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It seems weird to be saying this- but we’re really all in the same boat at the moment…stuck at home. While I’m trying to enjoy the time with my family and to cherish it, sometimes I need a little break- an escape if you will. So, today I’m partnering with my friend Indiana Mama to share some book recommendations. My recommendations are for books for when you need an escape. Places I can transport to when I need a break from reality and the anxiety that sometimes comes with it.
Books to Escape Into
My first pick just has to be The Night Circus. I’ve now read this book twice, and I plan on adding it back into the rotation again soon. I love a book that’s atmospheric with a strong sense of place. Le Cirque de Reves is a place I want to escape to again and again. The descriptions in this book are so vivid. You can smell and hear what’s happening around you. And not only that- is also has magic, suspense, and a fantastic love story. When I picked this book up the first time- it was way outside of my comfort zone. Fantasy isn’t something I read often- but it’s made me branch out a little in my reading life. I read Once Upon a River recently and loved it too. So, sometimes when you need an escape- try a new genre! This book isn’t for everyone, and I’ve heard mixed reviews overall. But, I couldn’t put it down. (I’ve also heard it’s excellent on Audio.)
My next pick is a book I’ve read over and over and over again, since I was a teenager. The Summerhouse is about 3 women’s lives and what they would change if they could back and relive 2 weeks from their past. It’s an interesting premise, and one I’ve mulled over myself. I love the characters Jude Deveraux creates- and these are some of my favorites from her. It’s an easy read- I’ve read it in one day before. You can escape into their stories and see how our perceptions change with time and age, and whether or not you really would change anything, if given the opportunity.
For my last book- I wanted to pick a mystery or suspense. I’ve been on an Agatha Christie kick lately- so I could go with any of those that I’ve read. But, I think I’ll go a little more modern, with a book that I read fairly recently. The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle was different than any book I’ve read before. It had that air of mystery that a Christie novel has- with a bit of a twist. I don’t want to give too much away, but here’s the synopsis from Goodreads:
It is meant to be a celebration but it ends in tragedy. As fireworks explode overhead, Evelyn Hardcastle, the young and beautiful daughter of the house, is killed.
But Evelyn will not die just once. Until Aiden – one of the guests summoned to Blackheath for the party – can solve her murder, the day will repeat itself, over and over again. Every time ending with the fateful pistol shot.
The only way to break this cycle is to identify the killer. But each time the day begins again, Aiden wakes in the body of a different guest. And someone is determined to prevent him ever escaping Blackheath…
I mean…that sucked me in right away. The fact that you relive each day as a different character is intriguing- and sometimes painful. It’s a whodunit that really kept me guessing until the very end. And, that doesn’t happen often. If you like mystery and need somewhere to escape for awhile- give this one a try!
I hope these books give you an idea for something to add to your TBR in case you need to get out of your own head for awhile.
Let me know what you like to read when you need an escape!
*You may also like: Books for Francophiles.*
