Books and Beans ~ May 2017

Hello, hello, hello!  The end of the school year is always such a crazy busy time for me, but I had no idea it would be a month before I could blog again.  Thank you to those of you who checked in with me.  I plan to have a consistent blogging schedule this summer.  I am so happy to be back today with a stack of books to recommend.  Remember, if you are interested in purchasing any of the books listed, simply click on the book title to be taken to it's Amazon link.  Easy peasy!

*COFFEE*

Maybe I should change this title to "hot drinks" because, once again, my coffee of choice for May is tea.  :)  I am in love with Trader Joe's Green Tea Latte Matcha.  Amazing!  We don't have a Trader Joe's in our area, so when I am near one, I stock up.

*BOOKS*

Despite not having much free time during the past month, I did manage to find time to read six books; three non-fiction and three fiction.  #gaveupsleeptoread

How's Your Soul?:  Why Everything that Matters Starts with the Inside You

by: Judah Smith

4 out of 5 stars

I really liked this book.  It serves as a reminder to constantly work on your inner well-being first because everything starts there.  It was a fairly quick read with a very important message.  I love a book that can make me be more mindful, and this one did just that.

She Means Business:  Turn Your Ideas into Reality and Become a Wildly Successful Entrepreneur

by:  Carrie Green

5 out of 5 stars

I loved this book!  If you are a female who owns your own business or would like to in the future, this is a must read.  Carrie Green gives practical advice and inspires you at the same time.  I bought this book and plan to re-read it this summer.

Moment Maker:  You Can Live Your Life or It Will Live You

by:  Carlos Enrique Whittaker

4 out of 5 stars

This book also made me more mindful of paying close attention to the little moments in life and fully engaging in the present moment.  Carlos Whitaker shares personal stories with comedic timing.  I found this book to be very inspirational, especially with how I want to approach life with my husband and kids.

Forever Interrupted

by:  Taylor Jenkins Reid

4 out of 5 stars

Oh Taylor Jenkins Reid, I heart you so much.  While One True Loves is still my favorite, I enjoyed this book as well.  After her husband is killed just a few weeks into their marriage, the main character must learn to create a new life and form a relationship with the mother-in-law she's never met.  As with all of her books, it is equal parts heartbreaking and engaging and will make you lose track of time.

Summer Breeze

by:  Nancy Thayer

3 out of 5 stars

I love a good beach read, and Nancy Thayer has written a few that I've enjoyed.  However, this book was difficult to get through and I had a hard time connecting with the characters.  Not my favorite.

Never Let You Go

by:  Chevy Stevens

4 out of 5 stars

Rounding out May with a mystery/thriller was a good choice.  This book kept me on the edge of my seat and had me stumped until the very end.  After raising her daughter as a single mom, the main character's abusive ex-husband is released from jail and she begins to experience terrifying events as a result.  I can usually figure out a mystery well before the end of a book, but there were enough red herrings here to let me enjoy the suspense until the end of the book.  Good book if you enjoy thrillers.

I have a long list of books to read this summer and will share them with you each month.  I am looking forward to being a full-time mom for the next 8 weeks...and then I'll be ready to return to work. :)