As published on International Vacation Home Exchange (IVHE.com) on Wed. Jan 20, 2016
What do beach vacations, long plane rides and sitting by a roaring fire after a full day of skiing all have in common? No, the answer is not Gin and Tonic (though you get partial credit for that), the correct answer is they offer the perfect opportunity to get lost in a good book. As you plan your next luxury home exchange look through this list of some of my all-time favorite books and make your next trip even more relaxing and enjoyable.
Six Years by Harlan Coben
Probably my #1 favorite book. It’s an incredibly well written thriller that is nearly impossible to put down. When Jake Fisher’s girlfriend unexpectedly breaks up with him and marries another man, she makes him promise to leave them alone and to never try and contact them. Jake does so for six years until circumstances arise that make him need to locate her. You’ll find many twists and turns in this plot that will keep you guessing right up until the very last page.
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Not a creepy Stephen King novel in the slightest bit but an historical novel about time travel and the assassination of JFK. It’s a long read, about 900 pages, but the story never drags. It’s a real page turner as you try and predict what will happen next. One of the most well written books I’ve ever read but I wouldn’t expect anything less from Stephen King.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
A well written psychological thriller that takes place in a London suburb. Rachel Watson watches the world go by each day from her commuter train. She’s particularly interested in a couple she often sees out on their terrace. When this woman goes missing, Rachel tries to piece together the details of that night in her mind. The suspense unfolds as Rachel becomes obsessed with this couples’ life and the woman’s disappearance.
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
One of the most interesting novels I’ve ever read. The story weaves both past and present. It portrays a woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others while struggling to overcome her own obstacles in life. It’s a beautifully written and quite moving story.
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
The story takes place on a tiny island in Australia where a lighthouse keeper and his wife are the only inhabitants. The couple is unable to have children. One day they find a rowboat has washed ashore and they are surprised to find a newborn baby inside. They decide to tell no one the truth and claim the child as their own. As the child’s history begins to unfold, the couple is forced to make some tough decisions.
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
The story knits together the past and present of two women, one young and one elderly. It’s an historic journey of survival and the yearning for a home and a sense of belonging.
Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
I read this book several years ago but it’s a story that has remained with me over time. It’s a memoir that deals with the author’s humble and troubled childhood. Jeannette Walls has overcome her struggles and is a successful writer and journalists forMSNBC.com. You’ll have a difficult time putting this one down as it keeps you wondering about what could possible happen to this family next and wondering how they will overcome their latest hardship.
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
I was reluctant to read this book as it’s a memoir about her battle with breast cancer. I was glad a friend finally talked me into reading it because it has become one of favorite books. Though the author does talk about her medical struggles the book is really about her relationships with the people in her life. She writes a lot about the special relationship she has with her father who was also going through cancer treatment at the time. Kelly Corrigan is now one of my favorite writers. She has a real gift for putting her thoughts and feelings into words. This is not at all a depressing book and in fact many parts are quite amusing. You’ll be glad you read it.
What’s on your list of favorite books? We’d love to hear about them in the comments section. IVHE has luxury properties in every corner of the world. To learn more about home exchange, download a FREE home exchange guide. Start planning your next get-away today and don’t just read about adventures but live them.