Books have been blatantly stealing my free time for ages. It only takes a few minutes browsing my bookcases, to figure out that I may be unsure about a lot of things but never reading. I especially love when my book list is long and varied. Curling up with a good book may sound cliché, but it’s a satisfying end to a long day and the perfect alternative to TV. So, lets dive right into my latest book finds. Some of these are available now, and others in a few weeks or so – something to look forward to. Enjoy!
The Road To Bittersweet by Donna Everhart
This is for those that love a good bittersweet tale, one that is emotional and looks at the importance of family and friends. It’s a story about a family, caught in the 1940 flood of the Tuckasegee River in North Carolina and the challenges they face as they struggle to rebuild. It’s a gritty coming of age story that lovers of southern fiction will especially enjoy. (More about this book here)
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
This story details the lives of Alaska’s homesteaders, showing both the beauty and punishing harshness of Alaska. It looks at the trauma of being a POW in the Vietnam War and for the romantic at heart- there’s also a bit of a love story. (More on this book here)
I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve. ~ Charles De Secondat
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
This will be Meg Wolitzer’s first adult book since her immensely popular THE INTERESTINGS. In this one, she takes a look at what it’s like to be female in today’s world; touching on many current topics such as sexual assault and prejudices against women. There’s some powerful insight packed into this book. (More in this book here)
The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain
A complicated, multilayered story with lots of family drama and secrets. Diane Chamberlain’s writing style is always well-paced, her characters flawed and human, and her stories emotional. My favorite kind of book. (More on this book here)
Stolen Beauty by Laurie Lico Albanese
I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book and even more convinced it was a must read after reading the book summary. A story of war, love, and courage. For me, this means passion in all its forms. Perfect winter reading. (More on this book here)
Still Me by Jojo Moyes
I’ve read at least four books by this author, and so far they have always pulled me in and twisted up my thoughts and emotions. This one promises the same. Even better, Louisa moves to New York City for a fresh start, and I love books that feature where I live. (More on this book here)
In books I have traveled, not only to other worlds, but into my own. I learned who I was and who I wanted to be, what I might aspire to, and what I might dare to dream about my world and myself. ~ Anna Quindlen
Marlena by Julie Buntin
Books that dig deep into the psyche, with real characters that you can relate to, are at the top of my list. Stories like this always stir up a wide range of emotions and although not always uplifting – they are always a great read. (More on this book here)
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Brass by Xhenet Aliu
Coming of age stories and those that shine a light on mother-daughter relationships are good on many different levels. This moving story is one of quiet desperation, perseverance, and hope. (More on this book here)
The Immortalists By Chloe Benjamin
The basic premise of this book is fascinating. A psychic tells four siblings the date they will die. It’s certainly, a thought-provoking topic that will make for great conversations. I admit I’m intrigued, and wonder if after finishing the book, I will start searching for a psychic. (More on this book here)
Redemption Road By John Hart
John Hart’s books are little marvels. His strong writing and adept plotting make them hard to put down, always leaving you wanting more. It’s the way he builds complexity into the stories with conflict, layers, and subplots. His fans have been waiting a long time for this one. (More on this book here)
A Column Of Fire By Ken Follett
Truly a book that has it all. A sprawling saga filled with tension and action. An amazing and suspenseful storyline that takes history and mixes in some politics, religious strife and romance. A story of power struggles and manipulation. All told by a master storyteller. (More on this book here)
The Revolution Of Marina M By Janet Fitch
Janet Fitch is widely known for her best-selling novel WHITE OLEANDER. I loved the intensity of this book and was thrilled when I saw a new title would be out soon. From everything I’ve read, THE REVOLUTION OF MARINA M promises to be emotionally charged and brimming with fascinating Russian history. Perfect for someone who loves historical fiction. (More on this book here)
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Bonfire By Krysten Ritter
