Happy Thursday, friends! First up, thank you so much for the love on our GxHSP Cavallo Dress! I’m thrilled you love the colors and prints, and can’t wait for you to get your dress and see it in person! I’ve actually been wearing mine around the house lately… it’s pretty much my new ‘house dress.’
It makes me feel more like myself, but is still super comfy. Plus, I’m always Zoom-ready with the cute ruffled neck! And don’t forget to use code SUGARPLUM25 to save 25% and receive free shipping!
One of the best things about spending so much time at home, is the chance to reintroduce one of my favorite pastimes… reading! Since I was an only-child for 16 years, books were oftentimes my best friends. I love nothing more than getting lost in a story, and can’t tell you the number of times I’ve stayed up all night to finish one.
But when life gets busy, the things we do for ourselves often take a back seat… and for me, that was reading. Sure I’d read a book on beach vacations, but often times they collected dust on my nightstand, deserted by my good intentions.
Then came quarantine, plus my desire to get off my freaking phone… and BAM, I was back to books! And today I’m excited, and honestly, a little nervous, to bring you my first book review! Books are so subjective, and no two people will have the same thoughts, feelings and opinions about a book. But never-the-less, I love reading other book reviews, and have discovered so many incredible reads through your recommendations.
So here’s a look at what I’ve been reading lately…
Definitely a mixed bag of topics, from heavy to light, but I like to mix it up! I love the feel of a real book in my hands, but have been turning to my Kindle Paperwhite more often. It’s crazy lightweight, waterproof, and so easy to read in all light! Even the beach (remember those?). Here’s a pic I snapped from our Mexico trip earlier this year… see how easy the text is to read, even in the bright sunlight?
The Dressmakers Gift by Fiona Valpy
I devour pretty much any World War 2 novel, and particularly love the ones based on true stories. I am so humbled and inspired by people who survive and thrive amidst incomprehensible adversity, so I love them in a book character. The Dressmakers Gift is set in war-torn Paris, overrun by Nazi soldiers, and follows the story of three incredibly brave women who live in the stuffy attic apartment above the couture book shop where they work.
They lead double lives designing clothes for wealthy German women, while secretly working with the resistance movement. The story is told through each of the three women, and I fell in love with their heroism, defiance and friendship, along with all the supporting characters who loved them fiercely.
The story begins in current time with one of the granddaughters, and flashes back as she discovers more of their history. I’m not usually a fan of moving between time periods, but I was enthralled with every aspect of their stories, and this book.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller about a glamorous couple… Alicia a complicated artist, Gabriel a famous photographer… and they’re desperately in love. Until she shoots him in the face five times and refuses to speak again! Alicia is sentenced to a psychological hospital outside London, where a psychotherapist, Theo, becomes obsessed with her case and is determined to make her speak again.
The story jumps between Theo and Alicia, with tons of twists and dark turns, and ends with a huge shocker. It started a little slow, and while the story was good, I found it easy to put down. I appreciated the ‘Sixth Sense‘ style ending, but was a tad annoyed for some reason. Thinking about it now, maybe I was more annoyed with myself for not figuring it out, ha! There is definitely a lot of hype around this book, and maybe that was a problem for me. It had too much to live up to!?
Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan
Another riveting WW2 novel, Beneath a Scarlett Sky is based on the true story of a forgotten hero, Pino Lella. Pino is a vibrant 17-year old living in Italy when he’s suddenly thrust in to the middle of a ravaging war when Germany invades his hometown. He’s soon risking his life to help as many souls as physically possible escape through the Swiss Alps, then enlists as a German solider and becomes an Allied spy as the driver of Hitler’s Number 3 in command.
This fascinating true story of his life is written as fiction, and an easy, fast read. (Sometimes it’s a little elementary.) It starts a little slow, dwelling longer than necessary on the foundation, but Pino’s experiences left me gutted. His bravery and allegiance to his country is inspiring, and I found myself as invested in him, as I was in the author who gave up a decade of his life to find Pino’s truth. (I always read every word of a book, including author’s notes.)
Winter in Paradise and What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
After three heavy, nerve-racking books, I was ready for something light… and Elin Hilderbrand always delivers! She’s the queen of the summer read, and the reason why I’m desperate to go to Nantucket! Mama Sugarplum passed Winter in Paradise and What Happens in Paradise on to me, and I devoured them both in a weekend.
The books follow the story of Irene, who’s blissfully married with two grown sons, when she finds out her husband died in a helicopter crash off the coast of St. John, USVI. When she and her sons arrive in paradise, they discover her adoring husband of 30 years has been living a secret double life. The books weave between these three characters, along with several others living the idyllic island life.
