Books Your Mom Will Love

The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah
A perfect historical drama for Mother’s Day, Hannah’s The Nightingale takes us to the darkest days of France during World War II, and tells the story of life during occupation from the often ignored perspective of women in wartime. When a German officer requisitions her home, Vianne is forced into a series of difficult choices in order to preserve her family. At the same time, her rebellious younger sister Isabelle channels a betrayal by a lover into a new sense of purpose, joining the French Resistance and fighting with reckless abandon. It’s a sweeping historical epic executed with classic style.

The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins
Paula Hawkins bestselling, critically acclaimed psychological thriller was one of the most talked about books of lastyear, and there’s every indication that it’ll be one of 2016’s biggest movies when the adaptation is released in October. The book begins with the story of Rachel Watson, a young woman recovering from alcoholism and a messy divorce. Each day on the train, she passes her old house, where her husband lives with his new family. She also finds herself intrigued by the appealing couple that lives a few doors down. Then, in Hitchcock fashion, she by chance witnesses something shocking, and quickly finds herself caught up in events well beyond her control. If mom likes tense thrillers, she’ll go for this one.

Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo
Maybe mom’s a master of organization and needs no help whatsoever. Mine’s not quite there yet (sorry, mom!), and I’m not doing any better, so the latest decluttering guide from master neatsmith Marie Kondo will probably serve both of us. This one is illustrated with step-by-step instructions for folding and organizing using the KonMari method, as well as further inspiring tips for getting rid of all of that stuff that isn’t doing you any good.

Property of a Noblewoman, by Danielle Steel
Danielle Steel is an American institution, and it isn’t hard to see why. The bestselling author living, her novels of romance are full of glamour, tragedy, and and all of the other stuff that makes up delicious drama. Her latest blends history with globetrotting adventure as Jane Willoughby and Phillip Lawton investigate a mysterious safe-deposit box full of fabulous jewels, as well as faded photos and old letters. Who left behind these treasures? And who stands to inherit them? Your mom will be dying to know.

Pretty Happy: Healthy Ways to Love Your Body, by Kate Hudson
Actress Kate Hudson offers simple, easy-to-follow advice for women looking to maintain a healthy mind and body at any age. Eschewing notions of perfect fitness, Hudson emphasizes acceptance and appreciation for all body types. Instead, the focus is on achieving a balance of health and happiness, and on feeling good about what’s on the inside and outside.

A Girl’s Guide to Moving On, by Debbie Macomber
A mother and daughter-in-law face parallel struggles at very different times of life in the latest from bestselling author Debbie Macomber. Nichole finds a new romance in the wake of the revelation of her perfect husband’s infidelity, even as the past won’t let go. Nicole’s strength inspires Leanne to confront her husband about his own decades of cheating. The two women bond over love and tragedy as each tries to make a new way forward.

My Name Is Lucy Barton, by Elizabeth Strout
Elizabeth Strout’s spare prose won her the Pulitzer Prize for her 2008 story collection Olive Kitteridge, and her new novel is very much welcome. Lucy Barton receives a visit from her estranged mother as she recovers in the hospital from a difficult operation. Small talk and gossip bring the two women together, while the challenges of their past relationship and present lives simmer close to the surface. Strout’s understated style always manages to illuminate the stories of her female characters, and this one is no different.

Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, by Ina Garten
Mom might be a fabulous cook…or her virtues may lie elsewhere. Either way, there are tricks, tips, and recipes for every chef in the Barefoot Contessa’s latest manual for cooking magic. The focus is on using time wisely, rather than scrambling at the last minute to prepare elaborate meals. Garten’s recipes describe exactly what can be made ahead of time (and when) so mom can make impressive meals without having to do everything just before the guests arrive. This will also come in handy if you’re throwing mom a party and you want to get the food prepped so you can focus on the important bit: blowing up balloons.

The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son On Life, Love, and Loss, by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt
Your mom might not be Gloria Vanderbilt (unless you happen to be reading this, Anderson Cooper) but there are universal truths about all relationships between parents and children. And some things that are less universal: particularly if you’re a celebrity television journalist and you’re mother is an unconventional style icon. This book is the correspondence between two close, but very different, people who have both lead extraordinary lives.

Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting, by Lesley Stahl
Turning her journalistic skills to the topic of her own grandmotherhood, 60 Minutes’ Lesley Stahl discusses the topic with doctors, scientists, and celebrity friends. She digs into the emotional and physical effects of entering this new stage of life, as well as the scientific and anthropological story of grandparents. It’s a highly personal book that the grandma or grandma-to-be in your life will appreciate.

At the Edge of the Orchard, by Tracy Chevalier
Girl with a Pearl Earring author Chevalier is back with a new work of historical fiction set on the American frontier, following the Goodenough family as they work to tame the patch of Ohio swamplands and establish an apple orchard. The novel follows tough and hard-drinking Sadie and her contentious relationship with her husband, James, as they struggle to build a future for their son, who dreams of making his way to the Gold Rush in California.

The Swans of Fifth Avenue, by Melanie Benjamin
A glittering novel of 1950s New York high society, Benjamin’s book tells the story of real-life Vogue-magazine fashion editor Babe Paley, one of the stars of the social scene of the era. Along came her “True Heart,” trusted confidante Truman Capote, whose catty charm and giant personality make him an instant get for any fashionable party. Unfortunately, his storytelling prowess also makes him a dangerous friend, and he winds up leaving a legendary path of destruction in this juicy period insider drama.
What’s the mom in your life getting for Mother’s Day?