Charles Dickens may have said it best: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Some days, all I want is the comfort of books, drinks, places and memories that feel familiar—that warm, nostalgic pull of remembering.
That feeling was one of the inspirations behind my newest novel, Sonora. The title character comes from a memory lodged deep in my childhood heart: watching the 1991 Disney film Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken—in my case, on repeat. The story behind the film (and now my book) centers around a woman who answered a want ad to dive on horseback from forty feet in the air. A wild choice. A bold life. A story that stayed with me.
If you, like me, are feeling sentimental about earlier days, I’ve compiled a “pick three” list of novels that bring on that feeling. Books that transport. Books that remind us. Books that let time bend a little.
Enjoy the trip back.
Far from the A List by Stephanie Burns
TGIF brings back such fond memories. My favorite: Full House. In this novel, former child star Michaela Turner brings all the Michelle Tanner vibes. Now all grown up, she’s ready for her next big role—she just doesn’t know what it is yet. As someone whose days were once filled with bright lights, never-ending rehearsals and adoring fans from around the world, Michaela now struggles to define herself beyond the glitz and glamour of her past. If you’re looking for an entertaining novel where we also see a ton of character growth, then “you got it, dude,” with this one!
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
Remember the band One Direction? Even if you weren’t an avid teen listener (I was pushing thirty during their heyday) I bet you’ve heard some of their songs. You also likely know that Taylor Swift dated Harry Styles. Speaking of Harry, it was near impossible not to read The Idea of You and not picture him as Hayes. In the novel, Solène, a divorcee, takes her daughter to meet her favorite boy band. Only, the last thing Solène expects is to make a romantic connection with one of the members of the world-famous August Moon. But Hayes is clever, confident, attractive—and twenty years younger than Solène. How will it ever work? By the last page, you’ll see that sometimes it’s the Little Things that make a story (and a relationship) unforgettable.
When Stars Align by Melissa de la Cruz
Perfect for those who grew up watching Mickey Mouse Club and knew all there was to know about pop culture in the early 2000s, When Stars Align is about three darlings of Hollywood who once rose from teen success to in-demand idols of screaming fans and paparazzi. They rode the momentum like there was no tomorrow. But nothing lasts forever. A decade later, fate reconnects these three young women for a long-awaited confrontation with the secrets, betrayals, heartbreak and family traumas of the past. From Disney Channel dreams to Hollywood heartbreak, this story reminds us that “the show must go on”—even when the spotlight fades.
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