Wrap Up| October 2021

Yesterday we talked about the books we added to our shelves in October, so today it’s time to talk about the books we read. What did we read? Did we have a good reading month? Any new favorites? Keep on reading our October wrap up to find out!

Candyce

October wasn’t a bad reading month for me at all. I had three weeks off of work, so that gave me a lot of extra reading time. In October I read a total of 22 books (7 paperbacks, 5 ARCs, 3 e-books, 3 audiobooks, 2 hardcovers, and 1 graphic novel). With an average of 4 stars I’d say this month was a winner!

Truly Devious & The Vanishing Stair & The Hand on the Wall – Maureen Johnson

I read Truly Devious a couple of years ago and have been wanting to continue since then. I finally did a re-read of the first book and dived right into The Vanishing Stair. Why did it take me so long to read these?!? There are so many twists and turns. I loved it so much I managed to finish three of the books in this series. I’ll be reading the fourth book next month, but from what I understand that’s separate from the first three.

Winterhouse – Ben Guterson

As you know if you’ve been following the blog I love middle grade books. I started Winterhouse earlier this year and had enjoyed what I read so far. When I finally sat down to read it this month I was done in one sitting. The setting, the characters, and the mystery was a lot of fun. I hope to read the sequel soon.

The Good Girls – Claire Eliza Bartlett

The Good Girls is a thriller I’ve been excited about and I have to say it kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I knew who was behind everything something happened to change my mind. I didn’t completely figure it out until near the end. This was a good thriller, but it wasn’t my favorite.

Bad Blood – Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Another book that’s taken me way TOO long to read!! Bad Blood is the last book in The Naturals series and I loved every book. This is a series that deserves way more attention than it gets. I have to say this ended up getting a lot darker than I expected.

Always Never Yours – Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

This author duo is one I’ve wanted to try for quite some time. I received Always Never Yours for Christmas last year and finally made time for it. Can you imagine everyone you date finding their one true love after you break up? This definitely results in some funny situations, but Always Never Yours also deals with more serious subjects. I’ll be reading more books by these authors.

Seance Tea Party – Reimena Yee

I got Seance Tea Party quite some time ago, but I’ve been saving it for near Halloween. I really loved the illustrations. This story is full of family, friendship, growing up, change, and moving on.

Under the Whispering Door – TJ Klune

After loving The House in the Cerulean Sea this became one of my most anticipated releases of 2021. Under the Whispering Door turned out to be everything I was hoping. There isn’t much action, because this book is more character driven. I won’t lie though this book hurt, haha. TJ Klune has definitely become an autobuy author.

Better Than the Movies – Lynn Painter

So I may have just read Better Than the Movies in May, but I loved it so much I wanted a re-read. So this month I decided to give the audiobook a go. It was really good and I know I’ll be revisiting this one again in the future.

Rock Paper Scissors – Alice Feeney

I’ve been reading more thrillers lately and trying out different authors. I’m in a book club that reads one every month and Rock Paper Scissors was October’s pick. I’ve realized I love audiobooks when reading thrillers and this one kept me on my toes. The beginning was a little slow, but the twists and turns really blew my mind.

Hide and Don’t Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories- Anica Mrose Rossi

I’m a big wimp when it comes to scary stories, so I stick to middle grade. Hide and Don’t Seek is an anthology filled with stories. Some were more fun than others, but I definitely suggest the audiobook.

Malamander – Thomas Taylor

Malamander was also a book I started a few months ago, but finally finished. I loved the tale and characters. The mystery was fun and it ended up being pretty heartwarming.

The Matzah Ball – Jean Meltzer

I’m a reader that loves anything Christmas, but anything holiday-ish has my attention. The Matzah Ball is focused on Hanukkah and I really enjoyed it. The book was a bit fast and things may have gone a bit too simple, but it was fun.

The Magic of Christmas Tree Farm – Erin Green

After reading this book I want to work at a Christmas Tree farm. This book is three stories in one and focuses on three main characters. I loved reading this and it was so heartwarming, but there was one character I didn’t care for unfortunately. I want to read more by this author.

The Ex Hex – Erin Sterling

So I didn’t end up reading as many spooky books as expected, but I read a lot of contemporary. I couldn’t resist reading The Ex Hex. The cover really reminded me of the older show Bewitched. The Ex Hex was a cute story and a fast read, but it left me wanting a bit more? I feel like the author tried to balance the magic and the romance aspects of the story leaving me wanting more of both. All in all, I still thought it was a fun read.

Fable – Adrienne Young

Adrienne Young is an author I’ve wanted to read something by for quite some time. Fable is my first book and I really enjoyed this adventure. It’s quite magical with an interesting cast of characters. I’ll be reading the sequel very soon!

The Girls Are Never Gone – Sarah Glenn Marsh

Horror isn’t my normal go to genre, but I wanted to give The Girls Are Never Gone a try. This was the perfect spooky read for this time a year. The only thing missing for me was more of the podcast mentioned. Other than that I highly enjoyed this one.

Crossed by the Stars – LJ Evans

LJ Evans is one of my favorite authors and she did it again with these two characters. Crossed by the Stars hooked me from the start and was the perfect balance of romance and suspense. I’m always sad when I read the last page of her books.

The Secret Garden on 81st Street – Ivy Noelle Weir

I’ve honestly never read The Secret Garden, but I was curious about this middle grade graphic novel. The illustrations are bright and colorful. This story deals with grief and anxiety in a great way for this age group. All in all, a beautiful story.

A Curse of Nightshade – Amber Lynn Natusch

Amber Lynn Natusch is an author I’ve read a few books by and I loved what I read. Her newest series is off to a start with A Curse of Nightshade that was a lot of fun! Feisty witches and a sarcastic demon. I’m anxiously awaiting the sequel.

Summary:
Favorite Book:
Under the Whispering Door
Least Favorite:
Hide and Don’t Seek (even though it wasn’t bad)
Most Surprising:
A Curse of Nightshade

 

Isabelle

I finally finished some books this month! So while it isn’t my best reading month of the year I am very happy. I ended up reading three books, one was an eARC and two were books I bought this year.

The 22 Murders of Madison May – Max Berry

I really enjoyed this eARC and already shared my review of it. It wasn’t my usual genre/age range per se but one I enjoy nevertheless. I will definitely keep my eye out for Max’s new book and will pick it up if it sounds interesting.

Ace of Spades – Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

This was such a good book! I loved every second of it and flew through the book. It had been a while since I’ve read a book this quickly and it was such a good feeling. This book definitely had me craving to read every free second of my day.

The Love Hypothesis  – Laura Steven

Another one I read super quickly! This was cute and fun and quick and just everything I want from a Laura Steven book. I can’t wait to read the other Laura Steven book I still have because you just know it will be super funny.

Summary:
Favorite Book:
The Love Hypothesis
Least Favorite:
The 22 Murders of Madison May (still 4 stars!!)
Most Surprising: 
Ace of Spades

 

So that’s what we read in October. Have you read any of the same books as us? Let us know in the comments what you thought! Also, what was your favorite October read? We’re always looking for recommendations (even if we have a never ending TBR).

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