I have been reading like crazy lately. I think in part it is due to my new nightly routine and the fact that nothing on Netflix seems to be intriguing at the moment. I’m trying my best to make better use of my time which means reading instead of watching shows or scrolling through social media.

In the past few weeks I have read almost as many books as I did in all of 2017. I recently shared a few ways I was managing to read more and I am still going strong reading (almost) everyday.

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave

I will admit that I started reading this book solely because it is set in Napa & Sonoma counties and is about a family owned vineyard. Despite the fact that I could so vividly picture the setting of places I have visited and loved, the story itself was charming and shows the strength of family and love. It was a great light read.

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

If I’m being completely honest I didn’t love this book. Although I will admit that when I read thrillers or suspense I prefer them to be a bit more on the mild side (I scare far too easily) however, this one just seemed to lack suspense compared to Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10 which I really enjoyed.

My Husband’s Wife by Jane Corry

I have started to read more thriller/suspense novels lately. I tend to chose ones that aren’t “too scary” as I usually can’t sleep at night if its too dark of a story line. But this book was a great combination of suspense without being too twisted or dark. It was an interesting story of lives intertwining and how relationships can impact you in unexpected ways even several years later.

Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

This book had been on my list for quite sometime. As the book is all letters and cables I was worried that it wouldn’t keep me hooked but it did. It is such a sweet and heart warming story. If you enjoy historical fiction then this is a must read.

The Way Life Should Be by Christina Baker Kline

I will admit that this wasn’t the greatest, but I still enjoyed it. Most of the storyline involves Maine and Italian Food… two of my favorite things. While I thought the book itself was lacking a little I still enjoyed the overall lesson that there is no “should be” in life and we have to make the best of every moment, mistake and experience.

You Me Everything by Catherine Isaac

I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick read but so heartwarming. It follows a young mom and her son on holiday in France as they maneuver family, friendships and coming to terms with the twists and turns of life.

Hello Sunshine by Laura Dave

For a short and light novel, this one definitely made me do some self-reflecting. The book touches on social media use and the way we portray ourselves and our lives for others to view? It’s not always the full story, sometimes a strong bend of reality and we begin to lose site of ourselves. Definitely a great read to encourage authenticity!

What have been some of your recent reads this summer? I would love some new recommendations! If you are interested in getting more recommendations or seeing which books I have enjoyed you can find previous posts here or visit my Goodreads account here.