WW Book Club for July 23 — July 29, 2023

Welcome, book-loving babes, to the fourth week of the Woman’s World — also known as ‘WW’ — book club!

Every week our book editors will introduce you to seven brand-new page-turners that are just right for women over 45. We hope you will find a few jewels that are a perfect addition to your reading lists, your book club line-ups and/or your nightstand pile.

From too-cute chick lits to cozy whodunits to emotionally moving novels to inspiring self-help guides, no matter what kind of bookish mood you’re in, you’ve come to the right place. And there’s one thing we can guarantee: these reads are curated especially to lift your mood, lower your stress and make you feel great.

Here, our round-up for July 23 to July 29, 2023 — let us know which ones you end up reading and what you think. We love hearing from you!

Craving a summer escape?

Dive in to The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Filled with heartfelt emotion and endearing characters, this saga follows four women who reunite to save the summer camp that changed their lives. June and her niece, Daphne, and Daphne’s two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart, are all struggling with issues in their own lives. But they return to Camp Holly Springs and band together to save it. A celebration of friendship and sisterhood.

In the mood for a page-turner?

Get swept up in Trinity by Zelda Lockhart

This beautifully written and moving novel centers on a Black woman named Lottie Rebecca Lee in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Lottie comes to realize that she is her ancestors’ promise to set everything right. Generations of kin, including her grandfather, Benjamin, and her father, Benjamin Jr., were haunted by the Mother-Spirit. Now, it’s up to Lottie—the daughter-spirit—to find redemption for her family.

Want to relax with a cozy mystery?

Crack open A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert

A charming whodunit kicks off as retired librarian Jane Hunter begins looking for a new challenge. Soon, she meets Cameron ‘Cam’ Clewe, an eccentric collector who is also seeking something. Cam hires Jane to help uncover secrets in a treasure trove of items related to classic mystery authors. Then Jane finds a body in Cam’s library…and Cam is the prime suspect. Jane vows to clear his name, but is he innocent?

Looking for a romantic getaway?

Pick up Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber

A bestselling author of nearly 200 novels, Debbie Macomber is known for her uplifting, feel-good tales—and her latest follows suit. As a widow and an empty-nester, Joan Sample has become a recluse. One day she takes the steps to hire someone to tame her unruly garden and she rents out a room in her home to college student Maggie. As Maggie and Joan navigate life, they find that family is another word for love in all its forms.

Craving an eerie thriller?

Jump into A Likeable Woman by May Cobb

This heart-pounding tale follows Kira, who fled her wealthy Texas hometown a decade ago after her mother’s death. She’s reluctant to go back home, but she feels a pull after her grandmother begins sending urgent texts saying she has something that makes her mother’s death look like a murder. It’s a memoir that her mother had been working on, and Kira soon gets pulled in by its sizzling secrets. Now, as Kira digs for the truth, she realizes someone wants the past to stay buried—and they’d kill to keep it covered.

Need a little love and laughter?

Enjoy Good Fortune by C.K. Chau

Filled with lovable characters and laugh-out-loud moments this swoon-worthy romantic comedy reimagines Pride and Prejudice, set in contemporary Chinatown. Elizabeth Chen’s realtor mother finally sells the community center down the block, but the new owners don’t look like typical New York City buyers. Brendan Lee and Darcy Wong are good Chinese boys with Hong Kong money and a desire to clean up the neighborhood. Which Elizabeth believes will mean they put profit over community. But her mother, Mrs. Chen takes every opportunity to keep her investors close. Soon, Elizabeth must face the truth about love, trust and who Darcy Wong really is.

Searching for a boost of joy?

Try The Joy Choice by Michelle Segar, PhD

We’ve all been there: We dream of getting into a healthy new routine, yet it’s so hard to form new habits. But according to author, researcher and lifestyle coach Michelle Segar, it doesn’t have to be! In her new book, she reveals science-based solutions to create healthier habits. With decades of research, she shares advice for achieving lasting changes in eating and exercise. Segar also shares her top “decision disrupters” and a three-step decision tool to help readers reach goals and spark joy!