I feel like I have been on a reading BENDER these past few months (one plus of hibernation mode 😉) and I thought I’d round up a few new-to-me favorites that stood out to me in case you’re in need of some new material! There’s a little bit of everything in here–from thrillers to historical fiction, scandalous beach reads, self-improvement, and more! I hope you enjoy these as much as I did!
More book recommendations here.
Some favorite books I’ve loved recently:
The Paris Apartment:
I haven’t read a thriller in a long time, but I had been hearing so much about Lucy Foley’s books, and the plot of the Paris Apartment really caught my interest. (Paris being one of my favorite cities and I’ll read anything based in Paris.) It was so good–I couldn’t put it down! So many of you have told me that you love her other books even more–The Guest List is going to be my next read! Buy on Amazon or Bookshop.org (which supports independent bookstores!)
The Book of Lost Names:
For my fellow WWII Historical Fiction lovers–I tore through The Book of Lost Names. It’s inspired by a true story of a young girl who finds she has a natural talent for forgery and creates documents for thousands of Jewish children throughout the war, allowing them to safely escape from France to Switzerland. Buy on Amazon or Bookshop.org (which supports independent bookstores!)
Wild Mountain Thyme:
I am a big fan of Rosamund Pilcher’s beautifully written novels, which always feel like a quiet, cozy escape to the countryside of Scotland. My one complaint about her books is that sometimes they can be a bit slow (which I think is also part of the beauty of them!) But this one was shorter and moved more quickly, in my opinion. I really loved the character development of the protagonist and the storyline that brings an unlikely group of people together. Buy on Amazon or Bookshop.org (which supports independent bookstores!)
The Vibrant Years:
For those who liked Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows–I absolutely adored this book. I loved Bindu, the 65-year-old protagonist’s, journey to becoming her authentic self. I loved her relationship with her family, and especially the ending. If you want an easy-reading, feel-good story full of humor and lovable characters, this is the book for you! Buy on Amazon or Bookshop.org (which supports independent bookstores!)
Bel Canto:
I have heard about Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto for years, but never got around to reading it because the plot is so different from anything I typically read. I don’t know what made me decide to finally read it, but I’m glad I did. Her writing is so beautiful, the story is so creative and thought-provoking–about a gang of terrorists that take a party of diplomats and wealthy businesspeople hostage, and the bonds that end up developing between them over the next several months–friendships, mentorships, even romantic relationships. Buy on Amazon or Bookshop.org (which supports independent bookstores!)
The Perfect Couple and The Identicals:
Continuing on my never-ending Elin Hilderbrand binging (I’m so thankful she has so many books!) These two didn’t disappoint. The Perfect Couple I loved because it was very out of her norm–a beach read in a ritzy Nantucket setting, but with the twist of a murder mystery! As someone who isn’t in a phase where I want to read super dark murder thrillers–I would describe this is a very “light murder mystery” 😂 I loved it. And also though the ending was very creative with a twist I wasn’t expecting! Buy on Amazon or Bookshop.org (which supports independent bookstores!)
The Identicals was more along the lines of her typical novel–following two estranged twins–one in Nantucket, and one in Martha’s Vineyard (I enjoyed the mix of scenery!) Think adult parent trap vibes–where the two women come together after their father’s death after not speaking for a decade–they decide to switch places for the summer in an attempt to repair their lives and family. Romance, family drama, juicy gossip, beautiful beach settings–it has everything you want from an Elin Hilderbrand book! Buy on Amazon or Bookshop.org (which supports independent bookstores!)
The Power of Habit:
It’s been a long time since I read what I’d consider a “productivity” or “self-help/career” book. (I’m just really not in that hustling phase of life right now.) But Merrick shared this on her Instagram and it intrigued me. Then, I happened to wander into a bookstore later that day and thought, “what was the name of that habits book again?” only to look down at the table and see it ON DISPLAY IN FRONT OF ME. (This is not a new book. So it’s a bit random that it would be on display–I think the universe was trying to tell me something). I bought it and I’m making my way through it and it’s VERY interesting. Reminiscent of The Tipping Point, but specifically about habits and how changing one habit can change your life. Buy on Amazon or Bookshop.org (which supports independent bookstores!)
Hope this gives you some fun new material! Happy reading!
