my favorite books of 2021!

 Today I'm rounding up the books I loved most in 2021. 2020 was a terrible reading year for me, I started books and didn't like them and just couldn't focus on reading in general. In previous years I had read over 60 books and for 2020 that number was about half. For 2021 I did a little better with reading and read a decent amount of books but still found myself being extremely picky about what I was reading. I often started books and didn't like them and quit - which is unlike how I usually read, I rarely don't finish books. I don't know if it's still pandemic effects or if my reading style is just changing as I get older. In general I feel super picky about books lately. Of the 36 books I read during 2021 today I will lay out which of those I loved the most. If you are a die-hard reader or if you follow "best books of" list closely this won't be the best books of 2021 strictly, many of these books were published in previous years. 

Beach Read by Emily Henry, as the title suggests this is the perfect 'beach read' book. I love that this book took place in Michigan too. This is just the perfect lighthearted read. I'm looking forward to reading some of her other books this year - I've heard they are all just as sweet and fun! 

Longbourn by Jo Baker, if you are a Pride & Prejudice fan you will love the telling of the 'below stairs' storyline that was happening while Mr Darcy was drawing all the drama above stairs. It's a cute and lovely read.

Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad, this book hit right between my eyes last year. It's a memoir of living through a cancer diagnosis and treatments and then emerging on the other side and making sense of life after illness.  This was just beautiful and heartbreaking and a great reminder to live everyday to the fullest.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, I tried this book during 2020 and couldn't get into it, then I tried it again and it ended up being a favorite of my entire year. It tells the story of women who delivered library books on the backs of horses through the mountains of Kentucky. It's an absorbing and inspiring story.

Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews, I don't usually go for thriller or suspense novels but this one I really enjoyed. It's about an aspiring author becoming an assistant to a popular anonymous author and well, let's just say things take lots of unexpected turns.

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles, I'm a huge Amor Towles fan and each of his books have been so different from one another. If you haven't read his previous books, I highly recommend them especially Rules of Civility. This book follows 4 young boys in a race across America in the 1950s. I just adored every second of this book!

Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher, I have no idea where I found this book but it quickly became a favorite. Taking place on the Cornwall coast during the Second World War this book is charming and sweet and so cozy. I loved that it was a very long book, it was just plain comforting to read and I just loved coming back to the characters each time I picked up the book. I just started The Shell Seekers by the same author and it also has that cozy/homey vibe to it. It's like comfort in the storm of what has been a crazy winter so far. I kind of feel like this is an "old lady" book... and I'm okay with that - haha!

spring book recommendations!

 It's been a while since I've done a book post around here! I know, I know! If you want up to the date info on what I am reading I highly recommend you sign up for my email newsletter. Each THURSDAY I send out what book I am reading at the moment. And since I average about a book a week, it's usually a new book featured each week. But anyway... today we ARE talking books and I thought it would be fun to round up some of my FAVORITES over the past year.

I love warm weather reading... reading at the beach, on vacation, at the pool, on the porch, in a chair in the sun in the driveway... I'm game for it all! So whether or not you are reading in the sun in your driveway or somewhere more tropical this spring and summer, here are some reads I highly recommend!

Historical Fiction

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, I love everything Hannah writes and this book was no exception. The Great Depression in the in the time of the Dust Bowl - it's heartbreaking and beautiful.

Meet Me In Monaco by Hazel Gaynor, If you love following the Royal family you will love this story of American Princess.

The Queen's Fortune: A Novel of Desiree, Napoleon, and the Dynasty That Outlasted the Empire by Allison Pataki, In my opinion, no one does historical fiction as well as Pataki. She introduces you to characters and pieces of history that you never knew you wanted to know about!

Contemporary Fiction

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle, This story does not take you where you think you are going. It's a tear jerker too!

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell, I don't usually go for creepy or thriller type books. But when I do I want it to be worth it! This one completely is!

