The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Post-World War II

The Half Life by Rachel Beanland

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The Half Life by Rachel Beanland
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A fascinating look at the American Navy officers and their spouses stationed in La Maddalena, Italy in the early 1970s. Eileen navigates her new life in Italy as a newlywed and a Navy wife, while also immersing herself in the Italian town with the locals. And when she finds herself attracted to local journalist Teo, her life gets pulled in different directions. An engrossing story that was extremely well-researched. Definitely looking forward to recommending this to customers this summer!

The Half Life by Rachel Beanland, (List Price: $30, Simon & Schuster, 9781668069134, July 2026)

Reviewed by Claire, River & Hill Books in Rome, GA

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The Half Life by Rachel Beanland

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The Half Life by Rachel Beanland
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

Rachel Beanland transports readers to a remote Italian island, where a young Navy wife is forced to face both the reality of her whirlwind romance and her country’s role in the nuclear submarine program endangering the locals. Beanland weaves a layered story of romance, love, purpose, and trying desperately to fit in — while not knowing exactly where you fit. I felt transported by the beauty of the island and completely drawn into this setting. This story — of a government failing its own people and others — feels very current and relevant, too. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy learning through historical fiction.

The Half Life by Rachel Beanland, (List Price: $30, Simon & Schuster, 9781668069134, July 2026)

Reviewed by Beth, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC

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The Half Life by Rachel Beanland

, , , ,
The Half Life by Rachel Beanland
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

The Half Life is an honest coming-of-age story absorbed in unexpected love, worldwide adventure, and political upheaval. Readers will discover not all is as it seems when navigating life in Mediterranean waters.

The Half Life by Rachel Beanland, (List Price: $30, Simon & Schuster, 9781668069134, July 2026)

Reviewed by Jenny, E. Shaver, Booksellers in Savannah, Georgia

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The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

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The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
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This is ultimately a book about friendship and how we come back from betrayal. I was intrigued by the political changes that happened during the revolution in Iran and it has sparked me to find out more. The characters were rich and developed. I loved the lion women concept!

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali, (List Price: $18.99, Gallery Books, 9781668036594, August 2025-08-05)

Reviewed by Karmen Somers, Court Street Books in Florence, Alabama

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