The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore

Growing up in Minneapolis, Dolores Moore always felt different. Dark hair, dark skin, and even darker eyes—she looked nothing like the Moore family of Norwegian ancestry. Born in Colombia and brought to the Twin Cities as an infant, Dolores grew up in a world filled with love and attention. Now 35, single, and an out-of-work cartographer, she grieves the loss of her mothers, Jane and Elizabeth. Her head buzzes with the chatter of all the women who cared for her—and guards a secret she has never revealed: Dolores has spent her life hearing  their voices long after they were gone. At Jane’s deathbed, she promises to visit Cali—the city of her birth—and experience the cultural beauty of where she came from. In the old Victorian house that is now hers, Dolores discovers a hand-drawn map and resolves to follow it. In Colombia, she is grateful for the kindness of strangers who quickly become friends, and for the breadcrumb trail that leads toward the mystery of her birth parents and their tragic deaths. To her surprise, she feels at home in this beautiful country she has only visited in dreams. Guided by the ever-present voices of “her ladies,” Dolores finds the courage to finally chart a map of her very own. Narrated between the past and present, this story explores the fierce bonds of family and the importance of knowing where you come from. I highly recommend this beautiful novel, filled with family, a little bit of magical realism, and hope for the future. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bitter Sweet

Charlie grew up in a small village outside the city. She lost her mom as a teenager and one of her fondest memories is the love they shared for reading, especially for author Richard Aveling. Years later, Charlie is working in publishing. She is only an assistant but trying hard to work her way up the ladder. Her two best friends from work grew up in the lap of luxury and have embraced Charlie to become roommates in a townhome she could never have dreamed of affording. It’s mostly long days at the office, late night pub runs and weekends recovering from hangovers. One day Charlie accidentally meets Richard Aveling outside the office building. He is a long time client of the agency and a now worldwide best selling author. Charlie is tongue tied, star struck, completely out of her mind with excitement. They strike up a conversation and this handsome famous man, who is more than twice her age is unexpectedly kind and actually interested in what she has to say. Charlie is slowly pulled into the world of Richard, his fancy flat and an inside look at her lifelong hero. As their romance accelerates it is clear they have to be very careful. Richard is married, although unhappily, his wife cannot know about their affair. In some ways he opens up Charlie’s mind and makes her feel important for being chosen. Other times his controlling and manipulative behaviors are catastrophic for someone so young and impressionable. As Charlie becomes desperate for more attention, she falls deeper in love and her actual life slowly begins to fall apart. I adored the London setting, publishing world and the many references to readers and writers. The gross narcissistic behavior of Richard with the extraordinary age gap is a little creepy. Overall, good writing and I would definitely check out this author again. ⭐⭐⭐

The Writing Room

When Maya Mitchell turns eighteen, her wealthy, powerful, and controlling father declares her an adult—and cuts her off, as he did with her two siblings before her. Their mother, a devoted physician, had already been forced out during the divorce and returned to Guatemala to care for her ailing mother. Suddenly without the cushion of privilege, Maya—always a diligent student and talented writer—prepares to enter Columbia University, with her father agreeing to cover tuition. That summer, she works at the public library, writes articles, and crashes on the couch of Yoly and Ricardo, a warm couple who introduce her to an eclectic community where Sunday dinners bring stories, laughter, and dreams to the table. When Maya learns her father’s company is funding the campaign of a ruthless, anti-immigrant politician, she feels the deepest betrayal: how could her father turn against his own brown-skinned children? As Maya steps into the real world—far from the luxury of her childhood—she discovers first love, friendship, and the power of standing up for herself. Though I don't read many YA novels, The Writing Room captivated me with its straightforward exploration of sibling bonds, parental expectations, and identity. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Heart the Lover

