Hey there, See You In a Porridge readers. My name is Olya, and I blog over at The Siberian American. When Kristen asked me to guest post for her while she’s in Europe, I knew I wanted to write a post about something we both love—books! This time of year, I love nothing more than to sit by the pool or hang out on the beach with a fun read. Here are some of my favorite summer reads:
I love being swept into Kate Morton’s stories. Written in a past-present format, her historical fictions are centered on a mystery that takes many twists and turns to unravel. My favorite book is The Secret Keeper, followed by The Forgotten Garden, but they have all been good.
Love, secrets, and lots of wine—what else would you want from a summer read? I read this book while on a California Road Trip, which was perfect timing. If you’re looking to read a book with your favorite glass of wine, Eight Hundred Grapes is a great choice.
I love all of Mhairi McFarlane’s books, but You Had Me at Hello is my favorite. I love the story of Ben and Rachel, who were friends in university, but had not spoken in 10 years when they randomly bump into each other. The book was romantic, sweet, and funny. I can’t wait to pick up another Mhairi McFarlane book to read by the pool this summer!
The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams:
As you can already tell, I am a sucker for a good historical fiction, especially if it is a past-present format (though in this case, “present” is 1964). Vivian Schuyler receives a suitcase in the mail that once belonged to Violet, a great-aunt she had no idea existed. As she begins to dig into Violet’s past, she discovers family secrets others are desperate to hide. Vivian was one of the best characters I have read in a long time! Her voice was just perfect-I loved how she was a headstrong, no nonsense girl. I also loved the progression of Violet’s story, especially the ending.
Anything by Diane Chamberlain:
Diane Chamberlain’s books are perfect for a day off. I say a day off because once I start reading one of her books I have a hard time stopping. My favorite is The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes. It was a beautiful novel full of suspense and an interesting perspective on mother/daughter relationships.
I love book suggestions! What are your top summer reads this summer?
I love historical fiction! These all sound great, looking forward to checking them out! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIsn't historical fiction just fantastic? :)
DeleteI'm totally adding all of these to my reading list.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! Glad you liked the list. :)
DeleteI haven't read any of these! But always great to have new suggestions for the ever-growing to-read list :) thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I'm the same way! My to-read list is huge!
Delete800 grapes is on my list to read too!
ReplyDeleteIt is so good! So fun to read about Sonoma Valley!
DeleteI love Beatriz Williams.
ReplyDeleteThe grape one is on my list!
I just read her new book-Tiny Little Thing, and it was fantastic, as always!
DeleteI am going to have to add You Had Me at Hello to my reading list, it sounds cute and I could use some cute!
ReplyDeleteIt is so cute! I hope you like it. :)
DeleteYES to any and all Kate Morton! She's got a new one coming out this October and I've already notified boyfriend that I'll be locking myself away until it's read. :)
ReplyDeleteDIANE! She also has a book coming out in October - the publicist was awesome enough to send me a review copy last week and I'm doing all I can not to drop everything and immediately dive into it.
Historical fiction makes my heart skip a beat (um why aren't we BFFs?!) This summer I'll be hosting a historical fiction chat with another blogger and an author and the guest authors we've got lined up are pretty fab! Definitely looking forward to that. Are you into any particular time period? I love wartime novels (particularly Civil War/WWII) but the Jazz Age is great as well.
So crazy we like so many of the same books!
DeleteI am SO EXCITED about The Lake House! Can't wait for it to come out!
Super jealous you get to read Diane's book early-can't wait to read your review!
World War II historical fiction is my absolute favorite, but I am really getting into the Jazz Age too right now! So many great books! :)
I added Eight Hundred Grapes to the never-ending "to read" list.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one! I have a never-ending "to read" list too. :)
DeleteI have 800 grapes on my reading list as well and can't wait to unwind with it!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteSo I wrote this post for Kristin like a month ago, so it made me laugh when I saw 800 grapes on your list, too! Hope you enjoy it. :)
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ReplyDeleteSo great! I love Kate Morton! I just finished Girl on a Train and thought it was really good as well!
ReplyDeleteI loooved Eight Hundred Grapes-- such a good story with great characters. I just got my first Diane Chamberlain Book and can't wait to read it!
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