My reading this past month has been a bit sporadic, due to the competing demands of travel, revisions, family, and general… life, I suppose?

But summer begs for at least a little lazy reading time, so I’ve been fitting it into the available spaces, particularly early in the morning. Starting my day with a book, I’ve discovered, is much sweeter than starting with the news.

Recently finished:

Caroline: Little House Revisited by Sarah Miller. A re-imagining of Little House on the Prairie from the perspective of Laura’s Ma, Caroline. I absolutely devoured this, though I honestly couldn’t tell you whether that was more because it was an amazing book or because it was just such a joy to read this new perspective on something that was so integral to my childhood. I found Caroline’s descriptions of her children especially moving, from the smell of their heads to the feel of their bodies, in a way that I am certain I would not have appreciated a few years ago.

Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery. I’ve been on a reread kick (because it is easier to reread than pick out new books when in the middle of revisions). I loved the Anne books growing up, but these days I find myself drawn more to the later books, especially when she has left Avonlea for the world beyond.

A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman. I started this a few months ago, but had ,my digital copy cruelly snatched out from under me by the end of the library’s rental period. And then I had to wait many excruciating weeks for my turn to come around again. I’m late to the part on this one, but it is such a delightful book that just feels more true and more resonant the further you read. (It also made me feel very tender towards all the sometimes-grumpy elders that I volunteer with 😉.)

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer. Another reread. I pick up a Heyer every time I need to get my head back into the language of the Regency, which has been essential for revisions. This is one of my favorite Heyer romances, and I love everything about Sophy and Charles’ story.

Currently reading:

Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas. I admire how versatile a writer Thomas is so very, very much. When I mentioned to my agent that I loved Thomas’ mysteries, she immediately recommended that I pick up some of her romances. They are phenomenal: intelligent, well-written, carefully plotted, and excruciating in how real they are about human relationships. If you know someone who is skeptical or dismissive of romance novels, they should pick up one of her books immediately.

The Matchmaker of Perigord by Julia Stuart. I’m only a few chapters in, but already this book is utterly charming and a perfect romance to finish out the summer. Also, I laughed out loud when I realized that every character is referred to by both first and last name every. single. time.

Upcoming reads:

Smugglers, Bootleggers, and Scofflaws: Prohibition and New York City by Ellen Nickenzie Lawson. A little bit of pre-reading for my next idea. After setting my first novel in London, I’d love to move closer to home in both time and space.

His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik. My best friend, who is moving overseas SO SOON, picked this out for our next book-club-of-two book. I know literally nothing about it, which is an exciting place to be with a new book.

What’s on your bookshelf these days?