In the craziest year of all time, when it’s hard to keep up with the rules, I know one thing is for sure: Books can unite us, teach us, heal us and fill us with so much joy! I’m so excited to share this post with you, friends! My first-ever Summer Reading Round-Up 2020! Also known as: 15 books I devoured and loved during the weirdest months in the world. These wonderful, beautiful, brilliant books recently entertained me or enlightened me or—in most cases—both.
Obviously, guys, it is MORE THAN okay if you’ve found it hard to focus or read this year. I’ve felt that way, MANY days. It’s also MORE THAN okay if you’ve been craving fun, escapist, lighthearted reads, because everything else is so heavy. I’ve felt that way, MANY days. And it’s MORE THAN okay if you’ve sat overwhelmed in the past several weeks as you’ve suddenly seen things differently, for the very first time, and started a journey of self-education on antiracism. I’ve felt that way, MANY days.
This year will go down in history—and we need to keep taking good care of ourselves before we can go heal the world. Did you know reading helped farm women get through the Great Depression? That they simply gobbled up books; that there were traveling libraries? How amazing and reassuring! Reading has always eased my anxiety and lifted my weary heart. This has never been truer than now.
I hope there’s a book in this list for you—whether you’re looking for romance, longing for laughter or eager to learn alongside me. While the fight for racial reconciliation will lead my nonfiction reading this summer, I’m crazy about great fiction and will constantly be seeking it out! I’ve also recently paused to notice the lack of diversity in my bookstacks. I’ll be making a concerted effort to change this—to consume and amplify BIPOC voices; to spend my time, dollars and heart space on authors of every race, who all have something important to teach me.
Below, I’ve included mini-reviews and my star ratings! These are all total winners, and I recommend each one! I’ve tried to note triggers and steam levels for all of my sensitive bear cubs, but please keep in mind that these are all adult books, and many do contain language. If you have questions about a specific one, DM me anytime! (Really!)
Happy summer reading, my friends! Let’s keep learning and growing together.
And remember: It’s essential to laugh and rest, too.
Simply Splendid :: Women’s & Literary Fiction
We read Big Summer for my Book Club’s June Pick, and it couldn’t have been more perfect!!! It’s the ultimate summer read, y’all! What I loved most about this book is that it hooked me instantly as a compelling women’s-fiction-type story. Plus-sized influencer Daphne has worked hard to love herself and carve out a successful career in social media. When her former best friend—beautiful, wealthy, thin, cold-blooded Drue Cavanaugh—reappears out of nowhere and asks Daphne to be her Maid-of-Honor, she ultimately can’t refuse. Daphne is quickly swept back into Drue’s spell and plans for her Cape Cod wedding. But THEN!!! Without giving away too much, I’ll say that the plot flips into a mystery I never saw coming! This became so much more than a light little read, and I loved every minute of where the plot went. The body image issues, influencer perspective and engaging style pulled me in without letting go. I also loved the reflections on friendship, family and fame. The ending was both satisfying and unforeseen. Still a little shocked, but I like surprises! 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Oh my word, this book simply blew me away! I loved it sooooo much! It’s the tale of two female artists living in different time periods. In 2018, Morgan Christopher is offered release from prison to restore an old small-town mural shrouded in mystery. In 1940, young Anna Dale wins a major art contest to complete the said small-town mural. As both of these women embark on their challenges, secrets arise, clues unfold, and slowly, their work intersects. I loved these characters so incredibly much and simply NEEDED to know their connection! Even more, this is the kind of book you can recommend to every woman you know. It’s simply one REALLY GOOD novel’s novel’s novel that kept me racing through till the end. I can’t believe this was my first Diane Chamberlain, and I can’t wait to read The Dream Daughter next. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set across gorgeous Santa Cruz and New Zealand, this mesmerizing sister story will stay with me for a very long time. ER doctor Kit’s wild-spirited sister, Josie, died 15 years ago in a terrorist attack. So when Kit spots Josie’s face on the news one day, naturally, she is shaken. Could her sister still be living a total lie? Kit drops everything to find out, heading straight to the New Zealand site of the news story. On the quest, told in alternating perspectives between the two sisters, the women individually mine through oceans of memory, terrible loss and decades of pain. But they also find great love and grip onto hope as they individually yearn for each other. The men in this book had me totally melting, as did the complex family ties and enchanting spell of the sea. Gah, this was SUCH a phenomenal novel. I honestly grieved when it ended because I just didn’t want it to. Contains adult themes and some steamy scenes. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I admit it! I tend to love books with a dark side. “But Steph! Can you recommend any happy books?!” YES, GUYS! YES, I CAN! Read this book if you just want to feel happy! Especially in this crazy year! Seriously, this book made me smile from ear-to-ear. It’s super sweet, it’s a little bit sexy, it’s the escape to the North Carolina coast that you need. I loved it to pieces! Thirty-four-year-old Gray Howard and 40-year-old Diana Harrington are both majorly down-on-their-luck when their paths intertwine in the summertime. Gray could use a new housekeeper at the end of a nasty divorce; Diana desperately needs a new job. Through friendship and romance, reflections and restarts, the book paints an uber-loveable portrait of unlikely connections and inspiring womanhood, all against shimmering sand dunes and turquoise waters. I can’t wait to read more by this author. 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
