What I Read in April '23!

 Happy May!! We are officially on to the second third of the year!

April was a wonderful reading month, with quite a bit of variety and some books I will definitely be recommending going forward!

I had some ARCs, library books, and some from my shelves I wanted to read this month, and I didn't pick up any off my shelves, but enjoyed a few ARCs and quite a few from the library!

Book 1: Weyward - Emilia Hart

This was our bookclub read this month, and it was a very interesting conversation discussing the themes and characters! We follow three women at various points in time as they overcome different hurdles and discover their ancestors' stories and magical affinity. This was a fairly entertaining read, but I would have liked more magic/witch elements. If you're looking for a multigenerational story of female witches with light magic, this one is for you!

Pictured: Weyward by Emlia Hart

Book 2: Ms Demeanor - Elinor Lipman

I read Ms Demeanor because a review of this caught my eye, so I took it out of the library. The premise was interesting enough, although the actual plot felt irrelevant to the story somehow. This had a fairly even pace, but didn't make me eager to flip pages. This was an okay story, sometimes ridiculous in a good way, but overall a fairly forgettable story.

Pictured: Ms Demeanor by Elinor Lipman

Book 3: The Last Heir to Blackwood Library - Hester Fox

I am a big Hester Fox fan! So I was very excited when the library told me I could pick this book up the day it came out! I read it the next day - start to finish. This was exactly what I've come to expect from Fox. She has characters that pull you in, a plot that grabs your attention, and a setting you want to dive into. This was a great book, and I enjoyed the fantastical elements included in this read! With an evolving plot, small town, historical setting, featuring an old abbey and a large library, this kept me gripped.

Pictured: The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by Hester Fox

Book 4: The Witches of New York - Ami McKay

I have read a few books now with an 1880s New York backdrop, and the setting gets me every time! I loved getting to know these three female witches, and felt like I lost friends when I closed this book. They were three very memorable witches, with a variety of magical abilities, and a terrible event looming over them. I loved seeing this play out, and was eager to turn pages. McKay's writing was enchanting and had me absolutely glued to the page. This was a delightful read and I immediately put more books by McKay on hold at the library! IF you like magical realism/witchy books, I defintiely recommend checking this one out!

Pictured: The Witches of New York by Amy McKay

Book 5: A Discovery of Witches - Deborah Harkness

I kept my fantasy streak going by picking up A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness next. I did not put this book down until 3 in the morning! I was drawn in to this world full of magic and witches and vampires and daemons, and the adventure they embark on all throughout Europe and America. This was absolutely fantastic and left me wanting more - luckily there are three others in this world to dive into - and I did! These characters were awesome and individual, with depth and layers to them, which I really enjoyed! The plot is constantly turning and weaving as they uncover clues while our MC tries to figure out just what her magical abilities are. If you're looking for a fantasy series, I highly recommend this trilogy! And the best news - it's a completed trilogy, so you don't have to wait for the next one to publish!

Pictured: A Discovery of Witches (All Souls # 1) by Deborah Harkness

Book 6: Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun - Elle Cosimano

While waiting for the follow-up book to A Discovery of Witches, I intentionally chose a very different read to dive into next. I returned to Finlay Donovan's world of amateur assassins, humour and wit. This was a great follow-up to the previous two books in this series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first (more than the second). If you like accidental murder, humour, imperfect mothers just trying to mom at their best, and some good side characters packed into a quick and easygoing read, I'd recommend this series.

Pictured: Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano

Book 7 & 8: Shadow of Night & The Book of Life - Deborah Harkness

The library came through for me! I could not get my head out of the world that Harkness had created and luckily the local librarians had the next two books ready for me. I dove in and finished these in a few days. They were a wonderful continuation and conclusion tot the adventure and plot that was going on when I closed book 1. These books pick up right after the other, with minimal explanation toward prior events, but enough to kickstart any possible forgetfulness. These sequels added even more characters and creatures that I absolutely loved. The historical addition/references and the academic approach to different creatures (witches, daemons and vampires) was a wonderful change to other fantasy books, and the absolute adventure all three of these books were was so incredible. The first three are a trilogy and leave you with a wonderful sense of closure, despite the fact you will not want to be done with this extremely large and thorough world Harkness has shown you.

