Tuesday, March 19, 2024

10 Books To Read This Spring

 

If you're not ready for a full-on beach read season just yet, why not try some of the new releases coming out at the end of this month and in April? It's the perfect time of year to ease into the beach read season, without feeling like you have to load up your TBR with only "summer" books. So, dip your toes in and enjoy!

 

1. Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Pub. Date: March 19th

You can't go wrong with Serle's romantic novels and this one has a touch of magical realism.  



2. Finding Margaret Fuller by Alison Pataki
Pub. Date: March 19th 
 

I love biographical fiction and Pataki is one of my favorite historical novelists. This one focuses on Margaret Fuller, an important woman in American history who I look forward to learning more about.

 

 
 
3. The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati
Pub. Date: April 2nd 
 

 Donati is the author of the bestselling Wilderness series and her latest novel is about a young midwife in the New Mexico territory.

 

 

 

4. The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza
Pub. Date: April 2, 2024 
 

You had me at disputed inheritance, Sicily, and family secrets.  





5.  Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Pub. Date: April 2nd 
 

One of the first beach reads of the summer involving a complicated family and a summer fling. Jimenez never disappoints!

 

 

6.  The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton
Pub. Date: April 2nd 
 

A gothic mansion in Miami is the focal point of this historical fiction that intertwines two women's lives from different time periods.



7.  Funny Story by Emily Henry
Pub. Date: April 23rd
 

A new rom-com from Emily Henry is a must read for me.

 


 
8.  The Beautiful People by Michelle Gable
Pub. Date: April 19, 2024

Glamorous 1960s Palm Beach + Lily Pulitzer sounds like a hit to me.  



 
9.  The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Pub. Date: April 9, 2024 

 
This one is already getting raves reviews; it's Bardugo's latest historical fantasy that takes place during the Spanish Inquisition.
 



 
10.  The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline 
Pub. Date: March 26, 2024
 

You can't go wrong with Scottoline's and her latest domestic thriller.  

 

 

Are any of these books on your spring TBR list? What books do you hope to read in March and April? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Friday, March 15, 2024

Book Review: The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

Pages: 368
Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: March 12, 2024
Publisher: Ballantine
Source: Publisher for review
Other Books By Author: The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 
 
 
Goodreads says, "When the Blitz imperils the heart of a London neighborhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to save the community’s beloved library in this heartwarming novel from the author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir.

When new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn't the bustling hub she's expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to the task of running it, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her?

Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she's only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help.

Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her abominably. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe.

When a slew of bombs destroy the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the city's residents shelter nightly, determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their community. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever?"
 

Three women's lives intertwine at the Bethnal Green Library during World War III in London. First, there's Sophie Baumann, who left Berlin in 1939 and is now a housekeeper, but her boss makes her life extremely difficult. Julie is the librarian at Bethnal Green and works with the librarian assistant, Katie, to plan a book club, which Sofie does frequently. This is a great way to get their mind off the war as Juliet's husband is off fighting, but she gets word he deserted. Katie's is off fighting too, but she recently found out he is listed as missing in action. Katie has a few more secrets as well, but the book club is a bright ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Things change drastically when the Bltiz offers and the library is bombed. The women have to move the library to the Bethnal Green underground where many are sheltering already. Books offer people a chance to escape and prove to be an important endeavor when keep everyone's spirits up. The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan illustrates the power of books during dark times; fans of WWII literature will enjoy this one the most.
 
One of the most captivating aspects of historical fiction is its ability to offer various perspectives through its characters, and 
The Underground Library is no exception. The novel entwines the lives of three women during the London Blitz, each bringing something unique to the story while dealing with their own personal struggles. Juliet, for instance, finds solace at the library after her husband is branded a deserter and she loses contact with him. She finds structure and purpose at the library and working with Katie, the librarian assistant, she has found friendship, too. Meanwhile, Katie's boyfriend goes missing in action, adding to her already mounting stress. Sofie's story is equally significant, given that she is Jewish, so the consequences of the war often feel more serious for her. One thing is for sure, the power of books, friendship, and the resilience of women will bring these three characters together during a very difficult time in history.
 
I enjoy Ryan's historical novels and this one did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable WWII novel without being overly stressful and who doesn't love to read about libraries and librarians who go against the odds to bring joy and books to people who need them most. If you enjoy WWII novels but want something with a message of hope, look no further.

