Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

A bank robbery that didn’t happen. A criminal who disappears. And eight strangers who become the worst hostages imaginable. However, these strangers have more in common than they think, and the ending will surprise everyone (even us readers).

This book is a journey. You don’t know where it’s going, and I found myself going back to find hidden clues. You will laugh and cry. You will be confused and intrigued. It’s not quite a love story and not quite a mystery but quite a bit of both. You see? Backman is an artist creating a tapestry and each thread contains its own story and at its end they weave together to reveal the full picture.

When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal

Kit has believed her sister Josie to be dead for fifteen years, until she sees her on the TV news. Kit travels to Auckland in search of her sister. There she meets a man, Javier, who helps her with her search. It’s a journey that will change everyone’s lives.

I loved this book. O’Neal’s writing flowed and I was so absorbed in the plot it was easy to forget I was reading. Isn’t that the best feeling?! If you aren’t in the mood for a book with ALL THE FEELS, then don’t pick this one. It covers the lows of substance abuse to the highs of falling in love (and lust!) and everything in between.

*Bonus: Ocean scenery and lots of surfing!

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

This is what I call “slow and savory.” It’s a book you want to take your time reading. I found myself going back to re-read passages. The writing was beautiful. The tale is whimsical, with multiple love stories unveiled through fate and time.

Imagine a magical place full of books that you could reach through a painted door. Now throw in secret societies, myths and stories come to life. I had a lot of fun reading this book. I highly recommend it.