A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock
I received a copy of this book through Blogging for Books, but all opinions are my own.
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. Alternating between Vera's senior year at university in the 1910s and her socialite life in the 1920s, A Fine Imitation really portrays why there is more to life than money. Even though she has everything she could possibly want, Vera is terribly lonely until she meets Emil Hallan, the artist invited to paint a mural in the pool room of her building. As they begin to get to know each other, Vera begins to question whether her life of privilege is worth being miserable. It's written well, and both timelines were woven together beautifully at the end.
The Singles Game by Lauren Weisberger
(c/o NetGalley)
If you are looking for a fun book to read by the beach or the pool this summer, pick up The Singles Game! After a crushing injury at Wimbledon, tennis star Charlotte Silver decides to make drastic changes to win at all costs. Not only is Charlie a good character, but all the supporting characters are great, too. I loved the behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional tennis and what it takes to be a professional athlete.
The Mermaid Girl by Erika Swyler
(c/o NetGalley)
This short story is a prequel to The Book of Speculation (one of the best books I read in 2015), but I think it makes more sense if you read The Book of Speculation first. It was nice to get to know Paulina a bit more and read about a younger Simon. Erika Swyler is an amazing writer-the imagery in this is absolutely beautiful.
Time After Time by Hannah McKinnon
(c/o NetGalley)
From the description, I was worried this book would be depressing, but it turned out to be light and fun! Hayley is going through a hard time at work and with her family life, so she begins to wonder what her life would have been like if she had married one of her other boyfriends. She falls asleep wishing for a new life and wakes up in an alternate reality. I honestly that the premise would be a bit cheesy, but it was done well. If you're looking for a fun read this summer, this book is worth picking up!
The Imperial Wife by Irina Reyn
(c/o NetGalley)
This book disappointed me. I don't usually read books related to Russia, but I picked this one up because I thought it would be interesting to learn more about Catherine the Great. However, most of this book was about what it's like to be a Russian immigrant and Tanya's marriage falling apart because she's a strong woman. Both the past and present chapters felt underdeveloped. The present came together a little more at the end, but the ending was unsatisfying. The book did make me want to research more about Catherine the Great, though!
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
(c/o NetGalley)
A plane crashes off of Martha's Vineyard with nine people dead and two survivors. This novel focuses on all 11 people on board, digging into their past lives to discover what happened to the plane. It read more as a philosophical novel than a thriller to me. I never felt the suspense, and the book felt really slow at times. The ending also fell a little flat for me. If you're looking for a thriller, I would probably pass on this book.
Time after time actually sounds pretty cute! Adding that one to my list :)
ReplyDeleteI was just eh on Before the Fall as well.
ReplyDeleteBefore the Fall has been on my to-read list for a while but I just went to add The Singles Game and A Fine Imitation!
ReplyDeletei want to know which one isn't worth mentioning so i can stay away lol. i will definitely stay away from before the fall. the singles game and time after time sound adorable and totally up my alley!
ReplyDeleteI have The Singles Game currently sitting on my shelf, but it sounds like I should go on ahead and move it up on my list since it sounds like a great summer read! Both The Art of Imitation and Time After Time sound like great books too! I love books that have alternate realities in them!
ReplyDeleteAhh i totally forgot about the singles game - that's the book I'll read for my trip this weekend!! Thanks girl!
ReplyDeleteI loved the singles game.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
So glad to hear it, Regine! I thought it was so fun. :)
DeleteThanks for these recommendations! And for linking to your favorite reads from 2015! I'm going to check that out now. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Book of Speculation is already on my TBR and I'm going to add The Mermaid Girl in anticipation of my loving the first book. Plus, it just has a great name. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I initially read the synopsis for Before the Fall, I was intrigued...but no one (that I know) that read it seems to love it.
ReplyDeleteI'm growing to really enjoy short stories or novellas that go with original series. I like to read them after I've finished the series, it feels like a nice way to round everything off. Even if it's a prequel to the series.
ReplyDeleteAlthough these books don't feel like the genre I typically go for, thanks for telling me about them all the same. I just like to know about books, even when I don't think I would read them.
Happy Tuesday, here's to a great reading month in August!
~ K
www.lifeasunusuals.com
Time after Time sounds really good! Definitely going to check that one out! I have heard very mixed things about Before the Fall too.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Before the Fall more for the way it was written than the story itself.
ReplyDeleteI did not care for Before the Fall either-- it wasn't bad, but I was bored more than I found it to be thrilling. The Singles Game sounds really cute- I've been in the mood for more chick lit lately so I might have to add that one to my list. A Fine Imitation sounds really good too, I love reading about that era!
ReplyDeleteawww too bad about Before The Fall..it sounded good!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're feeling better, and have more energy! Definitely need to add The Singles Game to my list <3
ReplyDeleteThanks again for your awesome reviews! I'm not usually in to historical fiction, but A Fine Imitation sounds really good! Also, I need to get my hands on The Singles Game. I LOVE tennis!
ReplyDeleteAshley // acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
I added Time After Time to my TBR list! It looks great!
ReplyDeleteI liked A Fine Imitation more than I thought I would too. The ending was not what I expected which was a pleasant surprise.
ReplyDeleteThe Singles Game is already on my to read list. Time After Time sounds like my kind of book. I've heard good things about Before the Fall. Too bad it was disappointing for you.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way with reading sometimes. I keep thinking I'll get lots of reading done now that I'm off work until baby is here, but my first day off (which was Monday), I ended up taking 2 naps after being awake for only three hours. Reading is so wonderful but also very inviting for sleep. A Fine Imitation sounds really interesting - adding it to my TBR! Also adding Time After Time because I like the premise! I totally agree with your review of Before the Fall. I wasn't sure what it was going for, but it felt a little slow and philosophical at times.
ReplyDeleteSix (well, seven) books is still really good! I haven't been reading nearly as much lately either. (And I meant to comment on your surgery post earlier, but I wanted to say here that I'm so glad that everything turned out okay!)
ReplyDeleteBefore the Fall is on my list and I keep hearing so many mixed reviews. I still want to give it a try, but it will be interesting to see how I feel about it.
Six books is nothing to sneeze at... ;) The Singles Game looks fun. Will keep it in mind for a fun, light read.
ReplyDeleteTennis is the ONLY sport I watch or get into so The Singles Game would totally be a fun little read for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Before the Fall and I like it so far, but it's slow going. I really want to like it because I heard Noah Hawley talk about it at a TV festival I attended so maybe wanting to like it will help me really like it - time will tell! Time After Time sounds like a good mindless read and I need to see if I can get it as an audiobook.
ReplyDeleteThe Singles Game sounds fabulous. Thanks for the suggestion - I am looking for something to bring along when I go on vacation next month, and I think this would fit the mold perfectly! Not to mention that I'm fascinated watching professional tennis - it would be really fun to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes!
ReplyDeleteBefore the Fall keeps popping up everything. I *may* still try it. Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteA Fine Imitation sounds so good! Adding it to my list :)
ReplyDeleteI'm on the waitlist at the library for Before the Fall. It's on my list since Jana's review last month. Hopefully I like it!
ReplyDeleteI will have to check out Time after Time. I love a light and fun read and I will be needing some soon as once I'm through this Thriller/horror phase I am in!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand thinking you'll have all kinds of time to read after surgery, then your brain just can't handle much more than a fashion or gossip magazine. At least, that's how it was with me! Glad you're feeling better. I added Time after Time and The Singles Game. I have Before the Fall on my list but I may end up taking it off after reading so many so-so reviews.
ReplyDelete