Pictured: Shadow of Night (All Souls # 2) by Deborah Harkness

Pictured: The Book of Life (All Souls # 3) by Deborah Harkness

Book 9: The Perfumist of Paris - Alka Joshi

This is the third (and I think final) book in The Jaipur Trilogy. I loved the first two books and couldn't wait to dive into this one! Unfortunately, this did not connect for me. I struggled with the change in direction that this book took - we focus on a side character instead of the MC from the last two books. I also struggled with some of the plot points and character decisions. I am purposefully being vague so nothing is ruined in any of the three books, so I'll just say The Henna Artist and The Secret Keeper of Jaipur were excellent books and I recommend those two of this trilogy, but would (and could since they're wrapped up by then) stop there.

Pictured: The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi

Book 10: The Light of Eternal Spring - Angel Di Zhang

This is a new book that published April 25th, 2023, featuring a photographer in New York City, USA, who receives a letter stating her mother has died (this is on page 1 and is not a spoiler). She then embarks on a journey of grief and mourning and acceptance of her choices and coming to an understanding of events leading up to that letter. Overall, I liked the premise of this story, but I felt it was lacking emotional pull, considering the story is all character development through a very difficult time. IT fell a little flat for me, but if you like stories exploring grief, I'd recommend.

Pictured: The Eternal Light of Spring by Angel Di Zhang

Book 11: Half Spent was the Night - Ami McKay

The Witches of New York (read earlier in April) left me wanting more. More character development, more NYC 1880s vibes, more witchy events, more of these characters' interactions, more of their adventures, more magical abilities uncovered, more suspense - more, more, more. So when I saw that there was a short sequel, I got it from the library and devoured it in half an hour. Despite my want to drag it out and make it last, that want was overthrown by my absolute love of McKay's writing and characters. This was a great sequel, even though it still left me wanting more of this world. But I am very happy for my time there and recommend reading both of these!

Pictured: Half Spent was the Night by Ami McKay

Book 12: A Marvellous Light - Freya Marske

This story was delightful. We have an MC thrown into a position, feeling overwhelmed at the responsibilities of the position, and then his first meeting he is told there are magicians in the world. Needless to say, his life is turned upside down, and suddenly he is tossed into solving a problem he doesn't really understand, with people he doesn't understand, relying on magicians he didn't even knew existed a day ago. This was a great story, with a captivating plot, endearing characters, a fairly slow-burn romance, and magic! I put the sequel on hold the moment I finished the book (well after midnight because I couldn't put it down) and the library had it ready for me less than 12 hours later!

Pictured: A Marvellous Light (The Last Binding # 1) by Freya Marske

Book 13: Time's Convert - Deborah Harkness

This is a follow-up sequel to the All Souls trilogy (A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night & The Book of Life). This story diverges (following a side character from the trilogy) and shows you a very in-depth look at Marcus's life (which is very long since he's a vampire). This shows everything from the American Revolution, to epidemics, to changes in medicine and technology over the last couple centuries, while also showing the intense process of becoming a vampire and controlling those urges. This had a very different feel than the first three books - mainly this is not a magical adventure of solving a complex problem but rather a fictional memoir, with a lot of historical events described in-depth (I'm talking at least 100 pages of the American Revolution and battles at very old gun-point). I would've been more than satisfied having read the trilogy (which I love and recommend) and not read this one. If you really liked Marcus from the first books, or have an interest in historical events and advancements, then I would recommend this one, but otherwise, it doesn't really live up to the other books from the series.

