I'm a fan of summer reading lists...even in elementary school, when the teacher provided a list I definitely kept an eye out on which books I wanted to read first.
This season of reading, I've really been drawn to historical fiction novels and I so enjoy learning about history because it's like drama meets facts.
Below are my book recommendations for what to add to your summer reading list. I must preface that the majority of these will be historical fiction, however, who doesn't like to gain more knowledge especially when reading a historical fiction drama? You get the best of both worlds in my opinion.
Please note that these books are not listed in any specific order.
Julie Klassen has such a talent for writing books in Regency/Victorian-era England. The Silent Governess has many moving parts as a book and the characters are so well-created. It took me a bit to connect the storylines because the content was thick with description. It's like binge-watching a TV show and remembering what happened after you come back from your break. Klassen has a skill for bringing a Jane Austenesque to her books - which I am happy to be obliged to read.
If you like suspense, drama, and past romances being rekindled - add Lights Out to your summer reading list. Walters was an author I picked up at the Library and I was so impressed with her storyline and the reality of the situations she was describing - it was similar to a real-world event that you would see on the news. I like that her characters are so diverse in culture and personality, that you want to become friends with them.
As I said, reading historical fiction is one of my favorite reads. All of Sarah Sundin's books are so well-done like a round of applause every time I finish one of her novels. The Sea Before Us is a part of the Sunrise at Normandy Series. All three of the books are amazing, I am one of those individuals who has to read books in order. So I encourage you to start at the beginning. This book captures what it's like for the characters going through the hardships of the Second World War and how their friendship turns into a courtship.
Now you may think, I can't afford to purchase all these books. Some books can cost some serious money. SO! I highly encourage you to go to your local library. The reason I say that is because up to this point in the year, I've saved $1,965.60 on books! And not all books I've liked so I haven't finished them. Can you imagine purchasing a book and not liking it and then having to keep it because you paid for it? I've been using my local library for the last year and a half. So check out what your library has and ask all the questions - because they may be able to order a book that they don't have just for you.
This is a series that is so dear to my heart because I wrote them! These are great reads during the summer because they are fun to read and they have a great storyline. I am obviously very biased towards them. But I know you will enjoy the story of Sienna, Johanna, and Grayson as you read through them.
Lynn Austin is an amazing author and I really enjoy her writing style. This book particularly encouraged me to start working on my own novel that had ties to a particular historical event (I'm not spoiling anything). Anyways, A Woman's Place portrays four different perspectives of women of different backgrounds working together during World War 2 and what the true meaning of sacrifice is.
Irene Hannon is a fabulous author and pairs suspense and romance oh so well. This book particularly is the beginning of the Heroes of Quantico series. I enjoyed the slow burn this book has between the characters. It definitely has kept me up at night, needing to know what happens next. I love a good page-turner - this is one of those.
I'm a fan of a sweet romance and On Magnolia Lane is a book that makes you smile after reading it. Denise Hunter has an artistry about her books that ties all the pieces of the story together. Small-town romances make you feel as the reader that you are a part of the community that has been created. Her books could be made into hallmark movies, that is for sure.
These are just a few of the great reads I've had the opportunity to experience. Dive into some of these great books and enjoy the stories. If you have any books for this summer season, comment below!
Disclosure: I do not receive any compensation for using affiliate links. I'm only sharing them for convenience purposes to the reader.
Savannah, I have read all three of your books and I was enamored by each one!
You are a talented writer and I can’t wait for your next book!
Bridgette Simmons