The only problem is, these are only two books in a trilogy (the two don’t stand alone), and the third book isn’t being released until October! So while the story is great and fast-moving, you’ll be left with a cliffhanger until Fall. #boo But they transported me to the islands and I loved the escape.
Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand
This was also in my book swap with Mama Sugarplum, so in desperation to keep the ‘Paradise’ feeling going, I quickly moved on to Summer of ’69. This one is set in Hilderbrand’s Nantucket, but is more historical than her usual stories, as it follows four siblings and their mother who’s summer experiences the huge upheaval that was the late ’60s.
The superstar son is drafted to war, the perfect daughter finds herself pregnant in a miserable marriage, the wild child gets caught up in Civil Rights, and the teenage sister is stuck in an outdated house with her stern grandmother and worried mother. I liked some characters more than others, but was rooting for them all and couldn’t wait to see how they got through their tumultuous summer.
It wasn’t my favorite Hilderbrand novel to date, but I appreciated the historical setting.
As for what I’m reading next… I’ve got both of these books on my nightstand. Both seem a little heavy for early-Summer, but I’m here for it. Any tips on which I should read first?
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate | The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker
As for other books running through our house… Mr. SP and I use this book as a conversation starter, One Question a Day for You & Me: Daily Reflections for Couples. It’s sometimes silly and trivial, and we usually do a batch of questions at a time (not daily), but it never fails to get us talking and make each other laugh.
I put This is Me: A Journal for Teens in Little Miss’s Easter basket, and she loves the prompts for journaling. I gave Welcome to Adulting, written by our former pastor who has a gift for encouraging and challenging young people, to Mr. College. I’m crossing my fingers he’ll read it, and I’ll probably swipe it from him for a read, too.
I subscribed to Kindle Unlimited last year and have found so many great reads that way! It’s less than $10 a month, so it pays for itself after one book! There are literally 1000s of titles to choose from, and new ones added every day. I’m going to try Audible next, and listen to books on my long walks…and hopefully someday soon, road trips!
Okay…your turn! Comment, share, discuss… what have you read lately? What are your thoughts on any of these books? What should I add to my list for this stay-at-home summer!?
I love World War II books too. My two recent favorites are The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, and hands down one of my favorites from last year was The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer.
Sally Hepworth is an awesome writer, I’ve loved all of her books too.
I loved The Tattooist, too! It really transported me to the heart of those camps and broke my heart. Thanks for the recommendation on the other author, too!
If you loved Tatooist, make sure to read Cilka’s Journey as well by same author. WW2 books are my favorite. Of course it all started for me with The Nightingale! Love that book.
I just started reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s City of Girls and it is so good. She wrote Eat Pray Love. She’s just a fantastic writer! I forgot how much I liked her style of writing.
Also, I just finished reading The Girls with No Names by Serena Burdick. Really good too!
DEAR EDWARD by Ann Napolitano was a great coming of age story. Sad and happy wrapped up in one book! If y’all can handle WW2, you can handle this one!
BEACH MUSIC by Pat Conroy. An all time FAVE.
The Last Mrs. Parrish..total beach read
The Good Neighborhood by Anne Fowler. A great read and you’ll want to chat with someone who read it afterwards 😉
I ready this as well…very good!❤️
I LOVED Before we Were Yours and one I still think about after reading it almost a year ago. It’s based on a true story, one I couldn’t fathom.
I just finished Before We Were Yours. A little heavy but very good. Have you read Where The Crawdads Sing? Another good, can’t put down. I’m current reading Things We Cannot Say. Good so far. It moves between the war in Poland and current day. I too have tried to get back into reading. This was a fun one!
Yes, I loved Where the Crawdads Sing! And I downloaded Things We Cannot Say to my Kindle last week (I do that when I see something I really want to read, so I don’t forget it!)
Definitely read Before We Were Yours…also the latest book by this same artist, The Book of Lost Friends💕.
They are wonderful!
I am so happy you are doing this! I also read on my kindle paper white! I just finished Where the Crawdads Sung and have The things We Cannot Say On deck. I just started TheLanguage of Flowers! I am a huge historical fiction fan and love beach reads too. Kristin Hannah is my fave author! Looking forward to more recommendations!
The Language of Flowers is really good!
I also read on kindle as well as listen on audible. Beneath The Scarlet Sky was one of my favs as well as We Were the Lucky Ones and The Nightingale. I’ve read all of Elin Hildebrand’s books to date and turn to them when I want something less heavy. The Great Alone, Where the Crawdads Sing and Educated are all good as well. Bo Walker has a series of Books called the Red Mountain series that are about people in the vineyard business that are interesting too. If you like historical books, Killers of the Flower Moon are about the Osage People and how the FBI was started and organized. I’m always looking for a good book! Thanx for these recommendations and your reviews- I felt the same on some of them! 🙂
What a great post! So good for our kids to see us reading, such a great stress buster.
