It’s time for another mid month glimpse into my reading life! Anne Bogel, over on Modern Mrs Darcy (one of my favorite sources for book recommendations), hosts a Quick Lit Link Up every month on the 15th, where fellow readers and bloggers can share quick reviews of what they’re reading lately.
My reading life is off to a decent start for the month of September with all things considered. I started a long recommended mystery series that did not disappoint. If only the library holds lists weren’t so long for the next books. At least that ensures I pace myself.
When I find life a little too stressful to focus on reading, I turn to comic books and graphic novels. I’m also looking forward to including more romance novels in my TBR stack. I rediscovered the genre last month with The Bromance Book Club, a delightful romantic comedy by Lyssa Kay Adams. I can use the comfort found in happy endings right now.
What I’ve Been Reading Lately in September:
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Vol. 2: Cosmic Cooties written by Amy Reeder
I read Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Vol 1: BFF at the end of last month and fell in love with this comic series by Amy Reeder. The next in the series, Volume 2: Cosmic Cooties, did not disappoint.
It was fun to continue following Lunella’s adventures as she navigates her inhuman transformation, encounters other Marvel superheros, deals with a boy from far away’s interest, and tries to cooperate with fellow students to win an engineering competition.
If she can keep it together there’s a bright future ahead for this fierce 9-year-old genius and her big prehistoric sidekick. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Still Life by Louise Penny
The Chief Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny has been recommended on every bookish source I trust. And for good reason! I loved this first mystery of the series, Still Life, so much I didn’t want it to end.
I’m a sucker for a small quirky town and Three Pines with its fun cast of villagers is just that. The team of investigators were equally intriguing and interesting. Still Life also takes place in fall, my favorite season, and the atmosphere of crisp weather and changing leaves is present through the whole story.
The mystery unfolded slowly but was a strong one. It kept me guessing until the end and because I was so interested in getting to know the characters, I didn’t mind the slow unravel. I’m excited to revisit this world as soon as my library hold on the next one comes through.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
When I decided to turn to romance novels for some guaranteed happy endings, The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang was an easy first pick. This book has been recommended everywhere as one of the best romances since it came out in 2018.
After completing it, I can see why! This book was steamy, hilarious, raw, and so sweet. The Kiss Quotient follows Stella Lane, a successful math genius who struggles with intimate relationships due to her Asperger’s. She comes to the conclusion that she needs to practice and who better to give her sex lessons than a professional. So she hires Michael, a sexy and patient escort.
I loved this gender switch version of the classic Pretty Woman. I’m guessing this will be one of my top reads of the year. I have Helen Hoang’s second book, The Bride Test, sitting on my Libby shelf now and I can’t wait to dig in!
Surfside Girls: The Secret of Danger Point by Kim Dwinell
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I checked Surfside Girls: The Secret of Danger Point by Kim Dwinell out from the library. The cover was what got me. It looked like a fun breezy summer read about two best friends who enjoy surfing.
It was all with a side of mystery and paranormal elements thrown in. This graphic novel follows Samantha and Jade as they navigate first crushes, summer surfing, and discover a secret underwater cave. When Sam finds out the cave leads to Danger Point, recently under construction for a new resort, she begins to see ghosts. Jade decides to trust Sam’s visions and helps her unravel the mystery surrounding Danger Point.
This was a cute story that I enjoyed reading for an easy hour or so before bed when I just needed a comforting escape. I loved the art especially the scenes out in the ocean and underwater.
The Calhouns: Catherine & Amanda by Nora Roberts
A couple of months ago, my mom passed this series along to me. It is set in Bar Harbor, Maine, a town that’s close to my heart after I lived and worked there for a few tourist seasons. Nora Roberts was one of the first romance writers I ever read and I picked up this collection of the first two stories looking for a light read in a familiar setting.
The four Calhoun sisters grew up on Mount Desert Island and still live in the old mansion that their great grandfather built 90 years ago. The family estate has fallen into disrepair over the years and it’s getting more financially difficult for them to hold onto it.
The first story, Courting Catherine, introduces C.C., the youngest Calhoun sister, a beautiful though tomboyish mechanic and Trenton St. James III, a hotel magnate interested in purchasing the family estate. They clash from the beginning when his car breaks down on his way into town but that soon changes to sparks flying. The instalove in this story didn’t work for me and C.C.’s innocence seemed dated but I enjoyed the sisters interactions, the setting, and the mysterious legend surrounding the Calhouns enough to continue with the second book, A Man for Amanda, my current read.
What are you reading? What genres do you turn to for comfort reads? Let me know in the comments below.
