Best Beach Reads: Summer Roundup of This Season's Hottest Books

I guess because today was my first Book Club meeting of the season (The Great Gatsby was our book of the month) it made me want to discuss books. And since you are planning a destination wedding-moon you will want to bring a good book or two to read once all the chaos is over! Here are a few pics from the NY Times Best Seller's List for Summer and since it's always summer in PR... read on!

Mothers & Daughters

• Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner (Atria) Chick lit grows up-and so does Cannie Shapiro-in this humorous and wise sequel to the best-selling Good in Bed. Weiner captures the frustrations and anguish as well as the joys of raising an almost-teen girl whose sole goal in life is to thwart her mother. You'll breeze right through this cleverly touching charmer.
• The English American by Alison Larkin (Simon & Schuster) When very British Pippa learns her birth parents are actually American Southerners she goes in search of them-and ultimately herself-in this comedic clash of cultures.

Thrills & Chills

• The Host by Stephanie Meyer (Little, Brown). In this romantic sci-fi tale by the author of the hugely popular vampire series Twilight, Melanie Stryder's body has been taken over by the soulful alien Wanderer. Unlike most of the human race, Melanie fights back by refusing to relinquish control of her mind. Instead she haunts Wanderer with her memories of Jared (now in hiding) until the two have joined forces-and shared emotions-and go in search of him. A disquieting look at possession and the undying power of love.
• The Body In The Gallery by Katherine Hall Page (William Morrow). For caterer, amateur sleuth and mom Faith Fairchild, solving a whodunit-there's both a skeleton painting and a dead body to deal with-may have to take a backseat to what's eating her suddenly rebellious teenage son.

A Little Romance

• Summer Blowout by Claire Cook (Voice). You won't have to don your sunglasses for this sunny delight by the author of Must Love Dogs. Makeup artist Bella Shaughnessy has a thing for lipstick-with names like Catfight, Damaged and Revive-a family that gives new meaning to the expression blended (thanks to a half-sister who's dating Bella's ex-husband) and a ban on men (see ex-husband). Which is too bad because she's just me Sean Ryan, an entrepreneur with sparkling eyes and a proposal, business that is-or is it?-for Bella. As refreshing as an icy drink on a sultry day.
• Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber (Mira). Four women, four friendships. four lives gone slightly awry. To help take control of their destiny-especially in matters of the heart-Anne Marie suggests they each write a wish list and then try to make them come true. An inspiring tale of getting what you want in unexpected ways.

Moving Memoirs

• Split: A Memoir of Divorce by Suzanne Finnamore Dutton). With the speed and precision of a machine gun, Finnamore give a chapter-by-chapter dissection of her dissolving marriage, and somehow manages not to leave readers despising her ex. She turns to her now-remarried mother for advice, but it is the supportive safe haven of her friends that truly brings her comfort. Far from a bitter divorce diatribe, this is a witty, graceful journey through denial, acceptance and ultimately triumph. 
• Forward From Here: Leaving Middle Age And Other Unexpected Adventures by Reeve Lindbergh (Simon & Schuster). In a series of essays, Lindbergh reflects on the past-raising kids, being a teacher and her relationship with her famous father, Charles Lindbergh-but also ponders what the future will hold. With her warm and witty style, she give us solace for the troubles and imperfections of life and inspiration to continue to live it to the fullest.

Miscellaneous Reads:

• Same Kind Of Different As Me, by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
• Still Alice, by Lisa Genova
• The Bright Side Of Disaster, by Katherine Center
• The Rest Of Her Life, by Laura Moriarty
• Secret Confessions Of The Applewood PTA, By Ellen Meister
• Love The One Your With, by Emily Giffin
• Change Of Heart, by Jodi Picoult
• Last Seen Leaving, by Kelly Braffet
• The Second Journey:The Road Back To Yourself, by Joan Anderson
• Three Cups Of Tea, by Greg Mortenson

Happy reading!

Your wedding planner,

Lisa