I can't believe June is over already. Only a month and a half left of Summer Break. While I didn't do anything out of this world last month, I did come out of my reading slump! 🎉🎉
Cheers to that because I was beginning to think that I wouldn't be able to finish anything I picked up. In the spirit of full disclosure, this post does contain affiliate links and I may receive a commission for purchases made using some of the links in this post. Anyways here's a look at the books I read in June.
June Reads
Chasing Grace by Sanya Richards-Ross
Summary | "Sanya shares triumphant as well as heartbreaking stories as she reveals her journey to becoming a world-class runner. From her childhood in Jamaica to Athens, Beijing and London, Olympics, readers will find themselves inspired by the unique insights she's gained through her victories and losses, including her devastating injury during the 2016 Olympic Trials forcing career retirement just weeks before Rio. Sanya demonstrates how even this devastating loss brought her closer to the ultimate goal of becoming all God created her to be."
My Thoughts | I really enjoyed Chasing Grace. Having run track in high school, it was nice seeing how our experiences on the track were similar and how they differed. I loved how open she was about her journey.
She actually dropped a major bombshell in this book about an incredibly difficult decision she made once. Reading about it really opened my eyes up to see just how much pressure female athletes are under. Also, I enjoyed reading about her dynamics with her parents and her sister.
There's this stereotype that Black families are so dysfunctional and that wasn't really the case for them. They were her number one supporters and always had her back. The support her parents gave her is the same support, I aim to give to my children.
While this book is considered a faith read, I think that it would be a good read even for people who are not religious. She's not trying to convert you but simply shares how running helped her to uncover God's grace in her own life.
She actually dropped a major bombshell in this book about an incredibly difficult decision she made once. Reading about it really opened my eyes up to see just how much pressure female athletes are under. Also, I enjoyed reading about her dynamics with her parents and her sister.
There's this stereotype that Black families are so dysfunctional and that wasn't really the case for them. They were her number one supporters and always had her back. The support her parents gave her is the same support, I aim to give to my children.
While this book is considered a faith read, I think that it would be a good read even for people who are not religious. She's not trying to convert you but simply shares how running helped her to uncover God's grace in her own life.
Favorite Quotes | "Every lesson I learned didn't just make me a better runner; each running experience molded me into a stronger person. I could finally look back and see the beauty of God's timing. And now I can look forward and trust His plan."
"Life, too, gives back what you put into it. Every day, you have the opportunity to push yourself to a higher gear or achieve a goal. Whether it's taking a full course load in college, making time to exercise, or devoting extra focus to a special project, you are propelling forward on a mission."
"People can be great obstacles to our success, but sometimes out greatest distractions are in our minds. Negative thoughts and false emotions lurk to knock us unsteadily out of the blocks. Self-doubt, a lack of self-worth, and an overeall feeling of unworthiness exist only if we give them space within. So get out of your own way."
"Life, too, gives back what you put into it. Every day, you have the opportunity to push yourself to a higher gear or achieve a goal. Whether it's taking a full course load in college, making time to exercise, or devoting extra focus to a special project, you are propelling forward on a mission."
"People can be great obstacles to our success, but sometimes out greatest distractions are in our minds. Negative thoughts and false emotions lurk to knock us unsteadily out of the blocks. Self-doubt, a lack of self-worth, and an overeall feeling of unworthiness exist only if we give them space within. So get out of your own way."
The Color Project by Sierra Abrams
Summary | "Bernice Aurora Wescott has one thing she doesn't want anyone to know: her name. That is, until Bee meets Levi, the local golden boy who runs a charity organization called The Color Project.
Levi is not at all shy about attempting to guess Bee's real name; his persistence is one of the many reasons why Bee falls for him. But while Levi is everything she never knew she needed, giving up her name would feel like a stamp on forever. And that terrifies her.
When unexpected news of an illness in the family drains Bee's summer of everything bright, she is pushed to the breaking point. Losing herself in The Color Project--a world of weddings, funerals, cancer patients, and hopeful families that they charity funds--is no longer enough. Bee must hold up the weight of her family, but to do that, she needs Levi.
She'll have to give up her name and let him in completely or lose the best thing that's ever happened to her. For fans of Stephanie Perkins and Morgan Matson, The Color Project is a story about the three great loves of life--family, friendship, and romance--and the bonds that withstand tragedy."
My Thoughts | I absolutely LOVED this book! It's my second 5-star read of the year. Bee's story is so beautiful, but also heartbreaking at the same time. I adored all of the characters.
Sierra Abrams has a way of getting you emotionally invested in Bee's story. You won't be able to help but to root for her. I can't wait until she puts out her next book. I can't wait until my kids are old enough for me to share this book with them.
