What I Read This Summer + Fall Books On My List

Let’s talk about fall BOOKS! I go through phases when I love to read and phases when I can’t focus… but recently a book + some CBD oil = the key to unwinding at night for me. And I’m all about anything that gives me a good night’s sleep!

Those of you who get my weekly emails know what I’m reading each week, but I thought it would be fun to recap everything I’ve read this Summer (err, year…) so far! Also, if you love books but don’t want to collect physical books due to sustainability reasons or just because you don’t have room in your apartment, I looooove my Kindle. I got it for Christmas last year and it’s the best little device ever. Plus it feels like nothing in your purse, so you can take it everywhere with you. I can’t recommend it enough!

PS. You can click the links below, but all of these books are also linked in my Amazon Shop. Okay, let’s get to it!

What I’ve Read

American Royals by Katharine McGee

If you follow my insta-stories, this might sound familiar! I started it a few days ago and I already know I’m going to fly through it. Basically, the plot follows the American Royal Family. As in the family that might be around if George Washington became King instead of President back in the day. Princess Beatrice is in line to become America’s first Queen regnant, and I’m just learning about her twin siblings now. Cannot wait to read more!

Becoming by Michelle Obama

This book is SO. GOOD. No matter what your politics are, there’s no denying that Michelle Obama is an incredibly inspiring woman. Her writing is beautiful and her stories will suck you in and make you feel like you’re long lost best friends. I laughed. I cried. And I even highlighted excerpts I loved. Can’t recommend it enough!

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

One of my best friends recommended this book to me and I LOVED IT. It’s a satisfying romantic comedy in book form. The plot is centered around Evvie Drake, who lost her husband unexpectedly the year before. Meanwhile, a baseball player in New York is looking for an escape after getting the “yips”, and their mutual friend suggests that he live in Evvie’s apartment in the back of her house. It explores grief, shame, a will they or won’t they dynamic, and even male/female friendships. It’s delightful and I loved every page.

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

To be honest, I liked this book WAY better than Girl, Wash Your Face. It’s much more actionable, with less chapters directed at Moms (nothing wrong with that, I just can’t relate!). If you want to chase a dream but you’re feeling stuck, this is a great kick-in-the-butt book!

Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

In case you didn’t know, I have a thing for royals ?‍♀️I’m so glad I heard about it on the Bad On Paper Podcast because it’s a delight. It’s about the unlikely relationship between America’s First Son and the Prince of Wales. While I’ll admit that it’s too long and lost me in some spots, it’s overall a great love story. Henry (aka the Prince) even talks about how much he loves the Great British Baking Show! My heart!

How Could She by Lauren Mechling

I’m including this here even though I abandoned it to start American Royals. It’s not that it was bad – in fact the writing is really great. The story just never grabbed me and I’d end up falling asleep every time I picked it up. If you are better at staying awake at night and like books about the power struggled between female friendships, I’d still recommend it though! Just not for me right now.

Fall Books on my reading list:

These aren’t necessarily new releases (I’m not super in-the-know in this department!), but here are the books on my Fall reading list right now!

Well Met by Jen Deluca

I’m already excited to read this book after I finish American Royals. I discovered it on Hitha’s instagram, where she described it as the “literary equivalent of Gilmore Girls, Season 3.” Yes, please!

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

Is it just me or is everyone talking about this book?! It sounds juicy and fascinating. Have any of you read it?

Educated by Tara Westover

This has been recommended to me multiple times. It’s about a young girl who was kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family, and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University. Sounds incredible.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks

Told you I love books about Royals! I’ve heard such good things about this one – seems like I have to read it, right?

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Another one that has been recommended to me a ton. I don’t know much about it – just that everyone says it’s really good!

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert is one of my favorite authors, so I’m excited to read her latest book.

Marriage Vacation by Pauline Brooks

Any Younger fans out there? They turned Marriage Vacation into a real book that all of us can read too. Such a fun idea!

The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes

Sounds like a solid chick-lit read. 

Park Avenue Summer by Renee Rosen

This book is described as “Mad Men meets Devil Wears Prada.” That is FOR ME.

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Which Fall books are you excited to read? Let me know in the comments!

And remember, you can shop all of these books in my Amazon Shop!

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PS. You might also like My Favorite Podcasts and some more book suggestions in this post last year.