ADVENTURER. LEADER. STORYTELLER.
Ashley's Book Corner
A few years ago, one of my New Years Resolutions a few years ago was to read more and rediscover my love for reading. I started sharing my progress here as I make my way through my TBR list and apparently even inspired some of you to pick up some of these books or ones that had been sitting on your shelf! Although the initial "new year" that inspired the challenge is over, I am NOT ready to stop reading, so this will be a space for me to keep sharing my reading with everyone. Below you can find archive galleries of previous years as well as my current reading list for whatever year we are in. I've also started a GoodReads account, so feel free to follow me there as well!
Books of 2025
Richard Osman had written another witty, intriguing, and thrilling mystery novel with just the right amount of timelessness, nostalgia, and modern influence.
I really enjoyed the new characters Osman brought to life in We Solve Murders. It was an interesting story with both larger than life and all too real characters - whatever you prefer. All in all, a great book! I think it ended in a great place leaving me excited for what other adventures our heroes are going to get into. Definitely would recommend for any classic mystery lovers!
Each time I read one of Diana Gabaldon's books (which thus far is only two times) I am thoroughly impressed by how much I enjoy her attention to detail, whimsy, and sense of storytelling. Dragonfly In Amber was a fantastic follow up to the iconic Outlander.
I am usually hesitant when reading books after I've already found their TV adaptations so enjoyable, but these books so far truly stand on their own and have been incredibly enjoyable to read. In some cases, I find them preferable to the screen adaptation!
I do not believe I will ever tire of reading Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games trilogy. These books are without a doubt some of the most thought-provoking, entertaining, and captivating young adult books I have ever read. And the fact that I enjoyed them just as much as an adult as I did reading them as a kid, is just a testament to Collins' writing.
Just when you think that Suzanne Collins cannot possibly write another heart-wrenching, can’t put it down Hunger Games novel, she does exactly that. We know the outcome of Sunrise On The Reaping going into the book, but it doesn’t make it any less impactful, heartbreaking to read.
Suzanne Collins’ legacy is secure as people continue to read, think and have inspired conversations about the novels she writes. It may be a YA novel, but there is so much more being said beneath the surface.
The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L. Walsh was such a great piece of historic fiction! Although I usually do not enjoy bouncing back and forth between people’s storylines, this was done so well that (especially once the connection was established between the two characters stories) I didn’t mind it one bit! A fascinating piece of history preserved through great work of historic fiction.
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Highly recommend reading this if you enjoy World War I and World War II historical fiction and don't mind a bit of a tear jerker.
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose was an absolute page turner! I literally had to force myself to put it down and get some sleep every night.
The only thing keeping it from five stars for me personally, is that I didn’t feel like the ending was satisfying for me in any way shape or form. Yes, I’m glad we figured out who was behind the whole thing, but it really came out of left field and personally made no sense to me whatsoever. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good mystery!
Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center is no exception to the wonderful concoction of romance, motivation, and delightful storytelling that fills each of her books. I have yet to read one of her books and be disappointed. I look forward to reading more of her works!
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This book will leave you feeling so many different emotions, but ultimately is a great reminder that it isn't until we find our own peace and happiness that we can allow for others to make us happy. I look forward to reading more of Center's works and continue to recommend her books!
N or M? proves to be another delightful Agatha Christie mystery! I hadn’t yet met the characters of Tommy and Tuppence, but found them to be charming and delightful.
This book was filled with so many twists and turns but also had the hallmark features of most of Christie’s books that made it comforting to read. N’s reveal was a complete surprise to me but M I had a feeling about for some reason early on because it seems to be whoever you least expect it to be…a fun read!
I had high hopes for The Chemist after reading The Host and realizing that Stephenie Meyer's writing capabilities go far beyond Forks, but it fell a flat for me. Was it readable? Yes. Was it a page turner? Not really.
It might have been the lack of first person narrative that I was missing that helped to keep me engaged with her other pieces. Overall, not my favorite of her works (Stephenie if you are reading this I beg of you to continue The Host series) but still an interesting read. Plus, shout out to Tallahassee for making an appearance in the book!
As far as autobiographies go, Yes Please by Amy Poehler was very pleasant and very creatively told! To be honest, I learned way more about Poehler than I ever thought I would (and probably more than I will ever need to know) and greatly enjoyed her narrative stream of consciousness.
Thank you Amy for not giving up on your book, it was a fun read! I highly recommend it for anyone who has an interest in entertainment, comedy, and definitely anyone who is a fan of Poehler and her works!
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is an incredibly thought-provoking book that, simply put, blew my mind in both the best and worst ways possible. I think everyone has had moments in their lives where they wonder "What if I had made a different choice?" and that is exactly what this book explores.
Ultimately, we do not have a chance in our own lives to go through our own midnight library, so I was glad that the ending reminds us of valuing the life that we have because it is up to us to find the beauty and good in our current circumstances, no matter how bleak they may seem.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie is without a doubt one of the best mystery books ever written. If you have been following my socials recently it will be no surprise to you that I've basically been reading this book on repeat since I've been busy directing it for the stage here in Tallahassee.
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I am incredibly thankful to have been able to dive into this story and bring these characters to life, but it is time to put the book back on the shelf for a little while. If you love a good, classic, Christie mystery, this is one you do not want to miss!
Reading Archive
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2023
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