January: What I Read

I've decided to start a monthly series here on the blog. 

I used to keep a very long list of all the books I've ever read. I still have that archived somewhere. And I do still track my reading on Goodreads. 

But.

I'm going to post at the end of each month and share the books I've read. 

Which (HOORAY!) I actually have done in January. 

I also used to make a goal of reading 100 books every year. I never hit that goal. 

So now I'm much more realistic and opt for setting a goal of 52. One book per week. If it's possible, it's possible, if not, I won't beat myself up over it. It's still okay. But it's nice to set a small challenge anyway.

And listen, my plan was to review each book. I really wanted to do that for you. And I will try to at some point, but if I don't submit and publish this post soon I'll be adding any books I read in February to the list. So. Bear with me and feel free to ask me my thoughts on the titles listed below. 

*referral links are available for your shopping convenience*

BOOKS I READ IN JANUARY 2021

The Once and Future Witches, by Alix E. Harrow

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, by V. E. Schwab

The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig

The Pull of The Stars, Emma Donoghue

Black Buck, by Mateo Askaripour

The Chicken Sisters, by KJ Dell'Antonia

Dear Justyce, by Nic Stone

Let me know what you've been reading so far this year! Can't wait to hear what you recommend. And be sure to tell me if you've read any of these titles and what you thought. 

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7 Books to Kickstart Your Summer

Summer is coming in quickly, friends.

And there's nothing many of us enjoy more than a great summer read.

I've got a few recommendations for you.

Some are old, some are new, but whenever they were published matters not - they're going to get you through your summer travels, the impossible and unbearable heat, the days by the pool, your commute to work, your road trips (audiobooks, y'all) and the days when you really wish your kids were at camp but they're not. So. Join me!

* As always there are affiliate links in this post. By making a purchase through these links you support Good Girl Gone Redneck at no additional cost to you. Thank you! * 

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Nonfiction Reads: Spring 2019

There are so many books that I want to read, and each time a new novel or nonfiction book comes out I find myself adding them to my list.

The never-ending and always growing to-read list.

So for today I thought I'd share some new nonfiction books that I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this year. (Referral links are scattered throughout this post.)

Let me know which of these you're interested in.

Who knows? Maybe I'll decide to gift you a copy!

Nonfiction Recommendations for Spring

Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive

Stephanie Land

You guys? Maid was so good. Like really good. This book was a powerful and moving read. In sharing her perspective as a single mother who worked as hard as she could to get by and keep herself and her child safe, sheltered and sometimes barely fed, Land pulls us in and doesn't let us go until the very end. Even after you turn the last page or swipe on through the entire book? You'll want to find out more about her and see what she's up to now. And how her daughter is doing. Don't miss Maid, y'all. 

The Truths We Hold: An American Journey

Kamala Harris 

Regardless of your thoughts about Harris, she was one of the first Democrats to throw her hat into the race for President for the 2020 election. As a woman candidate, there is bound to be so much information thrown around - and I - for one - would love to get to meet her for who she is before I make any decisions about her. The Truths We Hold: An American Journey seems to be a great way to jump into doing just that. 

Calm The F*ck Down: How to Control What You Can and Accept What You Can't So You Can Stop Freaking Out and Get On With Your Life (No F*cks Given Guides)

Sarah Knight

I really like Sarah Knight. So far, You Do You is my favorite of her No F*cks Given Guides. That said, who doesn't want to read a book titled Calm the F*ck Down, am I right? Fine. Maybe you don't want to. But I do. And I think this is going to be a good one. It was released in December, but who had time to read in December, anyway? Not me. Want to join me in reading this one? Let me know. Maybe I'll send you an e-copy. I'm just THAT big of a fan.

Wolfpack

Abby Wambach

The best way for me to describe why I plan on reading this book is to simply state that Wolfpack has been repeatedly showing up in my world in different ways. I can't even pinpoint why or where, I can just tell you that I plan on reading it because it seems to hold something that I currently need in my life. I regret not getting my hands on it sooner. But spring seems like the perfect time to grab a copy. Renewal. Growth. Expression. I plan to walk away from Wambach's book with all of those on my mind. 

So - thoughts? Which might you choose for your spring reading this year?

Care to share some suggestions of your own? Your favorite nonfiction must-reads?

