Today (August 20, 2026), I turned in the last papers for my 2026 summer reading challenges. My two libraries had challenges, and a local café teamed up with a small bookstore to cohost a summer reading challenge as well. While I did not do as much of the library challenges as I had hoped, I am so proud of all I have accomplished. Below are the Celtic books I read this summer. These are not listed in any particular order.
1. “Of Heather and Thistle” by Erinn Maxwell
This book was far from perfect, but I loved the overall
concept of the book. It follows Heather, who inherits a property in Scotland
after her father passes. She brings in a contractor who is an expert in fixing up
old, historic homes. The two grapple with history and their own feelings. Heather
was a relatable character, as this undertaking is massive. The book makes the
readers think about what they would do if given this same circumstance. There
was a lot of redundancy within the book, but this helped solidify the themes of
the book.
2. “Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It tells the story of Bill
Furlong, a coal miner and family man. He makes a discovery that raises
questions about the complicit silence of the town. This book mentions Magdalene
Laundries, which were a common occurrence in Ireland. The book has been a
popular book, which helps to inform people about these institutions. It makes
people think about what they would do if they discovered something that was kept
hush, and it helps them relate the story to things happening in the real world.
3. “Finding Nessie” by Edwina Lindsey
“Finding Nessie” is a great book for those looking for a quick and fun
summer read. The story is about a witch and the Loch Ness Monster teaming up to
solve the case of mysterious deaths along the banks of Loch Ness. In the process,
they fall in love with each other in an unlikely twist of events. The book
requires some suspension of disbelief, but if you are able to push through, the
book is enjoyable. It was a lot “spicier” than I was expecting it to be.
4. “Honeysuckle” by Bar Fridman-Tell
This was definitely the darkest Celtic book I read this
summer. It is a loose retelling of the Welsh myth about Blodeuwedds. I have not
read the original Welsh myth in its entirety, but from the research I did before
reading the book, it was a pretty accurate retelling. The main themes of the
book included love and consent within a relationship. There are triggers for
rape and toxic relationships, but it was a poignant book for today’s day and
age.
5. “Classic Irish Short Stories” by Oscar Wilde et al.
I listened to this collection of short stories on audiobook
and found myself getting distracted. However, there were some great stories
within the book that kept my attention. There are a variety of subjects written
by well-known Irish authors. It is a great collection for those who are
interested in Irish literature and exploring various styles and topics within
the genre.