Red Sails to Capri, by Ann Weil
42/60 | Started 08.14.25 • Finished 08.29.25 | 5 stars
Carolyn enjoyed this story about a boy named Michele on the island of Capri. When three men come to stay at his family's inn during the off-season, Michele finds himself thrust into the legend of one of the island's coves. A fun little story with a touch of adventure.
All the Lonely People, by Mike Gayle
41/60 | Started 08.15.25 • Finished 08.26.25 | 3.5 stars
Very reminiscient of Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove, but with a little twist. Hubert Bird spends his days locked inside his home, absent of almost all human interaction, save that with his daughter. It doesn't take long for the author to force Hubert to come out of his isolation due to an impending visit. What follows is Hubert's stumbles and successes in venturing out to create a life he's only dreamed of having. Gayle steadily introduces a full cast of characters that are fun to get to know, even if only a little bit. I enjoyed this cute story, despite its similarity to a book I loved. The writing doesn't quite measure up to Backman's but it's a feel-good story that read well.
Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, by Mark Vroegop
40/60 | Started 06.11.25 • Finished 08.23.25 | 4.5 stars
Loved this book about learning to lament. Super helpful for a step-by-step description of how to properly process your own lament, followed by a walk through the book of Lamentations in light of this process. Love how it invites the reader to participate in his/her grief by turning to God first, and yes, asking and complaining, but following it up with trusting in him and his promises. Took off half a star for some repetetiveness, but I'm willing to chalk it up to Vroegop's pastoral heart and the desire to drive points home. Definite recommendation.