Reading Lately

Thank you all so much for all your well wishes yesterday!! Happy to report that Gary and I are much better and will never be returning to Earls Kitchen + Bar!!! I think you all get the exuberance with which I said that, so you can figure out what landed us in the ER!! Moving on…

I’ve been upping my reading game this year and have finished a few books that are great reads and others that are not really worth it!! The hardest part about reviewing a book is not giving anything away…so that’s what I’ll try to do! I also will admit I scroll through Amazon and judge books a lot by their covers…anyone else do that?! 

Girl On The Train// I read this book in a matter of two days!! Plowed through it and it was a fantastic read!!! After so many bloggers recommended reading the book I couldn’t wait to pick it up! If you were a fan of Gone Girl, you’ll like this book as well! I felt myself rooting for the main character the entire time and did not see the end coming at all!! Thriller and page turner for sure!

Pretty In Ink// This was a lot like Devil Wears Prada, but a little less glamorous! While the book was easy to read, it was really difficult to keep track of who each of the characters were. If you’re a fan of magazines and how they run, this is a fun, light book for you to read! 

Social Lives// I got really lost in this book! It gives you a little peek into the lives of the wealthiest families in Wilshire, CT. It was really fun reading because their problems are so out there, but it goes to show you that you can have more money than you know what to do with, but you still have issues! If you like watching Real Housewives and Bravo, you’ll be a fan of this book! 

Summerlandish: Do as I say not as I did// Summer Land, yes that’s her real name sent me a copy of her book to read and oh my gosh it is hilarious!!! If it’s possible she’s a funnier Chelsea Handler! Her humor, her wit and her uncanny ability to make you feel like you’ve experienced her outlandish situation is amazing! Aside from the fact that Summer is a fellow Florida girl, she also went to college in Boston and then went to Australia to marry the love of her life…I basically feel like I know her and wish she lived in Boston so that I could be friends with her!! If you want to get a taste of her humor, check out her blog and she’s also about to have another little baby- she and her husband make some cute kids! You can also get to know a little bit more about her here

*******************


I mentioned last week that I’m expanding into to sponsorship and I’d also like to introduce you to another lovely blogger and new sponsor, Marie from Twin Living

Marie is a fellow Bostonian and has a love of handbags that almost rivals mine! I am pretty much obsessed with all of her makeup picks and her twin sometimes makes an appearance on her blog because well – “twin” living!! Hope you’ll stop by and say “Hi” to Marie, she’s constantly sharing the best places to travel and just came back from London! 

Have you read any of these books? What are you reading lately?

linking up with Stephanie and Jana

xo,

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79 Comments

  1. Jenn
    April 14, 2015 / 11:39 am

    I have Girl on the Train on my list since hearing so many people, including my SIL really loved it. I'm glad to hear that you did too. I need to add a few more of the ones you mentioned, too, since I haven't heard of them!
    So glad that you guys are feeling better!!!

  2. Claire | Fashion + Feathers
    April 14, 2015 / 11:53 am

    I'm dying to get my hands on Girl on the Train! Glad you two are better.

  3. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    April 14, 2015 / 12:02 pm

    So glad to hear you are feeling better girl! I've heard such good things about Girl On the Train! One month countdown till the honeymoon that will definitely be a book for the plane! I love your book reviews! xoxoxo Amanda ~Meet @ the Barre ~

  4. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    April 14, 2015 / 12:08 pm

    Yay! So glad to hear you and Gary are feeling better! Being suck…well sucks! I'm reading the Girl on the Train right now and some points I find it to be slow and others I can't put it down! I forgot to bring it on the train today though boo. I want to read Social Lives too!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

  5. Unknown
    April 14, 2015 / 12:19 pm

    So glad y'all are feeling better!!! That sounded awful! Great book reviews, looking forward to reading Summerlandish.
    Xoxo,

    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

  6. Cory (playdates and prescriptions)
    April 14, 2015 / 12:22 pm

    I'm so happy y'all are feeling better. I tell myself all the time I need to get back into reading. It seems like now I only read on vacation with just my husband which only happens once a year if we're lucky. Lol. I really enjoy it though! Need to pick a new one and just start!

