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5 Books To Read this Summer 2024

one italian summer 5 books to read this summer

At the beginning of 2024, I started the EDP Book Club, which I had done a few years prior. My friend Jane Bertch wrote “The French Ingredient,” and I wanted a way to help promote the book in a fun way. It has been wonderful to see readers share their books and the places they read. We have had a mix between historical fiction and memoirs. I typically gravitate towards WWII books set in France, but they aren’t the lightest read, especially in the summer. Usually, I like to save those for the colder months. I wanted to do something different with mysteries, and beach reads for summer. Choosing one book most of the group hasn’t read is challenging, so I picked five books to read this summer.

If you have read my suggested books, try another option from the same author. This list came from suggestions from friends, what I have seen pop up in articles and social media, and browsing in our local bookstore. I will have a casual Google Meet at the end of July that you are invited to join. You can also chat about book ideas and favorites in the EDP Facebook book club group.

5 books to read this summer 2024

5 Books to Read This Summer 2024

  • 1

    Happy Place by Emily Henry 

    I have heard about Emily Henry books for years now but I haven’t read one yet. While doing a little research on which book to start with, I discovered the author is from my hometown of Cincinnati. I have a lot of pride for my hometown and can’t wait to read Happy Place.

    The book takes place in Maine in the summer. A couple that broke up months before pretends to still be together for their annual weekend with their best friends.

  • 2

    One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle 

    I don’t remember how I discovered this book but so happy I did. It is a bit similar to “The Memory of Lavender and Sage” with the loss of a mother being the main story line.

    I actually stayed at Hotel Poseidon in Positano back in 2021 and met the staff and know the town well. The stories and adventures where Katy explores are ones I have experienced. They even go to Fontelina Beach Club in Capri where I read part of this book.

    It is a cute and fun beach read that I didn’t want to put down. The book is a bit cheesy I will give it that.

    I would love the opportunity to see my mom in her early years before she met my dad and my grandma.

    Bonus, it is on major sale on Kindle at $2.99

    Update: I just finished this one and the ending had me in tears. A love story that will have you booking a trip to Italy even if you just returned.

     

  • 3

    The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

    I originally had this book downloaded on my Kindle last summer and never opened it. It is part of the Kindle Unlimited and free. I read another book of Freida McFadden’s called “Sometimes I Lie” last summer and really enjoyed it.

    This is part of a three part series and I ended up literally jumping in the middle to book two. My husband and I are currently listening to it in the car while we drive to and from Boston to Chicago. It is a thriller with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. I don’t know if I will go back and read book one but I am curious on the ending and would want to start book three for the drive home.

     

  • 4

    Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand 

    Swan Song is my first of Elin Hilderbrand’s books and her last Nantucket book. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit Nantucket yet but my husband tells me the town we are visiting outside of Boston is similar.

    I started this on audio book from Spotify since it was offered and enjoy listening as I drive around the city. It will be fun to read while I have a water view on the shore this week. I will download it next after I finish One Italian Summer.

  • 5

    The Women by Kirstin Hannah

    I am a huge fan of Kristin Hannah and have read many of her books over the years. They are always long but quick and great reads. “The Nightingale” is my absolute favorite and I am happy it is gaining popularity again. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it.

    I also recently read “Winter Garden” it was downloaded on my Kindle and I found it on a long flight home. It was hard to put down and an easy and emotional read.

    “The Women” is Kristen Hannah’s newest book about the women of the Vietnam War and what happens once they return home.

I can’t wait to discuss these books in a virtual book club at the end of July and August. This should keep you busy for summer. Please leave your September book suggestions in the comments.

5 Books to Read this Summer 2024

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  1. Looks like you are having a lovely time in Mass. Could you share the details of the home you are renting? We are looking for a rental when we head East to visit our children in August? Merci bien.

  2. Highly recommend BROOKLYN by Colm Tobin ( yes it was made into a terrific film) and its recent sequel LONG ISLAND. Also THE EXILES , THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO, and brand new THE FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB

  3. The Women was fantastic and so was Swan Song! Another great book from a Cincinnati author is Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld. As a former Cincinnatian too, it is always fun to find hometown authors!

  4. Have you read “ The Paris Novel” by Ruth Reichl ? Seems like it would be up your alley! 🙂 it’s delightful

    • Thank you, Patricia! I started it but ended up not finishing it. The Mortimer storyline threw me. Is it worth pushing through?