The TTO Summer Reading List: Fiction

One of our favorite things to do on a warm summer day is settling in with a good book.  When we're looking for book recommendations, we have just one call--Our Mom!  Not only does our mom have an impressive personal library, but her local librarian knows her by name.  We checked in with Mom to see what books she's recommending this summer.  This is Part 1: Fiction...look for Part 2: Non-Fiction coming soon.  Here's her list in no particular order...

 I Found You by Lisa Jewell.  A lonely single mom who offers shelter to an amnesiac man and a young bride who is told that her missing husband never existed struggle to make sense of their transforming worlds and their connection to two teenagers whose lives were shattered by secrets two decades earlier.

Before This Is Over by Amanda Hickie.  A devastating epidemic raises the question as to how far a mother will go to protect her family.  Timely and thought provoking.

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins, author of Girl on the Train  - need I say more?

Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout.  Small town folks coping with love and loss.  She is an awesome writer if you have not read her other books.

Marlena by Julie Buntin.  I chose this one because my name is Marlene and it is set in Michigan.  A story of two girls also coping with love and loss and, to complicate matters - addiction.

The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley  by Hannah Tinti.  12 scars left by 12 bullets reveal a criminal past that impact the present.

Small, Great Things by Jodi Picoult.  Again, not much needs to be said.  This actually came out in 2016 but if you missed it then, don't miss it now.  Timely.  Thought provoking. 

Faithful by Alice Hoffman.  A story of a survivor's path through grief, guilt and recovery.  Alice can always be counted on to tell a great story.

The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian.  A sleepwalking wife and mother who exhibits violent behavior while unconscious, goes missing.   He is one of my favorites - lots of title, if you are not familiar. 

The Stars are Fire by Anita Shreve.  Based upon the true story of the largest fire in Maine in 1947.  She's another who, if you haven't found already, should check out.

And last but not least, The Shadow Land by Elizabeth Kostova.  This woman writes BIG stories with BIG plots and tons of pages but still leaves you wanting more when you turn the last page.  If you have not read The Swan Thieves or The Historian check out all three but not at the same time!  

So that's it for Part 1!  Can you see why we depend on our mom for book recommendations?  She knows everything!!  Stay tuned for Mom's non-fiction picks soon.  What are you planning to read this summer?  Let us know in the comments below!