Summer Reading Suggestions

I have been reading whenever I can find the time this summer. And I’ve read three really great books I’d like to share. They are all completely different kind of books, but all of them were great reads.

Ashley’s War by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

This book rocked my world. As a blogger who likes to talk about issues of importance to women AND as a female veteran myself, I can’t believe I learned about this book through Reese Witherspoon’s Instagram feed. Seriously. But, I’m glad Reese is a reader of good books on important topics. Because this is a story that people need to read.

Gayle Lemmon tells about the women in the military who are truly the best of the best and were trained to go in with Special Operations forces as part of Cultural Support Teams (CSTs) to talk to the Afghani and Iraqi women – because their culture does not allow the women to have contact with men outside of their family. Yet the women are a source of incredible information and intelligence.

I can’t even begin to tell you how intriguing this book is. It describes their training and the process, as well as their missions in Afghanistan. And the tragedies. It’s not a happy book, but it’s a darn interesting book and a rare peek behind the curtain into the special operations world. These women made history. Their story deserves to be read widely.

Changing directions completely:

The Order of Seven by Beth Teliho

This is a quick read and drew me right into the plot. It is Beth’s debut novel, and I couldn’t put it down. It has a bit of everything – mystery, fantasy, romance, suspense, intrigue and adventure. If you’re looking for a quick and entertaining read, go get your copy of the Order of Seven.

The third book really surprised me.

Dear Stephanie by Mandi Castle.

I started reading this book on the suggestion of some friends on a Facebook page, and it sounded intriguing enough. A suicidal young woman with a hot shrink – where would this go? I thought it would be a light story, maybe with some twists. I had no idea just how amazing this book would be. It’s truly a look inside the mind of a woman dealing with major mental health issues and depression. In a day and time when we’re trying to open up the discussion on mental health, Mandi brings the topic right to us. In a book that is easy to read, entertaining, funny, and well written. There was a NICU scene that really knocked me down, but it was a testament to how well Mandi did her research on the topic.

So, those are my picks so far this summer. What are you reading?

(These links are affiliate links. If you purchase the books through Amazon, I will get a small thank you for sending them business.)

And of course… there’s always OUR book:

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katbiggie

Freelance writer at Kat Biggie Press

Alexa B, who blogs as "Kat Biggie" is a wife, mother, and writer. She has three children and one in heaven. She recently self published a book entitled "Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother" which is available on Amazon. She blogs about life after the loss of one of her twin daughters to TTTS, motherhood, all things parenting, advocacy, grief support and social good.

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