My July books covered some of my most favorite authors (and narrators) and a new-to-me author. It was full of sunny places, strong women, and, of course, love.
The Layover, Lacie Waldon ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2
This book is a quintessential summer read. Girl in distress about life choices. Handsome yet obnoxious coworker she’s forced to work with. A flight that gets stuck. Three tropes of a good summer beach read are executed perfectly in this book. The characters were cute, particularly the supporting character of Jen. To me, she had more depth than the main character. If you’re looking for something light and charming, this makes for a great BORROW.
Thank You for Listening, Julia Whelan ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I’m a huge fan of Julia Whelan as a narrator. I became mesmerized by her voice narrating Elin Hilderbrand audiobooks. When I discovered she is an author herself, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. I loved her earlier novel, My Oxford Year, and this one comes in as a close second. While there is some predictability early on in the story, the characters have enough flaws and personality that overlooking what you see coming is well worth it. Sewanee (yes, named after the town in Tennessee) is a former actress turned narrator who is struggling with her past to accept her present. Stepping outside of her box to say yes to an extraordinary night with a stranger and a recording project with a much-beloved male narrator changed her life direction in more ways than one. This is a BORROW or BUY, especially if you can hear Julia narrate the audiobook.
Yours Truly, Abby Jimenez ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Abby Jimenez has done it again with a delightful romcom read! Briana Oritz is just a few weeks away from finalizing her divorce. She’s caring for her brother, Benny, who needs a kidney transplant when she’s not heading up the hospital’s ER department. Enter the new ER doctor, Jacob, who she initially doesn’t like after a less-than-stellar first impression. But that all changes when Jacob sends her a letter. They begin an in-hospital pen-pal relationship, which leads to friendship. When Jacob learns he’s a match to donate a kidney to Benny, the least Briana can do is be Jacob’s fake girlfriend for a few months. All sorts of hilarity and hijinks ensue as Briana and Jacob work hard to keep the other from knowing they are developing real feelings. This little bit of joy is a for sure BUY!
Summer of Songbirds, Kristy Woodson Harvey ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Daphne, Mary Stuart and Lanier have been friends since they met at Camp Holly Springs when they were six. The trio celebrates life and carry burdens for each other, instituting their weekly Hard Things list. Daphne considers Lanier a sister, which makes sorting out her feelings for Lanier’s brother messy. Lanier is working through a sticky situation herself with Bryce, her fiancée, who’s keeping secrets. Mary Stuart is getting married and just wants to support her friends. June is Daphne’s aunt and the owner of Camp Holly Springs and holds a special place in her heart for these three women. With the camp’s future on the line, the four women need friendship and finesse to ensure truth, love and chosen family survive. This book is a perfect summer BORROW.
Endless Summer, Elin Hilderbrand ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This book is unlike any other I have read as it’s made up of extra chapters, never before read, to several of Elin’s previous books. From prequels to books like The Matchmaker to bonus chapters for books like 28 Summers, Elin allows us into the lives of these beloved characters. We get to see the origin stories for some and what came next for others. Any fan of Elin will adore this chance to journey a little further with some of their favorite characters. It’s a BUY!
Summer might be coming to an end soon, but I’ve got a couple of summer reads left in my queue before it does.
Something More: Share with me: have you read these books? Or what’s on your list for August?