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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

September 7, 2018

August 2018 Must Read Books

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Are you looking for some new MUST READ books? Check out the reviews of my 6 must read books from August 2018.

6 Must Read Books including reviews from August 2018 on dineanddish.net

Hi friends! August was a good reading month for me. I feel like I had a good mix of the types of books I read (some steamy, some suspenseful, some just downright charming). If you are looking for some must read books, check out my August 2018 Must Read Books recommendations and reviews below!

Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin - a 5 Star book review on dineanddish.net

Author Charles Martin has quickly become one of my all time favorite authors. I can always count on him to tell a solid and compelling story. Send Down the Rain was no exception. Joseph, a Vietnam War veteran, has kept a huge secret for 45 years. In order to protect a loved one, he’s deceived many who have loved and trusted him, one such person being Allie…another important character in the story.

Charles Martin is the king of highlighting characters with significant, but real flaws and taking us on a journey of sympathy that quickly turns to empathy as you fall in love with the characters. This book touches on post traumatic stress, politics (but not in a yucky way), illegal immigration, and much more. This was a 5 Star read for me. You can buy Send Down the Rain on Amazon by clicking here or add it to your Goodreads by clicking here.

Matchmaking for Beginners book review by dineanddish.net

Ahhhhh how I love Maddie Dawson. I fell in love with her style of writing when I read The Survivor’s Guide to Happiness and had been anxiously awaiting her newest book Matchmaking for Beginners ever since. Marnie thinks she has the perfect life…until one day everything comes unraveled when her marriage of 2 weeks ends. However a completely unexpected inheritance and the chance for a new start at life slowly turns things around for her. This book is so charming and you’ll fall in love with the characters (especially Blix, a magical lovely spirit of a woman who will make you laugh out loud at times).

If you love Hallmark movies and endearing “chick lit” novels, you’ll want to get your hands on Matchmaking for Beginners ASAP. It’s the perfect escape. I gave this book a a solid 4 stars. You can purchase Matchmaking for Beginners on Amazon by clicking here or add it to your shelf on Goodreads by clicking here.

(PS – if you love to interact with your favorite authors, Maddie Dawson is on Twitter and is so fun to chat with over there!)

The Kiss Quotient book review on dineanddish.net

You guys…I can’t tell you much about The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang without blushing, but I’ll just say my husband was probably very glad I read this book. The cover looks as innocent as can be, but oh my…it is STEAMY. I was not expecting that at all (and clearly didn’t read the synopsis before I read it or I would have probably figured it out). This isn’t 50 Shades steamy, but it is quite risqué, so if that’s not your thing then I would skip this one. However, if you’re looking to add a little steam to your life, definitely pick this one up. I gave The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang 4 Stars. You can purchase it on Amazon by clicking here or add it to your shelf on Goodreads by clicking here.

My Southern Journey a book review on dineanddish.net

My Southern Journey by Rick Bragg was recommended to me by a friend who knows how much I love the south. I chose the audio book version (which is free on Hoopla) because I heard that Rick’s southern drawl while narrating his essays totally makes this book extra special. If you love the stories and traditions of the south, grab an ice cold glass of sweet tea and enjoy this special collection of essays. I gave this book 3 stars (which means I really enjoyed it and definitely think it’s worth reading). You can purchase My Southern Journey on Amazon by clicking here or add it to your shelf on Goodreads by clicking here. 

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover a book review on dineanddish.net

I love Colleen Hoover as an author so have really high expectations of her work (which may be unfair but that’s just how it is). All Your Perfects is a heartbreaking story about infertility and how difficult and damaging the inability to conceive can be on a marriage. Quinn and Graham’s marriage starts out idyllic until Quinn is unable to get pregnant, month after month after month. The stress of infertility and the grudges harbored between the two of them threatens to tear their marriage apart.

Colleen Hoover takes readers on a realistic and highly emotional ride inside the marriage of two people who are completely in love with each other, but are harboring such guilt and resentment towards each other because of their struggles. I gave this book 3 1/2 half stars. You can purchase All Your Perfects on Amazon by clicking here or add it to your shelf on Goodreads by clicking here.

