Joy: Poet, Seeker, and the Woman Who Captivated C.S. Lewis, Abigail Santamaria
Joy Davidman is chiefly known as the wife of C.S. Lewis – but before she married him, she was a writer and spiritual seeker in her own right. A well-written biography of a difficult, complicated woman. To review for Shelf Awareness (out August 4).
Murder on the Flying Scotsman, Carola Dunn
En route from London to Edinburgh by train, Daisy Dalrymple gets mixed up in another murder case – as well as taking charge of her love interest’s runaway daughter. A crazy cast of characters – sort of a comedic version of Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Light and fun.
The Girl Who Wrote in Silk, Kelli Estes
When Inara Erickson inherits her aunt’s estate on Orcas Island, Washington, she discovers a richly embroidered silk sleeve hidden under the staircase. Estes’ dual narrative links Inara’s story to that of Liu Mei Lien, a Chinese woman who faced hardship and prejudice in 1880s Seattle. Some plot elements wrapped up too neatly, but Mei Lien’s story kept me turning the pages. To review for Shelf Awareness (out July 7).
The Flying Circus, Susan Crandall
In the 1920s, aviation was still a new, risky phenomenon – and daredevil pilots drew huge crowds with their “barnstorming” stunts. Crandall’s novel follows a WWI pilot, a young mechanic and a runaway society girl as they build an unconventional family with their “flying circus.” Full of adrenaline and heart. To review for Shelf Awareness (out July 7).
The Suspicion at Sanditon, Carrie Brebis
On their first visit to the seaside village of Sanditon, Elizabeth (née Bennet) and Fitzwilliam Darcy are invited to a dinner party. But when their hostess disappears before dinner, the Darcys must search for her while keeping a close eye on the other guests. A little silly, but fun. To review for Shelf Awareness (out July 14).
Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives, Gretchen Rubin
I’ve read Rubin’s two previous books on happiness and appreciated this fresh topic: the particulars and strategies of habits. Interesting and insightful (though I’d read a lot of the content on her blog). I do like her Four Tendencies framework (I’m definitely an Obliger). My friend and fellow writer Nina Badzin reviewed this one at Great New Books.
Damsel in Distress, Carola Dunn
Daisy Dalrymple’s fifth case involves a kidnapping, blackmail and some interesting romantic developments – for herself and several friends. Light, witty and so much fun.
The Boston Girl, Anita Diamant
Born and raised in Boston in the early 1900s, Addie Baum recounts the story of her life to her granddaughter, Ava. I loved the glimpses of 1920s/30s Boston and Addie’s adventures as a young, spunky working girl (and writer).
Dead in the Water, Carola Dunn
Daisy Dalrymple plans to enjoy her weekend at the Henley Regatta – but of course murder intervenes. A witty, very English entry in this series.
The Garden of Letters, Alyson Richman
A young, gifted Italian cellist finds herself hiding out in Portofino as the Nazis invade her home city of Verona. Both she and the widowed doctor who gives her shelter are harboring some painful secrets. Richman weaves an exquisite story of love and tragedy against the backdrop of World War II.
Most links (not affiliate links) are to my favorite local bookstore, Brookline Booksmith.
What are you reading?
cakes, tea and dreams 
Oh my goodness–your reading lists alway have me running to the library! Thank you!
I’ll be eager to read your review of “The Girl Who Wrote in Silk.” It’s sitting in my TBR pile and I’m excited to read it. Love your blog, by the way!
Thanks! Curious to hear what you think of The Girl Who Wrote in Silk when you read it.
You always have such great reading lists. Joy and Better Than Before really captivate me. I love the story of Joy & C.S. Lewis and I was in Oxford once and saw his college. It was a rainy day in March and most of our England trip was rather wet but that day in Oxford was glorious. Everything about it looked just like the movie about Joy & C.S. Lewis – she was a fascinating person. Despite the rain I loved every minute of being in England. The Better Than Before book looks good – I really want to develop some better habits – I so admire those people who are up at dawn – out for a brisk walk or do their meditation or always make their bed or consistently keep everything organized. Habits are a powerful and essential part of our life and so is ritual. Thanks again for your wonderful posts – just love everything you write.
I love Oxford, as you know! And Magdalen, where Lewis taught, is so gorgeous. Thanks for the kind words!