Whistler

One day, while Daphne and her husband, Jonathan, are walking through a museum, they realize an older gentleman is following them. As they turn from one gallery to the next, he continues to trail behind until Jonathan approaches the seemingly harmless man. He is none other than Eddie Triplett, Daphne’s former stepfather, a man she has not seen since she was a young girl. Eddie was special, and Daphne loved him with all her heart. They exchange numbers, and unbeknownst to Daphne, this chance encounter becomes a new beginning. All these decades later, Daphne faces the life-altering occurrence that separated Eddie from their little family. As Daphne and Eddie look back on their lives, they begin to see the past through fresh eyes, yearning for even the smallest details that might return them to that precious time when anything seemed possible. In her 2021 New Yorker essay “How to Practice,” Ann Patchett reflected on possessions, death, and the way ordinary objects can hold a lifetime of memory, meaning, and attachment. Whistler is told in a similar tone — Patchett’s own quiet, deeply intimate voice. I felt as though she were whispering this story to me. I devoured this beautifully written novel of family,  memory, regret, forgiveness, and loss. It is the kind of book that lingers long after the last page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Boring Asian Female

Elizabeth Zhang grew up in South Dakota, the only Asian girl in her class. For years, her identity was built around academic success while she was placed in the “nerd” category. Deeply jealous of how effortlessly the other girls seemed to move through life, Elizabeth worked twice as hard. The Ivy League sat at the top of her ambitious list. At Columbia in New York City, Elizabeth is no longer the only Asian girl, but the competition is fierce, and to make matters worse, everyone seems richer and more connected than she is. Liz has a few good friends and the occasional hookup with a relatively cute guy, but her sights are fixed on one goal: Harvard Law School. After four years of relentless work, she applies with a stellar GPA and an aced LSAT. And then she is rejected. As her life begins to spiral, Liz’s OCD demands a reason — an explanation for this absurd outcome. Her obsession lands on Laura Kim, a beautiful fellow Asian student who was accepted. Soon, she becomes ruthless, obsessive, and unhinged. Boring Asian Female is a razor-sharp dark satire about race, identity, ambition, and the way society reduces people into assumptions. Uncomfortable and a page turner, this reminded me of Yellowface by R.F. Kuang (which I loved) in the way it exposes the dark, twisted rationalizations people use to justify taking what they believe they deserve — by any means necessary. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Dolly All the Time

Dolly was 12 years old when her mother left home. From that moment on, she became the lady of the house, taking care of her younger sister and brother, cooking, cleaning, and becoming the all-around problem solver, while her dad ran the fish shop. Years later, Dolly has built a life of her own in Boston as a kindergarten teacher and mother to her son. She still returns to Whitfield often to check on her dad and brother, but she treasures the independence she worked so hard to build. Then one thing goes wrong after another, and Dolly is pulled back home to save the day — or, as it turns out, the summer. One day, on her way back from the fish shop, Dolly stops to help the one and only Stewart Whitfield change a flat tire. She has to admit he is every bit as handsome as she remembers. When he proposes a PR arrangement, it sounds ridiculous at first, but Dolly really needs the money, so she accepts. She will fake-date Stewart for the summer while he competes for the CEO position. Soon, Dolly has a makeover to die for and a wardrobe to match. Accompanying Stewart to events turns out to be a lot more fun than expected, and their chemistry is shockingly off the charts. But Dolly keeps him at arm’s length, knowing her heart must be protected. He would never truly fall in love with someone like her, would he? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Burning Side

The night their Dallas house caught fire, April and Leo were not speaking. They were not even sleeping in the same room. Their marriage was in shambles, and in one terrifying night, they seemed to be losing not only their home, but the little family unit they had built. Caught up in their own anger and hurt, neither of them could see the light. After the fire, the family takes shelter at April’s parents’ home. Her parents have been a surrogate family to Leo for years, since his own family was nearly nonexistent. While April and Leo try to sort through the logistics of insurance adjusters, temporary housing, and what comes next, they also painfully navigate divorce proceedings that neither of them truly seems to want. At the same time, April’s very supportive family is struggling with her beloved father’s recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Written in both past and present, The Burning Side takes the reader through this unimaginably difficult time, while also revealing the love story of April and Leo from the day they met. I truly liked all of the characters and felt the heartbreak they were experiencing. There was a teeny-tiny bit of drag at the end, but not enough to stop me from recommending this very solid four-star read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The One Day You Were My Husband

A young couple madly in love gets married on an idyllic beach in Thailand. The sun is setting, the guests are celebrating. And then the groom, Johan, disappears. Carrie is devastated, terrified, and does not know how to help her new husband. Her mother flies over to help—but between the language barrier, legal pressure, and severe prison conditions, there is little that can be done. Carrie returns to England. She goes back to work as a surgeon, keeping herself busy at the hospital. With the support of her co-workers and family, she finally begins to heal. Twelve years later, married to Robin and raising young twins, Carrie stumbles upon an ad for a rental unit in Sweden where she is soon to attend a conference. The host has a familiar face. Shockingly, it is her beautiful Johan. Diving down a rabbit hole she never dreamed of, Carrie soon discovers the complicated and painful truth that destroyed her first marriage and nearly destroyed her life. Part romance, part thriller, as we journey between past and present, this captivating story unwinds at a nail-biting pace. An unforgettable mystery that is perfect for summer! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Foursome

