June Book Recommendations & Recipe Pairings
Summer is almost here! It's hard to believe that we've already made it through Memorial Day and graduation season. With time flying by and the weather heating up, it's the perfect time to slow down with a good book that will transport you to another place or time.
Our editors and book lovers have you covered with four great book recommendations perfect for every reading style. If you enjoy epic fantasy or romantasy, dig into Rebecca Ross's Wild Reverence. For something more modern, check out Amy DuBois Barnett's If I Ruled the World. It's the ultimate urban chick-flick in book form that our social media manager has expertly paired with a chill ’90s hip-hop playlist. That’s not all!
If you enjoy historical fiction with fantastical elements, dive into Sarah Penner's The Amalfi Curse, set on the beautiful, foreboding Italian coast. Finally, if you're craving a light, fun read with a dose of dark humor, check out Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, which is being optioned for TV by Tina Fey. Marketing copywriter Shannon has some mouth-watering pairings for this addictive read. Cool off with frozen strawberry margaritas (yum!) or a refreshing limoncello spritz. While your beef enchilada casserole is in the oven, you can get back to your next book. Happy reading!
Chelsey's Pick
I’ll admit, I’m probably one of the only people who hadn’t read Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, so when I heard her newest novel set in the same world had released, I barely gave it a second glance. But after hearing so much buzz surrounding this epic romance, I decided to give it a shot — and I’m so glad I did. This sweeping story takes its time building the relationship between a goddess and a mortal man, making every moment between them feel earned and unforgettable. Even with impossible odds stacked against them, they find a way back to each other, proving that fate is stronger than destiny itself.
Alandria's Pick
Ahhh the nostalgia! I love a good read that takes you back in time and reminds you of how good life was. This read is set in the 90s and I absolutely adored all of the pop culture references. It's an inspiring story that reminds us of the grind it takes for women to accomplish the goals we've set out for ourselves in a world that isn't always as inviting of us doing so. The characters are authentic and raw, and the plot will shake your world in the end. You'll definitely need a drink with this one ... and a really subtle 90's hip-hop playlist.
Shannon's Pick
A struggling, single mom writer mistaken for a serial killer and inadvertently entangled in a web of deceit and murder, not to mention a hot cop and sexy bartender tossed into the mix? Yes, please! I zipped through this darkly funny mystery and absolutely fell in love with the charismatic yet relatable Finlay and her sassy nanny, Vero. Cosimano kicks off this series with such flair that I can’t wait for Finlay’s next adventure. And the cherry on top? Tina Fey and Lang Fisher are adapting the novel into a series for Peacock! My pairings reflect what Vero might whip up after a long day of mystery-solving.
Jane's Pick
I tore through The Amalfi Curse because it felt tailor-made for my inner adventuress. It has the sea, archaeology and that irresistible "what secrets are buried below the surface?" energy I’ve loved since wanting to grow up and be Indiana Jones. Add in sunken treasure and sea witches, and I was fully hooked. It’s the kind of story that smells like salt air and old legends while pulling you deeper with every page. Since Amalfi = lemons, bright, lush and elegant, I've paired two citrus-kissed companions: a silky lemon pasta and a sparkling limoncello spritz.
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