Pictured: Time's Convert (All Souls # 4) by Deborah Harkness

Book 14: A Restless Truth - Freya Marske

Because the librarians had my back AGAIN this month, I was able to dive back into The Last Binding series (book 1 was A Marvellous Truth and you should definitely read it). This was a great sequel! This is the second of three parts in solving this complex magical mystery, and we end up following a connected but separate group of characters - but wow did I love getting to know them, too! Marske has us on a ship travelling between Europe and America (this happens on page 1 - not a spoiler!), but murder and thievery abound! With this remote setting, this group of do-gooders are working to make sure they not only live, but solve their part of the mystery while trapped in the middle of an ocean. This was suspenseful, fast-paced, and emotionally gripping. I loved this story and cannot wait for book three - unfortunately it doesn't come out until November 2023! I will be (im)patiently waiting until then!

Pictured: A Restless Truth (The Last Binding # 2) by Freya Marske

Book 9: Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone - Benjamin Stevenson

This was a book like no other that I have read. For that reason alone, I would recommend reading this book. At halfway, I kind of wanted to know what would happen, but I also could have never picked it up again and been okay. I was constantly brought out of the story because of the way it is told, which is a constant reminder you are reading a book, which didn't allow me to dive in and forget that I am reading a book (no escapism here). But, I did think it was unique in that there are ten rules laid out before the story even starts and the author has created a suspenseful and twisting plot within this framework. I didn't guess the ending, which is always a plus with a who-dunnit mystery, and was kept guessing until the end. This remote setting of a ski lodge mixed with this mistrusting family, created a suspenseful atmosphere. I have no way to describe this book, and didn't love the book, but it was a neat idea and the execution was well done for what it was. 

Pictured: Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

So all in all, another good month! With all the snow, rain and hail we had, I was happy to stay curled up inside and chip away at my pile of books! Hopefully May is looking up and I can enjoy some of my next reads out in the sunshine!

Pictured: Monthly Wrap-Up template with book covers read this month

If you're interested in individual reviews, following along with my reading updates or chatting about books, check out my Instagram page @reading.with.t !  

4 Tips to Make the Most of the Library!

I am an avid library user. I love the library for so many reasons, big reasons such as their benefits to the community, and smaller reasons like how it is a more affordable way to read books.

I have been using the library my entire life. I used to cycle with my sisters to the local library, and I still love my trips to the library today. We live fairly close to the library, so on the days they're open late, I'll walk down, and on the days they close earlier, I'll drive down right after work or on my lunch.

Pictured: Holding 3 library books & my library card up to the camera

In my years of using the library I have come up with 4 tips that help me make the library work for me, and I'd love to share them with you, so you can use the library more efficiently and hopefully increase your use of the library - giving it more support. Let's put that library card to use, so reading stays an easy, affordable, and fun hobby!

Pictured: 8 library books, a candle, and a white board with due dates

Tip #1: Put Books on Hold Online

By putting books on hold online, you can go to the library when you know your book is in, and you don't have to keep checking back, or spend time perusing to find books. The entire inventory is online, and you can simply press the "Request Hold" (or similar) button and get the notification (mine comes by email) when the book is ready. I go to the library 1-2 times a week, but each visit is only about five minutes, if that, because I go right to the holds shelf, check myself out at the machine, and am on my way. This saves me so much time. They typically hold the books for about a week so you have time to pick them up when they come in, without being rushed. So I wait until I have a couple books come in, and go pick them up (or if I am really eager to read a book I head down that day).

Saving time by knowing the books are there and ready for you, and not having to look through all the shelves, is so much more efficient. Sometimes I peruse and pick up books I haven't heard of or catch my eye, but having the option to simply pick them up and go is great. I then bring them home, add the due dates to my whiteboard, and enjoy!