The Wife Between Us a book review on dineanddish.net

 

The Wife Between Us, a co-authored novel by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, is an unexpected story of who you might think is a jealous former wife, a soon to be new wife and the “perfect husband” that links them both. What you might not see coming is everything you think is true is not. Through twists and turns, readers are taken on a story of plot twist after plot twist. Some are easy to anticipate, others flat out knock you off the trail and surprise you.

If you like domestic thrillers about marriage and family, this would be a great book for you to pick up. (Do it soon…it’s slated to be a major motion picture, so you’ll want to read the book before you see the movie!). I gave this book a 3 Star Review. You can purchase The Wife Between Us on Amazon by clicking here or add it to your shelf on Goodreads by clicking here.

OK friends, I hope these must read books give you some fun reads to start off your fall reading season. When you get a moment leave a comment letting me know what must-read books you’ve been reading lately! In addition, if you’ve read any of the books I recommended today, let me know your thoughts about it. As always, check out all of my reading activity on Goodreads and follow my 2 Minute Book Chats on Instagram Stories for more of a live look at what books I’m reading.

FOR MORE MUST-READ BOOKS, CHECK OUT MY PAST BOOK REVIEW POSTS HERE. 

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Filed Under: Book Review, Previous Tagged With: book reviews, books, must-read books, reading

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nikki Gladd says

    September 7, 2018 at 11:06 am

    Thank you for this list. I really need to read more and force myself to find the time! Right now it takes me a week to set aside a moment to read ONE chapter from my women’s Bible study group (we’re reading The Envy of Eve right now…which I am enjoying!) 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      September 7, 2018 at 11:37 am

      Oh girl…I’ve been there, done that. The season will be right for you soon! You’ve been just a TAD bit busy the last couple of years 🙂 I do have to force myself to read every night before I go to bed – which was a habit I started a few years ago to start reading again – , but I also have kids who totally sleep through the night now and can get their own breakfast in the morning if needed 🙂

      Reply
  2. Rene says

    September 7, 2018 at 11:52 am

    Those that read The Kiss Quotient for book club enjoyed it (those that didn’t finish, no idea if it was they were too busy or the subject matter lol). It’s being made into a movie so it will be interesting in who they get to play the parts and if it ends up an R rated movie or they tone it down to make it more accessible (I’m thinking tone it down). Match Making for Beginners is on my list to read!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      September 7, 2018 at 2:45 pm

      I hope to goodness Henry Golding from Crazy Rich Asians plays the lead. YUMMY. I want to see him shirtless with that dragon tattoo! (And yes – I hope they tone it down some…at this rate it’d be rated who knows what not appropriate for most).

      Reply
  3. Emma says

    September 8, 2018 at 8:30 am

    Thank you! I started the Kiss Quotient a while back but haven’t had my usual attention span for books and only got 4 chapters in so far. I was surprised by this one too! Lol. And some more to add to my TBR…

    Reply
  4. Carissa Nelson | Spoonful of Easy says

    September 8, 2018 at 8:34 am

    Great selections! I hadn’t seen any of these titles and I’m always looking for new reads! I think I’ll try the Wife Between Us First! Thanks for a great round up!

    Reply
  5. Amanda says

    September 10, 2018 at 11:53 am

    Both of the Maggie Dawson books you mention are on sale for kindle! I picked up both and sent myself samples of a few others mentioned. I’m always looking for something new to read and I love your book posts on instagram. I just finished To All the Boys I Loved Before and it was really cute. I listened to the audio of Something in the Water last week and it was interesting. If you haven’t read anything by Christina Lauren I definitely recommend them. I read Roomies about a month ago and really liked it. I’m planning on reading the second and third Crazy Rich Asians books soon. The first one was entertaining!

    Reply

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New ink inspired by a quote in my friend @andiemmitchell amazing memoir “It Was Me All Along”. 

I tend to be an all or nothing person and look at long term and get overwhelmed instead of just taking things one day at a time. I’ve said her quote to myself multiple times a day for years. Now I’ll have a permanent reminder. 

The full quote: “Can you do it today? Can you make it through today without bingeing? Just today, and tomorrow we’ll reconsider?”

I need to go back and get a couple missed spots filled in but I love it. Thanks Rob at @irezumitattookc 🎉

#typewriterfonttattoo #tattooinstagram #inspiringtattoos #quotetattoo #gentlereminder #wordstoinspire #wordstoremember #wordstoliveby
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My snow and mountain loving, free spirited, book reading, laugh inducing, amazing friend @mountainmamacooks wrote a cookbook. It’s beautiful and just so perfect! I’m sharing all about it on the blog today and I also gave her Crispy Kahlua French Toast recipe the double dip treatment.

