that I have wanted to work on. I have been saving money by living at home, but I wanted to be educated on a basic overview of finances. After asking around, Total Money Makeover was recommended time and time again. I decided to give it a try. I found the book to be very informative with lessons when it comes to saving, spending, and getting out of debt. It provided a general idea of finances without getting too deep. I do think it would be a better read for someone who may be struggling to get out of debt, rather I just read it to get a lay of the land when it comes to money.

Grade: B-

The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester

I got this book for my birthday back in May and finished it at the end of August. It took me a while to sit down and read it but once I did, I loved it! In one afternoon I finished half of the book. The book takes places in the 1940ā€™s and then in the present day and it goes back and forth between two seamstresses. In the 1940ā€™s, the main focus is about the war and spies and the transition from France to America. In the present day, itā€™s all about uncovering the past and connecting the pieces. There are love stories found in both the past and present, so itā€™s hard to choose a favorite. Itā€™s hard to read it during multiple sittings. So, I recommend getting a cup of tea or coffee, sitting down and getting into the world of fashion and love and Paris. 

Grade: A

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

I have heard about this book a lot from other blogs and I couldnā€™t wait to try it for myself. Itā€™s modern day Cinderella story with the Royal family. Imagine a mix of Will and Kate and then Harry and Meghan. The heir to throne in England meets an American in college and they fall and in love. The book covers eight years of their life from meeting, dating, breaking up, getting engaged and preparing for a wedding. Thereā€™s a lot of characters so you need to pay attention, but I really fell in love with this book. You definitely need to sit down and read it, you can read it in bits and pieces but I enjoyed it even more when I could really sit and enjoy it. I loved all the references to the royals and London, England. I did find myself thinking of the Royals and The Crown a lot as I was reading it. The sequel just came out and I canā€™t wait to read it. Overall, this was the perfect book to end my summer reading list.Ā 

Grade: A 

I clearly did not get anywhere near my goal of reading 20 books. I thought I would have more time to read before work or on my days off in the summer, but life got very busy. I am hoping to get more reading done in the fall and winter when I am inside more. Overall, I was very happy with the books I did get to read and how they were all very different and unique in their own ways. 

What are some books you read this summer? 

What recommendations do you have for me?

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Fabulous living

THREE Years of Blogging

Hey hey everyone! This weekend marks three years of blogging!!! Where has the time gone? I started this blog as creative escape and something to do during my downtime and boy has it turned into something else. It has given a creative escape, but itā€™s held me accountable, itā€™s helped me become a stronger writer, itā€™s allowed me to be more open, and itā€™s led me to lead a more reflective life.

I started this blog after my first year of college and now Iā€™m in almost five months into working my first job. SO much has changed, from meeting new people, MANY looks of the day, travel journals, book reviews, semester recaps, and now currentlys. Itā€™s been incredible to see how I have grown and changed. Although, my posts have shifted a bit since I started working, it has opened up new doors and opportunities to write about different things. My little blog corner has also given me the opportunity to connect with people in ways I didnā€™t think it was possible. Itā€™s been cool to see what I was feeling during my junior year of college compared to what I am feeling now. Itā€™s been fascinating and a good way to appreciate everything in life especially in these uncertain times. 

Now, to round up some of my favorite blog posts:

I love any post where I talk about travel so both of my travel posts about Rome are included:

Spring Break Trip to Rome, Italy Part 1
Spring Break Trip to Rome, Italy Part 2

I love when I can share some of my favorite blogs with you:

My Favorite Blogs

It was a joy to share my college experience with you all:

Thank You Saint Vincent College

I love reading and sharing my love of reading on here has held me accountable as well as gives me suggestions of new things to read:

Summer Book Review

I have loved my new series Currently, itā€™s the perfect Monthly Update, new one coming next week, until then, hereā€™s Aprilā€™s!!

Currently #4

There have been SO many look of the dayā€™s and Iā€™m excited to be bringing them back. But hereā€™s one of my favorite ones:

Look of the Day #113

Lastly, I love any post where I talk about the good in every day:

Finding the Good in Everyday

This is just a wrap up of some of my favorite posts or topics. I canā€™t wait to see what this new year of blogging brings, thank you to everyone who have followed me or read my posts, whether you have been reading since I started 3 years ago or just last month. THANK YOU! 

Letā€™s see what this next year has in store!

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Fabulous living

April Book Review

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday! Today, I am sharing my April book review. I typically try to read more books in a month, but between quarantine and balancing work and other commitments, I only read one book this month. Iā€™m hoping once things begin to re-open, I can head to the library and check out some new books and series. Until then, I have a few more books at home that still need read. 

I, like many women across the world have followed the lives of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha. From the series to the movies, I canā€™t resist a good Sex and the City marathon.

My sweet friend Madeline got me this book for a grad gift since we both have a love for SATC.Ā “We Should All Be Mirandas” is by Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni

I read a chapter or so a few times a week. The book is all through Mirandaā€™s point of view about life, work, friendships, and love. Each chapter is a different area of her life with plenty of SATC references, quotes, pictures, and comments. 

