Summer 2023 Reading Recommendations

Do you read differently in the summer? Do your reading habits change with the seasons? Perhaps with summer a designated "vacation time", it is assumed that we have more leisure time to devote to a good book. Whatever the reason, there are a ton of summer reading lists coming out lately, and I'm going to add my two cents worth to the mix. I have only read a few of the following books, but the others are definitely on my TBR (to be read) radar from now until autumn.

During the summer, my tastes turn more toward lighter subject matter, cozier mysteries, and romantic comedies, and my list reflects that.

Weyward by Emilia Hart. How about that cover? I literally gasped when I saw it. So gorgeous. This book is the story of three women in the Weyward family. Altha (1619), Violet (1942), and Kate (2019). All three share a strange gift and a strong affiliation with birds and insects. Each of the three timelines is compelling and you will turn the pages as fast as you can to find out what happens next. The book is a combination of historical fiction and magical realism, with gothic overtones. All three women have serious challenges to overcome and all seek refuge over the generations at Weyward Cottage. Highly recommend. 5 stars

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez. Loved loved loved this romantic comedy. The hate-at-first-sight and opportunity for second chances story was everything I want in a rom-com. Dr. Briana Ortiz and Dr. Jacob Maddox do not exactly hit it off when they first meet in the emergency room. Jacob wants a re-do of the first impression he made on Briana and sets out to make it right by writing her letters. He proves he is likable and funny, and not out to get the promotion she has been hoping for. He ends up offering her something she can't refuse and the story takes off from there. It was laugh-out-loud funny and may have even squeezed a tear or two out of me. 5 stars

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld. To be honest, up until now, I have not been a fan of this author. I don't know why I selected this as a Book of the Month Club choice, but I am really glad I did. Our main character, Sally, is a sketch writer on a late-night tv show (think Saturday Night Live) and has sworn off love. I found it fascinating to glimpse behind the scenes of a late-night comedy show, where Sally ends up, against her better judgment, getting involved with a famous musician/rock star who was a host on the show. The characters were totally believable and having them fall in love during the COVID pandemic was a cool plot device. I enjoyed the witty dialog and could not put this book down. 5 stars

The Murder of Mr. Wickham and The Late Mrs. Willoughby by Claudia Gray are the first two in what I hope will be a series, based on the characters in Jane Austen's novels. These books fall squarely into the category of "cozy mysteries" and will be right up your alley if you enjoy that genre. A charming English House Party murder mystery with lots of amusing dialog in Austen's distinctive style, these books will provide hours of entertainment.

The Marlow Murder Club and Death Comes to Marlow by Robert Thorogood. Our heroine Judith is a seventy seven year old, whiskey-drinking, crossword puzzle author living her best life in the English countryside where nothing ever happens. Until it does. Judith's neighbor gets shot while skinny dipping in the Thames and she is determined to find out who-done-it in the first book of the series. The second book in the series continues with another Agatha Christie-inspired mystery that fans of The Thursday Murder Club books by Richard Osmond will devour. I can't wait to dive into these cozies. Death Comes to Marlow is out May 30.

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry is actually the next book I plan to pick up. It is getting rave reviews on Goodreads. Another Book of the Month pick, this book is historical fiction. While working in a bookstore in London, Hazel opens a package to discover a rare and secret book that only she and her sister Flora had known about. Could this book have come into her hands by way of the person who had abducted her little sister during WW2? Supposedly the reader will be blindsided by the ending, so I can't wait to read this one!

If We're Being Honest by Cat Shook. It just wouldn't be summer without a juicy, messy family drama, right? When family patriarch Gerry dies, his grandkids flock to Georgia to attend his funeral. Only when his eulogy is delivered they are informed of a secret that rocks their worlds. "While no one can break your heart like your family can, there's really no one better to put you back together".

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley. Remember "The Guncle" by this author from a couple of years ago? Now that was a fun book. This one has a plot similar to the movie "The Big Chill", where a group of college friends gathers in Big Sur for periodic reunions where they stage "funerals" for themselves to remind them to make the most of their lives and not waste a minute of it. Now that they are turning 50 life has become more something to get through than to enjoy. This book is a celebration of life despite its challenges and how our friendships can get us through. Out May 30.

Drowning by T.J. Newman. Did you read this author's previous book "Falling"? If not, get it from the library! T.J. Newman is a previous flight attendant, turned best-selling author, and let me tell you, she can write a thriller. This book is another airplane disaster story, so you may not want to choose it for your inflight reading. Six minutes into a flight taking off from Hawaii Flight 1421 crashes into the ocean. Many of the passengers are able to be evacuated, but there is an explosion that means the doors have to be closed, leaving 12 passengers to sink to the bottom of the Pacific. There is a slim chance they can be rescued by professional diver Chris Kent. This is going to be a heart-stopping thriller that you will not be able to put down. Out on May 30.

Most of these books are out now but notice that a few of them come out in a week or so on May 30.

I cannot wait to jump into a summer full of great books and hope you will let me know if you read any of these or if you have some good recommendations to share. Happy reading!

Comments

I always enjoy your reviews/recommendations. Thanks!

Posted by: Bonnie | May 22, 2023 at 05:00 AM

Once again you have given me a good list of books to dive into! Thank you.

Posted by: CarolE | May 22, 2023 at 06:53 AM

I am amazed and delighted that the first few books you enjoyed are available at our library as e-audiobooks! About the only way I get to “read” these days! Thanks for the recommendations!

Posted by: Linda B | May 22, 2023 at 07:35 AM