Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton

I picked this up because of how much I enjoyed her beach read “Next Year in Havana.” This was a completely enjoyable yet predictable book about three women in Key West during the devastating 1935 hurricane.  I give her bonus points for capturing my attention enough that I went to Google for photos and more information on the massive hurricane.

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

We have hit the point where there are more fictional female spies and resistance members in World War II France than there ever were in reality.  While no new ground is broken in this beach read, I do give Quinn praise for writing an engaging and satisfying novel.  One of her character’s advice to another to be scared at it is over is something I have thought about several times since reading the novel. Fear in the moment is distracting and can give you away. Stay present and be afraid afterwards. This is sound advice. 

Beach read: a book light with an engaging story to enjoy on the beach or at the pool, but not so light that I question the author’s skill, storytelling or intelligence. Beach are often historical fiction or chick lit.