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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Bright Years

Lillian meets Ryan at the library, her favorite of all places. He is instantly charming and a flirt, their chemistry is undeniable. Eventually married, they open an art studio and create a sweet little family giving birth to a beautiful girl they name Georgette (nickname Jet). The happiest either of them have ever been, the deep loss which initially bound them begins to tear them apart. Ryan’s father was a raging, abusive alcoholic. His mother Elise escaped with Ryan when he was just a little boy and although they built a stable home and Elise was a wonderful mother, Ryan is haunted by the mere possibility that this man’s DNA exists - enough to turn him into a lifelong teetotaler. An orphan too young, Lillian lost both her parents and craved a family more than Ryan could possibly understand. She also feared the idea of loss so deeply that she often pushed love away out of self protection. This generational family drama is narrated through three points of view; Lillian, Jet and Ryan. The initial portion told by Lillian had me on the edge of my seat as I cheered for her to figure a way out of their complicated mess. But from there it went downhill. Even though I mostly liked the main characters there was too much death and the rollercoaster of Ryan’s alcoholism, although tragically sad was exhausting and repetitive. I cannot put my finger on it but although this book had really positive reviews overall - it was “like”, not love for me. ⭐⭐⭐

Great Big Beautiful Life

Alice Scott a young  journalist has tracked down a wealthy famous woman named Margaret Ives, who has been incognito for decades. Alice flies from LA to a very small town in Georgia for the interview only to find out she is competing with a handsome pulitzer prize winning writer named Hayden for the prestigious job of assisting with Margaret’s biography. There is immediate chemistry but Hayden and Alice decide they will keep things platonic until Margaret has made her decision. The story is 90% about Margaret, a character who is barely likable and of zero interest. Her family history going back more than 100 years is boring, messy and endless. Unfortunately whoever guided Emily Henry sorely misunderstood her readers. I have no idea where this was supposed to be heading but for me it was a flop. I am shocked Reese picked this as her highlight this month, she is usually so spot on.  ⭐⭐

Home of the American Circus

Short on rent again, Freya Arnald hits the road, leaving behind Acadia, Maine after a decade. Hounded by an estate attorney, she heads to Somers, NY, where her deceased parents' home awaits—along with two unexpected occupants: her 15-year-old niece Aubrey and a rat named Lenny Juice. Freya's initial plan to sell the dilapidated house quickly evaporates when she realizes serious repairs are needed. Deeply drawn to Aubrey, whom she hasn't seen since she was a little girl, Freya must navigate the challenges of renovation while reconnecting with her niece and avoiding the rest of the town, especially her wicked sister. Along the way, she reunites with Jam, her oldest friend, who is a musical prodigy battling his own demons. As Freya works to rebuild the house and her relationship with Aubrey, she must face painful memories she left behind when she fled at nineteen. In this heartwarming drama, Freya discovers that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the connections we choose. With its richly drawn cast of quirky characters, this novel is a beautiful testament to second chances and the resilience of the human spirit. Sometimes, despite our best efforts to run, happiness can be found where we least expect it, proving that you can always go home again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