Another thing I like about this book is that itā€™s written by the creators of one of my favorite Instagram accounts. @Everyoutfitonsatc is an account that has many of the iconic looks from SATC broken down and has all the information on the outfit details. Both the account and the book, is well written and curated from not only a fan of the series but also someone who has done their research.Ā 

As much as a love a good serious series or an autobiography, thereā€™s something fun about picking up something light and fun and quick to read especially in these uncertain times. My next read is all about interior design, so another light read on deck. 

Just like many are turning to movies, tv shows, or books to escape for a while, I think changing up your genre can help a lot too.

What are you reading or watching this week?

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Fabulous living

The Walk Book Review

A few months back, I started the book, The Walk, by Richard Paul Evans, I started it in college, as a way to de-stress after a busy week of classes, papers, and job applications, I finished the five book series, a few months later, in those few months I finished school, graduated college, and am now working full time. Itā€™s amazing how much life can change or the world will be different but how many things can still be the same.Ā 

I used this same example last week, I was watching the season finale of This is Us, which was incredible. I realized when I started this current season, how much had changed and how much was different but at the same time so much stayed the same between the beginning and the end of the current season. I started the season in September as a college student, going to classes and applying for jobs, and I ended the season as a college graduate, with new friends, co-workers and people in my life. I got the same feeling while reading The Walk.Ā 

The Walk follows the story of a man, who goes on walk across the country after he loses everything. He hits rock bottom and the only thing that makes sense is to clear his mind and just walk. As he walks from Seattle to Palm Beach, he encounters people young and old that makes an impact on him, he learns a lot about himself and sees God in a variety of people.Ā Every book continues from the last and by the last one, the reader finds out if the protagonist, Alan, reaches his destination and finds what he is looking for when he started his walk many months earlier.

Without giving too much of it away, it reminds me a lot about life with all the twists and turns and never knowing what will come next. Especially in todayā€™s climate with all the unknowns going on, it shows that sometimes when we take away all the excess, we can still live the simple life and sometimes all we need is just a walk to realize what’s truly important in life and refocus.

Overall, I felt myself going along with Alan on his journey to find peace and happiness in his world. I love when books truly help me escape my world and transport me into a new place and this book did exactly that. If you are looking to truly escape for a few hours and maybe even learn about yourself too. 

I hope you are taking care of yourself, sending positive thoughts, and well wishes for anyone who needs it. Sending love to you all!

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Fabulous living

Book Review-Little Fires Everywhere

Hey everyone!

Happy Tuesday. School has been keeping me busy which has left little time for reading. As much as I love to read at the end of the day, after studying and reading all day, sometimes you just need a breather. Luckily, I found a great book that made me want to read even after a full day of studying and classes.

 I know I am late to the game, but I read Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. I have heard a lot of good things about this book and with the new limited series coming out through Hulu, I knew I wanted to read it before it came out. I was at a book sale a few weeks back and picked up this book and couldnā€™t wait to get started. 

 First, letā€™s talk about the casting: Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Joshua Jackson, Jesse Williams and more. This casting made me want to read the book even more. I may just get Hulu to stream the series when it comes out in 2020. 

 Okay, now to the review. I really enjoyed this book. It took me a little over a week to finish it, I would have been done with it earlier but school and work caused me to read it in short installments. I read a little bit every day, some days more than others.

This story follows the lives of the picture-perfect Richardson family and their new mother/daughter tenants, the Warrenā€™s. All seems to go fine when they meet and their children spend time with each other. But as the story goes on secrets are uncovered in both families, peopleā€™s pasts are brought into question, and when an adoption of a fellow neighbor goes viral, people must take sides. Itā€™s a very complex book but itā€™s not confusing. It goes into the pasts of the main characters and other supporting characters are sucked into the plot as well. There are issues of motherhood, doing whatā€™s right, friendship, and community. It takes place in the 1990ā€™s in Cleveland, Ohio but many of the issues that are dealt with in the book could still be applicable today.Ā  There was many twists and turns through the book and you will be wondering if all your questions get answered. The ending took me by surprise, if you have read it, what did you think?

Overall, I would give this book an A-.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad when it was over. You know you read a good book when you arenā€™t ready for it to end. I canā€™t wait to see the mini-series when it comes out, it will be interested to see how the book compares to the series and what changes they make. 

Have you read any good books lately?! What are your favorites?! Let me know in the comments below. Happy reading friends!

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Fabulous living

Book Review: Just Jessie and Rediscover Catholicism

Hi All! 

Happy Tuesday! It is finals week for me, thankfully my finals arenā€™t too strenuous, I am looking forward to easing my way out of the semester. With summer right around the corner, one of the things Iā€™m looking forward to is reading a lot. I have always loved to read but being in college doesnā€™t always give me the time to read for fun. Donā€™t get me wrong, I read a lot for my classes, for example, in one of my classes, I was reading a novel a week. I was definitely getting in my 30 minutes of reading a day. However, I didnā€™t have a lot of time to read for fun. I was able to complete two books for fun through the Spring semester.Ā  Although, I wish it was more I was happy to get in a little bit of fun reading.

