It's Monday, What Are You Reading (149)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

The past two weeks have been really productive reading-wise. I actually read two books from start to finish in one day which usually doesn't happen unless I am doing a read-a-thon. Now I just need to get caught up on all the reviews!

Books reviewed:

On Sal Mal Lane by Ru Freeman
The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley

Books read:

Time Flies by Claire Cook

I liked the friendship between Melanie and B.J., the way they tried to help each other overcome their fears, and their adventures on the way to their high school class reunion. There was one thing that annoyed me and kept me from fully enjoying the book and it had to do with a potential love interest.

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

On a whim I decided to pick up some Christian fiction since I haven't read it in awhile. I had read a starred review of the author's new book but since it wasn't available to check out, I got this one instead. Kind of reminded me of a cross between a Hallmark movie and the Christian fiction version of a Sarah Addison Allen type of story.

Dear Life: Stories by Alice Munro

This was a book discussion book and if it wasn't, I probably wouldn't have finished it. I usually prefer novels to short stories but I did like Alice Munro's writing style. My problem is that I would read the stories but I wouldn't remember what I read. Only a few of the stories really stood out to me. Most of the members of the group really liked this book but it wasn't my cup of tea.

45 Pounds (More or Less) by K.A. Barson

I really liked this book and I thought it had a good message. I felt so bad for Ann and what she had to put up with at home and it was great to see things change for the better by the end of the story.

The Son of Sobek by Rick Riordan

This was such a fun short story to read. I kind of hope that Carter will make an appearance in one of the Percy Jackson books in the future. I also enjoyed the sneak peek of The House of Hades. 

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan (reread)

I enjoyed the audio book but didn't care for the voice the narrator chose for Hazel. It was fun to experience this story in a different way though. 

Catch a Falling Star by Beth Vogt

I mostly liked this book though it does have some flaws. I thought it was nice to find a protagonist who is in her mid-30s for a change.

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

I did not have high expectations going into this book but I ended up loving it. I think people who like Katie McGarry's books would enjoy it too. Nastya reminded me of both Beth and Echo combined.

How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn

This was a funny book though in the end it was a little too saccharine and it had some plot weaknesses. Not as good as her Bridgerton books but I still liked it and it featured Lady Danbury who is always good for a laugh.

Currently reading:

The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan

I've only started reading this but I like the author's writing style. I thought it was interesting to see how the advertising slogan "A Diamond is Forever" came into being. I am not a huge fan of diamonds but I like the premise of this book and I've read really positive reviews of it.

What I plan to read next:

Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews