One of these days, I’ll get my act together so I post these earlier. With that said, it was a totally solid month of reading and I read what I think is a perfect novel. Truly the best book I’ve read all year… maybe ever?
Here’s what I read in September 2024:
THE WEDDING PEOPLE by Alison Espach
4/5 Stars
I forgot to include this over the summer– I actually read this in July! This was a totally unexpected book. It was heartfelt and funny. Despite some deep topics (maybe check for triggers before reading), it didn’t take itself too seriously. Very rarely do I find a book able to strike that balance. This would be an excellent book club choice as there is lots to discuss. The novel opens with the main character checking in to a resort hotel in Rhode Island to end her life. (I know, but stick with me.) The hotel has been taken over by the guests of a wedding though– along the way she befriends the bride. You really get to know the cast of characters!
THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Woods
4/5 Stars
Wow! I think I have to stop saying that I don’t enjoy thrillers because lately I have been enjoying them. Including The God of the Woods! This spans the course of decades, flipping between time and characters. It is spooky and nostalgic. I loved the summer camp vibes, wealthy family drama, and murder mysteries, this one is for you.
HUSBANDS & LOVERS by Beatriz Williams
4/5 Stars
Another great novel by Beatriz Williams! Husbands & Lovers connects the stories of two women. One, a modern woman navigating life as a single mother to a teenage son. And the other, a woman living in 1951 in Cairo, Egypt creating a new life for herself after tragedy. This book is somehow sexy, relatable, and deep all at once. I really enjoyed how their stories were intertwined.
BLUE SISTERS by Coco Mellors
5+/5 Stars
If you read one book that I’ve ever recommended, please make it this one. Blue Sisters is an absolute masterpiece about the complicated, beautiful relationships unique to sisterhood. It follows three sisters who are navigating life after the untimely death of their fourth sister. It is a beautiful story of imperfect people. I sobbed at the end– happy tears. The writing is exceptional!
NATURAL SELECTION by Elin Hilderbrand
4/5 Stars
A short story! I don’t normally find myself reaching for short stories, but I will read anything by Elin Hilderbrand. This was such a fun read and made me want to look into more short stories in the future. It’s light. It’s quick. It’s satisfying. This is about a woman who is left at the last minute by her boyfriend before boarding a cruise to the Galapagos Islands. My only complaint about this one though, was that I actually wanted more from it. I could have easily read an entire book!
READ WITH ME
You always have such good recommendations! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
I absolutely loved God of the Woods and I’m so glad more people are enjoying it!
Fewer & Better
Oh my gosh, I read all of these except the Elin Hilderbrand. I loved them all!! God of the Woods was my favorite and I can’t even talk about how much I loved Husbands and Lovers!!!
I have been seeing a lot about Blue Sisters and your Instagram stories sold me on adding it to my reading list!