July Books

 The Forgotten Midwife by Laura Anthony -- When Riley discovers a birth certificate in her beloved grandmother's closet, she travels to Ireland for answers. Meanwhile the readers discover Margaret, the second daughter, who had plans to marry before her father gave her to the convent in order to become a nun. There Margaret wonders why her family never writes as she learns to be satisfied in this new life. Interesting story! 

A Cruise to Die For by Heather Graham -- The good news is that this author has MANY many books I've never read, most parts of serieses, in case I want to read more from her. The bad news is that this book was just OK. Not terrible, but the cutesy dialog "As you wish" just got a bit too much for me at times. Two special agents are partnered together going undercover on a cruise ship that features classes for those who want to learn more about furthering their presence online - or just being safer online. Wes and Chloe had never met, but they partner well.  This was an easy read between watching World Cup matches and dealing with an intensely itchy ankle and foot as I got stung by a couple of yellowjackets on the morning of July 1. Seriously, itching could be a form of torture.

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston -- Camille needs an alibi so she can gather information so she has Aubrey take her car and phone, and dress as Camille in case Camille's husband tracks her. But then Benjamin is found dead in his home office, and Hank is seeking what happened to his law partner while trying to defend his wife and himself. Did you follow all that?  Quick, easy read. 

My Sister Marilyn by Berniece Baker Miracle -- Even though I've never been much of a fan of her, last month I read a novel about Marilyn Monroe. The book got me a bit interested in her life so I decided to check out this story. It took a bit to get into due to all the names and the way it was written, but once I got those sorted out, I enjoyed hearing memories from Norma Jeane's older sister and her niece, Mona Rae Miracle.

The Exes by Leodora Darlington -- Natalie and her therapist Dimple explore Natalie's violent tendencies and past acts of violence against three former boyfriends. Meanwhile Natalie and her husband James deal with James' brother's blackmail. 

The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives by Elizabeth Arnott -- Elsie, Beverley, and Margot are the wives of murderers who become friends after a time. When they find out women are being killed, they decide to see if they can solve the mystery of who is committing these crimes! 

It's Not Her by Mary Kubica -- Courtney's family is on a trip to a resort in Wisconsin. Resort is more like rustic cabins along a beautiful lake. Her niece Reese hates being away from her friends for two weeks at a time when she's already struggling to fit in with her peers. When a horrible thing happens to Courtney's brother and sister in law (who happens to be her best friend), she tries to solve the mystery.  Although this isn't a pleasant book, it was a "good" thriller/mystery to me. 

The Girls Trip by Ally Condie -- Hope, Caro, and Ash met on an online book club during the pandemic, and have continued their friendship with a plan to meet up. Hope proposes a sudden trip where they tell no one where they are.  Each of the ladies has a secret. A quick, easy read. 

The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson -- I liked this more than I anticipated. It was inspired by Grace Livingston Hill, someone I remember my mom reading or at least talking about when I was little. Olivia is an author struggling for a new story. When she attends a university panel as a guest, she meets Professor Simon Farrow with whom she enjoys discussing her projects. Meanwhile in more modern times, Harper is looking for her own story - one to produce as a film. 

Small World by Laura Zigman -- After Lydia's divorce, she moves into her younger sister Joyce's apartment where they live together for nearly a year before they get new neighbors upstairs. How will that couple impact Lydia and Joyce's lives?  Both women deal with issues from growing up in a family where they lost their middle sister who born with a birth defect. Pretty good.

Ghosted by Rosie Walsh -- Sarah met Eddie as she was remembering the accident that changed everything. They hit it off, spent an amazing week together, and then she left his house knowing he had to meet a friend for a planned holiday in Spain. He promised to let her know he made it safely, but she didn't hear from him.  She was supposed to pick him up from the airport after his trip, but he never sent the details. She's convinced something happened to him - surely he didn't ghost her. 

The Unwedding by Ally Condie -- Ellery and her husband booked a lovely vacation in order to celebrate their twentieth wedding anniversary, but they split up just before that day arrived so Ellery went on the trip alone.  (She didn't want HIM taking his new girlfriend after all.)  At the resort, she befriends Ravi and Nina as well as Olivia, who is getting married at the resort that same week. Guests are stunned when Olivia's mom informs everyone that Ben called off the wedding so they could have the food... no need for it to go to waste. Also, there's some murder, a storm, and no one can get off the property! 

The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke -- When a best-selling author dies just before he finishes the last book in his amazing series, his agent and publisher get creative. Six midlist authors are invited to Arthur Fletch's private island in Scotland. There they sign NDAs and are tasked with writing the ending to Arthur's final book. The one who has the best ending, wins some things worth killing for (apparently.) 

The Push by Ashley Audrain -- Blythe watches her former husband, his new wife and their baby. She sees her daughter, Violet, who lives with them.  And she tells her side of the story. Although it's rather sad, I enjoyed this one!  And I feel like I read it before, but I didn't see it on my blog, so...?

Separation Anxiety by Laura Zigman -- Judy is fifty years old, dealing with a teenaged son who seems embarrassed by her at times, a husband who is often anxious, and a dear friend who is dying from cancer. Plus, her job isn't as fulfilling after her writing career kind of flopped after she wrote a popular book years ago. Pretty cute story. 

A Present Peace by Bill Crowder -- This is a little devotional book that was in Andrew's mom's stuff, and I decided to read one or two most days. It's 90 "our daily bread reflections for embracing God's truth through hard times." 

Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns -- Marijohn is convinced that her mother is the famous folk singer Elle Harlow who rose to fame and then disappeared nearly twenty years ago. She was found by the gas station attendant just as Elle drove off, and she was left with a battered mandolin. Years later, she learns Elle's story, and how her friendship with Josie and Weston impacted her career.  I didn't like this much at first, but it grew on me before becoming a bit too long. Still, it was decent.