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. ⭐⭐⭐

A Guardian and a Thief

A Guardian and a Thief unfolds over one stressful week in a near-future, climate-changed Kolkata. Two families on a collision course—one mother desperate to protect her child and leave for the U.S. is robbed, and a thief, who wants to help his family, spirals as desperation closes in. He steals her purse not knowing her U.S. passports to a new life are in the bag. This becomes both ironic and terrifying as the author describes the panic that ensues. She has zero empathy for the thief and that is part of the moral debate. This Oprah Book Club pick had big themes—climate change, immigration, family, ethics, and morality under pressure. While I was curious and admired the importance of so many relevant topics, the characters felt a little off—and the emotional connection never landed. I turned the pages waiting for it to end. ⭐⭐⭐

A Deadly Feast

Thanksgiving is almost here, and so is Hayley’s wedding to hot detective Nathan Bransford. Still writing for Key Zest magazine, Hayley attends an intimate food tour for her next article. Everything is going deliciously until a woman on the tour collapses and is dead. Something she ate or was someone out to get her? Once again Hayley, a cook and writer, who has no business sticking her nose into a murder case, finds herself in the middle of another Key Zest mystery including some very unsavory characters. Even though she promised Nathan she would stay away from trouble, Hayley cannot resist and begins to put the ingredients together. We follow Hayley from her houseboat through the quaint streets of this picture postcard town with pastel houses shaded by leafy palms; roosters strutting around like they own Duval and find more scooters than cars. A food haven with personality including fresh seafood, Cuban cafecito, conch fritters and Key lime pie in every style. Local author Lucy Burdette does it again with this cozy mystery that describes mouthwatering local eateries and is the perfect treat while keeping an eye on the oven timer this holiday season! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Life & Death & Giants

Lakota, Wisconsin is a remote town filled with farmers and a devout Amish community. When Gabriel Fisher is born his mother dies from medical complications. Father unknown, this leaves his older brother to raise him. Gabriels grandparents live nearby but as his mother was removed from the community years earlier, they understand little of the English world. When his brother tragically passes away, Gabriel is finally welcomed into his grandparent’s home. He is a big boy for his age. At nearly eight feet tall he is probably the biggest boy that has ever lived. Sweet, polite and a hard worker, Gabriel does well in this farming community that mostly keeps to themselves. One day he is spotted by a football coach and he is brought into the local high school to learn the game. Not only is this gentle giant strong and fast — he is a quick learner  — and transforms the losing team to victory. This new life takes Gabriel, his family and the entire town to places they never imagined. Narrated from many points of view; the loving grandmother, local pub owner and football coach to name a few. This novel is almost hard to describe; both elegantly written and quietly breathtaking. FIVE STARS, I truly could not put this one down. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukah

Evelyn has been waiting for years to become executive producer. Finally, her dream is a reality as she heads up A Christmas Carol for live television. As rehearsals come together and Hanukah and Christmas approach the pressure is on, can Evelyn's musical be the Hanukah miracle, smash success she is hoping for. Divorced for two years, Evelyn has put aside her entire personal life committing every moment to her career. Suddenly everything has turned upside down! Dr. David Adler (her hunky ex) shows up on set filling in for medical staff, a piano hits Evelyn in the head and her migraines are escalating. As she manages staff and chaos Evelyn cannot ignore the emotions that David’s presence brings to the surface, the undeniable chemistry that weakens her knees. Each night as Evelyn lights her menorah the eight heart breaks of Hanukah present another ghost-like vision of her past, forcing Evelyn to face all the mistakes she has ever made. This entertaining, laugh-out-loud Hanukah romance gives Evelyn more than a second chance, it gives her eight. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Irish Goodbye

