For a long time, I didn’t read fiction… Everything on my bedside was a business book. One day I was thinking about how I could become a better writer, and after a little googling, I came across a suggestion to read more. I was reading tons, but it hit me that maybe I needed to add more variety to what I read. That little suggestion was right! I feel like I can see a dramatic difference in my writing when I’m reading novels and non-fiction as opposed to when I’m just reading my dry stuff. It’s the difference between my own writing feeling more creative and spontaneous vs. being a bit more dry, and to the point.

Each month I’ve been sharing a favorite book that I believe every creative entrepreneur would benefit from (I know I did), but this month, I wanted to do something different. Since we’re coming into summer, I’m sharing a few of the more recent novels that I’ve read and loved. 

And if you can only choose two, I’d high-ly recommend Edenbrooke! It’s the best feel good romance I’ve probably ever read! You will find yourself laughing out loud, which I will say is a bit awkward when you’re sitting in between strangers on a flight and giggling like crazy (but totally worth it). The other would be Secrets of a Charmed Life, which is one of those awesome ones where you feel like you learned, grew, and are left feeling better when you close the book.

Ready for some fun, easy, summer books to lounge by the pool with? Here are some of my faves for just that!

SECRETS OF A CHARMED LIFE : “Current day, Oxford, England. Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades…beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden–one that will test her convictions and her heart.

THE 100 -YEAR- OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED : “A reluctant centenarian much like Forrest Gump (if Gump were an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka) decides it’s not too late to start over . . .”

WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE:  I don’t know if the setting of this book made it even better for me, I’m guessing so! It literally takes place around where I grew up. As you read about Queen Anne – that’s where my dad lives. The WAC, spent many a days there… So as I was reading, I literally knew exactly what she described. Any who…

Here’s what Amazon has to say: “Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she’s a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she’s a disgrace; to design mavens, she’s a revolutionary architect, and to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best friend and, simply, Mom. Then Bernadette disappears. It began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica”

MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE:  “From the acclaimed author of Forever, Interrupted and After I Do comes a breathtaking new novel about a young woman whose fate hinges on the choice she makes after bumping into an old flame; in alternating chapters, we see two possible scenarios unfold—with stunningly different results.”

EDENBROOKE: “Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry. From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.”

THE BALANCE PROJECT: “A story of loyalty, choices, and balance that will resonate deeply with all women who struggle with this hot-button issue.”

A WINDOW OPENS: “Fans of I Don’t Know How She Does It and Where’d You Go, Bernadette will cheer at this “fresh, funny take on the age-old struggle to have it all” (People) about what happens when a wife and mother of three leaps at the chance to fulfill her professional destiny—only to learn every opportunity comes at a price.”

THE STATUS OF ALL THINGS:  “What would you do if you could literally rewrite your fate—on Facebook? This heartwarming and hilarious new novel from the authors of Your Perfect Life follows a woman who discovers she can change her life through online status updates.”

(This is the one that I am reading right now!)

About the Girl Boss Book of the Month: I have read so many amazing books that have truly inspired me, and I want to share them with YOU!  Here’s how it works.  At the end of every month, I will post the book that I will be reading for the next month.   At the end of the month, I will post on Facebook my thoughts on the book.  I hope you will post your thoughts and comments as well.  My goal is to have this be an awesome opportunity to build connections, grow as thoughtful creatives and get inspired to dream and do bigger and better things.

I can’t wait!  Are you in?