  7. Elle Sees
    April 14, 2015 / 12:30 pm

    yay for feeling better! everyone is reading girl on a train, and loving it, so i need to get on that!!

  8. M @ The Sequin Notebook
    April 14, 2015 / 12:43 pm

    Glad you're feeling better! I loved all of Chelsea Handler's books so that last one sounds right up my alley! Thanks for sharing!

  9. Gold Coast Girl
    April 14, 2015 / 12:51 pm

    Great book suggestions. Glad to hear you guys are feeling better!
    ~Samantha
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  10. Rachel Emily
    April 14, 2015 / 12:58 pm

    Funnier than Chelsea Handler? Definitely going to have to check her out for sure! Girl on the Train has been on my list for a while but I'm adding Social Lives now too. Sounds exactly like something I would love. SO so so so glad you are feeling better and BOO for food poisoning. I don't think there is anything worse.

  11. Kate at Green Fashionista
    April 14, 2015 / 12:58 pm

    I'm so glad you guys are both feeling better, I hope you guys alerted the restaurant as to what happened and/or left a review for them.

    And I totally judge books by their covers on Amazon, I once downloaded a book to my kindle because it had a pair of Louboutins on the cover 😛

  12. awhite
    April 14, 2015 / 1:07 pm

    Glad you guys are on the mend, girlfriend. Yikes!
    And Girl on the Train is on my to-read-next list! It sounds soo good!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  13. Katie Elizabeth
    April 14, 2015 / 1:27 pm

    Girl on the Train is next up on my to read list! I've only heard great things about it!!

  14. kerri @ cheshire kat
    April 14, 2015 / 1:35 pm

    oh thank goodness you guys are on the mend! i cannot believe our bods can get that sick from a stupid restaurant. yuck. anyway – great lil recaps – added a few books to my list on amazon! i am terrible with reading lately, just no time! you're motivating me 🙂 xo

    cheshirekatblog.com

  15. Julie
    April 14, 2015 / 1:42 pm

    I am definitely guilty of judging books by their covers… I see a pretty cover and I need to own the book. lol! It doesn't always end well, but I'm surprised at how often it does! I've have been wanting to read Girl on the Train for a while now because everyone seems to love it, but I have such a huge stack of books to get through before I can start it. lol!

  16. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    April 14, 2015 / 1:42 pm

    I loved Girl on the Train. I might try Social Lives, it seems like fun puff. I'm intrigued by Summer Land!

  17. Jaclyn Y
    April 14, 2015 / 1:46 pm

    Food poisoning is horrible, I've had it twice and the first time I thought I was going to die it was so bad. So glad you're both feeling better! I haven't done much reading at all in the past few months, other than on planes. I need to pick up girl on the train!

  18. Lyndsay
    April 14, 2015 / 1:51 pm

    Happy you guys are feeling better. That is so awful you got food poisoning from a restaurant. hope you let them know. The Girl on the Train has been on my to read list, good to know you loved it. I'm excited to finally get to it.

  19. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    April 14, 2015 / 1:56 pm

    So glad you're feeling better!! Sorry you had to spend your weekend sick though 🙁 I'm definitely checking out Girl on the Train for my next read!

  20. Carly Messmer
    April 14, 2015 / 2:02 pm

    I'm glad you're feeling better! I think I need to just sit down and read Girl on the Train, so many people have mentioned it – I need to catch up!

  21. Traci Taylor Hart
    April 14, 2015 / 2:04 pm

    Thanks for the book recommendations! I love reading but don't do it enough.
    So sorry to hear about the food poisoning. Sounds AWFUL! I'm so glad you are feeling better.
    Traci
    waltzmetoheaven.com

  22. Pink and Fabulous
    April 14, 2015 / 2:09 pm

    Girl on the Train was SO good! I just ran to my Kindle to download the other two books because I needed recs! Such perfect timing!

