On Being Jewish Now

I finally began reading these wonderful essays and reflections by Jewish authors. They range from childhood memories and lived experiences to how the writers felt and reacted to October 7, 2023. Stirring up my own recollections—and echoing the many stories I’ve heard and books I’ve read—I deeply appreciated the way these authors captured what being Jewish means to them. This collection doesn’t pretend to solve the world’s ongoing issues, but it does offer something powerful: the comfort of knowing you’re not alone, and that you’re supported by a dynamic array of voices and perspectives. I began reading a few essays each morning and found the experience almost therapeutic. Highly recommended—and my heartfelt thanks to each and every author for sharing their story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Heir Apparent

Lexi and her friends are out camping in the outback of Tasmania. Taking a break from her grueling medical residency, they are sleeping under the stars. When a helicopter lands dragging Lexi back to her old life, everything from the last decade is pushed aside while she is transported to the palace. Estranged from her family Lexi, aka Princess Alexandrina, left her twin brother to live up to their royal responsibilities while she ran away to the other side of the world to live her own way. Now, a terrible accident has left Lexi as the Heir Apparent and she must decide if she is willing to give up her career, freedom and the people she loves to choose the Crown. She is granted a year to decide and during this time Lexi jumps back in to everything she ran away from, chased by tabloids, revered by crowds of adoring fans and trusting no-one. Told through dual timelines there is romance, friendship and the dramatic intricacies of family. This one dragged a tiny bit but overall I really enjoyed this read and love modern day monarch stories.  ⭐⭐⭐

Everywhere You Look

When Jade lost her father a decade ago she didn’t think her heart would ever recover. Feeling alone and adrift in the world she spends each of her birthdays since his tragic accident at the restaurant where they once celebrated her special day. One year, the worst yet, Jade cannot shake her incessant guilt and returns to sit for what she hopes is the last time. When she glances at the busy New York City street Jade shockingly catches a glimpse of her beloved father in the window. She may be sad and hopeless but she is not imagining this. As Jade begins investigating what everyone thought was put to rest, the clues and secrets uncovered send her down a mysterious path of no return. Interestingly, Liv Constantine isn’t one writer but the shared pen name of sisters Lynne and Valerie! It’s hard to imagine how they do it! A true divide-and-conquer partnership the authors swap scenes, trade edits, and sharpen twists and turns until the voice feels seamless. The result is a suspenseful, unputdownable short story that is FREE on Amazon Prime! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Invisible Woman

Elinor Gilbert is an average middle aged woman who teaches music class to children. Waiters ignore her requests, coffee shops she frequents daily forget her name, Elinor feels invisible. But it wasn’t always this way. Elinor was an attractive rising star in the FBI, until it all fell apart and it has been years since she has felt valued. When her nemesis from the agency calls, Elinor cannot resist the chance to get her old life back. Ironically, it will take Elinor to become even more invisible to get the job done. They arrange a costume so she looks older and even more frumpy. She is sent undercover to nanny at the home of a distinguished art dealer where they believe money from the cartel is being laundered. Elinor must fly under the radar while snooping, eavesdropping and observing this family and their business all while caring for an infant. Having never had children Elinor cannot decide if she is more afraid of the baby or the undercover role. James Patterson is famous for teaming up with other writers, and Susan DiLallo is an accomplished lyricist and columnist. Together they bring this sharp, humorous mystery to life. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Merry Little Bookshop

Shira Schwartz winds up in nowheresville Texas for the holidays. Azalea has a Christmas market and Shira’s obnoxious boss has asked her to man their pop up book shop through December — one month in Azalea should be more than enough! Shira arrives on Thanksgiving and finds herself in a friendly little taco shop (since everything else is closed) where Jonny McKay cannot resist flirting with the pretty new girl in town. Quickly changing her name to Sarah (easier than explaining Shira) she enjoys the banter with her newfound friend. This very handsome cowboy takes a liking to her and quickly offers help with some of the heavier tasks at the shop. Assuming he is a handyman Shira/Sarah takes him up on his gracious assistance and they become fast friends. Shira is surprised how much she enjoys this small town and the lovely folks who come in to buy books. As she meets Jonny’s huge family, this hunky troublemaker grows on her. Instead of counting the days to leave, she treasures every light on the Hanukah menorah. This absolutely adorable, delightful, laugh-out-loud novella celebrating Hanukah and Christmas is just the right size for a break during this busy time of year!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kin

