What I Read in June 2021

I feel like I’ve been saying this over and over again, but I am so, SO sorry for the delay in my “What I read in June” post! Somehow the last day of July is TOMORROW (it really snuck up on me), but, hey, at least I made it before August, right?! In June, I really got into a book groove, and I read a good bit! I read some great books, so I hope you enjoy these small reviews! 🙂

Here is what I read in June:

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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Trigger Warning—Deals with Suicide

This is one of those books that made me really think.  I think at some point in our lives, each of us asks “What if?”  What if I had done this, or what if I hadn’t done this?  What if I would have chosen a different path?  What if I would have gone to a different school, or chosen to go to that party that night, or stayed home a different night?  Would my life be different?  Would I be the same?   

The protagonist of this novel is Nora, a woman who is constantly questioning her past decisions and choices, thinking her life would have been better if she had done things differently.  Well, she is given the chance to visit all of her “what ifs” and to see how her life could have been.  She is provided the opportunity to explore every single alternate universe in which she made a different choice—no matter how big or small that decision was. 

Ultimately, I think this book teaches an important lesson that even the smallest choices matter and can have an impact on the outcome of our lives.  “The grass isn’t always greener.  It’s green where you water it.”

These Tangled Vines by Julianne MacLean

Fiona has a secret.  Right before her mom passed away, she told Fiona that her dad wasn’t her biological father… but swore her to secrecy.  So, Fiona is living an ordinary life in Florida caring for her quadriplegic dad with the knowledge that somewhere out there, she has family she knows nothing about.

Out of the blue, Fiona receives a phone call from a lawyer, who informs her that her biological father passed, and she has an inheritance in Tuscany.  Everything changes. 

This novel was captivating.  It wove a tale of family secrets, drama, and love.  It has a dual timeline, so we are able to see things from both Fiona’s present day point of view and her mom’s point of view back in the 80’s, which I really enjoyed, and which helped capture a complete picture.  Highly recommend!

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

If Elin Hilderbrand writes a book, it’s practically guaranteed that I’m going to like it.  So, when I heard she was coming out with a new novel, I was SO excited to read it. 

Vivian Howe, a mother and author who is suddenly killed in a hit and run car accident, is the main character of Golden Girl.  She goes to a sort of “purgatory”, where she is granted 3 “nudges” that she can use to change the outcome of events on earth.  In purgatory, she has the ability to watch the world she left behind for one last summer.  As time passes, Vivian has to learn to let go and allow her children to grow and prosper without her.  Secrets Vivian fought to keep in her past are uncovered, and her murderer is found. 

This book has the trademark Elin Hilderbrand summer, beach-y vibe.  It was beautiful, heartbreaking, tragic, and even inspiring.  However, it wasn’t my favorite.  If you’re an Elin Hilderbrand stan, I do think you should read it, but if you haven’t read any of her other novels before, start elsewhere!

Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero by Amanda Kloots with Anna Kloots

In March 2020, Nick Cordero was hospitalized for what they later discovered was Covid-19.  He never came home. 

I began following Nick’s journey through his wife, Amanda’s, Instagram soon after Nick’s hospitalization.  I laughed with Amanda, I prayed with Amanda, and, ultimately, I cried with Amanda. When I heard she was writing a book detailing her and Nick’s journey, I knew I had to read it.  This book gives insight into what exactly her and her family went through while Nick was hospitalized and up until his eventual death, and it gives background and insight into their relationship, as well.  It is a tale of love, heartbreak, and survival.  I laughed reading it, and I cried, too.  Highly recommend! 

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Poppy and Alex are best friends, but they can’t be more different.  Poppy is an outgoing, wild traveler.  Alex is a responsible homebody.  They live miles and miles away from each other, but, every summer, they take a vacation together…until something goes wrong.  After not speaking for years, Poppy reaches back out to Alex in a last attempt to salvage their relationship.  Will one last vacation fix everything? 

If you’re looking for a rom-com in book form, this is the book for you!!!  This book is funny, heartfelt, and romantic. It is not serious by any means, and it is kind of predictable, but this book was an absolute joy to read! 

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This novel is a family saga.  The Riva kids have been through it all—their famous dad deserting them, their loving mom dying, barely having enough to survive, etc.  But things turn around for them, and one thing has always held them together—each other.  Until one night everything changes.

I really, really enjoyed this book.  It was dramatic, heartfelt, sad, and full of love.  I couldn’t put it down.  However, towards the end of the book, quite a few new characters were added for seemingly no reason.  In a way, they took away from the story for me.  With that being said, though, I still really enjoyed the book and do recommend it. 

Children of the Stars by Mario Escobar

Another WWII novel.. what a surprise!!!

In 1942, 2 young Jewish brothers, Jacob and Moses, are living with their aunt in Paris while their parents try to find safe harbor for them elsewhere.  However, a roundup occurs and the boys are arrested.  Jacob and Moses eventually flee, and with the help of so many, use letters their parents sent them to guide their way back to them. 

This novel is a tale of love and resilience, and illustrates how the bond between brothers can help overcome even the darkest moments.  I LOVED this book.  This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve completed it. 

American Duchess: A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt by Karen Harper

If I’m being totally honest, I had never heard of Consuelo Vanderbilt until I began reading this novel.  Of course, I had heard of the Vanderbilts, but not Consuelo specifically. 

In the late 1800’s, Consuelo Vanderbilt was forced to marry the Duke of Marlborough and move with her new husband to England to care for his castle, Blenheim Palace.  Consuelo tries her best to make the most of things, and this novel follows her journey as she comes into her own, charms society (including her husband’s cousin, Winston Churchill), and fights for women’s suffrage and independence. 

This novel was a bit slow at times, but I really enjoyed learning more about a historical figure, especially one so strong and who fought so hard for women, who I previously knew essentially nothing about.  If you love history, I definitely recommend this book! 

So, that’s what I read in June!! If you have read or do read any of these novels, I’d love to discuss them with you, so feel free to message me on Instagram! Thank you!!

XX, Danielle