emma sumrell

By: Emma Sumrell

hi, me again! 

ah, summer– that time of year when I spend most of my time reorganizing my bookshelves by color, researching organic bottles of Rosé that don’t cost more than $11.99 and purchasing at least 5 Bottega Veneta basket bag dupes off of Amazon that I most certainly do (not) need. 

with that being said, in the midst of my extremely necessary and most pressing of summer activities is a very long summer reading list. so as the seasons are changing quickly and we approach warmer days, I thought I would share my top 5 summer reads that I am REALLY looking forward to. and yes, I am well aware that it is absolutely insane that I subject myself daily to emotional roller coasters, gut wrenching plot twists and the occasional existential crisis in the name of “relaxation” but that’s what the Rosé is for (please see above). 

without further ado, pour yourself a large glass of wine and dive into my top 5 summer reads that I have carefully curated for yours (and mine) pleasure.

1. The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden – in the third book of the “The Housemaid” series, the arrival of a new housemaid triggers a series of unsettling events within the walls of a grand estate, leading to the unraveling of long-buried secrets and the revelation of sinister intentions lurking beneath the surface.  I am absolutely obsessed with this series, it’s quick, easy and the best of the best when it comes to thrillers (IMO)

Find The Housemaid is Watching Here- https://amzn.to/4aMtVUB

2. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle– a woman discovers a mysterious journal belonging to her deceased mother, leading her on a transformative journey to Italy to uncover long-buried family secrets and find healing in the beauty of the Italian countryside. Along the way, she grapples with love, loss, and the power of self-discovery, ultimately finding solace and connection in unexpected places. This one has been on my list for a while and what better season than Summer to dive into a story that takes place in the Italian countryside? 

Find One Italian Summer Here- https://amzn.to/4dh434S

3. Impossible Odds by Jessica Buchanan and Erik Landemalm, with Anthony Flacco – this the true story of Jessica Buchanan’s harrowing abduction by Somali pirates and her incredible resilience and determination to survive against impossible odds. THIS. This is the book that I am most excited about. I listened to Jessica’s story on the Skinny Confidential podcast a few months ago and am just in awe of this woman’s bravery and her story. it’s absolutely insane.

Find Impossible Odds Here- https://amzn.to/3JBH477

4. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver– Demon Copperhead is set in the mountains of southern Appalachia. It’s the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. this is one I found through The Toast podcast bc we suPpOrT WomAnN in LiTEratUre. it’s definitely going to destroy me but I cannot wait. 

Find Demon Copperhead Here- https://amzn.to/49TwP8V

5. That Summer by Jennifer Weiner– a chance encounter with an old acquaintance sets off a chain of events that intertwines the lives of two women, leading to unexpected revelations and poignant reflections on love, identity, and second chances. this is another one that’s been on my list for a while and honestly seems like the perfect beachy read.

Find That Summer Here- https://amzn.to/3xYkPFI

and there you have it, another blog post in the books. until next time, happy reading and may your bookmarks always be in the right place (next to the wine rack). cheers!