Three sisters Cait, Alice and Maggie Ryan haven’t seen each other in a while, they haven’t been home in Port Haven at the same time in years. While the martyr, Alice, lives nearby and is the main caregiver for their aging parents - she quietly dreams of the day her children are grown so she can pursue her own interests. Perfect Cait lives in London, practicing law, enduring a bad marriage and watching her nanny raise their twins. The youngest, Maggie, teaches English at a fancy boarding school struggling with one foot still in the closet, doubtful her Irish Catholic mother who was raised by nuns will ever truly accept her life choices. As they converge for Thanksgiving the many years of buried secrets and past tragedies rise to the surface adding layer upon layer of chaos to the already high strung holiday. The lingering sadness of losing their brother, decline of their parents and an old love affair weigh heavily as an uncertain future forces each sister to bravely face the truth. Navigating complicated sibling bonds and obligations, the women find that expectations are best understood after a moment in another’s shoes. A fabulous, fast paced, heartfelt debut. Looking forward to reading more from this author. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Breath Becomes Air

A valedictorian who loved both brain and book, Dr. Paul Kalanithi studied literature and biology at Stanford, philosophy at Cambridge, and attended medical school at Yale before returning to Stanford for a neurosurgery residency. When stage IV lung cancer interrupted his career, he wrote with rare clarity about purpose, love, and the fine line between doctor and patient. Paul Kalanithi describes what it feels like to watch everything you’ve dreamed of and worked for crumble overnight—and to rearrange the unthinkable when, at only 36, you receive a terminal diagnosis. He faces time head-on: “if only I knew how many months or years I had left.” With three months, he’d choose family; with a year, he’d write; with ten, he’d return to work. He ultimately chose to write and have a child knowing he would not see his book on the shelf or his daughter grow up. That’s the ache at the heart of this memoir: choosing meaning when the clock comes into view. And this must be said: the man is talented. This isn’t simply a collection of sad, poetic thoughts—it’s truly well written. Published after his death, this heartbreaking, thoughtful account of illness and life is one I will be thinking about for a long time. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Awake

Jen Hatmaker is a bestselling author, speaker, and podcaster known for her honest, funny, big-sister voice on faith, family, and social justice. A mom of five and longtime church leader, she drew a wide audience with practical, humorous books about everyday small town life and Christianity, then (and not to everyone’s liking) evolved into an outspoken advocate for empathy and inclusion. In 2020, after twenty-six years of marriage, her husband, Brandon, confessed to an ongoing affair. With a house full of kids and responsibility, she was understandably overwhelmed at the idea of him leaving, but there was no scenario in which he could remain. Jen understood in that moment things would never be the same again. Married since age 19, Jen didn’t know how to be alone; many of the daily household duties they’d shared would now fall on her shoulders. As if that were not enough — along with the humiliation and shame of a failed marriage—Jen wrongly assumed she could rely on her church community. When her personal life turned into nasty online commentary, Jen felt adrift—leaning on nearby family and a few incredible friends. After this very public divorce, she writes openly about rebuilding and reimagining her home, identity, and belief system—with warmth, wit, and straight talk that keep readers and listeners coming back for more. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Witch's Orchard

Annie Gore was Special Forces. Now retired from the Air Force, she is barely making ends meet as a private detective. Recently, she was contacted by a young man named Max, who has been searching for his sister for the past ten years. The cold case takes her to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, where three girls went missing a decade ago. One girl mysteriously returned, but two were never seen again. Max, a talented artist about to start college, knows deep down that he cannot begin his new life until he tries one more time to solve the mystery. Having grown up in very similar surroundings, Annie feels at home in this misty holler, where locals are not usually welcoming to outsiders. The inclusion of folklore, witches, crows, and apple head dolls adds layers upon layers to this creepy case, where the girls seem to have vanished into thin air. As Annie uncovers long-buried clues, she leaves no stone—or person—unturned. Because so few come and go from this town, everyone is a suspect. A whodunit with a witchy twist, I could not put down this fantastic debut. Lucky for us, the author is already working on another mystery starring my new favorite detective! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The First Witch of Boston

