I know this isn’t the case for everyone, but around here summer means that we have a little more leisure time. Some of that time gets filled with things like trips to the lake and home improvement products (hello new, not-leaking faucets!) but a lot of it goes to reading. I’m reading more, my kids are reading more…it’s just a good old time.
My girls are both excited that the summer reading program at our library has started and are devouring Critter Club and The Princess in Black. I’m not participating in a program, but that hasn’t stopped me from tackling a TBR that is just overflowing in the best possible way, and I’m excited to share few of the books I’ve been enjoying/anticipating.
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Just Finished:
My thoughts on this book are basically that I want Annie to be my friend because THAT sounds fun. I listened to the audiobook version and she reads it herself which is awesome. I love her attitude and her belief that it’s ok to be a beginner and try things without a lot of pressure in our search for little pieces of ‘Eden’. Definitely recommend this book for pretty much anyone.
On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor
Jaime Jo Wright is my go-to for books that are little creepy but not too scary. She does a great job crafting dual-timeline stories that culminate in mysteries that end logically. It’s kind of like Scooby Doo in that the ghosts always turn out to be real people and I love that about her stories since true paranormal is not my thing. On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor is the story of two women, Adria in 1885 and Kailey in the present, who both reside at Foxglove Manor and whose lives are tied up in other peoples search for a hidden treasure. There are unexplained abductions and ghostly sightings, a strange attic resident and plenty of secrets. It’s so good! Full review of this one coming soon.
I read and loved No Ocean Too Wide a couple of years ago so I was excited to get the opportunity to review No Journey Too Far. I was a little concerned that with that much time in between releases I would have forgotten too much and I knew I didn’t have time to re-read the first book, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. This book does a pretty good job recapping enough of the other story that the reader can jump in and continue on, and it was nice to find out what ultimately happened to the McAlister siblings and if they were able to reunite after being separated as British Home Children transported to Canada against their will.
In Progress:
Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working
I’m a big fan of Pastor Craig Groeschel. I listen to his podcast and read his books whenever I can because he is such great combination of humor and sincere wisdom to help you grow as a person and a Christian. This book is about how what society thinks is ‘normal’ might not actually be what makes you happy. As someone who got married very young and hasn’t followed a linear career path, I can attest to the fact that being ‘weird’ isn’t always a bad thing, so this is a very interesting topic to me.
This middle-grade tale of orphans on an adventure has been delightful so far. Each of the five friends was left at the orphanage in unorthodox ways. Now, faced with ‘adoption’ by a cruel man, they are fleeing the only home they know in pursuit of a vague clue as to the whereabouts of one child’s parents. Where will they end up? Who knows, but I think it will be a fun ride.
When Lucy falls and hits her head, she naturally calls her fiancé Zac. The problem is that Lucy left Zac days before their wedding and doesn’t remember. The fall caused amnesia that has wiped out the last 7 months of her life and now she is confused by the feelings she still has for Zac. Even though he isn’t over her either, Zac doesn’t know if he can trust Lucy. What if her memory returns and she leaves him all over again? The best thing to do is to keep her at arms length until she’s back on her feet and into her old life again. Denise Hunter is one of my favorite romance authors. Her stories are engaging and clean, exactly what I want from a love story.
I know I mentioned this one last month, and yes, I am still working on it. It has turned into a nice slow-but-steady palate cleanser where I can read one or two mysteries between starting new novels. I’m still enjoying it, but it might take me another month or more to finish it all the way.
Up Next:
If my understanding of this book is correct, I should be getting a fun, not too spicy romantic comedy set in a small Alaskan town. It has good ratings and the story sounds fun so I’m hopeful it will be a hit! I’ve kind of been on the lookout for Alaska stories since we are planning a trip there next summer, so if you know of any good ones let me know!
A time travel novel by one of my favorite historical fiction authors? Yes, please! It’s about a scientist who finds herself in the Middle Ages after experimenting with a vial of holy water as a possible cure for disease. Apparently there’s a valiant knight involved? I could not be more here for this premise and the cover is insanely pretty.
I think we probably all know at least one person with a chronic illness, and I know that I don’t have as much understanding of what these people go through on a daily basis as I should. I’m interested to hear more about how chronic illness impacts people and what I can do to be more empathetic or helpful.
The next in the Summer Harbor series after The Goodbye Bride, this book follows the last Callahan brother to get his happily ever after with the best friend he has loved for years. I can’t wait to read it, but I think I’ll also be a little sad when this series is finished. Also, this cover is gorgeous.
Last month I attended a virtual writers conference where everybody and their brother raved about this book. I promptly ordered it and it’s in my immediate TBR pile to be picked up in the near future. I’m hoping to learn some great story building techniques to use in my future writing projects!
What have you been reading lately? Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to check out Modern Mrs. Darcy’s monthly quick lit roundup to see what she and other book bloggers are reading.
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