The first Show Us Your Books link-up of 2019!

In the past I’ve made big changes to my reading reviews at the start of the year. I’m making some minor adjustments for 2019, but I’m going to stick with my typically breakdown. I’ll share the title & author (the title is linked to GoodReads), my rating, the genre, and my thoughts on the book. Lastly, I’ll tell you if I think it’s worth the read (and to whom it might appeal).

Linking up with the spectacular Jana & Steph. A mere two books this time.

The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox
★★★/5; Historical Fiction, Paranormal 
This was a solid three star book for me. When I was reading it I was interested, but then I’d set it down for long periods of time and felt no motivation to pick it back up. I actually returned it to the library (because there was a wait list) and re-borrowed it with no sense of urgency. I liked Lydia, although I grew tiresome of her self-depreciation. Also, I HATED how those close to her treated her- except Ada and Snip. They were lovely minor characters. Joe, too. And John Barrett… SWOON. Seriously. This wasn’t a saucy romance novel but I sure wished it were. Hahaha. It definitely had romance and love, but the focus was on Lydia and what she wanted.
This was the author’s debut novel and I’ll be interested in future things from her!
Read it? If you like the flow of historical fiction, yes.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
★★★★/4; Contemporary Fiction 
This was my first ever Moriarty book so I can’t compare it to her other novels. I actually liked this book quite a bit. It kept me interested while I was reading, it made me think about it while I wasn’t, and the characters were real, flawed, and likable. I think that every reader could relate to one (or more) of the characters and his/her insecurities. I thought it was a little genius. I know I found myself nodding along every now and then. Tony, Zoe, and Ben were my favorite guests. Frances drove me a little nuts, but I think she was supposed to. The health resort director was a total loon. Quite honestly, her delusional arrogance reminded me of a certain 45th president. All in all, I liked this story and I’ll probably check out more of Liane’s books. Side question- do Australians say “hey” the same way Canadians say “eh”?
Read it? Sure.

I enjoyed both books and I wish I had more for ya. This SYUB came kinda early in the month and the holidays killed my reading vibe sooooo… just two. Erin’s 10.0 Book Challenge started this month so here’s where I’m at:

| 5 points | Freebie: Archenemies by Marissa Meyer
| 10 points | A book that was made into a movie: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
| 10 points | Set in Europe: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
| 15 points | A Newberry Award winner: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
| 20 points | A friend or family member’s favorite: Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell
| 20 points | Published over 100 years ago: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
| 25 points | Six words in the title: The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick
| 30 points | A compass or cardinal direction in the title: The North Water by Ian McGuire
| 30 points | Published in a different language: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
| 35 points | Begins with the letter “N”: Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Tell me what you’ve been reading lately.