Happy Thursday, friends! Thanks for joining me for Thinking Out Loud Thursday. This is my space to share what’s been on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Since it’s the first Thursday of the month, I’m taking a look back at the books I read in September—here’s my recap!
Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict
Our library’s book club pick this month was Carnegie’s Maid. I always enjoy a good historical fiction novel, and this one definitely delivered. A few members of the group aren’t big fans of the genre since it can be tricky to know which parts are fact and which are fiction, but overall, I really enjoyed it and was glad we chose it.
Clara Kelley is not who they think she is. She's not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh's grandest households. She's a poor farmer's daughter with nowhere to go and nothing in her pockets. But the woman who shares her name has vanished, and assuming her identity just might get Clara some money to send back home.
Clara must rely on resolve as strong as the steel Pittsburgh is becoming famous for and an uncanny understanding of business, attributes that quickly gain her Carnegie's trust. But she still can't let her guard down, not even when Andrew becomes something more than an employer. Revealing her past might ruin her future―and her family's.
With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie's Maid is a book of fascinating 19th century historical fiction. Discover the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist to the world's first true philanthropist.
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is the third book of the Finlay Donovan series. I thought it was an entertaining as the first two. The characters are cute and I'm ready to dive in to the fourth book! Here's the summary from book three ~
Finlay Donovan has been in messes before—after all, she's an author and single mom who’s a pro at getting out bloodstains for rather unexpected reasons—but none quite like this. She and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero accidentally destroyed a luxury car that they “borrowed” in the process of saving Finlay’s ex-husband. The Russian mob handled her debt, but that means Finlay now owes them.
Still running the show from behind bars, mob boss Feliks has a task for Finlay: find a contract killer before the cops do. Problem is, the killer might be an officer. Luckily, hot cop Nick has started up a citizen’s police academy, so Finlay has the perfect cover-up to sleuth out the real criminal as she does some “research” for her new novel. Nick is more than happy to get close to Finlay, but he’s also getting dangerously close to the truth.
As Finlay and Vero dodge potential spies and juggle the daily trials of parenting, they can only hope they find the crooked cop before Feliks catches up with them—not to mention revealing Vero’s mysterious past, Nick’s growing interest in Finlay, and the threat of her looming book deadline.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice is my daughter-in-law’s favorite book, and over the years I’ve collected all kinds of themed items for her. I even make it a tradition to buy her a copy whenever we travel to a foreign country. Then it dawned on me—I had never actually read the book myself! So after starting it in August, I can finally say that in September, I finished reading it for the very first time.
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters in a respectable but not wealthy family, as she navigates love, family expectations, and social class in Regency England. When the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy first insults her, Elizabeth forms a strong dislike for him. Over time, however, she discovers that her first impressions were mistaken—Darcy is honorable and deeply cares for her. Through misunderstandings, witty exchanges, and moments of self-reflection, Elizabeth and Darcy overcome pride, prejudice, and social obstacles to find true love.
Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein
The selection for my work friends book club this month was Spectacular Things. I really enjoyed this one! The characters were relatable and loveable. I can totally understand how it became a Reese Book Club selection.
Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the “Lowe girls” are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.
As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?
A sharply observed and tender portrait of sisters, love, and ambition, Spectacular Things is a sweeping story about the impossible choices we’re forced to make in pursuit of our dreams.
