The Best Books I’ve Read Recently

I’m a big reader. Huge! At any point you can look around my house and see one to two books that I am buried in at that point. I read a huge assortment of novels – but I tend to follow a routine of beach reads for summer, and mysteries for fall.

2021 was a little harder to get through some books – the little babe is so busy and EVERYWHERE! I’ve recently been able to get through a few, though, and wanted to share my reviews and thoughts in case you are currently looking for YOUR next read.

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The Lies that Bind – Emily Giffin

Cecily lives in New York City in 2001 when she meets a guy, Grant, at a dive bar. They have a whirlwind romance over the summer, but Grant is surrounded by mysteries that confuse and intrigue Cecily. Grant then disappears in the chaos of 9/11, and in the aftermath, Cecily spots a missing person poster with Grant’s face on it – and realizes she’s not the only person looking for him.

This was SUCH a good read! I love Emily Giffin novels, and this one did not disappoint. I have to admit, I very much am intrigued by 9/11 stories. The chapter where 9/11 is happening is so raw and real – you almost feel as if you are there as Cecily learns what happens and manages through the day. It was, by far, the best part of the book.

“The Lies that Bind” had a great twist at the end, and it was truly one that I did not see coming. I will say, this is not my favorite Emily Giffin book – but it is definitely a great read, and an easy read. I you’re looking for a quick engrossing book, this was a good one!

28 Summers – Elin Hildebrand

In the summer of 1993, Mallory Blessing inherits a Nantucket beach home she decides to make her permanent residence. On Labor Day that year, she hosts her brother and two of his good friends – one of whom is Jake McCloud. Jake and Mallory strike a bond that perseveres through 28 years – through both marriages and children.

This book follows many different points of view : each year gets a chapter to update us on Mallory, Jake, and Jake’s lawyer & politician wife Ursula. I love a book with excellent character development, and that was probably the best part of this read. Every character is well fleshed out – Mallory and Jake have their flaws, even though you grow to love them. Even Ursula, who is the closest thing to a “villain” the book has – you grow to appreciate her. The book touched on so many modern day things: feminism, women in politics and business…and also showed a long standing romance and going through an entire life with our main characters. Such a good read, I really enjoyed it!

The First Mistake – Sandie Jones

After tragically losing her first husband, Alice is finally feeling happy in her life. She runs a successful business, has a handsome husband, and her best friend Beth by her side. But when her husband begins to act strange, and Alice begins digging deeper, she has to wonder if her husband – and best friend – are not who they seem to be…

I actually shared this book last week that I couldn’t put it down and find out the ending. I have to say though, the ending left me a little unsatisfied. It was truly a book with a lot of twists and I didn’t anticipate the end, but it definitely wasn’t a favorite of mine. I really did love Sandie Jones book The Other Woman when I read it a few years ago – I would probably recommend that one over this if you were looking for a read by her!

I have to say though, I love books set in the UK. The language and culture, it really does make for such a great setting for a mystery! Probably my favorite part of this read.

Escape Room – Megan Goldin

Four competitive coworkers in the finance field are invited to do a team building escape room. Before too long, it becomes obvious there is a more sinister plan as the pressure cooker unfolds and secrets begin to come out.

I started this book over the weekend and am already halfway through it – this book is ADDICTING! It was recommended to me awhile ago from a friend, and it took me awhile to start it but I’m so glad I did. I’ve never read anything by Megan Goldin before, and her writing is amazing. I’m finding this book easy to read, very addictive, and ever chapter leaves you wanting to get into the next.

I haven’t finished it yet, so I’m hoping the ending doesn’t disappoint! I’ll be sure to follow up the review once I’m done. But this is a perfect mystery for fall, and I definitely would recommend it.