What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
Fiction
Reviewer’s Say: "You'll be counting the days until you can return to the Virgin Islands with these characters in the concluding volume of the trilogy. Print the bumper sticker-'I'd Rather Be Living in an Elin Hilderbrand Novel'" (Kirkus-starred review).
Series Alert: This is the second book in the “Paradise” series.
You might also like: The Guest Cottage by Nancy Thayer or Dreams of Falling by Karen White.
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
Fiction
What it’s about: Picoult tells the story of the lives of men and women inside a woman’s reproductive health services clinic, as a disgruntled man rushes inside, opens fire, and takes all who remain alive inside hostage.
Why you might like it: The stories of these lives and how they become intertwined is told in reverse chronological order. The novel starts at 5 pm, nearing the end of the hostage situation. You’re introduced to characters who have died, and as you read you learn who they are and how they met their demise. It can be a little confusing, and hard to get used to, but, in the end, it made for very effective story telling. Picoult did extensive research while writing this book, talking with pro-life activists, pro-choice advocates, women who have sought abortions, as well as the doctors and nurses who helped with those kinds of procedures. It is a hot-button issue, more now than ever, and Picoult dives into this subject matter with dignity, grace, and respect for BOTH sides.
From the author: “Honestly, I do not believe we, as a society, will ever agree on this issue. The stakes are too high, and both sides operate from places of unshakable belief. But I do think that the first step is to talk to each other-and more important, to listen. We may not see eye to eye, but we can respect each other’s opinions and find the truth in them. Perhaps in those honest conversations, instead of demonizing each other, we might see each other as imperfect humans, doing our best” (p.364).
The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand
Fiction
About the author: Elin Hilderbrand first discovered the magic of Nantucket in July 1993. She has lived there for 25 years, has written 20 novels, and is the mother of three teenagers. Her latest, Summer of ’69, is her first historical novel.
What the reviewers say: “Hilderbrand keeps things moving briskly in between sumptuous descriptions of food, drink, and tableware, throwing in an in-depth lesson on the restaurant business for good measure. Fun, stylish, and absorbing vacation reading.” Joanne Wilkinson―Booklist
You might also like: The Little French Bistro by Nina George or The Last Time I Saw Paris by Elizabeth Adler
Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky
Fiction
What is it? The notable allure of Barbara’s latest book is her ability to transport the reader to a place, time, and a set of circumstances that the reader is compelled to stay with until the very end. The plot’s surprises and developments create tension and emotional concern for the characters.
Key insight: The diversity in how people grieve adds depth and understanding that stays with the reader for a very long time.
For My Daughters by Barbara Delinsky
Fiction
What it’s about: This is a story of three sisters and their thoughts, expectations, joys and disappointments about themselves, each other, and their mother.
Key Insight: Barbara Delinsky knows women. She is one of the greatest writers for bringing to light the emotions encompassed in relationships. The women in this story could be YOUR mother or YOUR sisters. They expose the less favorable aspects of sibling rivalry and the misunderstanding of mothers.>
I’ll Be Your Blue Sky by Marisa De los Santos
Fiction
What it’s about: In this warm, romantic women’s fiction book, a heart-rending story from the 1950s intersects with a young woman’s life today. When Clare calls off her wedding at the eleventh hour, she meets Edith, an older woman who provides wise and comforting counsel. Shortly thereafter Edith dies, leaving her beautiful seaside cottage to an astonished Clare. As Clare explores Edith’s remarkable and secret past, she finds that love is closer than she expected.
Why you might like it: If you like reading about characters you’ll care about, and romantic stories that weave together two narratives from different timeframes, you’ll enjoy this novel.
Series alert: While this novel can be read on its own, readers who prefer starting a series at the beginning will first want to read Love Walked In, followed by Belong to Me.
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
Fiction
What it’s about: Feminism, female power, misogyny, how women influence each other.
Why you might like it: The main character, Greer, represents the newest generation of feminists as she navigates how to do work that makes a positive difference in the world.
Book buzz: Unintentionally perfectly timed to the advent of the @MeToo era, this novel is sure to speak to many people and to be made into a Hollywood movie.
You might also like: Text Me When You Get Home by Kayleen Schaefer, I Have the Right To by Chessy Prout, Red Clocks by Leni Zumas.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gayle Honeyman
Fiction
Eleanor works at an office job, has no friends, no social skills, spends weekends at home with two bottles of vodka, and has the mother from hell. Then she meets the new IT guy and they develop a kind of friendship. Eleanor starts to come out of her shell and begins working on her profound loneliness. Eleanor is incredibly sad but at the same time also incredibly hilarious. The book’s joyful message: It’s never too late! If you like awkward, quirky characters and a character-driven storyline, this book is for you.
All the Summer Girls by Meg Donohue
Fiction
An engaging story about three friends Kate, Vanessa and Dani who reconnect at Dani’s father’s house in the New Jersey beach town of Avalon. Kate is just recently dumped by her fiancé and then finds out she is pregnant. Dani is fired from yet another job and living a life with no direction while also trying to write a book. Vanessa is married with a daughter and is still coming to terms with her husband’s infidelity. Avalon is where Kate’s twin brother tragically drowned eight years before. Each must come to terms with the part they may have played in his death, repair their friendship, and figure out the next step in their lives. A good book on audio. Narrated by Heather Henderson.
First Comes Love by Emily Giffin
Fiction
Emily Giffin writes another heartwarming book about two sisters, Meredith and Josie. Fifteen years after their brother Daniel is killed in a car accident right before Christmas both sisters are at a crossroads in their lives where they must make important decisions. Meredith is the seemingly perfect sister, married to Daniel’s best friend Nolan. They have a have a four year old daughter, Harper, but Meredith is unhappy and trying to figure out why. Josie is the screw up, still single, living with her male best friend Gabe, and desperately wants to find love but is putting motherhood before marriage. It is a relatable book about family and the unbreakable bond between sisters. The audiobook is narrated by Emily Foster and Catherine Taber.