Time Travel Fiction

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, Time travel meets historical fiction meets an epic love story. I couldn't put this one down.

Time After Time by Lisa Grunwald, I have to admit I just love a good time traveling book. This one is very well done and the story is still one I think about!

Feel Good Fiction

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, What if you could change your life, your reality at a whim? Haig's books are beautiful and he's outspoken on the issue of mental health which shows in his beautiful writing. This one was a page turner.

The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller, The feel good book that will make you crave a day in the kitchen baking - or a trip to your favorite bakery!

Non-Fiction

My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress by Rachel DeLoache Williams, This book is straight crazy. And true! If you want something a little different than your usual novels this reads like a novel but it's a true story.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottleib, I'm trying to read more non-fiction lately and this is a fascinating look at the life of a therapist and her therapist.

Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David, This is the book we all need post-2020. I read this a few years ago and then revisisted it recently. It's important reading for this crazy time in our world. David also has some great podcast appearances - so if you are interested in her work look her up on your favorite podcast app too!

books I've read lately, May & June 2020!

I'm back with what I've been reading lately... I have to say I have been a terrible reader lately! I'm super behind on my book goal for 2020 and in general just in a book slump. I am finding that I crave books that are plot driven but still lighthearted. It's a weird time for a lot of people and my brain is all over the place right now. I'm not reading as much as I used to - I both miss it and also it seems like some days I just don't have the patience for it.  I've got lots of mixed feelings!  For the most part these books are light, fluffy and easy to read. I am finding my attention span can't muster more than that lately.

Conviction by Denise Mina

Book blurb: The day Anna McDonald's quiet, respectable life exploded started off like all the days before: Packing up the kids for school, making breakfast, listening to yet another true crime podcast. Then her husband comes downstairs with an announcement, and Anna is suddenly, shockingly alone. Reeling, desperate for distraction, Anna returns to the podcast. Other people's problems are much better than one's own -- a sunken yacht, a murdered family, a hint of international conspiracy. But this case actually is Anna's problem. She knows one of the victims from an earlier life, a life she's taken great pains to leave behind. And she is convinced that she knows what really happened. Then an unexpected visitor arrives on her front stoop, a meddling neighbor intervenes, and life as Anna knows it is well and truly over. The devils of her past are awakened -- and they're in hot pursuit. Convinced she has no other options, Anna goes on the run, and in pursuit of the truth, with a washed-up musician at her side and the podcast as her guide.

My review: Okay so I loved the podcast within a book idea here - but this book fell a little flat for me being completely unbelievable and at times just straight weird. The beginning was good, the middle was super slow and then end felt incredibly rushed. I don't know. Maybe I am being harsh. This book just wasn't for me. I rate this book a 6/10.

Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

Book blurb: Movie stars and paparazzi flock to Cannes for the glamorous film festival, but Grace Kelly, the biggest star of all, wants only to escape from the flash-bulbs. When struggling perfumer Sophie Duval shelters Miss Kelly in her boutique to fend off a persistent British press photographer, James Henderson, a bond is forged between the two women and sets in motion a chain of events that stretches across thirty years of friendship, love, and tragedy. James Henderson cannot forget his brief encounter with Sophie Duval. Despite his guilt at being away from his daughter, he takes an assignment to cover the wedding of the century, sailing with Grace Kelly’s wedding party on the SS Constitution from New York. In Monaco, as wedding fever soars and passions and tempers escalate, James and Sophie—like Princess Grace—must ultimately decide what they are prepared to give up for love.

My review: This book was so sweet and such a fun escape. It felt like it would make a really cute movie too. I know very little about Grace Kelly - which is shocking, considering my love for the royals! - and loved getting to know her in this book. This is great escape book and a perfect summer/beach read. I rate this book a 8/10.

