Recent Reads & A Fall Reading Guide


The last time I did a reading guide in the Summerit turned out to be the best thing I could have done because I finished all those books and it felt good to be reading again! I wanted to create a guide, more so for myself, of what I hope to read in the next few months and hopefully you’ll share some recommendations with me too! 

B~Loved Boston Reading Guide




First let’s start with my most recent read – if you liked House of Cards and Erin Brockovich you’ll really like The List


I always feel a little weary giving book recommendations because everyone’s tastes are so different, but this was a great read and if I have to award stars I’d give a 4.5/5. It kept me really engaged and it was one of those books that I felt like I needed to finish, I needed to know what happened next and I really started thinking about the characters. 



On My Radar


CarlyrecommendedBiglawand I actually downloaded it over the weekend. I’ve already been sucked into the book mostly because I worked at a global law firm prior to my current role and witnessed some of these things mentioned first hand. The more ridiculous something sounds – the more probable it is that it actually happened! 





“Mackenzie Corbett has always dreamed of living in New York City. Now, almost two years into her job as an associate at a premier Manhattan law firm, she’s living her fantasy–big salary, high profile deals, cute boyfriend, designer bag on her arm. The giant bags under her eyes from lack of sleep don’t fit into the fantasy, though. To make matters worse, she’s being tormented by a bitter, bitchy senior associate, her boyfriend is annoyed she never has time for him, and now she’s stuck on the deal from hell with a partner whose biggest claim to fame is throwing a stapler at a cleaning lady because she touched his ficus plant. 




With the opportunity to secure a prestigious secondment on line, the overachiever in her is determined to endure whatever it takes to close the biggest deal in the firm’s history. But when Mackenzie finds herself the focus of a devastating investigation her dream job begins spiraling into a nightmare.”


I was betweenEverybody RiseandLeave Your Mark– I really wish I would have started with Everybody Rise. Leave Your Mark was just okay – it wasn’t anything I hadn’t already read from other social media savvy ladies and the book came off a bit braggish rather than informative. I still learned a few things, but would have much rather started withEverybody Rise! I feel based on the description it will be a good escape for the Winter coming! 





Everyone yearns to belong, to be part of the “in crowd,” but how far are you willing to go to be accepted? In the case of bright, funny and socially ambitious Evelyn Beegan, the answer is much too far…


At 26, Evelyn is determined to carve her own path in life and free herself from the influence of her social-climbing mother, who propelled her through prep school and onto New York’s glamorous Upper East Side. Evelyn has long felt like an outsider to her privileged peers, but when she gets a job at a social network aimed at the elite, she’s forced to embrace them.





Recruiting new members for the site, Evelyn steps into a promised land of Adirondack camps, Newport cottages and Southampton clubs thick with socialites and Wall Streeters. Despite herself, Evelyn finds the lure of belonging intoxicating, and starts trying to pass as old money herself. When her father, a crusading class-action lawyer, is indicted for bribery, Evelyn must contend with her own family’s downfall as she keeps up appearances in her new life, grasping with increasing desperation as the ground underneath her begins to give way.




A Paris Apartments was one of the recommendations after I finished The List. This is totally a book I’m judging by the cover and based on that I hope it means I’ll love it! 





When April Vogt’s boss tells her about an apartment in the ninth arrondissement that has been discovered after being shuttered for the past seventy years, the Sotheby’s continental furniture specialist does not hear the words “dust” or “rats” or “decrepit.” She hears Paris. She hears escape.





Once in France, April quickly learns the apartment is not merely some rich hoarder’s repository. Beneath the cobwebs and stale perfumed air is a goldmine, and not because of the actual gold (or painted ostrich eggs or mounted rhinoceros horns or bronze bathtub). Whether accompanied by croissants or champagne, this delectable debut novel depicts the Paris of the Belle Epoque and the present day with vibrant and stunning allure. Based on historical events, Michelle Gable’s A Paris Apartment will entertain and inspire, as readers embrace the struggles and successes of two very unforgettable women.


When I saw the title of the book – I knew it would be on my reading list! I’m such a sucker for anything Charleston related and reading the synopsis made it feel like a Nicholas Sparks novel – which I’ve never read, I just watch the movies! 