Thomas and Margaret Jones arrived from England in 1646. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was a strict Puritan settlement, governed by a small group of leaders. After nearly losing hope, the deeply in-love couple was finally blessed with a successful pregnancy and a little girl. Margaret, a midwife, also practiced medicine—common among women of the time who learned to use herbs and natural remedies to heal the sick. Yet her feisty, outspoken personality soon wore on her neighbors, who prized quiet obedience. Her husband Thomas, a skilled craftsman, was easygoing and well-liked, while Margaret’s helpfulness was met with gratitude—or condemnation if anything went wrong. In a community quick to find a scapegoat, unguarded words and suspicion led to her being accused of witchcraft. Word spread like wildfire, and before long others joined in. When local hysteria demanded action, Margaret was imprisoned, and after a one-sided trial, publicly executed. As the first person killed for witchcraft in Massachusetts, Margaret Jones went down in history as a woman who knew too much, spoke too freely, and paid the ultimate price—a grim prelude to the witch hunts that would follow. An incredible work of historical fiction that I could not put down—perfectly chilling and captivating, making it a spellbinding read for Halloween. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Christmas Wishes and Irish Kisses

When Ellie left Cornwall twenty years ago, she never looked back. She built a new life in America while her mother remarried, now living in a tiny Brooklyn apartment, subsisting in a mediocre job and dating Tyler—a reliably nice guy. Who needs sparks when you have stability? But when her father faces a medical emergency, Ellie feels a deep calling to return to St. Tilda’s, hoping to help him—and perhaps mend their fractured relationship. What she finds, however, is a past she had long buried and her best friend Liam, the character she cherished most in every childhood memory. As Christmas approaches, Ellie helps run the pub and reconnects with the person she once was. Even as a dispirited, angry teen, she had loved deeply, and she struggles to understand why she pushed this lovely village out of her life. Grown-up Liam still sparks mischief—but also a chemistry Ellie can no longer ignore. In her search for truth, Ellie explores the past to find her way forward. Moving swiftly and brimming with friends, family, Guinness, and cakes, this small-town holiday tale is utterly delightful from start to finish. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Collector of Burned Books

In 1933, book burnings took place at more than 20 universities across Germany. These were not just acts of destruction — they symbolized an effort to remake German culture in accordance with Nazi ideology. Well known writers and professors fled to Paris, where they created a hidden library filled with books that were banned by the regime. For six years, Professor Corinne Bastien found refuge and purpose in this secret and magical library. The Nazis invade Paris in 1940, and Christian Bauer is sent to manage the relocation of France’s books. A sensitive man of great intellect, he must wear the uniform and feign allegiance while quietly working to protect as many books as possible from destruction. What begins as an unlikely friendship between Corinne and Christian grows into an alliance to save the words and ideas that are on the cusp of being lost forever. This magnificent work of historical fiction reflects the courage of the resistance and the broader reality of censorship through books. Filled with intrigue, suspense and a bit of romance, this is a meaningful tribute to the power of ideas and the human spirit protecting our ideals through the darkest times. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sold

Lakshmi lives with her family in a poor Nepalese village. One day a fancy lady offers to bring Lakshmi to the city where she can work and send money to her family. They wrongly assume it’s to be a maid. After a harsh journey Lakshmi is brought to Happiness House where young girls are trapped into the sex trade. The cost of room and board add up to more than they can ever repay. Written in a lyrical style, the short chapters create a narration that handles the tough material with care. The book is often challenged for depicting a minor’s sexual exploitation, but its goal is to humanize trafficking and encourage informed empathy. Librarians build collections using policies and professional reviews, they shelve by age appropriateness. If someone objects, a request for reconsideration is filed; a review follows, inspects the work and expert sources, then they decide whether to keep, relocate, or remove. The library’s job is to enable access and place books thoughtfully, not control what others read. Let’s allow librarians to put the books in the proper places, while families and teachers help young readers choose what’s right for them. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Boy From the North Country