What can I even say about this gem of a book?! Set in 1997, the story follows 31-year-old Casey Peabody as she mourns the loss of her mother, strains to finish her novel, and finds herself fairly crazy about two men at one time. The writing is tender; the characters, realistic; the settings, vivid and true. And I loved the simplicity of the slight throwback time period: no texts, no Tinder, no Uber. Just your good-old-fashioned telephone and real talks. Additionally, I adored the descriptions of her job waiting tables at upscale Iris in Harvard Square. I also worked at a restaurant during grad school for writing, so it took me all the way back to that time in the most special way! I do wonder, though—would I have been so crazy about this book if I couldn’t relate so much, to the creative realities of writing a novel and of once-upon-a-time restaurant life? This book is definitely more indie, literary, maybe-even-melancholy than your mainstream fare of female fiction, so I’m not 100% sure it would be a crowd pleaser. But I really savored each page. The writing is excellent; many of the sentences are packed with so much emotion, it took my breath away. If you’re a writer, a dreamer, a lover—I’d say, pick this one up! 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
When I saw this book praised for fans of What Alice Forgot and The Time Traveler’s Wife, I knew I couldn’t miss it! Those are two all-time faves! In a creative and ambitious feat, Oona Out of Order follows heroine Oona as she lives each year of her life—yep, that’s right—out of order, beginning on New Year’s Day. We time-hop with her from her 19th birthday in 1982, to her 51st birthday, to her 27th, and so on! She never knows what year is next. While quirky for sure, this book was a total winner for me! What a ride! It’s a whimsical blend of time travel, pop culture, big emotion, romance and coming-of-age growing pains. I knocked a little stardust off only because Oona’s decisions did frustrate me at times, and also, this book didn’t have quite the soul of Alice or Time Traveler’s, for me. But, oh, it sure made me smile in quarantine and think deeply about life and love! I welcomed the magic escape! 4.5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Camille Pagán’s books are simply a treat. I’d describe them as super-fun poolside fiction that dares to dive into the deep end. They’re feel-good reads that make you FEEL! I also love their length. You can easily breeze through one in a long, lazy afternoon or an extra-late night. This newest was no exception! Left by her fiancé and forced from her job, Annie Mercer decides she needs some real “me” time, with no new people allowed. This goes well… for a second. As she starts cleaning houses for extra cash, Annie forms unlikely connections on her journey from unsure woman to confident force. There’s so much wisdom and laughter along the way! This book has everything you could want in a summertime read, and I particularly enjoyed the use of emails, texts and diary entries throughout the amazing story. 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summer Lovin’ :: Romance Picks
Beach Read is my most recent read and, hands-down, a favorite book of the year so far!!! I laughed out loud 200 times and big tears fell from my eyes. Young authors and former college rivals January and Gus find themselves living side-by-side in beach houses over the summer. In a turn of irresistible banter and flirtatious angst, the two make a deal as deadlines loom: to swap writing genres for the summer. January will attempt to worm her way out of writer’s block by writing literary fiction, and Gus will tackle a rom-com. I found this novel to be a deeply charming love story and emotional journey. However, I appreciated having the heads up that it is not really a light romance! It’s much weightier, dealing artfully with grief, loss, even physical abuse. January and Gus have substantial pain in their pasts, and I couldn’t get enough of their meaningful friendship and lightning chemistry as they slowly started to heal each other. I also LOVED the Author’s Note at the end about writer’s block! Fascinating and oh-so relatable. This one is definitely rated adult. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Somewhere within the wide web, this book caught my eye and ended up on my TBR. More than anything, I was curious to read a contemporary Christian romance, since I haven’t read one in years! Bethany Turner, you made a FAN out of me! This deliciously charming, enemies-to-lovers tale of two rival celebrity chefs is just what your summer ordered. Hadley and Max won my heart!!! Refreshing, touching, completely clean and so entertaining, their story will melt you like butter cake. Stick this one in your beach bag for some amazing grace with a dash of spice. It is so heartfelt and so much fun. Thank you so much to NetGalley for my review copy. 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This irresistible rom-com right here is EXACTLY what America needs right now!!! I’m telling you, friends. I devoured it!!! You’ll be voting so hard for lovable Democrat Kate and dreamy Republican Ben, you will not know what hit you. As up-and-coming DC staffers for opposing senators, Ben and Kate are the perfect rivals. Or are they the perfect pair?! I loved their banter, I loved their slow burn, I loved their touching backstories. Devon Daniels, your whip-smart voice, multi-layered characters and brilliant treatment of politics really knocked this one to the stars for me. MYITM is creative, it is inspiring, it is a blast. Hot, hilarious, heartwarming, genius—I even cried real tears at the end. For those who like to know, there is one super-sexy open-door scene at the end. The only downside? You have to wait for this book to release! Pre-order here if you’d like! Thank you so much to NetGalley for my review copy. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Race Talks :: Must-Reads by BIPOC Authors
