Summer Reading List: July Book Reviews

Whoaaa, I really need to update my blog. It's been a month since my last post. I promise a full update on life soon! I guess blogging idleness is the sign of a good, happy, busy summer right? And it has been FULL-- full of visitors, friends, family, trips and lots of rest. Part of rest has included reading - I tackled several books off my list this month and am ready to offer reviews. 

Same disclosure as last time - If you read one of these books and hate it, remember that I am not a literary critic or an English teacher. I just like what I like, so take my opinions with a grain of salt. Your cup of tea might be different than mine!

You can check out last month's reviews here.

July Readings and Reviews

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dove

Rating: 4.5 stars

This was not even a book on my summer reading list. It was my July book club book, so I had to make a little detour from my list and I am so glad I did. I loved this book and had not heard of it, so I probably would not have read it if not for the fact that it was required of me. The book is set in Sonoma County at a family winery when all of the family is in town for the harvest party and a family wedding.  From the beginning, the reader is aware that each of the family members has his or her own struggle, with some of the conflicts and hurts within the family. This is a tight close knit family that is trudging through loss, change, hurts and disappointment with each other. Even more, they are at a crossroads where they have to let go of part of their past in order to move into the future. None of the characters are "bad guys" per se, so you find yourself rooting for each one, flaws and all. I really wanted to see healing, opportunity, hope and love come to each character.

What I loved about this book is that I (and probably many of you) could easily relate to this fictional family.  I, too, come from a close knit, in-your-business, type of family. A family filled with traditions - sure, these traditions aren't "harvest parties" but football games and tailgates, holidays, cookouts, etc. A family with its own share of hurts, both within and outside of the family walls. So, I could easily identify with the characters - the ones hurt by their family, the ones who did the hurting, the ones who were hurt out in the world and came home for comfort, the ones who were scared of change, etc. 

The book wasn't perfect, but it was very enjoyable and actually hopeful - but not in a cheesy fairy tale kind of way.  It doesn't have a "perfect" ending, but instead it has a real ending.

Eight Twenty Eight by Larissa and Ian Murphy

Rating: 4.5 stars

I love this sweet couple. I mean, how can you not? These two were seriously dating with Ian saving up for a ring when a tragic accident placed him in a coma (and then traumatic recovery) and derailed their future plans. Despite a brain injury, they decided to keep dating and eventually, go ahead and move forward towards their goal of marriage - and their marriage looks far different than they had planned.  How incredible to commit to "for better or for worse" even without the marriage covenant binding you!  She is totally sacrificial in her love of him and he is totally trusting - two areas I could definitely improve on.

My one complaint is that the book does seem to jump around a bit - and sometimes I had a hard time keeping up with the timeline. But, the Murphys are not professional authors, just two amazing people sharing their story. Also, there were parts of the story I wanted to know more about - for example, I wanted to know more about when and how he woke up from his coma and what that was like. However, it's not my story to tell - and she told their story so tenderly and honestly, obviously sharing what she saw as the most important moments in their journey and Ian's continued recovery.

For those who read this  book, you will fall in love with them both and you will cheer for them and cry with them and hope right alongside them.  You can follow their blog here.

Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

Rating: 4 stars

This book is a short easy read and quite entertaining! I found it to be a great little metro/lunch break read as I could easily ready a couple chapters in a short amount of time.  The author is a world renowned chef and cookbook author who fulfilled his lifelong dream of moving to Paris after his partner unexpectedly died.  Some said he was running away, but he saw it as one chapter ending (sadly) and using the ending as a chance to take another opportunity.  He tells about the good, bad and ugly of French living - how the French cut in line constantly, how everything takes longer, how sales people aren't always helpful- but he also tells about the great people, great food, wonderful little shops with expert sales people and all the charm of this city. After all, every culture has its pros and cons.

The book also includes some of the author's recipes and a list of his favorite restaurants in Paris.  I hope to make use of both!

The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan

 Rating: 3.5 stars

I ended up liking this book, but I must admit, it started out slowly (for me, at least)  But, to be fair, I was reading a few books at once and some of them flowed quickly so this may have sounded slow by comparisons.

