Books I've Enjoyed Lately
It’s time for another book post! I’ve been reading a lot lately – there’s nothing like a good audio book to make renovation projects speed by – and I’m excited to share my favorites today. This is an eclectic list with nonfiction and fiction, romance and thrillers, best sellers and lesser-known titles. Hopefully there is something for everyone! And please share what you’ve been reading in the comments.
As always, I’m sharing links to Amazon and Localbookstore.org. But most of these books I read free from our local library. We hit up our library in person a couple times a month for paper books and I also check out audio versions through the Libby App. It’s a great way to get free (well if you can paying taxes free ;) audio books! And for anyone who can’t abide a waitlist, Audible is a great option too. I paid for a few months this year just to get a couple popular titles I was excited about (like Funny Story!). Okay, time for the books…
Funny Story, Emily Henry – I love everything Emily Henry writes and her latest doesn’t disappoint. The story follows Daphne, a children's librarian, whose jilted engagement leaves her stranded in Waning Bay, Michigan. With limited options, she proposes an unusual solution: share an apartment with Miles, the ex of her fiancé's new fiancé's ex (yes, it's complicated!). Henry's signature wit and heartwarming characters are in full force and the audio version (read by my fav, Julia Whalen) is excellent. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
The Women, Kristin Hannah – tragic and beautiful, this epic historical fiction novel spans decades and continents. Frankie McGrath, a sheltered young woman from a wealthy family, is inspired by her families military heroism to become a nurse in the Vietnam War. Naive and eager to be near her deployed brother, Frankie faces the brutal realities of war and the trauma that follows. Be prepared for some tears, but it’s worth it! (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Wrong Place, Wrong Time, Gillian McAllister – McAllister’s latest novel is a twisty thriller with a mind-bending take on time travel. Witnessing her son commit a shocking crime, Jen gets a chance to rewind and prevent the tragedy. The story unravels in reverse and Jen grapples with impossible choices and the desperate hope of fixing everything. It's a quick read that had me guessing the whole way through. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Untamed, Glennon Doyle - Part fiery wake-up call, part inspirational guide, this memoir is a great read! Through raw honesty, Glennon Doyle chronicles her journey from addiction and self-doubt to embracing her true self and finding love with soccer star Abby Wambach. This powerful memoir is a call to live authentically and break free from the cages that hold us back. The audio version is read by the author and an excellent listen! (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Expiration Dates, Rebecca Serle – this was an unexpectedly delightful read from one of my favorite romance authors. Whenever Daphne dates someone new, a mysterious note appears with their name and their relationship's exact end date. These "expiration dates" have kept her guarded, but when she meets Jake and no date appears, she wonders if she's finally found the one. This heartwarming and heartbreaking novel explores love, commitment, and the choices we make in the face of the unknown. The audio copy is excellent! (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
The Heiress, Rachel Hawkins - When North Carolina's richest woman, Ruby McTavish, dies she leaves behind a tangled web of secrets, a dysfunctional family, and a hefty inheritance for her adopted son, Camden. Except, Camden wants nothing to do with his adopted family or the fortune. Enter his wife Jules, a woman with a mysterious past of her own, who convinces him to face the McTavish madness and return to his storied childhood home. This is a great summer beach read for anyone who loves a good mystery! (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Yellowface, R.F. Kuang - This book was hard to put down! June Hayward, a struggling writer, steals a Chinese-American woman's novel and achieves literary fame under a fake Asian pen name. Consumed by guilt and paranoia, June navigates the cutthroat world of publishing while facing the potential exposure of her shocking deception. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Long Bright River, Liz Moore - a gritty and emotional read that I won’t forget anytime soon. In Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, ravaged by the opioid crisis, two estranged sisters walk the same streets. Mickey, a hardened police officer, searches for her missing sister, Kacey, who has become consumed by addiction. The narrative unfolds in a dual timeline, revealing their fractured childhood and their present struggles. As a string of dead women raises suspicion of a serial killer, Mickey races against time to find Kacey, confronting both personal demons and the harsh realities of addiction. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
The Sicilian Inheritance, Jo Piazza - Sara is in the midst of losing both her business and marriage when her beloved Aunt Rosie dies. After the funeral Sara finds that Rosie has left her a letter, a plane ticket to Sicily, and a deed to a plot of family land in Italy. Sara is unexpectedly thrust into a century-old murder investigation and an adventure that might be just what she needs. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
The Last Love Note, Emma Grey - two years after losing her young husband, Kate tries to put her life back together. With an eternal sense of humor she navigates being a single mom, having an overbearing mother, and working a job that no longer holds her heart. When a storm detours a business trip with her boss Hugh, she finally takes a chance on the career she really wants and wonders if she could ever love again. This is a heartfelt novel that will make you laugh and cry! (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Since We Fell, Dennis Lehane – this thriller was a total page-turner (or the audio book equivalent). Haunted by a past trauma, Rachel, a former journalist, lives as a shut-in with her seemingly perfect husband. A chance encounter shatters her carefully constructed world, sparking doubt about her husband and plunging her into a dangerous web of secrets and lies. Rachel must confront her crippling fears and hidden truths to uncover the shocking reality, in a suspenseful journey of self-discovery. The audio version is narrated by Julia Whalen and excellent. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
This Is Your Brain on Food, Dr. Uma Naidoo - Dr. Naidoo, a psychiatrist, nutritionist, and chef, combines fascinating science with actionable advice in this must read for anyone curious about the link between food and mental well-being.. The book explores how specific foods can influence mood, focus, and even fight conditions like anxiety and depression. Plus, there are some great recipes. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Mother-Daughter Murder Night, Nina Simon - this was a delightful cozy mystery with a twist! When a murder rocks a sleepy coastal town, Lana, a high-powered businesswoman battling illness, refuses to be sidelined. With her daughter and granddaughter by her side, the unlikely trio tackle the case in what turns out to be a hilarious and heartwarming adventure. Expect plenty of laughs, quirky characters, and a good dose of family bonding – all wrapped up in a satisfying whodunit! (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, Rebecca Yarros - I initially picked up this series thinking my fantasy-loving 10-year-old would love them (spoiler: these are NOT appropriate for kids!), but Yarros’ fantasy world and action-packed plot hooked me on page one. The stories follow Violet Sorrengail, a fierce young woman with a hidden past, who enters the elite dragon rider academy, Navarre. She faces grueling training, political intrigue, and dangerous creatures while forging alliances and battling enemies. These books are perfect for fantasy fans who love strong characters, romance, and soaring adventures. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Those are my favorite reads of the past few months. Now please do tell, what have you been reading lately?
