I am not a fan of heat and humidity but one of my favorite things about summer is that I actually have time to read for pleasure – a lot! This month I have had the opportunity to read some fantastic books though sadly my massive reading binge will slow down soon as prep for the upcoming semester begins. In the meantime, I wanted to share a few highlights:

• Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker
  This books is the very definition of psychological thriller – fast paced, complex and full of twists. Three years ago, sisters Cassandra and Emma disappeared one night without a trace and despite an exhaustive investigation and the passionate work of forensic psychologist Dr. Abby Winter, the case went cold. When Cass arrives home with a detailed story of where she has been and an emotional plea to go save Emma, the roller coaster ride begins. The story is dark at times, with the worst of human nature on display in some of the key characters, but readers will slowly begin to understand Cassandra’s desire to bring light to the truth and the underlying reason for her actions.  I thought Walker’s earlier novel All is Not Forgotten was fantastic – and the issues raised stuck with me for quite a while after finishing it – and Emma in the Night is just as compelling and thought-provoking.
• The Captain’s Daughter by Meg Mitchell Moore
  I really liked this book because of the underlying questions is poses: What if our life isn’t exactly what we thought it would be? What if we aren’t where we are supposed to be? What if we are? Eliza Barnes is forced to take an honest look at herself – her past, her present and her choices – when her widowed father has a boating accident and she must leave her “perfect” life in Massachusetts to return to her childhood home in Maine. There she finds herself questioning her decisions and her future as she faces past mistakes and crosses paths with a young woman also at a crossroad and in need of compassion and perspective. I think we all have moments where something unexpected happens and we need to reexamine our lives and Eliza does so with humor, empathy and heartbreaking honesty.
• Secrets of the Tulip Sisters by Susan Mallery
  This is the perfect summer read – family secrets, romance, rediscovery, friendship and forgiveness all set against the backdrop of an colorful small town and a beautiful tulip farm. Kate and Olivia Murphy have been estranged for more than a decade but when Olivia returns home they find themselves together in their childhood home both at somewhat of a turning point in their lives. The sisters – along with Kate’s best friend Helen – must each examine their own lives, their hopes for the future and their willingness to forgive if they hope to be a family. Although the story does look at real life issues – abandonment, family dynamics, business challenges/successes, personal fears – the book is completely enjoyable – funny, romantic and heartwarming. I found myself rooting for all three women- Kate, Olivia and Helen – and being genuinely satisfied by the ending.

  What have you been reading? Any recommendations? I’d love to hear about what you have been loving this summer!

  

  

  
  
  * I received early access to Emma in the Night from NetGalley in exchange for providing a review.