In her senior year of college, Jordan meets Sam and Yash in a literature class. They are the standouts—brilliant debaters, widely read, and living in an old house belonging to a professor on sabbatical. Both are handsome and intimidating, their intellect and broad language matched only by their confidence. With Sam, the physical chemistry is immediate and overwhelming, complicated by his religious vow to wait until marriage. The three spend countless evenings playing cards, dissecting literature, and bantering with the ease of childhood friends. Initially nicknaming her “Daisy” (after Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby) they switch to “Jordan” when they learn she began college on a golf scholarship—a nod to Jordan Baker, Daisy’s friend in the novel. Jordan’s relationship with Sam is an intense, on-again, off-again storm of emotion. But as graduation rolls around, it is Yash who captures her heart. Together, they make choices that alter the course of their lives forever. Told in two parts—Jordan as a young woman and later as a wife and mother—this emotional rollercoaster unfolds in breathtaking prose that captures the essence of young love. A deceptively simple story, told with such beauty and grace that it lingers long after the final page. The writing is passionate, sophisticated, and so immersive I could not put it down. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Distance Between Us

Reyna Grande grew up in a small village in Mexico. They were poor and hopeless. In Reyna’s small town there was little to achieve and hardly anything to wish for. Their mother, who had them while still very young, repeatedly pursued ways to escape, often leaving her four children behind for months, even years while their frail but loving abuela took care of them. One day their Papi mysteriously returns from El Otro Lado (The Other Side - America). Reyna’s older sister Mago had been her little mother as far back as she could remember and although they were terrified to make this dangerous crossing of the border, they were also excited for a new life. Their Papi married an American citizen and in the 1980’s it was much easier for him to bring his children to the U.S. than it is today. Although he did not have more than a third grade education, somehow Papi knew that learning English and getting good grades in school were the most important ways to have a better life. He pushed the children hard and while he became despondent and an alcoholic Reyna and her siblings had opportunities he only dreamed about. This is Reyna’s life story - her eternal wish for a family, an education and god given talent that ultimately brought her great success - and the many people who helped her along the way. Loved every minute of this beautifully written memoir. Please take a moment to walk in someone else’s shoes. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Diana Says Yes

Diana and her husband are back on the therapy couch. This time Diana feels electric currents when Oliver enters the room. As his depression lifted, Oliver finally feels good in his own skin - and it’s very sexy. The therapist recommends they begin by dating each other. Coincidentally, Dirty Diana’s website is on fire. She has investors, partnerships and a wait list for women willing to share their stories. With movie talks in the works Diana must find the courage to reveal herself to the world. Fast paced, spicy - marriage, family, friendship - the Diana series has it all. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Book Club for Troublesome Women

Small town housewives in the 1960’s baked upside cakes and prepared gelatin molds for parties. Aside from doing laundry and performing various household duties, women typically got together to exchange recipes and gossip about their neighbors. Frustrated by their upscale planned community in Concordia, Margaret creates a book club with Viv, Betsy and Charlotte. For their first selection the friends read The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. This book describes the assumptions that women are supposed to be fulfilled by marriage, housework and motherhood. The previous beliefs being that they were simply not “feminine” if they desired to further their education, have a career or any meaningful political opinions.  Growing up post WWII these women watched their mothers work hard to keep the family together and put food on the table. When the men returned they were pushed aside, as were their aspirations and sense of accomplishment. Many could not find the courage to express their feelings of unworthiness simply being stuck at home. Through this book club, “The Bettys” as they became known, helped each other maneuver through life’s many obstacles. Their blossoming sisterhood prompted unimaginable changes in each of their lives. Reading builds empathy and perspective. It sharpens language and focus. Most of all, it reminds you that you’re not alone. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Family Matter

Dawn and Hazel meet in 1982. Dawn is a young mother living a rather isolated existence. She is not happy but she is not necessarily unhappy. Dawn adores her young daughter Maggie and her world revolves around her. When Dawn’s husband Heron finds out about Hazel, the damage is irreparable. The women are not just friends and at this time a relationship such as this, especially one involving a child is unthinkable. Heron is convinced that Dawn must choose. So she does, thus so does he. 40 years later, Maggie is a grown woman with children of her own. She barely remembers the mother who she believes abandoned her when she was very young. Heron never remarried and he did everything in his power to give Maggie the best childhood possible. They are extremely close and the devastating news he recently received from his doctor coincides with Maggie learning a secret he has never shared. A secret so fragile it affects everything she ever believed about her family. As this story is narrated between the two timelines we meet the lovable characters, all trying to do what they think is right - realizing that the decisions we make can last a lifetime. Highly recommend this thoughtful, sensitive, well written summer read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Marriage at Sea