I so love a good period piece, book or movie. Especially from the Brits.
A classic non-fiction, great American story is “Pioneer Woman-Voices from the Kansas Frontier” by Joanna Stratton. Letters written from the ladies who lived it back in the 1800’s. Even some Texas history thrown in. True stories and real jaw droppers!
I wish this book would never end. Absolutely fascinating. What these proud Americans went thru!!
Sorry, I got carried away. Will check out your choices, C! Thank you!!! : )
Yes…Little Miss and I have been ending the day reading together. Instead of another show or movie, we lay on the couch together reading our books. I hope it helps instill a lifelong love of reading for her!
Oh, forgot! “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” Book and movie!
BBC?PBS? 2018 movie w/Lily James. Book equally as interesting. Brit history.
Can’t wait to see what others love here!
This is one of my very favorite books! So good.
I have read many Kristin Hannah books and they are so good.
You would probably enjoy Winter Garden (another one connected to WWII).
Thanks for the book suggestions! My two quarantine favorites are: American Dirt (not a fun read, but fascinating to learn what the journey is like for illegal immigrants from Mexico to the US) and The Only Woman in the Room (novel based on the life of Hedy Lamar and how she helped in WWII)
Those sound great! Thanks so much, Sylvia!
For WWII era novels…try The Alice Network! I listened to this one as an audiobook and LOVED it. The story was great and I kept getting tedious projects done around the house because I didn’t want to stop listening!
I absolutely loved that one, too!
I loved the Alice Network too. Kate Quinn’s other book The Huntress is another good WWII story if you haven’t read it yet. I listened to the audio book and really enjoyed it.
Ohhh! Before We Were Yours is SOOO good! Definitely read that one first! You will love it!
Thank you for the reviews! Always looking for another book- my Kindle makes it so fast!!
Before We Were Yours- is one of the best books I have read in the last few years, it is a must read!!
My other 4 favorites!
Where the Crawdads Sing
The Marsh Kong’s Daughter
Daisy Jones and the Six
Little Fires Everywhere
Thanks so much for the recommendations, Ashley! I loved Where the Crawdads Sing, and will check out the others!
One of my absolute favorite WW2 books is “We were the Lucky Ones.” Absolutely incredible true story of a Jewish family. Cannot recommend it enough! And Daisy Jones and the Six is a great summer read! I have heard it is fantastic on Audible too.
Yes yes yes!! One of my fave WW2, also!!!
Daisy Jones and the Six is SO good! Check her other book The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – also great!!
I loved both “Night Circus” and “Under The Starless Sea” and books by Tana French. Just read “Rabbit” by Patricia Williams and loved it. “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened” is laugh out loud funny.
I love a LOL book, too! Tina Fey’s book was like that for me! I was crying laughing in a few parts…the kind where you have to read it outloud to someone else just because you want to share. thanks for the tips!
I kept *trying* to read parts out loud but I was laughing too hard to talk and had to keep starting over!
I’m reading Firefky Lane by Kristin Hannah. This book will grip you from the beginning. I’m almost finish and will be very sad when it over. My daughter loaned me the book and once you start you can’t finish. About 2 girls from different walks of life from 1974 era they come from 2 different families one girl is from a normal loving family and the other is from a mother that chooses drugs over her and lives with her grandmother and tries to get her mother to just to love her. But the 2 girls are best friends and continues their lives into the 90’s. I would highly recommend it for a summer read especially if you were born in the 60’s
Debbie p
That sounds so good! I’ve read her before and really enjoyed it…thanks for the tip on this one!
Kristen Hannah is a fantastic author! If you love WWII books, her one called The Nightingale is one of my all time favorites.
Yes, I loved that one as well!
Agree! Loved Firefly Lane & the follow up Fly Away!!
Before We Were Yours was good and sad. It is based a actual events. Have you read Where the Crawdads Sing? I devoured it! Highly recommend!
Yes!! such a great book!
You will love Firefly Lane, and just about everything by Kristen Hannah!! My favorite for what I call my, “Summer Reads”. Now if it would just feel like Summer in CT and if I can only find some time to read, because work (from home) has been incredibly busy (and might I add, stressful!).
I LOVE this post. I love love love reading. It’s the only time I sit down. 🙂 I highly suggest The Aviator’s Wife. I read it in 24 hours. I LOVE WW2 books as well. They are my favorite.
LOL, yes…I’m the same. Reading is pretty much the only time I’m still and doing something for myself! Thanks for the recommendation!
Hi Cassie,
I had the same reaction to The Silent Patient…..I listened to that book while painting and often thought it was so draggy….and did not get the hype…ending was the most interesting part and made me rethink a lot of what came before.
