Great Reads For Your Next Trip

After I graduated college I sort of gave up reading. I think I was so burnt out by all the articles, papers, and text books we were forced to read that it just didn't seem fun to me anymore. It wasn't until last year when my coworkers and I decided to start a book club that I really fell back in love with reading just for fun. I remember when they suggested the idea of meeting monthly I thought there was no way I would be able to read a book that fast...I was done in like two weeks. And then I was hooked! I got my own library card (you know you're an adult when this excites you) and in four months I think I had read almost 20 books. 

One of my favorite times to read is while I'm traveling! It's a great way to pass the time on those long plane rides and layovers in airports. I'm also one of those weird people who can read in the car without wanting to puke. So while the hubby drives and listens to sports radio (quite possibly my least favorite thing on earth) I crack open a good book. I went ahead and put together a list of some of my recent favorites for you. And I would love to hear your suggestions! I keep a running list of must reads in my phone at all times. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

---

---

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (via Good Reads) "Big Little Lies follows three women, each at a crossroads. It is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive."

​This book's characters were so real and relatable and the suspenseful plot sucked me in immediately. It also has a lot of humor sprinkled throughout it and was such a fun read. After finishing the book I found out they had recently made it into a TV show (starring Reese Witherspoon I might add) so of course I binged the whole first season and am patiently awaiting the second. However, I will say I enjoyed the book much more than the show but it's usually that way for me. This book also started by Liane Moriarty obsession and I read three of her other books as well. In order from most to least favorite:

• The Husband's Secret
• Truly, Madly, Guiltily 
• What Alice Forgot
• Nine Perfect Strangers **I haven't read this one yet but it's next on my list ​

---

Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis (via Good Reads) "With wry wit and hard-earned wisdom, popular online personality and founder of TheChicSite.com, Rachel Hollis helps readers break free from the lies keeping them from the joy-filled and exuberant life they are meant to have." 

If you haven't read this book seriously drop everything you are doing right now and get a copy! I can't say enough good things about this one. Rachel Hollis is seriously like Beyonce in my eyes. I've never read something that I felt was speaking straight to my soul. I read this book on our recent trip to Phoenix and it's actually what gave me the push I needed to finally start this blog. 

---

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware (via Good Reads) "Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. At first, Lo's stay is nothing but pleasant until she witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened." 

I have been super into thrillers/mysteries and this one didn't disappoint. It kept me guessing the entire time and in parts had me questioning my own sanity LOL. Such a quick and easy read! According to the reviews on Good Reads not everyone has the same thoughts as me but I'll admit I'm not a super hard book critic. I tend to be able to find parts I like about almost any book. I love Ruth Ware's psychological crime style and she became another author I fell in love with. I also read a few of her other books (okay all of them):

• The Lying Game
• In a Dark, Dark Wood
• The Death of Mrs. Westaway 
• The Turn of the Key **COMING 2019!!

---

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines (via Good Reads) "By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America’s new best friends. The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together."

I am a HUGE fixer upper fan (along with like have the nation). Aside from the amazing homes they create, I simply love their story. It's hard to find genuine, caring people in this world these days and Chip and Joanna instantly make you feel like you're part of their family even if you're never met them...yet. I love everything their family stands for and this book provided an inside look into what started it all. I also subscribe to the Magnolia Journal and LOVE getting them in the mail each quarter. My favorite part of each magazine is Joanna's letter and how they manage to weave the theme of each issue throughout. You can also see the magazine come to life inside their shop at the Silos! Check out my blog post from our recent sister trip to Waco, Texas to read more about our Waco adventures. 

---

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell (via Good Reads) "She was fifteen, her mother's golden girl. She had her whole life ahead of her. And then, in the blink of an eye, Ellie was gone. It’s been ten years since Ellie disappeared, but Laurel has never given up hope of finding her daughter."

This was our most recent book club read and everyone seemed to be hooked. Again following the thriller/mystery trend, this book is written in a then/now narrative that keeps you turning the pages. Some readers complain that it's too predictable which I think is simply part of her writing style. The author has a way of revealing details that make you think you know what's coming next but then putting her own spin on things. I'll definitely be reading some of her other books! 

---

What are you currently reading that you can't put down? I've got a 9 hour flight to Hawaii coming up you guys. I need some good suggestions!!