Opening Doors

“It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters, it doesn’t matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over.”                                                                    -Novelist Paulo Coelho

This was my somewhat dramatic quote I was planning to  post on social media in lieu of sharing my annual list of “books to pack in your beach bag.” I have been making this list for friends, and friends of friends, for years. I usually get a few texts during the last week of school in June inquiring when the list is coming. Inevitably, the list comes together late at night after I conquer my indecisiveness mixed in with my lifelong habit of procrastination. This year however, I announced to my friend and personal punctuation editor Laura Hastings that the list was over. I was closing the chapter on creating “the list” and leaving it to the Instagrammers, the book experts, and … dare I say,  the “BookTok girls?” I told Laura she was off the hook from checking my blog entry for an abundance of exclamation points and unnecessary commas.

Well… the door didn’t stay closed for long. I started thinking about the beginning of summer and chances to read in the sun and I gave in. Down to the wire, I texted my book friends, reviewed my notes, and had some fun choosing which books to share. I am excited about the book picks and I hope my friends (and friends of friends!) might find  one or two to “pack in their beach bags” this summer.

Cheers to escaping with a book! Cheers to keeping  doors open when you are

not ready to close them.

XO

Cherylann

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney 

What can I say about this captivating book? It is the only book sitting on my nightstand that has post-it notes marking pages and recording quotes I never want to forget. Author Alice Feeney is a talented wordsmith and she left me in awe on page one and never stopped. I loved this thriller and was completely obsessed with the characters and the revengeful plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. This is definitely a book to pack in your beach bag with your SPF 50!

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

An official sign of summer is when I send my trusty bookseller friend Jen Sullivan a text that reads, “Send me your best book pick for the list. By Tomorrow!” Of course, she never disappoints with her fabulous book picks! Jen explains, “Every once in a while a book comes along that takes my breath away; a book that reminds me why I love reading…This is THAT BOOK. A heartfelt story of broken homes and broken hearts, of friendships and coming of age, of art and death, but most of all of love and found family. Backman’s writing is poignant and clever, weaving humor and sorrow with effortless grace. A masterpiece that should not be missed!” We should  all take Jen’s advice and read this gem!

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
I can’t keep up when I walk with my friend Christine Griffin, but we are definitely in sync with our book choices. Christine says, “What a beautiful story from start to finish. With just the right mix of mystery, suspense, and romance, it’s full of unexpected twists and heartfelt moments. The characters come to life so clearly, and the vivid setting makes you feel like you’re right there, watching everything unfold. I couldn’t put it down. I wonder who your favorite character will be…”

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

I have read wonderful reviews about this book and I was pleased to see my avid reader friend  Carolyn McGarry chose it as one of her picks for my list. Carolyn explains, “I have to admit, I wasn’t sure I would like this book about the drama surrounding the sport of ice dancing – but I was pleasantly surprised! It tells the story of two skaters over the decades and the dramas they face in their sport and in their lives. This story  has all the feels – love, personal struggle, cut-throat competition, media circus, and family conflict, and much of it is told through interviews of the coaches, skaters, journalists, and others. I highly recommend listening to the audio book where Olympic skater Johnny Weir is one of the voices – but I’m sure it’s a great book to read as well.‘The Favorites’ kind of reminded me of Daisy Jones and the Six as 

documentary style fiction that reads like a true story. A fun one!”

 

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes

Carolyn also recommends this warm, witty book and shares, “I adore Jojo Moyes and always scoop up her books when they are released. We All Live Here is the ultimate quirky family drama. The main character struggles with the break up of her marriage, grieving a parent, mothering two spunky daughters, reviving a career, and navigating a relationship with the father who abandoned her years ago.  She ends up being the unlikely glue of this crazy extended family. This book is character driven in the best way and has lots of laughs and lessons throughout – I didn’t want it to end!”

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

My BFF Emily Temple is the managing editor at LitHub and she has done her summer reading homework. Okay we don’t actually know each other, but I am in awe of her work. She read 35 summer reading lists from 31 publications, counted up all the books, and tallied them together to create The Ultimate Summer 2025 Reading List. She calls Atmosphere “The winner by a MILE!” This uplifting book has appeared on 19 lists and is getting rave reviews. From the author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this book about an ambitious young woman and NASA space missions is definitely going to be in my beach bag this summer. This is going to be the hip book of the year!

A Marriage At Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession and Shipwreck by Sophie Elmhirst

Full disclosure: This nonfiction book that reviewers are calling “electrifying and enthralling” is not available until July 8, 2025. Yes, I have pre-ordered it and yes, if we have plans to get together when it arrives, I am canceling them. Love, obsession, and a good ole’ shipwreck… This is the book I know I need in my life! 

