WW Book Club for August 27 — September 2, 2023

Welcome, fellow book lovers and fiction fanatics, to the ninth 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 suspenseful thrillers to charming cozy mysteries to swoon-worthy romantic-comedies to sweeping historical sagas to inspiring self-help guides, 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 book club round-up for August 27th to September 2nd — let us know which ones you end up reading and what you think. We love hearing from you!

In the mood for a twisty, suspenseful ride?

Crack open None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

Bestselling author Lisa Jewell is adored for her captivating, eerie novels, and her latest is a chilling psychological thriller. When popular true-crime podcaster Alix Summer crosses paths with Josie Fair one night, her strange story piques Alix’s interest. Josie swindles her way into Alix’s life, but disappears as quickly as she came. Soon, Alix uncovers Josie’s dark and terrifyingly twisted secrets that threaten Alix’s whole world.

Lisa Jewell None Of This Is True Book Cover background showing a blue sky and border showing colorful houses

Craving a swoon-worthy Southern escape?

Get lost in The Secret to a Southern Wedding by Synithia Williams

Second chances, real romance and family drama…this sweet, alluring saga has it all! It’s been years since ob-gyn Dr. Imani Kemp visited home. But when her mom plans to marry a man she met on a dating app, Imani wants to stop it. Upon Imani’s arrival, unexpected sparks fly between her and the groom’s son, Cyril. Now, they’ll allhave to decide just how far they’ll go for true love.

The Secret To a Southern Wedding Book cover by Synithia Williams. Cover shows a pretty Black woman with shoulder-length hair in a lovely pink off-the-shoulder gown

Want to unwind with a quirky cozy mystery?

Try Read to Death at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers

A fun, page-turning whodunit set in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin, begins when the owner of Lakeside Library, Rain Wilmot, brings back her mother’s book club. But after the club’s first meeting, one of the members, Lily, is found dead. Then Rain realizes the murder was inspired by an Agatha Christie novel that the club discussed. Now, Rain and her friends must find the book club killer—quickly!

Book cover of Read to Death at the Lakeside Library
by Holly Danvers. This cover shows a colorful lakeside scene with chairs and a table with a dog sitting nearby

Yearning for a deliciously dazzling romance?

Dive into Codename Charming by Lucy Parker

Filled with memorable characters and laugh-out-loud moments, this sparkling rom-com follows the bubbly Petunia “Pet” De Vere, who enjoys working as a personal assistant to royal Johnny Marchmont. The only hitch? His giant grumpy bodyguard, Matthias, is intimidating. One day, a clumsy mishap leads to the press mistakenly thinking Pet is dating Johnny. To put squash to the rumors, the royal PR team asks Pet and Matthias to stage a fake relationship and the two reluctantly agree. But before too long, everything starts to feel very real between them.

Book cover of Codename Charming by Lucy Parker. We see a man and a woman embracing in a hug in front of a large estate home

Searching for an inspiring boost?

Pick up Soul Archaeology by Sarah Sapora

When body-shaming and comparisons fill our minds, it feels hard to break free from the spiral of feeling unworthy. To the rescue: author, inspirational speaker and personal growth trailblazer Sarah Sapora’s new book, Soul Archaeology. In it, she shares how to cultivate real self-love, regardless of the world’s unattainable standards. With savvy tips like checking off a Self-Love To-Do list and easy ways to identify harmful patterns that should be left in the past, Sapora helps readers grow into their greatest selves—full of joy and self-acceptance.

Book cover of Soul Archaeology by Sarah Sapora. Shows the author Sarah Sapora smiling in a field.

Feel like taking a step back in time?

Step into The President’s Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood

Socialite Edith Bolling is in no hurry to find a new husband since she was widowed, preferring to fill her time with friends and travel. But when the courting of President Woodrow Wilson wins Edith over, she becomes the First Lady of the United States. Getting accustomed to her new role, Edith proves herself pivotal to her husband’s presidency. Soon, despite lacking formal education, she discusses policy with him daily and then throughout the war, she encrypts secret messages. What follows is a dramatic and heart-tugging series of events that paint a portrait of a courageous First Lady who made sacrifices to protect her husband and her country no matter what.

Book cover of The President's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood

Dreaming of a warm and whimsical adventure?

Get into The Secret of Recipe of Ella Dove by Karen Hawkins

Three lives intersect in this enchanting story filled with emotion and magic. Ella Dove is an acclaimed baker whose desserts spark clear, cherished memories in those who taste them. Ella is a wild soul, but a recurring dream alters her plans and takes her back to her small town of Dove Pond. Years ago, her mentor, Angela Stewart Harrington, falsely accused Ella of stealing her family recipe book, known as the Book of Cakes. Now, Ella thinks it’s time to reconcile. But Angela has her own amends to make. Her estranged daughter Jules has never forgiven her for divorcing her father. But just as Angela hopes that she and Jules might mend their relationship, a miscommunication could ruin everything. Meanwhile, Jules’s son Gray is shocked that Ella, his first love and first heartbreak, has returned to Dove Pond. An enthralling story of losing, loving and finding your way home again.