Let me know! I look forward to hearing from you. 

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The Dunhill Hotel and The Asbury

I had the recent pleasure of heading to Charlotte for a weekend, and was given the opportunity to stay at The Dunhill Hotel and eat dinner at The Asbury, the incredible modern southern restaurant on site.

The hotel accommodations were available to us at a discounted rate, and our dinner was comped, with us adding just a few essentials. Like dessert. The Asbury's pastry chef is very well-known, and you'd be a fool to pass up any of her creations.

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Books.

If you know me you know I'm a reader.

And right now I'm in the fight of my life when it comes to books.

My hands are full.

I have SO many books I want to read, and yet, I keep ordering/buying/borrowing more.

Oops.

So.

Here's what's on my nightstand currently.

And you know what? If you and I are friends on Goodreads? These might not even be on the Currently Reading list. I'm just THAT ridiculous, friends. Really.

Also - there are affiliate/referral links in this post. Which means if you use them to purchase the books I'm recommending I'll make a few pennies, which ultimately wind up returned to my world as more books.

READ ALL OF THESE BOOKS

Becoming, Michelle Obama

Y'all. Everyone and their mother is reading this book right now. Michelle Robinson Obama is America's forever First Lady. She's a powerhouse and then some. And she's opening up and so so real in this book. I'm not that far into it because I literally went to the bookstore on Wednesday and got my copy of Becoming because I needed it immediately. Although now I'm considering buying the audiobook, even though I have never ever listened to an audiobook before. Sigh. I miss Michelle. And that husband of hers. 

Everything We Give, Kerry Lonsdale

The third book of Kerry Lonsdale's Everything series, I finally got around to breaking into Everything We Give last week. Have you read books one and two? You really must. Just grab the whole set while you're at it. I'm NOT a series reader. This one is a must.

I'm Just Happy To Be Here: A Memoir of Renegade Mothering, 

Janelle Hanchett

Janelle is a friend of mine. I'm not even sure how we met. I mean, I know it's through Facebook. Because we haven't actually met in real life yet. But I adore her and I am so excited to finally get my hands on her book. I'm Just Happy To Be Here is her story.  Find out more about her on her blog, Renegade Mothering. Then go buy her book.

Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi

This book is on my Goodreads list. I'm partway through and I actually borrowed this from the library and they took it back! So now I'm waiting. And I'll either buy it for myself at some point, or it will come back around from my holds list. Children of Blood and Bone is a different kind of read for me. And I'm really enjoying it. I wasn't sure I would, which is why I opted for the Kindle borrow. But it's fantasy and young adult, and yet not, and so much more. Find out for yourself.

The Proposal, Jasmine Guillory

My copy of The Proposal is literally sitting and waiting for me. It's going to be the perfect read after all of the heavy stuff I've been shuffling through of late. I ordered it for my November Book of the Month pick. Yes. I have a Book of the Month membership. Yes. I'm a little book crazy. Fine. A lot book crazy. *wink* But this one looked so good I had to get myself a copy. You can buy it on Amazon, just like everyone else. Or you can join BOTM yourself and get a free book by using this invite!

Okay, y'all. I need to go to bed 'cause I'm exhausted. But I figured I'd get this post up before I crash and burn. Sleep well. 

Also, who am I kidding? I'm going to be reading before I close my eyes. It's just a matter of deciding which book to pick tonight. Which would you choose? 

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The Other Woman, Sandie Jones

Y'all.

This book is one of my favorite books I've read this year.

And no, I'm not in the range of having read 100 books or anything like that. I've kind of given up on the dream there. I am taking it one page-turner at a time.

But you know I share books with you that I've read and loved. And then I share ones that I haven't read but want to, and expect to love. And I usually include affiliate/referral links, so if you buy them I make a few pennies off of recommending them to you (there are some throughout this post, by the way!). And I do sometimes receive a copy of a book that I review for you [yes, I did receive this one] - but if you know me the way I think you do - you already know this does not sway my feelings about the read. It has to be a good book to keep me interested. A good enough story to grab and hold onto my attention.

And The Other Woman? Does all of that and more.

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Diversify Your Personal Library With These New Releases

Looking to branch out beyond your usual reads?

Want to find ways to tackle your shelves and incorporate authors you've never heard of before?

