Hello lovely people!
It’s a bit past the halfway point in the month (time, what are you doing?), but I’ve finally put together my reading plans for the rest of July — and I thought I’d share them here, mostly so I can pretend I’m organised.
My brain’s been a bit foggy lately (shoutout to anyone else riding the chronic illness rollercoaster), so I’m leaning into joy and ease: a mix of feel-good contemporary romances, some long overdue new-to-me reads, a couple of re-reads for comfort, and a thriller or two to keep me on my toes. ✨
💖 Contemporary Romance
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary (re-read)
I adore this book. It’s got a warm, slow-burn romance, thoughtful conversations about trauma and healing, and characters I want to make tea for. I’m rereading it because my heart needed a soft place to land.
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
Celebrity profiles, old interviews, and second chances? Yes please. This one’s been sitting in my Kindle for ages, and it’s time.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
I’ve heard this one balances small-town romance with deeper emotional threads, which is very much my catnip. Plus: goats.
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
Sweet, small-town fluff with a fake dating plot. I’m hoping for giggles and swoons.
🕵️♀️ Mystery, Thriller & Historical
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
Creepy old houses, twisted families, multiple timelines — it’s giving “read this with the lights on” and I’m ready.
Murder at the Theatre Royale by Ada Moncrieff
A cosy Christmas historical mystery set in Edwardian London. Am I reading it in July? Absolutely. I’ll just light a cinnamon candle and pretend it’s snowing.
🧁 Bonus Picks (Mood Dependent)
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
I’m a sucker for a STEM girl and an emotionally constipated academic rival. If my brain’s behaving, this is going in next.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
I don’t know what this is exactly — Victorian lady pirates? airborne teacups? — but I’m intrigued.
What are you reading this month? Any recommendations for funny, tender romances or twisty, not-too-gory thrillers? My TBR is an ever-growing beast, but I love feeding it.
With love and dog-eared pages,
Elsie 🌸
Spines & Sparkles 