Niecy and Annie are cradle friends. They have been like sisters since they were babies. Both motherless, these girls were given what was necessary to survive but not a drop more. They provided each other with the soft love that was missing from the Aunt and Grandmother who raised them. Niecy is pushed by Aunt Irene to have outstanding manners and do well in school, both attributes came naturally to her by example. Annie had a little bit more wild child in her blood or so she believed must have been inherited from Hattie Lee, who abandoned her as a infant. As they face racism in 1950’s Honeysuckle Louisiana, we watch their paths take completely different directions. Niecy attends Spelman College in Atlanta and Annie heads to Memphis searching for her birth mother and a life outside the constraints of a small town where everyone has already determined her future. The two young women remain dedicated to their friendship and helping each other through life’s twists and turns. These characters were incredible and although I loved every single one of them the story fell flat. There was zero suspense or surprise, it was more like a peek into a time period with painfully slow and repetitive drama. I did love the alternative POV chapters and their fiercely loving friendship but I was waiting for something bigger that never came. Releases in February. Thank you to Netgalley for the early read! ⭐⭐⭐

Dandelion is Dead

On what would have been Dandelion’s fortieth birthday, Poppy finds herself in her sister’s empty apartment weeping, remembering and impulsively looking at her sister’s messages. A dating app on her late sister’s phone is flooded with responses. Well, of course it was. Dandelion was beautiful, outrageous — one of a kind. Poppy cannot resist responding to a guy named Jake. What begins as text flirting, an innocent foray in the memory of her beloved, turns into an actual date. And Poppy cannot resist taking on Dandelion’s persona for just one evening. Surprisingly, one night leads to many and as Dandelion literally fills her sister’s shoes she finds she likes Poppy better as Dandelion. She can be everything she always admired and envied, a childhood spent in the shadows wishing she could be more like her big sister. The chemistry between Jake and Poppy is undeniable but once this charade becomes a full blown mess she cannot find the right words to reveal herself. Throw in a badass friend named Jetta who teaches Poppy she can be both fearless and devoted and this London love story becomes a brutally honest life lesson. Releases January 13, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Anne of a Different Island

When Anne Gallagher returns to Mackinac Island after her father’s passing, she’s faced with an uncertain future—and the memories of a town and childhood she left behind long ago. After moving to Chicago for college and becoming a teacher, Anne loves her job and the independent life she’s built away from the gossip and expectations she never seemed to live up to. Her mother is loving but distant, never one to coddle, and Anne still yearns for the approval she never received. Meanwhile, Joe has pretty much taken over her father’s business. After years of being mentored by Anne’s dad, this handsome troublemaker is no longer her young-girl crush and, shockingly, has become a responsible adult. Since he’s a few years older, Joe always saw Anne as the kid sister everyone called “The Pest”—the one who trailed behind and drove them crazy—but now he can’t take his eyes off the confident, beautiful woman she’s become. When she finally opens her heart to him, Joe truly sees Anne, and he understands her dreams of success in a way few others do. As Anne’s Chicago boyfriend pressures her to commit, something keeps holding her back, and time in her small hometown has her imagining the future in a whole new light. Weaving the idyllic island life of a young girl with the classic Anne of Green Gables from 1908, this modern twist becomes a coming-of-age story about a woman with choices—text messages, and freedoms women once only dreamed of. An enjoyable remake: well written, with just the right touch of romance, family, and friendship. The perfect combination to start the new year! Releases January 20, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lake Effect

Nina Larkin lives in Rochester, New York, with her husband and their two beautiful girls, Clara and Bridie. It’s 1977 and although the Larkins marriage appears steady and stable — and Nina keeps very busy as a food columnist at the local paper — she is lonely. Her husband is a good provider and excellent father but their romance has been non existent for years. As midlife awakens all of her senses, and her book club reads The Joy of Sex, Nina’s neighbor Finn begins to look like a treat she can no longer resist. These suppressed desires cannot be ignored any longer, life is just too short! When the two run off together the entire town goes berserk. Brought up as strict Catholics, adultery and divorce are strictly forbidden. Nina’s daughters and Finn’s offspring handle this monumental life change in very different ways, forming alliances and destroying relationships. These teenagers who have lived across the street from each other for years know everything and nothing when it comes to matters of the heart. Family, friendships and pain that lasts for decades; Lake Effect dives into small town life and the unexpected emotions of living honestly and openly. Loved this book and every single character, in addition to the wonderful food metaphors for the cook in you! A must read for your 2026 TBR!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Skylark

