Good Reads & Views

Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
Nonfiction

What it’s about: If you're familiar with Brene's work, then this book is a profound, multilayered dive into the things we avoid. It has been a wonderful tool for unraveling difficult emotions. Of all Brene's books, this is my favorite! It is an uncomplicated ideal for voicing feelings we often struggle to identify and put into words.

Is it for you? If you seek a map for understanding your feelings and making peace with them, especially the painful ones we usually try to avoid, then this book is for you.

You might also like: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown.

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You Are a Badass Every Day by Jen Sincero
Nonfiction

What it’s about: This book is easy to read, you can literally read a page or two a day in the morning and it will make your whole day better. It’s wonderfully relaxing, motivating, and inspiring. From taking stock to following up on dreams, making changes or sharpening your goals, this is a fantastic read! It’s like sitting with a very positive friend who is on board, encouraging and funny too!

Is it for you? If you are seeking a truly relatable approach to self-improvement and self-development you should check out this exceptional book.

You might also like: Badass Habits by Jen Sincero

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Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline
Fiction

What it’s about: In full disclosure, I’m a big fan of Scottoline but Loyalty was not at all what I had anticipated, leaving me off balance for a significant portion of the book. Lisa speaks with a much different voice in this work than in her usual. Loyalty is a well-researched, extremely accurate look at every aspect of life in Sicily in the very early 19th century.

Why you might like it: The Mafia storyline is only one of several, all of which focus on “loyalty.” All the main characters find themselves in difficult life circumstances. How they survive, whether they win or lose, provides powerful outcomes with messages that will stick with you.

You might also like: Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline

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Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
YA Fiction

What it’s about: Girl in Pieces is both heart wrenching and redemptive. As soon as I picked up this book, I didn’t want to put it down…except to take some breaks when my heart felt wrecked. It was beautifully written and truly gives an accurate depiction of mental health and what it’s like to struggle with self-harm, depression, sexual abuse, and alcoholism.

Is it for you? It reminds you that sometimes bad things happen in life, but with supportive friends you can overcome pain and heartache to embrace life to its fullest.

You might also like: You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow

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All the Days of Summer by Nancy Thayer
Fiction

What it’s about: I love when you read a book and it feels so realistic. All of Nancy Thayer’s books are beautifully written with many layers of emotion and wit. They always include well-rounded characters who have both strengths and frailties. This story explores the relationship between a mother and the woman her son chooses to marry, which is a complicated one, charged with complexities and hurdles.

Why you might like it: There are twists and turns that keep the story interesting and the emotion real.

You might also like: Secrets in Summer by Nancy Thayer.

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California Girls by Susan Mallery
Fiction

What it’s about: This book has it all. Three sisters that have a full life ahead of them and then, in a matter of seconds their lives are turned upside down. There are multiple romance story lines. Susan Mallery does a wonderful job of seamlessly switching between different points of view. The characters are diverse, and it's effortless to tell who's telling each part of the story. From the beginning to the end, it was a fun and fabulous read.

Is it for you? If you’re looking for an easy summer read, a nice distraction, without violence, you’ll enjoy this book.

You might also like: Nantucket Sisters by Nancy Thayer.

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What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline
Fiction

What it’s about: To say that there are surprises in this novel would be an understatement. Just when you think you may have figured out what is happening, Scottoline throws in an unfathomable plot twist. The Bennett family are the victims of a carjacking gone wrong. And then, as it happens, it is far from simple and possibly not even a carjacking. Within the first few words you are pulled in and feel as if you are a part of the family and their lives. It is so well written that tears will flow, as if you are there experiencing it with them. You will not want to put the book down until you finish reading it. 

Why you might like it: It’s suspenseful, thrilling, heart-wrenching, action-packed, and full of plot twists.

You might also like: Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline.

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Dying to Date by Sharmyn McGraw
Fiction

What it’s about: Kristina Truly has a lot of snazzy shoes and a lot of problems too. People pay to hear her advice on relationships and dating even though her personal life is a hot mess, and her own relationships are just one disaster after another. When people who have attended her seminars start turning up murdered, the police show, up as well as a new love interest and some crazy family members.

Why you might like it: The author has an enticing voice (in real life as well) that lures you into the story so you can't put the book down.

You might also like: The Silence of the White City by Eva Garcia Saenz

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Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff
Fiction

What it’s about: This is a historical fiction story of two cousins, set in Brussels during WWII. It is based on the true story of the Belgian resistance fighters who stopped a train on its way to Auschwitz to help people escape from cattle cars. It also recounts a second true story of a ship of Jewish refugees refused landing in Cuba that had to then return to Europe.

Is it for you? If you enjoy historical fiction stories set in WWII that are about family, old loves, new loves, and forgiveness, you should read this book.

You might also like: The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin.

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The House of Dragon Blood by B.C. Fajohn
Fiction

What it’s about: This is an epic tale with high fantasy. I enjoyed seeing the different facets of the various lands and characters and how they view and interact with magic as well as non-humans. There was a lot of secrecy and hidden truths in this book as well! I loved every part of it!

Why you might like it: It is an adventure of fantasy, mystery, and magical combat.

You might also like: Fire and Blood by George R. R. Martin.

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