Pictured: A library copy of The Judge's List by John Grisham, with a list on paper, glasses, and a candle

Tip #2: Make a List

This is a follow-up tip to putting books on hold. The library has hundreds of books I want to read at any given time, and if I put them all on hold at one time - as I did in the past - I will end up constantly renewing books and stressed about missing deadlines or missing picking them up, etc. Instead, I have a list on my phone and I put a few books on hold every so often, and then a manageable amount comes in at a time (usually). I prefer a digital list on my phone since I can add books wherever I see them or hear about them, and I simply erase a book once I've placed it on hold or read it.

Pictured: 5 library books on a blanket

Tip #3: Check the Library First

I love buying books, and admittedly spend too much time perusing online bookshops, however, before I add any book to my cart, I check the library. If the library has it, I put it on hold (or add it to my list to put on hold), and if it's not in their inventory, then I'll buy it when I next buy books. This way I can put my money towards books I wouldn't be able to read for free - which makes my money go much further.

In the same notepad on my phone as my list of books to put on hold, I also have a list of books that I would like to read but that the library doesn't have, so that when I get gift cards or go book shopping, I have a list of books ready.

With bookclubs, I sometimes end up buying books that I wouldn't be able to get from the library on time to read before the get together, and sometimes I like to buy non-fiction books so I can look back at them at my leisure or re-read them. But checking the library first has saved me so much money long-term, because books can add up fast, as we all know. A large majority of the books I read are from the library, and the ones on my shelf are almost exclusively ones I couldn't read for free, which keeps my reading habit affordable!

Pictured: holding 3 library books

Tip #4: Read the Library Newsletters

I don't spend a lot of time reading their newsletters, and I don't read all of their newsletters, but every 2-3 months, I like to read through their lists of new and upcoming books and either put them on hold or add them to my list to put on hold at a later date. This way I get new releases sooner which keeps me excited and up-to-date with books, even if I'm not buying them new.

When I first started using the library, I was a bit disheartened that I was always months behind reading books that so many other people were reading and discussing, but by reading a couple newsletters every couple months (which is maybe 10 minutes), I get to stay up with the latest books! And enjoying and being excited about what I read is part of what makes a hobby fun!

Pictured: 3 library books on top of a barstool

I love the library, and these four things have helped me in keeping reading an affordable and easy hobby, without having to spend as much time at the library as I was before. The money I do spend on books is going towards books I can't get for free, and I constantly have at least a few library books at home to be working through alongside my TBR (to be read) bookshelves.

Libraries also do so many events for every age group and offer volunteering opportunities as well, so I highly encourage looking into events at your local library, but even if you're only looking to use their materials, you will not regret it! You have a huge inventory of books at your hands, even smaller local libraries will do inter-library loans so you can request books from other neighboring towns. 

And when I have that itch and I want to go the bookstore and spend a bunch of money, I go to the library, get to read the same books I would've bought, but can put that money aside for other things (like holidays, retirement and other hobbies).

If you have any tips for me, please let me know, as I am defintiely going to keep using the library, and always love to make even better habits!

If you're interested in individual reviews, following along with my reading updates or chatting about books, check out my Instagram page @reading.with.t !  

March Newsletter '23

Happy April!! We are officially on to the second quarter of the year!

March was a wonderful reading month, with so many unexpectedly good reads enjoyed!

I had a TBR laid out of books I wanted to read throughout March, and read almost none of them as library holds and ARCs came up, but I cannot complain at all, because it was a fabulous month with quite a few new favourites discovered! I read more books this month than I have since I started tracking my reads years ago, so we reached a new record in March!

Book 1: The Library of the Dead by T. L. Huchu

This book drew me in with the synopsis, but unfortunately it was not for me. I found the main character spoke with too much slang, and since she narrated the entire book, it was hard for me to get past. There were also a lot of parts to this book all wrapped together, and it felt like too much for such a short book. So my first book of March was not a success, but luckily things looked up!

