Books to Read in August: Can I Predict Five Star Reads?
For me, choosing five star reads before reading them is hard. On the surface, I know what I like and dislike. Below the surface, each book is different.
The difference between reading experiences is why I usually give the same author three tries to win me over.
I’ve found that there are authors who might wow me with the first book I pick up, but I’m bored by the next book or two I read from them. Conversely, some of my favorite authors are found not because I loved the first book I tried, but because I gave them a second or third chance.
For example, I hated The Ghost and the Portrait by Cleo Coyle but am obsessed with the Coffeehouse Mystery series. The Last Houseguest by Megan Miranda was a home run, but I haven’t liked The Only Survivors or All the Missing Girls.
For August, one of the reading challenges I’m participating in is based on the number of stars you rate each book. It’s a challenge to choose five-star reads to bring the greatest number of points to your team.
I’ve chosen seven books for this particular challenge. Three of the seven are books that I’m relatively confident in. The other four are ones that I’ve heard about and think I’ll love or have been recommended by people I respect.
For each book, I’ll give a quick synopsis and why I think it has five-star potential.
Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien
After hosting a speed dating event, Lana and her roommate Megan get a call that a participant has been murdered. When they begin to investigate, there is a long list of women with motive.
Five-star potential:
This is book eight of The Noodle Shop Mystery series. I’ve read the other seven and have only ranked one book under five-stars. It’s become one of my favorite series and I have high expectations for the next installment.
Betrayal by R.L. Stine
Fear Street is cursed. Unspeakable horrors happen to those who live here. Betrayal is a three book bind up that explores the origins of the street and why it’s cursed.
Five-star potential:
I started reading R.L. Stine books again last year, after a very long absence. I don’t know if it’s just me reconnecting with a childhood favorite author or it’s the actual work I”m coming across (probably both), but I’m loveing everything I’ve been reading. A second reason I have high hopes for this one is that I read the Cursed bind-up which also had a historical setting. I thought it was the best that I had read by Stine yet. Betrayal is also historically set and I’m imagining will have the fun of Fear Street.
Badass Habits by Jen Sincero
Badass Habits is part psychology, part 21-day program on how to develop or break a habit.
Five-star potential:
Jen Sincero is one of my favorite self-help authors. I’ve read and reread her books You Are a Badass and You Are a Badass Everyday many times over the years. I like the way Sincero writes and breaks things down to easy steps. I read Badass Habits back in 2020, but I don’t remember what rating I gave it. I also didn’t do the 21-day challenge as I plan to do this time around.
The Stars We Steal by Alexa Donne
Engagement season, for Princess Leonie means finding a mate to save her family from financial ruin. The first love of her life, Eliot returns as the one that got away, with the intention to make Leonie’s life miserable.
Five-star potential:
I’m taking a chance with this one as my main reason for reading is based on a reading friend. There are a few books that she keeps sharing on repeat and this is one of them. I did win this book as a result of one of her giveaways. The recommendations I’ve read from her have been between 3–5 stars. However, last fall, she introduced me to an absolute favorite fantasy book, one that I’m still thinking about. I’m hoping to have the same luck with this one.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
A prolific romance author no longer believes in love. Her editor is dead and it’s his mission to have her second-guessing about love.
Five-star potential:
The one book I’ve read from Poston, Geekerella, was a five-star read. Around spooky season, I see this book everywhere. Plus, one of my favorite booktubers, who I usually agree with on great reads, recommends this one. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed and try it out.
Southern Karma by Amy Boyles
It’s Pepper Dunn’s first Halloween in Magnolia Cove, Alabama. She’s excited to experience the season in her new home. However, when Rufus appears, things start going haywire. A series of events leads to Halloween reoccurring every day.
Five-star Potential:
I’m obsessed with Halloween! It’s my favorite time of year and I would love a Halloween time loop. I’m intrigued as to the story line and why someone wouldn’t want Halloween every day.
Kidnapping of a Myth by Nicole Scarano
When Wendy Darling’s brothers go missing, she only trusts long-term friend Eamon and his assistant Bel to get to the heart of the issues.
Five-star Potential:
I’m a huge sucker for a good retelling and Peter Pan stories are some of my favorites. The series is a mixup of retelling plus mystery, which is one of my ideal blends to read. Finally, I read Autopsy of a Fairytale, the first book in the series was the best book I read in May.
Seems like a promising selection
I’m excited to see what ratings I end up giving each of these books. I think each of them have good grounds for predicting a five star.
I plan to write a mini-review for each of these books to be read.
