Even though I’m long out of school, I still can’t believe it’s already school season! Where did this summer go!? With one more long weekend and a promising cold front heading our way, it’s going to be pumpkin spice season before you know it!!

Between moving and work, I needed to give myself a little more me time to distress – which meant a little less blogging and a lot more reading. I love blogging, it’s been an amazing outlet, but it can also be a little stressful at times when I’m not doing as much writing as I’d like. Reading, on the other hand, is something I’ll never let slide. Reading is important, not only for my personal goals or next blog post, but because it makes me happy. And really, is there anything better at the end of a long day than curling up with a good book and a glass of wine? Check out my favorite feel-better reads here!

My tastes have changed a lot this summer. Needing a good distraction, I’ve been reading more fantasy and thrillers than ever before! My favorite reads from the summer are:

Dark Matter could possibly be my favorite read this year – it’s dark, mysterious, and full of action as the main character is thrown into an endless stream of alternate realities. Blake Crouch certainly wrote himself in a corner this time, I can’t wait to see how he’s going to top this one!

A little YA, a little bit of fantasy and historical fiction, and a whole lot of comedy – My Lady Jane is wildly entertaining! It’s an amazing story on its own, but it’s also one of the best audio books I’ve ever listened to. The book’s narrator, Kathleen Kellgren, really took the story to the next level, accentuating all the right lines in just right way to drive home the cheesy, middle-grade humor you can’t help but love. She’s also narrated After Alice by Gregory Maguire which I’ve already read, but considering how great she is, I might have to it to my reread list!

Another favorite audio book from the summer is The Witches by Roald Dahl. I could not stop laughing through this one! From the grandmother’s description of witches to the children turning to mice and then being distracted by the smell of cheese… the entire story was delightful. I can’t wait to listen to more of his stories!

Reading as much as I do, you’re bound to find a few unfavorites… A few I encountered this summer were:

I did end up enjoying both The Muse by Jessie Burton and The Girls by Emma Cline, but after waiting months and months to read them both… neither could live up to my expectations. I’d still recommend reading both, but do be wary of the length!

What were your favorite reads of the summer?