Summer reading is in FULL effect and I am LOVING it! There is no better time of year in my opinion to log some serious reading time. If you need some inspiration for your next beach or pool read I've got some really great titles that I read last month and I can't wait to share them with you!
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All We Ever Wanted... This book! You guys! I absolutely adored this book on so many levels. When a "questionable" photo of a classmate is circulated through a ritzy private school in Nashville - it's hard to tell at first who is responsible and why. As the mother of the boy that is accused of circulating the photo begins to unpack the truth - everything is brought into question including her son's involvement, other classmates possible motives and in the end, her entire life as she knows it. This such a timely (and scary!) book as my kids enter their teens where photos and social media are the new normal. But also this is a story about the power of friends, family, love and redemption. I found Nina, Tom and Lyla to be such heartwarming characters and so "real." I couldn't stop thinking about the book and the characters for several days after finishing the book. There are some really tough spots but also a good balance of truly heart warming scenes as well - plus a few great plot twists. I highly recommend this one! (please note, an Advanced Review Copy of this book was provided to me complimentary in exchange for my honest opinions)
How to Stop Time... This is another AMAZING read! I was breathless by the time I finished it! A man born in the 1600's realizes he's not aging and that the people in his life are being accused of witchcraft or are turning up dead because of it. To keep himself and his secret safe he joins a secret society of fellow men and women that also aren't aging, but increasingly the society doesn't seem to be helping to keep him safe. This book is a time traveling masterpiece and an adventure from start to finish. A great book for reading poolside! (this book reminded me of The Time Travelers Wife or even a combination of Twilight - minus the cheesiness - and A Discovery of Witches)
Black Rabbit Hall... This was a random book I picked up at the library without knowing anything about in advance (usually I research books, request them at the library and then read them!) and I really enjoyed it! I love books about old buildings, so this book was a quick favorite! Black Rabbit Hall is the backdrop to two storylines - one past and one present that weave together in unpredictable ways. Even to the very end of this story I was surprised by the twists and turns in the storyline. And I did not see the end coming at all - which is rare for me! If you are a fan of Kate Morton you will love this story of a family's history and secrets and what they all have in common.
The Summer I Met Jack... This book is an absolute summer must-read! Alicia, escaping the after effects of WWII lands a temporary housekeeping job in Hyannisport for the Kennedy family thus starting a lifelong love story with JFK. When they get engaged Jack's dad immediately disapproves of the marriage. Alicia escapes to Hollywood to start her life anew but the love story endures. This is a fictional story based on some real facts that is a juicy behind the scenes look into the Kennedy family and Hollywood in the 1960s with plenty of twists and turns. I couldn't put this book down and highly recommend it for a fun summer read. (Please note that an Advanced Review copy was gifted to me, all opinions are my own).
How to Walk Away... This has got to be the feel-good book of the summer. I absolutely adored this story. Maggie, a recent graduate and recently engaged has her entire life change course in one swift moment. How she learns to survive and thrive in her new life was so inspiring and uplifting. A few parts were a little cheesy, but overall this is a book about family, love, courage and never quitting. I loved every minute of this book and finished it in two sittings. I could NOT put it down. This is a great summer beach read! This book has serious Me Before You vibes... so if you loved that book, you will love this one as well!
Okay, now I want to hear what you have been reading! Dish!
