
Time for another reading roundup?! Gosh, summer is FLYING.
How’s your summer reading list coming along? June was a little slow for me, but I tackled a couple lengthy historical fiction reads that I wanted to take my time with and absorb every page. Reading should be an enjoyable marathon, not a sprint ya know?!
THE GLITTERING HOUR by Iona Grey
My rating and review: 4.5 stars. Okay this might be one of the most beautifully-written historical fiction novels I’ve ever read. Selina’s and Lawrence’s romance is one for the ages! I soaked up every page of this passionate, heart-wrenching story and experienced every single emotion throughout the span of the book. I giggled. I cried. Mostly, I swooned at a relationship that I wanted to work against all odds
SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE by Tia Williams
My rating and review: 4.5 stars. Yes, yes, yes to everything Eva and Shane! Wow, it has been a long time (if ever?) that I’ve devoured such a complicated romance. But, beyond their relationship together – which, let me tell you, is pretty off-the-charts – their individual journeys are what captivated me the most. With the odds so stacked against them to fail, they both found a way through. And, eventually back to each other. It’s such a powerful story of overcoming demons and learning to choose joy. And while I can’t relate, I felt like the author did justice to writing a character who experiences chronic pain. It’s presented in a relatable and real way. Oh, and Audra?! She is a HOOT. Some of her antics had me laughing out loud.
THE ROSE CODE by Kate Quinn
My rating and review: 4.5 stars. I loved the friendship between Osla, Mab and Beth – three women couldn’t be more different, but their friendship and loyalty to each other is something fierce. (Well, at least for a while). It definitely took me a while to warm up to them and get into their individual stories, but about 40% in I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. That’s partly attributed to the author’s ability to weave real-life people and locations into a fictional narrative – I was living for Osla’s romance with soon-to-be Prince Phillip. I also really enjoyed Bletchley Park as the main location and backdrop for bringing these three women and their fun group together. Bletchley kind of presented itself as a character itself, you know? It’s such a fascinating part of the war effort that I wish was discussed and written about more in historical fiction.
Currently reading: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Let’s connect on Goodreads! You also can keep up with all my reading in the archives.
The Rose Code does look really good. Yay for a great reading month!
-Lauren
It’s so good!
I really enjoyed The Rose Code. I learned so much about the code breakers and like you enjoyed the friendship of the girls.
Wasn’t it so interesting? Refreshing to read a historical fiction novel with a backdrop I wasn’t entirely familiar with.
I already have the Rose Code on my list; I love a good historical fiction novel and so far none of her books have disappointed me!
I definitely want to read more from her since I enjoyed the Rose Code so much!
Wow, 3 good reads! All the more reason to get my act together and start reading!
Yes, you really need to!
Seven Days in June sounds excellent.
I think you’d really like it.
Seven days in June sounds amazing! Thanks for the recommendations!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks for stopping by!
I have been so slow to read anything…barely finishing two books! Good to see you really liked everything you read!
I seem to go through the same thing every other month or so lately – oh well, good thing is that books aren’t going anywhere!