Book I Read in June & July

Is it really August? Summer is flying by...surely a sign that we are having fun! 

In June, I shared some of my favorite books and a few I was looking forward to reading this summer. Below is a look at what I read in June and July! 

 

    

 

// The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah //

Put down whatever you are reading and go get this book! So, so, so amazing! I had no idea because if I had, I would have read this book ages ago. It is a story about two sisters in France during WWII. One works hard and plays by the rules. The other speaks her mind and is a bit of a loose cannon. This story had me from the very beginning and left me in tears. 

// Beach Town by Mary Kay Andrews //

As I mentioned in my June post, I am a big fan of MK Andrews and was excited about this newest release. I did not hold out until our beach vacation because I was so excited to have my hands on it. Sadly, I was disappointed. I didn't believe the story and it didn't tie together for me. It was still a fun read but not one of my favorites.

// The Castaways & The Island by Elin Hilderbrand //

Elin Hilderbrand is a new-to-me author whose stories take place on Nantucket. These are the first two books I read from her and they were both great reads. I, especially, loved The Castaways. Currently, I am reading Barefoot so stay tuned for that review next month. 

// The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller //

This is a story of two neighbors, one older and one younger but both finding their way through life. Perhaps it was the author's intent or maybe it was just me but it had me questioning the characters decisions and pondering the reasons they made them. I really enjoyed this book! 

// The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows //

This book was on my list for a long while before I finally decided to read it. It is written in the form of letters back and forth between characters. It is sharp and witty and I really enjoyed it. The authors do a good job developing the characters and showing their personalities. I wish I read it sooner! 

// Gray Mountain by John Grisham //

I may have read this in May...I cannot remember. This was the first Grisham I've read in years! This story takes place in coal country which was interesting to read about. There were some intense parts and I couldn't wait to see how it ended. 

// The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold //

This is the story of a 14 year old girl who is brutally murdered but her body is never found. She narrates the story from heaven as she sees life on earth. It was interesting to think about heaven and earth in a different way. The characters were all well-developed and showed how they struggled and survived this tragedy. I admit that it was hard to get into at first but I ended up really enjoying this read. 

So, please don't think that every book I pick up is a winner! A few that I just couldn't get through: The Paris Wife (although I think I will come back to this when I am low on options), Happy Never After (Mary Kay Andrews), and The Bone Clocks (bizarre and confusing...I only lasted a chapter or two. I will not be going back to this read.). 

What are you reading this summer? I always love a good book recommendation! Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to see what I am reading next!

xo,

Stephanie