The Girl in White Gloves by Kerri Maher

Book blurb: Grace knows what people see. She’s the Cinderella story. An icon of glamor and elegance frozen in dazzling Technicolor. The picture of perfection. The girl in white gloves. But behind the lens, beyond the panoramic views of glistening Mediterranean azure, she knows the truth. The sacrifices it takes for an unappreciated girl from Philadelphia to defy her family and become the reigning queen of the screen. The heartbreaking reasons she trades Hollywood for a crown. The loneliness of being a princess in a fairy tale kingdom that is all too real. Hardest of all for her adoring fans and loyal subjects to comprehend, is the harsh reality that to be the most envied woman in the world does not mean she is the happiest. Starved for affection and purpose, facing a labyrinth of romantic and social expectations with more twists and turns than Monaco’s infamous winding roads, Grace must find her own way to fulfillment. But what she risks--her art, her family, her marriage—she may never get back.

My review: Continuing my newfound obsession with Grace Kelly I read this book next! This was a really great follow up to Meet Me in Monaco because it was much more in depth about Grace Kelly. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend as a summer/beach read! I rate this book an 8/10.

The Queens Secret: A Novel of England's WWII Queen by Karen Harper

Book Blurb: 1939. As the wife of the King George VI and the mother of the future queen, Elizabeth—“the queen mother”—shows a warm, smiling face to the world. But it’s no surprise that Hitler himself calls her the “Most Dangerous Woman in Europe.” For behind that soft voice and kindly demeanor is a will of steel. Two years earlier, George was thrust onto the throne when his brother Edward abdicated, determined to marry his divorced, American mistress Mrs. Simpson. Vowing to do whatever it takes to make her husband’s reign a success, Elizabeth endears herself to the British people, and prevents the former king and his brazen bride from ever again setting foot in Buckingham Palace. Elizabeth holds many powerful cards, she’s also hiding damaging secrets about her past and her provenance that could prove to be her undoing.

My review: I loved every minute of this book! It combined my two favorite genres: historical fiction and the royals. This was a new angle on WWII historical fiction from the point of view of the Queen of England. Plus there were some 'juicy' secrets that I'm not really sure if they were true but they made for a great story line. This was one of my favorites this year so far. I highly recommend and rate this book 9/10. If you loved The Crown or the movie The Kings Speech this book falls right in between the storylines of those two.

Currently reading:

On audio I am listening to The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates and really enjoying it. The storyline moves quickly and the narration is great. I usually only listen to non-fiction on audio, but I am loving the switch to fiction.

On Kindle I am reading The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams. I love when one books piggy backs on another book like a chain - it's so satisfying! And this book takes place in the Bahamas during WWII featuring the Duke & Duchess of Windsor who were sent there on official business by the Kind of England at the time.  The book I just read The Queens Secret filled us in on why they were there in the first place, so it's a fun little connection.

For non-fiction I have been slowly working through The Splendid and The Vile by Erik Larson I love Erik Larson books and this one is a little slow by very interesting. It's the story of WWII through the eyes of Winston Churchill. Again, there is a fun connection here with The Queens Secret and another great WWII book from a new perspective.

what to read!

So many of us have A LOT of extra time on our hands these days... I LOVE to fill my extra time with reading and it helps to pass the time while getting my mind off all the crazy news right now. Here are some of my favorite reads... all broken down into categories depending on your mood right now. I've read ALL of these and loved them all... I hope you find one you love too!

Feel Good Books (top row):

Next Year in Havana

The Editor

City Bakers Guide to Country Living

My Oxford Year

Page Turner Books (second row): 

The Family Upstairs

The Great Alone

The Bronze Horseman

The Dutch House

Historical Fiction (third row):

A Well Behaved Woman

Beneath a Scarlett Sky

American Princess

The Masterpiece

Royal Watchers (fourth row):

The Diana Chronicles

The Royals

The Royal We

The American Royals

Non Fiction (bottom row):

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

I Miss You When I Blink

The Four Tendencies

The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey

free for all friday: 6 summer reads to check out!

