Oh, happy day! I love summer-time so much. My mornings are spent sitting on my patio, with a cup of coffee, a good book and my dogs at my feet. I started my month at my favorite South Carolina beach. Because of all of this newly found free time, I was able to read a total of 12 books this month and listen to 1 audio book. This month, I read some truly wonderful books and hope that you can find some out of this list to add to your TBR list. Happy Reading, friends!

Five Star:

Talking as Fast as I Can: Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls by Lauren Graham
Normally, I choose to read books, I find that actually holding the book in my hand allows me to really feel the book. However, I chose to listen to Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls by Lauren Graham via Audible and I am SO glad that I did. If you love Gilmore Girls then you need to add this to your TBR list asap! I laughed out loud as Lauren Graham walked through her journey to becoming Lorelei Gilmore. I already was a huge fan of hers but now, now I just love her even more.

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
After seeing this book all over Instagram, I finally had an opportunity to pick it up and read it. I couldn’t put this down, I am a huge sucker for a multi-generational family story and this book was written in such a beautifully captivating read that I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to continue to follow Gleeson and Stanhope families around for the rest of their lives.

Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams
This book was incredible. It is not a fast read but that’s what made it so mesmerizing to me. I wanted to savor every word that Beatriz Williams wrote. It had an air of two of my favorite books; The Great Gatsby and All the Kings Men but also within the pages were hints of Kate Quinn’s the Alice Network. LOVED this book so much; add it to your list for this summer and be prepared to be transported back in time.

Four Star:

Waiting at Hayden’s by Riley Costello
What a sweet book (literally and figuratively). I really enjoyed Riley Costello’s writing style and was reminded, ever so briefly of the Notebook AND The Lake House. I couldn’t put this book down as I wanted to know how it turned out for Charli and Jack. This book was just pure and simple; but, it was also a lesson on the importance of putting yourself first and following your heart.

Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger
This is fast-paced psychological suspense that will keep you guessing until the end and, even then, leaving you questioning what really went on in Suffolk County. I am a huge fan of Cristina Alger’s the Bankers Wife and was not disappointed by her newest book (which is set to hit the stores on July 2nd).

Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
I was impressed with the representation that Chandler Baker gave of what a woman’s workplace could be like. Be prepared, this is NOT a light read it and comes equipped with just the right amount of suspense that will hold your attention until the very last page is turned. There were countless events that unfolded within the pages of this book that caused me to pause and think about how incredibly accurate this story is; honestly, it made me uncomfortable at times. It is a good, fast summer read!

Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson
Wow! I was completely unprepared for this book. My book club chose this for our June pick and I really had no idea what to expect while reading but it completely blew me away. This is definitely a sit on the edge of your seat, biting your nails, holding your breath, wanting to know what was going to happen; and, when it finally comes to a head, gasping at the turn of events. I didn’t see that twist coming!

The Ingredients of Us by Jennifer Gold
This story was sweet and savory in the right ways; it gave me all the feels and I definitely encourage you to pick up this book. I especially loved this book because the author, Jennifer Gold, including some wonderful recipes through the story. I’ve already tried a few of them and am looking forward to trying the rest.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
After reading the Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, I was so anxious to read her newest book the Bride Test. I decided to take it with me on vacation and it was the PERFECT beach read. I loved the interactions between Khai and Esme as they navigated their odd relationship. Once the book really took off, it became this perfect mix of steamy and fun that I was craving in a vacation read.

The Perfect Fraud by Ellen LaCorte
I enjoyed how this book is told through alternating perspectives of the two main characters, Claire and Rena; it allowed me to develop a deeper sense of what was unfolding in their lives. I admit that I was able to guess as to where the story was heading but, in my opinion, I think that the author knew her readers would figure it out. When I started this book, it had been a while since a book kept me on the edge of my seat and, at times, made me feel a little sick to my stomach. If you’re looking for a fast-paced summer read, this is the one for you!

This is Home by Lisa Duffy
This is, not only, a great summer read but it is also a perfect book for a book club! Lisa Duffy did a wonderful job highlighting the effects that war can have on not just a soldier, but that soldier’s family. There were numerous heartbreaking moments that unfolded within the pages that brought that aspect home for me. It is really a beautiful story and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
So, I read this book at the beach and well, I couldn’t have found a better book to read while sitting in front of the ocean with the sun on my skin. It was light, witty, sexy and most importantly, it was laugh-out-loud funny. The situations that Olive and Ethan found themselves in were downright cringe-worthy awkward that I had no choice but to laugh at their predicaments. Go pick it up today!!

Three Star:

The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess I love books that are written about books and the people who love those books so I was really excited to get my hands on an advanced copy of this book by Karen Dukess. While I did find the story to be entertaining and interesting, it just didn’t live up to my expectations. I’m sure that there are lots of people out there who will love this book but it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to Gallery Books, Atria Publishing, Lake Union Publishing, Flatiron Books, Putnam Publishing, William Morrow Publishing, HarperCollins Publishing and Book of the Month for my titles from this month. I have forever grateful to have been given the opportunity to read and review these books!

Until next month!!