Find the recipe and get a peek into her book over on Dine & Dish! (PS I miss you tons, Kelley!)

#apresallday #frenchtoastrecipe #brunchideas #cookbooks #mountainmama #skiingislife
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Here’s a fun fact I heard on the radio several years ago…October 5th is the most popular day to be born (9 months prior is New Years Eve-ish). 🎉 

Happy birthday to all my many many birthday twins out there! It’s the big 4-8 for me…although this past year as a Covid long hauler I feel like I’ve aged 20 years in the past 1. But things are looking up! I’m excited for the next 365 days of my life. I’m blessed and so thankful to still be here, chugging along.

This picture is from last week when @kellykdoyle and I were visiting colleges in Colorado. If I have any followers with ties to @coloradostateuniversity or @cuboulder I’d love to chat! 

#october5th #birthdaytwins #gardenofthegods #birthdayweek #coloradosprings
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I love being a parent of teens...but I miss the days of parenting kids who loved going to school, who didn't struggle with major anxiety, who loved their bodies, and were confident about how they looked. I miss pre-covid days where lunch wasn't distanced, kids had the opportunity to connect and socialize at school, where mask-wearing wasn't even a topic, let alone one that divides. 

The past 2 years have changed my kids. They have gained so many positive things, but they've also gained a new kind of anxiety that wasn't there before. And I hate it for them. They've seen first hand how long haul covid has changed our family. They've seen the selfishness of others in ways they haven't seen before. They've had to grow up faster, worry about things they shouldn't have to worry about, and learn the hard way how this world can really be. And it hurts my heart for them. 

I have a new senior, sophomore and 6th grader here at home. Missing my sophomore in college a ton. I hope the world is kind to them and they are kind to the world. I want nothing more than for them to be happy and to be surrounded by good people who love and accept them for who they are and who also push them to live a full, rich and happy life. I pray every day for them - and for your kids...and pray that we are all raising a generation of empathetic and kind changemakers.

#loveoneanother❤️ #parentingteens #momofteens #anxietyawareness #backtoschooloutfit #changemakers #parenthood_moments
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These two small business owners had a successful launch day for their new clothing and accessory brand, @impatient.us I’m so proud of my daughter @kellykdoyle & daughter from another mother, @kyleemdunn for making the time and financial commitment to launch their dream brand! They’ve done it all so independently and have navigated starting a small business way better than I could have at 17! Thanks to everyone who sent words of encouragement and showered them with support. It’s means so much! 

Follow their journey at @impatient.us and shop the link in their profile!

#smallbusinesslaunch #clothingbrands #teenentrepreneur #launchday #launchparty #teenbusiness #shopsmallbusinesses #proudmoment
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I was a “houseplant lady” before the pandemic, but I think since the pandemic I get to add the word “crazy” to that title. So. Many. Plants. I’m not mad about it!

This weekend @kctinygreenhouse I picked up this beautiful Monstera Peru as well as a bag of Jeff’s Jungle Mix. You know when a new to you potting mix has you super excited, you’ve crossed the line into la la land 😂 Swipe to see how pretty it is!

What pandemic hobby did you pick up?

#plantmomlife #crazyplantpeople #houseplantlove #monsteraperu #pottingmix #plantobsession #plantcollectors #plantsmakepeoplehappy
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Yesterday we spent a few hours down in the West Bottoms visiting the grand opening of @kctinygreenhouse newest location . KC Plant fam, head there. Just trust me! Plants loved and cared for with the best good vibes, all ready to join your crazy plant person home. You’ll find goodies from local KC artisans as well, like @pigeoncandles 

Come for the plants, leave with a heart full of happy!

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Last night in the suite @kcroyals ...I almost cried. Man it feels so good to be doing normal things. I’ll never take this for granted! Making this the summer of yes...I’m going to say yes to as many events/outings/opportunities as possible! Who’s in? #summerofyes
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Ella is 15 today! Those of you who have been with Dine & Dish since the very beginning have been a part of Ella’s life since the start too! 15 years sure does go by in a flash, both with businesses and babies.
Happy birthday @ella.r.doyle 💕💕💕 We love you!
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I want to live in the big city, yet also want to live in the country. I want to live by the beach, yet also want to live in the mountains. I either need multiple lives or multiple homes! 

