Yes, I know I fell behind on reading updates. I’m also behind on my #OffMyShelf Reading Challenge.

Così è la vita (such is life).

I really am having too much fun making new friends and exploring my new country. So I have no regrets.

But, unlike March, I did actually read (listen) to a handful of books (audiobooks). Since I’ve been go-go-go since the beginning of spring and now have a 30-50 minute commute, audiobooks have been my go-to.

April Reading Stats

In April, I finished 4 books—all on audio and 1 was a reread.

I started out by rereading Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers in preparation for book 2. I loved Vera just as much this time around. And Eunice Wong is the perfect narrator.

Then I dove into Vera Wong’s Guide to Dating a Dead Man.

[A trigger warning: while this is still all the Vera we love, this book does deal with the serious topic of human trafficking, which includes physical and psychological abuse, mostly described, off-page, but some on page.]

I also finally finished Somewhere Beyond the Sea. While I felt all the feels at times, this book kind of dragged. It took me a bit to get through the first act. The second act was better, but still dragged a bit. The third act, well, it was an interesting & not unexpected turn, but I really don’t feel as if the story resolved. I felt he was focused too much on the political issues and tried to make the plot fit that, so it didn’t quite gel for me. Also, the children have less page time, as this focuses more on Arthur, so some of the charm was lost for me.

Favorite April Read

I devoured Abby Jimenez’s latest, Say You’ll Remember Me. Once again, Abby proves why she remains one of my favorite authors. Beautiful stories about people who have real life problems, real life concerns, and real life obstacles to overcome. She doesn’t shy away from tough subjects, and that makes her stories that much more realistic and lovely.

May Reading Stats

My stats improved in May as I finished 12 books, of which 3 were novellas. Again, all audiobooks because that’s how life is rolling right now. I also did a few rereads but didn’t track them.

Favorite May Read

Although no one book absolutely stood out, I did enjoy Devney Perry’s Calamity, Montana series, which starts with The Bribe. I discovered Devney Perry in December when I read her Mayson Jar duology. So I decided to give her Calamity, Montana series a go. Much more lighthearted than Mayson Jar, I fell in love with Calamity, Montana and its residents. Lots of fun and shenanigans happen there.

I also enjoyed the Abby Jimenez’s two novellas, The Fall Risk and Worst Wingman Ever. (Even though both are “audible originals”, I still got them because I do love Abby’s books.)

Disappointing May Read

That goes to Crank by Adriana Locke. I’ve had a lot of people recommend this author and the book has over 4 stars on Goodreads. However, I found the story wasn’t that great and the writing was just okay. I almost DNF’d it several times because some of the writing was just so cheesy.

But my larger issues were with the story itself. First, the whole accidentally hit your truck with a bat. Really? She accidentally hit a truck with a bat. I was expecting a mistaken truck situation or maybe an accidental fender bender. But hitting a truck with a bat because when her friend got sick, she dug through her friend’s car to see what’s there and pulled out a random bat and then started swinging it around. No helping her friend, no trying to find a ride to take her sick friend home. Nope. She stood there and swung a bat. I also didn’t care for heroine Sienna. Some of that may have to do with the narrator—she was not good. Not awful, but not good either. Second, Walker’s backstory, which doesn’t come out until the third act. He lied, yes by omission, but it was still a lie about something fairly important. So that is a big no-go for me. Also, waiting until the third act for it dragged it out far too long.

Will I try another of her books? Maybe, but probably not.

Up Next

It’s a new month and I am trying to finish Pippa Grants latest, The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco. It’s not my fave, so it’s taking me longer than normal to finish it.

After that, I am going to try will get back into the #OffMyShelf challenge since this year is nearly half over! I only have 9 squares left to go on my first board, and I am determined to black it out by the end of the year.

What have you read this spring? Share your recommendations in the comments below.

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