Best of Books- Light/Charming

What better time is there for some light and charming books than during summertime? I used to not be able to get into this genre at all, but these days, sometimes I'm just craving a delightful book full of setting, details, and appealing descriptions.

You can see my previous post that lists the best of a similar genre of books- beach/summertime reads, but these are SLIGHTLY different (in my opinion) in that they don't necessarily take place during summer or in a coastal setting, but they are still breezy reads that could be considered somewhat chick-lit or women's fiction.

I'd say very few of these are MUST reads, but the ones that definitely stand out as the best are:

• Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
• (2018) Wow, this is another one that I kept putting off reading based on the synopsis (and I assumed it was just another chick-lit), but I am SO glad I finally gave in. I can not say enough good things! It proves that content can be made extremely captivating through detailed writing. While the plot was predictable, you don't even notice because the characterization completely pulls you in. This is one of those books where I had to alternate reading a chapter, doing a task on my to-do list, reading a chapter, doing a task...because I just did not want to put it down and leave these characters!

• Class Mom Series (Books #1, #2, and #3- Yoga Pant Nation) by Laurie Gelman
• Class Mom #1
• (2019) With pretty much my whole life experience as a babysitter, nanny, camp counselor, daycare worker, and working in elementary schools, I could relate to this target audience. I was surprised at how much I liked this one that I had checked out multiple times but hadn't ever gotten around to reading until now. It's light and funny, but it reads much better than a typical chick-lit book!
• You've Been Volunteered, Class Mom #2
• I have always been an internal soccer mom at heart, and this series is so perfect for that. I loved this book even more than the first book in this series, and I can only hope that this series continues (ASAP) for a long time! This book is a perfect back-to-school read which gives that cozy fall feeling. This is such a witty, clever (yet spot-on accurate) book that made me laugh out loud many times. The author has created such an amazing and hilarious voice for the narrator, and this second book brought out more of an emotional connection than the first.
• Yoga Pant Nation, Class Mom #3- (2021) 
• I just love this series! I'm such a critical reader, but these always suck me in as a light, fun, witty read. Just like the others, I binged this one in a few days. While it's being pushed as a stand-alone and you can definitely read it as that, I feel like I was much more invested and appreciative of it because of the two previous Class Mom books I've read. Love them!

Some other favorites are:

• Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
• Other reviews say our favorite author is back with this one, after two previous duds, and I wholeheartedly agree. I love the normalcy, the observant insight, how it's sneakily hilarious, and the everyday details and minutiae. The characters are so realistic and seemingly exactly like people you know. I couldn't get enough of the mom, but also the four kids, their dynamics and relationships, and their complicated but loving family. Love all the different perspectives that were shown too! It's just funny, easy, smart, and real. There is something for everyone but this book doesn't miss a beat. She even ends by touching on the pandemic in a light and easy way.
• When Life Gives you Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger
• Well, this just shows I'm a mood reader. I started reading this years ago when it came out and put it down about 1/4 of the way through. I don't know if it's because I'm less picky, in a different life stage, or just was in the mood now, but I absolutely enjoyed every second of reading this this time! I loved the tie-ins to The Devil Wears Prada, but it could definitely be read as a stand alone. It's fun, well-detailed, and fresh!

• Any of Sally Hepworth's recent books (These are a bit of suspense too!)
• The Royal We by Heather Cocks
• Any of Emily Giffin's books (I actually prefer her earlier ones, I think!)

Some older ones that I read years ago, but they still stand out as being great reads, are:

• The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
• The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes
• The First Affair by Emma Mclaughlin
• The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
• The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
• Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan

I'm unsure if I would still give them as high of a rating as my younger-self did, but I'm thinking I would!

Hope you make time to curl up with a easy, breezy book and enjoy!