So if you follow me on Instagram and have checked out the new "stories" feature... which is basically snapchat withIN Instagram (which I love, because the real snapchat is so un-intuitive and terrible for my phone battery and annoying in 10,000 ways) you would have heard me tease that I am going to try out a new more personal post series on Fridays.  I don't know if "personal" is exactly the name for it... but it will veer way off topic from the usual fashion and style posts that you see here on the regular.  Things I will be covering are those things that are going on in my life like what books I am reading, what reno projects we are doing at the new house, home tours of the house we are moving out of in a few weeks, and other random stuff.  If you have ideas for what you want to see... email me! Or leave a comment! I am really trying to have some fun, break the mold and just make this new series super fresh and different and see how it goes.  You in?

~~~

You gals know I LOVE to read... so today I am rounding up 6 of my favorite summer reads that I've enjoyed recently.  A lot of you always ask how I find time to read.  That is a good question!  One way is that I usually ALWAYS have a book with me.  I leave it on the front seat of my car or in my bag so when I have a few minutes before I pick up my kids from sports or I get to an appointment early I can squeeze in a few minutes.  Usually in the summer I have lots of reading time at the pool or park, but this summer is so crazy with moving I haven't had that time.  When my kids were younger I would sit in the driveway while they played or take them to the park and then they would play and I would read.  You've got to put down your phone to make it work (hard for me too!) but it's so worth it.  Who cares about the drama on FB when you have a good book to read?  The last is that I read before bed each night. I have a terrible time turning my mind off at night. And reading helps bridge the gap from the busy day to a restful night. If I don't read before bed chances are I won't sleep well.  It's weird, but it works for me. Some nights it takes 5 minutes to turn off my brain and some nights I can read for over an hour before sleep comes.  To me, reading is therapeutic.  As a busy mom and boss lady it's one thing I have just for me.

Here are 6 books I've read lately that would make great summer reads.... because there is still plenty of summer to enjoy ladies!  What are some good books you have read lately?

Eight Hundred Grapes... this is a super quick read about a family, a winery and love in all it's forms.  I loved that it wasn't super long and the story is classic yet fresh.  Plus, who doesn't love a great story with a winery in California as it's backdrop?  Grab this one and a glass of wine and enjoy!

The After Party... this is a glittering summer read perfect for the beach.  With mystery, love and redemption as it's key themes I also found this book a little sad, but in the end a satisfying read.  It follows the lives of socialites in Texas in the 50s. So there is lots of glitz and glamour too!

Tyringham Park... if you love Downton Abbey or historical fiction in general, this is a great read!  It follows the childhood and adulthood of a young girl born into extreme wealth in Ireland.  With vivid accounts of her home, childhood and adulthood - some spent in Australia - this book was a real page turner.  There are a few twists and turns you won't see coming either - which I always love in a book!

Rebecca... if you have been wanting to add a classic to your 'to be read' list and love a little mystery, intrigue and borderline thriller than this book is for you! I couldn't put this book down and loved every juicy page!  The basic premise is a woman becomes the second wife of a wealthy estate owner always living in the shadow of his first wife, named Rebecca.  Seriously, read this if you haven't! It would also make a great bookclub selection.

Flight of Dreams... the book is the fictional chronicle of the real life events of the Hindenburg explosion.  If you missed this lesson in history class you're not alone, the whole time I read this I thought... how is this the first time I am hearing of this!?!? It's a fascinating piece of history wound together with great characters and a quick story line.  This is a fun historical read by the pool for sure. 

A Paris Apartment... this book is basically my dream story line... woman works for auction house specializing in antiques, woman gets bad news, an apartment in Paris that has been closed for nearly a century is discovered, the apartment is full of antiques, woman goes to Paris to sort it and her life out.   Something about a closed up apartment in Paris being discovered is just plain my jam.  I loved this book start to finish. 

