What I've Been Reading Lately

Summer has been insanely busy around here!

Between moving into the Smithy, continuing to fill orders, launching new designs, and keeping up with all the everyday pieces of running SRM, it feels like I’ve been moving nonstop. The Smithy has already been so much fun, but getting settled while still staying on top of everything else has made this one of the busiest summers yet.

Somewhere in the middle of the boxes, orders, new ideas, and general chaos, I’ve managed to make a little time for myself. That has looked like going for walks when it’s not one thousand degrees outside, fitting in daily workouts, and ending the day by unwinding with a good book.

Reading has been one of my favorite ways to slow my brain down and step away from everything for a little while. I’ve made it through several books lately, and some were definitely better than others!

Here’s what I’ve been reading, along with some feedback:

The Dead Romantics

Rating: 8/10

This was a quick, easy read with a cute story and characters I really enjoyed. It was a little predictable, but sometimes that’s exactly the kind of book you need. It kept me entertained without requiring too much thought, and I flew through it pretty quickly.

If you’re looking for something sweet, light, and easy to get into, this is a good one to add to your list.

The Housemaid Series

Book One: 9/10
Book Two: 7/10
Book Three: 8/10

Overall, I really enjoyed this series. First of all, the books are SO much better than the movie! The first book was definitely my favorite and immediately pulled me into the story. The second didn’t hold my attention quite as much, but the third brought me back around and finished the series on a stronger note.

Each book takes place roughly ten years apart and introduces different characters and storylines. Personally, I wish the series would have gone deeper into the original storyline and continued developing those characters instead of jumping so far ahead each time. There was so much more I wanted to know!

Even with the time jumps, the series was entertaining, suspenseful, and absolutely worth reading.

The Most Fun We Ever Had

Rating: 9/10

This was one of my favorites from the list. It was written so well, with a great story and characters who felt layered, complicated, and real. It kept me engaged the entire time and made me genuinely care about what happened to everyone.

It’s the kind of book that pulls you into another family’s world and makes you feel like you know them by the time you finish. If you love character-driven stories, family dynamics, and books that keep you invested from beginning to end, I highly recommend this one.

The Girl with Ice in Her Veins

Rating: 5/10

This one just didn’t hit like the others. I kept waiting for it to pull me in, but I had to force myself to finish it. You know it’s not a great sign when reading starts to feel more like a chore than something you look forward to!

It wasn’t necessarily terrible, but it didn’t keep me engaged, and I probably wouldn’t recommend it over the others on this list.

What Should I Read Next?

Now I need your help filling up my next reading list! What’s the best book you’ve read lately? Comment your recommendations because I’m always looking for a book I won’t want to put down. Help your girl out!