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The Best Books of June

June is almost over, and this month, we saw dozens of popular books hit the shelves. We've narrowed down ten of the most well-reviewed books that came out over the past few weeks so that you can find your next favorite novel. Without further ado, here they are.

All We Ever Wanted by Emily Griffin 

The author of Something Borrowed is back with another romantic contemporary. This time, Nina Browning has married into Nashville's wealthy crowd and seems to have it all. However, she can't help but wonder if she's strayed too far from the person she originally was. On the other side, Tom Volpe is a single dad working several jobs just to raise his headstrong daughter, Lyla, who struggles to fit in at her rich school. Then, scandal strikes, and Nina, Tom, and Lyla find themselves in the center of a gossip whirlwind. Join them as they discover how to lead a life that's full of meaning and courage. 

“Giffin ranks as a grandmaster. [In her] bestselling novels she has traversed the slippery slopes of true love, lost love, marriage, motherhood, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption that have led her to be called ‘a modern-day Jane Austen.’”- Chicago Sun-Times

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai 

Set in both 1980s Chicago and modern-day Paris, The Great Believers is a fierce and unique story of friendship. Yale Tishman was a director for an art gallery in Chicago back in 1985, and as his career took off, the AIDS epidemic grew in America. Several of his friends passed away, and soon, he only had his little sister for comfort. Thirty years later, that little sister, Fiona, is tracking down a daughter who has disappeared into a cult in Paris. Her story intertwines with that of her older brother, revealing that anyone can struggle to find the light during a bleak disaster. 

“Tearjerker… The Great Believers asks big questions about redemption, tragedy, and connection.” - Entertainment Weekly

The Perfect Couple
by Elin Hilderbrand 


Everyone knows that the Otis-Winbury wedding will be one to remember. The groom's parents are incredibly wealthy, and no expense has been spared for this oceanfront event. Then, tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in the harbor right before the ceremony is set to begin. Now, everyone in the wedding party is a suspect. Between the wedding drama and murder mystery, The Perfect Couple is one wild ride. 

"The must read that will be in everyone's beach bag this summer." - Brenda Janowitz, Popsugar 

A Place for Us
by Fatima Farheen Mirza 


A deep, intelligent blend of Indian-American and Muslim culture, A Place for Us follows a family who is about to celebrate their eldest daughter's wedding. Tradition and family tensions clash, leading to serious betrayals and challenges of faith. Mirza truly paints a moving portrait of Muslim families living in America, and you'll find yourself praising her talent throughout your reading experience. 

“This powerful, intricate debut is essential reading.”  - Niolet Bulawayo, author of We Need New Names 

Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson 


Dawnson's main character, Marnie MacGraw, has only ever wanted a normal life. She dreams of the whole package: kids, a loving husband, a minivan for driving to soccer practices. However, when she meets her fiance's matchmaking great-aunt, who is on her deathbed, everything changes. Marnie begins to see love in a new light as she follows in the matchmaker's romantic footsteps. 

“A delightful, light-as-air romance that successfully straddles the line between sweet and smart without ever being silly… The novel is simply captivating from beginning to end.” - Associated Press

There There
by Tommy Orange 


This novel follows a dozen characters as they travel to the Big Oakland Powwow. Each traveler has their own reason for the journey, and as you explore their poetic stories, you'll witness a shattering portrayal of America and it's Native American side. Orange's strong voice will have you laughing, crying and fuming by the time you turn the last page. 

"A gripping deep dive into urban indigenous community in California: an astonishing literary debut!" - Margaret Atwood 

The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz 

Everyone needs at least one bloody murder mystery on the summer reading list, and Horowitz's page-turner is one of the best on the shelves right now. One wealthy woman arranges her own funeral and is then strangled to death. A private detective attempts to tackle the case, but he has secrets of his own. Can you figure out what has actually gone down in this brand new thriller? 

"Actually, the word is not murder, it’s ingenious... a masterful meta-mystery." - Booklist (starred review) 

The Kiss Quotient
by Helen Hoang 


If you're in the mood for something heartwarming and light, Hoang's novel is a wonderful choice. Her debut book follows Stella, a woman who believes math is the only thing that truly makes sense in this world. She has Asperger's, and as a result, she's struggled with romantic relationships. That's why she begins practicing kissing and romance with Michael Phan, a professional escort. Before long, things between them start to become a little less logical than Stella would prefer... and yet she likes it.

“In just under 24 hours I devoured The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang and it was AWESOME. Adorable, sexy, smart. Exactly the book I wanted to read!” - Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author 

The Book of Essie
by Meghan MacLean Weir 


Weir's first novel is surprisingly stirring and 100 percent captivating. Esther, aka Essie, is the youngest child of a family who grew up on a reality television show. She's always been in the spotlight, but when she ends up pregnant out of wedlock, her family must decide how to avoid the public eye and deal with the situation. You'll be completely intrigued by this story of religion, fame and family tension. 

"Both timelessly beautiful and unbelievably timely." - Chris Bohjalian, New York Times bestselling author of Midwives and The Flight Attendant 

The Book of M
by Peng Sheperd 


In a future that's not so far away, people's shadows are starting to disappear. The strange occurrence spreads across the globe, and those who are left without their shadows obtain new powers, but pay a price: they lose their memories. Ory and his wife have escaped the plague so far, but eventually, one of their shadow's disappears. They must then find a way to prevent their memories from being destroyed. Shepherd's novel is one fraught with sinister cults, eerie mysteries and desperate attempts to preserve what is left of the past. 

"Outstanding and unforgettable... The Book of M is a scary, surprising, sad and sentimental story that will be deeply felt by readers while capturing their imaginations and hearts." - BookPage


So, which of these fantastic releases are you going to check out first? Happy reading! 

All We Ever Wanted by Emily Griffin
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson
There There by Tommy Orange
The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir
The Book of M by Peng Sheperd
Wednesday, 27 June 2018