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Something felt right about opening A Court of Frost and Starlight on Revolution Day, as Ashley calls it, so I did.  Our town had its fireworks celebration the night before, so I was already in the mood and prepping for other celebrations and it did not disappoint as a reminder of the need to slow down, or perhaps stop, and celebrate with loved ones.  While we may chat about that title at Virtual Book Club on Friday, July 16 at 7:30 pm CST, the real star (pun very much intended) of the show will be A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses #4)  by Sarah J. Maas.  If you’re interested in joining our trip to the Night Court, SIGN UP HERE to get the link in your inbox.

At the beginning of June, I noted that Memorial Day feels, to me, like the emotional start of summer.  Well friends, you may have guessed it, the Fourth of July feels like the middle.  The time to check in on that summer bucket list.  I’m failing miserably, like my list didn’t even get out of my head, but the beach trip is booked, as is the dog sitter, so it’ll all be fine!  But as for my reading life, just over the weekend I started a new book because my current read didn’t fit my mood, I read outside because I could, and my people and I have already “finished” the summer reading program at the library and will soon pick up our spoils, and more books!  

Last month was a list full of emotional books, but they all felt cathartic to me in one way or another.  I’ll confess Ashley and I outlined this month’s titles a while back, but I’m pumped about them.  Some will be like a warm hug, others a kick in the pants, but I am excited about every one of them, and I hope you are too!  Here’s what Heart.Wants.Books will be bringing you in July:

Beth and Amy (The March Sisters Book 2) by Virginia Kantra

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs by Sarah Smarsh

Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo

As with last month, we wanted different genres, some non-fiction, and some diversity, but all fall under our definition of beach read – engaging and easy to read.  Oh and readers, if you’re already watching Shadow and Bone on Netflix, you are formally invited to keep any commentary to yourselves.  We’re reading first, and likely to binge the trilogy and then the show, and THEN will welcome you in our DMs.  We’ll keep you updated as to our progress.  

What are you reading and watching, and loving, this summer?

~Nikki & Ashley

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