If there’s a singular theme running through my reading list this season it’s books with a sense of place. Now that I’m not able to travel on a whim, I find myself wanting to be transported on the page. Many of these books are strongly rooted in a specific place, sometimes even including location as character. I’ll star* the gorgeous summer destinations on this list that have me Googling flight prices for my next vacation.

Reading Challenge count: 28/45

Books I read in April, May, June, July and August

The Assassin’s Blade - Sarah J. Maas ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read this prequel in the order of publication, rather than chronologically in the Throne of Glass series and I’m glad I did. While it provided some much needed pretext for the series, I wasn’t as captivated by the plot and might not have continued in the series if I had read this first (as some others recommend). I’m still not sold on this series (it’s definitely my least favorite by SJM) so it’ll be on the back burner for me.

Daydream - Hannah Grace ⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of the more mature entries in the Maple Hills series. It follows Henry’s story — the anxious new captain of the hockey team meets the bookish Halle. It leans sweet over spicy but has all the heat Hannah Grace is known for.

The Rom-Commers - Katherine Center ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Two screenwriters stuck in a house, trying to write a rom-com and not kill each other. What else is there to do BUT fall in love with each other? This had me giggling and kicking my feet.

Back After This - Linda Holmes ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Linda is a former NPR colleague of mine. It was fun to see some familiar little details peppered into this love story about an audio producer forced to work with a dating coach on a new podcast. Plus, it had me missing D.C.

Beneath A Scarlet Sky* - Mark T. Sullivan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This may be the best book I’ve read all year. It’s historical fiction based on the real life of remarkable Italian man during World War II. After every chapter I would put it down and think to myself, that’s the wildest story I’ve ever heard. And it just kept getting more unbelievable! I’m shocked that I haven’t heard this guy’s story before. I can’t stop recommending this to everyone.

How To End a Love Story - Yulin Kuang ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A high school tragedy follows two writers who end up on the same job many years later. Will their shared trauma bring them closer together or drive them apart, making working together another nightmare? It’s a sweet story of healing and forgiveness.

The Summer Pact* - Emily Giffin ⭐️⭐️⭐️

It has been a hot minute since I went through an Emily Giffin phase (go Deacs). Reading this one reminded me why I stopped, as it’s a bit over simplistic (dare I say, corny?). Where it really shines is in describing how the roots of college friendship grow and mature over the years.

The Paper Palace* - Miranda Cowley Heller ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cape Cod mention! A woman cheats on her husband with her lifelong best friend. What follows is a tense unraveling and examination of how personal history shapes our future choices. Tightly written and sharply observant; I was hanging on to every word.

We Solve Murders - Richard Osman ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From the author of the Thursday Murder Club comes another delightful ragtag group of amateur detectives. An internationally successful author, a body guard and her reclusive father in law go on a wide goose chase around the globe, dodging hitmen and trying to clear their own names. A great palate cleanser to add to your lineup.

Sunrise on the Reaping - Suzanne Collins ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I forgot how fun it is to be immersed in the world of Panem. This prequel is Haymitch’s story, describing how he won his Hunger Games and became the hardened yet loveable rascal we’d later meet. I particularly enjoyed getting more backstory on the other mentors who appear in the second Quarter Quell. Justice for Mags!

Maine Characters* - Hannah Orenstein ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A cute story of half-sisters meeting for the first time after their father died. It embraces the complicated dynamics of family, relationships and sentimental property like a vintage lake house in small town Maine.

Sandwich* - Catherine Newman ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another Cape Cod set piece (can you tell I was feeling homesick?). A poignant, relatable depiction of a woman going through menopause and coming to terms with her decisions and the dynamics of family.

Intermezzo - Sally Rooney ⭐️⭐️

I let the hype get to me on this one. I’m officially off the Sally Rooney train. I don’t like her writing style — for the love of God, give me quotation marks!!

What are you reading? Let me know what I should add to my TBR list!