It has been a long time since I have shared a reading list with you all. I love to read as I have mentioned many times before. I joined Goodreads and the local Library, and lately, that’s been the best way for me to find new books. Thanks to recommendations based on books I have read in the past and from some friends who have shared their favorite reads, I have found some novels that truly have me staying up too late, anxious to come home to finish, and pondering and digesting long after I finish them. A lot of these books contain female heroes, history, and love stories, and I have enjoyed breaking away from my crime novel fixation.

Image via Inspirations Deco

I’m going to give a you a little run down below but I’ll make it short! I don’t want to give anything away :)

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes // This is a humorous autobiography by the one & only television producer and show writer Shonda Rhimes who has three hit TV shows on ABC every Thursday night. I found a lot of empowerment and insight through this book. Some might have been bothered by Shonda’s self confidence that flirts with the line of strong ego, but I found it amusing and uplifting.

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom // This story takes place during the Civil War and is about a young white girl orphan who comes to live on a plantation where she lives and works with the slaves. They become her family but she is set apart from them by her white skin. Later as a young woman, she is to live in the Big House with the white folk and finds herself caught in the middle of two worlds. This story brings up many of the home battles & sufferings that take place during The Civil War. It’s a fascinating story that will captivate your heart. I highly recommend it.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah // I could not put this book down. Set in the heart of WWII, this is a story about two sisters & heroins and their contributions & sacrifices during World War II.

What She Knew by Gilly MacMillan // This is a psychological thriller about an eight year old boy who goes missing while on a walk through the woods with his mother. I love mysteries and was anxious to find out the fate of the young boy. This goes into details about parenting when critiqued through the public eye. I found this book super interesting but you might not love it if you have young children…

The Lake House by Kate Morton // This has to be the best book I read all summer. It was another put down with so many twists and turns, amazing character development, and of course- a love story woven in. My favorite. It takes place during two time periods- early in the 20th century on the lakeside in Cornwall England and many decades later in London. I loved not only the spellbinding moments of the book, but the magic that feels like England to me. This is a must read.

The Beach Trees by Karen White // This is a story about a woman starting over in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and discovering a family mystery about her roommate and friend who took her to this new place. I had no idea what to expect when I started this book. I had no understanding about building homes after the horrific storm and how many families had to start over. I love the underlying love stories and mystery to this book. It was one of my favorite summer reads.

Truly, Madly, Guilty by Liane Moriarty // To be honest, this was not my favorite Liane Moriarty book. Actually, it was my least favorite. I am including in this book list because Liane Moriarty is one of my favorite authors and I was so excited about reading this story but I found it either sad or dull. I forced myself to finish it but didn’t feel any victory at the end.

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly // This is a story that will have you in tears and heartbroken by humanity but inspired by some of the heroines of WWII. This tells the story of three different women whose lives collide and concentrates much of the story on a polish concentration camp called Ravensbrück. This is a page turner and one you will never forget. I gave it a 5 star rating.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah // This is a tale of a 30 year friendship of two women, practically sisters, and their relationship that is the center of their lives. I want to share what Goodreads wrote at the end about this book because it states it so well: “Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone’s Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it’s the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It’s about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you—and knows what has the power to hurt you . . . and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you’ll never forget . . . one you’ll want to pass on to your best friend.”

The Royal We by Heather Cocks // The Royal We is a modern day Kate & Will love story. Its about an American who falls in love with the Prince of Whales while at the University of Oxford. And it was a novel I could not put down and finished in two days. If you’re a romantic and maybe a little bit interested in Will & Kate, and also love a good chick flick, this book is for you.

Along the Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams // This is a story I am currently reading! It’s my new- can’tfallasleep I’mstillthinkingaboutit book. I will probably have it finished by tonight or tomorrow. It’s another mystery love story with history (surprise). I have a feeling I’m going to feel pretty good about it when I finish :)

That’s it! I read ten books this summer + a few more that I didn’t include because I had re-read them (Emily Giffin). I hope you enjoy and let me know if any of these books had you feeling the same way!

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