Royal Wedding and romance is the fragrance of this amazing historical fiction retelling of the wedding of Grace Kelly to Prince Rainer of Monaco. Intertwined in the real-life happenings is the story of Sophie Duval, perfumer, who is working hard to maintain the family business. Also appearing on the scene is James Henderson, struggling photographer and single Dad trying to make it to the top by following around the future Princess.

Joshilyn Jackson does it again. Amy Whey has a past but it doesn‘t interfere with her present life. Or does it? When Roux comes to town and begins playing her games with the ladies of the local book club, life is never the same. Such a good read that wasn‘t at all what I expected but even better. If you love southern fiction and a good mystery all wrapped up in excellent writing this is a must read.

Megan Miranda‘s style of thriller suits me perfectly. Avery‘s best friend Sadie dies tragically with lots of questions around her death. The story flips between summers recapping the night of her death and those who were there and possibly responsible for her death. The Loman Family‘s presence in Maine is strong and as a Loman, Sadie‘s death rocks the town of Littleport.

Four girls who became friends at a boarding school reconnect when one of them, Kate, reaches out with “I need you.” This mystery/thriller is told in present day and flashbacks to their time at school, providing pieces to the puzzle. This was a slow start for me. I didn‘t get engaged until about halfway through. The ending jumped around and although it wasn‘t completely a surprise it did have me scratching my head.

In the summer of 1979 there were 20 or so African American children in Atlanta snatched and murdered. This was known as The Atlanta Child Murders. I knew nothing of this tragic event and this novel viewed that time through the eyes of the children touched by their friends‘ deaths and living life always on guard.

“We were both too weird, was the problem. That‘s how we diagnosed ourselves, anyhow: too weird to wed.” The latest novel from Elizabeth Gilbert tells the story of Vivian as she recounts her life to the unknown Angela. Signature of All Things remains my favorite Gilbert novel. But what I enjoy about her novels is the way she shows the sweeping life of a woman.

Immortality. Do you want it? How do you achieve it? This book is unlike anything I‘ve ever read before and I love it! The story opens with Max and Shelly, husband and wife in present day time when something tragic happens. Or does it? Thus begins a journey that Shelly takes with a man who looks strangely like Max, named Paolo. I can‘t even describe this story because it‘s a journey you have to take yourself.

This book hit all my buttons - historical fiction, female friendships, transcending decades, and the Royals. The story follows Ann and Miriam, embroiderers who worked on the wedding dress for the current Queen Elizabeth. Ann‘s granddaughter begins a quest to piece together things of her Nan‘s that don‘t make sense and a beautiful story of friendship and survival unfold.

Love letters from Christian leaders and martyrs gives you a glimpse inside these relationship. It‘s good to see the human side of those we see as pillars of Christianity. Their faith never wavered even in the midst of hardship. Reads like classical literature.

An unexpected good YA read that takes you on a journey you don‘t expect to go. Quinn Sawyer‘s parents own a camp where she and her siblings - Reed and Fern - spend their summers immersed in the work and the lake. Set in Maine, this story flips from the previous July to current December. The swings in season make that back and forth transition easy to follow. That July was life changing for Quinn and after six months she‘s facing her fears.

“I loved my Mom because she was mine. And I was hers. And that belonging-to-each-other thing will never happen for me again.” Jessie Holmes loses her Mom to cancer and ends up moving from Chicago go California when her Dad remarries. This YA book hit all my buttons. The loss of a Mom and being an only child uprooted and life turned upside down were things I could identify with. Lest you think this book is all sadness and woe, fear not.

If you love medical dramas, like ER, you‘ll adore this book. Zadie and Emma are interns in Louisville Kentucky (yay for my home!) and encounter the long hours and complicated relationships that go along with it. We switch up between 1999 during their intern years to present day Charlotte NC where they are now employed doctors with husbands and families. This was a page turner and the character development of Zadie and Emma is fantastic.

This is a modern-day retelling of the classic gothic story, Rebecca, by Daphne De Maurier. Rebecca is one of my favorite books and this retelling didn‘t disappoint. You can‘t really improve on the original but Lisa Gabriele did a fantastic job mirroring the story but making it original at the same time. I like to think that Daphne would be proud. If you‘ve never read Rebecca, I recommend you read that first.

