In My Dreams I Hold a Knife | Ashley Winstead

A who-done it tale of students who survived a tragedy and relive the events a decade later. I appreciated the way this novel kept me guessing.

It Ends With Us | Colleen Hoover

Hitting on trauma and how we continue our pain, Colleen gives her characters and readers a chance to reflect and learn while also being entertained.

A Light in the Window | Jan Karon

Jan Karon is like coming home to something warm and comforting. The Mitford series is everything one would hope from a snow globe-like town. Nosey characters, interpersonal relationships and a tiny bit of romance.

Where the Crawdads Sing | Delia Owens

Exquisitely written and sweetly delivered. This mysterious, romantic drama gives sweeping descriptions of nature, the inner heart of a girl and woman and all those who affect her.

The House of Fortune | Jessie Burton

A sequel to The Miniaturist. I enjoyed the first three-quarters of this read and found the last quarter lacking substance. All that being said, it’s enjoyable in its entirety, as the whole concept of a mysterious person who makes miniatures for people to be utterly fascinating.

The Maid | Nita Prose

A tremendous rapid-read mystery if you want one. The main character, whose eyes and voice narrate the book, gives light to the personality of some neuro-divergence and is entertaining to hear from.

A Court of Thorns and Roses | Sarah J. Maas

I have not been taken in by fantasy in so long. Sarah’s A Court of Thorns and Roses gave me a ‘can’t put it down’ experience I haven’t had in a while. I loved how I could buy into these fantasy characters and am invested enough to want to read the second book in the series.

TV Shows / FILMS OF NOTE

The Sound of Music | For it’s unending charm and timeless presentation.
The Vow S02 | To take in the personal reflections and interviews of the last few years of NXIVM members during the various trials of those who led the cult.
WandaVision | After much delay I finally took in this short series. I loved the way each episode spans a decade and gives that in every aspect of production. Although it’s ending is bitter sweet, it gives hope in whatever could come next.
The Giver | Rewatched to take in this unique take on what it would be like to ‘white wash’ our differences.

Maybe In Another Life | Taylor Jenkins Reid

I have a special place in my heart for any story/novel that shows or details more than one possible timeline based on a person’s choices. If we believe we missed out, we are discounting the life we are living, and to say that a choice we didn’t make would have been the wrong or better choice, is also saying we assume what things would have been. Taylor allows us, readers, to see two timelines and decide for ourselves if one is better than the other.

Echo in the Bone | Diana Gabaldon

I began reading this book slowly, only to turn a corner and rapidly finish it during the multiple evenings of no electricity post-hurricane here in Nova Scotia. This book picks up the pace late midpoint to drive you toward the eighth book in the series. Not much one can say about it without spoiling the whole series, but know that Diana continues to weave the stories of Jamie and Claire in the best of ways, fictionally and realistically.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo | Taylor Jenkins Reid

I had this book on hold from the library for months. Having it finally arrive as a ‘rapid read’ meant I needed to push it to the top of my list. Taylor doesn’t disappoint. Through a fictional character such as Evelyn, she gives us a tale of a woman’s life who is not cut and dry. And isn’t that all of us? Minimizing someone’s life based on their accomplishments, their partners, or how they looked is to take away the bigger story. A story that is worth knowing.

TV/FILMS of NOTE

The Handmaid’s Tale S05 - The saga continues. This a reminder that a mother will always have the most substantial reason to remain courageous and fight for her children.
Despicable Me! - Sharing this viewing with our daughter made me for a fun family film night. Steve Carell is a brilliant voice-over in this animated movie.
Inventing Anna - Anna Sorokin / Delvey filled the headlines during her trial. Although I didn’t pay much attention, this series shows what it means to be a performing artist and a person who buys into their own ‘facade.’

Three books stacked on each other. Bottom - Top: Good Rich People, Cultish, The Marriage Game. A plant is partially seen beside the stack. Text overlay on image: Reads July 2022 byamygrace.

The Marriage Game | Sara Desai

A fun summer read about a young woman who finds herself back home renting and sharing retail space from her dad with another man. This story has loads of references to Indian culture and is written so well I can hear the various characters clearly as they' talk.' It's fun, light-hearted, with loads of snark towards society's lack of open-mindedness towards women.

Cultish | Amanda Montell

I've been enjoying Amandas' podcast "Sounds Like a Cult" with her friend Isa Medina and figured it was time to read Amanda's book, which came before the podcast. Cultish is much the same, but with a more in-depth look at Cult groups. Where 'Sounds Like a Cult' gives room for accidental similarities, Cultish clearly and pointedly calls out the traits we permit in society that are problematic.

Good Rich People | Eliza Jane Brazier

A chilling tale of a wealthy matriarch, her son and his wife who live in a villa of sorts and rent out the apartment beneath them. Without giving too much, these characters play the game of manipulation, observation and quite literally, decimation.

You really wouldn't want to rent from these people, no matter what part of town they live in.

TV/Films of Note
Fantastic Mr. Fox - It’s brilliant artistry, wit and voice talent pull this narrative together in one fantastic film.
Inside Out - A fond rewatch. This film brings an awareness of how much our minds, body and souls are connected.

Women and their words became the threads that made up the blanket of February.

