My Summer Reading List

At the beginning of this summer, I made a list of the books I wanted to read, including older titles I've missed as well as newer releases. I may have been a little too ambitious, especially since my reading time will soon be turned into research time for the next novel I need to write. But I've gotten through about half of my hopefuls, and they have all been excellent in different ways! I'll share that list below, along with a few links where you can find these books, too. (This list does not include the books I've read for endorsement, which I'll be happy to gush about closer to their release dates.)

1. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. General Market Time Travel Fiction

"I never realized how easily people could be trained to accept slavery.” ~Kindred.  This, I think, is the main theme of this time-traveling book which brings an African-American woman living in 1976 into the lives of her ancestors living in Maryland in the early 1800s. As for genre, the time-travel aspect is fantasy rather than science fiction, because there's no explanation for it, and readers are asked to suspend their disbelief about how such a phenomenon takes place. The point isn't how Dana travels back in time, but what she experiences when she does. It's a powerful story which makes painfully clear how a person would come to accept slavery, whether that person is the enslaved or the master. The immediacy of that history makes for an unsettling read, which I'm sure the author intended.

*There is some language in this novel, including repeated use of a racial epithet that was extremely common in the early 1800s.

Find it at Goodreads and Amazon.

2. A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano. Christian Historical Romance.

A lonely young heiress becomes the poorest wealthy woman in Victorian England when her father dies without telling anyone where he hid his fortune. Can Tressa and the no-nonsense estate manager find the fortune before the greedy relatives get to it first? 

This book is absolutely beautiful! Every scene carefully woven, every line stitched with care into a seamless tapestry. A Rumored Fortune is full of the most natural and profound metaphors, I was practically cheering as I listened to this on audiobook. Wonderful story, charming characters, an absolute joy to read. 

Find it at Goodreads, Baker Book House, or Amazon.

3. Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly. General Market Historical Fiction.

This novel of the Russian Revolution is extremely moving, especially the portrayals of grief and healing from the loss of a spouse. I appreciate that the author gives us perspectives of Russian aristocrats and peasants. The plight of Russian refugees in New York and Paris is fascinating, too. I also loved that the story doesn't end when the war ends. Similar to Lilac Girls, we get to see the aftermath of it. (Speaking of which, Lost Roses has some difficult parts to read, but not nearly so excruciating as what we encounter in Lilac Girls.) Recommended for those who love historical fiction, especially those interested in World War 1 and/or the Russian Revolution.

Find it at Goodreads or Amazon.

4. Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander. Christian Historical Fiction.

One year after the end of the Civil War, in Franklin, Tennessee, a town battered and bruised by war, one woman embarks upon an impossible search—and one man must face the past in the very place that almost destroyed him. Tamera Alexander is one of the authors I most admire, and this book is yet another example of why. Her characters are layered and endearing, the plot is full of believable conflict and tension, the pacing is perfect, and the themes are significant and meaningful. There is power in Tamera's writing. Her stories shine light in dark places, offering a beacon of truth and hope.

Find it at Goodreads, Baker Book House, or Amazon.

5. John Eyre by Mimi Matthews. General Market Historical Fiction (Classic Retelling).

Warning: Once you start this Jane Eyre remix, you won't want to stop. Dripping with moody atmosphere, John Eyre pulls the reader along with just the right amount of tension until the very end. The novel is named for John, but Bertha is the real star of the story, and watching her grow and develop is a fascinating delight. With John Eyre, Mimi Matthews proves she has an impressive range. She delivered a solid gothic retelling just as expertly as she has penned Victorian and Regency romances. Releases July 20.

Find it at Goodreads or Amazon.

6. On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright. Christian Time-Slip Fiction.

In search of her father's lost goods, Adria encounters an eccentric old woman who has filled Foxglove Manor with dangerous secrets that may cost Adria her life. Centuries later, when the senior residents of Foxglove under her care start sharing chilling stories of the past, Kailey will have to risk it all to banish the past's demons, including her own. Set on the turbulent shores of Lake Superior, this novel has the perfect creepy setting, secrets galore, a Civil War legacy, and enough spookiness to satisfy without being unbelievable. Another masterful tineslip from Jaime Jo Wright.

Find it at Goodreads, Baker Book House, or Amazon.

7. The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki. General Market Historical Fiction.

The fascinating story about the wife of Benedict Arnold. The title's namesake, Peggy Shippen Arnold, seems to have no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I disliked her immensely, but the character of her maid, Clara, helped balance her out in this reading experience. The book offers a better understanding of the man who was ready to betray Washington. In fact, Peggy may not be sympathetic, but the novel helps us at least understand where Benedict was coming from.

Find it at Goodreads or Amazon.

8. The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer. Christian Western Historical Romance.

On a mission to deliver a baby to a nearby foundling home, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks encounter two women who capture their attention. When a handful of urchin children from the area go missing, a pair of Horsemen are exactly what the women need. As they work together to find the children, will these two couples find love as well? This book is so well-written, with a diverse cast of characters who take their faith seriously. A delight to read.

Find it at Goodreads, Baker Book House, or Amazon.

Remaining Summer Reads

The following titles are on my summer wishlist, meaning I hope I get to read or listen to these stories still. I'm linking each title to the Goodreads page so you can look it up if you're intrigued. 

• Sunflower Sisters by Martha Hall Kelly. General Market Historical Fiction. (I'm currently listening to this one.)
• The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber. General Market Western Historical Fiction. (Just started this one.)
• The Weight of Memory by Shawn Smucker. Christian Contemporary Magical Realism. Just released July 6! And so did The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner (Christian Historical Fiction), by the way, which I read months ago and endorsed!
• Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee. Christian Historical Fiction.
• A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry. Christian Contemporary Fiction.
• Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes. Christian Historical Fiction. Releases Aug. 3.
• Fragments of Light by Michele Phoenix. Christian Time-Slip Fiction. 
• I can think of at least three more summer releases I want to read! But I'll stop here. 

To keep up with what I'm reading, follow my reviews at Goodreads or follow me on Instagram and/or BookBub.

What are you reading this summer?