“Summertime, and the readin’ is easy! Pages jumpin’, and the book-pile is high…” Okay so I may have tweaked the words a little, but seriously—what’s not to love about summer reading? Evenings are longer, the pace of life is slower, and books and beaches are a PERFECT match. Whether you choose to fiction binge in the warmer months or like to dip your toes in new genre shallows, I’ve got six sweet suggestions you might want to tuck into that beach bag or pop into your picnic hamper (or download—but that doesn’t sound nearly as romantic!) …
I don’t know about you, but I love it when friends give me book recommendations—so here are my reviews on some reading gems especially for you! I’ve included my Amazon affiliate links for you to pick up a copy if you so desire… (full disclosure here) which means I get a tiny commission while you pay the regular awesome price. In fact, most of these are ON SALE! 🙂 Here we go:
THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS by M.L.Stedman
This was the perfect book for me to devour whilst researching all things lighthouse in the Oregon Coast! I have only praise for this novel—it gripped me emotionally and transported me to a lighthouse in the middle of obscurity, where a heartbreaking story was allowed to unfold. Truth, secrets, desperation, and consequences are all involved in this tale of a young couple longing to live a “normal” family life in an incredibly unique location. I thoroughly recommend it!
AT HOME IN THE WORLD by Tsh Oxenreider
“My body and soul want to pause the sightseeing, to instead soak in glory. I need to stop and smell the roses. We all do.” This is no regular travel memoir—this amazing woman embarked upon an adventure most of us can only imagine with her husband and 3 kids under the age of 10. Around the world. For nine months. Wait for it… with BACKPACKS! ? China, Australia, Croatia, France to name but a few places included on their travels—Tsh describes beautifully and honestly how they survived and bonded and grew as a family. A pleasure to read.
EVERYONE BRAVE IS FORGIVEN by Chris Cleave
Everyone Brave is Forgiven is a witty, raw love story set in London during The Blitz. It truly brings to life the sheer horror of surviving in that great city as it all but crumbled to ruins while its people went about their day-to-day existence. It’s a fiction novel, yet Chris Cleave based it on his own grandparents and spent years researching intricate details to help us understand how bravado transformed to bravery. Brilliant.
ESTHER by Angela Elwell Hunt
Who doesn’t love the Old Testament account of Esther, the orphan-turned-queen? Angela Hunt’s biblical fiction portrayal is a fascinating read. Biblical facts are combined with historical research from Greek chronicler Herodotus, and then Hunt’s fictional insight of this beautiful, courageous heroine adds a rich layer of intrigue into palace life. This book gives a passionate, fresh perspective and is delightfully thought-provoking.
VICTORIA by Daisy Goodwin
Based on the life of Queen Victoria, this engaging read follows the life of the young, somewhat naïve Victoria from before her coronation to her first couple of years reigning as queen. Well researched and brimming with drama, intrigue, family complications and romance, Daisy Goodwin has written a fabulous book to accompany her wonderfully successful PBS Masterpiece series (which I also loved!)
TILL WE HAVE FACES by C.S. Lewis
This lesser-known work of C.S. Lewis is the beautiful retelling of the mythological story of Cupid and Psyche. The protagonist is Psyche’s older sister, Orual— a practical, intelligent, strong, yet ugly young woman who loves her sister desperately and longs to protect her at all costs. An intricate tale of jealousy, justice, motivation, and of course, love, written by one of the most beloved master storytellers of all time.
Any look good to you? Let me know in the comments if you’ve read any of them or have suggestions for the rest of MY summer reading. I have a PILE to take on vacation next week, but I’m always on the lookout for great books.
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” Charles William Eliot
Happy reading!
P.S. Know any girls who would enjoy Christian teen fiction? My Tears Trilogy is available on Amazon, too… CHECK IT OUT!
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers: