I put a lot of pressure on myself with my July book selections! I felt like I had to have the perfect picks to enjoy on my way to and in Ireland. I did buckle under the pressure and ended up choosing a lackluster scary read (more below) for the trip. I did, though, spend a little time reading Dubliners by James Joyce—very fitting.
The Toll House by Carly Reagon • ★★☆☆☆
I thought that snuggling up with a good ghost story on a misty Irish morning was going to be the move. But The Toll House didn’t deliver for me.
While remodeling her home, Kelda discovers a death mask hidden in the wall. Scary! After removing it, her son starts to act up and weird stuff starts going on at home. But it was just too slow but also predictable for me. I’d pass on this one and likely won’t return for anything else from Reagon.
The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary • 🎧 • ★★★★☆
I wasn’t sold on this book when I first rented it. Two people sharing an apartment but never meeting one another. As if!
But guess what: This book captured my heart. The story of how Tiffy and Leon—polar opposites—endear themselves to one another through notes was adorable. And this book dove into some deeper issues as well, like controlling partners and abusive relationships, but in a very sensitive but matter-of-fact way. I really enjoyed this one and will be seeking out the TV series!
A Good House for Children by Kate Collins • 🎧 • ★★★★☆
I am an absolute sucker for a gothic tale about a family moving to a remote and dilapidated manor. But A Good House for Children is so much more.
In the present day, Orla and her family move to an old Georgian home. During the week, her husband is away and it’s just her and her young son who, despite her best efforts, isn’t talking. Orla’s stressed and lonely, but is making better art than ever—and also seeing things.
Decades earlier, Lydia is nannying for a wealthy family in the same home. She wonders what the house is hiding and what it is that she’s seeing out of the corner of her eye.
There’s a lot here to unpack, but it’s a satisfying read if you love gothic novels and feminist themes (that’s me!).
The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall • ★★★☆☆
I’ve read so many of these cozy, witchy rom-coms, and honestly, I’m not sick of them. They’re the literary equivalent of sipping a maple latte: delightfully seasonal and perfectly sweet.
Do I need to go into detail? Probably not, but here are the basics: Aria is a bit of a magical mess, but nevertheless finds herself in league with masterful mages and witches as they compete to oversee a magical garden in her hometown. Spoiler: She’s not as much of a mess as she thought. And it’s pretty darn cute.
As always, you can follow along with my progress and see what I’ve read over on Goodreads! Also, if you’re an audiobook fan, I encourage you to try Libro.fm—you can support your favorite small bookstore while downloading your next listen.
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