Mini Reviews of Recent Reads – October 2019

I’m checking in today to share a few mini reviews of my recent reads this month. Our October is packed to the gills with activities! We are seeing lots of family, getting ready for Connor’s first Halloween, and even snuck in a visit to a few local wineries. While I don’t love that the days are getting a LOT shorter, I always look forward to the chill in the air. Plus, our leaves are starting to turn and there are pumpkin flavored treats everywhere!!

I must admit though, part of the reason I love this time of year is because it means the holidays are right around the corner!! I recently received two Christmas novels in the mail and I am so ready to read them! We also just got tickets to take Connor to Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane in December. So much to look forward to!

With the fall season in mind, I have at least one book to share today that’s perfect for this time of year. You’ll also find a quick fantasy read and an amazing nonfiction option for moms. Plus, two of these reads are available for free with Kindle Unlimited!! Jay purchased a six month subscription for my birthday and I’m impressed with the selection so far. P.S. You can try your first month free with my link!

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Mini Reviews of My October Reads

The Paper Magician by Charlie Holmberg

I like to mix fantasy novels into my usual rotation and Jay actually brought this one to my attention. We saw it offered as a Kindle deal and then I realized it was available on Kindle Unlimited! In this fantasy world, magicians are paired with various materials, such as rubber or glass. Once the binding occurs, they are only able to create magic through their specific material. Ceony is a new apprentice assigned to learn the secrets of the most boring material, paper. However, when her teacher’s heart is ripped out through dark magic, she must hunt down his attacker to recapture his heart and save him. I had mixed feelings about this book. It’s a super quick read and the magic system is fascinating. I loved learning how paper is manipulated to create magic. Plus, it’s got a rather adorable and typically strong-headed novice main character. However, a large portion of the plot was just…weird. I just finished the second book in the series in two days. So, it’s absolutely worth reading, just don’t be dissuaded by that strange section in the middle!

 

#IMomSoHard by Kristin Hensley and Jenn Smedley

#IMomSoHard is a community created by the two authors that brings together real women to support and love each other. Their book covers a variety of topics related to pregnancy and motherhood in a down to earth, sarcastic, humorous fashion. This book is an absolutely joy to read! I connected with so many of their stories and truly felt like a part of their community. There’s lots of humor but also plenty of sentimental mushy goop that will make you
love your family even more! Extra note – I listened to this on audio and loved hearing them tell their own stories!

 

 

The Vine Witch by Luanne Smith

The Vine Witch is a fascinating take on magical influence in the making of wine. Elena is a powerful witch who is just returning to her home vineyard after breaking a seven year curse. She’s eager to exact revenge and get back to creating world-renowned wines. When she returns though, she finds her vineyard has been sold to a skeptical city man and someone has been performing dangerous blood magic nearby. I couldn’t put this book down! It’s fast paced and quick to jump right into the heart of the story. I thought the whole concept of vine witches using their powers to assist the vineyards was unique and compelling. Plus, as the threat of blood magic and its impacts on Elena ramped up, things quickly got very intense! This one is also available for free on Kindle Unlimited!

 

What are you reading this week?