SUMMER BOOK & FACEMASK PAIRING – KEYS WOMAN MAGAZINE

Family, history, mystery and romance. Grab one of these great beach reads, and dive in while you’re preparing, or repairing, your skin for the summer sunshine with a DIY facial masque. 

The Summer Place”
By Jennifer Weiner

When Ruby and Gabe announce their Cape Cod wedding plans, Sarah is surprised, but smiles as a good stepmother should. Eli, the dependable dentist, would normally have an opinion regarding his only daughter getting married at 22 but he can barely follow the conversation. Although sweet, Gabe spent the pandemic living with the Danhausers in Brooklyn and he cannot be more different than laser-focused Ruby. Sarah doesn’t understand why Eli has changed so drastically over the past year. It’s true they were smothering each other during quarantine, but she has moved on while everything Eli does drives her crazy. Wondering whether her husband is having a midlife crisis, an affair or both – Sarah is at her wits end to save their marriage as she plans Ruby’s. In Cape Cod she is reminded of the power of first love, the loss of her father and conflicting childhood memories of her own mother. Three generations face difficult decisions and reveal secrets that challenge the true meaning of family. Available 5/22. 

“The Golden Couple”
By Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks

Avery Chambers is an unorthodox therapist who recently lost her professional license. Now she has the ability to implement her out-of-the-box, 10- session plan that is guaranteed to work. Practicing near Washington D.C. Avery focuses on keeping busy since her husband died. Her newest clients Marissa and Matthew Bishop light up the room when they arrive. Beautiful, stylish, unquestionably successful. Marissa made the appointment under the guise of helping their 8-year-old son with a school bully. Unbeknownst to her controlling husband she is there to confess she had a one-night fling. Avery is unsure whether Marissa wanted to soften the blow or genuinely wishes to repair their crumbling marriage. Matthew’s controlling demeanor quickly fades almost too easily as he begins to lavish his wife the attention she craves. When Avery digs deeper it becomes clear the characters involved in their everyday lives are far from innocent. Mind-boggling twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your beach chair.

“The Magnolia Palace”
By Fiona Davis

Devastated after her mother’s death, Lillian Carter escapes her apartment as her smarmy landlord tries to implicate her in his wife’s murder. Lillian has no money, no home and no plan. Walking past the infamous Frick mansion, she is accidentally brought in for an interview as secretary to Helen Frick. This beautiful former artist’s model is mesmerized by walls full of magnificent art. Having spent the last few years in studios, Lillian is knowledgeable about these paintings and sculptures and quickly impresses her employer. She decides to fake her way and save enough money to escape to California. Helen Frick is an overbearing boss, but the longer Lily works for her the more involved she becomes in the complicated lives of this temperamental wealthy family. Mesmerizing historical fiction magically transports the reader to another time.

Part of Your World”
By Abby Jimenez

Swerving the car to avoid a raccoon, Alexis Montgomery lands in a ditch on a dark country road. Daniel Grant, her tattooed knight in shining armor, arrives in a beat up truck and it is game over. This bearded savior is the hottest guy she has ever seen. The meet-cute quickly escalates into grilled cheese and up-all-night kind of sleepover. Completely out of character for this conservative ER doctor from Minneapolis, Alexis cannot stop thinking about Daniel. Her wealthy successful parents would be appalled, her shallow friends and chief of surgery ex-boyfriend would laugh. Secretly making the trek back to this quaint town, Alexis gets to know Daniel, his friends and neighbors. It’s a place where she can finally breathe. Although there is no denying their explosive chemistry Alexis must choose among her career, familial expectations and true happiness. Put on lots of lotion for this steamy hot read – you will not be getting out of your lounger any time soon. Available 4/22.

“Reminders of Him”
By Colleen Hoover

Kenna Rowan is back. She spent five long years in prison dreaming of the day she can finally meet her daughter Diem for the first time. While every local in this small town blames her for the tragic accident that upended their world, the only person to show any kindness turns out to be Ledger Ward, ex pro-football player, hunk and life long devoted friend of Scotty, the father of her child. Completely alone in the world, Kenna struggles to remain in town long enough to beg forgiveness from Scotty’s still grieving parents. Her immediate chemistry with Ledger is both predictable and delicious. He is a gem of a friend and fierce protector of Diem, who is a beautiful and precocious child. As Ledger allows Kenna to slowly unravel her story, his heart softens to the painful truth. Managing his own guilt, Ledger works hard to protect Scotty’s parents while helping Kenna do what he believes is right. Fast paced romantic page turner filled with love, loss and forgiveness.

Karen Newfield is first and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www.readingandeating.com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.