So what are you reading lately? I would love to hear!  

7 great love stories to read this week!

With Valentine's week upon us I thought I would suggest a few of my favorite love stories.  I've been absolutely terrible at updating my (now defunct) book blog. But I know you gals love to know what I've been reading lately.  I've been posting books as I read them (mostly) on Instagram - so join me there for book updates as well.  But for today I thought it would be fun to pull together some of my favorite lovey-dovey picks.  Hey, there's nothing wrong with a little  love story and these 7 books are some of my all time favorites.

Read on to see why each of these has a special place in my heart.  And choose one (or four!) of them to indulge in this week!  You won't be dissapointed!

Brooklyn - a darling story of a Irish immigrant in New York City as she discovers love and herself.  The movie is very sweet too!

Pride & Prejudice (how cute are those book covers!?!?) - my all time favorite classic love story. And I could watch the movie on a continuous loop and never tire of it.  Bonus: it's streaming on Netflix right now!

Charleston - a love story about honoring your past and trusting your future all set in the delicious South.

The Shoemaker's Wife - I'm reading this right now and LOVE it.  Set in Italy and New York City, two immigrants follow their hearts and blaze new trails in a new world.  You must read this!

The Royal We - inspired by Kate Middleton and Prince William this book will make you fall in love with a prince and wish you went to England for college.

Along the Infinite Sea - a page turner of a book set both during World War II Europe and 1960's America with unforgettable characters.

The Swan Gondola - this love story comes alive with the backdrop of the Omaha World's Fair in 1898.  Carnival rides, crazy exhibits, swan gondolas and star-crossed lovers.

Shop the books here:

summer reads!

I am a book LOVER and an avid reader... I love to read all year long (it's totally my therapy) but summer time reading is the best, no!?!? I thought I would update you all on what I have been reading lately... I've been an absolute book worm!

Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything

If you are a woman and you eat and you believe in a higher power (God, for me) then you must read this book.  It is not about dieting, it's not even really about losing weight (although it kind of is).  It's about trust and faith and self love.  It's REALLY amazing.

Something Borrowed

I'm usually not much for unadulterated 'chic lit' but I'm not against it either. Since this was just made into a movie I thought I would check it out. It was fun and girly and entertaining.  What more can you ask for in a summer read?

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)

I bought all three of the Hunger Games books at the same time because I wanted (really, really wanted and deeply desired) to fall all over them like the Twilight books.  While they were good, they weren't Twilight. Although, that may not be a fair comparison.  The second book (this one) was way more interesting to me than than the first. But I do recommend both. They have interesting themes and good plots. Also, my husband just devoured the whole series. So maybe read these with your guy.

Summer Rental

This again falls under 'chic lit' and was pretty fluffy. Would I highly recommend this book?  Hmmmm... maybe. I could have gone for better character development and a little bit more of a believable story line.  I kept confusing all of the characters... the names didn't seem to fit their personalities. But overall it was pretty good.  Plus, the cover is SO cute... no!?!?

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Of all the books listed here this was my favorite novel (Women Food and God is not in the novel category).  I loved the meandering story line. I always love historical fiction.  And lastly, I loved that it was in Seattle, since I was just there.  The story touches on fate, issues of 'what could have been' and family connections. I also value a book that can leave sex and violence and other attention grabbers out and just tell an honest to goodness STORY.  I highly recommend this book.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt: A Novel

I had seen this book around but I was turned off by the cover (is that bad?) and so I never picked it up, but I requested it from the library anyway and had it last to read in my stack.  I guess that is why I was MOST pleasantly surprised.  It was a coming of age story and a story about second chances.  It was also a story about the South.  I loved the descriptions of Savannah and the fun women that the main character interacted with.  This story had good depth and great character development.  I felt myself just wanting to jump into the pages of this story and live in it for a day. It would great a make movie... it's part Ya Ya Sisterhood and part The Help.