This classic story has stood the test of time and is a delight to read and re-read. Claudia and Jamie, siblings living in the northeast, decide to go on an adventure. Living on Jamie‘s winnings from cheating at the Card game War, they find themselves living at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Claudia and Jamie are refreshing and resourceful youngsters that not only survive on their own but encounter a mystery.

There are so many books on the subject of WWII and you never know if the story will be a repeat of another story. This one was unique and and an intriguing plot following present day and wartime. Alina and her family are in Nazi-inhabited Poland and the story of her love, Tomasz, as they try to maintain their relationship though separated. Alice, the granddaughter of Alina, is pulled into returning to Poland as the final wish of her grandmother.

Although the writing is lovely, I have concluded that I am not a fan of classic literature. The Austen-like writing isn‘t my jam but I do appreciate the art and beauty of it. The story begins when two women decide to take a month‘s holiday at a quaint castle to spice up their life. They answer an ad and two more women join them on the journey. I thought the plot was slow and for a book so short it took me a long time to finish this one.

The second in the series, Wundersmith continued the story of Morrigan Crow. The story takes us to the education of the newest members of the Wundrous Society. People are missing and mystery ensues. This is my Harry Potter series and I can‘t wait until the next installment. The author has signed to do a third but envisions nine books. Oh how I hope her vision becomes a reality.

As a manager, I want to be someone who manages the whole person, not just the work portion of a person. This book talks about how to maintain humanity in the workplace where often people are looked at as just a number. The author cites stories from her own work life and gives practical advice on how to apply principles and tactics in the workplace to achieve radical candor. Honesty and compassion. Sometimes not two things that go hand in hand.

An unlikely trio - Tucker the Mouse, Harry the Cat, and Chester the Cricket - become friends and orchestrate an amazing way to bring fame to Chester and an ordinary newsstand in Times Square. This Newberry winner is so refreshing as you see friendships made that help others see they have purpose. I read this as part of a Newberry challenge for this year but I‘d love to read the rest of the stories in the series.

I love epistolary novels. This one wasn‘t a page turner but more like a slow burn forward. The letters exchange between Tina, farm wife, and Anders, museum worker, told the story of connecting through past unlikely connections. If you like epistolary novels, definitely read this one. It‘s not a top pick but worth the read.

I‘ve read The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen and really enjoyed it. Garden Spells has that same touch of magical realism as the Waverly family of Bascom, North Carolina carry their own magic. After traversing across the country, Sydney returns home with her daughter, Bay, and starts her life again living with her sister Claire.

I don‘t think I had ever read this book as a child but what a delightful and timely - even 60 years later - is this story. Wanda Patronski is chided and picked on because she wears the same dress every day and has an odd last name. She tells her classmates she has a hundred dresses at home. Peggy and Maddie learn some valuable lessons from this little Polish girl.

Morrigan Crow is a cursed child and doomed to die on her 11th birthday. Until Jupiter North comes on the scene to sweep her away to Nevermoor. This middle grade fantasy had me from the first page. I‘m not a Harry Potter fan. Read them and they were “meh” for me. But this story I‘m in love with the characters, the magical plot, and witty dialogue. If you shy away from fantasy, give this a try.

For the first time in a long time I read a book I couldn‘t put down. This book! How to describe it? No book compares. It‘s a story of loss, deliverance, and how lives intertwine amidst it all. Cohen‘s writing is exquisite! His transitions throughout the story were amazing. Part fairytale part magical realism all shrouded by a feeling of grief and loss experienced by most all of the characters. And what character development!

Nina leaves her home in Birmingham England to start anew in a small town in Scotland by launching her very own book bus bookstore named “Little Shop of Happily Ever After.” The story is one where you suspend belief and follow the journey of Nina as she finds a new life and love in Scotland. I enjoyed the story but it wasn‘t my favorite. Nina has two love interests - Lennox and Marek. I didn‘t see how she was attracted to Marek at all.

