The birds are chirping, the sea breezes are kicking, and life just *may* be getting back to normal, and that means you could actually be enjoying the outdoors again!
And what’s better than lounging in nature with a great book in your hands?
Not much!
Enjoy my latest book roundup of new releases ready for the beach. Book title links take you to Amazon, or grab your library card and start reserving!
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
The buzz surrounding this book has been out of control, and for good reason. Hannah has a magical way of weaving a sweeping drama into a very readable novel, and her latest which takes place during the Dust Bowl, is receiving more acclaim than dare I say The Nightingale ever did. Hannah fans do not miss this one.
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
If you’ve read Jane Eyre, you’re going to recognize some surnames and a tiny bit of similar plot lines in this new thriller. Set in a posh Birmingham, Alabama suburb, we follow the disappearance of a wife the neighbors love to hate, and the new wife that conveniently takes her place, or does she?
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
World War II historical fiction fans, this is for you. Described by Booklist as, “A love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship,” this title is based on a true story of how the American Library in Paris remained open during the war, thanks to a few courageous librarians.
The Survivors by Jane Harper
Another winning whodunit by Australia’s most gifted thriller writer, The Survivors will take you on a deep and emotional trip around how mistakes we make as youths can come back to haunt us later, and the people we once trusted are the least likely to have our backs in the end. Set near a beach, this is a perfect page turning beach read.
Good Neighbors by Sarah Langan
For fans of Little Fires Everywhere, this domestic thriller noir is meticulously crafted and terrifying all at the same time. This is a heavy and dark trip down middle class suburban lane. Buckle up.
Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan
Half fact, half fiction, this is the story of a professor stumbling onto artifacts from a sunken 1800s steamship referred to as the Titanic of the South. As he learns more about the passengers through their belongings, he uncovers the tragic tales of what some families will do to survive.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
This is an honest to goodness, LOL hilarious romp that also manages to double as a first rate mystery. Picture a stressed out mom in the middle of a murder caper. It gave me all the “Where’d You Go Bernadette” feels, and I think it will be the silent hit of the spring.
The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell ‘Antonia
First rate chick lit here, and very much a light, witty, feel good story about sisters and the legacy of family. This was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, and is a delight from beginning to end.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The premise of this oh so lovable book is what are the consequences to all the choices we make, and what if we could see them after the fact? This is contemporary fiction at its best and brightest, and the perfect tale for our times right now.
Shipped by Angie Hockman
Cheeky romance that fans of The Unhoneymooners will enjoy. Fast, light read set on an ecotourism cruise to the Galapagos, it follows a pair of co-workers and a love/hate relationship that just may end up happily ever after.
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
In 1926, Agatha Christie went missing for 11 days. Where was she? Christie fans- as well as historical fiction fans, will eat this dramatic novelization up, as they try to unravel the great mystery of Agatha’s disappearance.
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
This highly entertaining and uplifting little romance about dueling on air public radio hosts will give you all the warm and fuzzies, as you get to *listen* to two people faking being out of love, actually start to fall into love.
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett
85 year old Eudora is coming to terms with the end of her life and is making plans to see that it happens the way she wants. She then meets an energetic 10 year old girl and another cast of lovable characters, that all help bring back a lifetime of memories, and maybe change Eudora’s outlook on life after all.
The Restoration of Celia Fairchild by Marie Bostwick
For fans of Evie Drake Starts Over comes this lovely story of redemption, and the wonderful possibilities of a life makeover. Funny, sweet, with just the right touch of inspiration, you’ll fall in love with Celia as she rebuilds not just a house, but a life.
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
Set at a ski chalet/resort that was formerly a hospital for the very ill, this swift thriller leads the reader on a race to find who is killing guests, all while in the middle of a blizzard. Fans of Ruth Ware’s One by One will enjoy this mystery, that was also a Reese Witherspoon Book of the Month.
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
As deeply riveting and emotional thrillers go, this one may be this year’s top pick by far. It’s a Kirkus Starred review, and features an intricately woven and smart plot, as well as a young girl character reminiscent of Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird that you’ll be rooting for all the way. It’s also one of Amazon’s Best Books of March.
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