I hate when I finish an amazing book and don’t know what to read next. So, on a pretty regular basis, that would be daily, I shop for books.
And, as I have said countless times, even though my tiny NYC apartment is consistently filled with books, I can’t stop searching for and buying more. As you may know, I favored historical fiction in the past, but for now, I have a new mindset: I mix up my genres.
This month, as usual. I did some major digging and have some excellent reading selections. So, keep scrolling.
Be awesome! Be a book nut!”
– Dr. Seuss
Romance
Someone Elses’ Shoes by JoJo Moyes
This book has a lot going for it. First, it examines some sensitive issues, like depression and ageism. But it’s also a fabulous story of female empowerment. And, of course, it has JoJo Moyes’s fantastic writing style; she pulls you into the characters and their lives.
Things We never Got Over by Lucy Score
The main characters are Naomi and Knox; Naomi is over-the-top nice, out to keep everyone happy, and Knox is your typical obnoxious macho guy who avoids attachment. This makes for a not-so-original but fun read – an excellent book for rom-com fans.
The UnHoneymooners by Christine Lauren
I thought the concept of this book was original. Everyone at a wedding, including the bride and groom, gets food poisoning, except two people who positively hate each other. However, rather than letting a fabulous honeymoon trip to Maui go to waste, they decide the island is big enough for both of them and go on the trip together. If you like rom-coms, you will enjoy this enemies-to-lovers story.
Mysteries and Thrillers
The Maid’s Diary by Loreth Ann White
Wow, this twisty psychological thriller grabs you right from the start. A nosy maid working for wealthy clients stumbles upon dark secrets from the past – and she wants revenge. This is a story of the past returning to haunt you and will keep you guessing and turning the pages.
All The Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham
This is not a fast-paced thriller, it’s more of a slow burn, but it’s character-driven, with a lot of tension, and it’s twisty, so it keeps you turning the pages. And I loved the main character’s voice as she takes you through the emotions of waking up one day and finding your child missing from his crib.
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
If you’re a fan of time travel, you will love this book. The plot is clever and original – solving a crime in reverse. After seeing her son kill someone, a mother travels back in time to find clues and stop it from happening. Ultimately, this book is about family, relationships, and a mother’s love for her son.
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Contemporary Fiction
Invisible by Danielle Steel
Childhood trauma can have significant and lasting effects on an individual. In this book, Daniell Steel examines growing up in a dysfunctional family and shows that despite challenges and painful experiences, you can have the resilience to succeed.
The Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader
The bond between the three women in this book is a beautiful example of the power of female friendship. I loved how the story showed the growing pains of relationships as circumstances changed and the immense benefits of female bonding, emphasizing that Female friendships are essential. The author also does a great job of immersing the reader in the 60s and 70s. This is the perfect leisurely Sunday afternoon read.
Historical Fiction
The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J Edwards and Alyson Richman
The characters in this book all have one thing in common- passion. It’s a novel about the Civil War and yet another example of the mistreatment of slaves. At significant personal risk, two women, Stella and Lily, each contribute to the fight for freedom. This is well-researched historical fiction.
Wild Beautiful And Free by Sophfronia Scott
One of the best things about this book is the inner dialogue of Jeannette as she struggles with conflicts and tries to understand where she belongs. She is the daughter of a white plantation owner and an enslaved woman. However, her father loved her and raised her as an equal to her white half-sister. When he dies, she must now deal with prejudice and hatred. This is a compelling read.
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
The Alice Network is suspenseful and compelling and is an excellent book club choice. This was one of my book club’s picks, and the discussion on this book was fabulous. It’s about a network of spies, many women, during WWII. It’s a fascinating read and a page-turner.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This story will resonate with you, especially if you like historical fiction. This book’s strength lies in the women’s power, particularly the sisters who were incredible in the face of danger. The book goes into the resistance movement in occupied France during WWII from the perspective of the two sisters. This is a good choice for book clubs, historical fiction lovers, and Kristin Hannah fans.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book is inspiring and profound. The book’s primary focus is Cora and the pure hell and hatred she experiences as a runaway slave – emotional, physical, and mental. But she is brave and determined in her pursuit of freedom. It’s a challenging, tough read and an Oprah book club pick.
Non-Fiction
A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney
This book spoke to me on many levels. As I read, I could feel this man’s love for his child and the depth of his pain when Henry died. It’s a beautiful thing to witness. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with grief or trying to understand someone else’s grief.
The Body Keeps Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
A fabulous book if you are interested in trauma or mental health. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk discusses many strategies for PTSD. In addition, the book explains how people experience trauma and how it affects the brain – our brain knows how to cope. Certainly not for everybody, but fascinating if you’ve experienced a trauma or you’re the curious type, like me.
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5 Page Turning Historical Fiction Books
Happy Reading
Linda
