What I Read + Reviews | June 2021

Time for another reading roundup?! Gosh, summer is FLYING.

How’s your summer reading list coming along? June was a little slow for me, but I tackled a couple lengthy historical fiction reads that I wanted to take my time with and absorb every page. Reading should be an enjoyable marathon, not a sprint ya know?!

THE GLITTERING HOUR by Iona Grey

My rating and review: 4.5 stars. Okay this might be one of the most beautifully-written historical fiction novels I’ve ever read. Selina’s and Lawrence’s romance is one for the ages! I soaked up every page of this passionate, heart-wrenching story and experienced every single emotion throughout the span of the book. I giggled. I cried. Mostly, I swooned at a relationship that I wanted to work against all odds

SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE by Tia Williams

My rating and review: 4.5 stars. Yes, yes, yes to everything Eva and Shane! Wow, it has been a long time (if ever?) that I’ve devoured such a complicated romance. But, beyond their relationship together – which, let me tell you, is pretty off-the-charts – their individual journeys are what captivated me the most. With the odds so stacked against them to fail, they both found a way through. And, eventually back to each other. It’s such a powerful story of overcoming demons and learning to choose joy. And while I can’t relate, I felt like the author did justice to writing a character who experiences chronic pain. It’s presented in a relatable and real way. Oh, and Audra?! She is a HOOT. Some of her antics had me laughing out loud.

THE ROSE CODE by Kate Quinn

My rating and review: 4.5 stars. I loved the friendship between Osla, Mab and Beth – three women couldn’t be more different, but their friendship and loyalty to each other is something fierce. (Well, at least for a while). It definitely took me a while to warm up to them and get into their individual stories, but about 40% in I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. That’s partly attributed to the author’s ability to weave real-life people and locations into a fictional narrative – I was living for Osla’s romance with soon-to-be Prince Phillip. I also really enjoyed Bletchley Park as the main location and backdrop for bringing these three women and their fun group together. Bletchley kind of presented itself as a character itself, you know? It’s such a fascinating part of the war effort that I wish was discussed and written about more in historical fiction.

Currently reading: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Let’s connect on Goodreads! You also can keep up with all my reading in the archives.

Linking up for Show Us Your Books with Steph and Jana.