Favorite Quotes | "I feel cracked, and it's like he's seen everything inside--that I'm barren and empty--and now he knows I have nothing to give him."
"He's so beautiful standing there with his heart on his sleeve. I don't want to break it, but I think I already have."
Available On: Amazon | Book Depository
Half & Half by Grey Huffington
Summary | Beyond down on her luck Heartleigh uses her last $5 to purchase a cup of coffee for a stranger who forgot his wallet. Little does she know that stranger is Levee Billion, one of the most eligible bachelors in Huffington Mills and an oil tycoon. Levee airdrops her a thank you note for the coffee and his phone number with instructions for her to call if she ever needs anything.
Well, it's not long before Heartleigh is forced to take him up that offer and the sparks fly from there.
My Thoughts | I thought was an okay read. I was definitely invested in finding out how Heartleigh's story was going to end. There is some mild drug usage in this book as Heartleigh smokes weed. Also, there was this one scene when she tells Levee that they need to be more responsible when it comes having unprotected sex because she's not on birth control and she doesn't want an unplanned pregnancy.
Instead of respecting her concern, he brushes her off pretty saying that whatever happens will be God's plan for them. Hmm, how about no, that's not going to be God's plan, but the result of you being irresponsible. I wish Heartleigh would have spoken up about using protection before they had sex because honestly, an unplanned pregnancy isn't the worst thing you can end up with if you have unprotected sex with someone you've only known for a few days.
I do think this novella could have benefited from being a little longer. It felt rushed in certain parts. Overall, I liked it and will be giving Grey Huffington another try.
Available On: Amazon
Taming the Highland Bride by Lynsay Sands
Summary | "She was ready to let her heart run wild . . . Merry Steward has had enough! Enough of her brothers, whose behavior would make even the most improper lady blush. Enough of their Highland home, which would surely have fallen to ruin were it not for her. She dreams of escaping into the arms of her betrothed, Alexander d'Aumesbery, even though they haven't yet met. But when they do, Merry is devastated. It seems he's no better than the men in her family.
From the moment he meets Merry, Alexander is determined to make her his. Desperate to convince her he's nothing like the members of her roguish clan, he will prove he is every bit the well-mannered gentleman. Yet, beneath it all beats a heart as intense and uncontrollable as hers. And finally, when his life is threatened, Merry realizes he's the husband she been waiting for . . . and their passion becomes the one thing that cannot be tamed."
My Thoughts | I loved Merry's character. She was bold, brave and not afraid to stand her ground. She's also caring and compassionate to a fault. And although I started with the second book of Lynsay Sand's Historical Highlands series, it didn't spoil much of the first book.
The mystery of who was trying to kill Alexander was good. While it is made clear who the culprit is, there was a surprising twist that kept the ending from being a disappointment.
King Flashypants and the Evil Emperor by Andy Riley
Summary | "The Guardian Edwin isn't an ordinary boy. He is a king, with a throne, and his own suit of armour and a castle with secret passages and everything. Every Friday, King Edwin spends all his money on chocolate for the peasants. But when the money runs out, Edwin finds himself in a fix.
Cue the arrival of evil Emperor Nurbison, in his pointy-collared black cloak and accompanied by scary striding music. He has had his eye on Edwin's kingdom for a while and intends to use the peasants' unhappiness to his advantage! When the emperor builds a fake dragon out of a cow, gree crepe paper, fury monster novelty slippers and two birthday cake candles, to scare the peasants, Edwin knows it's time to come up with the first sneaky plan he's ever had in his life."
My Thoughts | I buddy read this book with my son. It was so funny and adorable. We've already picked up book two and can't wait to get into it. We loved King Edwin and the fact that he learned a great lesson at the end of the book.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas
Summary | "Hope warms the coldest night. Feyre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly--changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve.
Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated--scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their court."
My Thoughts | This book gave me all the holiday feels with a hint of family drama. I'm so ready for Christmas to get here now. I enjoyed getting this little check-in with everyone since the last A Court of Wings and Ruin.
We also get to the follow the POV of some of the other characters like Nesta and Cassian. I'm still not a fan of Feyre and Rhysand as a couple. Also, I couldn't help but feel bad for Lucien. I hope he finds true happiness in the next book.
Speaking of which there was a sample of the first chapter at the end of the book and boy does it drop a bombshell! I'm so frustrated that we have to wait forever for the next main book to come out as there's currently no release date.
What books did you read last month?
Glad June was a good month and I'm looking forward to seeing how much of that reading you manage to get done in July!!!
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