  23. Caroline @ Windy City Chic
    April 14, 2015 / 2:10 pm

    So happy to hear that you and Gary are feeling better!! Definitely never go back to that place!! Thanks for sharing some book reviews too, I have been trying to find something to read for like a month now!! Haha. I hope that you have a lovely day too my friend! 🙂

  24. Karly @ What Karly Said
    April 14, 2015 / 2:12 pm

    Glad to hear that you are feeling better! I loved Girl on the Train – I thought it was way better than Gone Girl. Summer Land sounds pretty funny, I'll have to check out her blog!

  25. Andrea Nine
    April 14, 2015 / 2:13 pm

    I must admit I do too judge books by the cover on Amazon and even in the store. Shows ya how important the cover truly is! Your picks are awesome as Girl on a Train is fantastic. Think I need to browse Amazon now! Happy Day sweet lady!

    livingoncloudandreanine.blogspot.com

  26. Carly
    April 14, 2015 / 2:16 pm

    Oh my gosh, I just read your post from yesterday and am sooo sorry you guys got so sick! Did you guys both just have really bad food poisoning from whatever you ate? I need to get around to reading The Girl on the Train hopefully soon & Summerlandish sounds like it would be so funny, I've always loved the CHelsea Hander books I've read.

  27. Dorrie @ Rt 1 US 1
    April 14, 2015 / 2:17 pm

    So glad you're feeling better! And now I have a bunch (more) books to read! Social Lives looks like a good beach-time read!

  28. DeborahYanni
    April 14, 2015 / 2:38 pm

    I've been slacking on my reading lately so these will definitely be added to the list!

  29. Stacy G
    April 14, 2015 / 2:43 pm

    Summerlandish looks like a great read! So glad to hear you are feeling better! xo

  30. Zelle B.
    April 14, 2015 / 2:44 pm

    Thanks for the recommendations! Putting all of these on my list — especially Summerlandish!
    xo Southern Style

  31. Dress in Sparkles
    April 14, 2015 / 2:47 pm

    I absolutely love to read, so these will definitely be going on my list!

    xo Kylie
    dressinsparkles.com

  32. Andy Adler
    April 14, 2015 / 3:00 pm

    I read Orphan Train last month and finished it in 2 days. I loved that it's based off of a true subject – definitely recommend!

  33. Courtney B
    April 14, 2015 / 3:02 pm

    Definitely need to check these out- I've been itching to find a new read!!

  34. Elegance and Mommyhood
    April 14, 2015 / 3:18 pm

    I am sorry about your bad experience and glad you are both well. All of these books sound fun and hilarious. Wish I had more time. Thanks for sharing, Biana. =)

  35. Shannon Jenkins
    April 14, 2015 / 3:22 pm

    So glad to hear you're both feeling better! That place looks like a nice restaurant too! That's just insane! I guess you can never judge a restaurant by looks! I want to read Girl on the Train so bad! I've been hearing awesome things about it and I loved Gone Girl!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  36. Christina Lea Loves
    April 14, 2015 / 3:22 pm

    Glad you guys are feeling better – crazy that it knocked you both down! I’ve really been meaning to step up my reading and Social Lives/Summerlandish might just have been added to the list!

  37. Alecia Mariana
    April 14, 2015 / 3:24 pm

    I love reading but have gotten so behind. This post just reminded me I need to finish the two books I have started!!

    xx,

    La Joie de Vivre

  38. The Siberian American
    April 14, 2015 / 3:28 pm

    I'm so glad you're feeling better! I've been wanting to read Girl on the Train, so I am glad to hear it's worthwhile. Pretty in Ink sounds like it's up my alley, too! 🙂

  39. Rebecca Jo
    April 14, 2015 / 3:32 pm

    I almost did my book post today… but I want to finish what I'm ready now 🙂
    I GOTTA get The Girl on the Train! I've never only great things!

  40. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    April 14, 2015 / 3:34 pm

    So glad you are feeling better! What an awful experience! I'm not a huge book reader but The Girl on the Train sounds like something i would enjoy!

  41. Cupcakes and Crossbones
    April 14, 2015 / 3:51 pm

    I always hate if I am reading a book and I start loosing track of the characters so I think "maybe if I read a little more I'll get them straight" and then I'm lost by the end of the book and all like what the hell?

