I read one book in April. I have been missing reading lately. I love listening to a book, but I need to take more time to actually read books. It feels good.
Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer
This book was fantastic. I listened to it on my new library audiobook app. (Hoopla).
It had me interested from the start until the end. I really enjoyed it. If I had it in book form, I’d definitely give it another read.
It was good. It was also sad, and at times it was hard to read because of the reality of the situation.
It was about two sisters who were living extremely different lives. One was pregnant and a drug user, and the other was a doctor, and she worked hard for everything she had.
I read the reviews on Goodreads and was surprised how many people disliked the doctor’s fiance. I thought he was wonderful. I enjoy books with strong and supportive men. I think it’s important, and I thought he was a very important character in the novel. Not as important as the sisters or their mother.
I don’t want to say much more about it because I’m all about the no spoilers, but it’s a family drama, and it’s very good. I may have to read it again someday.
After Anna by Alex Lake
This was the first book I have read in a while. I mean actual book I’ve picked up and finished. I started it yesterday, and had trouble putting it down. I binge read (when I wasn’t being a Mom). I have to say, binge reading feels a lot better than binge watching Netflix.
As for the book, I enjoyed it. I found parts of it infuriating, but that wasn’t the writing as much as parts of the story were ringing true in the day of mom shaming on social media.
The book starts with the main character off to pick up her five-year old daughter. A meeting ran late, and she wasn’t able to warn the school she’d be late because her phone was dead. Her daughter was gone when she arrived. In time, the public blames her because she was late to pick up her daughter. So many more things happen, including the return of her daughter – this isn’t a spoiler – it’s in the write-up on the back. I just hate Mom Shaming, and I hate the people who can’t for a second imagine themselves in the same situation. However, it happens more and more.
I also guessed what happened before the ending. It was the only thing that made sense to me. I was right, but I’m usually okay with guessing an ending.
I will read this one again, but I’ll wait for a while until I’m less angry about the horrid way the public (and family) treated a mom who had a missing daughter.
Those Girls by Chevy Stevens
This book was good. It was well written. I cared about the characters.
Also, it was heart breaking. It was absolutely horrific. I just wanted the nightmare to end.
I won’t read it again. I am glad I did read it, but it’s not one of those books that I would choose to read over again. It will never be in my favourite books section.
It’s about three sisters who run away from a horrible home life, only to run into an even worse situation, only to get into the same horrible situation years later.
I think that about sums it up without spoilers.
It’s hard to read. I’d recommend it to anybody who is okay with reading a book that hurts your insides a little.
Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn as a New Mom by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
I listened to this on Hoopla.
She was funny, but I think I may have read too many of the not perfect mom books. I get it. I embrace not being perfect, but for a woman who doesn’t like being judged for her non perfect moments, she sure spends a lot of time judging those mothers that are trying to be wonderful mothers in their own ways. No matter what path you choose in motherhood, you’re going to need some support. Not judgement.
I guess I’ve read better ones, but I did laugh a few times.
That’s it for April and May.
Happy Reading.
©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.
Writing Momma Life 