I am currently reading Anonymous Girl and it’s very good..these same authors wrote The Wife Between Us..Both books have twists and are binge worthy reading. Another book I recommend is Never Have I Ever by Joshlynn Jackson…favorite book I’ve read in a long time.
Thanks for sharing your reads…Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorites and I plan to read the Paradise books next..
Yes! I almost wanted to read it again to see if I appreciated it more the second time around. Thanks for the other recommendations! xo. C
Before We Were Yours was excellent!!! It is one of those books where you’ll be online googling afterwards and wanting to hear more – and simultaneously telling everybody about it (because I had no idea this actually occurred and that blows my mind!) I love historical fiction and this is an incredible story (and certainly not “too heavy” for summer reading). I’m excited to hear what you think about it!
Ooooh good, now I’m excited! I’ll start it next!
All right, now you’re talking my language. Surprising to see you had a similar experience to me growing up. Single child, in love with books since the age of 4, special fan of the WW2 era, often staying up all night to finish one (I’m surprised I could stay awake during school days……although I sometimes snuck in a book behind my school booksduring class if I sat at the very back ; ) Right now, I’m re-reading the Harry Potter series because I haven’t actually read the books since I was a teenager (33 now) and this past Christmas, my spouse got me the Juniper books mixed jackets Harry potter chest with the hard cover edition (these are so beautiful, I’m thinking of switching some of my old paper back series to their gorgeous editions, they look incredible on a bookshelf). I’m also reading the two new volumes from Phillip Pullman set in the universe of “His dark materials” if you’re into this sort of fantasy (Little Miss might like it, I sure did at her age). Now for my suggestions: Ken Follet is a favorite for WW2 stories (Jack Daws is excellent and the Century Trilogy is pretty epic but contains a lot of characters so it’s sometimes hard to follow). For light but very pleasant reading, let me expand your world with the 2 best selling French authors who’ve had most of their work translated in multiple languages: Marc Levy and Guillaume Musso. Now, I’m partial to reading their books in their original language but…….not everyone is blessed with the gift of having French as their mother language (I kid, I kid) however I’m sure the English translations are great. They both have tons of books out (and some of Marc Levy’s books have been adapted in film like “Just like heaven” with Reese Whitherspoon and Mark Ruffalo (which is on Prime Video right now). They’re styles are similar but Guillaume Musso has a little more drama and twists in his books while Marc Levy really touches on emotions and family relations. They’re both great authors for summer reads.
Thanks so much for all the great recommendations!!
Before we were yours is amazing! Listen to Daisy Jones and the Six. Soooo good!
Audible is great for dog walking and making housework more tolerable! I loved Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (and since he’s the reader, I think Audible might be better than print version) and The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre.
I love Trevor Noah’s voice…so I’d probably like that one, too! I’ve heard great things about Jessica Simpson’s audible book, too (strangely enough).
“Strangely enough”-LOL!!!
Like you, I love World War II novels. The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner is a great read. The perspective of the life of an American girl placed in a Texas internment camp with her German born parents is one that I had never experienced before. Highly recommend!
Oh wow, that sounds like a great one! Thanks for the tip! xo. C
Before We Were Yours is a great read about a sordid part of America’s past. It will make you think about how humanity marginalizes poverty, but you will be gratified by the ending. Surely “Under the Scarlet Sky” will be made into a major motion picture. Who do you imagine will play Pino?
That is a great question, Patricia! Who do you think?? xo, Cassie
I too love a good read, so thank you for your suggestions. It’s hard to decide sometime with just soooo many to choose from.
I have been reading a new found favorite, Viola Shipman. Fast read and fun and oh by the way
” The Recipe Box” has actual recipes. With this quarrantine I have been baking so much more and this one has some great recipes! I love your blog and look forward to it! Thank you for all your hard work.
So glad you liked my book review post, Cathy!! The baking has been a double edged sword, hasn’t it?! xo, Cassie
Oh my word, if I could love your blog anymore it would be with book reviews!! Yay!
We read The Silent Patient with my book club this year. So intense!
I love WW2 novels too and if you haven’t read The Alice Network, read it!!! It’s based on the true story of female spies in the war and at the end there’s a reading list of nonfiction books that tell their stories. It’s AMAZING. And also intense. Love this post!! Thanks for being a ray of sunshine in a cloudy season 💚
Thank you so much for the kind words, Emi! I ADORED Alice Network!! I was so sucked in and rooting for them. It’s incredible how strong and brave women are!
Oh my, want to read how strong and brave women were/ are? Read “Pioneer Woman” by Stratton. So inspiring when the going gets tough ladies!
Ok, I’ll leave you alone now, C!
For WW2, LOVED “All the Light We Cannot See”. Also “”The Book Thief”.
Enjoyed the suggestions by you and others.
