{Sponsored}
As part of our Summer adventures, I signed my kids up for our Library’s Free Summer Reading Program and their excitement is contagious! My son has read 2 chapter books in the past week and had we not been swimming and exploring our city, he’d probably have had more time to read more. He reminds me of myself as a young girl, always with a book in hand, eager to delve into the the exciting adventures each book would take me on. Admittedly, the busyness of raising two children while juggling work, a household, and all of our family’s activities, I put my love for reading on hold for too long. And then about a year ago, a group of us got together and decided to start an informal book club and my passion resumed. Since Summer is traditionally less hectic and scheduled, now is the perfect time to pick up a new book to read! I just read Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf and I’m anxious to delve into another of her gripping novels.
Whether you have a road trip planned, an exciting tropical getaway, or simply plan on relaxing poolside, here are my Top 5 Summer Reads!
Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf
As a nurse and a mother, this story about an experienced social worker who makes a life-altering mistake resonated with me in a way that most books do not. Like many who are committed to social justice, Ellen is intensely devoted to protecting and serving as a voice and an advocate for the children in her city who have been the victims of serious atrocities. On assignment and distracted, an oversight results in repercussions she never thought possible. One of my favorite quotes in the book comes from her mother:
We all have those times when we turn our backs, close our eyes, become unguarded….You have to look for the little mercies, the small kindnesses and good that come from the terrible.
In a parallel plot, 10-year old Jenny Briard finds herself on her own, after her single father’s irresponsibility lands him in prison. Having been in and out of “the system,” the last thing Jenny wants is contact with a social worker. When Ellen and Jenny’s lives collide, the result is a touching and unexpected.
Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
When ordinary girl Louisa Clark takes a much-needed job working for wheelchair-bound Will Traynor, she isn’t prepared for the challenge his rudeness and deep-seated anger poses. Once athletic, adventurous and independent, Will now finds himself succumbed to a wheelchair, dependent upon others for even the most basic of needs. Having grown up and lived in the same town her entire life, Will challenges Louisa to live and the romance they develop is one that will touch you at your core. When Louisa learns of Will’s shocking plans, she is determined to show him that life is still worth living.
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
In one brief moment, Ira Levinson finds himself isolated on an embankment, injured and struggling to maintain consciousness after a car accident. As he falls in and out of consciousness, a blurry image of his late wife Ruth emerges. She begins recounting stories of their life together, pressing him to hang on. Meanwhile, at a local bull-riding event, Sophia Danko meets a cowboy named Luke, who’s unlike any of the elite fraternity boys she’s met at Wake Forest College. As Sophia and Luke fall in love, Sophia is introduced to a whole new world where survival, success, ruin, and reward all hang in the balance. Facing a future much different than her plans, Luke must deal with the secret he has been harboring before it destroys any hopes of love and happiness between the two of them. Sparks beautifully weaves the stories of these 2 couples together in a novel that touches all aspects of humanity.
Love Letters: A Rose Harbor Novel by Debbie Macomber
This 5th book in the Rose Harbor series takes readers back to Cedar Cove and the Inn owned and run by Jo Marie Rose, who lost her husband serving his country. In convergent stories, three guests are on a journey to move away from the past and start anew. Twenty-three–year-old Ellie Reynolds seeks freedom from her overprotective mother, and in doing, so makes a visit to Cedar Cover to meet the man she has been corresponding with. Maggie and Roy Porter are on their first vacation alone since the birth of their children. Hoping to rekindle the passion in their marriage, they must first regain each other’s trust…something that may prove difficult for Maggie who’s holding onto one last confession. Despite the series’ setting in Cedar Cove, it isn’t necessary to read Macomber’s previous books, although some of the characters (specifically Jo Marie), continue their stories throughout the series. Love Letters will be released on August 12th, 2014.
Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos
When Cornelia Brown meets Martin Grace, it’s love at first sight. But this newfound, seemingly whirlwind romance is just a foretaste of the change that she is about to experience. Across town, 11-year-old Clare Hobbs has just been abandoned by her mother and on a journey to find her lost father. When Cornelia and Clare’s paths cross at the coffee shop Cornelia manages, the two form an unlikely friendship where they weather the unpredictability of live and love.
In honor of the release of Little Mercies, I’ve partnered with the author to give away a bundle of Heather Gudenkauf’s books including Little Mercies, The Weight of Silence, and These Things Hidden. Be sure to follow Gudenkauf on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Win It! One of you will win all 3 of Heather Gudenkauf’s books. Simply complete the Rafflecopter form and leave a comment with one of the author’s books you’ve read or would like to read. Comments will close on July 28th, 2014 at 11:59 PM PST.
US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
The Longest Ride sounds great and I’ve enjoyed other Nicholas Sparks books that I’ve read. Thanks for the chance to win!
I want to read both “Little Mercies” and “Me Before You”
I’d love to read Love Letters!
I would like to read Little Mercies.