Monday Reads: Some of my fall reads

I have had some requests for book recommendations so I have decided to do a weekly book post on Mondays.

This year I am trying to read 55 books, which is 5 more than I read last year. Today I finished my 49th. Hopefully by the end of December I will have reached my goal. I have read some amazing books and some not so amazing books this year. For today, I will post some of the books I have read this fall, their synopsis and my thoughts. I have decided to keep this post to books I enjoyed.


Juliet by Anne Fortier

Synopsis: When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told that it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a winding and perilous journey into the history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo rocked the foundations of medieval Siena. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families immortalized in Shakespeare’s unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse—“A plague on both your houses!”—is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems that the only one who can save Julie from her fate is Romeo—but where is he?

Thoughts: This book is beautifully written. Although at times it felt as though it was dragging on, the story was captivating. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me entertained. I thoroughly enjoyed the modern take on Romeo and Juliet.


Fateful by Claudia Gray

Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.

Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

Thoughts: An entertaining werewolf story. The characters are likeable and the story is quick paced. This is a great book for a quick read.


Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Synopsis: Anna Oliphant has big plans for her senior year in Atlanta: hang out with her best friend, Bridgette, and flirt with her coworker at the Royal Midtown 14 multiplex. So she is none too happy when her father sends her off to boarding school in Paris. However, things begin to look up when she meets Étienne St. Clair, a gorgeous guy–with a girlfriend. As he and Anna become closer friends, things get infinitely more complicated. Will Anna get her French kiss? Or are some things just not meant to be?

Thoughts: I loved loved loved this book. I gushed about it constantly as I was reading it. Such a cute light hearted story. I couldn't help but smile as I read this book. Wonderful wonderful characters and story. And a bonus: it's set in Paris!


Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Synopsis: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn't believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit - more sparkly, more fun, more wild - the better. But even though Lola's style is outrageous, she's a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket - a gifted inventor - steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Thoughts: This is a companion book to Anna and the French Kiss. I had to read this book because I heard the the main characters from Anna and the French Kiss play a big role in this book. Although I really enjoyed this book, Anna and the French Kiss still remains my favourite of the two.


Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen Degeneres

Synopsis (from book jacket):I've experienced a lot the last few years and I have a lot to share. So I hope that you'll take a moment to sit back, relax and enjoy the words I've put together for you in this book. I think you'll find I've left no stone unturned, no door unopened, no window unbroken, no rug unvacuumed, no ivories untickled. What I'm saying is, let us begin, shall we?

Thoughts: I saw this book at Costco a couple of weeks ago and HAD to buy it. I read Ellen's previous two books and I remember laughing out loud throughout both books. This one did not disappoint. Ellen has such random thoughts and you can't help but burst out laughing at some of her stories. Do not read this in a public place.


Rhymes with Cupid by Anna Humphrey

Synopsis:

Goodman's Gifts & Stationery Store

February 14
Cashier: Elyse

3 boxes of heart-shaped chocolate . . . $12.00

Chocolate is the only good thing about this nauseating holiday.

4 containers of candy hearts . . . $5.00

Ever since my ex cheated on me, I've sworn off love. Too bad my new neighbor Patrick didn't get the memo.

1 Valentine's Day card . . . $4.50

I'm not interested. Although, he is pretty cute. And sweet. And funny.

1 singing Cupid doll (promotional item) . . . $0.00

Stupid Cupid! Point your arrows at someone else. . . .

Subtotal . . . $21.50

Thoughts: I compare this book to Anna and the French Kiss. It is a very light hearted read and a very cute story. The guy in the book is definitely crush-worthy.