My October 2024 Reading Roundup – A Book Review

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October. When I think of October, I think of the usual things. Fall, Fall Break, Halloween, etc. I fancied myself doing something fun by bringing up the Halloween decorations from the basement and spreading them all around the house. And then within a blink of an eye, Halloween was over and suddenly my son is requesting I play Christmas hits in the car for ride to school. Crazy!

This past month, I finished 2 feature-length screenplays. One based on the book I wrote, The Secrets We Keep, which you can find on Wattpad here. And one about vampires based on a pilot I wrote. Since I finished the vampire script, I’ve already begun working on turning it into a novel. In fact, I just finished writing chapter one this past Sunday! I just can’t stop writing. It’s the most exciting thing ever.

As for non-writing and non-reading stuff I did in October, I saw DJ Shadow in concert in Atlanta and my son’s team finished 2nd in his baseball league. He was so excited to get that ring.

Anywho, as for what you all came here for, I read 8 books this past month and below are my thoughts on them. Some books were from some of my favorite authors like Ali Hazelwood and Penelope Douglas. And some were just books that were best sellers that I thought I’d give a try. Without further delay, here are my reviews.

Things I Wish I Told My Mother by Susan Patterson, Susan DiLallo and James Patterson

I read the hard copy from my library. It took three authors to put together a complete waste of time book? The only thing I liked about this book was the fact that it was short. If it were any longer and still had that ending, I’d be livid.

What a waste. Should’ve known by the title what happened, but sadly I didn’t. Had I known, I wouldn’t have read it. There was no pay off in this book. Why invest your time? I felt cheated.

There were too many descriptions of what they wore, what they ate, their night time and morning routine. The two main characters were such shallow people, concerned with only their looks. The daughter body shamed herself? Just. No. The sole sex scene description was unique, likening it to food. Other than that, complete waste of time. I DO NOT recommend.

1/5 stars

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

I checked out the audio version from my library. It was well written. I found it confusing sometimes with all the characters. It was a little too smart for its own good too.

Everyone was a good person, but just needed a little help. It was more like a commentary on life and how everyone has problems. No matter how old or young.

Well defined characters. I’m looking forward to checking out the TV show on Netflix. It wrapped everything up with a ribbon, but felt repetitive at times.

It was mysterious because we didn’t know who the bank robber was. The characters were kind of all interconnected, which I liked. Overall, a unique story that I enjoyed.

4/5 stars

Misconduct by Penelope Douglas

I listened to this one on audible. It was a simple story. Not her best. Very hot and frequent sex scenes, which was surprising. Not many stakes and the surprise at the end wasn’t like a whoa! moment. Overall, it was just okay to me. Maybe slightly better than okay, but still. Read it if you’re a fan of this author.

3.75/5 stars

Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood

I read the hard copy from my library. It was frustrating. I can understand how people might not like Rue, but I identify with her so much. Being quiet and all.

I loved their love story. I loved Eli. One of my favorite book boyfriends. I think I like the he falls first trend. Her not wanting to be express her obvious feelings felt a little emotionally immature to me, but he was patient with her.

Wished we could’ve seen what happened with his sister and his friend, Hark. Kinda want a book 2 about them. Even got suspenseful with the business deals and the lawyers in the background. And there was quite a bit of sex in this. Some hot. Some not. But all good. And Tisha’s boyfriend? Like who was that? Anyway, a fun read for me. Would totally recommend.

4.25/5 stars

All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers

I checked out the audio version from my library. I enjoyed it… up until the ending. And I can’t really get into what I didn’t like because it would spoil the book. What I can say is there was some good misdirection here. But it had a non-ending and I hate non-endings. Why leave us hanging? Also, that police guy who was helping Margot kinda disappeared toward the end.

For a book to be satisfying, it has to be satisfying all the way through, and this just wasn’t. Like it needed one of two more chapters so we can see what actually happened. Such a missed opportunity there. And so frustrating! Sigh.

3/5 stars

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

I checked out the audio version from my library. It was a cute, breezy, warm blanket kind of book. Not much tension. But I did enjoy the mysterious encounter between them in the present, seven years later. When he said “It was good to see you again, Lemon.” That was good.

But the magical apartment wasn’t really explained, nor the why behind it. It was just like just go with it. The reasons to not be together in the present were like, okay I guess. Cuz of work but you could quit your job and she did so…. not much tension.

Almost dnf’d it after the first chapter because it gave me nothing. She runs into MMC and he’s broad chested and he just says Lemon and she thinks he’s talking about cake. Okay, why would I spend 10 or so hours on this?

Some of it didn’t make sense too. He knew her in the past but she only met him in the present. Head scratcher and the side characters were nothing.

3/5 stars

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager

I checked out the audio version from my library and I was hooked from the beginning. There were a couple twists in there I didn’t see coming. But looking back on it, there were clues.

There was some mystery, some surprises and even some paranormal stuff in there. I enjoyed this one. Well done. Well written. Didn’t like the cult thing. It was just a something they threw in there to throw us off I think. Other than that, huge thumbs up. I want to read more from this author now.

4.5/5 stars

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

I also checked out the audio version from my library. I liked that it was a book about someone who was depressed and wanted to kill themselves. I’d never read a book from the POV of a depressed person before, so it was oddly refreshing. Phoebe had a unique approach to life. Spoke matter of factly a lot. Some nice surprises in there that I don’t want to give away.

I enjoyed peeling back the layers of the characters. Felt there was missed opportunity in that we don’t get a kiss at the end though. The bride was so selfish and annoying. And spoiled. I couldn’t see how anyone could like her. The author used “says” or “said” a lot. Too much for my liking. Find another word please.

But it was a unique story, though not much growth for the main character. Did I like this one? I think I liked that it was different from what I normally read.

4/5 stars

Thank you for reading!