May fared much better than April in the reading department.

I took it a bit slower than I wanted to this month, but I am editing a TON of video at my job which leaves little time for reading or audiobooks. Let’s jump right into things, I’m quite excited to share my May reads.

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How to Say Babylon by Safiiya Sinclair

I grabbed this audiobook on a whim. A memoir of a writer from Jamaica, Safiiya tells her story in a complex and gut wrenching way. I cried through a lot of parts. It is fantastic on audiobook, also incredibly difficult to listen to different parts as the author does narrate.  You can hear the years of pain in her voice. It is a long listen, but I do feel like it is worth the sobering reminder to heal as best you can, in order to love your children from a healed place.

What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

Sequels are tough to rate. Did I fall in love with the characters even more? Yes. Was I frustrated with the lack of movement with the story? Also yes. I felt like the sole purpose of this book was to get me to a third one. The story barely progressed, the characters moved infuriatingly slowly and yet, the cliffhanger once again left me wanting more. I can’t say Elin isn’t a great writer, I just wouldn’t make the same choices. That being said, I already have the 3rd book on hold because these are easy “beach” reads and I want to know what happens, regardless of my critiques.

Murder Under a Red Moon by Harini Nagendra

Albeit predictable, Murder Under a Red Moon is a light mystery that is free of most mature themes that you’d find in the modern day mystery genre.  Set in India in the 1920’s, this heartfelt series features strong female characters, culture and a level of class that I can truly appreciate.  The author does a fantastic job of navigating sensitive topics, especially pertaining to that era.  Her mysteries have enough twists and turns to make it enjoyable, without being especially gory.  I will mention that I really enjoyed listening to these books on audio.

Magnolia Parks: The Long Way Home by Jessa Hastings

I give this book 4 stars because I love Jessa Hastings’ ability to write a story that I feel like I am truly inside. The Magnolia Parks world is engaging, heartbreaking and a complete escape from suburban mom reality. That being said, I was about to lose it with the back and forth between BJ and Magnolia.  It was almost too much, which I get is the point.  But when you feel like you’re in it and they just keep making stupid decisions, you really just want it to end or get to a good part. The ending though— absolutely not.  I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next Magnolia book to appear on my Libby shelf.

Daisy Haites: The Great Undoing by Jessa Hastings

In the whole series, this is my least favorite book by far.  I appreciate the attention to detail, but I don’t think I would’ve noticed if I hadn’t read the “The Long Way Home” and then this one literally back to back.  That being said, I do love how she expands the story, extending the pages even more than you realized to begin with.  I didn’t love the frequent repeat dialogue.  I could see how it would be helpful if you weren’t reading the books back to back. Almost how you skip the recap on your Netflix show when you’re binging between seasons; it’s helpful if it’s been awhile.  I am once again, not happy by the ending.  Even more-so because Jessa has only released the next Magnolia Parks book which means I’m going to have to wait on the next Daisy Haites book for who knows how long.  I will warn you, if you read this series, go ahead and put them all on hold at the same time because you’ll race through them.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price

In search of a classic mystery?  This is the book.  Free of anything overtly graphic and filled with twists and turns that I didn’t fully predict- it was a winner.  It was truly everything I love about a mystery, in one exhilarating book. Some may find it a tad bit too simple, but I was in need of something straightforward and easy to listen to after my last two audiobooks.