As a teenager growing up in Goshen, NY, Evan Klausner couldn’t wait to leave. He looked around at the mountains and serene farmland of his little town and knew deep inside that there was a whole world out there waiting to be discovered. After transferring to Oxford to study literature he began to travel the world only coming home occasionally to visit his mother June. He admired his holistic mother who helped people manage their health in the most natural, spiritual way she knew how. She grew gorgeous vegetables and at this point in her life led a quiet existence of yoga and art and peace. Mostly Evan came back out of obligation and this visit was no different. June requested he return because she was sick and needed his help to get through a surgery. Evan quickly learned that the cancer was much worse than she described and had progressed quickly. As Evan lovingly takes care of his mother we get a glimpse of her past and he learns of the circumstances that surrounded the choices she made throughout his young life - the father figures that never stuck around, a doting grandmother with a dark past, the possibility that Bob Dylan was his biological father. This starts out incredibly strong with vivid descriptions of nature, art and literature. Unfortunately, the story loses steam in the final third, with hollow descriptions that circle the truth without ever delivering the closure I had hoped for. I’m on the fence with this one, folks—I liked it, just not as much as I expected. ⭐⭐⭐

Wreck

Rocky lives with her husband, Nick, her grown daughter, Willa, and her father, Mort, in a small town in Western Massachusetts. She tries to help Willa navigate a severe anxiety disorder while applying to PhD programs. Rocky’s father recently moved in after her mother’s passing, and their shared longing for her is both palpable and heartbreaking. Her son, Jamie, newly married, has moved to New York to take a high-paying job at a huge, controversial conglomerate. This leaves Rocky—who has become a magnet for everyone else’s worries—carrying their tension like a second skin. When a tragic local train accident occurs nearby, she becomes obsessed with the bereaved mother and the burden of knowing Jamie’s company was involved. The frenetic pace, quirky characters, and laugh-out-loud humor hit their stride when Rocky faces a battle with her own mysterious health issues. You feel as if the author is your friend, confiding in you, telling you her story over coffee. Exposing a family’s emotional underbelly and a mother’s unwavering devotion, this fast-paced, relatively short novel is simply unputdownable. After all, you can only be as happy as your least happy child—and Rocky proves just how true that is. On sale 10/28/25. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Julia

Many years before Julia Child became a household name, she was a California girl who recently finished college and spent her days golfing and playing tennis at the club. Always intelligent, creative and vivacious, it was no surprise that Julia McWilliams was not prepared to sit on the sidelines for long. As many men, including her own dear brother, were enlisting to fight in the war, a friend suggested Julia do her part and join the OSS, Office of Strategic Services. She was stationed abroad in Ceylon and later in China. Her ingenuity, organizational and people skills shone like the star she was. It was there she met Paul Child, a fellow officer in the OSS who was part of an intellectual, artistic crowd that often intimidated Julia. Although she towered above him at 6’ 2”, Paul took Julia under his wing and introduced her to the food, sites and culture of this foreign land. As their relationship grew it was no surprise that after the war they married in a small ceremony surrounded by friends and family. A lifelong civil servant, Paul was placed in a cultural position in Paris. This is when Julia fell madly in love with her husband, cooking and particularly French food - in that order. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu Institute, and the more she learned, the more she realized she had found her life’s calling; food, teaching, cooking and of course, eating. There have been a multitude of books written by and about the life of Julia Child, a name synonymous with cooking. While I knew quite a bit about the highs and lows of her career which began so much later in life than is typical, I learned much more about Julia before cooking - her family, meeting Paul and travels around the world. A well written, easy to digest work of historical fiction that will leave you hungry for more. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Different Kind of Power

As the world’s youngest female head of government at 37, Jacinda Ardern notched a string of “firsts”: the first elected national leader to take maternity leave while in office; the first New Zealand prime minister to give birth while serving; the first head of government to bring her baby to the United Nations General Assembly; the first New Zealand PM to march in a Pride parade; and the first party leader to win an outright single-party parliamentary majority - to name just a few. Throughout this incredible memoir Ardern explains that if her leadership had to be distilled to a single word, it would be “kindness”—not as niceness or sentimentality, but as a governing method that centers on dignity, fairness, and inclusion. At first I thought: I can barely follow current U.S. politics, and I know nothing about New Zealand! But then I remembered how Jacinda Ardern was in office during tragic volcanic eruptions, the Christchurch shootings, and the Covid pandemic. I’ve always been intrigued by the stories I’ve read and clips of her speeches—her huge smile and beautiful accent—so I thought, this memoir sounds intriguing! Here is a woman who remains an optimist, even though she’s a worrier by nature. She’s a politician who can be tough but is also a well-known hugger. Every chapter of this memoir introduces the reader to a different part of her life, both personal and professional. Dame Jacinda Ardern is a natural-born leader and a woman to follow. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Phoenix Pencil Company

