Book #47:
What Could Be Saved by Liese O’Halloran Schwarz (Length: 460 pages). This is one of my favorite kinds of novels: expansive family saga where the author dives deep into the family’s history to find out why and how their pasts have shaped who they are today. The majority of this novel takes place in Bangkok in the 1970s, where a family of expats experiences a sudden loss when the young son (8 years old) disappears one day. The circumstances of his disappearance aren’t revealed until the last few chapters of the book so the focus of the book is on the other family members. The writing here is fantastic and I didn’t care for any of the family members here but it really didn’t matter as I was sucked in and wanted to keep reading to find out what really happened. I will say it is a SLOW start and doesn’t start picking up until chapter 5, so hang on until then. 4.5 stars from me for this one.
Book #48:
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn (Length: 354 pages). This is book 1 in the Veronica Speedwell mystery series; there are 9 so far. Set in the late 1880s Victorian London, Veronica is a 20ish year-old orphan who has been supporting herself as a butterfly hunter/scientist when she stumbles into a murder. Capers ensue with the help of a dashing natural historian named Stoker. I found this novel a bit slow to start and it really didn’t pick up until a third of the way through, but once there, I got the appeal of this very popular series and I couldn’t put the book down. The writing is strong, the action scenes are well done and I did enjoy the chemistry between Veronica and Stoker. I absolutely intend to read further into the series and give this installment a solid 4 stars.
Book #49:
How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key (Length: 317 pages). I first learned about this memoir in a list of “best on audio” books so I listened to this one. I agree–it’s fantastic on audio as it’s narrated by the author, a notable humorist. Essentially his wife cheated on him and this is the entire story, mostly from his perspective but his wife, Lauren, gives her “side” in one chapter that she also narrates. This memoir discusses how therapy, their church, friends and family all helped (and hindered) their marriage, and this book details their fight to try to save it. I’m not crazy about either the author or his wife, but I couldn’t stop listening to this and I totally get the hype. Would be a great road trip book.
Book #50:
Funny Story by Emily Henry (Length: 395 pages). This author ties with Abby Jiminez as my favorite rom-com author, thanks to her consistently witty dialogue and always-believable chemistry between the romantic leads. Emily, however, isn’t as consistent as Abby is, in my humble opinion, so I was relieved that this latest read is a good one in her canon and is much better than last year’s novel Happy Place. Here, Daphne and Miles are thrown together as roommates when their respective partners take off to be together. I love that Daphne is a children’s librarian and the library and readathon scenes are some of my favorites here. The duo’s chemistry is very believable, and I enjoyed their banter and the build up to their romantic relationship. This is the quintessential beach read so be sure to pick this one up this summer.
Book #51:
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig (Length: 481 pages). I LOVE this book! This is the second book in the Shepherd King duology, and it is even better than the first one (which I reviewed last month). The pacing is absolutely perfect, characters from the first book are more fully developed here with a new love story (but this is not a true romantasy–it’s pretty closed door). ALL of the loose ends from the first book are tied up here with excellent, descriptive writing. The action scenes are so well-constructed, and I absolutely adore this little series. I will say it is a tiny bit gory in parts, so HSPs may want to steer clear. 5 stars from me!
Lora Terrill 