I never tire of WWII historical fiction. This retelling of Lale Sokolov and his role as a Tattooist in Auschwitz is a fascinating story of survival. Lale Eisenberg is taken to Auschwitz but then is put in a position of Tattooist which in turn allows him to survive. While there he falls in love with Gita and the story of their lives in Birkenau and Auschwitz are reminders of how so many suffered at the hands of the Nazis.

Can you love Jesus and enjoy pop culture? Have you struggled with your faith? Are you tired of the “Christian” books that talk about how great you are and leave out God? Then this book is for you. Knox McCoy‘s debut takes you on a journey with him and how he navigated his faith. Sometimes through the lens of pop culture.

The final installment in the Lara Jean trilogy and it didn‘t disappoint. Lara Jean, Peter, and all their friends head to graduation and on to college or other pursuits. Jenny Han said this was the end for Lara Jean although I‘d love to see how her life unfolds. But it would take away from what we all have imagined it to be. This wasn‘t that heavy, thought-proving book, but I didn‘t need that.

I teetered on giving this two stars. So I‘d take this as a 2.5 rounded up. I honestly don‘t know how I feel about this book and finished the last page and went “Huh?” The beginning of the book focusing on Leo the true author of a book called The History of Love” read a lot like A Man Called Ove so I had hope. Then the chapters where a young namesake, Alma, narrated I had a hard time following.

The second installment in Jenny Han‘s YA trilogy keeps the story going of Lara Jean‘s loves. Enter John Ambrose McClaren to add another dimension to the saga between Peter Kaminksky and Lara Jean. Gen, Peter‘s ex, is still hanging on but we learn a secret in this book that explains why. For YA, this is an enjoyable book. Off to start book three!

What a lovely southern fiction story full of mystery and love. The story of Kya, the “marsh girl”, will draw you in and make you want to rescue her from the life she lives. We follow her life from childhood and without spoilers, I couldn‘t believe Kya actually survived her life. I‘ll definitely read more Delia Owens!

I‘m the minority here but this book wasn‘t for me. Great writing but I couldn‘t get into it. None of the characters were likable and the last part I thought might redeem the book but alas it didn‘t. In a world where we need less estrangement between fathers and sons and more men raising strong men, this book just fell flat for me. It was a sad book all the way through and that‘s not really my book preference 95% of the time.

Kelly Corrigan‘s look at the 12 hardest things she‘s learning to say is a beautiful look at her life stories specifically around the passing of her friend, Liz. Such a fast read! I literally read this in a day which rarely happens. Corrigan‘s writing style is smooth and poetic with a tinge of humor which made this book so easy to read. My two favorite chapters were No Words at All and Onward.

Have you ever had a book you never wanted to end and you just had to savor it? That‘s this book for me. Oh how I wished it was 500 pages! This collection of essays on the joys of reading is like a devotional to soothe the bibliophile‘s heart. Anne Bogel has such a way with explaining what all of us readers can‘t articulate.
***I was provided a free copy of this book as a member of the launch team in exchange for an honest review***

This was the perfect diversion from some of the heavier reads I‘ve slogged through or DNFed lately. The story of Laura Jean and her precious boy loves that are now manifesting into reality made for a good story that kept me engaged. As a YA this was well done in plot and in character development. I couldn‘t give it 4 stars because it was a bit juvenile but hey it‘s a YA! I‘m waiting for book two in the trilogy to arrive so I can dig in!

The one redeeming quality of this book is that it provided a respite from the heavier reads I read this summer. The story of Alexa and Drew serendipitously meeting in an elevator and Alexa finding her way as his wedding date had all the trappings of a rom com. I just couldn‘t get excited about the characters as they seemed very shallow.

Willa is the main character of this story of her life. We see her as a child, then as a wife and young widow, and the majority of the book focuses on her trip to care for a stranger in Baltimore. I thought this was a good read but it left me wanting more and feeling sad for Willa. It moved somewhat slow for me but the redeeming part was how I was drawn to Willa and be interested in her.