Pictured: The Library of the Dead by T. L. Huchu

Book 2: The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

I read The Queen of the Tearling in February, and this was book 2 in that series, so I picked it up next, wanting to dive back into this world. While reading the second book in the series, I didn't enjoy it as much, but once I got to book 3, I appreciated the journey that book 2 was. The Queen of the Tearling set the stage for the trilogy, and this one followed up with action and plenty of events.

Pictured: The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Book 3: The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

I had to follow it up with book 3, The Fate of the Tearling, to end this trilogy off, because I wanted to know what happened. This book put a lot of book 2, The Fate of the Tearling, into focus and provided explanations for the previous book, that I found really satisfying. Throughout the entire trilogy I lvoed the theme of justice, and right & wrong, and ethics and religious influence on a community, and moral actions. I thought book 3 specifically led to quite a few thought-provoking situations along these lines, and I enjoyed watching them be debated and considering them myself.

Pictured: The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Book 4: Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young

I wanted another fantasy book next, but I wanted a faster-paced stand-alone book that would grab me and bring my focus away from the Tearling, and this book not only met, but exceeded my expectations. I was immediately drawn in to this magical and secluded island, immediately connected with the main character, and I loved the multiple POVs to show different aspects of the events taking place on the island. Young did a wonderful job of bringing magic into the story and keeping this slightly urgent pace, to keep the reader wanting to turn pages. I flew through this book and absolutely loved it.

Pictured: Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young

Book 5: Circe by Madeline Miller

Based on the synopsis, this book seemed like it would be filled with gods, magical abilities, fighting, and this action-packed plot. This book let me down. I have heard many good things about the book, and I can defintiely understand why someone would love it, but the writing really lost me. I thought it had a dream-like writing that made it feel vague, even during major plot points. The plot itself was okay, but while reading the book, everything felt like an anecdote that was still leading up to big events, even when it was a big event, and so the book seemed to rag on in a very slow fashion waiting for something that already happened. 

Pictured: Circe by Madeline Miller

Book 6: The House at the End of the World

I decided to move along to a thriller, because I was craving something much faster-paced, that would have more urgency and suspense than Circe had, and I chose correctly. I was not expecting the amount of suspense and anxiety I would feel in reading Koontz's book. This was so excellently crafted to provide information at just the right moments, to have the reader connected to the characters, and hoping they survive, catching glimpses of their past to really feel for them, all while this plot is unraveling, and going nowhere good. This was a brilliant read that will have you completely captivated.

Pictured: The House at the End of the World by Dean Koontz

Book 7: Nettle & Bone by T Kingfisher

This book also exceeded all expectations. This was a new-to-me author, so I only had the synopsis and a couple good reviews to go off of, and I am so glad I picked this one up! The first chapter drew me in, the next couple chapters slowed a bit to create a foundation, and then we were off running again in this adventurous and witty story. I absolutely loved the characters, which included but were not limited to: a demonic chicken, witches, magical godmothers, nuns, royalty, dogs made of bones & magic, and ghosts. This was as thrilling as it was funny, and I was constantly chuckling. This was a rag-tag team going on an impossible mission and I loved every moment, from the goblin market to the convent. I highly recommend this read!

Pictured: Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher

Book 8: A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

This was chaos from the first page, and I did not catch up, even as I closed the book. This dark academic fiction is based around a school for wizards of varying powers and abilities. Sounds good, right? Of course! However, the execution left me confused. The magical abilities didn't get explained as much as I think they needed to, and there seemed to be a lot of exceptions even once I understood them a little more. The idea of this was great, but I found it somewhat confusing. I haven't decided if I'll pick up the rest in the trilogy yet. Stay tuned!

Pictured: A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Book 9: The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford

I rushed to fit in a library book before I went on vacation and this one exceeded expectations. The Mandy Daughters of Afong Moy was a generational book handling trauma, inherited habits and perspectives, and really had this adventurous tone as it shared the difficulties of each of Afong's descendants and her own experience. This was beautifully crafted and woven together in such a masterful way. Ford made me a fan and I'll be looking to pick up more of their works. 

