Happy book club day! This seems to be a reader favorite which is great because it's also my favorite thing to write every month. Over the summer I read a lot of cool books and this list is full of most of those. I felt like the only good way to usher in a new season was to recap my favorite stories from the previous one! This month's top five follows no theme. There's some romance, mystery, self-discovery, comedy, a little bit of everything, really. Hopefully you'll find one that peaks your interests! Let's dig into September's picks!

#5: The Lost Carousel of Provence by Juliet Blackwell
Personally, I love stories that take place internationally. There's just something so cool about imagining a place you've never been to or hope to visit eventually. Plus, it adds to the drama. I think most can agree that Europe is a much more interesting place then, I don't know? Ohio? The Lost Carousel of Provence takes place in Paris and follows a photographer from California as she sets out to rebuild her life following tragedy. Throughout the story, the narrative changes from present day to the early 1900s as a chateau's past shed's light on a mystery that's spanned a century: the lost carousel and what exactly led to its removal from history and memory.  

#4: The Dating Plan by Sara Desai
Ok, I'm not going to lie. I've been getting into romance novels. Now don't go getting any ideas. Thrillers are still my ultimate favorite. I mean, just wait until you see some of the titles I've been considering for October. However, I've noticed that after the last year, while I still love the goriness, mystery, and suspense, sometimes you need an infusion of joy to balance out the doom and gloom. This book accomplishes just that. The storyline is as follows. Girl has prying family. Girl needs fiancée to get said family to leave her alone. Enter very attractive, rich guy. Who is also her brother's best friend. Who she also crushed on as a teenager. Who stood her up at prom. Who then disappeared from her life forever. Cue the fake romance plan. Cue the feelings. Cue the drama. You get the point. The gist of all these short sentences? You NEED to read this book. You'll thank me later.

#3: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book is, I think, the best summer-set book I read. It's got the drama, the romance, the lovable characters, all set against the backdrop of sunny Malibu. Taking place over one day, the novel follows four siblings long-ago abandoned by their father. Unbeknownst to them, the decisions they make one fateful August night will set the path for the rest of their lives and quite literally cause everything to go up in smoke.

#2: A Million Junes by Emily Henry
If I could sum this novel up in one sentence, it would be: the modern day Romeo and Juliet without all the death...in the traditional sense. Super cryptic, I know but that's the fun of this post at least for me. I don't have to tell you everything. Just enough to drive you crazy and get you hooked until the only remedy is to go out and buy the book yourself. I'm terrible and you're welcome!
 
#1: The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
This book actually shocked me but in a totally amazing way. I was expecting a suspenseful mystery and yes, that happened but there was also so much more. It's especially interesting that the setting is modern day London but then the perspective switches and you're transported back to London as it was in the late 1790s. The story seems to be a mystery at the surface but once you peel back the layers, it displays friendship, loss, broken marriages, betrayal, acceptance, joy, heartache, learning, and growth. I came to appreciate the story for the way that it showed that time connects us all and no one is ever truly lost to history.  

That's a wrap on this month's book club! I love each and every one of these books for different reasons and I hope I passed some of that appreciation onto you. I'll see you in October for some positively spook-tacular reads that are sure to keep you up at night. Have a great start to your fall season and have a fabulous day!

Changing seasons bring lots of fun things! New wardrobes, a new menu at Starbucks, the joy of changing all your decor to match the upcoming holidays, and so much more! I love all those things but my most anticipated activity each season is getting my FabFitFun box. If you've been around for awhile, my obsession with this is nothing new. If you're new here, I'm about to change your life. This box is quite honestly my favorite thing in the world. It comes jam-packed with products that would normally cost a fortune and you get to pick every single item in the box. There's tons of different things to pick from so no one box ever looks the same. Let's dive into mine!

#1: Amika:™ The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle
I am so glad I ended up picking this! Haircare is something I've always had an issue with. My hair has a lot going on and I've never been able to find the one product that deals with it all without having to sacrifice something. Not only does this Amika duo smell glorious but my hair is stronger, retains volume, and is growing back in places that I've lost ( thanks stress :) ). 

#2: COACH Open Circle Necklace And Tea Rose Stud Set
Ok, I have to admit, I don't have much to say on this. I just haven't gone anywhere to warrant the wearing of jewelry. However, just by looking at it, I'm obsessed. It's neutral but just enough to add an element of fun/chicness to any outfit. Stay tuned over the weekend. Maybe you'll get some Homecoming photos. 

#3: PATTERN Beauty Curl Gel
This fall, haircare was a major necessity item. After the heat and humidity of the summer, then going into the cooler months, my hair needs a little extra love and attention. I've used this gel a few times this month and am pleasantly surprised at the outcome. You put it in after you shower while your hair is still wet, then pretty much go about your day. I have naturally curly hair but I've never done anything to enhance them or support them between washes or anything like that. Lately, however, I've been using this after every shower and my curls have maintained their shape, texture, volume, all the things! I feel like I can actually enjoy them now because not only are they staying longer but the frizziness has been reduced, which is one of my biggest hair annoyances.

#4: Cocus Pocus Buffalo Check Baseball Cap
I'm not normally a hat person but I decided to switch things up in this box. It's a grey plaid pattern which I thought would look nice with a multitude of outfits as a contrast to bright, bold colors that come with fall fashion! Plus, it's also kind of cute and actually fits my head nicely.

#5: Voesh Pedicure In A Box Duo - Pumpkin Spice
Again, this is another one I can't say much on because I have yet to use it. Basically, it's a four step pedicure that's supposedly the easiest at-home pedicure you'll ever try. I'm hopeful for this one but am crossing my fingers that there are no negative skin reactions. I'll post updates in the next couple of days. Be on the look out!

#6 & 7: BEAUTY PAPIER & MakeupDrop™ Bundle
Another set of winners in the final box choices! I love both of these for a variety of reasons. The MakeupDrop is actually a beauty blender (helps apply makeup, like foundation or powders) and my last one ended up in a toxic waste pile, it was so gross. The BEAUTY PAPIER is a shower gel and smells absolutely heavenly. Although, if you're sensitive to smells, I would steer away because it's very strong. But if you love something that comes together to smell like cupcakes, go for it!

That's all for this season's box! See you here again to take a look at the winter box!
​-Caroline 

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