WW Book Club for August 20 — August 26, 2023

Welcome, beloved bibliophiles and fiction fanatics, to the eighth week of the Woman’s World — also known as ‘WW’ — book club!

As you know, 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 heart-pounding thrillers to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies to enchanting time-travel sagas to delicious cookbooks to swoon-worthy romances, no matter what kind of bookish mood you’re in, we have you covered.

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 August 20th to August 26th — let us know which ones you end up reading and what you think. We love hearing from you!

Craving a kooky, fun mystery?

Crack open Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs

A charming, witty whodunit kicks off during Theodosia Browning’s Honey Bee Tea in Charleston’s new Petigru Park. But the tea party is suddenly interrupted when a beekeeper shows up and sprays toxic smoke at the guests. In the midst of all the chaos, Osgood Claxton III, a candidate for state legislature, is shot. Now, Theodosia must question everyone who had a bone to pick with Claxton in order to find the killer.

In the mood for sweeping romance?

Pick up Accidentally in Love by Danielle Jackson

This warmhearted, sizzling rom-com stars Samantha “Sam” Sawyer, who is the office manager at her friend Cassie’s boudoir photography studio. Right now, she’s busy prepping the “Photobus,” a vintage coach bus converted into a mobile photo booth, for Chicago’s summer street festival. Then Sam runs into handsome Russell “Russ” Montgomery, who is cooking at a festival food truck, and sparks unexpectedly fly.

Want to travel back in time?

Immerse yourself in The Paris Assignment by Rhys Bowen

Bestselling author Rhys Bowen is known for her captivating historical tales — this one transports readers to 1942 London. Londoner Madeleine Grant is studying at the Sorbonne in Paris when she marries French journalist Giles Martin. When war strikes, Giles sends Madeleine and their son, Olivier, to England. After a tragic turn of events, Madeleine accepts a request from the ministry to aid in the war effort.

Looking to relax with a feel-good saga?

Get lost in Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson

Filled with swoon-worthy moments and gorgeous island settings, this saga follows Kelsey Ahern, who is struggling after a hurricane destroyed the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island. With her future as a drama coach now in jeopardy, she teams up with Levi Ross, the facilities director at the high school, to put on a fundraiser show for the theater. As they bond, chemistry builds. A story of romance, restoration and love.

Searching for a magical escape?

Feel transported in Fracturing Fate by Sasha Alsberg

An enchanting, time-travel saga begins when Klara — while in a battle with the demigod, Llaw — is sent five hundred years into the past to 1500s Scotland. Once she arrives, she quickly realizes she’s alone and distraught that she and her love, Callum killed the demigod at the expense of Callum’s own life. Now, Klara must navigate magic, visions and evil enemies to determine the fate of the world and avenge Callum’s life.

Yearning for a chilling page-turner?

Dive into In A Quiet Town by Amber Garza

Suspense lovers will rejoice with this spine-tingling thriller that follows Tatum, who hasn’t see her daughter Adrienne, in years, not since Tatum’s husband — the pastor in their small town — all but disowned her. But when Tatum finally works up the nerve to reach out and reconnect, Adrienne disappears. Police refuse to believe Tatum when claims Adrienne disappeared, until a man shows up saying he is her fiancé. At first, Tatum is relieved to have help, but then she questions whether this stranger can be trusted — or is Tatum just too late?

Interested in learning homegrown recipe tips?

Try The Homestead-to-Table Cookbook by Georgia Varozza

In her new cookbook, Georgia Varozza, author of the popular Homestead Canning Cookbook and Homestyle Amish Kitchen, brings back cooking basics and shares 200 simple, delicious recipes — using pantry staples and produce you can purchase locally or grow in your own backyard. With meals like Cornflake Baked Chicken and Cheesy Bacon Drop Biscuits, tips for learning the basics of a sourdough starter and how to perfect her mom’s famous piecrust, Varozza proves that you can cut food costs without sacrificing delicious flavor!