The Measure of My Powers | Jackie Kai Ellis

I read this book a handful of years ago and finally have my own copy to reread. It's not often that a person's life story can be the serving of healing you need, but in this beautiful memoir, I was served again and again a warm, comforting hug in the form of words. Jackie provides her reflections through memories, recipes and vulnerable meditative prose.

Verity | Colleen Hoover

My first time reading a Colleen Hoover novel, I was hooked within the first handful of pages. You believe it will go one way and are given multiple twists to find it going in various other directions. If you want a rapid read with a psychological / mystery bent, this is it!

I added every title from this author to Goodreads, if that's a hint at how much I loved it.

The First Shot | Liv Constantine

The prequel to The Last Mrs.Parish, this small but mighty novella by the sisters that make the name Liv Constantine is everything I hoped for. They made it on my list of favourite authors out of the gate; here is another example of why.

Home Body | Rupi Kaur

Rupi and her thoughtful poems are more than excellent for the mind, body and soul. Take them in. Let them sit beside you and swirl into the air as you breathe.

Films/TV Series of Note

Being the Ricardos | Interesting. I did not love its entirety, but I found its mid-point and onwards very interesting.
The Marvellous Mrs.Maisel S04 | Because Midge has words for what needs to be said and finds the guts to say it.
The Gilded Age S01 | Albeit a tad repetitive in characters mirroring Downton Abby, still very much enjoyable.

I am starting to see a trend…the busier I get, the more books I read….
A coping mechanism for stress.

Felicity | Mary Oliver

Beautiful poems capturing love, life, loss.

The Art of Making Memories | Meik Wiking

A bit repetitive and dry, but an overall pleasant read about why we should think more mindfully about the moments we are in.

The Grace Year | Kim Liggett

A dystopian novel about a year in a girl’s life where she joins her peers in a secluded and remote space, guarded by guards to rid themselves of what is to be believed as the magic that they withhold. A bit of Animal Farm twisted with feminism.

A Prayer Journal | Flannery O’Connor

A literal journal of Flannery O’Connor transcribed from her handwriting. Her awareness of faith, desire to be an artist that provokes thought and meaning along with the self-awareness of one who knows they still have so much to learn and do. I relate a lot to her written down prayers.

The Ride of a Lifetime | Robert Iger

A fascinating look at Robert Iger and his time at Disney. I thoroughly enjoyed his candid look back at his career and honouring those who gave him the leg up in times that provided him opportunities to grow.

Miracles and other Reasonable Things | Sarah Bessey

Sarah Bessey first captured me in her book Jesus Feminist where she challenged the church on how it has treated women historically. She brought to light many deep and beautiful insights on how Jesus treated and looked at women. Quite the opposite of how the North American church has done so over the years. In this book, she tells us of her journey through a horrific car accident that debilitated her and left her having to face her own humanity, purpose and reasons for doing what she does.

Lock Evert Door | Riley Sager

a simple mystery rapid read. A hint of Agatha Christie vibes in the authors’ style.

A Study in Charlotte | Brittany Cavallaro

A take on the present-day generations of Sherlock and Watson. A young Charlotte Sherlock and Jamie Watson become the center of an investigation that presents itself to be a take on one of the classic ‘Sherlock’ cases from years past. I found this a cute young adult fiction for Sherlock lovers and perfect to end the autumn season with.

The Winemakers Wife | Kristin Harmel

A Beautiful tale set during WWII in the vineyards in France that helped with the resistance. Love, loss & redemption. I loved the character development in this book, along with the idea that not only can we be blind to others, but to ourselves as well. If you are looking for a WWII themed read that shows the raw, naked truth of that time while also being deliciously written and a page-turner, this is on point!

The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One | Amanda Lovelace

Beautiful raw poetry about being a woman, withstanding the patriarchy and learning to take the power back. I highly enjoy how Amanda strings words and concepts together in a way that makes one recognize the damage that is caused when society puts the power of women as something wrong rather than supporting and empowering women to take their place and utilize their unique skills.

Into the Wilderness | Sara Donati

This read has been a fun distraction to fall into while waiting for Outlander to return. History, love and the clash of cultures in one long adventure.

The Favourite Sister | Jessica Knoll

Set behind the scenes of a reality tv show this book follows a handful of women in the lead up to ‘the main event’ which the specifics are unknown to the reader. A mystery read, this one didn’t leave me flipping pages in excitement, but it did play out well. A good Summer beach day diversion.

A Well Behaved Woman | Therese Anne Fowler

Still in the thick of these pages. Therese reimagines both fact and fiction from historical women. Based on ‘Alva Belmont / Vanderbilt’ and her essential place in the history of the women’s suffrage movement. I love reading Therese’s sassy take on these pillars of womanhood. (still reading)

The Queen of Hearts | Kimmery Martin

Adoring the best friends that hold this book together. A bit like a book for those who adore “Meredith Grey & Christina Yang” from Greys Anatomy. Step into the world that these doctors hold both professionally and personally. (Still reading)

Duped | Abby Ellin

Abby Takes us behind the scenes of her experiences being engaged to a con man and her never ending research trying to find the why’s and how’s of those who live double lives and have false identities. Another book written wth a journalists hand and she manages to write with intrigue that makes us want to read through her findings and research. Fascinating in every way.