Recent Reads | Books I've Read in 2020

It's been quite a while since I shared a book review!  When we started social distancing in March, I really hunkered down with a stack of good books and have been so excited to get through them all.  I'm currently suffering from a "book hangover" (if you read a lot, you know what I mean!!), but am excited to dive into another on my TBR list soon.

Without further ado, here are my most recently read books, and my thoughts on them!

American Royals by Katharine McGee - 4.5 stars

This novel was recommended to me by a customer and I was super pleasantly surprised by it!  It's technically a young adult novel, but I didn't find it to be too juvenile at all.  The premise is based on America, present-day, but as a monarchy - and the trials and adventures of the heir to the throne.  I'm super excited for the sequel this fall!

PS:  It's currently less than $10 on Amazon Prime!

Whisper Network by Chandler Baker - 3 stars

In the effort of full transparency, I was disappointed by this book.  It got a ton of hype from people with whom I share similar "book taste," but I couldn't really get into it.  For me, it dragged on a little too much and the narrative just didn't hit home.  However, a ton of people rave so much about it, so if you are interested, give it a try!

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins - 5 stars

This is one of those books that I'll think about for many, many days ahead.  It has stuck with me and already been mailed to my mama to read in NC!  It's a compelling story about a mother and son and their desperate journey to the United States from Mexico.  While it is fiction, it reads like a memoir and is utterly amazing.  Give it a few chapters and you won't be able to put it down.

PS:  This book is on sale for half-price on Amazon Prime!

The Royal We by Heather Cocks - 5 stars

Another pleasant surprise, here, I really enjoyed this book (like, a lot!!).  It was my choice after American Dirt (I needed something a little lighter) and I couldn't put it down.  Well written, interesting, and not too far-fetched for a semi-"chick lit" novel!  The sequel comes out next month and I already preordered it.

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover - 3.5 stars

This book has also gotten a ton of hype, and I was super excited to read it.  The other book I've read by this author is dark and twisty to say the least, so I was interested to see how this compared.  It's an emotional story about a mother and daughter and their experiences through the daughter's adolescence, with some unique twists and turns.  Not my personal favorite ever, but a decent read.

PS:  Colleen Hoover has made all her books FREE on Kindle via Amazon Prime during the pandemic.  Click here to get it!

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane - 3.5 stars

This story was one I really hadn't heard much about, but decided to give it a shot.  It's a slower paced novel, but deep and thought-provoking nonetheless.  

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult - 5 stars

I love Jodi Picoult and pretty much everything she writes, because it makes me think and gives me perspective on angles I may not have considered before.  This story is no different, and in the world we're living in, it's timely and thought-provoking.  I will say, of all the Picoult books I've read, this was the hardest to read because it hit closest to home.  However, I truly believe books like that are important, so it's worth it!

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah - 5 stars

Kristin Hannah is another personal favorite author!  Her stories will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think.  This story of a mother, daughter, and sister was beautifully told and truly moving - a reminder that while we are all a part of each other's stories, we may not know one another's stories as well as we might think.  Highly, highly recommend!!

Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand - 5 stars

This book is part beach read, part romance, and part mystery!  I totally loved it and could not put it down... and when I found out there was a second book, I sat around tracking my order on Amazon like a crazy person until it arrived!  It's an easy, quick read that really draws you in.

What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand - 4.5 stars

The second in the Paradise series, this book was almost as good as the first!  I felt like the pace was a little different from the original (which was probably only noticeable because I read them back to back with no space), but continues the story of the characters well.  Excited for the final book in the series and to see how it all wraps up!

For me, reading is a way to escape, find new adventures, and learn new things.  During this extra time at home, I've loved curling up with a blanket, a new book, and my sweet Brody boy!  I'd love to know, what books have you read and loved recently?  Comment below!

*some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive an incentive on qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.  All opinions and thoughts are my own!