                                                                 

Need a light escape? Try one of these romantic books that scream summer reading! I love an Emily Henry or Carley Fortune book when I want to avoid writing to-do lists or folding clothes. I read all three when I needed a reality break this spring. I am looking forward to avoiding tasks in July when These Summer Storms is released.  This engrossing book is set in Rhode Island and is said to have “Shocking twists, long held-secrets and romance.” Who needs The Real Housewives of Rhode Island when you can read this sizzler? I can’t wait to bring this one to Second beach!

Happy Reading! Happy Summer!

Cherylann

he Favorites by Layne Fargo

I have read wonderful reviews about this book and I was pleased to see my avid reader friend  Carolyn McGarry chose it as one of her picks for my list. Carolyn explains, “I have to admit, I wasn’t sure I would like this book about the drama surrounding the sport of ice dancing – but I was pleasantly surprised! It tells the story of two skaters over the decades and the dramas they face in their sport and in their lives. This story  has all the feels – love, personal struggle, cut-throat competition, media circus, and family conflict, and much of it is told through interviews of the coaches, skaters, journalists, and others. I highly recommend listening to the audio book where Olympic skater Johnny Weir is one of the voices – but I’m sure it’s a great book to read as well.‘The Favorites’ kind of reminded me of Daisy Jones and the Six as 

documentary style fiction that reads like a true story. A fun one!”

Kissing Frogs

Well it’s almost the first day of summer which means that it’s time for me to put aside my indecisiveness and get writing my annual list of “books to pack in your beach bag.”  I have been making this list for friends for years and it has grown into a list that friends of friends tell me they wait for in June. No pressure, right? It should ideally be published in early June, but hey there is that craziness of being a school librarian and my indecisiveness topped off with a lifetime habit of procrastination. So many books, so many choices!

 "You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your handsome prince." This quote that is thought to have originated from the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales seems to sum up my year of reading. I definitely kissed a lot of frogs before finding noteworthy books! I read memoirs, fiction, and beach reads that were impressive and I read books that were mediocre at best. I am happy to say that with the help of my trusty book peeps, I have created a list that I hope appeals to a variety of readers, or at least to my friends of friends, who happen to stumble upon my little book list.

Cheers to the season, my friend. Let’s find some time to put aside our phones and dive into a book or two this summer. Who knows, you may even find your prince along the way!

XO Cherylann

A Good Life by Virginie Grimaldi

Talk about a good book! I read this gem that some are describing as a “feel-good read” in four hours! Don’t be fooled by the cover, it’s not a rom-com, although you know I love a good romance! This is actually an exploration of the complex bond between sisters over time from childhood into adulthood. This captivating and sensitive book was released in French and translated into English. It’s a great read.

The Stolen Child by Ann Hood

We all know that I am a big fan of author Ann Hood. Little known fact… she was once my writing professor in college and her work has inspired me ever since!  I, of course, adore her latest book that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on!! According to Kirkus Reviews, “The Stolen Child is a well-crafted, fast-paced story about how a single encounter can shape a person’s whole life.”  Pack this gem in your beach bag with lots of sunscreen! You will love this book!

The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard by Michael Callahan

My trusty bookseller friend, Jen Sullivan has chosen this book as one of her “pics.” Jen is either at Barrington Books recommending books in the summer or she is on Martha’s Vineyard, so it’s no surprise that she has picked this tantalizing book to recommend. She explains, “This is a true summer novel that takes place on my beloved Martha’s Vineyard. It was the perfect read to kick off the warm weather! This one has all my favorites...a dual timeline, long buried secrets,  complex family dynamics, and a bit of romance! This page turner had just enough unexpected twists to keep me guessing and up all night to finish.”

One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margo by Marianne Cronin

Jen Sullivan also recommends this tender book and says, “Five stars for this one.  A heartfelt and, at times emotional, story filled with found family,  strength, courage, letting go, and love. Lenny and Margo are unforgettable characters, gorgeous, and raw whose unlikely friendship is extraordinary. Don’t miss this touching story.”

The Women By Kristin Hannah

My book friend, Carolyn McGarry, is a reader of all readers and she recommends this book that is getting rave reviews. Carolyn  explains, “I think the hallmark of a good historical fiction read is when you want to know more about that era after finishing the book. Kristin Hannah has a way of doing this with all her books, and her newest, The Women, is no exception. It tells the story of a young woman who chooses to serve as a nurse in the Vietnam war, the incredible challenges she faces while there and in the aftermath when she returns home to her family, and a country who is not welcoming its heroes. This book had all the feels…rich history, family struggles, personal healing, romance, and most importantly, the role that women play in supporting each other. As a toddler during the Vietnam era, I don’t remember much of that time and this book made me want to explore more about this tumultuous time in our country. It’s a good one!”