The main thing I loved about this book was that it was set in Paris - and at a chocolate shop. Paris, chocolate - what's not to love? The book focuses on two English women - Claire who is in her late 50s, a divorcee, mom of 2 and cancer patient, but spent a glorious summer in Paris 4 decades prior - as a nanny. She fell in love with Paris and a chocolate shop owner - and has always remembered that summer as her happiest of days. The second woman, Anna, is 30 years old, in need of a life change and a former student of Claire's. With Claire's prodding, Anna leaves for Paris to work in the same chocolate shop owner. Finally, with Anna's help, Claire makes one final trip to Paris, a city where she found love and a different version of life forty years prior.

What I liked about this book is that there were second chances at life and love, reconciliation, forgiveness, deep friendship between women 25+ years apart and also, a realization in all the blessings life provided along the way.  After all, life isn't always romantic summer flings in Paris, but it can still be filled with family, commitment, happy moments.

The book is not life changing, but it is a happy little piece of chick lit set in one of the world's most romantic cities.

The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

Rating: 5 stars

Oh, I loved this book. I could not put it down!! It is not my typical type of book as kind of dark, but it is a page turner and keeps you guessing (and I was quite proud of myself for solving the mystery before the murderer was revealed)

The book's main character, Rachel, is not really very likable. She is a depressed unhealthy drunk woman who rides the London commuter train that passes her former house (where her ex, his new wife and their baby still live).   The train also passes a house with what she imagines to be a happy couple. She watches them on their patio and has created a happy life for them in her head.  However, when the woman in the couple goes missing, Rachel places herself into the investigation, providing insights and also realizing that people aren't always who you imagine them to be.  Also, throughout the book, you slowly start to like Rachel a bit more as you realize some of the reasons she is the way that she is.

I can't say too much about this book without giving away critical information, but if you want a page turner that you can't put down, this is your book.  Many have called it the next Gone Girl!

Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life by Michelle Cushatt

Rating: 3 stars

I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would - but the good news is, that by the end of the book, I liked it a lot more than I did in the beginning.  I think my frustrations were because I imagined the book to be a Christian Living self-help type of book (is it pathetic to say self-help?) with advice and scripture on how to handle life's unexpected troubles.  I just came off a very hard 6 months and I wanted some encouragement on living with unexpected life turns.

However, the book tended to be more about the author's journey - with occasional advice mixed it.  Her writing was vulnerable and expressive, but to me, it read more like a memoir of a rough few years in her life instead of an encouragement book for others. I did enjoy the book because I became involved in her life story, rooting for God to show up in big ways amidst some really hard troubles (cancer, wayward children, sick family members, foster kids, etc) and truthfully, even without instruction spelled out in clear black and white, I did gain encouragement from her story. However, I would have preferred a little bit more clarity - here's how to get through life's detours, here is encouragement for when life feels undone.

So, not a bad book, but not quite what I had hoped for.

What I have read/still have left to read: 
***You can read my original list and thoughts here.

Book Club Books 

1. The Stranger by Harlan Coben

2. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan (and *possibly* the sequel, China Rich Girlfriend)

ADDITION: Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave (my July book)

Home and Marriage

3. The 7 principles for making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman

4. Eight Twenty Eight by Larissa and Ian Murphy

5. A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home by Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman

Southern Fiction

6. Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

7. The Right Thing by Amy Conner

8. My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh

French Reads

9. Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

10. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

11. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

12. A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable

13. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan 

ACCIDENTAL ADDITION: Paris Hangover by Kirsten Lobe

General Fiction

14. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

15. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

16. The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

17. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

18. Paper Towns by John Green

19. The Life Intended by Kristen Harmel

20. Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Religious Reads

21. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Quireshi

22. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

23. Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life

NonFiction

24. The Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner

25. 11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative by Dr. Paul Kengor

Looking forward to several new books this month. I have already started on "All the Light We Cannot See" to fully get in the France mood before our trip. Anyone else read anything great lately?

May/June Book Reviews

Just like last summer, I am on a mission to do lots of summer reading during these lovely summer months.  Although I only posted my reading list just a couple weeks ago, I started composing (and working my way through) the list about 6 weeks ago, so I am actually already several books in!

Here are reviews and ratings (1-5 stars) of what I have read so far. As I noted in an earlier post, take my recommendations with a grain of salt. I am not a literary critic or English professor - just a girl trying to enjoy some summer reading! Feel free to not like a book I like, or to like one that I did not enjoy!

