Cozy Minimalist Home by Myquillyn Smith
Rating: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
Smith walks her readers through a concept she calls cozy minimalism. She wanted a life with less stuff but didn’t want the stereotypical home of a minimalist with white walls, gray furniture, and few possessions. The answer to Smith’s problem is cozy minimalism which allows for a warm, welcoming home made up of well-curated and thoughtful belongings.
WHAT WAS GOOD ABOUT THIS BOOK?
Smith’s approach makes a lot of sense to someone like me who’s intrigued by minimalism, but concerned about losing character and uniqueness at home. I appreciate how Smith shows before and after images from her own house, letting readers see what cozy minimalism actually looks like.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
Anyone who feels burdened by their stuff, but still appreciates a cute throw pillow will like this one.
Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending Up with More
by Erin Boyle
Rating: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
Boyle tells readers about her own journey toward a simple life and encourages them in their efforts to declutter, spend wiser, and create a home with beauty and sustainability.
WHAT WAS GOOD ABOUT THIS BOOK?
This book is a pleasure to read. There’s a lot of white space on each page which lets the beautiful images of Boyle’s home really stand out. I also like that Boyle addresses making better environmental choices while making purchases. That’s something I don’t think about often enough.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
Fans of Boyle’s blog, Reading My Tea Leaves, will love this one. People looking for inspiration about embracing a more mindful life and minimal home will appreciate this too.
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
Rating: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
Nine people embark on a visit to a health resort called Tranquillum House. Some are there to lose weight, others to help heal their marriage, and some to deal with grief. Though the story is told through the eyes of all nine main characters, the primary character is Frances, a romance writer whose career seems dead.
At first, Frances embraces the healthy smoothies and midnight activities, but things start to get weird quickly, thanks to the resort’s mysterious leader. Soon, all nine guests are brought together in a way they never expected.
WHAT WAS GOOD ABOUT THIS BOOK?
The thing that makes me enjoy Liane Moriarty’s books so much is her characterization. There are few things I like more in fiction than a well-rounded character. Characters don’t have to be likable, relatable, or sympathetic, but I do want them to seem real.
Frances’s disappointment and frustration seem real. Napoleon, Heather, and Zoe’s grieving seem real. Ben and Jessica’s marriage struggles seem real. A lot is happening in this story, but Moriarty always makes it about her characters and their growth.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
Moriarty’s fans will probably like this one, though I can see it being more divisive than her previous work. Readers who enjoy a well-paced story with dynamic characters will enjoy their trip to Tranquillum House too.
THE LIES WE TOLD BY CAMILLA WAY
RATING: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
Clara is living a happy life with her boyfriend Luke. One night Luke doesn’t come home, and Clara starts to worry. She has a feeling something’s wrong, so she contacts Luke’s best friend Mac and Luke’s parents to help her find him.
As the search for Luke continues, secrets from the past are finally revealed, and the repercussions of those secrets will haunt Luke and his family forever.
WHAT WAS GOOD ABOUT THIS BOOK?
This book is everything I want a thriller to be. It’s fast-paced, has surprises all throughout, and goes much darker than I expected, which I loved. I’d heard nothing but praise about this book before I picked it up, and I can say that it’s deserving.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
Thriller and mystery fans will be fully engrossed in this story.
One Day in December by Josie Silver
Rating: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
Laurie is riding the bus and looks out the window. She locks eyes with a man sitting on a bench outside. She feels an instant connection and he does too. The man, Jack, gets up and starts walking toward the bus but it drives away.
After a year spent thinking about and longing for this man she met but not really, Laurie’s best friend Sarah introduces her new boyfriend who just so happens to be Jack.
One Day in December follows Laurie, Jack, and Sarah over several years of their lives as they intersect in interesting ways.
WHAT WAS GOOD ABOUT THIS BOOK?
This book easily could have been a cheesy, predictable story about a love triangle, but it’s not. For one thing, Josie Silver is funny, and I love finding funny fiction writing. Another thing I liked about this book is that the characters are flawed, but they see this in themselves and are working to become better people. I never ever read romance, so I was surprised by how much I loved this book.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
Romance readers will enjoy this one, but I think non-romance readers might too. If you want a lighthearted, sweet, and seasonal read, One Day in December is a great option.
Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood
Rating: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
Priestdaddy is a memoir about Patricia Lockwood’s life with a zany Catholic priest for a father. She and her husband are forced to move back home with her parents for a while, so she explores her family as an adult and reflects on her childhood and her relationship toward Catholicism.
WHAT WAS GOOD ABOUT THIS BOOK?
Lockwood made me laugh out loud, which rarely happens when I’m reading. She’s a poet, so her writing is lovely whether she’s talking about something funny or serious.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
People who are interested in religion and don’t mind poking fun at it’s weirder aspects will probably enjoy this most. And if you’re like me and are continually searching for well-written and funny books, make sure to give this a chance.
Have you read any of these books? What books did you finish in November?
Andrea Is Reading 
Lovely wrap up! I’m not a big romance reader either, but One Day in December sounds like a wonderful holiday read.
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It was delightful.
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Ooh, I really like the sound of Cozy Minimalism! That sounds like my dream home!
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The photos in the book are truly lovely.
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