8 Books Our Readers Are Loving: Vol. 3
Photo by Nur Demirbaş
Here at Wallflower, we like to think we’ve fostered a community of readers who’d consider themselves lovers of literature. And while we truly love recommending our favorite books to you and curating all kinds of book lists for you to find your next read, we want to hear what you’ve been reading lately.
Allow the readers of Wallflower to suggest to you another book to dive into…
01 | The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
This unsettling Victorian ghost story is perfect for the fast-approaching autumn season. When Elsie’s husband passes away mere weeks after their wedding, she is left picking up the pieces of the life she thought she had gotten in order. Things take a turn in the creepy direction when Elsie notices a strange painted figure (which bears an eerie resemblance to her) whose eyes seem to follow her.
Recommended by Sarah.
02 | Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
Before children had iPads, access to the internet, and social media, they played outside, using their imagination. Swallows and Amazons harkens back to such a simple yet beautiful time, telling the story of four siblings whose summer playtimes by the lake take them on an adventure that will make you miss being a kid. This sweet book is one you can read with your children, or simply to be transported back to your childhood.
Recommended by Julianna.
03 | Jane Austen’s Little Book About Life by Jane Austen & Terry W. Glaspet (editor)
Calling all Austen fans! This lovely little book is a collection of Austen’s many quotes and passages from her letters, filled with wisdom, insight, encouragement, fun, and a surprising relevance for our lives today. It also features Scripture verses and Austen’s own personal prayers. If you’re looking for something to fill your cup, this book just might be it.
Recommended by Shannon.
04 | The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartín Fenollera
This charming international bestseller tells the story of a woman who embarks on quite the adventure—she leaves her entire life behind and relocates to a French village, where she runs a small bookshop. She’s hoping to find a simpler life, but doesn’t expect that she might find love, too. Slowly, her perspective on life, love, and purpose is challenged.
Recommended by Stephanie.
05 | The Dean’s Watch by Elizabeth Goudge
Set in 1870, this heartening novel tells the tale of Adam, a painfully shy, misunderstood man who is also the dean of the cathedral in an English town. After his watch breaks, he begins to form an unlikely connection with Isaac, the watchmaker. From there, both men undergo a spiritual awakening of a sort, which eventually affects their entire town for the better.
Recommended by Valerie.
06 | Amy Snow by Tracy Rees
Set in Victorian England, this captivating debut novel follows the story of Amy, an orphan whose late best friend leaves her a letter containing all kinds of secrets, leading her to embark on a treasure hunt and the answer to a secret that will bring about a life-altering discovery.
07 | All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This beautiful, highly acclaimed novel tells the tale of two teens in the midst of World War II, one of them a blind French girl and the other a German boy, whose paths intersect as they attempt to survive the devastating occurrences of the war.
08 | Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
This New York Times bestseller takes readers on a journey as Piranesi explores his house, which is unlike any other—its rooms are infinite, filled with statues and a labyrinth of corridors. Every week, Piranesi is visited by The Other, who helps him research A Great and Secret Knowledge. Soon, Piranesi begins to uncover a secret, revealing a world Piranesi has never known.
Recommended by Daniel.