The Stranger by Harlan Coben

Rating: 3 stars

Harlan Coben is an author I have never read before, but I really enjoyed this book.  It was full of suspense and surprisingly made you think about how much we don't know about others.  We are all hiding something that we would rather others not know, even perfect suburban housewives.  In this book, a stranger makes it his goal to expose people for their secret sins (or make money as they pay him to keep quiet).  The stranger sees it as a win-win - people come clean or he is paid.

I would definitely read another Coben book.  It's not going to be the most challenging novel you ever read, but the story is entertaining and suspenseful enough to keep you turning the page. It is a perfect metro read! I would definitely read this author again!

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Rating: 3.5 stars 

I am surprised how much I enjoyed this book. If you remember from my original description, June was my book club's "beach read" month -- pure chick lit.  This was an easy read -- except for the fact that there were about a million characters to keep up with!  The book entertained with each new page.  The premise is that there is a extremely exclusive, private wealthy circle of old Asia money in Singapore.  One of the wealthiest family's sons brings home his Chinese girlfriend from America and most of the family and friends make her life miserable. This book is dramatic and entertaining, but certainly nothing more! However, as someone who LOVES travelling, I loved the description of the different places in mainland China and the various islands.  This is a great beach or pool read for sure! I may even read the sequel! (which came out two weeks ago)

A Beautiful Messy Happy Handmade Home by Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman

Rating: 3.5 stars

I liked this book -- which is essentially tips with a ton of pictures and projects.  I may even try a few of the projects in our apartment.  I read and reread The Nesting Place last summer and was hoping this would be just as good (it wasn't).  It's a different type of book, not a lot of commentary and sentimentality, but a lot of help on project ideas.  As someone who appreciates creativity but often needs to be directed in how to be creative, I appreciated the ideas and hope to put myself to work soon! If you feel like your home could use a little sprucing up (on the cheap), check out this book!

Paper Towns by John Green

Rating: 3.5

I will be honest  - I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as his best seller, "The Fault in Our Stars."  Green is an excellent writer, but it seemed that the characters were all a little immature - and one in particular was quite selfish. However, then I realized that of course they act that way, they are teenagers! When reading young adult fiction, one can't be too disappointed if the characters act like teenagers! I still do appreciate "The Fault in Our Stars" more, but this book was entertaining and well written.  There is a bit of a mystery within it as well - as a group of friends is trying to find their runaway friends. Despite being overly dramatic, the book balances too ends of the spectrum in teen lives that we all face: (1) the attempt to fit into our worlds;  and (2) the annoyance of going through the motions (college, marriage, job, babies, etc) and the desire to do something else.  As a teen, who hasn't struggled with both the desire to fit in and the desire to flee our expected paths?

John Green is an excellent writer and this book will definitely entertain (even if you find it a bit over the top like I did).  Paper Towns will be playing in theaters soon, so it might be good to read it before you see it on the big screen!

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
Rating: 5 stars

I love Shauna Niequist so much. Her words always touch my heart.  She writes about the mundane, the ordinary, the challenges and heartache and joys we all experience- but she makes them seem special and unique and beautiful.  My favorite Shauna book is Bittersweet (about growth and joy through the hard times) -- but this book, "Cold Tangerines", was pretty great too.  The book focuses on celebrating the good and wonderful in every day life.  I think it's so easy to fall into the trap of living from weekend to weekend, vacation to vacation, holiday to holiday.  I am a big fan of countdowns and anticipation - but how often do I overlook the beauty that comes from dinner, tv and cuddling with my husband - or laughter over Tuesday night happy hour with a friend? A perfect Saturday walk, successfully trying a new recipe or the pleasure that comes from a clean home?  I love summer because I feel like I have the time to slow down and read, go to movies, sleep in, enjoy the sunshine, sip wine on the patio, etc. This was a good reminder that the mundane, the everyday, is beautiful! I highly recommend this book (or any of her books, really!)


Paris Hangover by Kirsten Lobe
Rating: 2 stars

This was an "accidental" read, meaning I had considered it for my summer reading, but then eliminated it from the list. However, when it came time to order a beach read (I wanted a paperback, not a kindle read), I must have forgotten which books were on my "french reads" list because I ordered this one - and read it while in Florida.  I just today discovered that it was not on my list.

