You Are Invited!
Whether you’re exploring the world in person or through books, we want you to read with us! Throughout the coming months, join us as we read a variety of women-centered novels together and discuss them over zoom. These captivating stories will transport us to far away lands, setting the stage for our own family adventures in each country, either now or in the future.
Coming up, we are featuring books that are set in France, Morocco, Italy, Hawaii, Austria, England, and more. Have a look below!
Bravely Book Club FAQs
We meet virtually on Zoom and discuss the book of the month. It’s about that country, of course, but it’s also about the women who share this space! As we explore the country of the month, we share recipes, we learn about traveling to the country as a family, and explore the culture, art, music and history.
Bravely Book Clubs are facilitated by Janelle Schroy, who is a book lover, author, world traveler (60+ countries), and educational family travel expert.
They are women from around the world who love books, traveling, culture and connection. Most of them have children or teens at home and they want to travel with them in an educational capacity. The book club is about exploring the world through exceptional literature and igniting a desire to travel to the country in focus.
What We’re Reading
October 2024
Country in Focus: France
Book: All the Ways We Said Goodbye
Authors: Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
Book Description:
All the Ways We Said Goodbye intertwines the stories of three women across pivotal moments in French history. In 1914, Aurelie navigates love and betrayal as war erupts, reconnecting with a German officer at her ancestral estate. By 1942, Daisy Villon, raised in the Ritz, joins the Resistance in Nazi-occupied Paris, uncovering family secrets that challenge her loyalties. Finally, in 1964, widow Babs Langford embarks on a journey with American lawyer Drew Bowdoin to uncover truths about her late husband’s past. Together, their journeys reveal the complexities of love, sacrifice, and resilience.
Links:
Amazon
Everand Audiobook
November 2024
Country in Focus: Morocco
Book: The Lioness of Morocco
Author: Julia Drozdowski
Book Description:
Set in the vibrant landscapes of Morocco, The Lioness of Morocco follows the journey of a young woman who defies societal norms and embarks on a quest for freedom and self-discovery. As she navigates love, tradition, and the challenges of her environment, her story unfolds against a backdrop of rich culture and heritage, showcasing the strength and resilience of women in a changing world.
Links:
Amazon
Everand Audiobook
December 2024
Country in Focus: Austria
Book: The Accidental Empress
Author: Allison Pataki
Book Description:
The Accidental Empress tells the captivating story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, a young woman thrust into a world of imperial intrigue and political strife. As she navigates the challenges of court life, love, and personal sacrifice, the novel offers a glimpse into the tumultuous life of a woman who became an iconic figure in history, exploring themes of duty, independence, and the quest for happiness.
Find it Here:
Amazon
Everand E-book & Audiobook
January 2025
Country in Focus: Australia
Book: The Light Between Oceans
Author: M.L. Stedman
Book Description:
Set in post-World War I Australia, The Light Between Oceans follows a lighthouse keeper and his wife who discover a baby washed ashore. Their decision to raise her as their own leads to profound moral dilemmas and heart-wrenching consequences, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of parenthood in a world shaped by war and isolation.
Find it Here:
Amazon
Everand E-book
February 2025
Country in Focus: Hawaii (USA)
Book: Molokai
Author: Alan Brennert
Book Description:
Molokai tells the poignant story of Rachel, a young girl diagnosed with leprosy, who is sent to the isolated island of Molokai. As she navigates life in the leprosy settlement, she discovers love, friendship, and resilience, ultimately exploring themes of community, acceptance, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
Find it Here:
Amazon
Everand E-book
March 2025
Country in Focus: Turkey
Book: The Last Train to Istanbul
Author: Ayşe Kulin
Book Description:
Set during World War II, The Last Train to Istanbul follows the journey of two sisters who face the horrors of war and the Holocaust. As they navigate love, loss, and the complexities of family loyalty, their story sheds light on the courage of those who risked everything to save lives and protect their loved ones in a dark time.
Find it Here:
Amazon
Everand Audiobook
April 2025
Country in Focus: France
Book: The Book of Lost Names
Author: Kristin Harmel
Book Description:
In The Book of Lost Names, a young woman during World War II becomes a forger for the Resistance, using her skills to save Jewish children. As she creates new identities for them, she uncovers family secrets that challenge her understanding of love, loss, and courage. This poignant narrative highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of great danger.
Find it Here:
Amazon
Everand E-book & Audiobook
May 2025
Country in Focus: Netherlands
Book: The Miniaturist
Author: Jessie Burton
Book Description:
The Miniaturist tells the story of Nella Oortman, who receives a miniature replica of her new home as a wedding gift. As she navigates the complexities of her new life in 17th-century Amsterdam, mysterious events unfold around her, revealing hidden secrets and the power of art. This beautifully crafted tale explores themes of identity, freedom, and the influence of women.
Find it Here:
Amazon
Everand Audiobook
June 2025
Country in Focus: Chile
Book: The House of the Spirits
Author: Isabel Allende
Book Description:
The House of the Spirits is a sweeping family saga that spans generations, intertwining the lives of the Trueba family with the tumultuous history of Chile. Through the lens of magical realism, the novel explores themes of love, power, and social injustice, showcasing the strength and resilience of women throughout the ages.
Find it Here:
Amazon
Everand E-book & Audiobook
July 2025
Country in Focus: Scotland
Book: The Tea Rose
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Book Description:
The Tea Rose follows the journey of Fiona, a young woman in late 19th-century London who dreams of a better life. After facing heartbreak and betrayal, she ventures to the bustling streets of East London, where her entrepreneurial spirit leads her to a world of tea and trade. This powerful story of resilience and determination showcases the strength of women in a rapidly changing society.
Find it Here:
Amazon
Everand E-book
August 2025
Country in Focus: Italy
Book: The Italian Girl
Author: Lucinda Riley
Book Description:
Set against the stunning backdrop of Italy, The Italian Girl follows the life of a woman torn between duty and desire. As she navigates family expectations and her own dreams, the story captures the essence of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness in a world filled with beauty and challenges.
Find it Here:
Amazon
Everand Audiobook