Christine Kelly Reads and Writes

I know all three of you who read this are waiting for my overdue reading post. Good news! Here it is!

I want to start by saying that I moved in early March, which made for an opportunity to pack while listening to audio books. But then we ended up with COVID, which gave me more time to read.

Now that we are settled in and finding a routine, my reading time is much more limited. I now have my youngest full time and my oldest goes to two different schools. It makes for busy days and tired nights. And while I used to be able to write and beta-read during the day, that is now left for the night time, when I’m already exhausted. Here’s to hoping I can find time to do what I love best- writing and reading.

February 2023 Reads

I read 6 of the books in the Zodiac Academy series. It is essentially Harry Potter fanfic. I have a lot of *feelings* about these books that I am going to keep to myself. But know that the relationships are toxic, but the need to know what comes next kept me turning pages.

I read Built to Last by Erin Hahn. She’s a Michigan author which endears me to the story, especially since it takes place in Michigan. While I’ve since moved away from the state, it will always be my home and if your book is set in Michigan, there is a good chance I’ll fall in love (HELLO BEACH READ!). But Built to Last is about two previously famous people that fix up a house and break open their baggage. It was sweet and a lovely read.

The next book I read was Nora Goes off Script by Annabel Monaghan. I had been holding out on reading it because I was feeling down about shelving my celebrity x normal person dating story. I knew this would end up feeling like a good comp (which it did). I didn’t feel like the romance was the main focus in this story though (not a bad thing, just wanted to point this out). This leaned more towards the focus on the main characters recovery and character arc. Overall I really enjoyed it and I am very much looking forward to reading Annabel’s next book!

I listened to Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon. And ya’ll. Russel is my forever book boyfriend. And the sex scenes. THE SEX SCENES. It took me a while to get really into it, but once I was, I was sweating while listening. It’s a miracle I didn’t break any dishes while packing.

I also listened to Kit McBride Gets a Wife by Amy Barry. Eva Kaminsky may be one of my new favorite narrators. The wide cast of characters and different accents required a lot of talent and she delivered! This story was endearing and I enjoyed how it included just as much of Kit McBride and his future bride, Maddy Mooney. But it also included his sister, Junebug. I hadn’t read a western romance and I’m glad I did!

March 2023 Reads

In March I started off by reading In A Jam by Kate Canterbary. This book was a really fun read. I enjoyed that both MCs were open about not necessarily wanting kids, which is a refreshing take on how so many of these stories end up. And even more special since they essentially have an adopted daughter through Noah’s niece.

I read The Layover by Lacie Waldon because I had LOVED From The Jump, also by Lacie. This book was very entertaining and a great way to escape when I was delirious from COVID.

I read On Rotation by Shirlene Obuobi next. I loved the focus on the balance of a medical school, family, friends, and love. I think that this relationship was a bit of a rollercoaster, but we’ve all (likely) experienced something like that from time to time. This is a book that I recommend reading as a l “fun” read while also getting to learn about different perspectives (Ghana heritage and a Black woman in the medical field). That’s why reading is so important to me. I can learn while also having fun.

Next I read Defy the Nigh by Brigid Kemmerer. This is a Robin Hood re-telling and I loved it. The twists in the beginning. THE TEARS in the beginning. The character redemption arc. I MEAN… so good.

The last read for this two month span was Bend Toward the Sun by Jen Devon. I am planning on working on a vineyard WIP (it’s really hard to get the characters nailed down right now), so I was hoping to use this as a comp. We shall see as my WIP continues to take shape, but this book is well loved by many writing friends on Twitter!

Happy Reading to you all!