What I liked about the book: the premise.  A 34 year old woman gives up her great career, perfect boyfriend (well, perfect except for the fact that he does not want kids), fabulous NYC town home to move to Paris and pursue her dreams of being an artist and meeting a French man and starting a family. I loved reading about all the places she visited in Paris (I wish I had wrote them all down for our trip!) However, that's about all I liked about this book.

The main reason I would not recommend this book: it's a bit too dirty. Let me clarify, I am not a prude.  I understand that books will have sex scenes, but in this book, there was too much.  This girl went from boyfriend to boyfriend, from bed to bed.  Thankfully, the author wasn't too descriptive, but even so, I was a bit tired of hearing of the character's sex life!  Also, I was confused at how the character was managing to afford to live in Paris.  Sure, she had some savings - and she had downsized her lifestyle (small studio, no designer shopping) but she did not have a steady job.  The book refers to just a few paintings sold at a local gallery over a 2 year time span. Maybe I am too practical, but I find it hard to believe that she could afford fancy coffee at a cafe daily - or drinks at a swanky bar - without a stead income!

I will say this, though, despite her many flaws, the character was at least likable enough for me to want to finish the book. I wanted to know if she decided to stay in Paris or return home and if she ever met the right type of guy.  I would probably rate the book a bit higher if there was a little less friskiness and a bit more development of the facts (like how the h*ll she could afford her lifestyle!)

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Rating: 4.5 Stars

This is one of my favorite reads so far this summer.  What I love about Elin Hilderband's books is that although they are beach reads, they are also thought-provoking and well-written.  The setting is Nantucket at a fine dining restaurant with a girl who is running away from her past and workplace romance.  That's about as beach read as it gets.  But, the characters are a bit more complex than your normal fluffy chick lit.  After reading this book, I am now obsessed with going to Nantucket (I may have looked up rooms....) and I regret never spending my summer working in a beach town! (Do you think Dave would let me do that now? haha!) My one complaint - the ending. It wasn't a particularly unhappy ending, but I just felt that the main character accepted everything that had happened and left it in the past, even without an explanation. I found it a bit unbelievable. However, the book as a whole was quite enjoyable!

What I have read/still have left to read: 

Book Club Books 

1. The Stranger by Harlan Coben

2. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan (and *possibly* the sequel, China Rich Girlfriend)

Home and Marriage

3. The 7 principles for making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman

4. Eight Twenty Eight by Larissa and Ian Murphy

5. A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home by Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman

Southern Fiction

6. Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

7. The Right Thing by Amy Conner

8. My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh

French Reads

9. Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

10. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

11. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

12. A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable

13. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan 

ACCIDENTAL ADDITION: Paris Hangover by Kirsten Lobe

General Fiction

14. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

15. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

16. The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

17. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

18. Paper Towns by John Green

19. The Life Intended by Kristen Harmel

20. Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Religious Reads

21. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Quireshi

22. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

23. Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life

NonFiction

24. The Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner

25. 11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative by Dr. Paul Kengor


I am looking forward to tackling several books of my list during July -- starting with "The Girl on theTrain" !! If you are looking for me this weekend, you can find me by the pool, drink in one hand, kindle in the other hand!

Two Years, Two Lessons

A few days ago, Dave and I celebrated two years of married life together! In some ways, it seems like we have been married forever, but in a lot of ways,  it seems like just yesterday, we were doing this....

And this....

Year 2 brought a new job (Dave started at a new firm a few weeks ago), passed exams (5 down, 2 to go), tons of travels (NYC, Harper's Ferry, Canada, Rosemary Beach, State College), a paid off car note, savings for our one day home, a new apartment, tons of visitors, a new nephew, lots of growth, some heartache and loss - and lots of JOY and LAUGHTER!

Just a few of this year's memories....

Stealing Kisses

Harper's Ferry

Cherry Blossoms

Easter

Toronto, Canada

Rosemary Beach, FL

Macy's Parade, NYC

Valentines Day, State College

We celebrated a day early with dinner at Founding Farmers and Shake Shack for dessert.  I cooked us a good breakfast the next morning and we sat on the porch to eat and toast with our wedding flutes! We then spent the day being DC tourists!

2nd Anniversary!