Before We Were Yours is an incredible read! I also recommend When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neil. It’s a Kindle Unlimited book. 🙂 I’ve REALLY liked everything I’ve read by Kelly Rimmer. I think they were also found in my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Happy reading!
I love Kindle Unlimited!! thanks for the tips, too!
I second When We Believed in Mermaids! A little romance, a little mystery and intense family relationships explored!
One of my all time favorites – read Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman!
A funny, lovable, unique character.
Another recommendation is The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd. It’s been out a while but I just read it. True story of 16 year old girl in pre-revolutionary South Carolina, left to run 3 plantations while her Dad had to leave home due to military.
I thought Eleanor Oliphant was so quirky and charming, too! I’ll add Indigo Girl to my list, that sounds great! xo. C
If you want another good World War 2 novel written from the female perspective, check out Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. It’s about a Polish teenager, German doctor, and New York socialite and how their worlds end up colliding. It is remarkable, powerful, and definitely worth reading.
Oh my gosh, YES! Loved that one! In fact, it was my first WW2 novel and what sparked my love of them!
Love that you are doing a book review! I’m catching up today and just looked at your “Patio Refresh” post. Can you tell us about the roll down shade? It looks like you have one installed on the outside edge of the pergola. We just added a patio, outdoor kitchen, pergola and desperately need some type of shade on the west side. Thanks! And thanks SO MUCH for giving us something bright and fun and cheerful to look forward to every morning…it really has been a lifesaver during this crazy time!
Thanks so much, Lorie! those sunshades are life-savers for the late afternoon sun! They are mounted on the underside of the pergola, and we just roll them down when needed. We found ours at costco, but they are very similar to these: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhoT5
Thank you for the book reviews. Since you love WW2 books you may have already read it, but a very good one is Nightingale by Kristen Hannah.
Yes!! Loved that one!! I need to read her latest one now! Have you read it?
Thank you for your reading list! I’ve felt like I can’t sit down and read while my husband is WFH. But St. John is our absolute favorite and the first place we will go post “these unprecedented times” so it’s like vacation planning!
*Also thanks for introducing me to Colleen Rothschild. That cleansing balm is the gateway product!
I’ve been dreaming about our first travel spot after all of this… I wonder when that will be?!
And Colleen Rothschild is having her Friends and Family sale right now… 25% off with code FAM25!!! https://shopstyle.it/l/bhpyO
xo, Cassie
So glad you’re “re-discovered” books. I have too, during this shelter in place period. I love the feel of a book, but reacclimating to my Kindle app on my iPad. California is in various stages of shelter in place – I’m in the one of the stricter areas. I don’t know when/what my area will be re-opened.
I recommend “Cottage By the Sea” by Debbie Macomber. It’s several years old but a heart warmer and tear jerker all in one. Power of love and the human spirit. Everyone I’ve recommended it to loves it. I think you will too.
Kindle reading has been such a blessing lately! And I will have to add that book to my list! xo, C
Before We Were Yours.
I couldn’t put it down. Don’t know how anyone could!
Definitely! Love those kind of books! xo, C
If you loved the Tattooist you MUST read THE INVISIBLE BRIDGE takes place in Hungry in the late 1930s just as the war is starting to pick up it’s a love story, it’s a history story, it’s a story that’ll make you go wow. It made me look at things I always knew about in a completely different way .I highly highly recommend it.
Shay at Mix and Match Mama has the best book reviews every month. I especially love the comments because I get so many great suggestions. I love this blog post where she divides some of her favorites by category. https://mixandmatchmama.com/2020/04/books-by-category/
I am a huge fan of Kristin Hannah. I recently read Night Road and Homefront by her and they were great. I also really loved Swear on this Life by Renee Carlino. I just started The Secret Life of Violet Grant and it is a real page-turner.
yes…Shay is one of my favorites!! She’s the best…I have no idea how she manages to read so many books with her busy life!!
Before We Were Yours is a must read!! The kind of book that changes you & really makes you think bc it’s based on true events!! Would also recommend American Dirt. My favorite book I’ve read this year. Another one that changes you! I’ve also gotten on an Allen Eskens kick bc i love suspense thrillers- his characters all interweave through his novels.
Love WW11 books as well. The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir: A Novel by Jennifer Ryan is a great read also.
I LOVED Before We Were Yours. It made me want to find out more about this topic. A few books that I have loved are The Storyteller’s Secret, A Man Called Ove, The Kitchen House, The Selection series, The Book Thief, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, Nineteen Minutes…I love to read. This is why I am a middle school reading teacher. ❤ There are also many amazing young adult books to read. Thank you for your suggestions!
Thanks for the great list! I love a good young adult book every so often, too!
We have so similar taste in books!
