Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was charmed by Lillian Boxfish. I couldn't put the book down. One of the best books I've read in a while.

Lillian begins her walk in New York at age 85 on New Year's Eve of 1984. She guides readers through the streets of New York, a city I'm not familiar with. The setting may appeal more to readers who have been to, or lived in, New York. On her walk she reflects on her life.

Lillian is sharp, witty, and brave. A memorable character. A history of New York and Lillian wrapped up in one good book.

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The Guineveres by Sarah Domet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked this book up only for the title (my daughter is also named Guinevere) and knew almost nothing about the plot of this book. Luckily this worked out for me and the book was good!

Four girls named Guinevere wind up at the same convent. They each go by a different nickname - Vere, Gwen, Ginny, and Win - so there is no confusion for the reader. Each girl has experienced some loss that has caused her to arrive at the convent, and each of their stories are eventually revealed. These four isolate themselves from the other boarders, depending only on each other for friendship. The girls eventually meet four unidentified, unconscious soldiers who are brought to the convent for care and the Guineveres each become obsessed with one of them.

I thought of this story as slow at times, but that's not quite right. It lacked a lot of the edge-of-your-seat action I love in books but that wasn't needed for this story. It was really hard to put down regardless. These girls are just that - girls. A lot of their choices reflect their youth and naivety. Vere, the narrator, reflects on their childhood while also filling in the reader on how the Guineveres see their actions and choices through their adult lives. The four girls are also victims of circumstance and readers will see these girls make the best of a tough childhood.

The ending of this book was unexpected for me and probably helped me change this from a 3.5 to 4 star rating. One of the parts I like most about this book was the historical time period. The time period is never revealed but there are enough hints that readers should be able to figure it out.

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The Saturday Evening Girls Club: A Novel by Jane Healey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a sweet book about four young women who are best friends. They are each unique, but have come together through the Saturday Evening Girls Club. The club is sponsored by a wealthy woman who is able to encourage these girls and offer them opportunities that would otherwise be hard to come by for immigrants in the early 1900s.

Caprice is ambitious. Ada is brilliant. Maria is the beauty, and Thea is the shy and obedient one. Two of the girls are Catholic and two of the girls are Jewish. Throughout the book each of these girls are given a variety of conflicts that stem from their family life and the restrictive world they live in. They hope for careers and families of their own, and they all go about getting what they want in different ways.

The book was predictable at times, but it was still a fun, quick read. There were Jewish proverbs given at the start of each chapter that were a lot of fun to read through. I really like the time period and cultural backgrounds of these first generation American women.

This book was the July 2017 adult book for the Once Upon A Book Club box. If you haven't checked it out make sure you go here! I received 5 gifts with this book. Once Upon A Book Club really brings the story alive and enhances the reading experience.

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A Strange Companion by Lisa Manterfield
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kat is a student at university but she doesn't get back home much. Her boyfriend, Gabe, died unexpectedly nearly two years ago so it's hard for her to go back and face all of the memories that come from being where the two of them shared their lives together. When her brother brings home his adopted daughter Kat finds herself back home for a few weeks. The strange thing is she feels a connection to her new niece, Mai, and thinks she could be Gabe reincarnated.

Yes, I said reincarnated but don't give up yet!

This is a story of a young girl learning to handle her grief rather than a paranormal adventure story. Readers who have lost anyone in their lives should find some comfort in Kat's story. There's more than one way to handle the death of a loved one and Lisa Manterfield shows that it's not always going to be graceful.

I enjoyed the characters in this story. Kat's family were interesting and added depth to this story. I may have teared up a time or two, but this won't be a book to sob over.

My reading of this book was really enhanced by Once Upon A Book Club. If you've never heard of them be sure to check them out here. They include gifts (but don't open them until the correct page number!) that really make the story come to life. It's such a cool, unique reading experience and I recommend you give it a whirl!

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My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chick lit is not always my first choice, but I always (nearly always) get such enjoyment out of Sophie Kinsella's books. This was a really fun book to read.

Each of her characters are goofy, big-hearted, and easy to root for. In this book Katie Brenner has left the country and moved to London. She's got a glamorous life and works in branding. Well - she wants a glamorous life anyway. What she's got is a really long commute, a tiny apartment, and a tight budget. Still, she has a positive attitude as things at work begin to go a little off course.

Kinsella's writing had me laughing out loud. Katie finds herself in more than one Lucy and Ethel type of moment. This is a great book if you're looking for something light and fun. A perfect book to take to the beach this summer!

What's your favorite Sophie Kinsella book? Comment below!

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I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. I knew I'd get hooked as soon as I read the first line.

I found the perfect wife for my husband.

It turns out that Maddy has died, and she is now able to watch over her husband, Brady, and teenage daughter, Eve, who are grief-stricken after her sudden death and unexplained suicide. The point of view switches among each of the family members, and readers will watch each person deal with death in their own way.

The characters are all ones to root for. The different perspectives made me believe the author is quite empathetic. Eve is full of anger and guilt. Brady is starting to realize that he was an absent husband and father. Maddy is searching for a replacement wife and mother for her family. There's a little mystery in these pages, as well as an unpredictable and fitting ending.

Since Maddy's point of view is "from beyond" I worried about this being cheesy or too unbelievable. It wasn't. It'd be a great book for anyone needing a little help coping with their grief. This was a debut novel, and I'm excited to read more by this author in the future.

What did you think of this book? Add your comment below!

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