June Book Recap

Waypoints by Sam Hueghan

So, we are 100% kicking off this list with my favorite read of the month – although it was technically a listen. This was such a treasured find for me this month. And to be honest, I wasn’t sure that it would be something I related to initially. So, celebrity stories can be hit or miss. Then, this was very much a perfectly timed story in my life.

So, if you’re unfamiliar or only kind of with Sam Hueghan, he is one of the leads of the hit drama Outlander where he plays and 18th Scotish Highlander who falls in love with a time traveling 20th Century English nurse. Also, on screen Sam has captivated millions with his ability to bring Jamie Fraser to life with so many layers of vulnerability, ferocity, loyalty and more. But his work as an author truly blew me away.

Moreover, the book is weaved together sharing the journey of Sam’s life while also sharing his 99 mile walk during early November tackling the West Highland Way. A well known trail that comes with many additional challenges during the colder and wetter months. So, I was captivated at every turn. It was a story that reminded me of just how even with life’s challenges, the universe always finds a way to send us the people we need at the right time. If you’re feeling a bit lost right now, a fan of Sam’s or just enjoy a well told story, I can’t recommend the audiobook enough.

The tag line reads: Journey deep into the Scottish Highlands in the first memoir by #1 New York Times bestselling author and star of Outlander, Sam Heughan—exploring his life and reflecting on the waypoints that define him.

The Modern Girl’s Guide To Magic by Linsey Hall

Now, I read a fair amount of spice. But every now and again, I enjoy mixing something a bit more wholesome in to balance it out. This book fits that criteria. I would say I enjoyed 95% of this book. Enough where I could overlook how just completely off the ending felt to me. It was a very light hearted enemies to lovers with a bit of a miscommunicated understanding. As a lover of magical stories, it was refreshing to see it being told with some new perspective. Also, I would absolutely love to meet the creatures from this book.

This is a series but each book is a standalone taking place in a small but quirky town filled in England with eccentric residents.The world building is just as magical as you’d hope. It’s own set of magical rules and skills giving it a twist on what is often a familiar space. Also, it’s the perfect cozy light hearted read. 

The tag line reads: So, here’s the deal—I’m a magical disaster. A witch from a family of witches, and the only one whose magic blows up in her face. Which is why I came up with my rules…

Crimson River by Devney Perry

I fell in love with the Edens out of order. First with Memphis and Knox and working backwards from there. Also, there’s just something so picturesque and calming about the stories Devney tells in Montana (as you’ll see more of shortly). But one thing that I appreciate about her stories is that they aren’t so reliant on the weight of the series to carry them. You really get to dig into a world with the handful of characters you’re following along while enjoying the cameo or mention of other family members.

As with the other stories in The Eden family, there is some bit of mystery to be solved. It’s often a crime that’s happened or currently happening. Also, it’s not incredibly heavy or heavily suspenseful but it does allow for a richer story and more character development. I loved watching Lyla navigate that journey so many of us have been on (falling for someone we aren’t sure we should be falling for). It was both heart warming and heart breaking at times.

The tag line reads: What started a chance for justice, became a journey to save them both.

Tragic by Devney Perry

I managed to devour this entire series last month but for the sake of our June recap we’ll keep it to one book. This book and this series brought up a lot for me personally. I’m a big believer that art finds us when we need it to give a voice to something we aren’t aware of. And there were quite a few moments in this book but in the overall series where I just kept thinking – I don’t know how I feel about that being handled this way.

Nevertheless, it was an interesting world to step into for a time. One that I will probably revisit in the future. If you’re a fan of Devney’s other books, you’ll recognize a character or too. Honestly, I’d love to know if you’ve read this series and if so what you think. 

The tag line reads: A small town, grumpy-sunshine romance from Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry.

Canary by Tijan

Now typically with these blog posts I’m bringing positive experiences and recommendations. This one just wasn’t it for me. However, I’m very much a believer in the right book, wrong time mindset. And this just wasn’t the headspace I was in or wanted to be in when I picked it up. So, if you like Tijan’s other works, I think you’ll enjoy this (Carter Reed or Bennett Mafia specifically). Her dark romance filled with twist and turns will keep you enticed. I just wasn’t in the right headspace for it.

The tag line reads: “Canaries sing to save lives. I sing and people die.”

Reckless by Elsie Silver

I don’t particularly know how or when I got suckered into the Canadian bull riding book bubble. Also, it sounds a bit niche. But a good grounded romance will just suck you in. And Elsie Silver has been one of my favorite cozy reads over the last few months. Reckless is the latest in her Chestnut Springs series. A little accidentally pregnancy with a giant communication roadblock that leads to two very sweet people (one recovering from a marriage to a VERY narcissistic man) to fall in love.

You’ll laugh. You’ll empathize. And, you’ll fall in love with these humans who are just doing their best to heal and create a life that is filled with everything they missed in their childhood. If you’re me, you’ll feel even more emotionally attached to them as they go on this journey. It was such a delight.

The tag line reads: Theo Silva. Rowdy bull rider. Notorious ladies’ man. Scorching hot trouble wrapped up in a drool-worthy package. And he’s looking at me like I might be his next meal.

Runaway Road by Devney Perry

Speaking of journeys, this series was an actual journey as well as an emotional one. I would also like to pick a bone with Devney over just how incredible sad the bond is for these characters. Meeting because they all lived in a junkyard in college to escape toxic or harmful other options. Y’all my inner empath wants to weep.

Nevertheless, Runaway Road is book one of the journey that starts with Londyn – recently single and leaving behind her cheating husband – as she takes the restored car she lived in during her time in the junkyard across the country on a road trip. Of course, as it would happen she breaks down in a small town and falls in love with the mechanic fixing her car. But her journey is inevitably continued by others who were a part of her junkyard chapter with each book telling their story as the car slowly makes its trip cross country. 

The series is beautifully heartbreaking as only Devney can do. Also, I enjoyed my time spent with each member but Runaway Road was a light read to start with. The perfect rainy day book to hide away from the world for a while.

Top highlighted quote: Now, I was running away to find peace. To find the life I needed deep in my soul. To find myself again.