One of my favorite times to read is on vacation, and one of my favorite places to read is on the beach! I got through three books while we were in Italy, and I’ve read some other great ones since. Sharing reviews of my recent reads, including the latest from some of my favorite authors!
Dumplin’ and Puddin’ by Julie Murphy: Loved these books so much! Willlowdean (aka Dumplin’) is incredibly likable and easy to relate to, and I was always eager to find out what happened next. She candidly shares her struggles with body image and how that impacts her relationships. It was sad to hear some of the thoughts inside her head, but I think it’s important to have that honest perspective. The second book was a related, but different story than Dumplin’, but with an equally important message. I loved the friendships the girls formed and the lessons they learned from each other.
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle: That age old hypothetical about who you would invite to dinner, living or dead, actually comes to fruition for Sabrina. She’s forced to confront the issues that affected her relationships with other people and have impacted her life. The story moved slowly for a while, but picked up as it went along and overall an enjoyable read.
One Day in December by Josie Silver: Laurie locks eyes with a mystery man while riding the bus one day in December, and she can’t get him out of her mind. They finally meet again…in the most unexpected of circumstances. This book took me longer to read than I thought it would, but part of that was because it follows the lives of two people over the course of ten years. It’s a love story, but it’s also about missed opportunities, and how one decision, one chance meeting can change the whole course of our lives. Really well written and captivating.
A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood: Sixteen-year old Lou is growing tired of life in the quiet town outside of London where she grew up. She’s always wondered about the grand Cardew house which has stood empty for years, and she finally has a chance to get a taste of that life when the young owners arrive for the summer. I really loved this one! The storytelling is so descriptive that it’s almost like you’re watching the plot play out in front of you. I was attached to Lou pretty much instantly, and often found myself lost in the story in the best way.
The Huntress by Kate Quinn: I really enjoyed Kate Quinn’s other book, The Alice Network, and was excited to read this one too. It’s also historical fiction, but takes place during and after WWII. The story follows several characters, all somehow connected to a Nazi war criminal who hasn’t been seen in years. It wasn’t as compelling as The Alice Network, and I kind of felt like the end dragged a bit, but still a good read.
99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne: I was really looking forward to this one because of how much I loved The Hating Game, but it was kind of disappointing. The story is cute, and follows main character Darcy as she deals with the emotional baggage of restoring her late grandmother’s house, while trying to ignore the chemistry between her and childhood best friend, Tom…who is in charge of the team doing the restoration. I think I giggled and rolled my eyes in equal amounts.
The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker: An incredible story about Anton, a German monk, and how his life changes when he moves to a small town during WWII to help a woman in need. It was so powerful and so much was eerily reminiscent of the political climate we find ourselves in today. Make sure you read the author’s note at the end.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren: My favorite bestie writer duo is at it again! This one follows Olive (the unlucky half of a twin duo) who ends up taking a trip to paradise with a guy she hates. Predictably, feelings change the more time they spend together, but like all of the books by these authors, the writing is incredibly witty and the plot keeps you intrigued until the last page.
The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir: Essie Hicks and her family have been in the spotlight her whole life. Her dad is an evangelical preacher for a megachurch, and they all star in a TLC-like series which chronicles their lives. Essie is 17 and starting to realize that she doesn’t want their made-for-TV life anymore. She’s been through a lot and finally decides to speak up. Yes, it’s a bit like a soap opera, but there are some very meaningful messages in there too. Really enjoyed it.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This book follows the evolution of a 70s rock group, and the drama that ensues when headstrong Daisy joins as lead singer. It reminded me some of A Star is Born, and revealed a lot about what goes on behind the scenes in the music industry. It’s written as an “oral history,” so the story is told as the members of the band recount the events of the past.
Becoming by Michelle Obama: I don’t usually read non-fiction books or biographies, but there wasn’t even a question about this one. I already knew that Michelle Obama was a rockstar, but I had no idea I would be so inspired by her story. I really loved reading about her journey and her honest feelings on politics and life as First Lady. It honestly made me a little sad in light of the current state of our government, but it also gave me hope.
