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If there was one continuous theme throughout the books that I read in September it would be grief. I didn’t mean to only read books of such sorrow, it just happened. It taught me that grief isn’t linear. It looks and feels different for everyone. Each book showed various ways in which the characters dealt with different forms of grief. Each had its own story to tell.
Lowen Ashleigh likes being an unknown author. She doesn’t like the limelight, nor the attention. However, she is on the brink of financial ruin and must find a way to keep herself afloat. When a once in a lifetime opportunity presents itself, she reluctantly accepts. Jeremy Crawford is the husband of the famous author Verity. He hires Lowen to finish his injured wife’s best selling novel series. After arriving at the Crawford’s house, shifting through Verity’s notes in her office, Lowen discovers more than she signed up for. Verity’s unfinished autobiography. As Lowen reads through the manuscript, she uncovers the truth of things. Things that would completely altar the family forever. Things that may put them all in danger.
5 stars
Review
Verity, so far, has been my favorite Colleen Hoover book! I loved the suspense, the mystery, mixed within a romance. I sorta had an idea how it was going to play out, but there were some surprises in the end. I thought it was clever and well written. I am excited to see the movie adaptation– the casting is great!
Growing up in a small town in Montana, Lauren Parker is used to gossip. From being the rebellious teenager to the sister of the famous actor Gabe and now a widower, being the town gossip isn’t new. When on set of her brother’s movie, Lauren meets the handsome actor Ben Walsh. After having instant chemistry, Lauren decides it’s time to find happiness again. To go back to her old self. It’s just a fling after all…. so why is this thing with Ben so complicated? Going through grief, dealing with a moody teenager, Lauren isn’t sure if she can handle being anything more with him.
4 stars
Review
I enjoyed the back and forth between Lauren’s time with Spencer, her past, and the present. It helped us understand her and the story better. The deeper we got into Lauren’s grief and her life with Spencer, the more interesting I thought it was. Her relationship with Ben, on the other hand, I wasn’t too keen on. I thought they had great chemistry, but I also didn’t think much of it past that. I thought he was a great guy, a great love interest for now. Someone to help her through her grief, and finding her way back to herself.
Cate Kay is one of the most successful authors of the current times. With a best selling trilogy turned into movies, Cate Kay is a name that everyone knows. And someone whom no one has ever met, not even the publishing agent. Cate Kay is pseudonym, and has never been identified until now. She reveals why she has been on the run, hiding behind different names and personas. How she is trying to find her way home again.
4.5 stars
Review
It took me a while to get into this one, but once I did I enjoyed it. I wonder if this could happen in today’s world. Could someone truly stay anonymous while being that successful? I feel it would almost be impossible. It was interesting to read through Cate’s transitions from being afraid to open up, to finally feeling free to be herself. I was surprised by the turn of events in some of the parts.
We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade
I listened to this on audiobooks. It felt more real, more engaging. To listen to Elyce Arons retell moments of her life with Kate Spade, the good and the bad, felt like reading her diary. It was intimate, personal, full of emotions. I loved learning more about how they became friends, the things they weathered together. And of course, how they started Kate Spade. How the business was run, the decision they made, were all so interesting. I couldn’t imagine losing my best friend in such a manner, but it’s wonderful that they had such a close relationship.
5 stars