The Dinner Party Test: What I Read in July

If you’ve been here for a while, you know I’m a big believer in moving through the world with a few conversation topics you’re happy and ready to discuss.

When you’re meeting new people or catching up with old friends, it’s often wise to begin with subjects that are unlikely to offend or become overly personal right away.

Enter books.

Now, not all books are created equal. Some are certainly controversial. But in general, asking someone what they’ve been reading is one of my favorite conversation starters. It tells us a little about one another, invites people to share what they’ve been enjoying, and often leads to far more interesting conversations than, “So...what do you do?”

At the end of each month, I like to put my reading through what I’ve come to call the Dinner Party Test. Not simply Did I enjoy this book? but Would I bring it up over dinner? Would it spark an interesting conversation? Would I recommend it to the person sitting next to me?

It turned out to be a month of wholesome fiction, thoughtful memoir, and one book I never would have picked up had another author not recommended it—which may be my favorite kind of reading journey.

Here are the four books that made the cut in July.

The Southern Side of Paradise

by Kristy Woodson Harvey

A quick synopsis: A warm, character-driven novel about a Southern family navigating new beginnings, old relationships, and the ties that continue to draw them back together. It’s equal parts romance, family story, and a celebration of the kinds of communities that shape us.

🍽️ Would I bring it up at a dinner party?

Without question.

One of the things I enjoy most about Kristy Woodson Harvey’s novels is the way she writes families. The conversations feel natural, the characters are imperfect in believable ways, and the relationships are compelling enough that you genuinely want to know what happens next.

If you enjoy character-driven fiction with flawed but incredibly likable people, Kristy Woodson Harvey is hard to beat. Her books remind me a bit of Gilmore Girls—quick dialogue, memorable personalities, and a cast of characters you find yourself rooting for almost immediately. As someone who spends so much time thinking about hospitality and etiquette, I also love the little nods to Southern traditions, entertaining, and gracious living woven throughout the story.

💕 Would I recommend it to a friend?

Absolutely. In fact, my mom and I have been reading Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books together this summer, which has made them even more fun. They’re wholesome without feeling predictable, heartfelt without being overly sentimental, and exactly the kind of book I’d pack for a beach trip or recommend to a friend looking for an enjoyable summer read.

✨ Did it change how I think?

I’m not sure it changed how I think so much as it reminded me how grateful I am for my own family. The story centers around the relationships between a mother and her three adult daughters, and by the end I found myself wanting to spend more time with my mom and sister. I always appreciate a book that quietly nudges me toward the people I love most.

The Secret to Southern Charm

by Kristy Woodson Harvey

A quick synopsis: Set in the same charming Southern world, this novel follows another season in the lives of a family learning to navigate love, change, and the unexpected twists that often accompany both. It’s a story about relationships, resilience, and finding your footing when life doesn’t go according to plan.

🍽️ Would I bring it up at a dinner party?

Yes—but probably right after recommending The Southern Side of Paradise.

One of the things I appreciate most about Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books is that they leave me missing the characters long after I’ve finished reading.

There are also thoughtful little moments throughout that caught my attention—observations about Southern hospitality, entertaining, and traditions. As someone who spends so much of her time thinking about etiquette, I always enjoy spotting those details.

💕 Would I recommend it to a friend?

Without hesitation. If you’re looking for a wholesome summer read with great dialogue and characters you’ll genuinely care about, I’d start with Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books. They’d make wonderful book club picks, too. There’s plenty to discuss without the story becoming heavy, and I suspect everyone would have a favorite character by the end.

✨ Did it change how I think?

More than anything, it reminded me why I enjoy fiction in the first place.

I read a lot of nonfiction, but every so often it’s nice to be reminded that a well-written novel can teach us something too—not through arguments or advice, but by inviting us into someone else’s world for a little while. I finished this one feeling entertained, encouraged, and ready to pick up another.

The Courage to Commit

by Shawn Johnson & Andrew East

A quick synopsis: Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson and former NFL player Andrew East reflect on marriage, identity, ambition, faith, and the decisions that shape a life together. Through stories from both of their careers and their relationship, they explore what commitment looks like when life doesn’t go according to plan.

🍽️ Would I bring it up at a dinner party?

Absolutely.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is how many different people I could imagine connecting with it. Some readers will pick it up because they’re fans of Shawn’s Olympic career or Andrew’s years in the NFL. Others will relate to the conversations about marriage, career transitions, identity, or faith.

The personal stories are what make this book. They naturally lead to conversations about marriage, career, ambition, family, and the unexpected turns life takes. I found myself thinking, Oh, that would make for an interesting discussion over dinner, more than once.

💕 Would I recommend it to a friend?

Yes, and probably to a fairly wide range of people.

Whether someone is engaged, married, navigating a career change, or simply enjoys memoirs that feel honest and practical, I think there’s something worthwhile here. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t pretend to have all the answers but instead invites you to think a little more carefully about your own priorities and commitments.

✨ Did it change how I think?

One of my favorite things about reading is that good books often lead to other good books.

Throughout The Courage to Commit, Shawn and Andrew referenced Living Life Backward by David Gibson. Their recommendation was enthusiastic enough that I immediately ordered a copy, and before long, it had become my next read.

To me, that’s one of the best endorsements a book can receive.

Living Life Backward

by David Gibson

A quick synopsis: Drawing from the book of Ecclesiastes, David Gibson explores what it means to live wisely in light of life’s biggest questions. Rather than offering a step-by-step guide, he invites readers to consider purpose, joy, work, mortality, and how our perspective on the end of life can shape the way we live today.

🍽️ Would I bring it up at a dinner party?

I would—but probably over dessert rather than appetizers.

This isn’t the kind of book I’d recommend to lighten the mood. It’s reflective, thought-provoking, and asks questions that don’t have quick or easy answers. But if the conversation naturally turned toward purpose, faith, or what gives life meaning, I think it could lead to a wonderful discussion.

💕 Would I recommend it to a friend?

Yes, but thoughtfully.

Because the book is centered on Ecclesiastes and written from a Christian perspective, I’d probably recommend it to someone who is already interested in those questions or looking to deepen their faith. Just as I try to be thoughtful about the conversations I start, I also try to be thoughtful about the books I recommend. I don’t think every book is for every reader—and that’s perfectly okay. Part of recommending books well is thinking about who might genuinely appreciate them.

✨ Did it change how I think?

I wouldn’t describe it as a page-turner, but not every worthwhile book is.

What stayed with me wasn’t a particular chapter or quote so much as its central reminder that our lives become clearer when we occasionally step back and look at them from a longer perspective. It’s an encouraging message, and one I’m glad The Courage to Commit introduced me to.

One of the unexpected joys of reading is discovering books you never would have picked up on your own. This was one of those books for me, and I’m grateful it found its way onto my reading list.

Now it’s your turn!

What have you been reading lately? I’d love to know which books would pass your Dinner Party Test.