When Eliza Poinsett left the elegant world of Charleston for college, she never expected it would take her ten years to return. Now almost a decade later, she is an art historian in London with a charming Etonian boyfriend who adores her. But the past catches up with her when she runs into Henry, her childhood love, at a wedding in the English countryside.





Charleston is an evocative, melancholy novel about one woman’s love—for both a man and an unforgettable city. Emotionally resonant, beguiling in its atmosphere, it illuminates the elusive notion of home, and explores whether we can we truly ever go back to the place—and the people—that indelibly shaped us.






I’m hoping to make it to this book by the end of the season – but it might be one that has to be saved for a beach read. Seems light and fresh, which is exactly what I like in my books! 




A young Southern woman of modest means suddenly finds herself thrust into New York’s high society when she discovers that she is the illegitimate daughter of a recently-deceased billionaire.





What’s on your reading list this season? Any other recommendations?






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84 Comments

  1. P!nky
    November 3, 2015 / 11:05 am

    All of these books look right up my alley, lady! THanks for the recommendations!

    If you haven't already read the Selection series, you need to check it out. I read it last year and LOVED IT! 🙂

  2. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    November 3, 2015 / 11:12 am

    I read Everybody Rise but I think I need to add a few of these to my must read list! New Money sounds pretty interesting and so does Charleston (obviously) and New Money! Thanks for the recommendations! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  3. Nichole @ casadecrews.com
    November 3, 2015 / 11:20 am

    Ooh these all sound like books I'd like! I feel like I've been too busy to read, and I need to fix that!

  4. Andrea Nine
    November 3, 2015 / 11:36 am

    Great choices. I have found that "People" Mag picks are always good so I too want to read Everybody Rise and definitely adding The List to my "List"!!! I love reviews and ideas for future reading!! Happy Tuesday terrific Biana!!!

  5. Rachel Emily
    November 3, 2015 / 11:57 am

    YES! I love finding new books to read! New Money and The Paris Apartment went right on my "must read" list – can't wait to hear what you think of them!

  6. Caitlin Elizabeth
    November 3, 2015 / 12:02 pm

    I will have to come back to this post later, I really want to start reading more again, especially with a lot of travel around the holidays I'll have several plane rides!

  7. Jenn
    November 3, 2015 / 12:15 pm

    You're right, we are on the same wavelength today! I haven't read any of the books that you mentioned, so I'll be adding them to my Goodreads, for when I'm done with my next books on my list!

  8. Ashley G
    November 3, 2015 / 12:20 pm

    I’m a few chapters into Everybody Rise right now! Adding the Paris and Charleston one to my list. These all sound so good!

  9. Courtney B
    November 3, 2015 / 12:24 pm

    It really does feel so good to be reading again, doesn't it?! I don't even remember the last time I read a book, and I LOVE reading! Adding these to my list and I'm going to try and read one of them before the year ends!!

  10. Whitney and Blaire
    November 3, 2015 / 12:26 pm

    I can't wait to see if these books live up to their fabulous descriptions. I need to pick some up for the Thanksgiving holiday, and this is a great guide!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  11. Carly
    November 3, 2015 / 12:38 pm

    I think that was part of the reason Big Law was so good to me– even stuff that seemed crazy, also seemed realistic if that even makes sense! haha I am definitely going to check out these other books- Everybody Rise looks familiar, but I've never really looked into what it was about!

  12. Joey Hodges
    November 3, 2015 / 12:38 pm

    Ooooh! I'd totally judge The Paris Apartment by the cover too!! And now I'm desperate to read it!

  13. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    November 3, 2015 / 12:55 pm

    I need a plane ride to get some of these in. I'm still trying to finish the one from Charleston that I downloaded. I'll definitely keep these in mind when I need to assemble my list!

  14. Kate at Green Fashionista
    November 3, 2015 / 12:56 pm

    I have The Paris Apartment on my Christmas wish list (as I totally judged it by the cover too), and now I think I need to add New Money. Great recs gurlie <3

    Green Fashionista

  15. Kati Rose @ Constantly Seeking Wonder
    November 3, 2015 / 12:57 pm

    While I love that bloggers are passionate about books, I often see the same ones being rec'd over and over. However – I really enjoy this post of yours because every single one of these books is new to me and many of them sound really intriguing! Thanks for the recs!