Want to diversify your personal library?

Let me recommend a few recent releases you can add to your to-read shelves.

Links throughout this post bring you directly to a place where you can purchase the eBooks and thank you for using them, I'll make a few pennies towards the next book I buy when you do!

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Between Me and You, Allison Winn Scotch

* I received a copy of this book for review. There are affiliate links throughout this post *

Between Me and You is possibly my favorite of all of Allison Winn Scotch's novels. 

There. I said it. 

Now, I'll tell you why. 

First, I just absolutely loved the way that it was written.

The tale of two characters, the way that their words, their thoughts, their feelings, their dreams - the way that all of this played out on the page (virtual or otherwise, it doesn't matter), was all just perfectly done. 

I felt as though I knew Ben and Tatum. I could have been Ben and Tatum. Well, one or the other, obviously, not both. But still. 

The realistic aspects of their relationship just held so much weight for me. There was no flowery fanfare here when they told the story of their love. The stories that made up the years of their time together. Their marriage. All of it. 

I had no idea where this book was going to go. 

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Spring 2018: 8 Must Read New Releases

I'm familiar with many of these authors, which is why I'm really excited about their upcoming novels. A few of them are new to me - and I'm just as excited about an introduction to a new writing style. Reading is so important. It's entertainment. Escape. Life. Love. So so much. And so, for me, there's nothing like grabbing hold of a new book and diving right in. 

Here are a few upcoming released you may want to pre-order so they're delivered to your eReader or mailbox over the next few months, just in time to enjoy the spring weather and right before beach read season!

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6 Books To Recommend To Your Newly Separated Friend

image from pexels

Listen, y'all know I'm all about the books.

And I've been so extremely quiet lately, just sort of consumed by my own thoughts and stuck in my own head - so I thought I'd take a few minutes and share this post that might help you or someone you know.

Whether your friend is separated or on the road to divorce, there are so many books out there that they might find to be helpful.

There are others that just look like they'd be a bunch of nonsense.

So, how to decide what to read?

Maybe you're thinking - she's not going to want to read a danged book! She's hurt. Grieving, even. In a lot of emotional turmoil/upheaval/pain.

But trust me. Sometimes she's not really sure who to talk to and how to organize her thoughts. And so her best friend for a short period of time will likely be her favorite new journal, and a really good and understanding book.

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The Promise Between Us, Barbara Claypole White

It's no news to any of my readers that Barbara Claypole White is one of my favorite authors. And so, when given the opportunity to read her latest, I would never have said no. I had actually pre-ordered the book, but was given an advance digital copy to read and review. Of course, with life the way it is, I haven't had a chance to post my complete review before now. 

** As always, there are affiliate links throughout this post. If you use them to purchase the book I may earn a few cents at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support! **

Now. Let's discuss how The Promise Between Us does not disappoint.

Barbara Claypole White writes mental health unlike any author I've read before. She really gets into the thick of it. The good - the bad - the ugly. And for many there is just so so much ugly.

This is how we get to know Katie Mack. In the thick of the ugly.

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The Best Fiction Books of 2017

This was not a big year for me when it comes to the total of books I read.

I normally try to set a goal of 100. I've been close once or twice over the years. I started my list-keeping in 2010.

This page isn't promoted on the front of my blog anymore because I rarely update it throughout the year, but if you'd like to see the titles of the books I've read from 2010-2017? You can find them here:

READING WITH REDNECK

But in more recent years I have started documenting my favorite reads of each year, and so, this year - despite my falling short of even 40 titles - will be no exception. This list includes my favorite reads of the past year, but they're not in any actual order of expressed love. You can't go wrong, whichever you choose.

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I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Last year was a bit of a bumpy year for me, personally. I've been through a lot and found myself off-track with reading and writing book reviews.

For 2018 I'm going to be more actively sharing what I've read - and I am going to try to do some more reviews for you. Some will be shorter, where I summarize why I loved the book, or didn't love it quite as much as I had hoped. Others will be longer and more detailed. Some will be sponsored, which only means I received a free copy of the book from the author or publisher or PR/book tour company - NOT that I was paid for reading/reviewing the book itself. And others will be books I've bought on my own, or had on my shelves or Kindle for a hot minute or a long while.

