Christine Kelly Reads and Writes

I had. a good reading month. I read wonderful books and felt like I read a lot.

I read two Abby Jimenez books. The first was PART OF YOUR WORLD, and the second was YOURS TRULY. I enjoyed both. Abby’s writing is approachable and she does a good job of discussion topics that are reflective of the real work (YOURS TRULY had great anxiety rep, I felt seen.).

I read Ashley Winstead’s THE BOYFRIEND CANDIDATE. I really enjoyed this one. It touches on politics in the sense that the candidate if obviously liberal, but it doesn’t force feed you an agenda (maybe I just say that because I am liberal). I felt the chemistry between the two love interests in this one.

I read MEET ME AT THE LAKE by Carley Fortune. Carley has a distinct writing style that I think appeals to many readers. This story tackled a lot of grief while keeping it romantic. It is a good summer read.

Ok, now for my three favorite reads of the month:

1. SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER by Annabel Monaghan gave me so much nostalgia. Her metaphors were emotionally provoking and I really liked her characters. This one will be a re-read for craft for sure.
2. MRS. NASH’S ASHES by Sarah Adler was such a delight to read. It was funny ( I lol’d multiple times) and I really enjoyed the characters. There was so much tension and the grumpy cinnamon roll had Hollis moving into a top Book Boyfriend spot.
3. LOVE, THEORETICALLY, by Ali Hazelwood had me angsty. I loved it. The MC’s journey with people pleasing hit home for me. And I love, love Ali’s voice. While this one was more heavy on the science, I still felt deeply connected. I’m also really happy friends in high school named their band Syzygy so I knew how to pronounce it in her book.

Hope you all had a great reading month as well! I am already off to a good start in July. I read (in one night) THE SEVEN YEAR SLIP by Ashley Poston. Highly recommend (though TW, there is suicide in it).

Now I’m off to keep working on my edits for DANIELLE’S NINE DATES FROM HELL. If anyone has recommendations on their favorite books for setting and interiority, please send them my way!