What I Read: October 2022

October reading started out pretty slow. I didn't open the first page of Book Lovers until October 10, but once I finished that I couldn't stop reading. I love when a good book restarts a reading kick. 

Book Lovers by Emily Henry. I loved this book! I found myself laughing every few pages at the witty conversation between Nora and Charlie. The relationship between Nora and her sister Libby was endearing and so sweet. Being the oldest sibling I could certainly relate to the main character and her feelings of having to fix things and ensure everyone is okay. I ravished this book in two days. Highly recommend!

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak. I sat down to start this book at 3pm on a Friday and by 9pm I had finished it. I could not put it down. The most intriguing parts were the drawings scattered throughout the story. The last quarter of the book was filled with so many twists and turns! If you read one spooky book this season, make sure it is Hidden Pictures. 

The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling. In April, I read The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling and loved it. I was so excited when I discovered there was a sequel. This book was the perfect romantic Halloween story. This focused on Vivi's cousin, Gwyn, and her magical store. When Rhys' brother comes to town, tension builds between Gwyn and Wells. A great enemies-to-lovers troupe. 

The End of Her by Shari Lapena. I read this book in almost one sitting on a rainy night. I just had to know if Patrick murdered his first wife. Throughout the book, I kept going back and forth on whether Patrick Kilgour was innocent. 

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen. This was a slow burn for me. I found this book very peaceful and an easy read, but it didn't get interesting until halfway through. Zoey is an energetic 18-year-old spending the summer in the town her mother lived in before her untimely death. In an effort to learn more about her mother, she ends up learning about herself, friendships, and the freedom of letting go of the past. 

It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover. I was looking forward to this release. I even attended a release party at my favorite local bookstore, Werner Books. This story picks up right where It Ends with Us left off. This was a much lighter and happier read, which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you are a CoHo fan, this is a must-read. After It Ends with Us, of course. 

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. I picked up this book over the summer at the farmers market. Werner Books has a booth there. They have this super fun concept they call Blind date with a Book. Books are wrapped in craft paper with a few short sentences written on the front to give the reader an idea of what the story is about. When I read the descriptors of this book I knew I would like it. This story takes place on a small island where the main character, A.J., owns a bookstore. It's a sweet, easy read with a main character you come to like despite his brass, blunt demeanor.