Sometimes when I read historical fiction, I will find a book that has it all: characters that feel like someone I would know in real life, a setting that is so captivating that even when I'm not reading the novel, I'm thinking about it and the opportunity to learn about an event or period of time that I'm not familiar with or can't get enough of.  We Came Here to Shine checked every one of those of boxes.

Set at the 1939 World's Fair in New York, Vivi has come from Hollywood to star in the Aquacade show with promises that if she does well a starring movie role awaits her return.  Max is a journalism student with high hopes of being placed with the Times for her internship, only to find out that instead she has been assigned to Today at the Fair, the daily newspaper associated with the World's Fair.  Vivi and Max cross paths at the Fair and forge a quick bond.  While two very different personalities, they see each other strengths and weaknesses and promise to encourage each other to reach for their dreams.  

I absolutely loved this book.  All of the descriptions of the World's Fair and Aquacade were so vivid, I believe it was the next best thing to experiencing it first hand.  Vivi and Max's characters were flawed, yet perfect in a way.  I also loved the little hints to the author's other novel The Subway Girls, that was also one of my favorite historical fiction reads.  I couldn't help but wish my Mom was also around to read this book.  She loved Johnny Weissmuller and of course, Esther Williams, so I know she would have enjoyed this book as much as I did.  It is truly a great read and perfect for historical fiction fans looking for an immersive read.  

I received this book courtesy of St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

The Girl from Widow Hills was the first book that I have read by Megan Miranda and I can assure you that it won't be my last.  This book kept me reading late into the night and was full of all the twists and turns needed to create a 5 star thrilling read.  

Arden Maynor was just a little girl when she became headline news for her sleepwalking disappearance and miraculous rescue days later.  Now, it is the 20th anniversary of the event and Arden Maynor has finally escaped all the notoriety, starting a life for herself miles away from Widow Hills as Olivia Meyer.  Even though Olivia has tried to put the past behind her, it is never too far out of sight.  Olivia awakens outside of her house and realizes she has been sleepwalking again.  Soon sleep becomes ever more elusive and she feels like she is being watched.  I don't want to give away too many spoilers, because you will want to read each and every nuance of this story for yourself.  

I highly recommend this thriller and know you will find yourself as drawn in as I was. I was surprised many different times during the book and the plot kept me engaged.  I received this book courtesy of Simon and Schuster via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

There are so many things that I really love about Lauren K. Denton's writing: the authentic Southern settings, the well developed characters that I build a bond with over the pages and the journey each novel takes me on.  The Summer House was the perfect summer read and I enjoyed every page.

Lily Bishop has just relocated to Foley, Alabama with her new husband Worth.  As she is preparing to go house shopping, she finds out he has been preparing for a divorce.  Suddenly her whole world is turned on end and Lily must find out which side is up.  She turns back to what she knows best: cutting and styling hair with a new job at the Safe Harbor Retirement Village.  Rose Carrigan runs the retirement village and keeps everything in order.  Something about Lily's situation breaks through Rose's tough exterior and they develop an unlikely alliance.  Both Rose and Lily see so much of their lives change over the course of the summer and as a reader, you will be transported right along with them.

This novel was a perfect immersive read. With so many unique characters living in the retirement village, combined with the fact that I would love to learn more about how Lily and Rose's lives continue, a sequel would definitely interest me.  

I received this book courtesy of the publisher Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.