Air

Aaron is on a long flight with his 15 year old son Emmett. After all these years living in Sidney, Australia, he is heading back to where it all began. No-one is expecting them, in fact Rebecca will be quite shocked to see them. But it is important for his son and somehow Aaron just knows it is the right thing to do. As they fly across the world he slowly reveals his painful past, and can finally imagine a new future. It's hard not to give anything away with a novella review! This is absolutely five stars and if you haven't read The Elements, this is the fourth and final novella. The complete book arrives in the U.S. in the fall. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ghostwriter

Famous author of horror novels Vincent Taylor is dying. He requests a ghostwriter to help him complete his final and last book, a memoir of his life. Olivia Dumont has not seen or spoken to her elusive father in years. She was sent to boarding school at 14 years old and never went home again. With a different last name, Olivia, also a writer, has slipped under the radar and no-one knows her true identity or the details of her complicated family. When Vincent was a teenage his brother and sister were murdered. The killer never found. Fingers pointed at Vincent for years which only increased sales of his mysterious novels. But now he is ready for the truth to be written and he wants Olivia be the author. But similar to her early childhood, Vincent is still playing games with her clever mind. Olivia must follow his clues to figure out who killed her Aunt Poppy and Uncle Danny. Going back to Ojai, the town she grew up in is hard enough but facing the reasons her mother left and her father’s neglect brings Olivia back into painful memories. Regardless of the outcome and obstacles personally and professionally she remains determined to solve this twisted mystery. Could not put this one down. Well written, fast paced book within a book, a perfect beach read! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Love Haters

Katie Vaughn works as a video producer for a small company in Texas. As the company is cleaning house Katie fears her job is at risk and will do anything it takes to save it. When her manager asks if she could swim, the answer is yes. (She cannot.) Does she want to go to Key West and video a Coast Guard Rescue swimmer who is a hero - absolutely! Without thinking twice she packs her gear and heads on over to paradise. There she meets a cast of beyond quirky characters and most importantly the grumpy hero himself who turns out to be her managers brother. Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson is the real deal so Katie’s plan to fake it til you make it doesn’t go over so well. Caught up in their family feud while trying to protect her career is no easy task. Throw in a dog and a hurricane and what you’ve got is a messy romcom that I could don’t wait to end. I hope its a case of timing on my part but this did not have anything real to grasp onto. It just got too slapstick for me and was nothing like her earlier books. :( ⭐⭐

Slow Burn Summer

Kate Elliot needs a job. After spending the past 20 years as a stay-at-home mom, her skills have been a little out of practice. Thankfully, Kate has one thing she can rely on: her past career as a working actress on a soap opera. Reaching out to her London agent, she’s stunned to find it’s his son, Charlie, who now runs the agency. Charlie has a unique opportunity for her: to pose as the face of a bestselling love story, since the author prefers to stay anonymous. She’ll attend book signings, give interviews, and essentially pretend to be the author, not to mention after one reading she falls in love with the book! What could possibly go wrong? Post divorce Kate moved out of her beautiful home and is temporarily living in a small flat above her sister’s costume shop, so her life is already full of surprises. But when sparks fly between her and hot, recently-divorced Charlie, the job starts to feel less like a quirky favor and more like an unexpected second chance at love. As their professional relationship turns personal, Kate struggles to keep things professional while her chemistry with Charlie is off the chart. Romantic, sweet, and packed with humor, this novel has it all. With lovable characters and a fast-paced plot, it’s the perfect read for the beach this summer! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rabbit Moon

Claire doesn’t hear from her daughter often. After Lindsey moved to Shanghai to teach English with her boyfriend, their communication dwindled. The only person Lindsey still confides in is her much younger sister Grace, whom she adores. While Grace is away at summer camp, Claire is still figuring out how to live alone. Although its been four years Claire and Aaron’s divorce fractured the entire family and it sometimes feels like things will never be okay again. Having grown up in a well-to-do town in Massachusetts Lindsey was an extremely intelligent girl with bright beautiful red hair. Dropping out of college was the last thing anyone imagined Lindsey would ever do. When she moved to China it was as if they lost her forever. One day Claire’s phone rings and she receives a message no parent could imagine. Lindsey has been in a horrible hit and run accident and is in the hospital. Racing to her bedside, Claire and Aaron can barely face each other. At a literal loss for words, everything in China is difficult as they assess the situation and wait for Lindseys recovery. In this overwhelmingly busy city we piece together Lindsey’s tragic story, of a lost girl who could have had it all. Highly recommend this extremely well written, heartrending novel that reminded me a lot of The Expatriates. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

