Summer Reading List

I've read SO many great books this summer. I love getting immersed in a book and am notorious for staying up all night to read something just because I can't put it down (ahem, Twilight Series). I used to be a huge bookworm and am happy I've gotten back into it but my husband is just learning about my reading skillz (yep with a "z"). I can easily read a 900 pg (well that's what it says on my iPad) book in about 4-5 hours. How do I know? Tim likes to time me, I'm pretty sure he is making fun of me but he says he's just impressed...who knows the real story.

I thought I'd share all of the books I've read & enjoyed this summer just because I'm always looking for great recommendations (Thanks Pinterest!). Hopefully this will help some of you & feel free to share any great reads with me as well!

1.       One Day – David Nicholls

   I am actually in the middle of this book right now but like it so far. It had a slow start but is shaping up pretty well. The bad part? Now I can't go see the movie because I'll be too nit-picky.

2.       The Castaways – Elin Hilderbrand

      This was a sad, but good, story. A little confusing about who is who in the story just because there are SO many characters to keep track of with complicated issues & the ending left a little something to be desired although it does parallel with life but overall a good book.

3.       My Name Is Memory – Ann Brashares

     I really enjoyed this book, I was a little frustrated at times that things couldn't just come together but it is a great love story.

4.       Distant Shores – Kristin Hannah

     Such a great story about a woman really coming into her own. The ending is slightly predictable but it doesn't take away from how good the book is.       

5.       The Murderer’s Daughters – Rand Susan Meyers

     This really shows the complication of a sisterly relationship, especially when the two are so different and have grown up under extreme circumstances. 

6.       One Summer – David Baldacci

        This story really shows perseverance & love overcomes all things...even cancer which touches a chord in my own heart.

7.       Fly Away Home – Jennifer Weiner

     Looking back, its amazing how similar, yet different this is from Distant Shores. Still a great read!

8.       Silver Girl – Elin Hilderbrand

    A great story about the power of a friendship that is damaged but forgiveness allows for healing & repair.

9.       The Island – Elin Hilderbrand

     A beautiful story about the special relationships that exist between mothers, daughters & sisters.

10.   The Pilot’s Wife – Anita Shreve

A GREAT book, one that kept up intrigued from beginning to the satisfying end.

11.   Lies That Chelsea Told Me – Chelsea Handler

This book had me in tears from laughing so hard and that doesn't happen often.

12.   Blue Christmas – Mary Kay Andrews

       Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing!

13.   Savannah Blues – Mary Kay Andrews

       Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! 

14.   Savannah Breeze – Mary Kay Andrews

       Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! 

15.   The Fixer Upper – Mary Kay Andrews

       Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! 

16.   Hissy Fit – Mary Kay Andrews

       Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! 

17.   Firefly Lane – Kristin Hannah

             This is a great book about women's friendships which will leave you satisfied but will get you teary eyed at points.

18.   Love the One You’re With – Emily Giffin

Another one out of the park by Emily Giffin, her books are always fantastic reads!

19.   Sweet Valley Confidential – Francine Pascal

Yep, I went there. Jess & Liz have really developed some salacious lives!

20.   Return to Sullivan’s Island – Dorothea Benton Frank

This is not Dorothea Benton Frank's best book by far but it was still fairly enjoyable.

21.   The Help – Kathryn Stockett

By far the best book I've read all summer & the movie was pretty fantastic as well!

22.   The Hour I First Believed – Wally Lamb

      This book was strange...not really my thing but the beginning of it that you get in the preview section is really good!

23.   The Way We Were – Paul Burrell

      I actually got this book so I could look at the pictures, yes really, but they didn't include that in the e-book...I was jipped!

24.   The Shack – William P. Young

     I have a confession, I haven't made it through this book yet & it really has not been one of my favorites but I am bound & determined to finish it...someday.