January's Reading Jewels

Happy 2023- here's to a year of more reading and getting stuff done in life!

I have a nice list of books that I would like to read this year, but I know that I will be adding so many more books. This month, I was only able to read two books. But, I did create a long list of books to be read in the future- also creating a profile on Goodreads!

On New Year's Day, I read a book that I had been wanting for months- and I received it for Christmas. But, it shouldn't be a shock that it is another Colleen Hoover book. "Regretting You" is a story based on the perspectives of a young mother and daughter duo. Morgan had her daughter, Clara, at a young age- and tries her best to protect Clara from making the same mistakes. Morgan is "predictable" as her daughter describes her based on the routine that she follows every day, and the young mother is taken aback.

Sadly, the two are struck with grief as Clara's father and aunt died in a car accident. But, Morgan finds out a major secret that would change Clara's view of her aunt- Clara's best friend who she would go to for advice. Morgan and Jonah, her sister's fiance, find out their partner's biggest secret but also keep a secret of their own. Clara meets Miller Adams, and she can't stay away from him as she begins to get to know him. Miller and Clara are partnered up for a movie competition and spend more time with one another- even against her mother's wishes.

A book full of secrets and romance was hard to put down as I had to know what was going to happen. Colleen's writing in this book grips you and makes you wonder what could happen. Rating: 4/5 Stars.

"Archer's Voice" by Mia Sheridan has shown up numerous times on my TikTok (#booktok is more like it) and I finally caved in. This book is beautifully written and made me cry more than once. The backstories of both main characters, Bree and Archer, help show the lives of a mute person and a victim of rape.

Bree Prescott lost her father in a shooting and was a victim of rape at their family deli. While dealing with the traumatic experience, she packs up her stuff and moves to Maine to escape her life. She rents a house, gets a job at the local diner, and meets some of the famous Hale family, but not the one who interests her the most. Archer Hale is the one she wants to meet- a mysterious, mute, and kind-hearted loner. Archer went through a rough childhood where he lost his voice. But after meeting Bree, he becomes the most talkative and lovable Archer you get to know in the book.

This story made me feel so many emotions but was a beautiful love story. As mentioned there is mention of rape and murder in this book, so I am telling readers now. Mia Sheridan has two other books in this series of "Where Love Meets Destiny". Rating: 5/5 Stars