  16. kerri @ cheshire kat
    November 3, 2015 / 1:29 pm

    charleston and a paris apartment are on my list – this is a great round up girl! thanks for the rec's!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  17. Shannon Jenkins
    November 3, 2015 / 1:38 pm

    I keep hearing Everybody Rise is really good so that's been on my radar! A Paris Apartment sounds so cute too! I wish I had more time to read!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  18. life of lo.
    November 3, 2015 / 1:40 pm

    Super interested in trying Everybody Rise and A Paris Appartment {in agreement that the cover is to die for!}!
    Linds @ Not A Mom

  19. Elle Sees
    November 3, 2015 / 1:46 pm

    you had me at paris apartment. totally judged that one by the cover, too! now when do i move in??

  20. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee
    November 3, 2015 / 1:51 pm

    When I worked at the hospital I felt the same way that you did about the law firm… the crazier it is the truer it is! lmao I kid you not… the techs once found a remote control in some guy's rolls when they were giving him a sponge bath and he said: "I've been looking for that!" True story. So many more. lol

  21. Brittany@TheLadyLawyer
    November 3, 2015 / 2:00 pm

    OOooh I need to check BigLaw out!

  22. Nikki @ makeupHER
    November 3, 2015 / 2:01 pm

    Big Law, Everybody Rise, and New Money are all getting added to my list…I feel like I was doing well reading, but then that fell off. These sound great airport books :)!

  23. Caroline @ Windy City Chic
    November 3, 2015 / 2:03 pm

    The Paris Apartment sounds good. So does an actual apartment in Paris haha. I really need to start checking out all of these books on the Kindle instead of just talking about doing that! Thank you for sharing lady!! 🙂

  24. Chesson | Magnolia+Main
    November 3, 2015 / 2:03 pm

    These books all sound great, especially the Charleston one! I'll have to add that to my Kindle before our next road trip!

  25. Laura
    November 3, 2015 / 2:07 pm

    Love your list and I'm glad I'm not the only one who chooses books based on their covers! LOL!

  26. Pink and Fabulous
    November 3, 2015 / 2:11 pm

    Amazing list! I cannot wait to dig into some of these, especially Charleston and the Paris Apt!! Thank you for sharing love!

  27. sara [at] journey of doing
    November 3, 2015 / 2:12 pm

    These sound like the perfect fluff books. Thanks for posting them… "…because she touched his ficus." LOL

  28. Kelsey Bang
    November 3, 2015 / 2:24 pm

    I do not know the last time I picked up a book! I need to! its been toooo long!
    kelseybang.com

  29. Christina Lea Loves
    November 3, 2015 / 2:28 pm

    This is such a good idea to make a reading guide – I have a huge stack of books that I keep "meaning to get through" and a guide/plan would make it easier!

  30. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    November 3, 2015 / 2:39 pm

    You need to read Me Before You! They are making a movie out of it because it's so good! I couldn't put it down and finished it in two days!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  31. runwright
    November 3, 2015 / 2:41 pm

    I am all for judging actual books by the cover. that Paris Apartment novel looks enticing 😀

  32. Kaitlin {Little Goodies Blog}
    November 3, 2015 / 2:58 pm

    Oooh, I love these posts because I'm always needing new book recs!!!

  33. Chelsea Finn
    November 3, 2015 / 2:58 pm

    So many great recommendations! I'm about to start Wild and I'm super excited about it!

    xx Chelsea
    organizedmessblog.com

  34. awhite
    November 3, 2015 / 2:59 pm

    So many great + varied rec's! I need to get myself to a Barnes & Noble statttttt; it's been ages since I've read a good book. 🙂

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  35. Rebecca Jo
    November 3, 2015 / 3:02 pm

    That green cover on Everybody Rise always grabs my attention at Target 🙂
    I may have to check out that first book – I love that kinda thing

  36. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    November 3, 2015 / 3:14 pm

    I am adding The List to my must read this month as well. I've been reading The Storied Life of A.J. Finkry. It took me a bit to get into but I'm really enjoying it.

  37. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    November 3, 2015 / 3:15 pm

    yay books!! big law is on my list, just added the rest 🙂

  38. a little bit of emily
    November 3, 2015 / 3:28 pm

    All those books look amazing! You may have started my Christmas list for me!

