This week we read books that hovered somewhere in the beach read category, yet much more challenging and satisfying than the run-of-the-mill sand and surf fluff.

Aileen read The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller, a story of summer, secrets, love, and lies.

Lauren read Mr. Wrong Number, a hilarious rom-com by Lynn Painter.

Alisa read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, about an aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon who is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life.

And Josie read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story with a surprising tale of possible murder.

This week we read books that hovered somewhere in the beach read category, although most of us walked away with a reading experience that was more challenging and satisfying than the run-of-the-mill sand and surf fluff. We all adored our books this week and would highly recommend them to anyone.

Aileen read The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller. This book starts off with all the trappings of a beach read—a summer vacation spot on Cape Cod, a steamy tryst in the dunes—but it rapidly escalates into something much more shocking.

Lauren had a great time reading Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter. Out of all of our books, this one seemed to be the beachiest of all the beach reads. Her only complaint was that there should have been more sex in it, although she admitted the amount of sex would probably suffice for the average reader. Funny, witty banter and lovable characters zip you through the pages in this Rom Com that is destined to make it to the big screen one day.

Alisa read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, who we should just declare a FBF favorite author at this point, as she never disappoints. Alisa found this fictional tell-all story about a scandalous old Hollywood star not only entertaining but heart wrenching. There’s something about a Reid book that transcends the dishy aspects of her rock or movie star characters, and always delivers something truly special.

Josie took the advice of Alisa, Lauren, and Aileen and read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. She was last to get on the Owens bus, but she was so glad she finally did! Elegant prose, moving romance, and a juicy murder to boot, this book was enormously satisfying and Josie felt this debut more than lived up to all the hype. She was deeply touched by the life and struggles of the Marsh Girl and is only marginally terrified that the movie won’t do this gorgeous book proper justice.