I will include affiliate links to enable you to click over to Amazon right away and buy the book if you're interested. I will always disclose this information to you.

So, welcome to Good Girl Gone Redneck's book chatter for 2018. And if you'd like to join me in discussing books and receive info on great book deals and steals, join me on Facebook in my reading group: I Like Big Books - hope to see you there!

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The Perfect Winter Reads

If you haven't yet realized, I'm a big reader.

I know that I've already introduced you to four books you need to pre-order for the new year.

Three of those four will get you through part of January, and the other one will pop up in April.

But January/February are intense winter months. Even March comes in like a lion sometimes - right?

So - here are a few more books you should add to your Goodreads to-read shelves.

And, as always, my links are set up as direct links to Amazon. I'm an affiliate - which means I make a few cents for each item you purchase. So I thank you in advance for your support!

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Shopping Small With Two Of My Favorite Creators

image obtained for free from Pixabay

We all know what holiday shopping is like. We head to the malls and the big box stores and find ourselves exhausted and wishing we could pick up some Starbucks and head home to snuggle up on the couch and binge watch our favorite shows.

Just me?

I have been doing much of my shopping online for years. And every year I try to support small businesses, not just for Shop Small Saturday, or whatever it's actually called. But because I love supporting people as best I can - especially when they're friends!

Many of my friends have incredible talents. I'm sharing two of them with you here to help you support small businesses this holiday season.

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5 Products You Need in Your Holiday Kitchen

holiday food photo from pixabay

I know - Thanksgiving is only days away - I'm a little bit late with my suggestions.

But still.

You can order ingredients and home goods online, and, just as important - or maybe more so? Your favorite or coveted kitchen essentials. And you don't have to brave the stores as the holiday gets closer.

And, if you need to ignore me because I'm stressing you out? Save this post and consider it for your Christmas or Chanukah meal prep. Because there's always another holiday right around the corner!

The links provided in this piece are affiliate links - when you shop through them you'll help support my website and me - so I thank you in advance.

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Six Books I'm Reading for Nonfiction November

Photo from Pexels

I am currently reading too many books at once.

In all honesty? I'm probably not reading enough books, which is why I'm reading too many at once.

And so, I'm going to share some of the nonfiction books I'm reading for Nonfiction November and see if any of them interest you.

And yes, it's another list post with a straight line to Amazon. If you use my links and do any of your shopping through them I'll make a few pennies and use them to buy all the books. So. Thanks.

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6 Graphic Novels For Your Grade-Schooler

image via pixabay

My daughter is currently in fifth grade.

Over the last few years she has developed an affinity for graphic novels.

There are so many cute ones out there right now for kids of all ages.

I'm going to share a list below of some of her favorites - with the hopes that maybe a child you know might enjoy them, too. For your shopping convenience you'll find affiliate links throughout this post.

Recommended age range and grade levels shared from Amazon, but as always, use your judgment based on your child's maturity level and reading ability.

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5 Ways I Save Money Online

It's not always easy to save money.

It just isn't.

It's frustrating and can take way more effort than simply saving your coins for a rainy day.

Although I still do that.

It's actually been a while since I've carried the coins into the grocery store and clogged up the ole Coinstar machine. So. I'm definitely overdue there.

But I figured I'd share a few ways I've been saving money this year.

And yes, there are affiliate and referral links throughout this post. They help me earn a little bit of extra money towards the things I didn't expect to need. Please use them to enroll or look into any of these recommendations that might be interesting or brand new to you.

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The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Earlier this week my fellow NCSocial friends and I were welcomed to The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in North Hills (Raleigh, NC) for a multi-course meal of deliciousness. This post is a thank you for the glorious meal that they treated our group to. I was not compensated for this post. 

I believe in the past I've introduced you to the NCSocial Facebook group my friend Kate of Life of a Ginger and I run for North Carolina influencers. We welcome bloggers, social media influencers and entrepreneurs. Consider popping in and joining us if you fall in this category. We are currently open to anyone located in NC, but our events have mostly been coordinated in the Triangle area.

Anyway - back to the reason for this post! Kate coordinated with the team behind The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in Raleigh and we had the most incredible evening out. A party of 15, we enjoyed all that The Cowfish had to offer. From appetizers to alcohol (we covered that part!) to dessert. No question, the food is incredible.

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