When Eleanor meets Raymond she doesn’t understand why he is being nice to her. Raymond works in IT and Eleanor never imagined her request for assistance would be the start of an actual friendship - she doesn’t have any of those. At almost 30, she goes to work, gets food and goes home. Her phone chats with mummy and bottles of weekend vodka are the highlight of her week. Raymond introduces Eleanor to his mother, they lunch together and soon, she begins to trust him. An autodidact, Eleanor is highly intelligent, with an extensive vocabulary stemming from years of isolation. She is painfully honest and socially awkward but this does not stop Raymond from encouraging Eleanor to seek the help she needs. As her secrets are slowly revealed Eleanor’s unlikely friendships with Raymond and Sammy provide us with a glimpse of her true character and her own surprise, learning that she’s capable of caring for others. As the story unfolds - sad, captivating, funny - we are cheering for this woman to defeat her demons and live a more fulfilling life. This novel sensitively illuminates the realities of PTSD, addiction, suicide, and abuse—making it a powerful read for Mental Health Awareness Month. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heartwood

Somewhere in Maine, deep in the woods near the Appalachian Trail, Valerie Gillis goes missing. She is 42 and an experienced hiker that was traveling the last 200 miles of her journey solo. Her husband patiently waited at their designated location for supplies and Valerie never showed up. The State Game Warden is notified and within hours a full fledge search and rescue is underway. Every hour of every day changes the possibility of finding Valerie alive. Beverly is the head warden and as a female she has always had to be tougher and better than the rest. But she also has a big heart and this search becomes personal. Bev deeply feels for the grieving parents and the many teams that she has put together who have been working around the clock. As the days unfold she struggles to keep faith that they will be successful, it seems as if Valerie has vanished. Lena, an aging forager (person who collects edible plants) has spent her life as a scientist and is painfully bored in her retirement home. Lena begins to put the pieces together as she follows the story of the missing hiker. Although Lena essentially keeps to herself she has a way of understanding nature and people better than most. Slow burn mystery filled with the beauty of the AT, the people who hike it and those who protect it.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

All That Life Can Afford

As a little girl Anna always loved books. The library was her safe space, where she escaped into a dream world through the pages of whatever she was reading. It was only natural she would grow up to study English literature in college and dream of a life in publishing. But her parents didn’t have much and things only got worse as her mothers diabetes and medical issues escalated. When Anna ran away to study in London she never wanted to look back. Anna wanted to reinvent herself as the characters in her beloved novels had done. To make ends meet with her school loans, Anna began tutoring students and met the Wilder family. Pippa was her best and favorite student and Anna did not hesitate when the family invited her to join them and teach Pippa over the holidays in Saint Tropez. Caught up in a world of make believe, Anna was loaned clothes and shoes, taken to wineries and fancy bistros. It was everything she ever imagined. With her pretty face and sweet demeanor, it didn’t take long before she stopped mentioning she worked for the Wilder’s and just became one of the gang. It wasn’t easy to keep up with their social life while barely getting by with her paycheck, these young beautiful people did not have to worry about anything. Their lives seemed perfect and Anna wanted to taste that freedom if only for a moment. As relationships deepened a very fine line was crossed and suddenly Anna found she could not outrun her past. Coming of age story filled with books and London and the dreams of a young girl, I loved every minute of it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All the Other Mothers Hate Me

