It feels like forever since I’ve popped on here! Feel a little bad about that. 2022 has been an interesting year so far and has lots of changes in store. I’ll be moving soon which, honestly, not sure if I’m ready for it. Also, have a family wedding soon. This brings me to my point, I’ve been doing more listening than reading. I’m still counting audiobooks in my overall reading count. For me, it has just been easier.
Without further ado, I’ll mention some books that I’ve enjoyed over the past few months.
The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel – Read
The Magic of Ordinary Days by Anne Howard Creel
Genre – Historical Fiction
Series – Stand-a-lone novel
Rating – PG for discussion of pregnancy before marriage
Age -Adult
My Thoughts – Honestly I don’t remember what lead me to put it on my list for this year?? I saw the movie a few years ago and enjoyed it, but at the time had no idea there was a book behind it. I must have seen this book somewhere on around the blogosphere.
However, I really did love this book!! The setting is beautiful, and takes place in 1944 on a Colorado farm in the fall. Olivia and Ray really drive the novel. All Olivia wants to be an archeologist visiting far off places. However, after her mother passes, Olivia falls for a Edward who is preparing for deployment. She ends up pregnant. He father arranges a marriage with a bean farmer, Ray. While there she becomes friends with two Rose & Lorelei, Japanese Americans who are in a camp. I really liked the portrayal of Ray and Reverend Cass’s faith. They both have a simple trust in the Lord and reverence for the Bible which was nice to see.
My only dislike was that Olivia got whiny and had trouble making up her mind. I almost wished the author could have alternated every other chapter with Ray.
Maid Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land
Maid by Stephanie Land
Genre – Memoir, nonfiction
Series – No
Rating – PG-13 for language and domestic violence
Age – Adult
This was one of our book club’s picks for April. Stephanie’s story is fascinating, especially since I have little knowledge regarding how people on such a low income live. Maid reminded me of the Pursuit of Happiness. Some sections irked me a bit with her whole attitude toward certain things. However, she truly worked hard to provide for her daughter. My favorite parts where her stories about the different houses she cleaned. To be honest I would not do well with all the black mold she had to clean. Her client Henry was so sweet! Most of the chapters titles are names for the different houses.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J. K. Rowling
Genre – Fantasy
Series – 3rd book in the Harry Potter series
Rating – PG for some name calling and peril
Age – YA
re
Now, this by far was my favorite of the first three. We see the characters mature a bit and get more backstory of Hogwarts before Harry. Surprised that we got a decent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Lupin was the mentor that Harry needed! He has a calmness about him. Honestly, I wasn’t sure about Sirius, however, he grew on me. It was sweet hearing his defense of James and Lily. Of the three kids, Ron is my fav! If I was someone in real life, I’d be Nevil Longbottom. 😉
Well folks, that’s all I have for now!
Have you read any of these books? What’s your take on them? Favorite characters?
It’s hard to believe that April is almost here!
Up next – I wanted something easyish so am reading Hollow City, the second in Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.
Anna