Olive & June Winter 2021 Collection and Must-Read Novel Pairings

Highland Games by Evie Alexander

I gushed about this on Instagram, but I’m gonna gush about it again here too. I love a good Scottish romance, which longterm readers know because of our Outlander book list.

This one has Zoe deciding to pack up her London life and move into the rustic, decrepit cabin on a castle estate her uncle left for her when he died. The problem is Rory, the castle’s caretaker, wanted the cabin for himself.

Rory starts messing with Zoe to get her to leave Scotland, but when he realizes he needs her help, sparks fly! This is the first in a new series about Rory and Zoe and their Scottish hometown.

It was charming, funny, STEAMY, and heartwarming. I personally can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Anticipation by Melodie Winawer

What a wonderful historical fiction that combines part of the amazing history of the Byzantine empire with science and some magic. This combination across genres also with the authors wonderful story telling was a hit with me.

The Story tells of Elias and his many lives over 800 years protecting the city he is connected with. IN 2015, Helen and her son have come to Green on a much needed vacation. The two stories come together beautifully.

Mistle Text by Whitney Dineen and Melanie Summers

When handsome, billionaire Archie is told he needs to go to his Godfather’s for Christmas, he hires Holly to be his personal Christmas shopper.

Holly is happy to accept the extra money as she’s been strapped for cash since her sister and brother-in-law died, leaving her to raise her 5 year-old-niece, Faith.

When Archie finds out his godfather is planning to announce the new head of the company, and he wants to name a family man the new heir, Archie begs Holly to be his fake girlfriend.

Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens

Laura is a romantic who is a lifestyle reporter. She specializes in segments in which people tell the romantic ways they met. Unfortunately, she has never met the guy and it doesn’t help that her parents’ love story was epic.

When she goes on a work trip to Jersey and picks up the wrong suitcase, she is hoping that this may be the start of her own meet-cute. As she travels around the island simultaneously uncovering parts of her parents story and searching for the suitcase man, she begins to uncover secrets as well.

This book was a perfect, imperfect romance.

Her Honor by LaDoris Hazzard Cordell

While I’m always interested in the justice system, I often find non-fiction books about the topic to be dry, too technical, or just plain confusing.

But not Judge Cordell’s book which has a perfect balance of example based stories and explanation of legal issues without the legalese that can be confusing to those outside the justice system.

Her detailed antidotes about her life on the bench were compelling and troubling, drawing me in, and forcing me to see that our legal system needs work across ALL divisions.

I spent most of my time listening to this book, which is narrated by Judge Cordell, and I couldn’t pause it. I finished it in one day while ignoring life around me.

Minimalista by Shira Gill

I love to follow Shira Gill’s Instagram account, so I knew her book would be a must-get for me.

Minimalista is packed with tips and strategies to minimize your possessions, create order in your home, and find room for what really matters.

I love her step-by-step process and the way she gives specific pointers for each type of room. If you are looking to embrace a more minimal lifestyle, this is one of the must-read books about minimalist living. And if you are looking for feel-good nonfiction books, you will love this book and be motivated and empowered.

Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

When Charlie Goodwin gets a concussion, and cannot smell or taste, she doesnt know what to do. Her job as a chef and the promotion she has been working toward is on the line.

She begs her twin sister Cass to switch places like they did when they were kids. She will take over the bakery and Cass will pretend to be her.

This adorable holiday romance is just the book to brighten your day and put a smile on your face.

The Family by Naomi Krupitsky

I can see why this was chosen for the Read with Jenna Book Club. This historical fiction is unlike anything I’ve read before.

Set in the 30s and 40s in Red Hook, NY, this is the story of two girls born into the Italian Mafia. Sophia and Antonia are the best of friends, neighbors, and daughters of local mob members.

The story spans their childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood as they navigate their relationships with each other and “The Family.”

It was captivating and wonderful to learn about lives of the women in the crime family.

We Are Not Like Them by Jo Piazza and Christine Pride

October 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

A contemporary fiction book set in Philadelphia! This is the story of 2 local girls, who have been best friends since childhood. Riley is a black woman living her dreams of being a reporter, while Jen is a pregnant white woman married to a cop.

Their friendship is put to the test when Jen’s husband kills an innocent black boy while in pursuit of a thief and Riley is the lead reporter covering the case.

Told from the perspective of both women, this gripping story covers systemic racism in the police force while dealing with the nuances of navigating a bi-racial friendship. If you are looking for powerful books about friendship, this is one that will make you think.

This doozy of a book was enthralling and thought-provoking. I knew it was a perfect book for book clubs from the very first chapter.