In 1664 Alouette Voland is the daughter of a master dyer in a small village in France. She secretly discovers a new color and is hoping to improve their lives outside of the crushing society she and her father must contend with. When Alouette is imprisoned for his treason we see what life is like inside the nightmare of Salpetriere asylum where she is ultimately sentenced. Deep in the heart of Paris in 1939 Dr. Kristof Larson is finishing his medical residency at a psychiatric hospital. Of Dutch decent Kristof befriends a Polish Jewish family in his building and they invite him into their home for meals and companionship. As France falls to the Nazi’s the hospital is taken over and no-one can be trusted. Every single character was well crafted and interesting. The writing is superb. Unfortunately, the dual time line narration never made sense to me and neither storyline grabbed my heartstrings. I literally had to force myself to finish this winding path to nowhere and even though I adore this author, I am deeply disappointed that I didn’t like this book more. ⭐⭐

Royal Spin

BP—better known as Buckingham Palace—is quite an intimidating location for a job interview. At twenty-eight years old, American Lauren Morgan is determined to rebrand herself as far away from The White House as possible. After six years of grit and determination in D.C., she was ousted with a broken heart, as her ex-love and ex-bestie became the “it” couple of the moment. After accepting the position of Director of Communications, Lauren quickly learns the palace is more chaotic than she ever imagined. She must master the protocols and British lingo as she navigates these halls of history, protecting the royals and their honor—no matter the cost. Her quick-witted team is busy determining how she takes her tea and biscuits, and Lauren falls for a feisty, very handsome journalist named Oscar, and when they’re off the record, their flirting certainly sizzles. Throw in a sexy Duke who’s a hot mess and a world where news travels at lightning speed, and you have a laugh-out-loud British romcom you absolutely won’t be able to put down! This well-paced, enjoyable novel (it reminded me of The Royal We) makes it no surprise this co-authored gem is already heading to the big screen—proof that when two writers click, the spark on the page can be downright cinematic. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big Nick Energy

Years ago Kay’s heart was broken when her first love Nick dumped her in a pub. A decade later, working at the library and authoring a children’s series, still single Kay never expected to see Nick again. Accidentally meeting at the Christmas market after all this time is exhilarating and there is no doubt their chemistry still sizzles. Old Nick is serious, career minded and charmingly trying to rekindle their romance. He arranges perfect dates around London and says everything a girl yearns to hear. Then there is New Nick. Strikingly handsome, New Nick runs a Christmas Tree farm with his family. He helps Kay deliver holiday books from the library while dressed as Santa brightening the day of every passerby. While New Nick is a subtle flirt, his life remains mostly a mystery. What’s a girl to do? Old Nick is ready to move things along at breakneck speed but something is holding Kay back. She cannot get New Nick off her mind and she certainly can’t let him know about her boyfriend. As Kay navigates the days leading up to Christmas she desperately tries to figure out which Nick is naughty and which Nick is nice. Tis the season to laugh-out-loud with a holiday romance that is the perfect break during this busy time of year! ⭐⭐⭐

The Women on Platform Two

In early 1970s Dublin, women couldn’t legally buy any contraception. A few hours away, in Belfast, birth control could be purchased legally under British law. In May 1971, activists from the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement boarded what became known as the “contraceptive train,” traveling to buy birth control and bring them back across the border in open defiance. This very real protest is the historical spark behind this story. In 1969, Maura married a doctor. Every girl’s dream come true, she left her job at the fancy Dublin department store and set out to be the perfect wife, with an exquisite home and was excited to be a mother. Sadly, this was not to be the case. Even though their lives looked picture perfect, Dr. Davenport was not who he appeared to be. Maura’s best friend Bernie tried to help but there was little a woman could do to escape the clutches of a marital nightmare. In 2023, Saoirse (pronounced Seer-sha) runs out of her tiny apartment leaving her fiancé begging for answers. He is a loving, wonderful man but desperate to start a family and Saoirse does not think motherhood is in her future. When Saoirse boards the train from Dublin to Belfast it is for a quick get away to figure out this mess she has made. On the train Saoirse meets Maura who is taking her annual celebratory ride to stroll down memory lane and honor her beloved friends who bought that first ticket to freedom 52 years earlier. These women were fighting for the future of all women and their right to choose. Shocking that this was not that long ago and more shocking that women are still fighting for these rights today. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where the Heart Meets the Sea

