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Last week we talked about 3 books I read over the winter that were all about paving your own way and finding happiness. These next 3 books are similar, but mostly about getting over your insecurities and believing good things can happen to you. From historical lessons to sketch comedy to situationships, each book reminds you to believe in yourself. Here is part 2 of what books I read this past winter.
*Read part 1 here
Lucy wants to get as far away from the betrayal of her mother. Finally she gets to have a fresh start across country at a small college in California. Lucy is loving the freedoms of college; new friends, parties, experiences. One day Lucy meets a charming and attractive junior named Stephen. Things between Stephen and Lucy are complicated. Lucy knows deep down she shouldn’t trust Stephen. Stephen knows Lucy can’t tear herself away from him. The entanglement between the two goes on into their past-college lives. We follow along as we read through both Lucy and Stephen’s side of the story. Tell Me Lies is about learning to let go of people, places, and things that hurt us. To forgive yourself and others. To put yourself first.
3.5/ 5 stars
*trigger warning: This book deals with eating disorders.
Review
I had a really hard time reading through Tell Me Lies. There were many triggers; from the situationship to the eating disorder to the depression. I’ve been there. I’ve gone through this exact situation and healed from it all. You want to scream at Lucy as she continued to make the same mistake over and over again. However, I know what it’s like to be so blinded by your feelings that you refuse to see and acknowledge the red flags. Stephen is the worst of the worst of narcissist. I disliked him from the go; never once reveled in their romance. I loved how it ended; how Lucy healed, had a better relationship with her mother, was able to tell Stephen no, and finally know her worth. I think that alone was worth the read. It would be interesting to have read the book as a 20 something year old. Would I have viewed them differently or the same as I do now?
As a sketch writer for the hit late-night live comedy show The Night Owls, Sally is perfectly content and satisfied with her life; random hookups, career success, relationships with family and friends. After heartbreak, she is no longer searching for love. That is until her co-worker Danny ends up dating a famous actress. Sally writes a sketch “The Danny Holt Rule” – how average looking, slightly dorky men in show business date women out of their league. Yet the rule never applies to the women at The Night Owls. Enter Noah Brewster, a very good looking musician who is hosting TNO for the week. When an unlikely friendship sparks between them, Sally wonders if there is more there or will she be proven once again that someone like Noah would never date someone like her. Romantic Comedy is about letting good things happen to you, second chances, and having confidence in yourself.
5/5 stars
Review
I really enjoyed this book not only for the romance but also the insight into what SNL is like. Of course things were probably changed to fit the storyline, but I found the entire thing to be fascinating. I guess I never thought much about the lead up to the main show. I enjoyed how the writer added the step-by-step process they go through leading up to Saturday night. From writer meetings to cutting sketches to finessing sketches to wardrobe to rehearsals and more. It really added to the story; making it stand out amongst other romcom books. The one thing I didn’t like about the book was the covid storyline. I get it in terms of how it lead Sally and Noah into this little bubble so they can get to know each other. However, I do not want to read or watch anything covid related again. Other than that I loved it. I loved the romance between Sally and Noah. How it’s about believing in yourself more and allowing good things to happen. I think we all get a little afraid when something good happens to us. Fearing that it’s too good to be true and the other shoe will drop. But that isn’t always the case. Sometimes good things happen to us and it or they stay. I also really liked the second chance storyline. Sometimes things fall apart because it isn’t the right time or there is lack of communication. What is meant to be will always find its way.
The last and final edition of A League of Extraordinary Women series. Read books 1, 2, and 3 before this one.
Catriona has always felt different. Deeply introverted and book smart, she is much more comfortable learning than socializing. Set in the late 1800’s when women were suppose to act a certain way and get married. Catriona knows, from experience, she is destined for academics not marriage. If only women were allowed to be in the academic world– even though her and her friends have made strides with changes to the laws through the women’s suffrage movement. No, love is not in the cards for Catriona, instead she is focusing on writing her novel. She slips away to her father’s house in Scotland to concentrate on her writing. When one of her father’s colleagues visits for the week to look at ancient artifacts, Catriona may reconsider her thoughts on love. But is Elias there for the right seasons or is he simply seducing her to help smuggle artifacts. The Gentleman’s Gambit is about not caring what society thinks, following your heart, and doing what you think is right.
5/5 stars
Review
Oh I really enjoyed this one as I have all of the series! Catriona, being the quiet one, has always been the background character of the others. It was nice to see her be the lead and come into her own. I enjoyed the history of the artifacts- how the western world back then stole artifacts from the middle east and placed them into museums. I love how Evie Dunmore intertwines history with fiction. The relationship with Catriona and Elias was nice to follow along. How their cultures and differences didn’t matter to them. And with the smuggling of the artifacts, it added an element of mischief and suspense. Overall it was a fun read and I am going to miss this series!