Friday, December 30, 2016

Books and Beans ~ November & December

The holidays are always such a busy time, so I neglected to post in November.  Thus, a combo post to round out my year in books.  If you are interested in the complete list of books I read in 2016, see the bottom of this post or follow me on Goodreads!

*COFFEE*

These two months, I was all about drinking the Holiday Spice Flat White.  Since I have been trying to cut down on sugar in my morning coffee, my usual white peppermint mocha just seemed too sweet.  The Holiday Spice Flat White was the perfect amount of sweetness and just "Christmasy" enough to satisfy my holiday coffee wishes! :)

*BOOKS*
(all book images are from Amazon)

Love Your Life, Not Theirs:  7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want  by: Rachel Cruze
(4 out of 5 Stars)

I have been a Dave Ramsey fan for a few years now, and Rachel is his daughter.  I like her writing style and her relatability.  I will definitely check out her other work after reading this helpful financial book!

(4 out of 5 Stars)


This is the last book in the Winter series and I liked it just as much as the others.  It's an easy, likable read.

(4 out of 5 Stars)


I may have found a new "beachy" author to love!  I enjoyed this story and, of course, the setting.  Books that have the beach as the setting can't miss in my book.

(4 out of 5 Stars)


You know I love anything autobiographical, especially about girl bosses.  Jessica DiLullo Herrin is the CEO of Stella and Dot.  I really enjoyed this book!

(3 out of 5 Stars)


While this book was funny in parts, it was my least favorite book over these two months.  I found it difficult to read because the scenarios just seemed to drag on and some of it was very unbelievable.  Definitely not what I expected.

It Ends With Us  by: Colleen Hoover
(5 out of 5 Stars)


This was my favorite book of 2016!!!  I read a lot, so when an author can completely engross me in a story and make me feel the feelings and struggle of the main character as acutely as Colleen Hoover did in this book, I know I'm onto something great.  This book deals with domestic violence, so it is a hard sell to encourage your girlfriends to read it, but when you do, they will thank you.  This book is exquisitely written.

The Magnolia Story by: Chip and Joanna Gaines
(5 out of 5 Stars)


Love. These. Two.  Enough said...read this book if you are a fan!

Girl Code:  Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur  by: Cara Alwill Leyba
(4 out of 5 Stars)


Another girl boss book that I thoughoughly enjoyed.  I love her wit and humor.

Minding Frankie by: Maeve Binchy
(3 out of 5 Stars)


I read this book for my book club at school and while I did not love it, I do love the setting of Ireland and the sense of community and interconnectedness that Maeve Binchy always so wonderfully creates.  Good read, but I was left with questions and there was little plot action.

Talking as Fast as I Can:  From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls and Everything in Between  by: Lauren Graham
(4 out of 5 Stars)


After waiting not so patiently for the reboot of Gilmore Girls, I binged watched it and then couldn't wait to get my hands on this little gem.  In my mind, Lauren and Lorelei are the same person and this book reads like Lorelei's voice.  I really enjoyed it.

Thanks for letting me combine two very busy months.  It always astounds me that no matter how busy I am, I ALWAYS make time to read.  I guess we truly do make time for what matters most to us.  If only I felt that way about consistent exercise.... :)

If you want to see all my books of 2016, check out these posts!

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October

Happy New Year and happy reading!  Join me on Goodreads by starting a reading challenge.  I have set a goal to read 52 books in 2017.  Keep your suggestions coming!