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The summer was full of leisurely days, sundresses, swimming in the pool, and of course, books. Lots of books. As usual I am sharing all the books I read over the summer season. Hoping one or two will be added to your books to read list. These first 3 books are quintessential summertime stories; from trips to Nantucket to gram-slam tennis tournaments. From murder mysteries to dedication. Each book captures your attention and keeps it throughout the entire story. Here is part 1 of what books I read this past summer.
When a million dollar home is sold to a mysterious couple, everyone in Nantucket is curious about the newcomers. The Richardson’s took over Nantucket, mesmerizing everyone with their lavish parties and flashy lifestyle. But new things can lose their shine. When The Richardson’s house burns down, and one of their employees goes missing, the town starts to question where they came from and who they really are. Swan Song is about not letting yourself get swept up in things that seem too good to be true.
5/5 stars
Review
I really enjoyed this one! I kinda had an idea of what was going to happen when it came to who burned down the house. However, it was still a mystery to me about what had happened to Coco. The Richardson’s sorta reminded me of Jay Gatsby in a way– mysterious, flaunting their wealth, over the top parties, but no one really knew them. Their parties did sound fun though! Anyway, my biggest compliant was that there were too many side characters. It took me a minute to figure out who was who. I did, however, like getting the perspective of the Richardson’s from different points of views. I also loved Blond Sharon’s story. Would love an entire book on her story alone. I will say that I absolutely hated the ending. It makes sense of why it happened (based on it being the last of the series) but I wish it didn’t have to end that way.
The Otis-Winbury wedding is going to be the biggest wedding of the season. Celeste Otis is about to marry the handsome, and wealthy, Benji Winbury during the 4th of July in Nantucket. On the morning of the big day there is a body discovered in the Nantucket Harbor. Instead of a walk down the aisle, the wedding turns into a crime scene with Nantucket’s Chief of Police Ed Kapenash leading the questioning. The Perfect Couple is about secrets we keep, and the choices we make.
4/5 Stars
Review
I read the book and watched the Netflix series, and I think the book is better. I actually didn’t like the Netflix series at all. But that is for another time. I did enjoy this book up until the end. I thought the ending of the Netflix series was a little better than the book. I do not want to give out spoilers for either one, so we will leave it at that. In the book I enjoyed the mystery of who-done-it. I liked that we off the bat know who was dead and it leading up to what happened. I had many theories but not what the ending turned out to be. I think overall the book keeps you engaged along the way.
Carrie Soto was the biggest women’s grand-slam tennis champion throughout the 80s. Shattering every record for both men’s and women’s, earning herself 20 grand-slam titles. Her father, Javier, having coached her all the way. Now 6 years after Carrie retired another women’s tennis champion has tied her for the most grand-slam titles. Sitting at the US Open, Carrie watches as all her hard work and years of dedication disappear. There is only one thing Carrie can do to get her title back, return to tennis. At 37 years old can Carrie come back and be “the battle-axe” once again? Carrie Soto is Back is about believing in yourself and your dreams, no matter your age.
5/5 Stars
Review
As someone who enjoys watching tennis and playing, even though I am not good, and someone who is in their late 30s, this book was right up my alley. I found it inspiring and motivational to follow Carrie’s journey through self-doubt, hard work, and eventually belief in herself. It just shows that women over a certain age are not past their prime or old hags, we are always thriving and evolving. Even if you are not in your 30s or a tennis fan, I think this book is great for everyone. It’s not only about the sport, but about family dynamics, how the media and people treat female athletes, and being vulnerable and open to new people and things. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
*Comment below if you have thoughts on these books or any new book recommendations!