We have a fabulous list of books for September’s Frolic Faves. I am blown away by the books on this list and my TBR pile grew three sizes today! I hope you can add something new and exciting to your TBR as well.
Donna Soluri | The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
The Giver of Stars is a beautifully written historical fiction set in Depression-era America, specifically the mountains of Kentucky. Eleanor Roosevelt has sent out the call for a team of women to deliver books to the far reaching, often hidden parts of rural America. A wonderfully diverse group of ladies end up leading the charge.
As you can imagine, this book is chock full of heroines with intriguing stories and experiences to share. Alice, the kind, and spirited new wife of the small town biggest business owner’s son, did not plan on being in such a small town. She tries with all of her might to keep her marriage alive, until she simply can’t any longer. Margery, the smart, self-sufficient daughter of a notorious criminal is the leader of our traveling librarians. She’s not very trusting, especially with her heart, but she is loyal and true.
Alice and Margery round out their Horseback Librarians of Kentucky group with three other unexpected members. The stories ensue and the tensions run high. This is remarkably dangerous work on a multitude of levels.
I found this book to be simply unputdownable. I do not say that lightly. The pacing and stories are so compelling, I hated putting the book down to tend to the chores of my regular day. Moyes is a gripping storyteller and the adventures these women endure…encounter…experience, played out like a movie in my head.
Aurora Domiguez | Champion by Marie Lu
When I read the Legend series, I paused after Prodigy, the second book in the series, due to busy times and a big TBR. I ended up picking up Champion before the October 2019 release of Rebel one weekend in September. Boy, why did I wait? This dystopian follows Day and June and all their trials and tribulations and the romance is impeccable. I can’t wait to read Rebel and to moderate the author at Books and Books in Coral Gables, Florida, October 8th at 7pm. Make sure to get this series and you will be so happy you got wrapped up this amazing story.
Bree Hill | Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber
Midnight at the Blackbird Café is a perfect read for fall that I haven’t stopped recommending since I read it. This is more Women’s Fiction than Romance but there are two amazing romances within this story full of magical realism, traditions passed through generations, and small town southern charm.
Jess Moro | Down Too Deep by J. Daniels
I cannot put into words how much I loved this book. It was deeply emotional and compelling. Nathan is a single dad who is struggling to put his life back together after losing his wife. Jenna is a ball of sunshine that bursts through his life at the perfect moment in his not so perfect moment of need. This story hits all the right points for me, a slow burn of a romance, it pulls at all your feels while also delivering a believable romance with characters you won’t forget. You feel every emotion throughout the story and there are plenty of highs and lows. Jenna and Nathan have a chemistry that is fire throughout the story. You feel it in every page and I can’t get enough! Down Too Deep finishes off the series (but is a standalone) but I wish there was more!
Alexandra Someillan | With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
With the Fire on High is like rereading Like Water for Chocolate only with a character that is fierce and pursues her dreams despite the obstacles. Through all the challenges that Emoni Santiago faces she never stops telling stories through her food and bringing a little bit of magic into people’s plates. With the Fire on High is a poetic and an inspiring read that taught me to stay true to myself and to never let fear take over my hopes and dreams. This book reminds me of the sheer sense of nostalgia and joy that food brings for me and how I never forget about my abuelito every time I take a bite of my Cuban pastelito.
Mary Dube | Perfectly Adequate by Jewel E. Ann
I loved every moment of Jewel E. Ann’s Perfectly Adequate and didn’t want it to end. Eli is a doctor and single father, who was devastated by his divorce, and is still trying to process what happened. He’s curt, cynical, grumpy, and has no interest in dating, but he finds himself intrigued by a quirky nursing student, Dorothy. She has Asperger syndrome, and is perfectly comfortable in her neurodivergent skin, and she lightens his heart, and makes him want to love again. He is absolutely delightful as he fumbles his way through romancing someone as unique as Dorothy, and Perfectly Adequate is a refreshingly different, utterly swoon-worthy, and downright memorable romantic comedy with characters that you’ll adore.
Lisa Ward | Park Avenue Player by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
My favorite book in September was Park Avenue Player by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward.
One of my favorite elements about their books is having the two main characters meet at the beginning of the story. I become invested in the characters from the start.
Hollis and Elodie’s meet-cute in the beginning of the story brought out their argumentative side. As their mutual respect developed and the sexy pranks & witty banter turned to sexual chemistry, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I fell in love with not only the main characters but the secondary ones, as well. (including the bird) Also, one of my favorite characters from a previous book has a cameo, and he’s ALWAYS welcome to pop in.
This story will make you laugh, pull at your heartstrings, and have you wishing for your very own Hollis. (Uh, don’t show this to my husband)
