Last time I mentioned that I was going to switch it up. This is a trial run so if you see something you like or dislike versus my old format, please let me know!

This month I finished 3 books. Pictures are linked to their GoodRead’s page. Here’s the grading curve:

Ok, Let’s do it.

Death Wears a Mask by Ashley Weaver || ★★★★/5 
Summary: Milo & Amory Ames find themselves back in the midst of marital strife and cheeky murder. Together they must make a decision about their future as well as help to solve the case of missing jewels and a masked murderer. | Why I Read It: I read Weaver’s first book & just knew I needed to read #2. | What I Thought: I really love Amory and her crime solving intuition. I felt like she was a little less helpless and damsel-in-distress-y in this book and I appreciated that. I also found myself liking Milo more. The murder had me guessing all the way up until the end, though there were some loose ends with certain characters that left me unsatisfied. It was light and quick, but a smart, fun murder mystery!
You Should Read It Because… it has likable characters, it keeps you guessing, & it has a touch of British humor. Bonus points if you’re a fan of the 1920s/1930s era.

 

Harry Potter & The Cursed Child by JK Rowling, John Tiffany, & Jack Thorne || ★★/5
Summary: This story picks up 19 years after The Battle of Hogwarts. We’re reunited with Harry and friends and we meet Albus, HP’s middle child, then embark on a new adventure to save the wizarding world. | Why I Read It: Um. Duh. #Potterhead | What I Thought: I tend to think of the HP books and movies as two separate things. I guess I’ll have to think of the play as a third “thing” because I just couldn’t get on board. All of Harry’s 4th-year-angst was channeled through his son this time. I felt like this was JK’s chance to explain time travel, highlight Harry’s adult flaws, and prove all the Ron/Hermione haters wrong. The story felt forced. I’m so sad to say that… I did love Scorpius Malfoy, though. He was perfection.
You Should Read It Because… you’re obsessed with Harry Potter. Anyone else wouldn’t understand the plot. Then again, I could’ve lived without the continuation of the story- so do whatever you want.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan || ★★★★/5
Summary: A story detailing roughly 8 years of royal love and loss between passionate Bex and regal Nick, as well as their loyal friends and quirky families. | Why I Read It: I think everyone has this one their to-read list… I love the real royal couple and this book met a requirement with Erin’s reading challenge. | What I Thought: I mentally had three stars assigned to this book until the last hundred pages- it seriously sucked me in. It’s a very long read, but it never lost my interest. The length of the book gave me time to get to know and befriend every character. Even when they messed up royally (pun intended) I loved them and hoped for the best. There were twists that I didn’t expect and betrayals that I couldn’t have predicted. It was long, but it was worth it.
You Should Read It Because… you’re actually a hopeless romantic who secret googles pictures of Kate Middleton and the perfect royal children. Or because you’re looking for a light-yet-fulfilling end-of-summer read.

. . .

And now an update on Erin’s Reading Challenge:

| 5 points | Freebie – Read a book that is at least 200 pages: Cress by Marissa Meyer
| 10 points | Read a book that starts with the letter “R”: The Royal We by Heather Cocks
| 10 points | Read a book with five words in the title: The Lady of The River by Philippa Gregory
| 15 points | Read a book that has a (mostly) blue cover: The Selection by Kiera Cass
| 20 points | Read a book with twins as characters: The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
| 20 points | Read a book from this list of books made into movies: Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
| 25 points | Read a book set in a country you have always wanted to visit: Death Wears a Mask by Ashley Weaver (England)
| 30 points | Read a historical fiction book: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
| 30 points | Read a music related book: Wicked by Gregory Maguire
| 35 points | Read a book originally published over 100 years ago: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 

So I’m at 120 out of 200 points. This is the best I’ve ever done- I’m a little more proud of myself than I should be… ha.

What books did you read this month? What’d you think of HP and the Cursed Child?

Linking up with Carolann & Michelle/Cat/Alison for Reading Lately.