I am still learning this whole "marriage" thing, so I don't have too much advice to offer yet. However, I will share two lessons I have learned to help keep our marriage happy and growing!

(1) Remember that each day in marriage is a blessing (and one that you are not promised)

One of the things that most helps me remain joyful in my marriage is that I spent most of my twenties not married. What I mean by that statement: I know that marriage is not promised. I know that there are men and women who would love to meet the right person to settle down with, but life has not happened just as they hoped.  I know there are widows/widowers who have to move on daily without their life partners. So, I also know that despite the cover stealing, bickering, chore sharing, finance discussing drama that marriage can bring, I am very lucky to be married to my sweet Dave.

Don't get me wrong -- there are moments where Dave irritates me incredibly (and probably far more moments where he can't stand me). But, when I start to complain or focus on problems in life and marriage, I try to remind myself how fortunate I am to have a great husband and how so many men and women are hoping to meet some one or are recovering from losing someone.  Often times, the thing we complain about is what someone else is what someone else longs for! And, at one point in time, this particular gift was something I longed for as well!

Marriage is a blessing - and I don't always see it that way, but when I remember how fortunate I am, my perspective towards my husband and the hassles of matrimony changes.



(2) Keep a long record of the good and short record of the bad.

Remember all the fun things about your marriage, all the kind things your spouse does, all the great dates and fun trips and flirty texts and sweet goodbye kisses.  Be thankful and appreciative of all these things. Be verbally appreciative and be reciprocal.  But, try not to hold on to the bad memories, fights, hurtful words. It's easier to keep account of the bad than the good, but the good is the stuff worth remembering!

###

Oh, and Have Fun! People talk a lot about how hard marriage is -- and it can be really hard (but then again, life - in general - is sometimes really hard.) but we often make it sound all "doom and gloom"  Marriage can also be a blast!   I recently filled out an "advice card" at a bridal luncheon with advice from the guests for the bride.  My last piece of advice was "Have Fun" because spending life with your best friend can be crazy fun.  And, it's those happy moments that get you through the tough ones.

My 2015 SUMMER Reading List

Summertime means fewer meetings, tons of pool days, and plenty of travel time spent on planes, trains and automobiles…..which means a LOT more time to read. I love good books and summertime usually gives me enough downtime to knock several books off my “hope to read” list.  Few things paint a better picture of summer than a beat up, sunscreen stained, sandy book laying on a beach towel. Add in an umbrella drink and you have the makings of a PERFECT lazy summer day.

A lot of bloggers and websites that I follow have created a list of summer reading books that they have read and recommend.  I do things a bit differently. Last summer, I created a list of books I wanted to read and shared it on my blog. I am doing the same thing this year, making my own summer reading list - so please know that I can't sign off on whether or not these books are great. This is just a little personal blog and these are just books that sounded interesting to me -- so I make no promises about the quality of any of these books! I hope to do reviews of my favorites as the summer progresses, but I am not a critic or an English teacher, so take my opinions with a grain of salt please :)

I made a fairly long list so I have options….that way I am free to read whatever tickles my fancy that day, so long as I force myself to read a few nonfiction books before summer’s end, not just fun stuff. (I actually like a lot of nonfiction, but summer makes me want to only read the "fun stuff" all day!

This year’s list is a lot longer than last year’s (25 compared to 15) – and my goal is to read at least 15 (and hopefully 20) of the 25!! Here are some guidelines for my summer reading challenge:

1.    My “SUMMER” (for reading purposes) started mid May and ends one week after Labor Day, Sept. 14^th when we return from France. 
2.  My goal is to read at least 15 books before Fall. Last year, I successfully read 9 books (plus a few others that weren't on the list -- I got distracted!) The list is longer than last year’s list for SEVERAL reasons – (1) I researched more books I want to read; (2) we have access to a pool so I have more lazy Saturdays planned; (3) I have more time because I am not job searching (which I was still doing last May)OR starting a new job (which I was doing July and August last year); (4) longer commute allowing for more reading; (5) more travelling allowing for more reading time; and (6) By the time I actually had time to start this list, I had already finished 3 books and started on another so I only felt it fair to give myself a larger requirement than last year.
3.   I can pick what I want to read, but I must read at least 1 book from each category (well, and obviously ALL books from the “Book Club” category).

