Hi everyone! It’s officially summer! I’m so excited for the warmer weather! With that in mind, I thought I would write my spring hopefuls wrap-up. My goal was to read 8 books, but this spring was very much a mood reading season for me. I only ended up reading 3 books on my spring hopefuls. I’m not mad about it because I read some fantastic books this spring they just didn’t happen to be on my spring TBR! Anyways, I hope you enjoy my spring hopefuls wrap-up!
Synopsis: “Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her “princess of pop” image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is. When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn’t have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He’s too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room—but only until her car is fixed—then she’s on her own. Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose—she’s Amelia: kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can’t help but get close to her. Soon she’ll have to return to her glamorous life on tour, but until then, Noah will show Amelia all the charming small-town experiences she’s been missing, and she’ll help him open his heart to more. Amelia can’t resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.” (goodreads.com)
I loved this book!! I really enjoyed all of the characters and the small town setting! It was such a charming read! This is the first book I’ve read by Sarah Adams and I absolutely loved her writing. I’m very much looking forward to reading more of her books! It has been a few months since I read this, so I don’t remember the reason why I only gave it 4.5 stars. However, I think this is a really cute clean romance that has the perfect small town setting!
Playlist listened to on Spotify: when in rome: amelia & noah
Synopsis: “Sean K Ellis was convicted in 1995 – at his third trial, after two prior hung juries – of the murder and robbery of controversial Boston detective John J. Mulligan. Age nineteen at the time of the crime, Sean insisted he was innocent. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Sean was a childhood friend of the author’s son. In for life is Murphy’s riveting account of her journey through a corrupt justice system in a quest to free him. The book goes far deeper into the Ellis case than does the acclaimed Netflix series, Trial 4; woven throughout are insights from Murphy’s two decades of prison conversations with Sean that deepened their bond–a bond that became life changing for both.” (barnesandnoble.com)
A co-worker recommended this book to me and I’m glad she did. She saw that I was reading I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara and thought I would enjoy this story. This is such a compelling and incredible story about humanity in the face of adversity and corruption. I read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and this book was similar, so if you enjoyed that book, I would highly recommend reading this one.
I didn’t end up listening to a playlist with this book.
Synopsis: “The book opens on a Saturday night in 1978, hours before a soon-to-be-infamous murderer descends upon a Florida sorority house with deadly results. The lives of those who survive, including sorority president and key witness, Pamela Schumacher, are forever changed. Across the country, Tina Cannon is convinced her missing friend was targeted by the man papers refer to as the All-American Sex Killer—and that he’s struck again. Determined to find justice, the two join forces as their search for answers leads to a final, shocking confrontation.” (barnesandnoble.com) “Bright Young Women is the story about two women from opposite sides of the country who become sisters in their fervent pursuit of the truth. It proposes a new narrative inspired by evidence that’s been glossed over for decades in favor of more salable headlines—that the so-called brilliant and charismatic serial killer from Seattle was far more average than the countless books, movies, and primetime specials have led us to believe, and that it was the women whose lives he cut short who were the exceptional ones.” (goodreads.com)
This was such an interesting story! I enjoyed how this story was about giving a voice to the women whose lives were cut short, not about the “charismatic” serial killer. His name is never mentioned, but this is about the victims of Ted Bundy. I really liked how the author described him because he wasn’t this “innocent, brilliant” guy. He was just a despicably average guy, who got away with a lot more than should have been allowed because of ridiculous bureaucracy. So many lives could have been saved, if pride wasn’t a part of police reports. This is historical fiction, but the events of what happened to the victims are truthful. The book is slightly graphic regarding what happens, so read with caution. The author did a good job of respecting the real victims, which made me appreciate the book more. However, at times I felt like the story was disjointed. I mostly listened to this book on audio (narrated by Sutton Foster, which was so good!), so it may have been easier to follow if I had read the physical book. I would recommend this book to fans of true crime, who enjoy historical fiction!
Mostly listened to this book on audio, so there is no playlist recommendation.
What I’m Reading this Summer
As always, I picked eight books for my summer TBR. Since I didn’t read many of the books on my spring TBR, I re-evaluated how I was picking books. I picked more books I’ve been looking forward to reading and less that have been on my TBR. I also carried over Wicked, again since I did start it and never went back to it. Plus someone really wants me to read it and I promised them I would read it soon! As I’ve said many times, I’m very much a mood reader, but I’m hoping to read all eight! I feel like I picked a good mix of books this time!
I hope you enjoyed my spring hopefuls wrap up! What was your favorite book you read this spring? What books are you looking forward to reading this summer? Check out the Books category on my home page for more book reviews and recommendations. Please give me a follow on Instagram or Facebook to stay updated about when I post! I’ve been making a lot of fun reels on Instagram, so check it out! As always, thank you for your continued support!
Take care and stay safe,
Renée