I recently read The dressmakers gift and The ragged edge of the night… but one of my favorite book is Beneath a Scarlet Sky… I think I’ve read it 3 times now and so excited because apparently a mini series is on the works! If you haven’t read The Nightingale, I highly recommend it and also A Fire Sparkling. Oh and there’s another book by Fiona Valpy, The Beekeepers promise, this one follows the story of the sister of one of the characters from The dressmakers gift.
I also became a kindle unlimited member and it has been the best spent 10 bucks every month
Love this post! “Under the Scarlet Sky” was so amazingly close to my heart. As I was reading it, I contacted my brother and we talked about our dad (who was a medic in WWII). This book follows his journey through Italy all the way from Rome to the northern Alps. He saw Mussolini hanging and it was only for one day so I know where our dad was on that day so many years ago. I have a picture of him with General Mark Clark when the general arrived in Italy…..so emotional to read this book…..thanks for recommending it to others! Janie
Oh my gosh, you gave me goosebumps! That is incredible. I can’t imagine how powerful that book must have been for you! xo. C
I love reading historical fiction! A few I have enjoyed and recommend are The Long Flight Home, From Sand and Ash and The Huntress.
I’m so excited you’re doing a book review. You may consider the Facebook group Read It Forward for suggestions. Readers are so awesome. I’ve read most of those you listed above. I suggest Before We Were Yours next. I just finished what may be my favorite book of 2020. This Is How It Always Is was Simply amazing. The compassion and kindness blew me away. Everyone should read it. For audio, I like to listen to books read by the author like Anderson Cooper/Gloria Vanderbilt’s Athens Rainbow Comes and Goes. Fantastic. I enjoyed Bossy Pants by Tina Fay, Becoming by Michelle Obama, Chelsea Handler (she’s not really a favorite but enjoyed her honesty in the book. But, I liked Demi Moore less after reading hers. I’ve got Jessica Simpson now but her voice annoys me. May or may not continue. I do audio if walking or cleaning!
Other books I loved:
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
It Ends With Us
The Wicked City and the sequel, The Wicked Redhead
The Gi er of Stars
One a Day in a December
Too many to list. Enjoy!
Wow, thanks so much for such great recommendations!
I LOVED The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell! It might have been my favorite I’ve read this year. I love coming of age stories.
I couldn’t put down Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris, and with the virus making everything seem so heavy in this world, I’m going back thru The Chronicles of Narnia right now, which I haven’t read since college 25 years ago. There’s something about escaping to a land where Aslan rules that feels so very comforting! I’m super excited to read the WWII novels you recommended ~ I also went thru The Tattooist, Lilac Girls and the Librarian of Auschwitz and am thrilled to find a couple other good reads. After that, it’s Nobody’s Cuter Than You again ~ Melanie makes me belly laugh every time I read it and SO thankful for all my friends thru the years (plus she TOTALLY nails what it was like being a kid in the 70s and 80s)! Thanks, Cassie!
Love Elin Hildebrand. Just finished Winter in Paradise and waiting for the sequel to come.
Try Kristin Hannah!
I’ve been in need of very light reading during the crazy stay-home orders. I found Elin Hilderbrand last month! I read the Summer if 69 first and it was great! Received Winter in Paradise today and have read about three chapters so far…can’t wait toreally get in to it!
In between I also found Kristy Woodson Harvey. Very similar to Hilderbrand. I’ve read her Peachtree Bluff series so far. Waiting for another to come in the mail any day! I may need to check out the reader! $10 a month unlimited is quite a steal!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I LOVE this. Please continue with the book recommendations. One of my must reads is Educated.
My favorite book was The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. It is a romance/ mystery with a great twist. I also like all of Kristin Hannah’s books.
Our library opens for drive up on Monday. I put 7 books on hold from your post on Facebook. I can’t wait to read some new books. I have a huge list from your followers. Thank you!
I recently read The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes and really enjoyed it. Also based on a time in history that I knew nothing about.
Love this post and all the recommendations in the comments! I agree Before We Were Yours is one of my all time favorites! I just finished The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain and loved it. Would love to see you make a list of all these great recommendations!
That’s a great idea…I’ll start something to keep them organized!
Ahhh if you didn’t have me with your fashion tips, now I find out you are a kindred reader?! Everything I have read by Lisa Wingate has been beautifully written and thought provoking in the best way.
xoxoxo C
This was one of my favorite posts of yours ever! I try to read 1-2 books per week. A few of my recent favorites: The Things We Cannot Say, The Huntress, The Beantown Girls, The Dinner List, Swear on This Life, Behind Every Lie, Final Girls, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society!
Amazing list…thank you!!
