January Reads

The Kiss Quotient, by: Helen Hoang

I don't know why I waited so long to read this, since I loved reading Helen's book "The Bride Test" in 2019. In this book, the main character is a highly successful algorithm analysis who has Asperger's. She's never been interested or lucky in romance, so she decides to set upon it in a logical way - sort of an experiment. She hires a professional escort to give her "lessons", but soon these two can't help denying they are falling for each other. Really fun read and looking forward to Helen's next book coming out this year.

The Beach Club, by: Elin Hilderbrand

I had 2 books I had not read yet from Elin (until she comes out with more) and they are the 2 in this post. This book gives an insider look at the seasonal staff at the iconic Nantucket Beach Club. Some have been loyal employees for 12 years. Others are new comers. Sames goes with the guest list. It was interesting to watch all of these relationships unfold as the Summer builds up to everyone bracing for a hurricane. Classic Elin read! 

Summer People, by: Elin Hilderbrand

This book follows a family who summers on Nantucket every year. When Arch dies unexpectedly, Beth feels compelled to continue the Nantucket tradition with her 2 teenage twins no matter how hard it is. She also invites along the teenage son of Arch's last and most challenging court case. Somehow, all of these people are meant to experience this season together, and Beth has to confront a romance/secret from her past.

The Rosie Project, by: Graeme Simsion

A bit similar to The Kiss Quotient theme, the main character here is Sheldon-like (if you watch The Big Bang Theory). He sets about The Wife Project, where he creates a survey for women to take that he thinks will lead him to his ideal partner. One of his best friends sets him up with Rosie though, someone who would answer all of the questions wrong. He feels compelled to help Rosie find her biological father through DNA testing, but little does he know the real reason he is so passionate about it is to have an excuse to be around her. Against all of their quirks, they do end up together and there are some follow up books to this one. While I liked this one, I don't feel as excited to read the sequels as I do with other series, so not sure if I will.

Figure Eight, by: Jeff Narnia

Jeff writes about the town/chain of lakes that I grew up Summering at in the Wisconsin Northwoods, so I knew I had to read his books! Reading his descriptions brings me right back there, and at times made me teary since this place holds such a special meaning to me. Decorated law enforcement officer John Cabrelli responds to a call that will change his life/career. Soon after, he finds out he has inherited his aunt and uncle's cabin on Spider Lake where he spent his youth. When he goes up to settle the estate, he meets caring friends of theirs as well as a few people who would rather see him sell the property and leave. His instincts start to tell him that there is more to the story here, and based on a huge mining proposal he begins to wonder if his uncle's hit and run death wasn't an accident after all. This was really interesting to me as well because the township where I live battled (and won) against a mining operation going in and many of the legal points (endangered species) came up here too. Great read and I am starting into the second book to see what happens to John next!