Pictured: The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford

Book 10: The Little Old Lady Strikes Again by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg

To start my vacation reads I picked up a sequel to The Little Old Lady Who Broke all the Rules accurately titled The Little Old Lady Strikes Again. This met the expectations set out in the first and I enjoyed seeing where this retired group would continue their illegal activities. The group of characters has good variety, and we get to know them slowly throughout the books since the focus is on the plot and events that this group gets up to. I have enjoyed both of these and am looking forward to the next!

Pictured: The Little Old Lady Strikes Again by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg

Book 11: Heir of Uncertain Magic by Charlie N. Holmberg

I picked up my kindle next and dove into another sequel. I read Keeper of Enchanted Rooms in December of 2022 and was so eager to pick up Heir of Uncertain Magic after finishing that one. Luckily I was approved for the ARC! I am loving this series (I say series in an optimistic hope for another book with these characters). I absolutely loved getting to know these characters and see them progress past magical hurdles and events. This historical fiction includes magical elements in such a great way, and this book did a fabulous job following up the first in the Whimbrel House adventure. I highly recommend these for a quick, endearing, magical, and adventurous read.

Pictured: Heir of Uncertain Magic by Charlie N. Holmberg

Book 12: VenCo by Cherie Dimaline

Continuing with my ARC list on NetGalley, I picked up another magical read with an adventurous plot: VenCo by Cherie Dimaline. This was a slower-moving plot than I was expecting, with a larger focus on characters. I was expecting magical battles, witch hunting, and a gripping page-turner, and this one didn't quite fit that bill. The magical battles seemed anti-climactic, the witch hunting was fairly calm, and overall it wasn't as suspenseful as I'd hoped. My lower enjoyment could simply be the expectations that I had based on reviews going in. The story focused on the backstory of characters that we don't see development for and had a calm tone, even during high points in the plot, which created a less suspenseful feel throughout.

Pictured: VenCo by Cherie Dimaline

Book 13: Wolfsong by TJ Klune

I turned to my third ARC next, Wolfsong by TJ Klune, which kept me in the fantastical realm. I had not read a synopsis for this one and went in completely blind, only having Klune's other works to give me an idea of what to expect. Klune is great at using fantasy as societal commentary, showing different types and situations around love, acceptance, and an incredible array of emotions. This was a perfect found family novel, where we meet an MC who goes through so many tragic situations, and fins the people who help him get through these and grow as a person. This was a slow-moving story that dove into loss, grief, acceptance, love, and hope, all while balancing this thrilling plot including magic and werewolves. This was a great story showing why Klune is one of my auto-read authors!

Pictured: Wolfsong by TJ Klune

Book 14: Good for You by Camille Pagan

I then read Good for You by Camille Pagan. I chose this one because of the cover and thought it would be a good vacation read, but was not expecting the amount of emotion included. Pagan has woven a story of loss, grief and hope of moving on after losing a sibling in a tragic accident. This was well done, although I did have some issue with some of the MC's decisions, but I think this showed that grief can really alter a person and change their outlook on life, which was well done.

Pictured: Good for You by Camille Pagan

Book 15: The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy

This I went back to a magical read with The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy next. This was a generational story as well, but we didn't get to meet the characters quite enough to really create some bonds between the reader and the women highlighted. The idea of the story and the plot itself was good, but without the connection to the characters, I felt the book was lacking. We also saw the same issues arise with a few of the characters and this felt repetitive and easily avoided, which also took away from my enjoyment. If you're looking for a witchy read, I'd recommend, but I'd recommend others first.

