emma sumrell

By: Emma Sumrell

hi friends! i have been DEVOURING books this summer. to the point where it’s borderline out of control. so i thought i would talk about some of my recent favorites that i most definitely recommend (especially if you need some quick reads to make your goodreads goal). these books i’m about to tell you about have me laughing, crying and honestly questioning my life’s purpose (aka do i quit my job & read full time) 

so if you’re ready for a dose of bookish banter, keep reading—because if there’s one thing better than finding a great book, it’s finding a bunch of them and endlessssssslyyyyyy gushing about it.

1. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

The Paradise Problem follows the story of Anna Green and Liam “West” Weston who enter into a fake marriage in order to receive subsidized family housing while studying at UCLA. 

Anna also believes that upon leaving school and entering the real world she signed divorce papers. But three years later, West shows up at Anna’s door with a proposition for Anna- stay married & make money. 

Due to a stipulation in his inheritance from his grandfather, West cannot receive his cash unless he has been happily married for at least five years. Anna is living paycheck to paycheck when West shows up and has nothing to lose. West on the other hand, is a college professor and has everything to lose. After very little convincing, Anna & West jet off to paradise to meet West’s family and try to convince them that they are, indeed, married and plan to stay that way. 

Throughout their stay, West finds himself at a crossroads of whether or not Anna can the play the part or whether or not he risks losing a relationship that began as a lie.

this is the PERFECT summer read. i think i read this in like a day. it’s quick, cute and so corny you will find yourself falling in love with the characters. 5 stars

2. Drinking Games by Sarah Levy 

Drinking Games is a story about a young woman living in NYC who drank and partied until sobriety freed her of her private struggles with alcoholism. 

This story is part memoir and part critique about the role alcohol plays in our adult lives and the pressure society puts on us when it comes to making the choice to drink.

Throughout this book Sarah explores the need for control and takes us on her journey of partying, sobriety, partying again and then finally becoming sober for good. She’ll explore the benefits of not drinking and the positive impact this change has had on her life. 

i have a love/hate relationship with this book. overall, i absolutely loved the themes. and although i don’t consider myself someone who is questioning her relationship with alcohol, i have made some serious changes over the past couple of years, so i found myself relating to the author in some ways. however, i really did not like the author’s style of writing and it got in the way of the book at times but overall i think this is a really good read. and perfect for the girlies who are growing up and leaving their partying 20’s behind. 4 stars

3. The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

The Perfect Couple is a story about the Otis-Winbury families and their upcoming wedding on Nantucket. 

The groom’s wealthy parents have planned a lavish event at their oceanfront estate for all of the festivities but when a body is found the morning of the wedding, chaos ensues and everyone at the wedding is considered a suspect. The Chief of Police conducts interviews of everyone involved in the wedding and quickly uncovers countless secrets within families, friends & relationships. 

i am having a bit of an obsession with Elin Hilderbrand right now. i really can’t get enough of her books. they are so well written and truly keep me on my toes to the point where i need to actually put myself to bed. i think she is notoriously a beach read?? but honestly i’d read these anytime of year. 5 stars

4. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson 

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder follows the story of Pip’s senior year in Fairview, CT and her journey about finding the truth about a murder that occurred 5 years earlier. The entire town knows the story of Andie Bell and how supposedly her boyfriend Sal Singh, murdered her. Pip is not so sure this is the case as she has known Sal since she was young and she believes the police did not investigate thoroughly. For her senior capstone project, she decides to reexamine the case on her own terms and find the truth of what actually happened that night. As Pip investigates, she finds herself & everyone she loves threatened because someone is determined to not let Pip discover the truth. 

OBSESSED. truly obsessed. this is such a quick & easy read and i originally wanted to read it because of the netflix show but honestly i wasn’t a huge fan!! the book is 10x better. def pick it up if you’re looking for a murder mystery that’s easily digestible. 

and there ya have it. my favorite reads of the summer. grab one (or all) of these gems and prepare for an adventure that might just make you question your social life—or lack thereof. and remember, sleep is overrated, but great books are forever. happy reading!