This is a thriller that blends small town atmosphere, complex characters, and a compelling mystery. The lies, the secrets, and the corruption remind me of the battles fought by Erin Brockovich. (More on this book here)
Three Daughters Of Eve By Elif Shafa
This book is filled with details of Istanbul culture and provides insight into many current issues like sexual harassment and the deepening divide between the rich and the poor. A good read for someone who likes strong female characters and wisdom on religious beliefs. (More on this book here)
The Woman In The Window By A. J. Finn
The movie rights for this book have already been sold – so if you like beautifully plotted twisty tales, it may be a good idea to read it soon – before the movie comes out. This author gets right into the mind of a traumatized woman who suffers from agoraphobia and lives vicariously by peering into the windows of her neighbors. (More on this book here)
As Bright As Heaven By Susan Meissner
A historical fiction story that bears witness to the atrocities of the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918, which killed an estimated 20 to 50 million people worldwide. It also explores the emotional turmoil of dealing with the death of a child and WWI. This promises to be another gem of a book by the author of A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN and A FALL OF MARIGOLDS. Loved them both; can’t wait to read this one. (More on this book here)
The Perfect Nanny By Leila Slimani
This story was inspired by a true crime in which a nanny is accused of killing two children in her charge. Since we know what happens right from the start, this is a character study focusing on why the nanny did what she did. Unsettling to say the least. (More on this book here)
The Wife Between Us By Greer Hendricks And Sarah Pekkanen
For those who like tense domestic thrillers. There are lots of pieces to this puzzle of a story that will keep you guessing. This is a book that looks at the inherent complications of marriage and divorce. It’s cleverly plotted, multi-layered and well written with great characters. (More on this book here)
The Taster By V.S. Alexander
A different perspective on the WWI and an intriguing concept. It’s Nazi Germany, and this is a story based on the true events of Margot Woelk’s life, a young girl who becomes the poison tester for Adolf Hitler. An emotional book that will make you think and cringe. (More on this book here)
Victoria By Daisy Goodwin
Fans missing Downton Abbey will go for this one. So will those who love historical fiction with a bit of romance thrown in. This light read looks at the early years of Queen Victoria and coincides with the PBS Series VICTORIA. Since Victoria is only a teen when she first becomes queen, there is lots of rebellious behavior and mother-daughter angst; which of course is fine unless you are a queen. It’s a light, engaging read. (More on this book here)
I Know My Name By C. J. Cooke
A psychological thriller with great characters. A woman, after crashing her boat on a remote island, has no memory of who she is or how she got there. There is tension and suspense right from the start, and the tension continues to build as the story progresses. Good plotting will keep you guessing. (More on this book here)
The Wife By Alafair Burke
There’s complexity and a few puzzles to figure out in this cleverly plotted mystery. It also deals with a very current topic – sexual predators and the numerous men who are never found guilty. It’s a great domestic thriller with an ending that will surprise most. (More on this book here)
White Houses By Amy Bloom
Eleanor Roosevelt is iconic, and a woman most find intriguing. Much is know about her public life, and it is also well known that her husband, FDR, had many affairs. However, she kept her personal life and especially her relationship with Lorena Hickok more private. This is a book that explores this relationship. And of course, Amy Bloom’s beautiful writing style and wonderful imagination make this a story not to be missed. (More on this book here)
Whiskey & Ribbons By Leesa Cross-Smith
The characters are what make this a stand out book. They are all real and unforgettable. The author also has a knack for building relationships. This is a delightful story about a woman who struggles to begin again after the death of her husband. It’s a story of grief, hope and second chances. (More on this book here)
Fallen Beauty By Erika Robuck
A story that revolves around two women and the bond that forms between them. One is the famous poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay. For those a bit rusty on their history, Millay was a poet who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1923. The other is her dressmaker, Laura, a fictionalized character. Edna St. Vincent Millay is a fascinating woman to read about, and both women are forced to deal with their choices in life, which makes for good page-turning reading. (More on this book here)