WW Book Club for July 30th to August 5th, 2023

Welcome, fellow book enthusiasts and literature lovers, to the fifth 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 romantic heists to enthralling historical tales to dark suspense to cozy whodunits to revitalizing self-help health 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 30 – August 5 — let us know which ones you end up reading and what you think. We love hearing from you!

Yearning for a high-stakes adventure?

Dive into To Have and to Heist by Sara Desai

Brimming with laugh-out-loud moments and swoon-worthy charm, this rom-com caper follows Simi Chopra, who is facing a lot: She lost her job, her debt is mounting and now her best friend has been accused of stealing a multimillion-dollar necklace. So when a charming man named Jack offers to help her find the necklace, Simi jumps at the chance to help. An action-packed heist story that delivers a fun hit of romance.

Blue and purple book cover for To Have and to Heist by Sara Desai

In the mood for a glamorous royal romance?

Get lost in The Duchess Effect by Tracey Livesay

Award-winning author Tracey Livesay returns with the second installment in her American Royal series—and it sizzles! Against all odds, rapper Danielle “Duchess” Nelson and royal Prince Jameson fall in love and decide to go public with the news. But when their own careers and personal businesses are negatively impacted and secrets arise, they are forced to decide if their love is strong enough to face the spotlight.

Book cover image for The Duchess Effect by Tracey Livesay

Craving an eerie and suspenseful thriller?

Immerse yourself in A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

Samantha Downing penned the bestselling book My Lovely Wife and is known for her heart-pounding sagas. In her latest twisted thriller, Wes and Ivy are the type of couple that people write romance stories about—or are they? In reality, their fights damage property and yield arrest warrants. Their toxic cycle of breakups and make-ups has left a trail of destruction and secrets…and now, a detective is onto them.

Book cover for A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

On the hunt for a cute-and-cozy whodunit?

Crack open Scaredy Cat by Sofie Ryan

This cute, quirky whodunit stars secondhand store owner Sarah Grayson and her rescue cat named Elvis. Looking for a break from work, Sarah heads to the North Harbor Spring House Tour with her friend Detective Michelle Andrews. As they learn about the haunted history of one of the houses, chaos ensues and the ghost hunter is found dead. Now, they have to put their heads together to solve the crime!

Book cover image of Scaredy Cat by Sofie Ryan

Looking for an inspiring health reset?

Get into The Menopause Reset by Dr. Mindy Pelz

When sleepless nights, irritable moods and hot flashes take center stage, it feels tough to be productive on a daily basis. To the rescue: nutrition and functional medicine expert Dr. Mindy Pelz’s new book, which highlights exactly how to squash symptoms and reset your body during menopausal years. With strategies—like how to ‘unstick’ your metabolism and the five lifestyle changes that help most—Dr. Mindy reconnects women with their youthful, energetic selves!

Book cover image of The Menopause Reset by Dr. Mindy Pelz

Want to escape back in time?

Feel transported in Women of the Post by Joshunda Sanders

Readers are taken to 1944 in this captivating saga, as Judy Washington is recruited to join the Women’s Army Corps. She meets Stacy, Bernadette and Mary Alyce, and they are soon transferred to England—as the only unit of Black women to serve overseas in WWII—to sort mail. But when Mary Alyce discovers a backlogged letter addressed to Judy that will upend her life, they all learn the power of friendship.

Book cover image of Women of the Post by Joshunda Sanders

Interested in an emotional page-turner?

Pick up The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein

Memorable characters, heartbreaking moments and intriguing details…this eye-opening novel has it all. Founded in the 1600s, the Salpêtrière asylum in France housed thousands of women with a variety of health issues both mental and physical. In the late 19^th century, Dr. Charcot runs the asylum and is known for his unconventional studies and treatments. The plot follows Josephine, who arrives at the treatment center and is diagnosed with hysteria. Soon, she connects with Laure, a lonely young French woman who works at the center. Laure is assigned to help with Josephine and as she looks after her, she learns there is much more to her story. What follows is a series of dramatic, dangerous events and shocking twists. Will Laure be able to help Josephine—and herself—escape?