Sarah and Adelaide are two sisters living on a plantation in Wilkes County, North Carolina. After a family scandal, the sisters find themselves socially ostracized and no longer viewed as the desirable marriage prospects they once expected to be. In 1839, Chang and Eng Bunker arrive in town and set up a farm. Known as the original “Siamese twins” — from Siam, now Thailand — the brothers just finished a sensational world tour that brought them fame and fortune. Despite being joined at the sternum, these conjoined brothers traveled the world, spoke multiple languages, and were remarkably active and adventurous. They were ready to settle down, and marrying the Yates sisters seemed like the perfect opportunity to live together as a foursome in peace. Over the decades, the families lived side by side and raised twenty-one children. The details of how they lived, farmed, hunted, and managed daily life are truly amazing. It is something I never could have imagined, and I honestly could not stop looking up facts about them while I was reading. As the Civil War approaches, the Bunker family faces complicated struggles involving identity, privacy, love, physical limitations, and the painful realities of slavery in this part of the South. Based on actual people, this fascinating novel is beautifully written and filled with so many issues to talk about. It would make an incredible book club pick. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Storm

Geneva is the owner, manager, and all-around handywoman keeping the Rosalie Inn running. Having grown up in St. Medard’s Bay, Geneva never imagined she would be back, running the hotel her family has owned for generations — and doing it alone. Chris, her ex, couldn’t handle commitment, and her mom, now in a nearly catatonic state, is in nursing care nearby. Geneva is hanging on by a thread, both financially and emotionally. Then an author named August arrives with none other than Lo Bailey at his side. They are writing a book about Lo’s life and the 1984 hurricane, Marie. Legend has it that when Lo was 19, she was having having affair with the handsome governor’s son, Landon. When he was killed during the storm, Lo was charged with murder. All these years later, she has returned to finally tell her side of the story. As August gathers details of the events the gossiping town is only too happy to share, Geneva begins to piece together her own family mystery. Set during the tense days leading up to a massive hurricane, this suspenseful thriller is hard to put down. The author perfectly captures that unmistakable pressure in the air — the kind that comes from both a dangerous storm and a town full of secrets. Anyone who has ever felt the fierce winds of a hurricane will be blown away by this gripping mystery. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Under Water

When Marissa and her father, a prominent marine biologist, move from New York to Thailand, life takes a turn no one could have imagined. Her mother has tragically passed away, and Marissa is brought to a remote island where her father can continue his research and move forward from their painful loss. At school, Marissa meets Arielle. They are only five years old, but Arielle immediately takes Marissa under her wing, and the two become sisters in every sense of the word. Inseparable and endlessly curious, the girls discover the delicate ecosystem around them, the wonders of the sea, and all of its marvelous creatures. When the tsunami of 2004 destroys their world, Marissa’s reality is forever changed. Years later, back in New York, she once again faces disaster as Hurricane Sandy’s fierce winds bear down on the city, forcing memories of her past to come rushing back. It’s fascinating how the author uses grief, friendship, family, and loss as mirrors for natural disasters. These forces can leave us helpless, afraid, and wondering what the future holds. This beautiful debut novel is about nature and the equally precious, fragile relationships that shape our lives. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Murder Takes A Vacation

As former assistant to a private investigator, Muriel Blossom is very good at blending into the scenery. She never cared for much attention, especially since losing her beloved husband ten years ago. Muriel has been living a quiet life, helping take care of her grandchildren and enjoying museums and art history, when the darnedest thing happens. She finds a lottery ticket in a parking lot — and boom — Muriel is a millionaire. One of the very first things she does is book a river cruise through France with her best friend, Elinor. From the moment she boards the transatlantic flight, Muriel’s stomach is filled with butterflies. Not an avid traveler and satisfactorily single, Mrs. Blossom is surprised to find herself being flirted with by another passenger. His name is Allan, and Muriel cannot resist this unexpected attention. Even more shocking? After spending an wonderful day with Allan in Paris, he is found dead. Muriel continues on to meet Elinor and board the MS Solitaire, where the mystery is steam ahead. Charming, quirky characters and an art heist with a French twist — this is a cozy mystery that cruises along from the very first page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Paris Match

Layla has been divorced for over a year. In an effort to keep the peace, she agrees to attend her ex-sister in laws wedding in Paris. The City of Lights holds a lot of memories for Layla so the trip itself is expected to be bittersweet. She has remained friends with her ex-husband and hearing that he is bringing a plus one to the city they honeymooned is not easy. Then Layla meets Griffin. He is the grumpy best man that seems to have it out for her from the moment they meet. Griffin’s only goal is to make sure the main event takes off without a hitch. As the bride appears to have cold feet Griffin convinces Layla to help fix the situation. Griffin is hot and can be charming once he lets his guard down. Their chemistry is palpable but honestly the bride is immature and whining. It’s not funny enough to be quirky and the rest of the family members are completely annoying. Loved the Paris setting but that’s about it. This one was just okay for me. ⭐⭐⭐