Pictured: The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy

Book 16: Cleopatra's Dagger by Carole Lawrence

To end my vacation, I started Cleopatra's Dagger by Carole Lawrence on the last flight of our week. It hooked me right away, with a female MC going against societal norms to be a journalist in the 1880s. I loved the NYC setting and feminist commentary. This was a great mystery where the reader is suspicious of everyone and not sure who will be the murderer will be until the reveal. It wasn't who I thought it would be! I loved this one.

Pictured: Cleopatra's Dagger by Carole Lawrence

Book 17: Stoneblind by Natalie Haynes

I grabbed my bookclub book next so I would have time to finish it before our meeting. Stoneblind, by Natalie Haynes, was a let down. The synopsis and title made me believe this story was about Medusa, but in actuality it covered the paths and events of many gods, and Medusa was a fairly small character right from the start. This had some parts that seemed completely unnecessary to the story as they didn't relate to anything else, and had the most unlikeable characters. I defintiely would have quit reading this one had it not been for bookclub.

Pictured: Stoneblind by Natalie Haynes

Book 16: The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson

Lastly, I ended the month with the sequel to The Kind Worth Killing. The Kind Worth Saving was a perfect follow-up. It kept the same thrilling tone, unexpected turns in the plot, and we saw a few of the same characters again which was nice to see where their story went following the first book. This was a classic Swanson in terms of fast-pace, little description, and a page-turning plot.

Pictured: The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson

So all in all, another good month! I was fortunate to go away for a week on vacation, so some of these books I read curled up in my reading room with snow falling outside, and some of these books I read on a beach in the sun! A great balance and two perfect backdrops to enjoy a book.

If you're interested in individual reviews, following along with my reading updates or chatting about books, check out my Instagram page @reading.with.t !  

Women Writing Women - Book Recs for International Women's Day

 Happy International Women's Day!

I think we've all read books that include a women so terribly written that we roll our eyes throughout the entire book or quit reading it - for good reason. We don't need to encourage authors to write useless, wimpy women, who make terrible decisions at every turn and are shocked when things go badly. Instead, let's support authors and books that have such fantastic, resilient, strong women that make the entire story more impactful and amazing. 

Those are the books I've chosen to feature today, March 8th, aka International's Women's Day! Whether the main character or not, these characters each exude their own type of power.

The characters in the books below are written by women and are fantastic characters that I loved for a variety of reasons and made me sad to close the book, and not get to see the rest of their adventure play out. If you haven't picked up the books below, you're missing out on meeting some wonderful women!

This is not an exhaustive list by any means - that would be ridiculously long - but some of my absolutely favourite characters are included below, and I hope when you pick these books up you'll enjoy getting to know them as much as I did.

So - onto the characters!

Elsa written by Kristin Hannah

If you've read a book by Kristin Hannah, I'm without doubt that you would be able to include someone from the book on this list. But I have to spotlight Elsa from The Four Winds. She is so resilient, so incredibly strong, and the character development that we see from her goes to show the talent that Hannah has in bringing characters to life. Elsa is born to hateful parents, married to a useless husband, and is mother to two children when the Great Depression rolls through and she is forced to make some tough decisions basically alone. Elsa will have you cheering her on from the very first chapter and you will be sad to say bye when the book closes. 

Pictured: The Four Winds & Kristin Hannah (author)

Honourable mentions also go to Hannah's other characters: Leni in The Great Alone, Vera in The Winter Garden, Isabelle and Vianne in The Nightingale, and Jolene in Homefront. All of these women come alive off the page and show so much strength in a variety of tough situations (war, depression, loss, etc.). 

Grace written by B. A. Paris

B. A. Paris has multiple domestic thrillers and I've found most of her books include great women as well, but Grace in Behind Closed Doors easily takes the top spot! She is resilient, strong, and consistently fierce throughout the book. She has reason to curl up in a ball and stop fighting, knowing she is such an underdog in this terrible situation she's in, but she keeps fighting and I loved this! This book was fantastic and Grace was a big part of the reason why!

