Read 40 Books in 2014 - January Recap

Once again, I set a reading goal for myself this year, 2014.

My goal is to read 40 books for fun, and 8 business books. A goal in the middle of my 50-book goal of 2012 and my 35-book goal of 2013.

In January, I read 4 books.

I read:

Manhunting by Jennifer Cruise:

We did a book exchange for Christmas in my book club and this was my prize. It was the perfect book for me! The only thing that could have made it better was if I was reading it on the beach in the summer, instead of on my couch, under a blanket in the winter.

It was funny, lighthearted, and full of a good love story.

If I Kiss You, Will I Get Diabetes? by Quinn Nystrom:

This book holds a very special place in my heart! It is the first book from my dear friend Quinn Nystrom, who's mission in life is to advocate for a cure for diabetes. Even though I don't have diabetes, this book moved me in ways I didn't expect. It is relevant for everyone, whether you have diabetics in your life, or people with other chronic illnesses. Or, even if you don't, there are still lessons to be learned through Quinn's memoir.

Plus, an added bonus for me was that I photographed Quinn's author head shots. It's fun to see my name on the back of the book. :)

Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich:

I got my Lula and Stephanie fix! Before I read this book, I heard from several sources that they were disappointed by this one. It wasn't my favorite from this series, but I did enjoy it.

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks:

This book...

I simply adore Nicholas Sparks, even though his books sometimes don't suit the 'happily ever after' preference I have for the books I read.

This book literally made me put the book down and sob my eyes out multiple times. In happy and sad ways. I think it touched me extra deeply because of the love story Ira was telling - it reminded me of my grandma and grandpa, and my grandpa passed away last July.

This book had a great ending, and I was left with swollen eyes and a happy heart. I loved it.

P.S. Do any of you ever look at book reviews online? I was grabbing the links for this post and clicked on the amazon reviews for The Longest Ride. I read through some reviews of people who talked about how 'boring and horrible' the book was. WHAT?!?!?!?! I honestly have NO idea how anyone could even criticize this book... Maybe I'm just not very discerning and love most books, but truly... I had to shut the window down because it was making me angry. To each their own, I guess!!

Did you read any favorites last month?