Can’t Put it Down

I added a new page to the blog for Book Reviews. I read so much and figured it was a good idea to make a page for it! I’ve read a bunch of REALLY great books lately. This post will be somewhat long so I can include all my favorites:

1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I’d seen many people rave about this book but didn’t feel the drive to rush out and read it for some reason. I read the short description and it seemed formulaic and predictable. I could already guess each plot point. And yet, I loved every minute of this book. It was like I was immediately enveloped into this world with these characters and I didn’t want to leave.

I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone that hasn’t read it but it will be an emotional rollercoaster. There were so many moments of joy and happiness and then several moments of pure sadness. I loved the characters, I wanted a happy ending, I didn’t want the book to end and yet I couldn’t stop reading it. I stayed up late to read it. I read it on my lunch break at work and cried in my cubicle. I really want to see this book made into a movie. This is a book that will stay with me for a very, very long time.

2. The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths

Another great story with Ruth Galloway! Loved this book, the story was compelling and kept me guessing til the end. I also liked that they brought other characters out into the foreground. This is one of my new favorite series. I am impatiently awaiting the next book!

3. The Bookman’s Tale by Charlie Lovett

I liked this book a lot. The story was told in several different time periods–which is rarely done well but this book did it very well. I was intrigued in each “story line”. I wanted to keep reading it; I really like the characters. I loved how the story unfolded and you didn’t really know all the answers until the very end.

4. The Dark Monk by Oliver Potzch

This is the sequel to the Hangman’s Daughter, which was a really good book. I liked this installment and the characters as much as the first book. It is a period piece and according to the afterward, based on the author’s family history. There were moments that needed some editing and paring down, but overall I liked it and will read the third one.

5. The Silent Wife by ASA Harrison

This book was excellent but not “Better than Gone Girl” like the jacket says. There were so many layers in this book it’s hard to know where to start, and I don’t want to give it away. The “silent wife” took on many guises and in the end she was still silent. Again, don’t want to give it away. I wish I could say I felt disturbed by the ending–in a way I guess I do, but I also feel vindicated and also sad.

6. Stolen Remains by Christine Trent

The second book in the series was just as good as the first one. I was instantly in that time period. I loved the Victorian references, and Queen Victoria is back as well–kooky as ever. It was a good mystery story that had me guessing to the end!

7.  The Blood Detective by Dan Waddell

I really really liked this book! It was a good murder mystery and it blended genealogy, which I found fascinating. It was an interesting twist on the story of genealogy. The characters were well-developed and I liked the main characters a lot. Well done!

8. Under Your Skin by Sabine Durrant

Clear your schedule–you are going to want to read this book in one sitting! I HATED putting this book down to sleep and go to work. 😉 It sucked me in immediately and I couldn’t quit reading. The author’s writing style is very different than what I’m used to. The sentences are short and halting but after a few chapters it seems normal and you get used to it. This book will stress you out!

I hope you guys check out some of these books. Several make my “best books of 2014” list! Have you read anything great lately?