Books I Read in September

September 27, 2020

I was pretty disappointed that I only managed to read 7 books this month since my library basket is overflowing! But we had a super busy month with all three boys starting back to school/homeschool and juggling work schedules (with Ian), karate class (with Alec), driver's ed (with Ian) so I do think 7 was about all I really had time for. Luckily all 7 were really great reads!

1.The Friendship List by Susan Mallery-- When Ellen overhears her son telling one of his friends that he can not go away to college and leave his mom all alone, Ellen and her friend Unity devise a list of things that they will each tackle over the summer. Unity has been stuck in a rut since her husband died 3 years earlier but thinks her life is perfectly fine; Ellen has been so focused on being a working single that she has neglected to create a life for herself but is content and happy with what life she does have. Both are only planning to tackles these lists to show others they are just fine and end up discovering that change can be a good thing. Such a cute and fun story of friendship and growth!

2. The Engineer's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood-- A fabulous historical fiction novel about the Roebling family that built the Brooklyn Bridge. If you read it make sure you read the author's notes in the back as she points out which parts are based on fact and those entirely made up. This book had me googling so much more about the Brooklyn bridge, caisson disease, and even PT Barnum. It was really interesting but it did take me longer to get through than most books as it could get tedious at times.

3. The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate-- After reading The One and Only Ivan I had to read the next book in the series. Just as cute, this story centers on the dog from the first story. Bob has been living with his new family for a year now when a huge hurricane/tornado of a storm blows through and Bob thinks he hears the cries of his long lost sister. He heads out in the storm to find her. I easily read this in one morning and loved it! I high recommend it as a read aloud with children too.

4. The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, The Dresser and The Wardrobe by Angela Kelly-- A nonfiction novel about what it has been like for Angela Kelly working as Queen Elizabeth II dresser for the past 20+ years. Lots of beautiful color photographs of the queen's wardrobe, hats, and crowns too. I really enjoyed this book and read it in just under 24 hours.

5. Swimming Lessons by Mary Alice Monroe-- In this third book of the Beach House series it's 5 years after Lovie's death and Toy is still living at the beach house with her daughter Little Lovie. The season begins with a turtle rescue and Toy running the aquarium's new makeshift animal hospital. Things seem to be going good for Cara, Toy, & Flo but as summer nears it's end they all find themselves struggling with big life changes.

6. Love Story by Erich Segal-- I had read this book (probably more than once) back when I was in high school or college. I remember watching the movie too! When I saw that my 52 Books Challenge had a book written in the 1970's as one of the topics I figured it was the perfect time to re-read this story. I love re-reading a book and seeing how they change in meaning (to me) over time. I still found this to be such a sad story but found myself wondering more and more if they would ever have made it long term... I mean who truly believes love means never having to say you're sorry? I think love means being willing to say sorry more often!

7. The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs-- I really enjoyed this book so much! I had no idea it was partly a historical fiction novel about WWII so that made it all the better. Tess learns that she has a grandfather and a sister she has never known about. Her grandfather is in the hospital on life support when his executor comes to find her and let her know that she is supposed to he inheriting 1/2 the family estate upon his passing... only trouble is the estate is being foreclosed on by the bank. Traveling to the orchard to meet the family, Tess uncovers secrets about her grandfather's past. Tess begins digging around at the orchard and finds that her grandfather once was in possession of a priceless heirloom. She knows it she can find it she can save the orchard. This might have been one of my favorite books and all the recipes sprinkled throughout didn't hurt.