Monthly rundown vol. 28

life, death, assassins, love, war, and Jesus

Hello, hello! April has been a bit of a wild ride at the Waters house, how about y’all Each week brings a new set of priorities and stuff taking up mental space, but apparently I’ve also read quite a bit this past month which is always good. And speaking of good things—With You has 95 reviews/ratings on Amazon right now! Wouldn’t it be amazing to get to 100?! (Yes, the answer, is yes). Rating and reviewing books is one of the best ways readers can boost authors, especially small, indie authors. If you’ve read With You or You Again and haven’t reviewed, would you consider clicking over and doing so?

And if you haven’t read either of my novels, why not give one a try! Are you in the mood for what one reader called “A love story for introverts” about two people with baggage and trust issues who find love when they least expect it? Slow burn, friends-to-lovers, witty banter? In that case, try With You. Or, are you interested in a second-chance romance, with flashbacks to first love and heartbreak? A mature woman who rediscovers herself? The complicated dynamics of mothers and their adult daughters? If that sounds good, try You Again!

Now how about some book reviews?

Lit up With Love by Derwin Gray. I heard Derwin Gray on a podcast interview talking about his book Lit Up With Love, and really connected with his message that Christians are more able to point people to Jesus when they focus on the basics of loving God with your heart, soul, mind and strength; and loving your neighbor as yourself. He makes the point that just sharing how God’s love has changed your life is way more impactful than berating people with God. The book is short and succinct, laid out in such a way that it would work well for a group Bible study or class. It’s not revolutionary or mind blowing, but it is full of simple encouragement.

Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung is a short, easy-to-read book with some deceptively profound wisdom. The subtitle describes his thesis perfectly: “A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will or How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Impressions, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.”. While I didn’t agree with all of Mr. DeYoung’s theology or every example he used, I’ve been sharing a version of this idea myself for years: God has given us free will and agency in our own lives, and this gives us beautiful freedom to not worry so much about making “wrong” choices.

We Solve Murders, Richard Osman. This new novel by the author of my beloved Thursday Murder Club series has Mr. Osman’s characteristic wit, vivid, unique characters, and surprising emotional depths. The plot fell a little flat for me in the end, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and would happily spend time in this world again.

It’s Not Me, It’s You, Mhairi McFarlane.

Don’t You Forget About Me, Mhairi McFarlane.

Yep, I’m still out here binging Mhairi McFarlane books. I told myself I’d ration them like little treats, but if I can’t actually ration little treats, then I probably can’t ration books either. Having worked backward from some of her newer books to older titles, it’s interesting to see how Ms. McFarlane has really grown and improved as a writer. Her earlier books are still fantastic, but I can see her growth over time. All that to say, It’s Not Me, It’s You is probably my least favorite of hers so far. The main character just didn’t click for me, and I didn’t quite buy the chemistry between the two leads. Don’t You Forget About Me, on the other hand, had some of the best chemistry between the two leads. I loved the setting, the flashbacks, and the shenanigans.

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe is heartbreaking, sobering, and fascinating. Mr. Keefe brings a journalist’s eye for detail and research to telling this story of a handful of pivotal players connected to the decades (some might say centuries)-long conflict in Northern Ireland most commonly referred to as “The Troubles.” It’s not a comprehensive history of The Troubles, but the story he tells gives a snapshot and taste of the way this conflict has devastated communities, families, and even individuals.There is nothing straightforward or simple about the Irish Troubles, and that’s clear from this narrative. Mr. Keefe is an excellent writer. He paints a vivid picture, but doesn’t fall into sensationalism.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach. This book has been everywhere, and everyone has been raving about it. In my opinion, this book was absolutely worth the hype. The author writes about a difficult topic–suicidal ideation–with care and nuance. The story goes directions that are both expected and surprising, and her characters are written with compassion and honesty. It’s a book about life, and grief, and forward motion. The tone reminded me of Mat Haig or Frederik Backman.

Scarlet by Genevieve Cogman. I loved Ms. Cogman’s series The Invisible Library, and was optimistic about her somewhat fantastical retelling of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Scarlet is the first of a trilogy, and I will say that the vampire and magical elements are fairly toned down through most of this novel. However, I have a feeling that the paranormal elements will come more into play during the next two books. Nellie, the main character, is a “plucky” heroine in the best kind of way, and the world building is really solid. It’s a quick, easy read with a spirit of adventure.

Thanks for reading!