June Reads Recap 2024

I'm so late.

Listen friends, I went on vacation at the end of June and here we are, on July 21st, just now getting to this recap. My two week vacation is also the reason that I made it through 13 whole books. I don’t think I’ve read that many books in a month since early high school That being said, even though I am three weeks behind, I promise this recap is worth it. The first two alone were some of the best reads I’ve had in awhile. I hope you enjoy!

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A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander

I really loved this book. I’m still thinking about it 4 weeks later. I love the historic aspect, how the author approached the tough subject of divorce within the Biblical realm as well as loss and grief. This is a beautiful story about healing and growth that will leave your heart feeling warm & introspective about your own priorities and choices.

The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woods Harvey

This is the sweetest summer read. I literally read it one day, I couldn’t get enough!  If you’re looking for closed-door romance that will keep you laughing, holding your breath and turning the page, this is it.  I love how the author used a few different perspectives to shape the nostalgia of summer camp and the perspectives we live as children vs as adults. The “realness” of this book hooked me and had me reminiscing about my own summer camp experiences.

Identity by Nora Roberts

The characters are way too nice and annoying. Like unreasonably so. I also do not enjoy 3rd person novels. I’d much prefer first person and the perspectives changing. Skip chapter 17 or minutes 8 hours 10 min to 8 hour 14 minutes if you’d like to avoid spice and chapter 23, 11 hours 30 seconds to 11 hours and 4 minutes. Unnecessary amount of side stories about the characters. I kept thinking, get on with it. The ending was flat and predictable. The voice actor was obnoxious.

Into the Dark by Jessa Hastings

*Screams internally* this is it. This is the one. You’ve done it Jessa Hastings. It’s the exhale I’ve been waiting for. Things actually being thought through, dealt with and not just an endless loop of miscommunication and frustration? I’m in. Best one yet. Daisy better bring it— and fast.

Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson

I will give it two stars because I can tell the writing is beautiful.  That being said, it was a book that felt more like a poem. As far as I could tell, there wasn’t quite a plot line, it was just a collection of random moments that I struggled to tie together. The voice actor’s voice was soothing, other than that, I truly got nothing out of this book.

The Restoration of Celia Fairchild by Marie Bostwick

I enjoyed this book, but I think I would’ve liked it better if I hadn’t listened to it. Hearing the dialogue was a bit cringe and it dragged on detail wise in some parts. Overall, heart wrenching and hopeful at the same time— and the story kept me coming back until the bitter end.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Although not technically a series, this is the 3rd book you’d read following Part of Your World and Yours Truly, both of which I read last year. This book? The best one yet. One of the best romance novels I’ve ever read. I already want to start over on the first book to catch all of the Easter eggs. I’m in love with love at this moment.

How Ya’ll Doing? By Leslie Jordan

A lovely little memoir and quite enjoyable to listen to!  I really enjoy listening to people’s stories and worldviews that are very different than my own. I think it’s beneficial to hear about how people view themselves, God and the world, especially as a Christian. You won’t find me agreeing with everything Leslie did or the way he lived, but his joy is infectious and God loved him. If you’re going to be really uptight about someone being openly gay and talking about God in the same sentence, grappling with their existence, this isn’t the book for you.

Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger

This was my first WKK book and I really enjoyed it. It’s book #18 in the series, but technically a prequel, to my best understanding. The beginning was a bit slow, but overall the character development was great. I could’ve done with a bit more suspense, it seemed that situations always resolved immediately. While I liked the “twist”, I was left asking logistical questions that I felt could’ve been expounded out a bit more. The epilogue choked me up and gave my heart an attachment to Cork on a level that the rest of the book hadn’t managed to achieve. The epilogue alone makes me want to read the full series.

Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham

I’ve listened to every Stacy Willingham book and this was by far my least favorite out of all of them.  The story was not overly mind blowing and it was a bit predictable.  I also got lost in some of the back and forth between time periods, that being said, it would have been easier to keep up if I had been reading a physical copy.

The Third Wife by Lisa Jewell

This complex story of family dynamics was both fabulous and frustratingly “ick” at the same time. My initial rating is 4 stars, but I have to knock it down to three. It’s weird to me how often the father sexualizes/comments on his daughter’s body and appearance. Don’t like that one bit. And *that* kiss? Nope.  I understand it’s not fully incestuous, but it’s really bordering on it.  I was disappointed by these details because I love Lisa Jewell’s writing. Her storytelling and ability to capture the reader is mind blowing. I finished this book in two days.  Overall, if you can get past the “ick”, I’d recommend it.

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

Ordinary Grace is a fantastic novel, I couldn’t put it down. Set in the mid-20th century, it follows a minister’s son, his family and a summer that left their little town reeling. From the beginning I was hooked and felt like I was watching the life of Frank, Nathan and Jake play out in real time. The characters were so vividly portrayed, I could practically hear their voices. Although there is a mystery spin, it’s far less the focus than what you learn about life, love and the Lord. If you’re looking for depth and heart wrenching story, this is it. On a side note, I love the way that the author integrates history, especially indigenous characters, from a natural and accurate way.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Just in time for the movie to come out, I finally read my first Colleen Hoover book.  It wasn’t as spicy as I’ve heard everyone talk about, but if you avoid spice altogether, skip this book.  The hate is real for this book, but I personally don’t see it.  I thought that the way Colleen approached abuse was extremely well thought out.  Are there some unrealistic aspects? Absolutely.  But if you’ve ever sat by and watched emotional manipulation and then watched it escalate to physical abuse, you know the villian is unpredictable in nature.  I say “good for her”; at least someone is talking about how easy it is to move the line of what is okay and what is not.  Personally, this book was a page turner and I’m excited to watch the movie.