Closing out the end of the summer is never easy, but along with some sand, a few chipped seashells, and an almost-empty tube of suntan lotion, my beach bag is practically empty since I completed my summer reading list!  Go me!

Summer truly is a great season for reading, and this summer-in-the-sun, I added a few new favorite books I am thrilled to share, just in case you are pining for a new page turner.

Here are my Top Four in the order they were read, covering a variety of genres and styles:

Tell Me More, Kelly Corrigan

An author with roots from the place I now call home, I have been a fan of Corrigan’s since reading her first book The Middle Place.  Earlier this summer, I had the privilege of hearing Corrigan speak and simultaneously received a signed (how cool!) copy of her latest book.  In Tell Me More she stays true to her honest, revealing style, discussing new revelations in her journey as a daughter, a wife, a mom, a woman.  I particularly enjoy how frank she is while taking us along on her personal quest.  Oh, and I had the opportunity to meet her at the end of the event; both of us wearing denim jackets, I quipped about who wore it better!  Thanks to my Wheelchair Partner in Crime for insisting I meet Corrigan. 

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, Robert Dugoni

What a phenomenal choice for a book club! After years of being anti-book club despite my love of books and reading, I now find myself at the forefront of book club discussions, and this gem by Dugoni was selected for our October gathering.  Eager to get started, I began reading the fall book selection during the summer – and finished it within weeks.  A compelling coming-of-age story of a boy with a rare eye disorder and his mother who never stopped believing in his extraordinary life, I zipped through the manageable chapters.  Without revealing too much for my book club friends, you will thoroughly enjoy the life lessons of Sam Hell

Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens

I know, I know.  I am late to the game on this one.  Several times I placed this book in my Barnes and Noble online shopping cart because it is highly recommended.  Finally, I took the plunge this summer…and then could literally not put it down.  It is Survivor meets Blue Lagoon complete with drama, intrigue, and love; a strong female protagonist keeps you rooting for her until the very last reveal.  Owens’ depiction of the surrounding terrain and the wildlife within it vividly creates an environment in which the reader is easily absorbed. I finished Crawdads within the five days it took my son to recover from his ACL surgery.

Girl, Stop Apologizing, Rachel Hollis

This is my greatest new discovery, and I’m obsessed.  Although I am accidentally reading Hollis’ books out of order, no matter.  She is a presence to be reckoned with; part life-coach, part self-help, there is a chapter for everyone as she writes in a practical, no-nonsense style. A self-made entrepreneur, she encourages women to pursue their dreams, to be selfish while doing so, and not to apologize for wanting the dream.  While I haven’t finished this book yet because I chose to start over again to allow for highlighting and note taking, I highly recommend it to all women.  I now follow Hollis on social media and plan to read her other books as well.  So inspiring!

There you have it, my fabulous favorite 2019 summer reads. In the comments section, please share a book you read and enjoyed this summer.  I am always looking for recommendations and firmly believe in passing it on…