Maurice Bailey is a quiet guy, intelligent and laser focused on specific subjects but severely lacks social skills. He meets Maralyn, his complete opposite. She is vivacious and charming and always up for an adventure. After they marry Maurice and Maralyn start to dream of what is next as neither wants to raise a family and living in a small English village is rather dull. They begin to save for a sailboat. Together the pair make the perfect team. While Maurice obsesses over every detail of sailing, navigating and engineering a boat - Maralyn is in charge of provisions, everyday tasks and most importantly remaining optimistic through the toughest times. In June 1972, they set sail. For many months everything went perfectly, until it didn’t. As they were crossing the Pacific Ocean a whale knocked into their vessel, severely damaging their beautiful boat and within minutes forcing the couple onto a life raft. In shock, they calmly watched their sailboat slowly go under the very deep ocean. Lost at sea, Maurice and Maralyn were certain they would be rescued and carefully ate and drank the few items they were able to save. They read the books they were able to rescue and played pretend cards to pass the time as best they could. As days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months the seafaring couple tried everything they could to save themselves. Under these unimaginable conditions the couple lasted for 117 days and learned what marriage, partnership and life were really about. Hard to put down this true story of survival. ⭐⭐⭐

Culpability

Seventeen year old Charlie is driving the family to his lacrosse championship. Charlie is tall, handsome and a talented athlete that will play at UNC in the fall. The family’s autonomous minivan is involved in a horrific accident when Charlie veers slightly as an oncoming car begins to cross the line. His father Noah, a lawyer, is sitting in the front passenger seat working on his laptop and his two teenage sisters are in the back with the mom, Lorelei. The passengers in the oncoming car are killed and while the Cassidy-Shaw family recuperates physically they are faced with an impossible moral dilemma that is slowly tearing them apart. Noah and Lorelei decide to end the summer with a trip, and it is there besides the sparkling lake that secrets reveal themselves and each of them must be accounted for. Was Charlie “driving” if the car is autonomous? Can you be on your phone, lap top, otherwise engaged if you are sitting in the “driver’s seat”? Would the AI technology have saved them at the last second if he didn’t grab the wheel? As we adapt to our new world of AI technology and realize that our human instincts cannot be ignored, who is at fault? There is a lot to unpack here and it’s almost too much family drama at once to wrap my head around. Overall, this book is a well written page turner and a great summer read! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spectacular Things

The Lowe sisters will not sacrifice their gift, soccer. Mia and Cricket Lowe grew up in the shadows of their mother’s unrealized dreams that were stolen when she got pregnant at eighteen. Smart, beautiful and resilient Liz moved to Victory, Maine, a small town where she was determined to fill her daughter’s life with love and parental support, something she never received. She went on to train both girls from the time they could walk. For better or for worse, Liz instilled a deep passion for soccer while their little family became a team of three - enabling Cricket to take it all the way- a spot on the women’s national team and Olympic gold. Through heartbreaking loss, difficult choices and incredible determination the sisters undying love for each other becomes the ultimate test. I loved the sisters bond and like Carrie Soto and more recently Ordinary Love, I enjoyed the women’s athletic theme, but throughout the story there was too much repetitiveness. Even when I thought it was the end, it wasn’t the end. The writing is good but I am surprised Reese picked a book that dragged. For me this is like, not love. If you are a soccer fan, it’s a must. ⭐⭐⭐

The Austen Affair

When Tess Bright is booted off her successful teen series she finds her Hollywood career in a tailspin. After losing her mother she cannot seem to get her life back on track. But Jane Austen was her mother’s idol, the books and movies played on a continuous loop in the background of their lives. Finally a break, Tess is cast as the star of Northangar Abbey, because anything Austen she can manage to sink her teeth into. Her co-star Hugh, a stuffy Englishman who doesn’t think Tess is good enough for the part, makes this clear every chance he gets. One day while on set in Hampshire, England a terrible thunderstorm ensues. The two quarreling stars are struck by lightening (ok, I know it sounds ridiculous but carry on …) They awaken in a field still in costume only to realize they have time traveled to 1815. After being helped by neighbors and discovering Hugh’s long ago relatives the couple must make peace with each other to find a way back to the present. You must like Austen, time travel and goofy romances to enjoy this story. (Naturally, I loved it because I am a sucker for all three.) Adorable, light and funny, a needed respite from the world at large. Available September 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ordinary Love