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

This charming and clever book was one of my favorites that I read over the winter and I just knew I had to include it on my summer List. This heartwarming story is less about death than it is about living. My favorite quote in the book is, “But the secret to a beautiful death is to live a beautiful life. Putting your heart out there. Letting it get broken. Taking chances and making mistakes.” This book is a reminder to live life now! We all can use this reminder from time to time.

Daughter Of  Mine by Megan Miranda

Perfect title to describe that my “daughter of mine” shares a love for page-turning thrillers! I can’t wait to read this exhilarating new one from Megan Miranda that Petra read in a day this week! The author’s suspenseful books keep readers on their toes. Petra also voraciously read The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda. Both books are engaging summer thrillers, but The Only Survivors is “darker” and E!News says “Will keep you up well past your bedtime!” Pack your sunscreen if you are bringing a Megan Miranda book to the beach or pool!

West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

My good friend Christine Griffin and I love chatting about books, although we have to move our literary discussions from text to the beach (with ROSÉ, of course!) Christine shares, “If you believe that animals come into our lives for a reason, or even if you don't, you will want to read this unique story. Part adventure, part historical saga, and part coming-of-age love story, West with Giraffes explores what it means to be changed by the grace of animals, the kindness of strangers, the passing of time, and a story told before it’s too late. The journey is two weeks long, though a much quicker read. You will look at driving, the dust bowl experience for our country, and giraffe's in a new light.” 

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Is there much to do about nothing I wondered when thinking about author Frieda McFadden? Hmm… boy did a quick internet search prove me wrong! I had no idea that the best selling author is a practicing physician specializing in BRAIN injuries. Holy moly, she is definitely nailing the multi-tasking life! My daughter Bella, who is a nurse, has read almost all of her psychological thrillers, usually in a day or two. I am definitely packing this jaw-dropping book in my beach bag that both Bella and my book friend Christine Griffin highly recommend. Hmm… apparently my new BFF Freida’s latest book is entitled The Teacher! Damn, I hope I can fall asleep this summer after reading a book or two by Freida! 

White House By The Sea by Kate Storey

What would a summer be without a little trip to Hyannis Port with my favorite family? I have been intrigued by the Kennedys since I was a young girl and bewildered by the photos of JFK that adorned my Italian Nonna’s house. Nonna even had an 8x10 photo of JFK taped on the food cabinet in the basement kitchen right under the Jesus picture. Those were some special eyes staring at me while I ate my pasta fagioli! At any rate, I love reading about the Kennedys and this birthday book gift given to me by my friend Lori Codega did not disappoint. If you are not as fortunate as me to be invited to the compound for the 4th, grab this book and experience “a rare peek behind the hedges and fences of Hyannis Port.”  Seriously, a girl can dream about being invited to play croquet on the lawn, right?

Well I could go on and on about books and suggest additional gems that were prince-worthy like The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh, First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters, The Secret Book  of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry and The Sicilian Inheritance by Joe Piazza. So many books, so many choices!

Happy Summer!

Cherylann

Summer, What took you so long?

 Every June I try to come up with something cheeky, not cheugy, to describe my summer beach reading list that I make for friends and friends of friends. I look for a creative way to explain why I make an eclectic list of books to pack in your beach bag. I came across this reflection about summer reading by Halie Lesavage of Harper’s Bazaar and damn, she nails it! She explains, “There's a common misconception that beach reads always involve sun, sand, and string-bikini-thin plots. Readers who start summer with a straw tote full of new books know the truth. Whether you're cracking one open at a private beach resort or a lounge chair at your local pool, the best beach reads are ones that feel like stepping into an absorbing, alternate reality for a few hundred pages. It can be a lighthearted distraction from daily life or a nail-biting thriller: Whatever the specifics, if you don't want to go back in the water until you've reached the last page, you have a quality beach read on your hands.” 

Halie Lesavage and I go way back so it’s only fitting that I include her quote in this blog post. Of course, by way back I mean that I have been following her on Instagram for six hours after reading her article The 23 Best Summer Beach Reads of 2023-No beach required. Okay maybe we aren’t meeting for a glass of sauvignon blanc anytime soon, but we both agree that summer is a perfect time to dive into a marvelous book and escape the reality of life. 

Pack that straw tote, my friends.The sun will be shining and adventure awaits. 

XO Cherylann

Beyond That, The Sea by Laura Spence-Ash

This is one of my favorite books of the year, but I must give credit to my book-seller friend extraordinaire Jen Sullivan who insisted I read it ASAP. She was right of course, the book is fabulous. Jen explains, “Every once in a while, a book comes along at just the right time, that tugs at my heart, in just the right way. Beyond That, The Sea by Laura Spence-Ash is that book this year. A quietly powerful coming of age story that explores the definition of family, love and impossible choices. This heartbreaking but heartwarming tale is written with grace and insight that it is certainly my top contender for book of the year.” Read this one my friends, Jen has exceptional book taste!

