Between The Pages | July Reads And Recommendations
July was a whirlwind of sunshine, ice cream, and… books! That’s right; I got some quality reading time during July. Let’s talk about the books that made my heart race, my eyes tear up, and my mind wander.
The World Outside My Window: by Clare Swatman (Kindle Edition)
The World Outside My Window by Clare Swatman is a captivating novel centered around Laura, a woman who becomes a prisoner in her own home after a traumatic experience. Confined to her house, she spends her days observing the world outside through her window, relying on her husband, Jim, and best friend, Debbie, for support.
When Jim mysteriously disappears, Laura’s world is turned upside down once again. Forced to confront her fears, she ventures outside to search for her husband, discovering a community of neighbors with their own stories and challenges. As Laura digs deeper into Jim’s disappearance, she uncovers shocking truths about the life she thought she knew.
The novel delves into themes of isolation, resilience, community, and the complexities of human relationships. It’s a story about finding strength within oneself, connecting with others, and, ultimately, discovering a new path forward.
My Ratings
** Good Read
** Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
** PG- A few cuss words (not enough to make me stop reading)
** My Shelf Rating: Third Shelf
** Re-readability factor: Probably not
** Recommendation: Yes
** General Emotions: Hopeful, touched, Heartwarming, gripping, unputdownable after some time
** Engagement Level: Slow start; it took me mid-book to get into it. But I’m glad I kept reading. It did keep me interested
The Paris Secret is a poignant historical romance set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II. It follows Valerie, a woman searching for answers about her parent’s mysterious disappearance during the Nazi occupation of Paris and why her grandfather sent her away to live with an aunt when she was three. As she delves into her family’s past, she uncovers a forbidden love story between her parents, a tale of passion and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The novel masterfully intertwines two timelines: Valerie’s present-day quest for truth and the heart-wrenching romance between her parents. Readers are drawn into a world of clandestine meetings, perilous secrets, and the enduring power of love. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the war’s shadow extends far beyond the battlefield, casting long and haunting consequences on the lives of those left behind.
My Ratings
** Very Good Read
** Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
** G- Clean
** My Shelf Rating: Middle Shelf
** Re-readability factor: Maybe
** Recommendation: Yes
** General Emotions: Hopeful, touched, Heartwarming
** Engagement Level: Slow start, but it did keep me interested
Sincerely Wrong: An Improbable Journey by Sandra Kovacs Stein (Kindle Edition)
Sandra Kovacs Stein’s Sincerely Wrong: An Improbable Journey is a memoir that chronicles her spiritual journey from a successful numerologist to a Christian. The book delves into her search for meaning and significance, which led her to explore New Age and occult doctrines. Despite achieving recognition in her field, Stein felt a deep emptiness and a longing for something more.
She didn’t think she had a testimony. Still, a turning point in her life led her to embrace Christianity, a path she initially considered ordinary compared to the dramatic conversions of others. However, as she shares her story, Stein reveals the profound impact of her faith and the transformative power of her newfound belief.
The book offers a candid and personal account of Stein’s spiritual exploration, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys and consider the possibilities of faith and redemption.
My Ratings
** Good Read
** Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
** G- Clean
** My Shelf Rating: Middle Shelf
** Re-readability factor: Probably not
** Recommendation: Yes
** General Emotions: Hopeful, touched, Heartwarming, engaging, thought-provoking
** Engagement Level: Kept me interested
Table for Five by Izzy Bromley (Kindle Edition).
Abruptly unemployed and isolated, Abbie’s world is turned upside down. Desperate for human connection, she ventures outside her comfort zone to join the communal table at the local café. There, she’s introduced to a quirky ensemble of characters: the reserved Ethel, the struggling Bob, the vibrant Dawn, and the newly arrived Viraj. Initially strangers, they gradually form an unlikely bond as they unite to assist people experiencing homelessness through a lavish fundraising initiative. In the midst of this collective endeavor, Abbie embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery, hoping to not only make a difference in her community but also find her place within it and forge lasting friendships along the way.
