Recently Read | August Edition

Everything After || This is the second book by the author that I’ve read and the second time the material is heavy. Trigger warning that there is a lot of talk about miscarriages. Emily has had what she believes are two lives – one before Ezra and one with Ezra. Before Ezra, Emily loved music and had a great love that she thought would last forever. Now, Emily is a therapist and loving her life, until a chance listening session of a song brings her right back to her past. I thought the book was really fun to read, a little sad at times, but overall, I loved the story. You’re also not quite sure how Emily with deal with certain situations!

The Silence in the Sound || The author, Dianne Braley, reached out to me on Instagram and asked to send me her first novel. I was so grateful to have one of the first copies of the book to read and even more excited because the book takes place in Massachusetts, mostly the Vineyard. This is a really deep book, specifically dealing with addiction. While Georgette (George) didn’t have the best childhood, she had one memorable trip to the Vineyard with her dad when she was a teenager and fell in love with the island. She returns as an adult to live there full time and becomes a private nurse to a very well known author. About the same time she meets Dock, who is mysterious as well as exactly what George feels she needs. The chapters alternate between the past and the present, until you’re fully in the present. I needed to know how things would turn out between her and Dock. I thought the writing was amazing and full of vivid details and just as I would have hoped, she was very true what you find in the Boston suburbs she talks about and the Vineyard. There is a quote in the book, where the famous author tells George to write about what she knows, and after reading Dianne’s biography, I realized that is exactly what she did! Also, part of the proceeds of the book do go to a great cause!

Golden Girl || It has been a long time since I’ve read an Elin book, but this was perfect since I was actually visiting Nantucket while reading the book. Vivian Howe, a Nantucket resident, is about to release her newest book and the one she hopes will finally put her at the top of the bestseller’s list. This book however does have the chance to put a few of her secrets if she’s not careful. Unfortunately, Vivi will have to watch how her summer unfolds from heaven because she is killed in a hit and run one morning. She gets the summer to watch her kids, friends and a few ex’s – she’s allowed three nudges, but how will she use them? I’m not usually one for supernatural or “ghost” books and was actually surprised that Elin had this type of book, but it was really enjoyable and a fun read. As with all her books, you do feel transported to the island!