As a freshman in college Monica Tsai is finally finding her place in the world. All she wants to do is code, make friends and figure out who she wants to be. When her grandmother begins to lose her memory Monica decides she must take a break from school and go back to Boston to help. Having been abandoned by her parents at an early age, Monica’s grandparents raised her and provided everything a girl could ever want; love, support and safety. Now it is her turn to take care of them. Monica is offered an opportunity to continue to work remotely with her professor on a project collecting peoples memories through journaling. Coincidentally, her grandmother, knowing her memory is slipping away, begins to journal and share with Monica their family’s secret history. Her grandmother, Yun, was raised in a pencil factory in China. These were not ordinary pencils. The women in the family had magical powers that allowed them to reforge or recover the memories and feelings of the person who wrote with them. While Yun and her cousin Meng filled their imaginations with fantasy and a bit of romantic poetry, the government was using their abilities for espionage and spying. Surviving multiple wars and years of separation from her family, Yun finally begins to share her past, hoping to save Monica’s future. The story felt a bit scattered. I loved the characters and writing but overall it lagged, repeated itself too many times and I am little surprised this was a Reese pick. ⭐⭐⭐

The Other Side of Now

 

Meg Bryan stars in a hit tv show called Brilliance. She is beautiful, famous, rich and turning thirty. Meg has everything she has ever wanted but is in desperate need of a break from the lights and cameras. She randomly books a week at a charming cottage on the coast of Ireland. When Meg arrives she is cold, wet, starving and heads to the nearest pub. At first, some local folks give Meg a funny look and when she retrieves her phone from the bartenders charger its her phone, but her old phone from a decade earlier. How can this be? And the hunky bartender with the irresistible accent? He knows her too. Avalon is the town where Meg and her best friend Aimee almost went to college. Inseparable since adolescence they wanted to study theater and travel the world. But Aimee did not get in and Meg would never leave her behind, hence, the path not taken. Back at the cottage where Meg magically knows where things are, she scrolls through the many photos on her phone. Her past is flashing in front of her eyes and many she has no knowledge of, a puppy, friends and boyfriend (hunky bartender!). When Meg examines her face in the mirror its the old Meg, the pre- Hollywood Meg. Like sliding doors, Meg is staring at her parallel life, one where her best friend Aimee is alive, married and living just a few minutes away. As Meg figures out how to maneuver through this new world she finds the answers to questions she buried long ago. Although I think the author had a hard time winding down towards the ending, I absolutely adored the premise and wonderful characters. Highly recommend this delightful summer read!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Kind of Paradise

Jane Williams has never known any other life than the one she has led in a Montana cabin with her father Saul, since she was four years old. They hunt, chop wood and live off the grid, but for a phone line he installed for emergencies, they have little to no contact with the outside world. Jane is homeschooled which means she hunts, chops wood and learns anything her father is in the mood to teach. With three Harvard degrees it could be any subject in science, history or philosophy. Jane is also a whiz at math. As Jane becomes a teenager her father’s mysterious ways shine a light on all the things they are missing. She accompanies him into town to get supplies and befriends a girl in the bookstore. Jane begins to wonder about other young people her age, what they do and what they think. She is an avid reader and gleans what life could be like through books. Jane begins to explore his locked office when he is not at home. She is confused by a photo of her supposedly dead mother as the back inscription has a different name. Saul becomes more withdrawn and his rants about technology worsen, he truly believes modern society is being destroyed. Jane begins to devise a plan, partly to find proof of her mother’s death and more specifically to escape the precious cocoon that has become a trap. A fine line between what the internet can do for our world and the dangers of our addiction to even the simplest devices. Mesmerizing doomsday peek at an intimate father daughter relationship and the impact of technology. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Death of Us