My Ratings
** Good Read
** Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
** G- Clean
** My Shelf Rating: Third Shelf
** Re-readability factor: Maybe
** Recommendation: Yes
** General Emotions: Hopeful, touched, Heartwarming, satisfying
** Engagement Level: kept me interested, enjoyable read, well-paced
The Storyteller of Casablanca (Kindle Edition) by Fiona Valpy
Fiona Valpy’s The Storyteller of Casablanca is a captivating novel that intertwines two timelines and explores themes of hope, resilience, and new beginnings.
The story revolves around two women:
Josie A young girl who flees France with her family during the Nazi occupation and finds refuge in Casablanca in 1941. She experiences the vibrant yet tumultuous atmosphere of the city and forms deep connections with the people she encounters.
Zoe is a contemporary woman living in Casablanca who discovers a hidden diary and a wooden box beneath her daughter’s bedroom floor. The diary belongs to Josie, and as Zoe delves into the past, she begins to see her adopted city through Josie’s eyes.
Through Josie’s diary, Zoe finds solace and a renewed perspective on her own life while also uncovering secrets about her family history. The novel beautifully captures the spirit of Casablanca, both in the past and present, and explores the enduring power of human connection.
My Ratings
** Excellent
** Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
** G- Clean
** My Shelf Rating: Top shelf
** Re-readability factor: Yes
** Recommendation: Definitely! Page-Turner, You’re not going to believe the ending! It’s nice but surprising, I had no idea
** General Emotions: Hopeful, touched, Heartwarming, unputdownable, page-turner, engaging, profound; this story lingered with me long after I finished reading, captivated, overjoyed
** Engagement Level: Stayed up late to finish, engrossed
And
My New Book is Available
Escape the Ordinary, Discover Serenity Cove
Exhausted by the city’s relentless pace, Max escapes to Serenity Cove, a charming coastal town where the rhythm of life beats to the calming pulse of the ocean. But Serenity Cove offers more than breathtaking sunsets—it offers a vibrant community brimming with quirky characters, each ready to weave themselves into the fabric of Max’s life.
Embark on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery alongside Max as she stumbles upon unexpected detours that blossom into hilarious adventures. Savor delicious culinary experiences that tantalize the taste buds and nourish the soul. Discover the promise of genuine connection as new friendships blossom around every corner. Will the ocean’s embrace offer solace, and will Max forge a new path brimming with laughter, love, and perhaps even a special companion?
Welcome to Serenity Cove; Max is a delightful tale that will leave you yearning for the warmth of community and the beauty of unexpected detours. It’s a reminder that:
- Home isn’t a place; it’s a feeling – a feeling you’ll discover when your heart finds its anchor in the most unexpected of places.
- The greatest adventures unfold not according to your plans but according to the whispers of God. Embrace the detours, for they might just lead you to where you were always meant to be.
- Faith and friendship are the cornerstones of a life overflowing with joy. Let them guide you on your journey and discover the extraordinary woven into the ordinary moments of life in Serenity Cove.
*** I would love some friends to review and leave a review on Amazon. I can’t tell you how thankful I’d be. If anyone’s interested, email me at paula@gracefilledmoments.me and I will email you a Google Doc.x copy for review ***
Kindle Unlimited $0.00 Kindle $6.00 Paperback $8.00
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Interesting collection! I don’t think I’ve heard of any of these authors–except you, of course. 🙂
The Storyteller of Casablanca is a book on my TBR list. I must move it up based on your great review. I enjoy Fiona Valpy’s books. I found you on Senior Salon pitstop
That has got to be one of my favorites so far this year. The story is still lingering in my head. I have some of her other books on my TBR list, I was so impressed. 🙂
I need some new books to read so I’ll download some of these onto my ki#ssp @_karendennis @nextbestthingtomummy
I’m happy to hear some of these interested you ❤️
These sound like some great books! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Talking About it Tuesday. I am really intrigued by the premise of The World Outside my Window.
It’s my pleasure to share with your readers Joanne 😀
That sounds like an interesting selection of reads for the month. I’ve read a couple of novels about women stuck inside. One is Meredith, Alone (I can’t remember the author, but it’s worth a read!). Table for Five reminds me a bit of the Mike Gayle novel All the Lonely People, which is also worth a read.
Popping over from Book Worms Monthly.
I like the way you break down your ratings into categories, I especially appreciate the re-readability factor in books when I choose which ones to buy so that’s helpful!
I’m glad you read lots of nice books in July! 🙂