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter exists in two worlds: Her pristine upper-class private school and the poor Black neighborhood of her family. After witnessing the unwarranted killing of childhood friend, Khalil—the second murder of a loved one she’s seen—Starr is pressed to make a decision. As the killing makes national headlines, and masses seek justice for Khalil, will Starr stay quiet or stand up with the truth? This book is so eerily timely, it gave me the chills. It absolutely could have been written this month to describe the events of our day. The police, the protests, the media. Some negative reviews of this book claim it has an agenda, but I disagree. I think it is a memorable, informative, human story, no matter your thoughts on the Black Lives movement. For me, the novel brought current events to an intimate, personal level. It is a raw and eye-opening look at racial oppression and prejudice through the eyes of a present-day teenager. (Language and violence.) 5 Starrs!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I saw I’m Still Here on Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club Instagram, and I’m so glad that I did! It’s officially the first nonfiction book I’ve ever read on race (oh, how I wish it were sooner)—and I highly recommend it for anyone invested in learning about racial justice, as we all should be. It’s so enlightening and clearly written. Challenging? Yes! Blunt? Absolutely. I feel like it was an excellent introduction for someone just getting started, like me. I also appreciated knowing that Austin Channing, the author, is a strong woman of Christian faith who shares a biblical worldview. I loved her generous perspective and specific anecdotes. I felt like I needed her words. Filled with scripture and honesty, her book opened my mind and my heart to the experience of Black women in our country—from daily realities I’d never imagine to deep, ugly roots in American history. I’m still sitting with all of it and praying through my response. I highlighted countless passages and will definitely keep going back to them. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could not stop reading this book!!! The Vanishing Half is a magnificent exploration of race, identity, sisterhood, rebellion, and more. I will never forget it. Identical twins Desiree and Stella grow up in Mallard, an exclusively fair-skinned Black community in the South. As teenagers, the twins run away, ultimately separating and forging individual paths. Desiree marries a dark-skinned man, has a daughter with him, and ends up returning to Mallard. Stella, meanwhile, chooses to lead her life as a wealthy white woman. For five decades, we follow the twins and their daughters through intertwining choices and heartbreaks. This book captivated, challenged and wowed me. The themes of forgiveness, family, oppression, acceptance, twinhood, race, class and regret are still echoing. One thread of the story is a bit sensitive, but to share would be a spoiler, so just DM me if you’d like to know. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sizzling Scaries :: Mysteries & Thrillers
I’ve been recommending this one to all my friends as my favorite thriller of 2020 (so far)!!!! I absolutely inhaled it, guys!!!! Seattle-based star couple Marin and Derek seem to have it all—until their young son goes missing, abducted by a Santa Claus lookalike in the broad day of Pike Place Market. One year later, unraveled and spent, Marin hires a P.I. when the police trail seems to run cold. She learns her life could have been worse: Derek was having an affair with a younger woman. What does this mean? Does the betrayal connect to the kidnapping? Let’s just say that the book barrels forward from there and you better hang on! I was completely enthralled. The heart-pounding pace never relents, and while the characters are very flawed humans, you also grow to care for them strangely and even understand some of their motivations. If you loved The Wives, you’ll adore this one, which shares a captivating PNW setting and twisty plot. Sensitivity heads-up for the language, adultery and kidnapping. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well, come to think of it—this is another book about no-good, very-bad people. Ha! Definitely not a good marriage! And yet, this tangled-up legal thriller had me up way past my bedtime! Elite attorney Lizzie is working late at the office when she gets a call from Rikers prison—from a former law school classmate asking for help. Zach’s wife, Amanda, has been found bludgeoned to death at the bottom of a staircase, and of course, he’s the #1 suspect. Will Lizzie represent him? Struggling with her own fractured marriage, Lizzie agrees. She is pulled into the corners of upper-crust Park Slope neighborhood, with its group of parent, their blurred lines, their ominous secrets. Who killed Amanda, and what was she running from? Full of gripping twists, shocking turns and juicy relationships, this one definitely has Liane Moriarty vibes. If you liked Big Little Lies, I think you’d love this one! Rated-R, FYI. Solid 5 stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love to you all! Big hugs and happy reading this summer!
