Summer 2024 Reading List

For Some Local Lore

Death of a Pinehurst Princess

If you live in the pines and have never heard the name Elva Statler Davidson, can you even call yourself a local?

The year is 1935, and Pinehurst is an oasis for the rich despite the Great Depression. Members of high society spend their time riding horses, going to parties, and sipping highballs (okay, jealous). But one brisk morning sends a chill across the usually humid town and eventually captures the attention of the nation. Socialite Elva Statler Davidson is found dead under peculiar circumstances days after leaving her one million dollar fortune to her new husband. Is it a tale of foul play or tragedy? The mystery haunts Moore County for decades until a long-lost photograph finds its way to The Pilot. Written by local journalist Steve Bouser, Death of a Pinehurst Princess reads like a binge-worthy true crime series with historical context, tedious detail, and more questions than answers. Snag a copy.

For Some Fun

Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You’re the F***ing Worst

You think we can be blunt? This author leaves nothing, and we mean nothing, unsaid. It had us laughing out loud and we don’t just mean a snickering air-out-the-nose laugh, we mean a real hearty laugh. “Dubbed a collection of NYC-flavored life lessons, her own husband calls ‘loser Sex and the City.’” We probably wouldn’t consume it as an audiobook but it will have you agreeing, cringing, reminiscing and more. Prepare for giggles.

For Something Light and Sweet

Expiration Dates

 A fate vs. create-your-own destiny type of tale. Main character Daphne Bell believes the universe has a plan for her. Every time she meets a new man, she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number —the exact amount of time they will be together. You follow her journey through multiple romances until she gets a slip of paper with just a name, no number. Even if the ending isn’t what you expected — or even if it is— getting swept up in the relationships while they last is half the fun. Let us know who you were rooting for. Buy yours.

For Some Advice 

Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say 

This is a short and sweet read that packs a punch without feeling heavy. It’s hard to say “no,” or “I was wrong.” You’ll learn about the right words at the right time and the phrases that author Kelly Corrigan believes help build relationships of all kinds. Reading this feels like a pat on the shoulder from someone much wiser than you. Add to cart.

If Nothing Shocks You Anymore

The Heiress

Prepare to be shocked. This one is full of mystery and intrigue. If you liked the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or Saltburn— dare we say you might like this one even more. It’s set in the mountains of North Carolina, where the richest woman in the state passes away, leaving her inheritance to her adopted son, Cam (who wants nothing to do with the money or the family.) We should also mention the rich woman, Ruby, was famous for more than her money. She was the victim of a famous kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over. The secrets of the past begin to unravel when Cam returns to the estate with his wife, who understandably falls in love with the place. An absolute page-turner.

For Some Spice 🌶

The Au Pair Affair

Is it hot in here or is it just this book? Tessa Bailey has been named “the Michelangelo of dirty talk” making her cutesy book covers a tad deceiving. The Au Pair Affair is the second book in her sports series “Big Shots,” but it can also be read as a standalone. Its a grumpy vs. sunshine kind of tale with a protective, older, single-dad hockey player. Main character Tallulah has scars from her own past but decides she wants to be adventurous again, so she takes a chance on being this stranger hockey player’s live-in nanny. Boundaries are slowly crossed but a rift is formed when the daughter, who wants her parents back together, finds out. We’d give this one a 4 for spice level.

• “But, wait this isn’t out yet!” Okay, we may have gotten an advanced copy but only because author Tessa Bailey is coming to the Sandhills. Join us and The Country Bookshop for an author event July 19, 7 p.m. at The Sunrise Theater. Get tickets here, it includes a book.