I am an avid reader so love seeing everyone’s suggestions here! I am also a big fan of WWII historical fiction and I just finished Code Name Helene. Really good! Although it was fiction, it was based on the real life story of Nancy Wake, an incredible woman who helped with the resistance n France.
If you are getting into audiobooks then check out The Dutch House. It is a character driven story about a brother and sister narrated be Tom Hanks.
Oh my gosh, I’d love anything he read aloud!
I love WWII as well. All the Light We Can Not See by Anthony Doerr is not only one of my favorite WWII books, but in my top ten of all time. The story is riveting, and it is so beautifully written. I tell everyone to read it!
I loved that book, as well!
I’ve read all of your books except one and love them!!! Got so many good recs by reading the comments too (added them to my Goodreads app/list!).Are you on Goodreads to follow there? I always LOVE Shay’s book days and glad you are now sharing good books too! I’ve loved books as well since childhood – introvert! 🙂 Reading is my happy place!
Have you read the sequel (or is it prequel) to The Tattoist of Auschwitz, Cilka’s Journey? SO good! Most people have already commented other good ones. Oh- The Winemaker’s Wife is also WW2 and very good! Elin Hilderbrand is also my favorite! Thx again! 🙂
Boomer!
I forgot there was a book about Cilka’s character…I need to read it!
Before We Were Yours has a companion book called Before and After. It tells the true stories of of some of the orphans who came out of the Tennessee Home Society. I really enjoyed it. I recently read The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. It is a historical fiction based on women who worked for the pack horse library in remote Kentucky in the 1930s and 1940s. I wasn’t aware that such a thing existed during that time period. Most of the ladies in my book club didn’t like the story, but I couldn’t put it down once it got going. I would love it if this was a regular post for you! 🙂
Oh! “A Discovery of Witches” series was great!
I’m a fan of Liane Moriarty’s books. Dark comedy with a twist. Author of Big Little Lies. Happy reading!
If you love a beach town setting I recommend books by Jamie Brenner! For thrillers I also love Liv Constantine and Chevy Stevens’ books.
Love love love WWII novels, here are some of my favorites!
The nightingale
Beneath a Scarlett Sky
The Beantown Girls
Liliac girls
The Alice network
In Farleigh Field
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Loved reading the comments above and took notes in some books I need to add to my list!! What’s your favorite WWII book???
Such a great list!! I’ve read all but 2 of them…need to add those to my list!
Annette,
You should read Sarah’s Key. This book was a page turned for me and I am not a History person.
Love the book reviews! A few favorites I have read are The Kennedy Debutante about Kik Kennedy. The Giver of Stars about one of the first horseback libraries in rural areas, the character in this book become your friends! Last recommendation is The Last Romantics.
Our local library closed over a month ago due to COVID 19, so I started rereading all of our John Grisham novels. He never disappoints. The Reckoning is one of his recent releases. It is a well-written WWII veteran’s story. Not a light read and at times very dark, but worth the reading time.
After reading your first review, I had to order The Dressmaker.
Thanks for all that you do for us, you are one powerful and strong woman!
Thank you so much, Yvonne! I forgot how much I used to love Grisham books!!
Wow! So many good book recommendations! I’ve read several of the ones recommended and can’t wait to read Before We Were Yours and The Alice Network. Of the books recommended that I’ve already read, The Nightingale was a special favorite! Thanks for posting! Really struck a chord with lots of your followers!! Nancy xo
I could NOT put down Before We Were Yours. Love, love, love this book!
Where the Crawdads Sing is another great read! The book is by Delia Owens.
Before We Were Yours is and amazing book. I have The Things We Cannot Say in my stack to read. Another great historical fiction book is The Memory of Us by Camille Di Maio.
I’m a fan of Live Big, Love Bigger…because I wrote it! The audio book comes out on Audible in a few weeks. Love that you reviewed some favorites of mine, too. Happy reading!
That’s so exciting…congrats Kathryn!! We’ll watch for your book! xo. C
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett and You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld are the best books I’ve read this year so far. Long Bright River by Liz Moore is also good but heavy.
My two all time favorite books are Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen and The Dovekeepers, by Alice Hoffman. Neither are new but have stayed with me for years after reading them.
Those are always the best kind of books! xo. C
I just read The Storyteller’s Secret and Trail of Broken Wings both by Sejal Badani in one week. They are on Amazon Prime, so they’re free and I just loved them!
Also on Amazon Prime is Where the Forest Meets the Stars and it was amazing! It rivaled Where the Crawdads Sing.
Magic Hour by Kristen Hannah
I really liked My Name is Eva, The Printed Letter Bookshop, The Book Charmer, American Kingpin-so so good.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine had me laughing out loud.
Some Christian Books that were amazing were The Spirit-Let Heart and Come With Me by Suzanne Eller. The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers.
