Friday, June 17, 2016

{5} Books I'm Most Excited to Read This Summer

(I realize that I said 5 books and then put 6 in the graphic.)


When We Meet Again by Kristin Harmel
Release date: June 7th
What it's About:  Emily Emerson was just let go from her job when she receives a mysterious painting in the mail.  The subject is obviously her grandmother, who has recently died, as a young woman.  Emily's mother died when Emily was 17, her father had left them years before, and she never knew her grandfather.  She's used to being alone.  She sets off to figure out who sent the painting, the story of her grandparents', and how she can let go of some painful secrets from her own past, while reconnecting with her father along the way.  The story starts in Orlando before traveling to Germany, Savannah, and Atlanta, trying to track down the meaning and the painter behind her Grandmother's painting. 
Why I'm Excited to Read it: I think I've read every book this author has written, owning two of them.  Her last book, The Life Intended even made my Favorite Reads of 2015 list.  They are interesting without being too fluffy or too heavy (sometimes a fine line) and I've enjoyed all her other books.  I've put books on my "to-read" list for far less.
Full disclosure: I've actually read this one because it was released between when I made the picture and when this posts. But as of this writing I haven't finished it yet.  

Here's to Us by Elin Hilderbrand
Release date: June 14th
What it's About: Laurel, Belinda, and Scarlett all share one thing: they married the same man (at different times).  When he dies they all gather, per his final wishes, at his cottage on Nantucket, with assorted children, to say their goodbyes.  Obviously things are going to get interesting.
Why I'm Excited to Read it:  Ms. Hilderbrand writes a book that takes place on Nantucket every year and every year I read them.  They are usually the perfect summer read with interesting characters, a location I'd LOVE to visit, and plenty of summery things like clambakes, boating, and sunburns.  Two of her previous books are among my all-time favorite summer reads (a list I plan to make at some point) and her last book Winter Stroll made my Favorite Reads of 2015.  I've very rarely been disappointed by one of her books.

A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams
Release date: June 28th
What it's About: I've read the synopsis many times and I still can't figure out a way to summarize it.  But it takes place in New York during the Jazz Age and features a love triangle.  I've gotten that much. 
Why I'm Excited to Read it: Another author who is a perennial favorite and writes books perfect for summer, or anytime, reading.  I believe all her books have been historical fiction, taking place in the early-mid 20th century and that's some of my favorite time periods to read about, partially because it makes me feel connected to my Grandparents and the time they were young but also because I just like learning about history, even though fiction.  A book she co-authored made a previous Things I Like list but really I could have listed many of her others (and if I ever write that "favorite summer reads" list, I know one of her books, and which one, will be one it).   Her books usually have some mystery and strong female character but still a lot of falling in love.

Falling by Jane Green
Release date: July 19th
What it's About: Emma leaves the Britain hoping for a better life in New York but then her big fiance job isn't quite what she is expecting and she moves again to Connecticut.  She only knows one person and doesn't have a job so she works on fixing up her little house, along the way connecting with her next door neighbor and his son.  Then something happens.
Why I'm Excited to Read it: I went through all of Ms. Green's, at the time, published books in 2010 or 2011 and I still have fond memories of being excited to start another one her books.  They started as "single girls in London looking for love" kinds and have progressed to more complicated women and lives.  She always has such great descriptions of food and homes that seem so cozy and welcoming.  This is one of those authors I'm always excited to crack open a new book. 

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
Release date: July 26th
What it's About:  Two best friends, their husbands, some neighbors.  6 adults, 3 kids, and a BBQ.  BUt then two months later and it won't stop raining (literally or metaphorically? I don't know).  Should they all have gone to that barbeque?
Why I'm Excited to Read it: Another example of perfect summer reads.  I remember reading my first book by her while sitting by the kiddie pool with Luke, on the first summer he was big enough for it.  There is always some mystery revealed in some interesting way, like police statements or flashbacks.  I don't go for real mystery books and these are a excellent substitute for me.  I like trying to figure it out before it's all revealed and I'm usually wrong (darn red herrings).  I look forward to reading this one poolside as well (with a kid who is more enthusiastic about the pool than he was 2 years ago). 

HONORABLE MENTION

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
Release date: July 31st
I mean, I can't not mention this, it's the first new Harry Potter book in 9 years!  BUT...it's not a novel, it's the script for the play being put on in London.  So it's a new story but it won't be the same as the original books, for many reasons.  (Harry is now the adult, for one.)  I haven't read a play since high school English and I don't recall being a fan of them BUT there is no way I'm not reading this one.  I already am in the ever-growing hold list for it at the library even though it doesn't come out for weeks.  I guess I'm cautiously excited for it. 

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