  42. Kristen
    April 14, 2015 / 3:52 pm

    glad you are feeling better and I will definitely never eat there if I find myself back in Boston. Ugh, that sucks!!
    I have read the girl on the train, I'll have to add the other 2 to my list. Summer Land sounds hilarious, definitely checking out her book!

  43. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    April 14, 2015 / 3:54 pm

    Sooo glad you're feeling better! I've seen a lot of people reading Girl on the Train so I definitely need to add it to my future reading list. And I will definitely check out Summer's blog. Love finding new bloggers that keep me coming back for more!

  44. meandmr.com
    April 14, 2015 / 3:55 pm

    I'm happy you are feeling better– what a scary experience!!!! Well I know to not go there lol. These books look cool, I haven't read any of them yet!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

  45. Unknown
    April 14, 2015 / 4:00 pm

    Cool! Your blog is very cute! Enjoy the day, sweetie!!

    >>> Join my International dress Giveaway <<<

  46. Elise @ High Heels and Glittering Eyes
    April 14, 2015 / 4:16 pm

    So glad you and Gary are feeling better. Yuck! I for sure need to pick up those books. I've been looking for new summer reads!

  47. Marie
    April 14, 2015 / 4:22 pm

    Glad to hear that you both are feeling better. What a horrible experience. I'm totally staying away from that place. Thank you so much for the kind words!! You are so very sweet!!

  48. 365HANGERS
    April 14, 2015 / 4:25 pm

    Clearly we need to read Summerlandish, sounds hysterical, and we need it in our lives!

    xx 365Hangers

  49. Kathy@MoreCoffeeLessTalky
    April 14, 2015 / 4:25 pm

    i was something like #201 in line (RIDICULOUS!!) for Girl on the Train so i was about to give up when a dear blogger sent me the epub file for it! so now that book is next in line to be read and i can't wait!

  50. According to Kiki
    April 14, 2015 / 4:37 pm

    OMG the ER?! So glad to hear you guys are doing better. What a nightmare. Looks like you've got a pretty great Summer reading list! (:

  51. Kateri Von Steal
    April 14, 2015 / 4:39 pm

    The Girl on the Train was an epic book! I couldn't put it down!

    🙂 And I am so glad you are feeling better!

  52. Girl Meets Bow
    April 14, 2015 / 4:46 pm

    All your book reviews sounds great! Can't wait to read them all!! 🙂

    XO,
    Gentry l Girl Meets Bow

  53. Unknown
    April 14, 2015 / 4:46 pm

    Thanks for the recommendations! I am always looking for more good books to add to my list and will have to check out the Girl on the Train. Glad you're feeling better too! Svetlana @A Life With a Side of Wine

  54. Nadine
    April 14, 2015 / 4:52 pm

    Glad to hear you are feeling better!!! Girl on the train is on my list to read and Summerlandish sounds super interesting and maybe I need to add it too!

  55. Julia
    April 14, 2015 / 4:53 pm

    Oh no, I didn't see your post about being sick, but glad you are feeling better now! I want to read The Girl on the Train so bad, I'm on the waiting list! Those other books all sound really good too, thanks for sharing!

  56. Jana @ Jana Says
    April 14, 2015 / 4:56 pm

    I really liked The Girl on the Train, too, except I couldn't stand Rachel. She annoyed me on every single page.

  57. For the Love of Leopard
    April 14, 2015 / 4:56 pm

    I'm reading Gone Girl right now and loving it! I'll have to put Girl on the Train on my list next!
    xoxo Danielle
    For the Love of Leopard

  58. marisa
    April 14, 2015 / 4:57 pm

    Glad to heard you're feeling better!! I just finished The Girl on The Train and I really liked it too! I did get SOO frustrated when the main character would uhh 'go off the rails' so to say.

  59. Lindsay T.
    April 14, 2015 / 5:31 pm

    Glad you're doing ok! That's insane! I also read Girl on the Train in 2 days, I want more books like it!!

  60. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    April 14, 2015 / 5:51 pm

    I am currently reading The Girl On The Train but not loving it. Hoping it picks up. Summerlandish sounds like a fun read, checking it out.

