FIRST Book Club Recommends the Rebecca Serle Book and More Fun Titles for August 30 to September 6, 2024
FIRST Editors (and book lovers) share their top titles right now!
We have great news for book lovers and bibliophiles! FIRST Book Club (a.k.a. FFW Book Club) is back with a variety of captivating recommendations for August 30 to September 6. As summer draws to a close and you squeeze in some last-minute beach or pool time, it’s the perfect moment to sink into a compelling story. From historical fiction to romantasy, cozy mystery and more, we have something for every kind of reader!
If you’re in the mood to get whisked away to magical Positano, pick up One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle. Looking to laugh out loud? Look no further than Number One is Walking: My Life in Movies and Other Diversions by the iconic actor Steve Martin. For a contemporary fiction novel that is buzzing on BookTok and Bookstagram, dive into Call It Want You Want by debut author Alissa DeRogatis.
Keep scrolling for all of the FFW Book Club must-read book recommendations for August 30 to September 6!
Romance
‘Business Casual’ by B.K. Borison
“Sweet, steamy, cozy…B.K. Borison’s Lovelight Farms series is all of these things, and it’s one of my favorites,” says Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “So I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this final installment.” Nova Porter can’t seem to focus when the gorgeous Charlie Milford is around, which is irritating since the last thing Nora wants right now is a boyfriend. But after spending the night with Charlie, things shift. Now, Nora must try and keep her feelings for Charlie under wraps — even if it means missing out on what could be her happily ever after. “This book had me laughing out loud and blushing a few seconds later,” says Carissa. “Nora and Charlie had great chemistry — it was the perfect way to end my time in Lovelight Farms.” (Berkley, 2024)
Historical Fiction
‘The Secret Keeper of Main Street’ by Trisha R. Thomas
“I love stories that sweep me away to past time periods,” says Courtney Shapiro, FIRST Digital Associate Editor. “And this book, set in 1950s oil-rich Oklahoma, stayed with me for a while.” The story is told from multiple points of view, including Bailey Dowery, a dressmaker who has premonitions about her clients and their love lives; Elsa Grimes, the daughter of a rich oil baron who’s hiding secrets; and Charlene, Bailey’s aunt who can’t escape her past. Bailey soon gets caught in the middle of the drama — especially when she crosses paths with Elsa. “All the heart-racing drama of past and present secrets colliding kept me hooked,” raves Courtney. “I couldn’t put this one down.” (William Morrow, 2024)
Magical Realism
‘One Italian Summer’ by Rebecca Serle
“Books that blend real life with a hint of magic enchant me — and Rebecca Serle has a true knack for this,” says Anna Traver, FIRST Assistant Editor. “One Italian Summer centers on a daughter’s relationship with her late mother—and Serle’s ability to write complex characters going through tough moments shines here.”
The book follows Katy as she grieves the death of her mother, Carol, her best friend. To make matters more difficult, Katy already had a trip to Positano planned with her mother. She decides to take the trip alone to visit the place her mother spoke so highly of. Then she steps onto the Amalfi Coast and begins feeling her mother’s spirit. Carol soon appears to Katy in the flesh as a seemingly healthy 30-year-old woman, but Katy can’t wrap her mind around what is happening or how this can be real.
Throughout the summer, Katy gets to know her mother in a new light. She slowly learns how to heal from her pain while discovering truths about who her mother was before she became a mom. “This saga, set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Italian coast, was a reminder that those who love us never truly leave us,” says Anna. “I would recommend this to fans of magical realism and heartfelt mother-daughter stories!” (Simon & Schuster, 2022)
Mystery
‘The Last Murder at the End of the World’ by Stuart Turton
“I love the suspense of a good mystery, and the title of this one drew me in,” says Shay Trotter, FIRST Associate Editor. Three scientists and 122 villagers are the only inhabitants of an idyllic island. So when one of the scientists is found murdered, the villagers and remaining scientists must solve the crime within four days before the deadly fog that wiped out the rest of the planet breaches the security system that was weakened after the murder. Says Shay, “The high-stakes plot had me reeling until the end!” (Sourcebooks, 2024)
Fiction
‘Call It What You Want‘ by Alissa DeRogatis
“This debut novel was buzzing all over social media, from BookTok to Bookstagram,” notes Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. “So I finally picked it up.” The plot follows hopeless romantic Sloane Hart, who is navigating the grief of her parents’ divorce. She decides to avoid romance and focus on graduating college and living out her dreams. But when she meets handsome, mysterious Ethan Brady, everything changes. Says Melissa, “Though this is a college-set story, its messages of self-love and self-worth are universal.” (Sourcebooks, 2024)
Cozy Mystery
‘The Dog Across the Lake’ by Krista Davis
“Whodunits always provide comfort and intrigue — and this one did just that,” says Maggie Dillard, FIRST Senior Associate Editor. Holly Miller is on her lakeside terrace when she spots a pup across the lake, who later finds his way into her home. Holly learns he belongs to her cousin, who is camping with his girlfriend across the lake. But when she tries to return the pup to them, they’re nowhere to be found…and there’s a dead body inside their tent! Raves Lauren, “This was a fun puzzle to crack!” (Berkley, 2024)
Fantasy
‘Reckless’ by Lauren Roberts
“After relishing every page of Lauren Roberts’ Powerless, this second book in the trilogy did not disappoint,” says Sienna Sullivan, FIRST Editorial Assistant. Things only get more complicated for Paedyn Gray, who, after surviving the Purging Trials, kills the king, igniting a land-wide Resistance. Meanwhile, Kai Azer, whom she grew closest to in the series’ first book, is tasked with bringing her to justice. “Roberts writes Paedyn’s character in such a way that you feel the depths of her emotions along with her, ” says Sienna. (Simon & Schuster, 2024)
Memoir
‘Number One Is Walking: My Life in the Movies and Other Diversions’ by Steve Martin with illustrations by Harry Bliss
“I’m a Steve Martin fangirl, so I was thrilled to get this book for my birthday,” says Abbey Bender, FIRST Digital Writer. In this illustrated volume, the comedy icon collaborates with a New Yorker cartoonist to tell stories from his life and career, which are interspersed with cartoons ranging from funny to poignant. “I loved the unique approach to storytelling,” says Abbey. “And now I appreciate Steve’s humor and Renaissance man vibe even more.” (Celadon, 2022)
For more book club recommendations, keep scrolling!
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