With summer winding down, book vacations are just the thing. I have two book recommendations for you this month that will take you to Big Sur California and Bath, England.
The Unwedding by Ally Condie takes readers to the breathtaking cliffs of Big Sur, where a broken marriage, a remote resort, and a murder mystery collide.
In June it was announced that actress Reese Witherspoon had chosen Ally Condie’s debut mystery novel, The Unwedding, as her book pick for her book club. I loved Ms. Condie’s Matched series years ago and was excited to read her new novel, joining millions of others who were now reading it along with Reese Witherspoon.
In the book, Ellery Wainwright finds herself alone at a beautiful resort in Big Sur California, but that wasn’t what she’d planned. She was supposed to be celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary, until her husband abruptly left her and asked for a divorce instead. Ms. Condie was writing from personal experience as her own marriage ended after twenty years. While she was at a resort mourning the loss, she realized she was the only one there who wasn’t absorbed with a partner, so if a murder happened, she would be the one to see the details. Thus, the idea for The Unwedding was born.
In the Unwedding, Ellery meets several people at Broken Point resort, including those in a wedding party. Seeing the bride and groom is difficult, as Ellery once had the same hopes and dreams for happiness with her own husband. The author pens a haunting picture of the grief and pain that Ellery is experiencing as she works through the demise of her marriage. It is so open and raw, the reader can truly feel the depths of Ellery’s anguish. The setting in Big Sur is phenomenal and the author describes the scenery so well it’s easy to feel as if we’re all at this luxurious resort, taking in the stunning views, right along with the characters.
Ellery begins to open up a little and befriends some of the other guests, and all of these details set the stage for a murder mystery after Ellery finds the dead body of the groom. Before help can arrive, however, a massive storm washes out all the roads leading to the resort so the police can’t reach them—and no one can get out.
When another dead body is discovered, it becomes a life-or-death situation for the guests at the resort. Everyone has secrets it seems, but can the murderer be found before they strike again? This Agatha Christie-esque mystery will keep you guessing until the last chapter. A satisfying read for those who love a twisty, compelling thriller.
The Unwedding by Ally Condie, published by Grand Central Publishing, 329 pages, available in ebook, hardback, and audio.
A Lady of Conscience by Mimi Matthews offers readers a charming Victorian romance filled with heart, justice, and a love that transcends societal expectations.
The second book recommendation I have for you today is a Victorian romance, A Lady of Conscience, by Mimi Matthews. This story features a shy young lady, Hannah Heywood, who is always rescuing animals in need, no matter what the cost to her. Her conscience demands that she bring to attention the plight of innocent animals who are at the mercy of those around them. She is about to debut for her first Season in Bath, when Viscount St. Clare singles her out and seeks her company. With his reputation for being cold and aloof, she knows they would never suit. Hannah wants to marry a warm and sensitive man who will love her just how she is.
James Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, has successfully hidden his emotions, wanting to repair the damage done to his family’s reputation by his grandfather’s scandalous history. He is set on marrying a high-born woman of fortune, who will be above the reach of a gossiping ton. But when he meets Hannah Heywood, he is inexplicably drawn to her, when she’s nothing like the woman he believes he needs. As he struggles with his feelings, he is pulled into her search for a missing donkey and a rescue of abandoned kittens. Seeing her courage, he knows in his heart, she is the woman for him. But can he be the man she wants and needs?
A Lady of Conscience features a hero and heroine who are trying to follow their conscience and what is expected of them, but the themes are very applicable in today’s society. James is very careful of his emotions and wants to feel in control of his life. Hannah is shy and sensitive, but has a strong sense of justice when it comes to the plight of animals. The two couldn’t be more different, but the author expertly weaves a story of how getting to know someone’s true heart can help you see them differently. Our life experiences shape us in ways we might not even realize, but once pride and uncertainty are overcome, love can make the difference. Readers will enjoy the detailed descriptions of Bath, the dazzling society balls, and the clever way the animals help our hero and heroine along on their journey to love.
A Lady of Conscience by Mimi Matthews, published by Perfectly Proper Press, 238 pages, available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook.
After winning $10 in a second-grade writing contest, Julie Coulter Bellon knew she wanted to be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now an award-winning author of thirty-two books. She is also a podcast host for Authors Off the Page and Book Chat with Julie.
