January Books

So I'm off to a great start for my 2016 Goodreads Book Challenge.  I have already read 4 books in January, and I'm 2 books ahead of schedule.  My goal this year is to read 40 books since I read 36 last year!

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved this book! I listened to Landline on Audible. The narrator was the same as my first Rainbow Rowell book, FanGirl. At first, I had a little trouble adjusting to her as Georgie and not Cath, but I quickly got over that!

I really enjoyed how the story moved between Georgie's past and present. When she first used the landline to call her husband, I was so confused. I actually rewound the book because I was sure that I had missed something. I was annoyed at first, but then I kind of liked that I was just as confused as Georgie was.

This book had me hooked and kept me wanting to know what would happen and how things would work out! So glad I gave it a listen!


Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don't even think I can say how much I am loving this series. Drums of Autumn has so many ups and downs in the lives of Jamie, Claire, and now adding more focus on Brianna and Roger. I cannot wait to continue reading more!



The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read this book very quickly. I don't know that it lived up to all of the hype that it received, but I definitely enjoyed the book!

I liked that the story was told from three points of view: Rachel, Megan, and Anna. Even though the story definitely focused on Rachel, I believe that the other two women are essential to developing the story. I had a lot of sympathy for Rachel and her broken heart and struggle with alcohol addiction. It struck me how she had difficulty with her credibility due to her drinking and blackouts.

I can truly say that I didn't find this story predictable, and as the end unfolded, I was actually coming to realizations right along with Rachel.

Definitely a good read!


The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn by Robin Maxwell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have been obsessed with the Tudor court since I read "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Philippa Gregory. Since then, I've not only devoured ALL of her other books on the subject but also those on the Cousins' War.

With that being said, I am always looking for more historical fiction on this topic and am willing to give any author a chance! "The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn" did not disappoint. I love making connections between other speculation I've read about this time period. The story shares Anne's thoughts from a perspective that I haven't experienced before, and I enjoyed the connections it made with Queen Elizabeth I during her reign.

I wasn't thrilled with the voice of the narrator on this Audible listen or I might have given this 5 stars.



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