Sarah Can't Stop Reading

Summer reading is the best kind of reading and this month was jam-packed with wonderful books, all so different from one another. Here are the titles I gave 5 stars. What have you read and loved lately? 

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum “is a whip-smart, propulsive debut about infidelity, backstabbing, and murderous intrigue, set against an exclusive summer haven on Fire Island.” Reading this was like watching a juicy drama-filled television show with outstanding writing. I couldn’t look away from the train-wreck decision course these characters were on. The writing is witty and clever and I loved every minute of it.

Body on the Bayou, book 2 in the Cajun Country Mystery series by Ellen Byron – “A tight plot, an appealing setting, and a smart, good-hearted protagonist with a caring, supportive family and lots of friends give this story everything cozy readers could want.” —Publishers Weekly. Set in Louisiana, this was an absolute delight. There’s humor and a little romance and of course, murder. Ellen Byron is quickly becoming a favorite cozy mystery writer. If you need an escape, I suggest picking up this series. 

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister – This is a collection of gently connected stories of nine different readers and how one book impacted each of their lives. I cared about each reader so much, fascinated by their life story, almost not wanting to leave any of them behind, but I had to keep reading. It’s simply masterful the way Bauermeister weaves such different stories together and lets her readers see how connected lives can be without our even knowing. Highly recommended for all but especially for lovers of the written word. This is easily one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.

The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle –  Upon the sudden death of her mother, Jess has to empty her childhood home so that it can be sold. As she sorts through a lifetime of memories, everything comes to a halt when she comes across something she just can’t part with: an old set of encyclopedias. In the process of finding the books a new home, Jess discovers an unusual archive of letters, photographs, and curiosities housed in a warehouse known as the Museum of Ordinary People. Irresistibly drawn, she becomes the museum’s unofficial custodian, along with the warehouse’s mysterious owner. I loved this sweet story so much. I was sad when it ended because I didn’t want it to be over and it has been on my mind since then. I find the idea of a Museum of Ordinary People immensely comforting. This is for sure a hugging book. 

A Novel Disguise, book 1 in A Lady Librarian Mystery series by Samantha Larsen – “When Miss Tiffany Woodall assumes the identity of her half-brother after his death, she realizes she isn’t the only one with a secret to hide in this historical series debut, perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Sherry Thomas.” Set in 1784 England, this historical mystery is absolutely delightful! It has everything I love in a mystery: a strong female character taking charge of her life (and a fancy library), a budding romance with a handsome bookseller, and of course, murder. It was so much fun from the very start to the very end. 

The Peach Seed by Anita Gail Jones – Wow. I received an ARC of this debut from the publisher and I am so thankful. I was immersed in this sweeping, multigenerational novel about the Dukes family of Albany, Georgia. Interwoven between the stories of the Dukes family in 2012, is the story of an enslaved Dukes family ancestor, and we learn how the tradition of the peach seed monkey carvings came to be. This is a beautiful work of character driven literary fiction that will stay with me for a long time. The characters ring so true–the dialogue is at times heartbreaking and other times touching and even a little funny. The stories, the secrets, the history–it’s all fascinating and tugged at my heart. 5 beautiful stars. 

Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Dr. Becky Kennedy  – This is a must read for anyone who interacts with kids–parents, teachers, grandparents, relatives. It does not matter if your kids are older–this book will still have an impact. We can do this, friends. We are all good inside and we can be cycle breakers to raise kids in shame free ways–we can raise kids in ways that build on authentic connections. This doesn’t read like homework, but like an encouraging and doable letter to all. I loved this book with my whole heart. 5 billion stars.