Sharing a list of recently read books plus what’s on my reading list!
A goal of 2020, read more books. Same as every year! However, this year it’s a goal I’m actually achieving. I’ve always found that once warmer temps roll around I crave a good book to enjoy on the back deck in the evenings and weekend afternoons. Often times I’ll end up trading evening tv time to crawl into bed early and read the next few chapters. Recently this has been happen more often than not and it’s allowed me to cross three books off my reading list this year.
Below you’ll find the three I have read thus far, the one I just ordered, and what other books have been recommended by girl friends.
Recently Read Books
Where the Crawdads Sing
Book Summary: For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life–until the unthinkable happens.
FINALLY read this book after receiving recommendation after recommendation to do so. My mother-in-law actually ended up giving it to me for my birthday. I thought it had a pretty slow start but once I arrived in the middle of the book I didn’t want to put it down. The characters, the overall story, and the hidden stories absolutely blew me away and kept me coming back for more while staying up way past my bedtime!
Every chapter is more entertaining than the next and the development of the characters is incredible. Where the Crawdads Sing will no doubt become one of those classic American novels generation after generation will read.
Recommendation: Yes – 4.5 out of 5
American Royals
Book Summary: When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne.
As Princess Beatrice gets closer to becoming America’s first queen regnant, the duty she has embraced her entire life suddenly feels stifling. Nobody cares about the spare except when she’s breaking the rules, so Princess Samantha doesn’t care much about anything, either . . . except the one boy who is distinctly off-limits to her.
And then there’s Samantha’s twin, Prince Jefferson. If he’d been born a generation earlier, he would have stood first in line for the throne, but the new laws of succession make him third. Most of America adores their devastatingly handsome prince . . . but two very different girls are vying to capture his heart.
I was definitely influenced but influencers to read this book. Several of my blogger girl friends posted about it and then I continued to see it pop up on the feeds and stories of additional bloggers I follow. When it was time for a new book (after Where the Crawdads Sing) American Royal was the first one I thought of. Oh and it DID NOT disappoint! From start to finish I was completely hooked on this book. Definitely a bit of a romance novel as three couples come to light throughout the book. You find yourself cheering for them all and needing to get to the next chapter to figure out what is going on with them.
Now I am just sitting here in intense anticipation waiting for the second book of the series to be released on September 1st. Will 100% be preordering that!
Recommendation: Yes – 5 out of 5
Book Summary: This real-life drama, set against the backdrop of WWII, is parsed from letters between a Dutch oil tanker captain and a South African woman. Their budding relationship wreaks havoc on her daughter’s emotional foundation. In Holland we experience Nazi occupation through the eyes of the Captain’s youngest child. She and her mother rely on each other to preserve their past, endure their present, and maintain hope for their future. Devotion, neglect; destiny, choice; human frailty and strength. A deeply touching account of love, trust, and survival.
I was gifted this book by the woman who created our pen and ink house piece. She actually wrote it – talk about talent, artist and a writer – not fair! It is a little different than the books I typically reach for however I found myself really loving it. The story is incredibly interesting while the characters are so well developed. I felt so connected to Trudy, the youngster daughter of the Dutch oil tanker caption (the main character if you will), I found myself feeling very emotional for her throughout the book. It is a heartbreaking, warming, and endearing book that will leave you wanting to read more like it!
Recommendation: Yes – 4.5 out of 5
What I’m Reading Next
Below are a few books I have on my reading list. The first one is the book I just ordered – In Five Years. Should arrive in a few days – cannot wait to get started on it! I am also dying to read Open Book by Jessica Simpson, I have heard amazing things about it.
Check out what I read last spring and the previous summer’s reading list. Told you, I’m way more into reading when it’s warm out. Are you on the warm weather reading train? If so, what have you read and what are you loving? I would love to hear and add some books to my list. Comment below and share!
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I need to get my butt reading!! I’ve been spending way too much of my free time watching shows #oops!
-Morgan
The HER Chronicles [] http://theherchronicles.com
Such a good time to dive into a book!
xo Laura Leigh
So many great recommendations, I’m adding 2 to my cart now!
Lee | LegalLee Blonde
Thanks gal! Yay – hope you love it as much as I did!
xo Laura Leigh
I just started The Twin and I LOVE it.
Also American Royals….SO GOOD.
OBSESSED with your photo promoting that book! And you honestly influenced me to read American Royals with your fabulous photo.
xo Laura Leigh
Where The Crawdad’s Sing was so, so good! I’ve heard so many good things about In Five Years — Need to order it ASAP!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
I am sooo excited to read it! Actually just arrived today – will definitely be diving into it this evening!
xo Laura Leigh
i said i was going to be better about reading during quarantine but i have to admit i have spent wayyyy too much time in front of the tv instead! that changes TODAY. I still need to read Where the Crawdads Sing! That might be my next pick.
xx reb // http://www.rebeccapiersol.me
Totally get that! It’s so easy to plop down and get hooked on a new show or an old favorite. That is a great book – definitely a must read in my opinion!
xo Laura Leigh
I’m trying so hard to read more during this forced time at home. Your suggestions are always so helpful!
XO
https://moosmusing.com
It is the perfect time to do so! Aw thanks gal 🙂 I appreciate that!
xo Laura Leigh
These look great! I’ll have to try some of these out, I need a good new book to read. Xx.
For sure – they were great reads!
xo Laura Leigh
You know I’m not a huge reader, BUT American Royals sounds right up my alley! I’ve seen some others post about how good it is too!
It was SO GOOD! I cannot wait for the sequel to come out!
xo Laura Leigh
All of these books sound so intriguing! I need to add these to my reading list!!
Kileen
For sure!
xo Laura Leigh
Don’t get around to reading much but with all this extra time I probably should! These all sound like great picks! xoxo, Sarah
Definitely more time to do so now!
xo Laura Leigh
If you enjoyed American Royals, I highly suggest you read McGee’s other series, The Thousandth Floor. Very futuristic Gossip Girl-esque, and super interesting. Jam-packed with drama haha. Here’s hoping the next few months provide even more enjoyable reads for you!
Oh I will definitely have to look into that – thank you lady!
xo Laura Leigh
So many great book recommendations, which I love! I just finished reading Normal People, heard they are going to make a movie from it! Thanks for this list! Xo
Thank you Jaimie! Oh I definitely want to read that – love reading books they turn into movies.
xo Laura Leigh
I am so bad at reading- I never even finished the baby book I started before P was born lol.
Girl it happens!
xo Laura Leigh
I loved In Five years and really enjoyed Jessica Simpson’s book as well!
Yay! Love hearing that!
xo Laura Leigh