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Enough with the Grey!

Look, we all know about the 50 Shades of Grey phenonmenon. And that’s great. But what if you just aren’t into it? These great new books will help you see well beyond the grey.

Tired of all the blush-enducing talk of 50 Shades of Grey? Not interesting in the so-so writing that circles around a kinky story for adult eyes only? That’s okay. There are so many great new books out there — and they aren’t all manuals to improve your sex life.

These five books speak to our journeys as mothers, daughters and friends. Read on!

1

Summerland

Set on Nantucket, this book follows the lives of several parents and their children through a hard, hard summer. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: a tragic crash leaves one teen girl dead. Her twin brother survives, along with her boyfriend and a friend. Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand is a tale of love, loss, guilt and redemption. And it reminds you to hug your kids a little tighter.

Why to read it: Behind the story are excellent reminders that whisper parenting secrets we should all remember.

2

A Sweethaven Summer

When Campbell Carter’s mom dies, she’s left with so many questions about who her father is, what she should do next and more. But as she starts to unravel the story she didn’t know, Campbell discovers a lot more. A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh is a thought-provoking book that tackles the difficult subject of what we withhold from our kids — and what happens when they find out.

Why to read it: This book reveals the other side of the parent equation — how our children see us, especially when they learn second-hand.

3

Porch Lights

When fireman Jimmy McMullen of the NYFD is killed in the line of duty, he leaves behind his wife and 10-year-old son. Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank tells the story of their summer journey to Sullivans Island, the childhood home of Jackie, Jimmy’s wife. There, they spend time with family and work toward finding their new normal.

Why to read it: Remember why there is really, truly no place like home.

4

Barefoot Season

Michelle Sanderson returns from serving her country injured and forced back to the helm of her family’s Blackberry Island Inn. Waiting for her is her former best friend, Carly Williams, who has a young daughter and dreads Michelle’s return. Barefoot Season by Susan Mallory is about relationships, trust and taking care of yourself (and your loved ones).

Why to read it: No one can do it all by themselves.

5

Have Mother, Will Travel

Memoirs can also be great reads. In Have Mother, Will Travel: A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World by Claire Fontaine and Mia Fontaine, the mother-daughter pair who once conquered the daughter’s addiction together take a long journey around the world. Adventure and realizations about their tangled relationship ensue.

Why to read it: Feed your wanderlust and also get a glimpse into life as an empty nester.

More on books

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