Bookstack: July Fiction Recommendations

These two books couldn't be more different, and yet I give them both five stars.

It’s been a while since I posted about what I’m reading lately. Let’s just cut to the chase. I read more than what I share here. But some of them are just “meh.” I find myself hurrying to the end to get on to something else. Yes, I’m a picky reader. And of course, fiction is quite subjective.

But these two books, I just had to share with you in case you’re looking for a new read. The two couldn’t be more different from each other, and yet I enjoyed them both!

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is packed with witty humor and creative inner dialogue. I can’t recall reading anything from Courtney Walsh before, but if every book is like this, sign me up. It’s really good for when you need something lighthearted but not fluffy (not formulaic like Hallmark Channel, but not heavy on drama or trauma).

I especially appreciated listening to it on audiobook because the way it’s dramatized brings the story to life, including Isadora’s quirky inner dialogue. The author takes a main character who is socially awkward and spins this whole story that showcases her strengths as she processes her inner struggles. This, while also affirming a neighbor girl who reminds her of her long-ago self.

There’s just enough suspense to make it not predictable and lots of heartwarming and funny moments.

Liar’s Winter

Then, there is Liar’s Winter by Cindy K. Sproles, set in the Appalachian Mountains of nineteenth-century East Tennessee. I’ve been a fan of Cindy Sproles as a person for a long time (in her roles as a writing instructor at conferences, her work as co-founder of Christian Devotions, and more), but I must admit I have never read her fiction.*gasp*

Sorry, Cindy.

*Hangs head in shame*

At last, I added one of Cindy’s books to my queue on Audible, and I enjoyed it so much! This book is not fluffy, nor is it humorous. It showcases the hardships of life for a young woman who never fit in and had never known unconditional love. The author has a way with creative expression that adds so much life to the story, and hearing it on audiobook also brought in the accents, which also gave the story more life.

This is a story about redemption and love, showing how a heart hardened by trauma can still be broken. There are edge-of-your-seat moments and tender moments mingled together. I love the way Cindy weaves a story together with so much meaning and depth.

There’s still a month left of summer. That means there’s time for more books! And yes, I’m adding both authors to my list of must-read-more-books-by.

Tell me, what did you read this summer?

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Oh! One more thing. I just opened a Little Free Library in northern Wisconsin. If you’re in the area, grab the Little Free Library app, and look for charter number 208971. At last, I have place to share what I’ve read with friends and neighbors!