 

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Book Review: Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards

Pages: 352
Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance
Pub. Date: February 27, 2024
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Publisher for review
My Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars
 
 
Goodreads says, "This modern reimagining of Persuasion is full of witty banter, romantic angst, and compelling characters as it captures the heart of the classic Jane Austen novel.

When Anne Elliott broke up with Ben Wentworth, it seemed like the right thing to do . . . but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.

In her scenic hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her successful filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional attacking goose. But the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as is, the more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her.

So when the nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s world is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their complicated history, and as they spend more time together, Anne can’t help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all."


 

Anne Elliott runs the theater company in the idyllic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada. She has taken it over after her mother's death and all was going well until the new owners of the winery want to partner with her. This sounds like a great opportunity, but upon further inspection she realizes that the newcomers have appointed Ben Wentworth, their nephew, to broker the deal. Cue the drama! Ben Wentworth is Anne's long-lost college boyfriend, essentially the one who got away. Can Anne get past their misunderstandings and make this professional relationship work or will all the old feelings come back? Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is a delightful modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

 

Anne Elliott is my favorite of Austen's heroines and Edwards captures her very well without making it feel old-fashioned. Anne has more than the theater to worry about, she also has to deal with her demanding sister and unhinged father, so just like Persuasion, this retelling also captures themes of family expectation and the pressure that Anne feels to do for others, even over her own needs at times. 

 

I also thought the romance between Ben and Anne was done very well and if you like a story about the one who got away, you'll appreciate Once Persuaded, Twice Shy. Also, my absolute favorite part of the novel was the gorgeous Canadian setting of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Edwards did a wonderful job bringing it to life with all of its autumnal details that made me want to plan a trip there immediately. It reminded me a bit of Stars Hollow in the best way possible as it's also a small town filled with quirky characters. In fact, Once Persuaded, Twice Shy felt a lot like a small-town rom-com.

 

If you have a fondness for Austen retellings and charming small-town romances, then Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is a book that you shouldn't miss. Please share with me in the comments if you have already read it or intend to do so and I am eager to hear if you are a fan of Austen inspired novels.

 

 

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Novel Summer

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!  

 

A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner

Pub. Date: July 16, 2024


 

Goodreads says, "Author Shelby Archer found inspiration for her first novel while living on the picturesque shores of Provincetown on Cape Cod. When she comes to the town to celebrate her new bestseller, she is expecting a warm homecoming. But instead she is confronted with the cold shoulders of friends and neighbors who feel exposed and betrayed.

Heartbroken, Shelby tries to move on and focus on her next novel. But then an unexpected call comes: her dear friend who owns the beloved Land's End bookshop needs help for the summer. Shelby reluctantly returns to the Cape to manage the store.

Back at the beach, Shelby sets her focus on the tiny seaside shop, getting lost in the shelves of steamy romance novels and dusty classics and trying to right the wrongs of her past. With every page turned and every customer served, Shelby comes closer to gaining back the trust of those she hurt. But as her manuscript deadline nears, she is again forced to choose between her own success and a second chance at love and belonging."

 


Can you feel it? Beach read season is almost here and A Novel Summer is on my radar. Did I mention this book has a beach town bookshop in it? What do you all think? Are you a fan of Jamie Brenner? Will you be adding A Novel Summer to your beach bag this summer?

 

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

The Best St. Patrick's Day Reading List


Ever since I traveled to Ireland years ago, I have been completely in love with the beauty of Ireland. Whether it's a featured in a good movie or a compelling book, an Irish setting is one of my favorites. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I'm sharing my favorite books set in Ireland that will for sure put you in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. 

 



1.  Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

2.  Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy (really anything by Binchy!)

3.  Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

4The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd 

5.  Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts

6.  The Girl in the Castle by Santa Montefiore (the entire Deverill Chronicles series!)

 

 

 


7.  Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

8.  P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

9.  Off the Map by Trish Doller

10.  The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan

11.  Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

12. Cashelmara by Susan Howatch


And we can't forget my favorite Irish-American family, the Kennedys. If you enjoy all things Kennedy, check out my recommendations.

So, do you like to read books about Ireland or set in Ireland as St. Patrick's Day approaches? Let me know your favorites in the comments below.

 

 
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