Spring Reading List Review (Spring, 2013)

Summer officially begins at 12:30 pm on Thursday for us, so I figured I ought to share a few brief reviews of the books on my Spring Reading List before I share my summer list. Please feel free to share your own picks in the comments section!

The Runaway Princess- Hester Browne

This chick-lit piece followed a modern-day woman as she marries into a royal family. Definitely not The Princess Diaries, I appreciated that Browne explored some very plausible complications that probably do arise in a situation like this. The main character struggled with her self-esteem, body image, the way the media portrayed her family, etc. It was a good read!

Alice, from White Princess to Washington Power Broker- Stacey A. Cordery

Full disclosure: I didn't get to finish this one because it was due back at the library and had a request on it. Alice Roosevelt overcame a pretty sad childhood (absent father) to become a real Washington power broker.

I've Got Your Number- Sophie Kinsella

I wasn't expecting much from this one because the last couple of Kinsella books I've picked up really stretched my patience with very formulaic storylines. I've Got Your Number was an improvement. If you liked Shopaholic, Can You Keep a Secret?, etc. you'll probably enjoy this one too.

Fall of Giants-Ken Follett

I like historical fiction, and although this one is pretty dense, it is a good book. The way the different families' lives intersected throughout the years isn't particularly believable, but Follett does a good job with the plot without making it read like a history book.

Finishing Touches- Hester Browne

I really liked this one! A woman takes over a failing finishing school after the death of her adoptive mother. She struggles with bringing the school into the modern world and mixing good etiquette with skills the modern young woman needs to know. Funny and heartwarming.

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey- The Countess of Carnarvon

Didn't get to this one, but still very much want to read it!

Notorious Nineteen- Janet Evanovich

I honestly don't even remember what happened in this one. Only that it followed the "recipe" for every other Stephanie Plum novel. I wish she'd just go ahead and pick Morelli.

Early to Rise- Andy Traub

I haven't gotten to this one yet either. Possibly because my head tells me I don't want to be an early riser.

Thank goodness for the library, huh? I have a great line-up of books for this summer. Will share soon!

What have you read this Spring that's notable?

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