When Edward and Isabel are thirty years old they are victims of a violent crime. They survive, but barely. They both go on to have successful careers but ultimately this traumatic event ties up their emotions in such a way that destroys their marriage. There is nothing slow burn about this. Home invasion, serial killer, decades of ongoing fear and finally an ex husband and wife reunite for a trial 28 years later. They connect in a way that outsiders cannot understand. Their love is deep and as their hearts explore these emotions, Isabel and Edward prepare to speak at the trial and must relive the day that has defined them. Half way through I wish I never started this book - but I was in and could not put it down. Horrifically disturbing premise, wonderfully intelligent characters and excellent writing.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Atmosphere

Joan Goodwin has always been a science nerd, madly in love with the stars since she was a little girl. As an adult Joan is teaching at a university when her sister Barbara alerts her of an opportunity at NASA that will include women for the very first time in history. Although Joan is not accepted into that particular program, her dream of space becomes a reality when she is finally brought into a group of astronaut candidates in the summer of 1980. This small group of women scientists are surrounded by male egos and military pilots - well aware of their aspirations and limitations, the women must always do their very best. Joan is not only smart and kind, she is a team player that quickly rises in the ranks. Alongside the space, rocket and astronomy lessons scattered throughout the story we watch Joan explore a sexual awakening she never dreamed possible. As Joan creates close relationships with her crew, whose lives literally depend upon each other, she also deals with a difficult sister who unexpectedly gives her more and more responsibility raising her beloved niece Frances. I was pulled into this story quickly but midway it meandered off course and left me orbiting in space. Unfortunately, I think I am searching for Daisy Jones every time I pick up the latest book by Reid, and I am sorely disappointed. ⭐⭐⭐

Show Don't Tell

Reviewing short stories is hard! Instead of explaining each or even just a handful, I’d rather say that reading anything by Curtis Sittenfeld just magically takes me away. Wherever the story is set I am there. I can see and hear the characters. Memories come flooding back and these stories give me a desperate desire to write one myself. There are so many lines I wish I could remember that made me smile and laugh and think about life. Short stories are hard because the ones you really enjoy are over way too soon, theres a bit of an empty feeling while reading a short story collection instead of a novel. But I am 100% sure these are worth it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Address Unknown

Martin and Max are two Germans that run a prestigious art gallery in California. They are business partners and close friends. Martin returns to Germany in 1932 with his family while Max, who is Jewish, remains in San Francisco to run the gallery. Initially, Max envies his friend who is experiencing a democratic Germany with a bright future. They continue to negotiate art being bought and sold and keep each other abreast of their families and friends. But slowly their correspondence begins to shift. Martin is questioning his old friend as his ideals change and he begins to support Hitler as a savior to the German people. Max cannot understand what is happening to his Martin who has been like a brother to him. Through the exchange of letters these two men tell their story and their fate. In 1938 the author Kressman Taylor published this series in a magazine called Story. At the time, the topic deemed too strong to appear under a woman’s name. The magazine sold out and a year later it was published as a short book. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Appeal

Someone is in jail. Two law students named Olufemi and Charlotte are handed a massive collection of emails, texts, articles and letters. Their boss would like them to review these materials in chronological order with the hopes they come to the same conclusion as he and it is enough to initiate an appeal. In a small village near London the Fairway Players are a tight knit community theatre. The productions are often the highlight of their season. The director and his family run the show. Martin directs while Helen stars and their adult offspring and significant others enjoy being the center of attention in every performance. Martin’s young granddaughter has been diagnosed with brain cancer and the troupe and town rally to raise money for an experimental drug from the America that Martin and his family are desperate to get for little Poppy but cannot afford. Large amounts of money are raised and slowly the story evolves, funds disappear, the doctor has a questionable past. The lawyers keep sifting and one mousy wanna-be-actress named Isobel cannot control her desire to stir the mystery pot. As the law students unravel the puzzle, the readers are invited to piece together the clues, hidden in plain sight, and solve the case alongside them. A lot of characters to keep up with and you really have to pay attention to this fast paced, thoroughly enjoyable experience! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Food Person