I’ve read almost all that you recommend too. I love reading!!
All of these sound great, thanks so much for the recommendations! xo, Cassie
Our nightstands look very similar! Enjoyed almost all that you’ve discussed! Lately, I’m also loving Lying Next to Me by Gregg Olsen, The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms and
All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover. Also, The Last Guest House by Megan Miranda and anything by K.A. Tucker (she’s a new favorite) including Say You Still Love Me, The Simple Wild and sequel Wild at Heart, Until it Fades, Keep Her Safe. Love book reviews/recommendations!
So glad you liked the book review post, Michelle! And thank you for all of these great suggestions! xo, C
Hi Cassie – I love kindle unlimited as well. Here is an offer from them that is a great deal because existing users qualify! You can save 20-40%. I hope this link works, I already signed up so I can’t access again: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/promoLanding?promoCode=00f4a332-f167-4832-8a2d-ea0f7a921e07&campaignId=00f4a332-f167-4832-8a2d-ea0f7a921e07&tag=efly01-20
That’s an awesome deal, thanks for sharing!
“When we believed in Mermaids” by Barbara O’Neal. A great read.
Also, try Author Dorothea Benton Frank. I love her Books on audio.
Also Kristy Woodson Harvey. I loved The Southern Side of Paradise.
All sound like great suggestions, thank you for adding these to the list! xo, C
I love so many of the books already mentioned. Two others I loved are—“News of the World” by Paulette Jiles and “Have You Seen Luis Velez?” by Catherine Ryan Hyde.
Will add these to my stack!!! xo, C
The Last Mrs. Parrish is a page turn and one i stayed up all night reading. It’s in my top 5 all time favorite books
Just finished the woman in the window this morning. It was great
I’m a sucker for WW2 books as well!! But Before We Were Yours is pretty much my favorite book!
I devour WWII books. My dad and all of my 9 uncles were in the war. You must read, All The Light We Cannot See’ a WWII book about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France. It’s one of the most beautifully written books I’ve had the pleasure to read.
I loved Before We Were Yours. Could not put it down!
I adored that book, too!! That’s incredible about your family’s history and service!!
I, too, love WWII fiction, but just read a non-fiction book, The Vile and the Splendid by Erik Larson. The history I learned about Winston Churchill and The Blitz gave me new insight into some of the books I’ve read in the past. Fascinating and very readable.
Before we were yours is heart wrenching. Be prepared. And have Kleenex ready 😢
I started it this week and am already filled with dread!!!
Before We Were Yours was a heartbreaker! But so good!! I read a lot and all the books on your list are really good! If you’re looking for an easy summer read try the Secret to Southern Charm series by Kristy Woodson Harvey. The 3 books are fun to read and you would love them!!
Thanks so much for the rec! These comments are a treasure trove! xo, C
Thanks for the book reviews! We share similar interests in books. I am currently reading Before We Were Yours. I love the WWII books as well.
So many great suggestions here! If you go lighter for summer, Dorothea Benton Frank is one of my favorite beach reads; her books remind me of Elin Hilerbrand’s novels. I usually read WWII fiction, but I found myself reading books and watching movies about quarantine these past few months. “Station Eleven” was hard for me to put down, so was “The Dreamers” by Karen Thompson Walker. I also reread “Year of Wonders.” Then I switched to Carrie Underwood’s book and “The Wellness Remodel” because #summer. Thanks for the recommendation on Kindle unlimited – I’ve been on the fence because I love a real book that I can pass along, but maybe now it’s time for a switch.
Hi Lisa, thanks for all these great recommendations! I do love a ‘real’ book too… but the Kindle is just so convenient! xo, C
I don’t really enjoy history or books that took place in a time so long ago, but I’m trying to open my eyes. I’m currently reading Before We Were Yours, but having trouble really getting into it. I just finished November 9, and could not put that one down!
Before We Were Yours is a tough read, but I was so glad I read it. It’s hard to ‘get into’ WWII books sometimes! xo, C
Born Survivors was a really good true story that took place during WWII about 3 women surviving concentration camps. It was an amazing story of survival and courage as these women go through unimaginable horrors.
Thank you for the recommendation, Patty! xo, C
You already have gotten a ton of great suggestions. I just finished In Five Years by Rebecca Serle. It is a lighter read which is great for the summer and these crazy times.
Loved reading through all these comments and getting new suggestions. A few of my favorites: The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, Educated, The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, and Small Great Things by Jodi Piccoult. Small Great Things is the fictional story of a Black nurse who is accused of killing the child of a white supremacist. While many parts were very uncomfortable to read, I learned a lot and gained a new perspective. In the Author’s Note at the end, she talks about her research on the topic and her own journey learning about and understanding racism and white privilege. It reminds me a lot about the conversations taking place today.