Happy Tuesday & happy belated 7th Anniversary to the Show Us Your Books link-up!
I’m so glad Steph and Jana started this series seven years + 1 month ago. I have found so many wonderful reads thanks to them and the community they’ve cultivated. I missed their anniversary link up, but I still wanted to give them a shoutout!
I hit my GoodRead’s goal of 15 books this year! A small but satisfying achievement. Next year we’re upping it to 20 books.
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney | Thriller | ★★★★/5
I chose this as my BOTM pick because nothing else caught my eye. Honestly, it was a left-field choice for me; I’ve mentioned I don’t read a ton of thrillers. I tend to try to figure out the twists the entire time I’m reading- I never just enjoy the ride. In this one, I DID figure it out early on, but kept reading because a) I was sucked in and b) I wanted to see if I was right. The characters were shady (but not unreliable) and the setting was spooky, so it had all the components of a good thriller IMO. It was a solid 3.5 star read for me, but I round up.
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena | Thriller | ★★★★★/5
There was nothing mind-blowing about this one to make it 5 stars, but I also had 0 problems with it, flew through it, and enjoyed the ride. So… I had no reason not to give it top marks. No one was likable- especially the dad. You were a little glad that the dead people were dead. And you also wished some of the non-dead people were dead. LOL. *Fun fact- I am Audrey and I also have a brother named Fred. He’s not a dick like the Fred in the book, though.
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling | Romance | ★★★★/5
I found this one as cute as nearly everyone said it was. Based on the description, I was a little worried it’d just be a comedy of errors with nothing going right for the pair. I’m glad I was wrong. I liked Rhys, loved Vivi, and adored her little family and town. I could’ve used more backstory on some of the people/situations, but it was a solid little Halloween romance.
As M grows and cultivates her personality, I’ve started reading parenting books on behavior, discipline, and happiness. I take all parenting books with a massive grain of salt.
No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame by Janet Lansbury | Parenting | ★★★/5
All parenting books should be taken with a grain of salt… and the understanding that every kid is different and will react differently. There were things in this book that I found very valuable: remaining calm when your child is not, talking to your kid like they’re a real human, allowing them the big emotions with the safe boundaries. But then there was stuff that made me go “Ehhhh”, too. I’m interested in listening to her podcast, though.
Moo Reads
A Mischief of Monsters by Roger Priddy
This one is a new fav in our household. Lots of sounds and colors. M LOVES it.
I meant to have more M reads, but time got away from me. She’s been a reading machine lately, so I’m sure this category will get bigger soon!
What did you read this past month?
-Aud
Life as Louise 
A Mischief of Monsters looks so cute. I am going to need all of M’s recommendations soon! Lol.
I’ve been seeing The Ex Hex everywhere lately. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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I will happily send you some favorites 😀 Monsters is a GREAT one!
It was perfectly cute for Halloween season!
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I have such a hard time taking parenting books with a grain of salt, even though I know you’re right. Instead, though, I get all upset and then stop reading parenting books. Probably not the smartest reaction!
I just downloaded Not a Happy Family on audio – after I finish listening to Bath Haus I’ll give it a try. Also reading A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne which is beautiful when I read it but hasn’t hooked me enough yet to not put it down.
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My daughter is nearly 2 and she let’s me know pretty quickly what techniques work and what don’t… lol. I’ve implemented stuff that totally flopped and tried stuff that I thought would be a bust that has been awesome. It’s all trial and error anyway. Lol
I enjoyed Not a Happy Family! Hope you do, too!
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Good ole BOTM has us reading the same ones.
I’m still impressed you figured Rock Paper Scissors out early – I was totally knocked over with surprise.
YEP – I need more details of The Ex Hex ladies!!! That aunt seems like the coolest! & Rhys – adorable!
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Hahaha- nice. The ladies in The Ex Hex were the best!! I definitely needed more of the aunt!
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I can’t wait to read Rock Paper Scissors and Not a Happy Family. I’ve requested both from my library, but the waitlist is so long with how popular they are!
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I got both through Book of the Month club. I don’t know that I’d have picked them up without it and my book club. I hope you get them soon and love ’em!
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I also really liked Rock Paper Scissors! Much more than I thought it would be.
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The creepy setting was fantastic. And the fact that the dog was always safe 😀 Lol
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I loved Rock Paper Scissors. I have Not a Happy Family but haven’t read it yet. And I thought The Ex Hex was cute and fun – but a bit of a slow read for me.
Lauren @ http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
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I think both thrillers were enjoyable! I agree about The Ex Hex. Great for Halloween!
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I read Shari Lapena’s The Couple Next Door but didn’t really enjoy it, I do wanna check this out of hers, tho!
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I’ve not read that. I don’t do a ton of thrillers, but this one was pretty quick and enjoyable! I hope you like it!
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The Ex Hex sounds utterly adorable!
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It was very cute and perfect for fall/Halloween time!
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