My Top 5 Book Recs from May 2025
May was a month filled with more good reads—ranging from self-improvement to thrillers, beachfront dramas, and contemporary literature. I’m finding myself drawn more to intense and thought-provoking works and June will incorporate a few more historical fiction pieces that fit within this category. This month, I’m highlighting the independent bookstore Bolin Books in Murray, Kentucky. Peruse the page-turners that made May’s top five list and remember to shop small and support local.
#5 Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Kristy Woodson Harvey does a superb job of weaving together small-town, Southern charm with dramatic twists and turns in her novel Under the Southern Sky. As someone who previously worked in the magazine industry, I can attest that she accurately describes the experience—both its perks and tumultuous nature. Kristy also highlights the difficulties couples face throughout an IVF journey. Beautifully written, it captures the reader’s attention and brings out your inner hopeless romantic.
#4 The Island by Elin Hilderbrand
Tuckernuck Island, a bread-shaped body of land just off the coast of Nantucket privately owned by its summer residents, offers no electricity and is only accessible by fishing boat. This however, makes it an ideal setting for Elin Hilderbrand’s The Island where we meet Chess, who is unarguably having a mental breakdown after quitting her editorial career, ending an engagement, and shaving her head. Luckily, her mother, sister, and aunt are determined to help her work through things with a nostalgic trip to their off-grid summertime retreat. However, Chess isn’t the only one who needs to escape and avoid difficult feelings. This beach read is teeming with relationship and family drama that will make it impossible to put down.
#3 The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
This book came to me at a time when I needed it most. As a recovering perfectionist who genuinely wants to do as much as I can for others, Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory reminded me of the importance of boundaries and honoring your limits. At the end of the day, we cannot change anything but our mindset and our actions. We can be honest, encouraging, kind, and sometimes even respectfully confrontational (when warranted)—but we can never control how others react, think, or feel. Her two-step theory takes the pressure, the overthinking, and the need to control the uncontrollable out of the equation. I’ve seen some comments that worry about the negative impact of this theory—and I agree with their concerns but want to be clear that they are only taking half of the theory into consideration. Left alone, “Let Them” can be isolating and weaponized if not used correctly. However, the focus is really on “Let Me,” which reminds us that while we can’t control how others view or interact with us, we can control our response. I think the theory and book should be renamed "The Let Me Theory” because that’s where the true power is. Let me create space and boundaries from something that is unhealthy or harmful. Let me focus on the positive and let go of the negative/anxious thoughts. Let me speak the truth even when it’s hard. Let me choose silence over unproductive arguing and disrespect. I highly recommend this book for anyone who struggles with anxiety, discouragement, and difficult relationships.
#2 The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen
Tess Gerritsen is one of my all-time favorite authors. (Okay, I have a lot of favorite authors, but I also read a diverse mix of genres.) The Summer Guests is the follow up novel to The Spy Coast so it is essential you read that one first. A teenager vanishes in this lakefront Maine community and it brings up chilling tales of a mysterious disappearance from years ago. Are the two connected? You’ll have to read to find out. Oh, and did I mention there’s a group of former CIA spies who live in the community and often gather for “Martini Club” which is another way of saying they definitely get involved in solving the crime—much to the dismay of the local police.
#1 The Names by Florence Knapp
This year, I treated myself to the Book of the Month subscription (not sponsored). I have been delighted by how it’s introduced me to new authors and books I have absolutely loved. I thought it would keep me from spending so much on books, but it has only made me more apt to purchase more. This month’s pick was The Names by Florence Knapp. The premise was unlike anything I’d read before. A mother is on her way to register the birth certificate of her son and must decide on what to name him. The book then takes three alternate paths based on which name she chooses and the impact that one decision had on the course of their lives. There book heavily mentions domestic abuse/violence so be aware as it was heart-wrenching to read. I still absolutely loved this book and the impact it had on the way I think about how our decisions can shape both our lives and those we come in contact with—no matter how big or small the interaction.
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Featured Bookstore: Bolin Books
(Located in Murray, Kentucky)