What 3 Winks has been reading this summer!

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     All 4 of us girls at 3 Winks Design love to read! Summer is the perfect time to fit in a book or two or three as you relax by the pool or stay indoors out of the heat!  It can be hard to decide just what you want to read, there are so many choices out there and it can be disappointing when a book doesn't live up to it's cover! If you need some ideas, we're sharing what we've been reading and maybe you can find something that you will enjoy.  We would also love some of your suggestions! ​

​Helen

     I started a couple of books this summer that I ended up putting down after awhile.  But, a series that I have stuck with so far is The Myrtlewood Mysteries ​by Iris Beaglehole. I wanted something lighthearted and fun to read for the summer, and this one fits the bill.  It is a fantasy with magic and mystery.  The first book of the series is called Accidental Magic because a mother and her teenage daughter whose lives are pretty much a mess find out that they have surprisingly inherited their grandmother's home.  Little did they know that the grandmother was a powerful witch and that they also have inherited her magical abilities!  They end up moving to the town of Myrtlewood where magic is commonly understood and there they begin a whole new life of magic, mayhem and happiness! 
     The second book in the series is entitled Experimental Magic as mom and daughter learn more about how to use their magic and learn to get out of some sticky situations with  The Fae!  
     I have been reading these books on Kindle.  You can also buy them as sets here and here. They are a fun magical fantasy in the vein of Harry Potter, just not quite as good.  If you like that genre, they are enjoyable.

Madalynn

     Series are fun to read because when you find stories and characters that you really enjoy, your relationship with them doesn't have to end after just one book.  Maddy has been reading another series entitled The Culture​ by Lain M Banks.  It is a 9 book futuristic series that deals with a utopian universe that co-mingles humans, aliens and machines.  It deals with why cultures go to war and many proclaim it to be one of the best sci-fi series they have ever read.  It can be pretty pricey, so the Kindle or audible versions may be your best bet.  Maddy read book two first and they can apparently somewhat stand alone, but now she is going back to read book one. 

​Alicia

     Alicia is recommending two books that she has enjoyed this summer! Well, technically three!
​    First,  The Women by Kristen Hannah   This book is set in the turbulent 1960s and is a coming of age book about a young woman who learns first hand about the destruction and chaos of war and that not only men, but women can also be heroes.  This novel is described as one that deals with deep friendships and bold patriotism. 
     While Alicia says that this book is pretty good, she preferred Hannah's The Great Alone  more. It is about a family who try to make a new start  in the wilderness of Alaska. 

     Next, Alicia really enjoyed reading Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou.  This book contains beautiful essays that teach lessons and give insight from this woman's incredible life.  Many of those who have read this book suggest that it should be cherished by more than daughters.  Alicia speaks very highly of it! It is on my list! 

Lindsey

     Lindsey first has a recommendation from her childhood that she is now sharing with her daughter, Emily.  Emily is a very advanced reader and is reading chapter books at the age of 6! Lindsey has introduced her to the Baby-Sitters Club Books.  They specifically began with book #5, Dawn and the Impossible Three.  Lindsey was surprised that as they read it how much she still enjoyed it.  She says that it even made her tear up a bit! Emily is really enjoying these books as well.  Lindsey came to my house and scavenged my bookshelves for her old books from her childhood. But, you can find cool retro sets on Amazon, as well as updated graphic novels. 

     For her personal reading, Lindsey says that she enjoyed The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by ​Gabrielle Zevin.   I've heard of this story about a bookstore owner who loses a rare book and inherits a child at the same time.  It is on my list to read.  Lindsey said that she enjoyed it but preferred Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by the same author. 

    Have you read any of these?  What did you think of them?  What are you reading?  I always love recommendations, that is where you find the best books to read! 
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Other Posts About Books:

• Miss Buncle's Book
• Crazy Rich Asians​
• What Are You Reading This Year?​