This Story May Save Your Life

Benny and Joy have a podcast called TSMSYL, enticing listeners with strange near death experiences and solutions to survive them. Part creepy, part humor, the back and forth banter of these longtime friends is a huge success. They have thousands of fans and more deals and sponsorships than they know what to do with. Joy’s husband Xander manages the business and Xander’s sister Mallory is assistant producer helping the duo create episodes, schedule live performances and a book (memoir) in the works. While Benny and Joy anxiously await a deal that could bring in millions they try not to rock the boat. The day Joy tells Benny she needs a break from the podcast is the beginning of their own real life episode. This surprising, plot shifting unputdownable mystery is an absolute page turner. Each character has motive. No-one knows if the detectives can be trusted and most importantly the reader is rooting for Benny and Joy the whole way through. I am glad I didn’t know much going in, check out this new domestic thriller! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

American Fantasy

Annie is recently divorced, navigating a demotion at work, and facing an empty nest now that her daughter has flown the coop. To cheer her up Annie’s sister booked them on American Fantasy, a weekend cruise featuring the 1990s pop band Boy Talk. Years ago, Boy Talk posters covered their bedroom walls, and the sisters knew every word to every love song blasting from their boom box. At the last minute, Annie’s sister suffers an injury, and she finds herself braving the ship solo. Determined to survive the itinerary — and catch a glimpse of the crushes of her youth — Annie is the least experienced of the “Talkers,” a nickname given to the 2,000 screaming women reliving their teenage dreams. But time stops for no one. The Boys themselves have also aged, and although still handsome and charming, they have their own demons to face. As Annie is swept into the fandom, she is reminded how music made her feel when she was young and in love. Shocked to find herself alone with Keith, Annie realizes that even a superstar can have normal life problems. Instead of her age working against her, Annie’s kind ear may be exactly what this aging heartthrob needs. Pack your nostalgia, grab your lanyard, and get ready to cruise straight back to your teenage heart. ⭐⭐⭐

Yesteryear

Natalie Heller Mills met Caleb at Harvard. She did not have any real friends and did everything in her power to maintain the strict Christian upbringing and modesty her mother had instilled in her. Natalie wanted to get married, have children, and serve G-d, family, and community. But Caleb hailed from another world entirely. He came from an extremely wealthy family, with an ambitious father in politics who dreamed of the presidency. Caleb was confident in all the ways Natalie had never understood. But he was kind and handsome, and after marrying very young, Natalie withdrew from Harvard and started down the family path. Eventually, the farm life Natalie had half imagined came true with Yesteryear Ranch. Their little family had chickens, vegetable crops, and even a cow for milk. Five hundred acres in the middle of nowhere. Initially terrified by the isolation, Natalie embraced her traditional lifestyle and became an influencer, a #tradwife. Eight million fans sought out her recipes, daily farm life, and adorable photos capturing her children’s idyllic upbringing. The “Angry Women” continued to gripe, but hey, they still logged in. Natalie’s online persona became so strong that the lines between real life and performance began to blur. One day she woke up as a pioneer woman in the 1800s. Either this was a bizarre reality show of someone’s making, or she was being tested by G-d Himself. This mesmerizing look at a young woman trying to be what she imagined was “good” tackles so many timely, sensitive topics about being a woman, a mother, a wife, and simply a person living in an age of technology, unable to escape the demands of a world changing faster than anyone can keep up. Yesteryear is bold, disturbing, and unforgettable. Absolute FIVE STAR must read!!! Can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Someday Garden

All Sophie Drear ever wanted was to grow flowers. After studying horticulture, she lands her dream job at the Botanical Gardens in New York. But even the best-laid plans do not always blossom. Sophie’s best friend is sick, and she cannot imagine life without Harrie by her side. As she reconsiders her future, Sophie is unexpectedly invited to become head gardener at Lilymoor for the summer. This magical estate in Maine is filled with gardens, mazes, and extraordinary beauty. It is also the place Sophie and Harrie always planned to revisit. Despite her best efforts to keep an emotional distance from the quirky staff, Sophie cannot resist the pull of the blue door. Once inside, she enters a world that both exists and does not exist. Inside the secret garden, Sophie meets Rus, the nephew who ran away years ago. Only available at the golden hour, Sophie searches every day for a way to set him free. She can come and go, but Rus is trapped. Sophie doesn’t know whether hours or days are passing, because inside the garden time moves differently. As Sophie and Rus garden together and appreciate the beauty around them, there is one thing she cannot deny: she is falling in love. Romance, friendship, and magical realism are the perfect combination in this light, flower-filled adventure. ⭐⭐⭐⭐