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I’m officially one step closer to reaching peak plant lady status! 🪴

I’m welcoming these plant cuttings from the Hello Kathy Plant Etsy Shop to my already booming collection. When I saw people rave about her “Mystery Box” of plant cuttings I knew I had to buy one. 2 things I love...mystery boxes and plants!

Now I need to figure out how to keep them alive. Any advice? 😃 🪴

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Hi, friend! I Thought I’d just say “hey” and check in and add some pretty flowers to your feed.

We’re over here dragging ourselves across the school finish line...so close to done physically, but over done, mentally. Can you relate?

My coaching business is going great, I’m working with some truly incredible, inspiring women right now which makes me so happy! I’ll be launching 2 new group coaching  classes (for women and entrepreneurs) in a few weeks so be sure to follow @rockyourhappy if you are interested in being updated on those!

Jacob comes home from college this week and my parents are coming to visit for a couple of weeks as well. And it’s almost my favorite time of the year, summer!! 

How are things going with you? What’s going good and making you happy? Or what do you need a hand or listening ear with? Touch base! I’ve missed you!

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Book Lovers Giveaway (read to the end)!!! ⬇️ ⬇️ 

Supporting my local independent bookstore @rainydaybooks looks a lot different than it used to these days. Temporarily gone are the days of lingering in store, browsing the shelves, walking out with an armful of books I didn’t expect to buy. The pandemic has made independent bookstores pivot in ways they’ve never had to before, but I’m so happy to say they are CRUSHING IT! And as we virtually celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, I wanted to share a way you too can help keep Independent bookstores afloat now (and in the future).

You know I’m a huge fan of @librofm , the absolute best audiobook alternative that gives money back to the independent bookstore of your choice with your audiobook purchases. Well, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, they are giving YOU a free audiobook! Here’s what you need to do…

Spend $15 or more at your bookstore between April 24th and 26th. Submit your receipt at libro.fm/ibd and Libro.fm will email you a link to your free audiobook by April 28th! Easy peasy, right?

Wait! There’s more! 🌟 I’d love to give one Dine & Dish follower the chance to win a 3 month @Librofm audiobook membership. To enter, simply tag your favorite independent bookstore here and tell me what you love the most about it! That’s it! Winner will be chosen at random on April 27th. Yay, books!

#indiebookstoreday #indiebookstore #bookstoreshoutout 
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Can’t believe we’re doing the college tour thing already with my second baby! 

So question for any of you who sent your kids to out of state schools or went to out of state schools...how did you do it? She wants to get the heck out of Kansas (I’d like to go with her!). We have money saved, she’ll most likely get a scholarship or two, she’s paying and has money saved as well...but even with that out of state tuition is a beast of an amount. So, did you just assume that student loans were going to be part of that life? And is that worth it to give your kids a shot at a new life outside of your home state? I wish I would have left Kansas for university, and have been here since I was born 😩. I want different for her if that’s what she wants but also just don’t have any experience with how people do out of state college! Any tips?

#collegetour #bestlifenow #outofstate #studentloans #junioryear #kansasstate #adviceneeded
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J is for...jam!
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My friend @wakschmale makes the best strawberry jam...and I completely forgot about a jar she gave me last year until this morning. Which then inspired me to make my favorite buttermilk biscuits. So so good. Are you a jam, honey, just butter or plain biscuit fan? I love biscuits allll the ways, except with gravy. I have super bad memories of biscuits and gravy growing up. 🤢
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I’m still slowly making my way through the alphabet for @kimklassen_innercircle a-z photo challenge. I’m bound and determined to finish. It may just take me a little longer than I originally anticipated 🤗.
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It took me 2 months to get this Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta recipe up on the blog. 🤦‍♀️But it’s there now! You can find the link in my Instagram profile.
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Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
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#pastarecipe #chickpeapasta #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #vegetarianrecipe #eatcaptureshare #slowblogging  #totallifechanges
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I is for Inspiration!
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The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
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With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
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If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
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@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
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H is for...high!
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It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
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I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
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 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
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G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
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#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
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F is for...food photography.
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This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
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Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
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#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
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