The Quirky Bookworm

*Updated May 2024*

I hope your summer is going well. We are nearly in July which is hard to believe. I’m already doing back to school shopping and creating my schedule for the fall. I think most of us are experiencing a warmer summer than usual for the south so I’m going to include some more beach reads in this post for your time spent by the pool or indoors in the cool A/C.

Edilean Series by Jude Deveraux

I’m nearly finished reading the second book in the Edilean series. I love historical fiction and romance, which Jude Deveraux is popular for combining in her novels.

The setting goes back and forth from World War II to modern times in the first novel, Lavender Morning. The second novel, Days of Gold, takes place in the 1700’s Scottish Highlands and United States. The series follows the drama of the Harcourt family and residents residing in Edilean, Virginia. Each book in the series can be read independently or in chronological order.

Recommended for fans of historical fiction, romance, family drama and period pieces.

Click here to purchase Lavender Morning.

Click here to learn more about the author.

Blue Mountain Series by Tess Thompson

In a previous blog I mentioned the Blue Mountain series. I finished Blue Midnight, the first book, and I love it. The series follows the Haywood and Flanigan families in Idaho.

Recommended for fans of romance, family drama and mysteries.

Click here to purchase Blue Midnight, the first book in the series.

Click here to learn more about the author.

TQB Booklist

Occasionally I share the books I’m reading so you can read them along with me. I would love to hear your thoughts too!

Going There by Katie Couric

Katie Couric’s memoir, including the Today Show controversy with Matt Lauer, her longtime co-worker and friend. Click here to purchase and to visit the Katie Couric Media website, covering culture, lifestyle, news and health.

*Update: I enjoyed reading Going There by Katie Couric. She’s honest about her struggles with an eating disorder, her career, her marriage and relationship with her kids. I recommend for fans of Katie Couric and also for anyone interested in journalism.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

National Bestseller, A Library Reads Pick, A People Magazine Best Book of the Week, A Goodreads Choice Award Finalist, One of NPR’s Books We Love 2021

When Patrick’s best friend from college passes away, he takes care of her two children in California while their dad is in rehab for addiction to pain pills. I haven’t finished reading, but so far, it’s an uplifting and witty read from Steven Rowley.
Click here to purchase and to visit the author’s website.

*Update: The Guncle is one of the sweetest novels, and spoke to me as I read the novel after my mom passed away. I recommend as a perfect summer read.

The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore

An Indie Next Pick, A Junior Library Guild Selection, and a 2021 ALA Booklist Editor’s Choice
Set in the 1860’s, Kate Moore, author of best-selling Radium Girls, writes about Elizabeth Packard, one of many women sent to an insane asylum in Illinois for voicing her opinion on women’s rights and religion. In Packard’s case, it was her husband, pastor of a small Presbyterian congregation, who had her admitted. Thoroughly researched, The Woman They Could Not Silence examines how far we have come as a society in regard to women’s rights, which Packard played a significant role. Click here to purchase and to visit the author’s website.

Update: I haven’t read yet, but it’s still on my list!