Code Name Hélène

Book 8 in 2021.

“Code Name Hélèn” by Ariel Lawhon.

I could not put this down. Few things about it that makes it soar.

My all time favorite genre WWII historical fiction.

A hardcore female spy in the resistance.

Had the most amazing love story intertwined.

Ugh. This book. Now I have mentioned before, I do not read too much about what a book is about before I start it. Basically look at the title. I had no idea this was based on an actual person. This is a fictional account of the real Nancy Wake. I kept wondering is this a true story? Ariel Lawhon nailed the balance of fiction and nonfiction. I feel like sometimes you can tell when it is based on a true story, because there will be parts that have a little bit too much information on a certain section. Not this book. So good. Tough read, I mean, it has to be, war is ugly. Overall afterthought, loved it.

American Dirt

Book 7 in 2021.

“American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins

I did not know this was a controversial book when I picked it up. I think I just saw it on some Pinterest pin of “books to read”. I have mentioned before that I don’t really read what a book is about before I read it. Weird? Probably. I also am not a fan of Oprah’s book choices. They are always sad. Apparently I am on a roll of sad stories. Yet, I finished it.

Fleeing for your life because the cartel just murdered sixteen members of your family. You have to make it out of Mexico somewhere where they can’t find you. Head to American dirt. Can I just leave it right there? Overall afterthought, heavy, I mean HEAVY.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

Book 6 in 2021.

“Before the coffee gets cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.

I randomly chose this book while I was looking for an audiobook. I like to listen to audiobooks while I cook, clean, and fold the endless mounds of clothing. So probably a third of the books I “read” are listened to. Is that cheating? I guess, maybe, I don’t think so. I could choose music, podcast, or a book. I mostly choose books. I will still write about them because they are stories that have been written, I have just chosen to listen to them.

This book was translated from Japanese to English. I enjoy reading different authors from different countries. It can open your mind to new places without actually going there. Love that.

There is a coffee house where you can travel back in time. People come from all over to try. There are rules though. You must sit in a specific seat. You cannot leave the seat when you travel in time. You will receive a cup of coffee when you get there. You can only meet with someone who has been to the coffee house. Whatever happens while you are there will not affect the present. You can only stay in the past before the coffee gets cold.

This was for sure the saddest story I have read in a crazy long time. Tears just leaked out of my eyes. I could not stop them. So much heartache. Whew. I get it though. The past would draw you back to correct regret. Simple everyday conversations that you wish you could change. Overall afterthought, so sad.

Winter Street Series

Books 3, 4 and 5 in 2021

“Winter Street”, “Winter Stroll” and “Winter Storms” by Elin Hilderbrand.

There is one more book in this series, “Winter Solstice” . I don’t think I am going to read it though. I needed these books to end where they did. And I don’t want to know what happens. Ha! I guess that is a bonus of reading a series. You can decide where to end. However, you should definitely always start at the first book! It just makes sense? Right?

The Winter Street Series follows the Quinn family who live on Nantucket Island. Whew, talk about family drama. It was almost like watching a soap opera. The never ending, can you believe it, ups and downs. I actually really enjoyed it. Without too many spoilers, I felt like the story was going to take a turn I didn’t want to take. So I happily ended on book three. Overall afterthought, team Quinn.

Things in Jars

Book 2 in 2021.

“Things in Jars” by Jess Kidd.

Someone recommended this book to me in the summer. It took me a while to get to it. I had no idea what it was about. I actually don’t like to read too much about a book before I read it. I hate spoilers. I find myself quitting a lot of books because the cover deceived me into some weirdy story that I would never read. I almost did not finish this. Jess Kidd has a definite unique style of writing. Once I found the rhythm of it, I pressed on.

This story was pretty dark. A female, hardcore detective, Bridie Devine from the 1800’s. Who is always high on some concoction she smokes in her pipe. She is fearless and not afraid to find the truth. Murders, mysteries and kidnappings are her expertise.

I actually really, really enjoyed this story and could not put it down. Which is so funny, because I have not been wanting dark and deep. It was just intriguing , impressive story telling. If you can swing the heaviness, go for it. Overall afterthought, so good.

Love Your Life

Book 1 in 2021.

“Love Your Life” by Sofie Kinsella.