  39. Kate Steadman
    November 3, 2015 / 3:35 pm

    Ahh all of these look like something I would want to read! It looks like we both have the same taste in books! I definitely think I'll start with Everyone Rise. Great recommendations!

    xo,
    Sara Kate Styling

  40. Rachel McCarthy
    November 3, 2015 / 3:36 pm

    I always love your reading guides, Biana! I wish I had more time so that I could keep up haha! Love the looks of Charleston, I will have to add that to my list!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  41. Sarah Blodgett
    November 3, 2015 / 3:45 pm

    I know you're not supposed to judge a book by it's cover… but The Paris Apartment looks amazing 🙂
    Kisses,
    Sarah
    EverydayStarlet

  42. Annie Reeves
    November 3, 2015 / 3:48 pm

    UMMM purchasing Charleston TODAY– how did I not know about this?!

    Annie Reeves

  43. Shannon Rice
    November 3, 2015 / 3:51 pm

    I've finally got back into reading and I've really missed it! It is so much nicer settling down with a book before bed then another TV show. These all sounds like great books and I'm definitely going to keep them in mind when I finish my current book!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

  44. Carly Messmer
    November 3, 2015 / 4:01 pm

    I feel like I should read Charleston just because, but A Paris Apartment also looks intriguing.

  45. Nina @ Flowers in my Hair
    November 3, 2015 / 4:06 pm

    Definitely looking into The List!

  46. Katie Elizabeth
    November 3, 2015 / 4:52 pm

    Ooh I want to read Charleston! I'm dying to get back there!!

  47. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    November 3, 2015 / 5:01 pm

    Charleston sounds intriguing.

  48. Meg Taylor
    November 3, 2015 / 5:13 pm

    Woah I had no idea Nicholas Sparks had a book called Charleston. I don't usually read a lot of his, but you know I need to read this one!

  49. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    November 3, 2015 / 5:43 pm

    I get nervous making recommendations too but it is true that not everyone likes the same books. i think just allowing people to possibly add a new book is good though. The last book sounds intriguing.

  50. Sakuranko
    November 3, 2015 / 5:51 pm

    Oh very interesting books daling
    thanks for share with us!
    xx

    sakuranko.com

  51. Trista @ The Classy Chaos
    November 3, 2015 / 5:55 pm

    I'm so glad you liked The List!! I just added another of the author's books to my list – The Price of Inheritance. I am currently reading The Mentor and all of the books you've mentioned are on my list. I better get busy! Can't wait to hear how you like them all. 🙂

  52. Nadine
    November 3, 2015 / 5:56 pm

    I loved Erin Brockovich! I will have to add a few of these to my list. My current book is shaping up to be like The Holiday, except instead of going to London…the person is about to switch with someone in Paris!

  53. Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie
    November 3, 2015 / 6:15 pm

    I totally want to read the Paris one based on its cover too! It looks incredible on that alone, ha! And The List sounds really good! Though I did think that was Amy Schumer at first glance and got really excited thinking she had a memoir.

  54. Erin LFF
    November 3, 2015 / 6:19 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I always love hearing what everyone else is reading, or what's on their radar. I'll never run out of books to read hehe!

  55. Lindsay's Sweet World
    November 3, 2015 / 6:23 pm

    Everybody Rise sounds great! I'm adding this one to my Amazon wish list now!

    And BTW, last night I made that Creamy Lemon Skillet Chicken recipe that you posted about the other day and it was DIVINE. Seriously, if you haven't tried it yet – DO IT! The hubs LOVED it.

  56. Jaclyn Y
    November 3, 2015 / 6:51 pm

    I love hearing what other people are reading, great way to add things to my book list!

  57. Paula thirteenthoughts.com
    November 3, 2015 / 7:14 pm

    This is such a great idea for a post! I really haven't had much to my read recently, but I hope this changes this month 😉

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

  58. According to Kiki
    November 3, 2015 / 8:07 pm

    Now that it's getting cooler, I am less likely to leave the office on my lunch hour and more likely to read for an hour. I'll have to write some of these down! (:

  59. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    November 3, 2015 / 8:15 pm

    Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these books. I may want to read Charleston and A Paris Apartment 🙂

  60. Doctor Anne
    November 3, 2015 / 8:29 pm

    To be honest, I don't really keep a list, I just read whatever I am drawn to at that moment. Maybe a list wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

  61. Unknown
    November 3, 2015 / 8:39 pm

    obviously i want to read Charleston 🙂 great list! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  62. Unknown
    November 3, 2015 / 10:46 pm

    This is awesome! I've been looking for more books to read into the winter months!

