Two amazing series ended this month. They were long but in the “it can never be long enough” way that fans of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones understand. There is always the sense of loss after a great series but unlike a breakup or your favorite restaurant closing the books will always be there.  I have read or listened the Harry Potter books more than 5 times each and each time I have noticed something I hadn’t before.  I always cry in the same spots and fist bump in others. These series aren’t Harry Potter but I look forward to enjoying them over and over again.

1. China Dolls by Lisa See
2. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
3. The Heist by Daniel Silva
4. Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by Iain Reading
5. The Hard Thing About The Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

Heart of Venom by Jennifer Estep – (Paranormal) Gin is a bad ass and all her books are thrilling and action packed.  This time its a crazy messed up dude and she’s leaving tons of bodies behind.

Witch Song by Amber Argyle – (Paranormal) If you like books about magic and saving the world you will LOVE this one.  What I liked best about this book was that it wasn’t typical and it wasn’t easy.  At one point you even think she fails.  Great start to a series!

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by Iain Reading – (Young Adult Mystery)  I was surprised and amazed by this book.  My sister Lisa worked in Alaska observing Beluga whales for a couple of summers and I am a pilot so this book really intrigued me.  A little history, a lot of suspense and a touch of romance…a great combination!

Bel-Air Dead by Stuart Woods – (Mystery) Barrington #20 The last one was a little too much politics for me.  This one has a little more mystery and intrigue. Always a great series that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The Spider by Jennifer Estep – (Paranormal) I love it when authors take us back in time and tell us how their characters came to be. This is one of those books. A great look into the early life of a bad ass!

The Heist by Daniel Silva – (Mystery) Allon #14 I have only read a few books in this series and I have loved every one of them.  They are complex, layered, and intriguing. It’s never what you expect and the author is great about tying in recent or historical events.  Oftentimes these events are eye opening.

China Dolls by Lisa See – (Historical Fiction) I listened to this book audibly and the narrator was great! I can’t stop thinking about this book and some of the things I learned. It’s hard to believe that there was a time in San Francisco when the Chinese weren’t doctors and dentists etc… Like other See books, parts are heart breaking, others fun, others romantic and many eye opening. A must read for people who love Chinese culture and books about WW2.

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness – (Paranormal) All Souls Trilogy #3 There was so much going on in this series/book I doubted that the author was going to wrap it up but she did! It was a wild ride but it ended well. I listened to this book audibly as well and the narrator was awesome!  She was able to do many different voices and accents which really brought the book to life.

The Hard Thing About The Hard Things by Ben Horowitz – (Non Fiction) Ben Horowitz is the definition of “Don’t Judge a Book by It’s Cover” and this book gives you a glimpse of the man beneath the money! I was given this book and then Ben signed it at a Glide event in San Francisco. I really enjoyed getting to know Ben during the talk and even more so reading the book. If you are thinking about starting or leading a new company…READ THIS BOOK!