Happy February! I kicked off January with a reading rush. I read nine books in the first 31 days of 2021, and I am so proud of myself. From a mediocre murder mystery to a few rom-com love stories, let’s get started!
one | Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
The King-in-Waiting of the Six Duchies has fathered a bastard child, and that child has come to town after having nowhere left to turn. Fitz, as the child is named, grows up in the stables learning from various helping hands including not on the stablemaster but the King himself. While his father is absent having abandoned his city out of shame, Fitz is surrounded by people who want him on their side and people set to kill him. In order to remain alive, Fitz must be useful to the crown. That’s when he becomes an assassin. 3.5/5 Stars
two | The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
Sabrina made a list years ago; the list everyone makes at one time or another — who would she want to have dinner with, dead or alive, if she had the chance? Little did she know, all five of her choices will be joining her for a very special 30th birthday dinner. Sabrina is joined by her estranged father, her best friend, an old college professor, her ex-boyfriend, and Audrey Hepburn for the dinner of a lifetime. Sabrina thinks this might be her only chance to fix her past, but maybe it’s something more. The book alternates between the dinner and her tumultuous relationship with her ex, Tobias. I fell in love with the characters, and while it was primarily about her love story, the dinner also resolved a lot of other, potential unknown, problems. Very quick but impactful read. 4/5 Stars
three | Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
In this book about Christianity, Lewis delves into the basis of the religion, the various beliefs people hold, and what he believes it takes to be a Christian. Personally, this was a helpful read for me as I delve deeper into my religious beliefs. No star rating
four | Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Alan Conway has written his last piece of Atticus Pünd. The final book is finished, and it’s in Susan Ryeland, his editor’s, hands. When she finishes the book, she realizes the final pages are missing. When she reaches out to Alan to ask about the last chapter, she finds him dead. Alan was recently diagnosed with a deadly illness, and he’s decided to take his own life. Or did he? Susan is convinced something is afoot, and everything matches up perfectly with his last novel down to the murder scene. Susan embarks on a dangerous journey to find out who killed Alan Conway.
Unfortunately, it sounds a whole lot more interesting than it actually is. The entirety of Alan’s book is in “Magpie Murders,” so it just feels like you’re reading the book twice. It’s a tad redundant without a whole lot of pay off (I figured out the killer relatively early on). Pick this book up at your own risk. 1.5/5 Stars
five | Red Notice by Bill Browder — Audiobook
Bill wants to make a name for himself, and the only way he sees how to do it is to start investing in Russia. He’s mostly unafraid of the crime in the country, thinking he’s immune to it because he’s a foreigner, but one day, everything changes. What seemed to be a slam-dunk business opportunity turns into the fight of his life. This true, harrowing tale is sure to interest anyone who picks it up and leave them with more knowledge about investments, politics, and corruption. 4/5 Stars
six | A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sherlock Holmes embarks on his first (documented) adventure with his new roommate, Dr. John Watson. Holmes works as a consulting detective to Scotland Yard, and this new case is puzzling to say the least. A man has been found dead in a room with the word “RACHE” scratched into the wood above his head. It’s no problem for the infamous Sherlock Holmes though! 4/5 Stars
seven | Watchmen by Alan Moore
The Watchmen have all but retired, but when one of their own is murdered, they must come out of hiding one last time. This twisty-political satire is sure to entertain and leave readers on the edge of their seats. This comic is much more than meets the eye. It delves into the complicated nature of human behavior, and reminds readers that there really is no pure good or evil. 4.5/5 Stars
eight | It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Lilly didn’t have an easy childhood. From saving homeless boys from themselves to protecting her mother from her abusive father, she didn’t really get to be a kid. But, she moves to Boston once she graduates from college, and life couldn’t be better. She opens her own flower shop, falls in love with a neurosurgeon, and makes an amazing new best friend. Everything seems perfect, but one day, just 15 seconds, changes everything. When the boy from her past comes back into her life, Lilly doesn’t know what she should do. A beautiful story about love, loss, and second chances, Colleen Hoover is sure to drag you between the covers and leave you wanting more. 5/5 Stars
nine | Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet are from feuding houses, but love will bring them together. When Juliet’s father betrothes her another man, Juliet must devise a way to get out of the marriage. I read this play in high school, and my angsty teenage butt hated it, obviously. But reading it as an adult, I actually really appreciated the writing and even had a few laughs. 4.5/5 Stars
Happy reading,
Kimberly
