Books I've Enjoyed Lately - Summer 2023

It’s time for another roundup of books! Reading is one of my favorite diversions in life and I wanted to share some of my favorite books from the past few months. There are plenty of light, summery reads on this list as well as non-fiction, dramas, thrillers, and one unique dystopian novel. Read on for all of them…

I’m sharing links to Amazon and Indiebound today. The former is a great spot to find reviews and information, and the later is a great way to support local bookstores. And if you want to shop in person, you can find an independent bookstore near you here. Of course most of these books can be read for free via your local library, either as a physical book or an audio copy (just download the Libby App and connect your library card!).

I generally find listening to audio books the fastest way to get through them these days. I listen when I drive to the grocery store, do the dishes, garden, fold laundry, bake, or do any other solo household chores. Audio books can turn a how-hum task into something worth looking forward to! But I also love reading a physical book and try to wind down with one at bedtime.

Without further ado, here are 15 books I’ve enjoyed lately…

The Other Bennet Sister, Janice Hadlow - Mary, the bookish and often disliked Bennett sister of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, finally gets her do. This story picks up after Jane and Elizabeth are married and follows as Mary comes of age and finds romance of her own. She’s quirky and lovable and this is a great red for any Austen fans. (amazon, Indiebound)

Happy Place, Emily Henry - Harriet and Wyn have been a couple since college, but for reasons they’re still not discussing, they split 5 months ago and haven’t told a soul. At a yearly friends trip in Maine, they’re thrust together again and have to pretend to be still together. A slow-burn romance novel this novel’s also about female friendship and finding yourself. And bonus, Happy Place is narrated by the best, Julia Whalen! (amazon, Indiebound)

The Villa, Rachel Hawkins - when Emily and Chess take a girls trip to an Italian villa to write and revive their lifelong friendship, they discover the villa’s dark history full of sex, drugs, rock and roll, and murder. A bit of a thriller and a bit of a novel about beautiful friendships, this was one of my favorites this summer! (amazon, Indiebound)

Die with Zero, Bill Perkins - Amazon describes this one perfectly: “Die with Zero presents a startling new and provocative philosophy as well as practical guide on how to get the most out of your money—and out of your life. It’s intended for those who place lifelong memorable experiences far ahead of simply making and accumulating money for one’s so-called “golden years.” This highly-recommend book definitely assumes a level of privilege, but it’s incredibly thought-provoking and might just change the way you live your life. (amazon, indiebound)

Elegance, Kathleen Tessaro - when Louise finds a used copy of the style encyclopedia Elegance at a used bookstore she instantly resonates with the French fashion advice of Madame Dariaux. As frumpy Louise slowly transforms her empty marriage and poor fashion taste, a new Louise and new life begin to take shape. Inspiring in a buy-new-underwear-andget-out-there kind of way, this is a fun read. (amazon, Indiebound)

Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life, Ajiri Aki - a beautifully photographed book on French joie de vivre (celebrating of simple things). This book reminds us all to appreciate the every day as Aki shows how to host the perfect apero (happy hour), thrift for antiques, explore Paris, and savor all the joyful moments in between. It might just inspire you to book a plane ticket to Paris! (amazon, Indiebound)

Meet me at the Lake, Carley Fortune - Just as Fern graduates college and prepares to leave Toronto for the lake resort where she grew up, she meets Will. The two form an instant connection and promise to meet at the lake in one year. But Will never shows up. Ten years later the two meet again. (amazon, Indiebound)

Nora Goes Off Script, Annabel Monaghan - when Nora’s husband leaves, she turns her divorce into a feature film script. But when the movie is made, the cast come to film at her home, including Sexiest Man Alive, Leo Vance and her life and that of her kids’ is turned upside down. Smart and funny and full of love, this is the perfect summer read. (amazon, Indiebound)

Atomic Habits, James Clear - so many people have recommended this bestseller to me and I’m so glad I finally read it. It provides framework for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering all the tiny behaviors along the way. So many great principles that stick with you! (amazon, Indiebound)

Cloud Cuckoo Land, Anthony Doerr - Easily the best novel I’ve read all year! It’s the imaginative tale of one book and how it changed the lives of 5 people, from an orphan in 15th century Constantinople to an octogenarian in present day Idaho to a girl on an interstellar ship in the not-so-distant future. It’s a beautiful story! (amazon, Indiebound)

Romantic Comedy, Curtis Sittenfeld - Sally is a writer for a late-night comedy show (think Saturday Night Live), and perfectly normal. Noah Brewster is a world famous musician and gorgeous. When he signs on as the show’s host, the two are thrust together and there’s instant chemistry. But someone famous and beautiful like him, would never date someone plain and normal like her…right? The witty banter in this one had me laughing out loud. (amazon, Indiebound)

The Marriage Portrait, Maggie O’Farrell - In 1500s Florance, young Lucrezia is married off to the Duke of Ferrara. As she finds her place in a foreign court, and after not bearing children, she starts to see another side of her husband. Is he the happy man she married or should she fear for her safety? This one is well written, full of drama, and transports you to 1500s Italy. (amazon, Indiebound)

The It Girl, Ruth Ware - when April Clarke-Cliveden is murdered at Oxford, her best roommate Hannah’s life is turned upside down. Now, a decade later Hannah and April’s ex-boyfriend are married and expecting their first child. But when new evidence on April’s murder comes forth, Hannah divers deeper into the mystery and reconnects with old friends. (amazon, Indiebound)

The German Wife, Kelly Rimmer - In 1930s Berlin, Sofie and Jürgen try to stay neutral as their beloved Berlin transforms into Hitler’s Germany. But as Jürgen takes a position in Hitler’s rocket program to make ends meat, they must make sacrifices for their family. After the war, Jürgen surfaces in America, as part of Operation Paperclip, a controversial US program that employed former Nazis post WWII. A gripping novel about a part of American history I’d never heard before. (amazon, IndieBound)

Flying Solo, Linda Holmes - After Laurie’s wedding is cancelled, she returns to Maine single and about to turn 40, to handle her great aunt Dot’s estate. As she dig’s through Dot’s possessions she finds a mysterious wooden duck that she’s told has no value. But when the duck goes missing, Laurie digs into the disappearance and finds out so much more about her Aunt. (amazon, Indiebound)

Read any good books lately? I’d love to hear your recs in the comments!