Pictured: Behind Closed Doors & B. A. Paris (author)

Eva written by Kristin Harmel

I have loved many books by Kristin Harmel, but my favourite of hers - and an all-time favourite read of mine - is The Book of Lost Names. Harmel takes us to WWII Nazi-occupied France, and our main character Eva (inspired by a true woman and story) is a Jewish woman who puts all her effort toward helping Jewish children escape a terrible fate. This book is extremely emotional - obviously - and I found Eva was an amazing character, so resilient in the face of war and horrific events. You will be cheering her and others on from the first page, but keep a tissue box close for this one!

Pictured: The Book of Lost Names & Kristin Harmel (author)

Mila written by Kate Quinn

Kate Quinn also writes historical fiction and has a variety of books, mostly showing WWII from the perspective of different countries. Quinn bases most of her books around real women from history, bringing them to life and bringing awareness to their successes through a fictional tale. Lyudmila Pavlichenko was a Russian sniper in WWII, and Quinn brings her to life as Mila in The Diamond Eye. This incredibly skillful woman is extremely intriguing - but don't spoil this book! Make sure to read The Diamond Eye before doing your googling! This book pulled me in and became an all-time favourite read when I flipped the last page, and I'd hate for you to spoil anything before reading this outstanding story.

Pictured: The Diamond Eye & Kate Quinn (author)

The second book I want to highlight by Quinn, is The Alice Network. We have two characters that I absolutely loved - for very different reasons. Lily and Eva were both such great characters and the two timelines, showing us the war firsthand and modern day worked so well to discuss the various events. This book started a bit slow and took me a little while to get into, but once I was hooked, I didn't put it down, and you won't want to either! What I loved about Lily and Eva is that they showed a situation where being underestimated can be taken advantage of for a good reason.

Saffron written by Kate Khavari

Going further back in history, in a different fictional world, we have Saffron, written by Kate Khavari in The Botanist's Guide to Parties and Potions. I loved how Saffron took things by the reigns and really ran with her ideas and ways to help solve this historical murder by using her academic specialty - botany! This is a cozy historical mystery, featuring a character well worth the spotlight!

Pictured: A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons & Kate Khavari (author)

Ada written by Anna North

Anna North sets Outlawed at a time when women's main purpose was homemaking and child rearing, and so Ada, being barren, is outcasted in her village, for reasons well outside her control. I loved Ada's mother in this one as well, but Ada really shone. She was a great character and I loved this western setting for a feminist book. This book remains a unique read that I think of quite often - and I read this years ago!

Pictured: Outlawed & Anna North (author)

Tierney written by Kim Liggett

Jumping into a dystopian world designed by Kim Liggett, she uses Tierney, a sixteen year old girl, as the focus of The Grace Year. And wow! Probably my favourite teenaged character ever. She has a rebellious side I enjoyed watching play out, balanced with critical thought and mature competency in most regards. The way this story revolves around Tierney, she was really a make or break character for the story and she made it! 

Pictured: The Grace Year & Kim Liggett (author)

There are so many incredibly female authors writing so many incredible female characters, but I will end my list with a book I read last month that absolutely has to be included.

Adunni written by Abi Dare

Abi Dare wrote The Girl with the Louding Voice and it is not one you will forget. Adunni is a fourteen year old girl, that will draw you in immediately, have you empathizing and astounded by her courage through tough and almost impossible situations. She shows a strength and resilience that will leave you in awe and Abi Dare will leave you wanting to know more about Adunni than we get to see. Great story featuring a powerful woman.

Pictured: The Girl with the Louding Voice & Abi Dare (author)

I will repeat that this is not an exhaustive list by any means. These are only 8 of the dozens of characters that could be on this list, but they are a solid 8 and I highly recommend all of these books.

Stay tuned for a follow-up post, because there are so many more women I would like to include!

I hope you all have a wonderful International Women's Day! Comment below if there are any characters you recommend that would fit in this category!

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