I love books. No really I love books. Reading is such a wonderful way for me to relax and recharge. I really love to read during the summer, this is my chance to catch up on books that I don't normally don't have the time for during the school year. During the summer I can be so into a book that I don't even realize that I have been reading for hours.

So this summer I have four books that I really wanted to read and dig my teeth into!

The first was "Driftwood" by Elizabeth Dutton. I read it in two days. This novel is all about a young woman reeling from the death of her father. He dad sends her a road trip all over California in order to reveal what he truly wanted for her life. I loved this narrative. I identified with the main character so much. The story of a young women in her late 20's trying to find her way in life and seeing what she wanted out of her life. It is beautifully written story and I highly recommend it!

I'm currently working on novel number two, "The Mystery of Hollow Places" by Rebecca Podos. I wasn't familiar with this author before, but so far, I am halfway into this novel and I'm impressed. This young writer weaves a story of a young teenage girl trying to locate her missing father and she is learning more and more each day about the mother that left her as a baby. What I love more about this story is how the author handles the subject of mental illness. She does an amazing job with this sensitive subject and how it not only affects the one suffering from the illness, but the people who love the individual.

Next up is something completely different. "The Killing Lessons" by Saul Black. I didn't really plan out a lot when I picked out this book. I love mystery novels and I love thrillers. Who doesn't love thrillers about serial killing duos? OK this one might freak me out a lot and I might be putting the book in the freezer when I get freaked out. (20 points if you get that reference).

This next book is one in a series and I hope to start it and finish it during the school year. "Etiquette Espionage" by Gail Carriger is book one in the "Finishing School Series." This Young Adult series was recommended to me by a student. I can't wait to dive into this book. A 14-year-old girl being sent to finishing school to learn the finer arts of high society living and how to spy, interrogate and kill -- what could be better than that!? I'm so excited about this series, I can't even contain myself!

So there you have it! Summer reading time is in full swing. I got my lemonade, my beach hat, books and I sitting poolside! Whatever you are reading this summer, I hope you enjoy it and share with others!