  61. Katie at Better Off Benedict
    April 14, 2015 / 6:04 pm

    I have the same issue with reviewing books. I feel like I'm always giving too much away. I'm going to do my April book review post here shortly. I'm going to add Girl On The Train to my "to read" list 🙂

  62. Unknown
    April 14, 2015 / 6:39 pm

    the girl on the train is on my to-read list! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  63. Emily {All You Need is Love}
    April 14, 2015 / 6:52 pm

    glad you're feeling better – yikes!! the girl on the train is next on my reading list! right now i'm finishing up "the art of racing in the rain" – a good one if you're a dog-lover! 😉

  64. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    April 14, 2015 / 6:53 pm

    Oh my. So sorry you got sick! Glad you're feeling better though. Girl On The Train is on my list!

  65. Evelina
    April 14, 2015 / 7:12 pm

    I am in the middle of Girl On The Train and I really like it so far. Thanks for not spoiling! And yes, I am ashamed to admit that I also judge a book by it's cover. Or if it made the NYT Best Sellers list.

  66. Alyssa Guttendorf
    April 14, 2015 / 7:38 pm

    Pretty much everyone I know who has read "Girl on the Train" read it in a matter of days! It was the last book I read for book club– definitely a page turner, but don't know if I'd read it again. I'm adding "Social Lives" to my books to read list– thank you for sharing! And glad you are feeling better! – Alyssa with an A

  67. Candace Shiflet
    April 14, 2015 / 8:47 pm

    I always love finding a good book to read, love these suggestions ! I am going to go back and read your other post, I missed it and i'm so curious about what happened from earls!

    Xo
    Candace
    Lovely Little Rants

  68. Anonymous
    April 14, 2015 / 9:04 pm

    I really want to read " the girl on the train"!! I've heard it's amazing. I've started to re-read " eat,pray, love" and love it. What a perfect book for us ladies!

    xoxo
    Karen
    kensingtonwest.me.uk

  69. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    April 14, 2015 / 9:37 pm

    "Girl on the Train" is #1 on my list. There are 7 weeks until the end of the school year, and that's the first thing I'll be doing! xo

  70. Unknown
    April 14, 2015 / 10:48 pm

    Im just about to start Girl on the Train – everyone raves about it! Plus, I heard that Reese Witherspoon is trying to get the rites to make it into a movie. 🙂 Ill have to add your other recommendations to my wish list!!

  71. Alycia Grayce (Crowley Party)
    April 15, 2015 / 12:13 am

    I really need to step up my reading game! This list looks great and I think I am going to have to get started on some this summer 🙂 And happy you are doing alright!

  72. Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand
    April 15, 2015 / 2:44 am

    I'm on a waiting list at my library for The Girl on the Train. It may come up my turn in 2017. Ha!

  73. B @ The Sequin Notebook
    April 15, 2015 / 3:02 am

    I'm still not-so-patiently waiting for my library hold on The Girl on the Train, and I'm going to add Social Lives to my list now…sounds right up my alley! And of course, I'm so glad you are feeling better!!

  74. Denise
    April 15, 2015 / 3:59 am

    So glad to hear that you both are feeling better! Such lovely news. I have heard so many good things about that book and really need to get my hands on a copy and just sit down and read it!

    Denise | Fashion Love Letters

  75. Christina
    April 15, 2015 / 4:56 am

    Add The Pocket Wife to your list!

  76. Myra
    April 15, 2015 / 9:18 am

    I just finished Girl on the Train too and omg, page turner for sure. I devoured it in 2 days! I'm going to add Social Lives to my list now!

  77. lisacng
    April 15, 2015 / 5:30 pm

    I can't wait to get my copy of Girl on the Train from the library! And Summerlandish sounds awesome.

  78. Christina
    April 16, 2015 / 4:54 pm

    Oooh. I want to check out Summerlandish and Social Lives! I loved The Girl on the Train!

  79. Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    April 17, 2015 / 10:04 pm

    All of these books look so good! Going to add them to me to-read list…

    ~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com