So, here’s what’s on my 2015 summer reading list:

Book Club Books 
AKA, Required Reading

The Stranger by Harlan Coben

This year, I joined a book club through the Jr. League. We read bestsellers which means we have read a variety of books - mystery, nonfiction, chick lit, etc. Fun and challenging books.  The book club is low key with no great attendance expectations and you are welcome to show up even if you haven't finished the book -- which was how I showed up last month, halfway through with this book! However, the first half had already grabbed my attention as it was suspenseful and actually, thought provoking, causing you to think about how even in happy suburban America, we all have secrets. (spoiler: I quickly finished the book the following week, so this is a summer reading book already crossed off my list!)

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan (and *possibly* the sequel, China Rich Girlfriend)

This is another book club choice.  We voted to read a "beach read" or "chick lit" best seller for the month of June as many of us were travelling. This book is a fun read about incredibly rich Asian families and their secret lives and what happens when the son of one of these families (living in NYC) brings his American raised Chinese girlfriend home for the summer. You think old money southerners or NYC socialites can be snotty? These girls make Americans look tame. So far, I am enjoying this light funny easy to read book, so I may dive into the sequel when it comes out.

Home and Marriage
These are both categories that I am sure I could use some help!

The 7 principles for making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman

A blogger I read included this book on one of her old reading lists. At first I thought, boring, but then I realized that besides our small group marriage study book this winter, I haven't read many marriage books since we were engaged.  I want to always be investing in our relationship and feel this book could help me think about different ways to strengthen our bond.

Eight Twenty Eight by Larissa and Ian Murphy

I am sure you have all read about Ian and Larissa. I love this couple.  My heart breaks that their story is so rough, but I am so grateful that God is using their challenges to tell His story. I want to love like she loves. I want to trust like he trusts. There is so much to learn about marriage and life, in general, from this sweet couple.

A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home by Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman

I loved Nesting Place last year. Read and reread it - and let it inspire me in decorating our apartment.  I would love some new "home" inspiration and I love the idea of doing a few crafts. This book gets amazing reviews and I am excited to dive in (and maybe even get my hands busy with a project!)

Southern Fiction
This Mississippi girl needs to read at least a couple southern books this 
summer to remind her heart of home.

Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

My husband is from the Natchez area, full of antebellum homes and charming southern streets right by the Mississippi River.  So, I am eager to dive into this thrilling mystery set in a town so dear to our hearts. (This is a repeat from last summer's list and I hope to check it of this summer)

The Right Thing by Amy Conner

This was also on my list last summer- but I never read it.  It's a coming of age story set in Jackson, MS.  I "came of age" in Jackson, MS (and later small town MS as well) so I should be able to relate! I love good southern fiction, but especially books that remind me of Mississippi.

My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh

I must admit, I had not heard of this book, but it was already downloaded on the family Kindle account. A little research revealed that this dark southern mystery, set in Louisiana, has received praise from Kathryn Stockett, author of one of my favorites, "The Help". Since the book is already paid for and on my Kindle -- and is very highly praised, I felt this would be a perfect addition to my list!

French Reads
I've got Paris on my mind, so I wanted to read a few French themed books this summer.

Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

This is also a repeat from last year's list and hopefully, this summer, I have a little more motivation to read this book since I will be making a Parisian get away in a few short months. Amazon described this book as "a deliciously funny, offbeat, and irreverent look at the city of lights, cheese, chocolate, and other confections." Sounds entertaining and yummy!

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

This seems to be the book everyone is talking about - and I have been dying to read it. The story follows a young Parisian girl who moves to St. Malo, France during WW2. Her path collides with a young German boy who lives in occupied France at the time. That's about all I know about the book but if so many people loved it so much, it must be good.  We are visiting Paris and Normandy in September, so I feel this will be a good book to get me ready for the trip.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

This is another highly acclaimed WW2 story set in France, but this book follows two sisters' relationship, challenges and courage.  I am eager to read this book which focuses on WW2 from a female perspective.

A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable

This book involves a Sotheby's furniture specialist, an old Parisian apartment abandoned during WW2 and the stories of two different women from two different times. 

The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan 

This is pure chic lit, but at least it's British Chick Lit, so does that make me a little more high brow? A romance involving a chocolate shop and set in Paris-- seems like a perfect beach read!

