In addition to the list of books below, I had a unique reading opportunity in September. I was the first beta reader of a book draft written by my friend’s husband. I can’t say more about the book, but if and when it is published I will share all about it, because it was a great nonfiction book about American politics and history that everyone could learn from. This month I read:

• Make Room for Love by Darcy Liao – This is a new-to-me romance writer, and I enjoyed this slow burn sapphic love story. Mira, is just getting out of an awful relationship with a controlling man when she meets Isabel, a butch construction worker who will stand up for the right people and the right causes. They become friends and roommates and slowly something else develops that comes as a total surprise for Mira. I enjoyed their growth throughout the story, as they each worked through their own grief, loss, family issues, and work stress, while trying to be supportive.
• The Shadow Friends by Tess Gerritsen – I love this author and this Martini Club series! In book three our 60 year old retirees from the CIA are back in their quiet Maine town, but hosting an international conference where a murder occurs. Of course, they must get incolved, which then leads to multiple international flights, some dangerous situations abroad and at home, some marital conflict, and a great ending. I loved the action and the drama and hope the series continues!
• The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett [audiobook] – I loved this author’s book, The Help, so I was excited to read this after multiple people recommended it to me. I chose to listen to the audiobook version, which was a fun production. The story is narrated by young Meg, who ends up in an orphanage unsure what happened to her hardworking mother, and Birdie, a young woman who travels to visit her sister in hopes of bringing money back to her family. Everyone is suffering from The Great Depression, and without work or support, women have to turn to different ways to make money. We follow Birdie’s adventure to save her family, where she meets people and has life experiences she never dreamed of, and we follow Meg and her journey. There were many characters in this story who were strong women down on their luck, hard-working and innovative, brave and beautiful in their own ways. I enjoyed this experience!
• Clear My Name by Paula Daly – This was a fun British mystery! Tess works for UK Innocence, which is like the Innocent Project. She ends up working a case to try to exonerate Carrie, who was imprisoned for allegedly killing her husband’s mistress. The murder took place in Tess’s hometown, which holds many secrets about the murder and Tess’s past. I enjoyed the twists and turns!
• The Land and Its People by David Sedaris [audiobook] – I love David Sedaris’s essays! He is a humorist who takes small, simple elements from his life and expands on them with sarcasm and laughter. He trash talks just about everyone, from his dead parents to his siblings to strangers he sees on vacation. Now in his 60’s, he is obsessed with tracking 10,000 steps a day and many hours on Duolingo, learning various languages. I laughed out loud listening to most of these essays!