Books I’ve Read and Enjoyed

May 22, 2018

Books to Add to your reading list I wit & whimsy

As you may have heard me mention, I’ve been reading lots this year and it has been way too long since I shared some of my recent reads. Here are 11 books I’d recommend for all your summer reading lists.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: This book is so heartbreakingly beautiful. A tale of two French sisters as war breaks out and the Nazis invade France. They must face challenge after challenge, risk losing everything and make so many impossible choices. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, family and courage. Read. this. book!

The Secret Life of Violet Gray by Beatriz Williams: Oh this book. It is such a good read. Vivian is fresh out of college and working at a magazine when she discovers an aunt she never knew. In 1912, Violet Schuyler Grant moved to Europe to study physics, gets married and this book tells the tale of Violet’s life as Europe is on the brink of war and Vivian’s attempts to discover what happened to her mysterious aunt. I read this book in two days!

The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes & Jo Piazza: This is a perfect summer read that’ll remind you of The Devil Wears Prada. It’s light and fun and features some great characters.

The Fitness Junkie by Lucy Sykes & Jo Piazza: Another great beach read by the same authors as The Knockoff, you’ll read this quick read smiling. Janey Sweet is left to battle for a company she runs while investigating what matters most to her and those she surrounds herself with. All while exploring every weight loss and fitness trend our culture has deemed worthy.

The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs: Do not read this book if you don’t like to cry as you will need tissues. Nina Riggs’ The Bright Hour is a memoir about how to live when you know you’re dying. She speaks to her struggle to be a mother, a wife, a friend and herself all while battling terminal cancer in her late 30s. This book manages to be both heartbreaking and uplifting and will leave you wanting to embrace all that is beautiful and special about your own life.

The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro: Set a book in Paris and I will probably read it but this one I not only read but loved. Grace has received an unexpected inheritance from a complete stranger and it sets her down a path to uncover the identity of the benefactor as the story weaves through New York, Monte Carlo, Paris and London and discovers the secrets of one of France’s greatest perfumers. It’s such a beautiful book and one I will probably return to read again in the future.

The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jo Jo Moyes: I’ve enjoyed nearly every book of Jo Jo’s that I’ve read. (The Me Before You series, anyone!?) This book in particular though was such a special read. It goes back and forth between past and present (a storytelling tactic I tend to enjoy) and explores the life Jennifer Stirling can’t remember after a car accident. It explores love, risk and fate and the characters are beautifully developed. This is one I will definitely re-read.

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena: This book came heavily recommended to me and upon finishing it in two days, I know why. Do not read this if you are a new parent though!! Why you may ask? A baby is snatched. But by who? And why? This book is chilling and such a page turner.

The Widow by Fiona Barton: Everyone believes Jean’s husband committed a crime. And now he’s dead. This read is all about exploring and seeking the truth and how marriage’s secrets can get out of hand. This was a great little thriller.

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn:  THIS BOOK! Oh my gosh I loved it so much. I rearranged my schedule at one point so I could finish it. It’s that kind of read. If you like thrillers and books with good twists, this is for you. It is also already scheduled to become a movie and I’m so excited with who was cast to play the role of the lead character Anna Fox. (But I won’t spoil it for you ;)). Anna Fox lives alone and doesn’t go outside as she has agoraphobia (fear of places and people that make you feel trapped or anxious.) When she witnesses a crime out her window one night she is set on a path of wondering whether she saw what she saw. Nothing is what it seems in this read and it’s good to the very end.

The Ramblers by Aidan Donnelley Rowley: This book gave me all the feels for New York living when you’re young. It’s a story about family and friendship and feeling lost and battling emotions that come with growing up. It tackles loss, fate, uncertainty and discovering one’s self and I just thought it was a lovely read.

. . .

Do you guys have any books you’d recommend!? I’m always looking for more reads! I often turn to my friend Grace’s list as it is a great resource.

Shop the Reads:

 

p.s. what has me reading more & a recent book that changed the way I eat.

comments +

  1. Sam says:

    Such a great list! Loved The Nightingale and the rest of Kristin Hannah’s books. Just posted reviews of my recent reads too, so hope you’ll check them out!

    xx
    Sam

    • Meghan says:

      I will definitely check out your recs – so glad you told me!! I just got another Kristin Hannah book and can’t wait to read it!

  2. Kate Scott says:

    Omg Beatriz Williams is my favorite! My grandmother recommended The Secret Life of Violet Grant and I loved it so much I went on to read all of her books!

    I also have The Ramblers sitting on my shelf but haven’t pulled it out yet, will have to do so ASAP!

  3. Shannon says:

    If you are not on Goodreads, you should be. Helps keep track of what you have read, want to read, and shows your friends what you are reading.

    • Meghan says:

      I know, I know you’ve told me to do this but managing another social network seems like a lot HA! Will look into it though given yours and Jenna’s recommendation!

  4. Jenna says:

    Agree with Shannon, time for you to join Goodreads! You’ll love it. Adding to my to-read list. Excited about the Violet one. Book swap again soon! xo

  5. Jennifer says:

    The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory is a fun read.

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