This was as refreshing a read as the title implies. We encounter Clare the day before her wedding having second thoughts when she meets a woman named Edith that speaks truth into her life. So begins the story that alternates between present day and the 1950s. This is part of a trilogy but I haven‘t read the others and had no problem following this one. But after reading this one, I‘m apt to read more by Maria De Los Santos.

For the musician or music lover, this book will strike the perfect chord for literary fiction. I call it the musical version of Crossing to Safety. You follow the lives of a quartet (which I‘m surprised wasn‘t the title, though I see why it is Ensemble) from college through adulthood and the changing of seasons of life that change like keys in music. Britt, Daniel, Henry, and Jana all play music together as if they were born to do it.

The first in a mystery series based on the first women to serve as lawyers in India. Perveen Mistry follows in her father‘s footsteps by joining him in his law practice. This installment takes Perveen in the midst of widows who now must determine what to do next with their husband‘s estate in a time and place where women were valued only by marriage.

There is no such thing as a Perfect Couple. But this book is quite close to perfect. The story of Benji and Celeste‘s wedding in Nantucket is tragically halted due to a body found washed up the morning of the wedding. From there the story takes you into the past of the many characters in the story that are possible suspects. Elin Hilderbrand writes engaging stories that keep you glued to the page.

Never before has a book been more aptly named than this one. This whole little book is about Keiko and her striving to fit in and finding her place in her work at a convenience store. We need life balance and not to define ourselves by our jobs, but I loved Keiko‘s devotion to her work that seemed healthy and right. A very quick read full of things to discuss and reflect upon.

Kristin Hannah has done it again! This epic novel of the Allbright‘s migration to Alaska after Ernt, the father, has returned war torn from Vietnam brings the characters and settings to brilliant life. Though parts of the book were difficult to read, the sweeping story of Ernt‘s daughter,Leni, wife, Cora, and their life in Alaska was captivating from start to finish. The ending is worth it all.

This fourth mystery by Ruth Ware is unlike her previous books as it can be classified as a gothic mystery. Harriet (Hal) receives notification that her grandmother has passed and she is the heir. As this journey begins to Trespassen House, Hal worries the truth that she isn‘t the heir will be her demise. The story takes unexpected turns and definitely picks up speed in the last quarter of the book. If you are a fan of Rebecca, you‘ll like this.

Sarah Rodriguez tells the story of how she met her husband, Joel, and her dreams came true only to take a tragic turn. Through the loss of her husband we watch her walk with strength and faith in the Lord. Though you may think that‘s the whole story, there is more. Her journey continues to provide tragedy and blessing. My favorite line “You never move on. You only move forward.”

Taking place in the 1940s, Lily Decker loses her family in a car accident and finds herself now in the guardianship of her Aunt and Uncle. The story follows her life as a child orphaned and her sad life with her Aunt and Uncle, to moving to Vegas as a showgirl under the moniker of Ruby Wilde.
I received this ARC free from the publisher as part of a giveaway.

Most YA I read gets a bit too soap-boxy for me but this is a great read I‘d recommend. Sparrow is the daughter of a single Mom. We don‘t know all the circumstances but we know she struggles to fit in. The book is specific enough to help you see Sparrow‘s issues but general enough that any teen who doesn‘t feel a part of a “group” can find this story encouraging.

This is a great book for a summer read. Enough drama to keep the plot moving, but set in the south where life just seems slower. Sisters Lovey and Bitsy are reunited when Lovey returns home to Mississippi from Arizona for their parents 50th wedding anniversary. The story centers most around Lovey (aka Eva) and her past, present, and future. You might start this book and think it‘s predictable but I will say I literally said “DO WHAT?!”

If you love historical fiction, this book is for you. Set in WWI and WWII, the story spans between those two wars and tells the story of a female spy network that is based on a true story. The female protagonists - Eve and Charlotte - are endearing characters that mirror each other in interesting ways. The book was a little long in parts but when the story begins to head toward the ending it moves at a fast pace.

Jamie Ivey tells her story in all transparency and vulnerability. You walk with her through her life journey and see how Jesus loved her through all the ugly in her life. There are two things I left with after reading this book. Both are things I already knew but were impacted stronger through this reading. First, everyone has a story and we need to share it. Second, Jesus is better.