August is coming to a close and I am so excited to share all I have read with you.
I had a great reading month. Everything I am about to share is a book I would recommend (presuming you enjoy the genre) and in fact, they are all books I plan to find copies of for my bookshelf.
I want to start off by saying that even though all the books I read were fabulous I also DNF’d a lot of books. I think there were around 4 or 5 that I read a few pages and quickly put aside to the “return to the library” pile. I noticed I was feeling like I had to finish one book but then I laughed a little and reminded myself I read for enjoyment and I don’t have to force myself to read anything. It made such a difference and I ended up with some really wonderful reads and a few new series to continue on.
So here goes!
First up is “The Ogress and the Orphans” by Kelly Barnhill. (affiliate link) I absolutely loved this story. For me it feels like a classic book and one that I am sure I will be re-reading down the road. It’s a sweet and sad story of a lonely but kind Ogress who moves to a town that was once very lovely until a series of unfortunate events happen and suddenly the town is no longer lovely.
Next up is “Shady Hollow” by Juneau Black (affiliate link). This is Book #1 of the series and it’s a 
cozy mystery with a twist-all the characters are animals living in a little woodland town. These animals are very human in civility having a local newspaper, coffee shop and sheriff’s department. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a cozy mystery.
Once Upon a Broken Heart (affiliate link) is the first book in a new Fantasy series by Stephanie Garber. When Evangeline Fox makes a deal with a fate to win back her true love things go, well about how you would expect them to go when you make a deal with a fate. I just loved this story and all the characters and for me there were lots of unexpected twists and turns. I am really looking forward to reading book #2 and will be puchasing these for my bookshelf.
Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie (affiliate link) is of course fabulous. I had zero idea “who dunnit” 
and loved every twist and turn. I listened to this on audiobook while working in the studio and it was just such an interesting story. I am enjoying working my way through the Agatha Christie challenge.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman is next up on my list and again-I just loved it! I am looking forward to watching the movie adaptation of it-possibly this weekend to see how it compares. If I am being honest I am thinking about making a Coraline doll (felt or wooden I am not sure) along with recreating Coraline’s house in miniature. It feels like it would be such an awesome project!
And the last book I read in August was “Cold Clay” by Juneau Black (affiliate link) which is Book #2 in the Shady Hollow series. Another wonderful story and I think in some ways I liked it 
even better than the first which isn’t always the case. This series is going on my purchase wish list for sure!
Well I hope you enjoyed my August update! If you would like to see my BookTube video I have that down below. Have you read anything good in August? I would love to hear!
Until next time….
-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante
I have to remind myself of that very same thing every now and then; just because I picked it up doesn’t mean I have to finish it!