    Wishes & Reality

  63. Ashley Lillis
    November 3, 2015 / 11:08 pm

    This sounds like a great list for the fall/winter! The List sounds like a great book since I'm obsessed with House of Cards and Charleston has such a beautiful cover and sounds like a great romantic read.

  64. Tori
    November 4, 2015 / 1:07 am

    Love this list–I am such a book worm and always looking for new recommendations!

    Tori
    FashionBlingGirlyThings

  65. Nat
    November 4, 2015 / 1:56 am

    This is exactly what I needed today!! I've been on the hunt for some new books!

  66. Evelina
    November 4, 2015 / 2:44 am

    I want to read so many of these! The Charleston and A Paris Apartment have such pretty covers. You have a knack for picking pretty books!

  67. Fabulous Torture
    November 4, 2015 / 2:53 am

    These sounds like great books!
    fabuloustorture.blogspot.com

  68. Myra
    November 4, 2015 / 3:17 am

    Oh I need to add some of these to my list asap!! Thanks for the recommendations, love! xo

  69. Jojo Genevive
    November 4, 2015 / 5:26 am

    A Paris apartment! Would definitely remember this list since I am looking for new reads at the moment.

    Joyce | Joycentricity

  70. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    November 4, 2015 / 12:46 pm

    These all sound like books I would love! I totally judge books based on their cover sometimes so A Paris Apartment is calling to me! Loved reading this post!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  71. Zelle B.
    November 4, 2015 / 1:02 pm

    I now have a million books I want to read! The List, Charleston, and New Money are now at the top of my list. Thanks for recommending — now I just need to purchase!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  72. B @ The Sequin Notebook
    November 4, 2015 / 1:15 pm

    I love getting new book recommendations to add to my list! Everybody Rise was one I had heard about previously but haven't checked out yet so I'll definitely need to fix that soon. And New Money just sounds like the perfect light, fun read!

  73. Elegance and Mommyhood
    November 4, 2015 / 1:42 pm

    These all sound like great reads to me. I love when you do book reviews. I want to read The List and a Paris Apartment, most definitely. =)

    Happy Hump Day Gorgeous!

  74. Gold Coast Girl
    November 4, 2015 / 2:44 pm

    I'm currently in a book club with my high school friends and I am up next to choose. Maybe I will pick one of these. Thanks for sharing!
    ~Samantha
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  75. Summer
    November 4, 2015 / 2:45 pm

    I would like to read 'A Paris Apartment.' It seems interesting ♥♥

    summerdaisy.net

  76. Emelia at Dream Big & Buy the Shoes
    November 4, 2015 / 3:04 pm

    Thanks for the great recommendations. I've been looking for a new one to read and a few of these sound like they're something I will enjoy!

  77. Unknown
    November 4, 2015 / 3:20 pm

    Ooh! I love book recommendations! Charleston and The List sound sooo good! Thanks Biana!

    Taffeta & Tulips

  78. Maggie Zemanek
    November 4, 2015 / 3:33 pm

    Great recommendations!

    maggiealamode.com

  79. Brooke
    November 4, 2015 / 3:46 pm

    I've been thinking about picking up Everybody Rise, maybe that will my next pick!

    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

  80. Unknown
    November 4, 2015 / 5:03 pm

    I've never read any of these books before but they all seem great.
    artadorned.com/

  81. Danielle
    November 4, 2015 / 7:08 pm

    I think I would really like The List. Thanks for the recommendations!

    Danielle
    spring2spring.com

  82. Traci Taylor Hart
    November 4, 2015 / 7:50 pm

    Thank you for the recommendations! I am in the middle of The Bone Tree now which is really good but long. These all sound like books I would like.
    Traci
    waltzmetoheaven.com

  83. Darcy
    November 5, 2015 / 1:54 am

    I have been wanting to read New Money! I totally agree t seems great for a vacay!
    amemoryofus.com

  84. Heather
    November 6, 2015 / 12:51 pm

    All of these sound really good. Definitely marking A Paris Apartment and that last one for my list!