Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, right? So after you attended to all the demands of social distancing – working from home. . . keeping the kids entertained . . . zooming your book group . . . why not curl up with a glass of wine and one of the season’s sweetest, most uplifting/exciting/perplexing (in the best possible way) books?
I’ve selected ten recently published books – laugh-out-loud romcoms, uplifting family mysteries, international thrillers, heart-warming romance and enthralling historicals – something for every taste. . . . but all providing the chance to escape for a few hours into deep emotion, sunshine and secrets.
A good number of these authors can also be heard talking about their work on my weekly The Joys of Binge Reading Podcast . . . where I preview addictive books you won’t want to put down . . . Follow the links for further info.
#1
THE CAPTIVATING FAMILY TWISTER
Catherine Isaac: Messy Wonderful Us.
Two friends fly to Italy, one in search of her mother’s secret life,
the other escaping a sudden separation….
Both are in for surprises.
An uplifting tale of love, regret and second chances.
What if loving someone means keeping a secret that will break your heart?
Listen to the Podcast: https://thejoysofbingereading.com/catherine-isaac-messy-wonderful-love/
#2
THE RIOTOUS RESORT ROMCOM
Bronwyn Sell: Lovestruck
They live on the most romantic island on earth,
so how come they can’t find love?
Tingling sweet romance, Lovestruck delivers a perfect storm that leaves no feathers unruffled.
Listen to Podcast on Joys of Binge Reading
#3
THE SPARKLING SUMMER ESCAPE
Fiona Valpy: The French For Love
Can ‘happy ever after’ ever get lost in translation?
Like a glass of chilled wine on a hot afternoon,
this is a summer escape for any time of the year
The first of three ‘For The French’ romances, all
steeped in sunshine, great food and mended heart-break.
Listen to the Podcast: The Joys of
Binge Reading
#4
THE BIG-HEARTED ROMANCE
Minnie Darke: Starcrossed
Skeptic loses her heart to a true believer . . .
Journalist Justine tampers with her magazine’s
horoscopes to win artist Nick’s heart – and sets
in motion an unpredictable and often hilarious ripple effect . . .
Destiny doesn’t happen by accident . . .
‘The funny, clever, big-hearted romance of the year.’
#5
THE INTERNATIONAL CRIME SPINNER
Fiona Barton: The Suspect
A mother’s worst nightmare…
The kids are sending ‘living the dream’ Facebook posts
from the Bangkok backpacker’s party scene.
But the reality is very different.
Clever globe-trotting ‘whodunnit’ that packs a big emotional punch.
A crime thriller breakout star . . .
Listen to podcast on Joys Of Binge Reading
#6
THE ENTHRALLING HISTORICAL
Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray: My Dear Hamilton
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton’s story.
Wife, widow and warrior in Alexander Hamilton’s
quest for a more perfect union . . .
Theirs was the love story of the American Revolution
brought together in war, they were sundered apart in peace.
The consummate companion piece to Hamilton, The Musical.
Listen to Jenny’s Podcast on Joys Of Binge Reading
#7
THE ROCK MUSIC SENSATION
Taylor Jenkins Reid: Daisy Jones & The Six
‘Netflix doco meets A Star is Born’
Fleetwood Mac’s 70’s story fictionalized . . .
They were the new icons of rock and roll,
fated to burn bright and not fade away –
until it all came crashing down.
Daisy Jones was a 2019 pop fiction sensation . . .
and an upcoming Reese Witherspoon-produced TV series.
#8
THE POIGNANT
NAPOLEONIC DRAMA
Stephanie Parkyn: Josephine’s Garden
She survived the most terrible prison in Paris, but would
she survive her marriage to Napoleon, Emperor of France?
Richly imagined historical drama with an
underlying Australian botanical theme.
Obsession, love marriage, and ultimately finding the courage to let go . . .
Listen to Jenny’s podcast on Joys Of Binge Reading
#9
THE COMPULSIVE
WORLD WAR II THRILLER
Anika Scott: Finding Clara
1945 Germany, and Clara – iron works heiress,
feted “Iron Fraulein” of Nazi propaganda – is living
in the wreckage of her past, on the run from Allied authorities.
Deep moral challenge, breath-taking plot twists and
unwanted revelations from those you thought you knew – and loved – best.
#10
THE UPLIFTING FAMILY SAGA
Barbara Hannay: Meet Me in Venice
A year after her husband Leo’s death,
widow Daisy invites her three adult children to
join her for a holiday in beautiful Venice.
It will be wonderful, her chicks under
one roof again in their father’s birthplace.
But is it possible to recapture the past?
Listen to Jenny’s podcast on Joys Of Binge Reading
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