The Guest by Emma Cline

I am definitely not cool enough to be using the website Nylon as a resource for what’s hip, but I do love checking out the latest trends. Nylon describes Emma Cline’s latest book as, “An intoxicating, sun-drunk work that tells the story of a hand-to-God grifter, one whose head you’re both terrified of and want to bask in forever, until you wake up sunburnt to a crisp.” I couldn’t agree more with Nylon. I was obsessed with everything about this story set in the Hamptons, especially the lifestyle of the characters. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen in your bag with this sizzler.

The Personal Librarian By Marie Benedict/Victoria Christopher Bennett

My friend Carolyn McGarry is a voracious reader and always picks gems to read throughout the year. She shared, “I’m always a sucker for a rich historical novel, and this one, based on a true story, didn’t disappoint. Belle da Costa Greene becomes financier J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian while keeping her identity as a black woman a secret. She deftly navigates NY society and gains Morgan’s trust and admiration all while creating a significant collection of books for the library. Belle’s intellect and bravery were captivating and I also enjoyed learning more about the Pierpont Morgan library, which you are still able to visit in NYC.” 

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Lori Codega is my friend and long-time colleague who is the most bookish friend I could ask for. Her knowledge of books for adults and children takes my breath away! Lori loved this book that is getting rave reviews and explains, “Hello Beautiful, an emotional, heart-wrenching family drama tells the multi-generational story of the Padavano family, parents Charlie and Rose and the four sisters, Julie, Sylvia, Emeline and Cecelia. William Waters, a broken young man who only feels comfortable on the basketball court, is enfolded into this loving, boisterous family. A modern day Little Women, this story is filled with generosity, healing and love.”

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann

I asked Jen Sullivan to give me the bookseller scoop on a trendy nonfiction book and she said The Wager is the #1 nonfiction book they are selling at our local Barrington Books. I couldn’t help but chuckle at this fact because just yesterday I dismissed my husband Todd for recommending I include The Wager on my summer list. My dismissive “uh-no” was because I love my husband, but honestly the books he reads usually feature a guy who gets shipwrecked with just a can of tuna who has to cut off his arm that is stuck so he can fight pirates in the Gulf of Aden. Just this once, he may be right because the reviews for The Wager are quite impressive. “Riveting…reads like a thriller, tackling a multilayered history-and imperialism-with gusto.”-Time. I will be sure to pack this shipwreck, survival, thriller of a narrative nonfiction book in my beach bag!

The Happy Place by Emily Henry

“The beach-read master hooks us up again”-People

A rom-com, second-chance romance, fake relationship and a friendship story? Count me in for this beach read.This summer sizzler appears on many summer reading lists including on my new BFF Halie Lesavage’s beach read list  for Harper’s Bazaar. My daughter Bella is reading this now and loves it! This is a perfect book for escaping reality unless you are lucky enough to already find yourself in the center of a rom-com.

Trust by Hernan Diaz

This well-written book is a NY Times Bestseller, One of the New York Times Top Ten Books of 2022, Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and Winner of the 2022 Booker Prize for Fiction. I wouldn't say this complex work of fiction is a light read, but if you have an affection for historical fiction novels that lure you into the past, this one is for you. I am half way done with this puzzle of a book that engages readers in the world of wealth during The Great Depression. Oprah says, "It's fun as hell to read!"

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

I am breaking my own rules by including this suspenseful thriller published in 2018 on my summer list! My criteria for the summer blog is only including books published within the last two years, no exception! Well I guess some rules are meant to be broken, so I am adding this one to the list. I read this addictive thriller in less than 24 hours during my February vacation in Florida. I was excited for the week off, but I was having trouble reading at the time after two recent losses of close friends. Distracted and jittery, my reading "numbers" were definitely low. This book snapped me right out of my reading funk and I couldn't get enough of this spellbinding thriller! If you want to escape reality, pack extra SPF for this sizzler!

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum 

My daughter Petra picked The Last Thing He Told Me two years ago for the beach read list and I think she is going to love this book that many are calling "Best Book of 2023 so far" and "Best Book of Summer 2023!" Run to get this page turner that is being recommended by so many. Gossip, Fire Island, beach, hidden secrets, murder... Oh yeah this just might be the book that "makes you not want to go back in the water until you've reached the last page."

Let's do this, my friends. Let's make time to escape reality. Let's put down our phones(my bad, for sure) and read. Let's talk about books with friends, family, ha... maybe even with our loves. Find a spot for you and a book or in my case, many books.

Happy Summer!

Cherylann