October Book Reviews
Hi there, fellow book lovers! I’m back to share my reading list for October. Luckily, I got a couple more books read than in September. My ‘to be read’ list just keeps getting longer, and I simply can’t keep up! I’m ok with that, because there are just an infinite supply of great books to read.
I read 2 fiction and 3 non-fiction books in October. Fiction has a very special place in my heart, but I’m trying to broaden my horizons by incorporating some personal development and business books as well.
Ok, on to the reviews!
You May Also Like:
- The 40 Books I Read in 2017
- July Book Reviews (all great!)
- August Reading List
- September Fall Reading List
- How to Find Time to Read When You’re Just Too Busy
This post may contain affiliate links. You can view my full disclosure policy here.
Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd
Plot: Kellen Adams is on the run. She can’t remember an entire year of her life, and has a gunshot scar on her forehead. Plus, she really hopes her husband is dead. Kellen takes a job at a remote resort in the Pacific Northwest. Everything is going well until she discovers the body of a dead woman. She tries to investigate the murder, while keeping her own secrets hidden.
My review: Dead Girl Running was a decent read. The plot premise certainly intrigued me. Apparently it has a sequel that is coming out in January. I like that, since I’m a sucker for a series.
I enjoyed the spooky feel of this book (perfect for October), and love the Pacific Northwest setting. It’s a true murder mystery, and I certainly had no idea who the villain was.
I thought the plot got a little muddled in the middle, and maybe dragged a bit. It is praised as being similar to The Girl on the Train, but I don’t think it’s quite to that caliber.
I’ve never read any of Christina Dodd’s books, but I would definitely try another one. If you enjoy murder mysteries, Dead Girl Running is worth a read.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
Plot: Orphaned sisters Sally and Gillian have always been outsiders, as all the Owens women have. Raised by their elderly aunts, the girls witnessed what they could only assume was witchery. The sisters grow apart after Gillian runs away, but they’re brought back together unexpectedly. That’s when the magic starts.
My review: Practical Magic was my nod to a Halloween book, though it could definitely be read anytime. Somehow I’ve never seen the movie. Hoffman also wrote a prequel, The Rules of Magic, which I’ll be sure to check out.
The book had a nice mix of magic and reality, and told the tale of love and family bonds. It’s a quick, easy read, and I did enjoy it. I’ll have to watch the movie, since many people said they liked the movie even more than the book.
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
Premise: The tagline is ‘How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.’ It inspires you to find your true passion and purpose and realize your ambition, by offering practical 67 principles to set you on the right path.
My review: I really can’t say enough good things about The Success Principles! It is chock full of inspiring stories of people who have achieved amazing accomplishments, found their passion, and, in some cases, overcame seemingly impossible odds.
Luckily I own this book, so I can return to it over and over. One read simply isn’t enough to absorb all its splendor. It can truly change your perspective.
I was loving this book so much that I signed up for a free trial of Audible so my husband could listen to it on audiobook on his commute. He loved it as much I did.
Jack Canfield, who co-created the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, learned many of these principles from his mentor in his 20s, and it completely changed the trajectory of his life. He is determined to share this knowledge with as many people as possible, and has inspired millions.
If you aren’t totally happy with your life or current situation, or have goals of any size, The Success Principles is the book for you. It’s for everyone!
If you’re investing in learning something new, it will inspire you to realize that you have control over your life, and can make it anything you want it to be.
But I’m Not an Expert by Meera Kothand
Premise: A practical guide to building authority and going from newbie to expert in your field.
Note: I was on the launch team for this book, and received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
My review: This book is designed for bloggers, service providers, and small business owners to gain the confidence to position themselves as experts. I’m a big fan of Meera, and she totally nailed it again. I love her website, and have her One Hour Content Plan and Create planner.
She writes so clearly, with easy to follow steps and examples. Her ability to break down overwhelming concepts into actionable tips always amazes me. Plus, she really knows what she’s talking about.
If you are a blogger, solopreneur, or business owner who wants to feel like more of an expert, I really think you’ll find But I’m Not an Expert helpful.
Make Money Blogging at Any Level by Victoria Pruett
Premise: Specific ways to earn money blogging with as few as 1,000 pageviews a month.
My review: I received this book as part of last year’s Genius Blogger’s Toolkit. It’s a quick read, but very valuable! Victoria blogs at A Modern Homestead, and earns $8,000 a month.
Make Money Blogging at Any Level is great for beginner or intermediate bloggers. She has the book broken down into income stream possibilities for various blogging levels, plus a ‘getting started’ section if you’re brand new.
I highly recommend this ebook if want to make money as a blogger. I definitely got some great ideas.
Ever thought about starting a blog? Bluehost is currently offering hosting for only $3.95, plus a free domain name!
I really enjoyed the books I read in October. The Success Principles was my favorite!
READING RESOURCES:
- Kindle First Reads (a free ebook on the 1st of every month)
- Amazon Prime: Free 30 day trial (borrow ebooks from the Prime lending library for free!)
- FREE Kindle Reading App
- Kindle Unlimited
- Audible: Free 30 day trial (+2 free audiobooks)
I’m on the lookout for holiday books to read. If you have any suggestions (that aren’t Fern Michaels or Debbie Macomber), I’d love it if you left them in the comments below! Thanks so very much!
P.S. Check out the Stress Free Christmas series and master gift giving this year without going over budget or feeling overwhelmed!
Linking up with Jana and Steph for Show Us Your Books!
Dead Girl running sounds super interesting
Hi Kay! It was definitely interesting! I love a bit of a surprise ending : )
The blogging ebook sounds super helpful! I think I am going to have to check it out! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
It really is super helpful, Kasey! Like, amazingly so. Highly recommend!
Ive been thinking about wanting to take my blog further and giving it more effort Ill have to check out that book!
Hi Monica! The Make Money Blogging really breaks everything down so well. Definitely worth checking out!
I love the Owens family! I enjoyed both books even though there were many years in between them for me.
Good to know, Steph! I’m excited to read the prequel : )
i’ve never read practical magic though the movie is one of my all time faves. i didn’t realise it was a book way back when the movie came out, but i do want to read the books… one day!
Hi Kristen! I really need to watch the movie adaptation of Practical Magic. I have no idea why I haven’t!
Thank you for the great recommendations!
My pleasure, Lauren! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Have you participated in EBA or read Ruth’s book? I think you might enjoy it. The book. Not EBA. I haven’t done that.
I did read Ruth’s book! I should probably read it again actually. Thanks for the reminder!