Summer Reading List Recommendations

Do you like to read? I am an avid reader… I’ve even spoken about it before on the blog, like here where I talk about getting your children to love reading. I read at least one book every two weeks. And that’s at the VERY least, sometimes, depending on the book and what’s going on in my life it’s more than that. My secret lately? I got a reader app on my cell phone. I sit and read while I’m feeding my daughter, or waiting on the hubs. I even sneak a chapter with my phone on dim right before I go to sleep.

I’ve read several really great books lately. Some newer releases, some older favorites, but all books that if you haven’t read them yet, I’d highly recommend adding them to your summer reading list. If you have read them, I would love to know your thoughts!!! There’s a little something for everyone, so if one genre doesn’t suit your fancy,  keep reading there are more options!!!

Here is my summer reading list recommendations for 2014!

• The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
  SUCH a good book. I just happened upon it in my free library app and adored it. It starts off a bit slow with getting to know the main character, but you’ll understand why the further in you get. Based in the present day it flashes back to the 1940s. A time when our country was at war and women were a little less valued for their talents then they are now. You’ll fall in love with the characters and enjoy each surprising twist this story takes.

• Wild by Cheryl Strayed
  After losing her mother to cancer, Cheryl finds herself living a life she doesn’t want. Based on a true story, she recounts how she decides, plans for and ultimately hikes the Pacific Crest Trail on her own. Turns out she isn’t as prepared as she thought. Honestly, I have no compassion for the terrible life choices she made before the trail, even if she lost her mother. Everyone loses someone at one point or another. That doesn’t mean you get free rein to be a bad person… BUT I am seriously impressed with her for sticking with the trail and coming out a better person on the other side!!!

• The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
  Fans of the Stephanie Plum novels, you’ll love the first book in Evanovich’s new series. It follows an FBI agent, Kate O’Hare who is forced to team up with the criminal she’s been chasing for years to catch an even bigger criminal. Kate is fiesty, Nicolas Fox, the criminal is even feistier! It’s the perfect summer evening read!

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
  If you’re looking for a fluffy, just for fun series with some yummy recipes included, this is the one you’ll want to read! I’ve read through to the 17th book and enjoyed every one. It’s based on Hannah Swenson, a bakery owner in a small town that turns into a accidental detective. I get a little annoyed with Hannah’s love life, two boyfriends, really?!? And her cat gets on my nerves… haha but overall it’s just a fun, light read to enjoy poolside.

• A Wife for Mister Darcy by Mary Simonsen
  Lovers of Pride and Prejudice, will love this alternate take on the love story of Elizabeth and her Mister Darcy. It’s really a what if scenario of if this had happened during the story instead of this what would have turned out. Really enjoyed it!!!

• Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
  Another book I just happened upon in my free library app, but really enjoyed. It’s about an English gentleman who has lost his wife, has a son that things he’s becoming an invalid, but through it all he has a wry sense of humor, traditional attitude and a sweet side. He begins spending time with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, also a widower, but someone society considers to be an outsider and a foreigner. All in all, it’s a sweet love story of a couple that makes it against the odds.

• The Black Ice by Michael Connelly
  Sequel to Connelly’s The Black Echo (so read it first if you haven’t yet), Detective Harry Bosch is at it again. His unconventional methods and pension for doing what he wants gets him into a lot of trouble, but they also help him solve the case. This is one of those murder mysteries that although realistic, didn’t scare me to death to read alone at night. It involves the death of a cop Harry knew, drug dealers and rings from Mexico to California and a detective who won’t let it go… But that’s for the better.

So there you have it. A few of my recommendations for this summer’s reading list! I have several other reviews of books I’ve read lately and in the distant past on my Goodreads account if you’re interested. If you have an account add me as a friend! I’d love to see your reviews as well!

If you have read any of the books I shared here, I would love to know your thoughts! In the meantime, tell me, what book would YOU recommend I read this summer?