OUABC Team’s Reading Round-Up

A collage of book covers that the Once Upon a Book Club team is currently reading in July, featuring 'Water for Elephants,' 'The Lost Story,' 'Masters of Death,' 'Middle of the Night,' 'The Serpent and the Wings of Night,' 'Happily Ever Island,' and 'Say I Do.'

 

We are so excited to share our current reading round-up. It’s always so much fun to see how diverse our tastes are! From historical fiction and enchanting fairy tales to gripping thrillers, our team has been busy.


Grab a cup of coffee and join us on the couch. We would love to hear about your current reads, so make sure to let us know in the comments below!

 

Cover of 'Water for Elephants' by Sara Gruen with a quote from Logan saying, 'The story is so beautifully written that I can’t put it down.'

Logan — Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

“I’m actually re-reading this book and loving it just as much as the first time! The story is so beautifully written, and I can’t put it down.”


Water for Elephants is a historical novel that follows Jacob Janowski, a young veterinary student who joins the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth during the Great Depression. Orphaned and penniless, Jacob finds purpose in caring for the circus animals and navigating the complex relationships within the troupe. Filled with adventure, romance, and the darker sides of circus life, this medium-paced, emotional tale is perfect for readers who love richly detailed historical fiction.

 

Cover of 'The Lost Story' by Meg Shaffer with a quote from Tiffany saying, 'The Lost Story perfectly transforms the Narnia classic into a fairytale for adults.'

 

Tiffany — The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer

The Chronicles of Narnia is one of my favorite childhood reads. The Lost Story perfectly transforms the Narnia classic into a fairytale for adults.”


Inspired by C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lost Story is a whimsical and enchanting fairy tale for adults. It follows best friends Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell on an adventurous journey of wonder and discovery. Perfect for those who still believe in magic and the power of storytelling, this novel blends fantasy, romance, and emotional depth, creating a captivating narrative that explores the bonds of friendship and the magic of hidden realms.

 

Cover of 'Masters of Death' by Olivie Blake with a quote from Teri saying, 'I absolutely love all the characters in this book... This book totally surprised me!'

 

Teri — Masters of Death by Olivie Blake

“I absolutely love all the characters in this book; they're so funny, and the writing style the author uses as they banter back and forth is really unique and fun. This book totally surprised me, going way beyond where I thought the plot was going, talking about gods and mortals and love and family in such a beautiful way.”


Masters of Death is a thrilling fantasy novel featuring a unique twist on supernatural beings. The story follows a vampire real estate agent trying to sell a haunted house with a murdered ghost who doesn't know how he died. Alongside a medium, they unravel the mysteries of the afterlife and confront various challenges. This adventurous and funny novel is the perfect weekend companion!

 

Cover of 'Middle of the Night' by Riley Sager with a quote from Sydney saying, 'He always keeps me guessing the whole time, and I’m invested from the very beginning.'

 

Sydney — Middle of the Night by Riley Sager

“I absolutely love Riley Sager, and this one is just as mysterious and unsettling as the rest of his books! He always keeps me guessing the whole time, and I’m invested from the very beginning.” 


Middle of the Night is a gripping thriller with a blend of mystery and suspense! A man confronts the unresolved disappearance of his childhood best friend and the dark secrets that lie just beyond the facade of his seemingly perfect life. Get ready for a jaw-dropping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing the whole time!

 

Cover of 'The Cautious Traveller's Guide to The Wastelands' by Sarah Brooks with a quote from Nicole saying, 'I love that it’s like a spooky twist on Murder on the Orient Express.'

 

Nicole — The Cautious Traveller's Guide to The Wastelands by Sarah Brooks

“I love that it's like a spooky twist on Murder on the Orient Express. So far, I love the cast of characters and the mystery of it all while they're interacting with each other and worrying about what's just outside the train!”


Set in the late 19th century, The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands is a thrilling fantasy novel that will take you on a journey through a terrain of terrible miracles and dark mysteries. In this adventurous and tense story, every passenger must pay a price beyond their ticket. Perfect for fans of medium-paced, mysterious tales with a touch of the fantastical!

 

Cover of 'Happily Ever Island' by Crystal Cestari with a quote from Tristan saying, 'This is such a fun escape story, with all the Disney magic you could hope for!'

 

Tristan — Happily Ever Island by Crystal Cestari

“I enjoy that this is such a fun escape story, with all the Disney magic you could hope for! I really love the sapphic romance, the sweet friendships, and the strong women making their dreams come true!”


Happily Ever Island follows unlikely best friends, romantic Madison and pragmatic Lanie, as they embark on a pixie-dusted adventure. When Madison wins a dream vacation to a Disney-inspired island, she invites Lanie along. Together, they navigate the magic and challenges of the island, testing their friendship and discovering unexpected truths. This lighthearted, young adult romance is perfect for those who love heartwarming stories with a touch of Disney magic. 

 

Cover of 'Say I Do' by Brea Alepou and Skyler Snow with a quote from Ryan saying, 'It’s such an entertaining, unpredictable story that has great chemistry throughout!'

 

Ryan — Say I Do by Brea Alepou and Skyler Snow

“This is the third book in the Vitale Brothers mafia romance series! It’s such an entertaining, unpredictable story that has great chemistry throughout!”


Say I Do is a dark, intense romance that thrusts you into the world of arranged marriages and mafia intrigue. When a mobster agrees to a marriage of convenience to protect his family, he expects a demure spouse. Instead, he gets Harlow, a fierce and fiery partner. As tensions rise and passions ignite, the stakes become life and death. Perfect for those craving a dramatic and thrilling MM romance, Say I Do will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed catching up with our team and perhaps have found some new additions to your reading list. Talking about reading lists, why not join our 2024 Reading Challenge? With the above selections, you will be well on your way to success!


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