August was a slower reading month for me, as I’ve been navigating a few challenges and found myself completing only three books. While that’s fewer than I typically finish, I’m learning to view reading as a source of enjoyment rather than a measure of productivity. Each of the books I did complete offered something unique—whether through story, style, or perspective—and I’m glad I was able to spend time with them. Here’s a look back at what I read in August.
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.75
Cate Kay is a literary sensation—her bestselling trilogy became a blockbuster film series—but she’s never been seen in public. That’s because Cate Kay isn’t real. Her true identity has been a secret until now. Years ago, she and her best friend Amanda planned to escape their troubled lives and chase fame in California. But a tragedy the day before their departure changed everything. Cate fled, reinventing herself again and again. Now, a stunning revelation forces her to confront the past—and return home to finally heal.
The book began with a touching friendship between Amanda and Annie that reminded me of my own youth, but their dynamic soon grew confusing, with unresolved jealousy and weak communication. The plot felt unclear, the reunion lacked emotional payoff, and the story never delivered the deeper meaning or autobiographical link I was hoping for. Overall, it started with promise but quickly lost momentum, leaving me disappointed.
Genre: Mystery/Romance
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.93
On the run after her sister’s mysterious death, Letty Carnahan flees New York with her young niece, Maya, determined to honor her sister’s warning that Tanya’s ex is to blame. Guided only by a magazine clipping, she hides out at The Murmuring Surf, a quirky Gulf Coast motel filled with watchful locals and snowbirds. Taken in by the motel’s owner but eyed warily by her detective son Joe, Letty must navigate suspicion, uncover her sister’s secrets, and decide whether Joe is a threat or an unexpected ally—all while fighting to protect Maya and seek justice for her sister.
The Newcomer is an engaging, atmospheric read that blends drama, charm, and a touch of escapism. From the start, the premise is compelling, and the lively cast of characters brings plenty of personality and intrigue. Andrews paints the coastal setting so vividly that it’s easy to imagine yourself there, fully immersed in the community she creates. While a few moments lean toward the unrealistic, they add to the book’s fast-paced, cinematic quality rather than take away from it. Ultimately, it’s a story that balances entertaining drama with an immersive backdrop, making it a satisfying pick for readers looking for character-driven storytelling and a bit of escape.
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.87
The Housemaid is Watching follows Millie Accardi, now a social worker, as she navigates life with her husband Enzo and their two children in a new suburban home. Their seemingly perfect life is disrupted by suspicious neighbors, missing money, and mysterious events, leading Millie to uncover secrets that threaten her family’s stability.
Normally, McFadden’s books are fast-paced and gripping, but this one dragged. The first two-thirds focused too heavily on Enzo’s appeal, financial strain, and Millie’s neighbor issues—material that could’ve been condensed without losing context. While there was some character development, it felt repetitive, and the twist lacked the impact of her usual surprises. By the end, the story seemed stretched just to fill pages, and I was reading out of obligation rather than enjoyment. If you’re on the fence about continuing Millie’s story, it may be better to stop while the series still feels strong.
Looking back, August may not have been my most productive reading month, but it was still meaningful in its own way. Sometimes it’s less about the number of books finished and more about the moments of escape, reflection, or comfort they provide. As I head into September, I’m hoping to find a steadier rhythm, but for now I’m grateful for the stories I did get to experience. Here’s to a new month and, hopefully, new favorites waiting to be discovered. What did you read last month?
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