The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister is my favorite book of the summer so far. I was about to cast it aside as magical realism (which I dislike greatly), but stuck with it and was pleasantly surprised. It’s a bit like Where the Crawdads Sing at fist, and a smidge shallow at points, but overall, it’s a really interesting and creative story. Emmeline lives an ideal life with her dad on a deserted island. He teaches her all about the world by channeling her senses. He, in fact, can capture smell in bottles, which he does with the help of a special machine. But, as you can imagine, their idyllic existence doesn’t last forever and the ensuing story is a neat one. It was a perfect beach choice!

From Scratch by Tembi Locke is another hard-to-read memoir (not because it isn’t well-written, but because the subject is difficult). It’s the story of Locke’s recovery from her husband’s death. Back and forth, we learn the story of their relationship, love, and family. It’s both touching and interesting – the descriptions of Sicilian food are mouth-watering – and an enjoyable, if sad, choice. Well done, Reese!

I seem to be following in Gayle Weiswasser’s reading footsteps this summer, as she just reviewed this one as well here. Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok was a wonderful read – the story of two sisters, one of whom goes missing, and the mystery of their lives. Chapters are told in alternating voices of family members and slowly the mystery is revealed. The pace is excellent and the story compelling. It’s a great read and I highly recommend it.

Ayesha at Last has been on a lot of lists this year and, while I am not usually one for Pride and Prejudice remakes, this was an entertaining one. Ayesha dreams of being a poet, but works as a substitute teacher so she can pay off her school debts. She lives with her family and spends a lot of time dealing with her cousin who is constantly getting marriage proposals. Then Ayesha meets Khalid, and while she doesn’t want to like him, she is intrigued. You probably know the story of Pride and Prejudice, so I won’t get any deeper into the story, but this was a good read.

Love You Hard is a wonderful memoir that’s hard to read. Abby’s husband TC was assaulted and left for dead on Capitol Hill in 2009. Her story is from that night forward, both the ups and downs. While I still had questions after I finished, it was well-done and a compelling read. I would add it to your “to-read” pile.

Despite a so-so review from one of my favorite book reviewers, Gayle Weiswasser of Everyday I Write the Book, I forged ahead with The Mother-in-Law, as, unlike Gayle, I do like psychological thrillers. This was was OK, but not the best. A family hears a knock on the door one day – the police have come to tell them that the matriarch of the family has died. Turns out, of course, that everything was not as it seemed. This was an OK read, though not the best.

I enjoyed Field Notes on Love by Jennifer Smith, but I didn’t love it as much as some reviews would have led me to believe I would. It’s a love story, obviously, about a boy (part of a sextuplet), who has always done everything with his brothers and sisters. This summer he is planning a trip with his girlfriend across the US by train until the girlfriend breaks up with him. She kindly gifts him the tickets, but, since they are in her name, he posts a listing to find another woman with the girlfriend’s name to travel with him. I won’t say anything else. It’s a sweet story, but a little too predictable. Perfect for the beach, but a bit fluffier than I might usually choose.

the family next door by Sally Hepworth got better as you went. It’s the story of families in an Australian neighborhood and their fascination with their new neighbor. I almost abandoned it mid-way through, as it felt like a not-as-good version of Big Little Lies, but I am glad I stuck with it, because the last third and the ending surprised me and made it a worthwhile pick. I’m excited to grab her new one The Mother-in-Law this summer.

Queenie by Candice Cardy-Williams was OK but not fantastic. It’s been likened to a mix of Bridget Jones and Americanah. I’d say that’s about accurate. Queenie and her boyfriend are “on a break” and she is sowing her oats and figuring out life. There’s a little too much graphic sowing of oats in this one for me. I’m not adding it to my summer favorites.