I thought it would be fun at the start of a new season to take a moment and reflect on some of my favorite reads from the past few months. Fall will be bringing some changes to my family as we attempt to sell our home and buy a new one. I say attempt because we have tried before, and it hasn't gone well. I try to balance optimism and realism in my life. It's exhausting.
I read some great books this summer and anticipate some great fall reading as well. There's something about reading as the weather cools down and the days grow shorter that begs for cozy reading. Be on the look out for my fall TBR in the next few days. Here are my summer favorites.
The Gown
I loved this book. It will probably be one of my favorites of the year. I'm a bit obsessed with the royal family anyway, and this book has just enabled me further. I highly recommend this novel if you enjoyed the Netflix series The Crown. It's so well researched, and I loved the characters. This is a mostly heart warming, clean read, but there one violent scene that may cause some triggers.
The Accidental Beauty Queen
This was a fun little rom-com. I read it in a couple of days. It's set in Orlando, FL which is a huge plus for this Floridian. The sisterly love is wonderful, and the romance was a lot of fun. I don't know a lot about pageant culture, but I thought this book handled it well. Highly recommended.
All Manner of Things
All Manner of Things is a beautifully written, character driven novel set during the Vietnam conflict. I loved the characters and the small town Michigan setting. The writing style is lyrical and poetic. Faith plays a dominant role in the story. The faith of the main characters grows immensely through out the book. This is a quiet novel, but a lot happens by the end. Be prepared to have your heart broken. It's a sweet coming of age story, and it tackles a lot of difficult subjects. I highly recommend this books to readers who enjoy literary fiction or small town settings.I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.
The Mother in Law
I loved this thriller. Loved, loved, loved it. I listened to it on audio, but I think it would have been great in any format. Easily my favorite thriller of the summer. Highly recommended.
King's Shadow
Angela Hunt is an all time favorite author of mine. I love her writing style. This series has been fascinating. I knew a little about the time period between the Old and New Testaments from history class, but she has really made these characters come alive. This final installment about Herod's family has been one of my favorites. Salome is an interesting and complicated character, and I loved her handmaid, Zara. If you enjoy ancient history, you will love The Silent Years Series. Highly recommended.I received a free copy of this book for review.
How was your summer reading? Let me know in the comments. Happy fall, y'all!
