By now you’ve probably blown through most of the new TV shows and baked more banana bread then you’ll see for the rest of your life, so why not mix things up and try a book? I’ve rounded up 10 of my favorite recent novels that are perfect for curling up on the couch with for a nice long quarantined day. Whether you’re in the mood for a murder mystery, a trip to Paris, or Downton Abbey-esque scandal, there’s definitely something in here for you.

1. The Lying Game

   My first pick is naturally an English murder mystery . This book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, and I cannot recommend it enough, but if that won’t convince you, it’s also on Reese Witherspoon and Oprah’s book lists.

2. The Only Street In Paris

Even if you’re in quarantine, you can still travel to Paris. Part memior, and part love note to Paris, this collection of stories from an American editors years of living on the Rue des Martyrs just below Montmartre is a must read for any francophile.

3. Sweetbitter

This is SUCH a fun, indulgent book. The heroine moves to New York with no money and the entire book is spent giving an inside look at working at an upscale NYC restaurant. The relationships, the drama, the incredible wine. Highly recommend for a curl-up and read with a glass of Merlot kind of night. (STARZ made it into a TV show, but obviously the book is better)

4. The French Girl

Another gripping murder mystery. This one about a group of English teens who took a vacation to the south of France in their youth where a young french girl was murdered. Now any years later, new information is uncovered about her unsolved death…..

5. Crazy Rich Asians

I hope you’ve read this series by now, but if not, its a great light read to take your mind off the current world for a while and be transported to the crazy lives of what’s essentially Chinese gossip girl (but better).

6. The Women In The Castle

A beautifully written novel about the wives of a group of men who attempted to assassinate Hitler. It jumps between before, during, and many years after WWII, and kept me turning pages from beginning to end. Delve into the incredible lives of these women who fought Nazi rule while trying to keep thier families and each other safe.

7. Roses and Rot

A fascinating story of two talented sisters pitted against each other both by thier art conservatory and the Mother they have both tried so hard to escape. Beautifully written and guaranteed to shed a few tears.

8. The House At Riverton

If you’re a Downton Abbey fan, this is the book for you. Told from the perspective of a young maid working in a large English house, she recounts the lives of the two daughters from childhood through adulthood, ending with one fateful night that leaves the family and house in salacious infamy.

9. A Gentleman in Moscow

The intriguing story of a Russian aristocrat put under house arrest in a famous hotel in Moscow by the Bolshevik’s at the rise of the USSR. He and the colorful cast of characters live out this turbulent time in Russian history, and it makes for a gripping read.

10. American Royals

So I’ll admit I’ve just started this newly released novel, but the premise of an American Royal family was too good not to include. It focuses on the three hiers and facing the duties of monarchy in modern day america, and I’m already hooked

What have you been reading lately? Leave your favorites in the comments!

xoxo,

Audra