Emily and her husband Jack have a beautiful brownstone on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. With two adorable children they appear the picture perfect little family. Emily married young, right after college. Now, she finds herself trapped in a home where her husband gaslights, punishes and manipulates her on a daily basis. Convinced Jack truly loves her and their family unit, Emily ignores all the signs of abuse and makes excuses for Jack’s behavior. Slowly, her friends and family are banished from their lives. Previously a determined literary student at Harvard, Emily never dreamed she would find herself so adrift, painfully lonely. One evening she attends a fundraiser and runs into her old friend Gen Hall. In their hometown of Washford Ohio, Emily had helped Gen reach for her stars and escape their geographical limitations. Gen became a college track star and has now attained Olympic gold. She is famous, beautiful and Emily realizes that she never stopped loving her. This magnificent novel is about friendship, family, motherhood and love. Superbly written, it's a story about two people who learn to love themselves - and against all odds, allow themselves to be loved. Five stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hey Zoey

Dolores O’Shea is 43 years old when her marriage falls apart. Although her relationship with David had been stale for years, they were good roommates, comfortable partners and not completely miserable. When Dolores discovers that David has an expensive AI sex doll in the garage those long breaks and mysteriously quiet evenings became quite clear. She realizes their scheduled weekly sex that was passionless and almost annoying was something they rarely discussed. But Dolores still loved him and David’s leaving undoubtedly broke her heart. With no children of their own, Dolores dedicated her life to her sister who lived abroad, caring for her abrasive mother and teaching at a local private school. As the weeks turn into months Dolores’s curiosity wins out and she brings “Zoey” into the house. After she downloads the software Dolores gets acquainted with Zoey, not in a sexual way, but as a friend. Zoey keeps her company and makes her feel protected. Zoey asks for nothing except Dolores’s companionship. Zoey answers all her questions without complaint. What a startling relief compared to any human relationships that demand so much more than Dolores has ever been capable of providing. As we observe Dolores’s obvious depression stemming from childhood trauma, one cannot help but wonder if everyone could benefit from this type of easygoing companion. As AI becomes more prevalent in our every day lives it is not far off in the future that robots will play more of a role. I was really surprised how low some of the reviews were for this book. This compelling story, written by one of my favorite authors is VERY unique and absolutely worth reading! Interestingly the paperback version has recently republished with a different cover and the title Are You Awake? ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Careless People

Growing up in New Zealand, Sarah dreamed of making change in the world. After law school she worked for the United Nations learning about diplomacy efforts with lightening speed. Sarah visualized her ideal job at Facebook, a social media app that was gaining great popularity as a means to connect the entire world. In 2010 Sarah perceived that as Facebook was expanding worldwide they would be forced to navigate multitudes of complicated foreign policies, privacy laws, government oversight, politics, taxes and human rights issues. She pitched her idea and was eventually, if not a bit begrudgingly, offered a position. This very personal account of Sarah’s journey through her seven years at Facebook examines everything from what it was like to be the only woman in the room while nine months pregnant to convincing Mark Zuckerberg he cannot be late to meet with Brazil’s president just because he does not enjoy getting up before noon. This mesmerizing look at the inner circle leadership of a company that has changed the life of billions of people around the world is a page turner. I had to keep reminding myself that this was not fiction! The responsibility that comes along with affecting that many people with the push of a button under the guidelines of one man is in many ways terrifying. Careless People, which I would describe as compelling, educational, but not necessarily an enjoyable read should be mandatory. If you are going to use Facebook or spend any significant amount of time online, it is vital you understand what this all means; politically, economically and personally. If these tech giants have a responsibility, so do we. Highly recommend this well written and brave memoir. ⭐⭐⭐⭐