Why is this five stars? Because I truly enjoyed every single moment! Isabella Pasternak is passionate about antique cookbooks, making the perfect egg and not getting mixed up in her mothers bizarre schemes. She tolerates her job as a food writer at Comestibles (because she loves all things food related) and manages to stay clear of her fellow workmates by filling them with pastries she bakes each morning. Isabella is devastated when she is fired for being too mediocre, too average and screwing up a live video while making a chocolate soufflé.  Her roommate Owen has been her best friend since freshman year and although he doesn’t eat much, he does enjoy her company and happily entices her with a work opportunity through his agent father to ghostwrite a cookbook for a messed up B actress looking to make a comeback. From the moment Isabella meets Molly she is thrown on an erratic rollercoaster of unusual whims and charming this bad girl out of her latest catastrophe. Molly who doesn’t eat, doesn’t cook and has zero interest in following through on anything, quickly turns Isabella’s nice quiet existence completely upside down. This fast paced delicious coming of age story in the heart of NYC is the perfect recipe for friendship, love and laughter. Cookbooks, humor and even a dash of romance - perfect reading for a simmering day at the beach! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Little Great Island

Growing up on Little Great Island off the coast of Maine was idyllic. After ten long years of estrangement, Mari McGavin has finally returned, with her son Levi in tow. She has escaped the farming commune, aka “cult”, that silently destroyed her relationship with her parents and her past. But she is back to save her son - and herself from the misguided, violent behavior of Pastor Aron and the flock that blindly follows, even her beloved husband Caleb. Levi is only six years old and his grandparents instantly fall in love with him. Without pressuring Mari for fear she will abandon them again, they know she is hiding from something or someone. As she begins rebuilding her life and caring for Levi to the best of her ability, Mari turns to sustainable farming, her passion and expertise before she dropped out of graduate school. She reconnects with old friends and mentors learning that the island and their fishing way of life has deteriorated and it is up to her to rethink the future and create ways the islanders can thrive and survive. As personal battles heat up, greed trumps thoughtfulness and Mari is determined to save the island the only way she knows how. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Correspondent

When the book begins, Sybil is 72 years old. In the “winter of her life”, retired from her prestigious career as a law clerk, she finally has more time to write. Divorced for many years with two grown children, Sybil still mourns the tragic loss of her third child in an accident many years ago. Her letters keep her connected to family and friends, offer compliments to authors, and occasionally harass newspaper editors. A reader, writer, and lifelong letter writer, Sybil is often cantankerous, but her heart is as big as the sun. Though painfully honest and outwardly content, a certain loneliness subtly lingers since retirement, casting a shadow over even her sunniest days. When Sybil learns that she is going blind due to an untreatable eye condition, the future feels uncertain, and she seeks forgiveness for memories that have never faded. As we delve into Sybil's life and her many correspondences, her story unfurls through the lens of her loved ones, books, and even a touch of unexpected romance. Told through letters, the narrative is refreshingly unique, and we are quickly drawn into the lives of these wonderfully complex characters. A heartwarming and easy read, this novel serves as a gentle reminder to stop and smell the roses. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Fisherman's Gift

Dorothy is a school teacher in a small Scottish village near the sea. She is viewed as prim and proper and standoffish to the villagers but Dorothy is most often misunderstood, as her quiet ways stem from being raised by a strict, cold, unloving mother. Dorothy is shocked to find herself attracted to a local fisherman named Joseph. As he tries to court her the women quickly spread viscous rumors about Dorothy’s intentions. In 1900 Scotland, it would be unheard of for a single woman to pursue anything untoward. Years pass as Dorothy continues to hide her true love for Joseph. She faces tragedy, loneliness and a deep desire to disappear. One day a boy washes up on shore, he is barely breathing and Joseph brings him to the church. It is the minister who believes Dorothy could take care of the boy as he regains consciousness and they continue to search for his parents. Memories take over Dorothy’s present as years earlier her little boy disappeared to the sea. More than an old folktale she believes this is her second chance at being a mother. Triggering the past ultimately brings the truth of what happened full circle. This quiet, beautifully written story was so atmospheric, I felt like was sipping tea in this tiny, foggy Scottish town listening to Mrs. Brown as she sat in the knitting circle. Cannot believe this is a debut novel. Simply wonderful. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