shopping guide: {read with me}

Nothing is a better gift than a book. Books are the perfect gift for the person that has everything. They last forever and there are always new ones (and old ones!) to discover. Today I have a mix of fun new and new-again books for anyone on your shopping list.

(1)

The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman

The man of the hour (0r longer) when it comes to street style and modern fashion. This book is based on his wildly popular blog and is great for the male or female fashion conscious in your life. (Barney's $28)

(2)

Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Julia Child

The book that inspired "Julie and Julia" is a great gift for the culinates among you. If they love food and a good challenge in the kitchen... this book is for them! (Bed, Bath & Beyond, $39.99)

(3)

How to be a Gentleman

Great for any male college guys or bachelors just starting life on their own. Brook's Brothers offers a whole series on living a "gentlemanly" life. (Brooks Brothers, $28)

(4)

This is Paris, M. Sasek

There are several "This is..." books for all different cities around the world. I particularly love this one because one of my major life goals is to bring my kids to Paris (while they are still kids... and then maybe again when they are a bit older too). I love the idea of introducing my kids to new cultures and ideas and this book series is perfect for that. (Kitson, $17.95)

(5)

Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen

The new clothbound classics by Penguin are hot, hot, hot this season! This book (and other classics with equally amazing covers) is on my Christmas wish list... well all the newly designed Penguin classics are really! This is a great gift for the curator or classic lover in your life! (Anthropologie, $20)

(6)

The Gospel According to Coco Chanel, Karen Karbo

For the Parisienne lady in your life (young or old) this fun book is the best gift! Best paired with a divine bottle of No. 5 and a Paris postcard... (Anthropologie, $19.95)

February Finds... 18!

Today's "find" is one of the most favorite books in our household. This book provides hours of enjoyment for parents and kids and is a spectacular coffee table book for any household. It's highly educational, with a bit of quirkiness mixed in. Who doesn't love some quirkiness now and then?!?!

It is the Firefly Visual Dictionary. I bought this at Restoration Hardware YEARS ago... it looks like Barnes and Noble only has used copies. Although a used copy wouldn't be such a bad investment seeing as our book is practically torn to shreds it is used so much.


This book contains visual diagrams and descriptions for everything from a human body, to the solar system, to how an airport is laid out to the parts and workings of musical instruments. It is a great learning tool for exploring children and parents!

Fashion Friday... Granny Squares!

Geez I am obsessed with the pillows/throw from yesterday... Here's a boho chic outfit to match, you know, for while I am lounging around on them.


boho chic. - by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

Rainbow inspiration...

It's Thursday!!!

Books and tea are what is painting my rainbows these days... a winter hibernation of sorts I guess!


books and tea... - by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

What is painting your rainbows these days?

yes, i loved it.

So yes, it is a bit silly. Yes, it is about vampires. Yes, it is about kids in high school. But I am hooked.



Anyone else hooked on Twilight?

must read!

On a suggestion (more like how can you not read this book when the excerpts she featured were so intriguing?) from The Sassy Kathy I put a hold on The History of Love by Nicole Krauss at the library (the library is free! Why do I always forget that when I want a book! I placed holds a bunch more rockin' books... I'll blog on them as they are available!)

So far it is amazing... I plan to finish it soon. So check it out!

Calling all celeb-lovers!

No matter how silly it is, I can never seem to steer clear of the celeb magazines! Of course one of the best of the bunch is US Weekly! WIth up to date stories, fashion and general dish - you'll always be in the know! In fact, just recently I visited Las Vegas, Nevada for vacation. While sitting at the pool and reading my US Weekly, I read that Chris Angel and Holly Madison were recently spotted at the hotel that I was staying at! What do you know - the next day I saw them with my own eyes at lunch!

At 99 CENTS a copy this is a steal off buying it at the airport or the drugstore - use the link below to cash in on this great deal and get the magazine delivered to your doorstep weekly!!!