Such a fun book

I first read Jessie James Deckerā€™s book,Ā Just Jessie.I have always been a fan of Jessie James Decker. I loved following her show on E, listening to her new albums, and following her sweet family on social media. In her book she opens up about growing up, dreaming of becoming a singer, her career in music, meeting her husband, starting a family, creating her fashion line, but above all being herself. It was such a fun and light read, especially when I needed a break from reading textbook material all day. I read a few chapters every night so it took me a few weeks to read it, but you could finish it in a few sittings. I love when artists, actors, or influential people, write books and open up about how they got to where they are today. I find it inspiring and it encourages me pursue my own dreams. If you are a fan of Jessie James Decker I would highly recommend reading her book. She also just released a new song, Roots and Wings, which is beautiful. You can listen to itĀ here.Ā 

Grade: A-

Another great read

I also read Matthew Kellyā€™s book, Rediscover Catholicismover Lent.  It was another eye-opening book that made me reevaluate my faith and my relationship with God. This is the third book I have read by Matthew Kelly, I have also read Perfectly Yourselfand The Greatest Lie in the History of Christianity. Although, I liked the other books more than this one, I enjoyed digging deeper into my faith. The books really breaks down the Catholic faith, from The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality, living the authentic life, and how we should live our lives as Catholics. I read a little bit every night and I took me the whole duration of Lent to read it, it could definitely be read in a few sittings, but I wanted to reflect on what I was reading. After reading it, I wanted to challenge myself to make my faith more a priority and be more intentional with my relationship with God. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone struggling with their faith or looking to deepen their faith. 

Grade: B-

If you are looking for new books to read I hope this gave you some insights on different books to try. Now, with summer rapdily approaching, I need your help picking out some new books that I should read this summer. What are your current favorites?! I need all the suggestions. Leave them in the comments below! Have a fantastic week!

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Fabulous living

Winter Break Book Review

Happy Tuesday. How is your week looking? Hectic? Calm? Too early to tell? The past few weeks have flown by for me, I think between getting into a new schedule for the semester and working the past few weekends the weeks have gone by much faster. 

Today, I am finally getting around to sharing my Winter Break Book Review, I know itā€™s way overdue, but better late than never right? During my month home I read two books. I wish I read more but time got away from me. I read ā€œMy Oxford Yearā€by Julie Whelan and ā€œThe Biggest Lie in the History of Christianityā€by Matthew Kelly. Both were very good books but very diverse in the subject matter and genre. Letā€™s dive into these tales.

My Oxford Year

ā€œMy Oxford Yearā€ tells the story of a young American student, Ella Duran who is studying in Oxford. She meets Jamie Davenport, a handsome date who turns out to be her lecturer. She has high dreams and aspirations and doesnā€™t want to be derailed by a romance abroad. There are many unexpected twists and turns, especially the ending. There were so many times when the book changed directions that I never would have expected. Overall, this book tells the story of hard work, pursing your dreams, making friends with people who never expected and putting your goals on hold for those you love. I had seen this book on many book reviews over the summer and I was so excited I could finally read it, I was not disappointed at all.

One thing that was different about my experience with this book is that I tried the audiobook of it instead of reading it. Iā€™ve heard many people make the transition from reading books to listening to them, and at this point, I hate to say I am not one of them. It was nice to listen to the book while I did other things such as clean, wash, or computer work, but I still like the feeling of reading for leisure. Now, I know people listen to the books while they drive and I havenā€™t tried that yet, so I plan on giving it another try soon but for now I think Iā€™m going to stick to the reading of books.Ā 

The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity

The next book I read was ā€œThe Biggest Lie in the History of Christianityā€ by Matthew Kelly. Last summer I read ā€œPerfectly Yourselfā€by Matthew Kelly and I loved it so I couldnā€™t wait to read this on and it didnā€™t disappoint. Hereā€™s my book review with Perfectly Yourself.ā€œThe Biggest Lie in the History of Christianityā€ is all about living life to the fullest and doing things and making choices that truly make us happy. It also shows us what things we can do to make our lives happier and be more content and not be overwhelmed by so much noise. I found this book to be therapeutic and relaxing. I read a chapter or two a day and I loved the positive message that it spread. I loved it so much I went on to gift it to two other people. I read this book as opposed to listening to it and I preferred it much better, especially when I was reading it with a candle burning and a warm cup of hot coco, can you think of anything better?!

One of my favorite quotes from Matthew Kelly’s book

Thatā€™s a bit of a recap of two great books I read over break. Although, I am back to school and in classes, Iā€™m trying to carve some time every day to read, even if it is just a chapter. 

What are you guys currently reading? I love new suggestions? Also, do you guys prefer to listen to books or read them?

See you on Thursday for warm and toasty outfit for the winter months!