General Fiction

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

This is a story of a non royal girl at Oxford who fall is in love with the future King of England....sound familiar??? 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

This was a #1 NYT bestseller by Liane Moriarty, author of "What Alice Forgot" - one of my favorite books that I read last year.  Moriarty's works are both funny and a little dark - definitely causing you to think about things in a different way while you laugh. 

The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

 This, along with "All the Light We Cannot See", is one of the books that everyone seems to be talking about these days.  Apparently, it's a dark thriller about a alcoholic woman who watches a couple she passes on her train route and then becomes entangled in their murder investigation. It's the new "Gone Girl" and people love it or hate it - I hope I love it!

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

A friend recommended this book and it sounds intriguing and sweet! From what I can tell, it's a book about a scientist who creates a scientific plan to find his wife and weed out non-matches. Rosie comes along and is not "wife material" but he is drawn to her (and her own quest to find her biological father).  He soon learns that love can't be discovered through a scientific plan.

Paper Towns by John Green

I am not usually a young adult fiction reading, but I really loved reading John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars" last summer so I decided to give his newest teen fiction book a shot. Plus, this is soon to be movie so I thought it would be great to read the book before seeing it on the big screen.

The Life Intended by Kristen Harmel

 This novel is about a young widow planning to walk down the aisle for a second time, but she is still haunted by dreams of her first husband. In her dreams, he leads her down a path that she could never have imagined.  This book is about fear of moving forward with life and letting go of the past - and who can't relate to that fear?

Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Two years ago, I was new to DC and not working yet. I went on a run while Dave was at work and I locked myself out. Luckily, I had my cell phone and 10 dollars stuck in my pocket (meant for picking up coffee on the way back) so I went to Barnes and Noble, ordered lunch and read one of their books all afternoon!  The book ("Summer People") was by author Elin Hildebrand and is a beach read, but a bit more intense than your normal breezy chick lit. I have wanted to read another one of her books since then - so when I saw another blogger recommend this book, I decided that I should try it out!

Religious Reads

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Quireshi

This is a book recommended by several members of our small group.  It is about a devout Muslim who discovers Christianity. I know so little about Islam - and although I am certain this book just skims the surface of the religion, I feel it will start to give me an understanding of the Muslim faith.

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

Last year, I read "Bread and Wine" as part of my summer reading list. Then, this spring, I read one of Shauna's other books, "Bittersweet" which I adored - one of those books that I read at the exact right moment.  Shauna writes in a unique way -- her chapters are meant to be read individually, but grouped together, you can tell the overall theme and story for that part of her life. You can tell how she grew as she wrote her book - and you grow with her. You can relate to each chapter because she so eloquently and correctly identifies feelings we all experience.  So, I am reading another one of her books, "Cold Tangerines" about the joys and extraordinary moments of everyday life.  Summertime - with its long hot days, afternoons by the pool, cookouts and travel plans - seems to be the perfect time to read about celebrating everyday moments.

Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life

Not be be whiny, but I feel like one of those people whose life never goes quite as planned. For those of you whose life turned out pretty much like you hoped, then you probably don't relate - but I suspect most people feel a bit like I do: like sometimes no matter what you do, things fall apart or turn out differently than you wanted! Sometimes, these frustrations are redeemed. Sometimes the change in life's plans turns out to be better than I could have hoped.  I feel like this book will be one I relate to so much -- a book I cry and laugh and murmur "amen" throughout each chapter.

NonFiction

The Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner

 This book is about women finding time to pursue their passions.  I actually feel I have more free time than I have in years. I am out of school. I am not "job searching" and although my job is challenging, it only occasionally requires late nights. Plus, my social calendar is a bit less full than my single days. However, sometimes I feel I waste my time and that I don't know my passions.  People love and recommend this book, so I hope it encourages me to be more intentional with my time.  Best to learn that now, before kids and a house make my "me time" even less!

11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative by Dr. Paul Kengor

I love Reagan and I really enjoy politics -- ironically enough, I don't always enjoy political books. I think it's because I spent 3 years reading law books and now live in a place where politics is a huge topic of convo at every event. But, this book (from last year's list) seems practical, and clarifies what "being a Reagan conservative" really includes. 

**If you made it to the end of this long list, congrats!! Let me know if you have read any of these books and think I should move them to the top of my list. Also, what are you all reading this summer? **