Ella Nilsen is only twenty nine when her Mormor Hilda (grandmother) dies. Having grown up in Boulder, Colorado Hilda did everything she could to take care of Ella, orphaned since she was a baby. Hilda spoke very little of her daughter Sara (who died in childbirth) and literally divulged nothing regarding Ella’s biological father. Broken hearted Hilda began a new life in America and erased their entire past. Hilda’s last request upon her death was for her ashes be placed in Lyngor, Norway where she bequeathed Ella a summer home she never knew existed. As an artist and fashion designer, Ella was in the midst of opening her own shop when she took off two weeks to travel to Norway and follow Hilda’s wishes. Even though they hadn’t always gotten along, Ella was very curious about her Norwegian family history that has been buried away on this little island. Immediately after arriving Ella is befriended by Mia who has been the caretaker and rental agent for the cottage and Leif, who is a handy man boatbuilder and looks like a mythical Norweigan god. Naturally, sparks immediately fly! Although the locals are reluctant to speak about the past and tragic accident that took Leif’s own father’s life, Ella slowly uncovers the details of Sara and what happened on that tragic day. The setting was absolutely beautiful and I loved the characters — all in all a wonderful story. The writing was average and I think thats probably a combination of editing and experience, especially as the end had a hard time winding up. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would definitely try another from this author! Available in January. ⭐⭐⭐

6:40 to Montreal

A few years earlier Agatha had a best seller. Now, as the world waits for a follow up to her success, she faces the worst writer’s block imaginable. Life in Toronto and taking care of her small son has become difficult. Agatha cannot stop thinking about her recently received diagnosis that may or may not end her life. Wanting to cheer her up and unlock the mysterious flow of words that has all but stopped - Agatha’s husband buys a her a train ticket to ride from Toronto to Montreal in a single day. Imagining she will have uninterrupted peaceful hours aboard a luxury train to finally put her next story on paper – a mini writing retreat that is desperately needed. Onboard, Agatha’s mind will not settle. A repulsive rude man has insisted on switching seats and her nemesis who claims Agatha’s bestseller stole her identity is coincidentally (?) onboard. When a blizzard strands the train for hours in the freezing Canadian woods, this locked room mystery begins to unravel. As an overly observant writer, Agatha could not have asked for a better plot to take place in front of her own eyes. An absolute page turner taking place over the course of a few hours, this suspenseful ride and atmospheric winter weather will leave you shivering — and like a train wreck, you will not be able to look away. There were mixed reviews on this one and I am so glad I took a chance! I loved the writing, the suspenseful story and figuring out the mystery along with Agatha! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yours For the Season

Rumors of New Year layoffs are swirling at Sameera’s law firm, and she’s burning the midnight oil to save her slipping billables. Grumpy at the office holiday party and nowhere near festive, she’s distracted by the flirty cater-waiter with the baby-blues. When Tom turns up catering her mother’s Eid celebration a week later, Sameera learns he’s a talented chef and owner of the company. Together, they cook up a fake-dating scheme to get her parents off her single status and put their careers back on track. Once Sameera’s nosy mother gets involved, the whole clan lands at Tom’s family home in Alaska for Christmas.  As it turns out, Tom’s got parent troubles too, but their easy banter and simmering chemistry is too delicious to ignore. Sparks fly as the pair navigate family expectations, friendship, and the slow slide toward that first kiss. Heartwarming mixed-religion romance—delightful characters, yummy food, and a peek at how families from different traditions can enjoy celebrating together. Come for the meet-cute, stay for the biryani and hot cocoa, and leave whispering Merry Everything. ⭐⭐⭐