At 31, Florence Grimes never expected to be a single mom, addicted to reality tv and delivering party balloons for a living. She was lead singer in a hit girl band back in the day, experiencing moderate fame and invites to the hottest parties. A decade later she shuttles her ten year old son Dylan to and from his fancy private school where none of the other mums like her very much. One day Dylans class is going on a nature field trip, one he is very excited about. When the bus returns a boy named Alfie, the class bully and most wealthy child in the school, is missing. Some impeccably manicured fingers quickly point to Dylan, who has a troubled history involving a turtle incident with Alfie and was his designated partner on the trip. Florence has a hard time getting any real answers from Dylan who is rather introverted and suddenly secretive. At risk of losing her son Florence decides to take matters into her own hands. If she can figure out what happened to Alfie she can clear Dylan’s name and put an end to these horrendous rumors. With laugh-out-loud snarky humor that transforms into a twisted mystery, this quirky mom spirals through the streets of London, tumbling into a whirlwind of trouble. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone

Starting in the 1960’s, Annabel, a smart young woman travels to Mississippi to help register black voters. Called Freedom Summer, Annabel’s charitable, god fearing parents are convinced that teaching their daughters to be good and kind and fair is all that matters. That summer changes her life. It introduces Annabel to a world that judges, deprives and punishes people, based on the color of their skin. She is shocked, she falls in love and this sets her on a path for a life she never imagined. Annabel and her partner Guthrie move to Boston while he attends Harvard. They live in a communal house called Puddingstone, shared by 10 adults and a growing number of children. These like minded friends and roommates are all activists. Some fighting for equality in the workplace while others clamor for better welfare benefits. They are intelligent, passionate and want to change the world. As the children grow and now number 7, the adults decide city life is not healthy. It is not safe or pure. They want them to explore nature and their creativity and most of all, the adults want to continue their crusades without the daily complications of childcare. One of the women buys an old farmhouse in Vermont. They set up what they believe is an idyllic place to grow and decide the mothers will visit by rotation, giving the children fresh air and adventure while the adults continue the revolution. Narrated by both Annabel and her daughter Ivy, this novel chronicles decades of their evolving relationship shaped by unique circumstances. It is rich with drama, history, friendship, and the deep-seated yearning for mothering that all living beings need. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tidy Up Your Life

Tyler Moore and his wife live in a small two bedroom/1 bathroom apartment in New York with their three little girls. It may sound impossible to some who have sprawled out living spaces in the suburbs with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, not to mention the built in storage of garage, basement and attic. The Moore family had a lot less square footage to maintain. It is interesting to read the challenge of assessing what you “need” and how to keep any sized space clean and organized. With a background as a school teacher and administrator, Tyler was good at accomplishing his to-do-list with little ones underfoot. But stress and anxiety of a busy work life and family responsibilities can take its toll. Tyler discovered methods to keep his home tidy and everyone in it happy. As he morphed into his life as “tidy dad” through social media (some of his videos went viral!) He realized that with space, time and financial budget in mind anyone can create the life they want and most importantly prioritize what you need. This light, entertaining read is filled with great tips and motivating ideas for any sized space. If you are ready to take the spring cleaning plunge, check it out! It took thirty years of marriage for my hubby to start doing the dishes. So, yeah, you can change old habits and it is worth a try! ⭐⭐⭐

The Tell

Amy Griffin spent her early years on the track team in Amarillo, Texas. She ran and ran. It calmed her and helped her maintain focus. In college she ran and in Amy’s later years as a busy, working mother she continued to pound the pavement through New York City, her new hometown. The question that always lurked behind the miles, what was she running from? In her search for the underlying cause of her panic and anxiety, Amy underwent MDMA-assisted therapy where she discovered memories of childhood abuse that had been buried for most of her life. Slowly, visions and stories surfaced that had Amy digging deeper into who, what and where this all happened. And most importantly, how in the world did nobody know? With the unyielding support of her husband and family, Amy slowly put the pieces of her mystery together and confronted the horrifying truth. Without knowing how others would react, Amy basically had to rewrite the idyllic childhood she had always treasured. This beautiful, intelligent woman was a mother, sister, daughter, wife and friend to many and for the very first time Amy would be asking for help. With complete honestly and raw description of her innermost thoughts, Amy’s memoir shares her story with the world. It would be therapeutic for anyone to journal their feelings but to make it public takes a bravery that most people would find impossible. Hopefully Amy’s words help others experiencing this kind of pain if only to know they are not alone. This memoir was super hyped by our famous reader leaders. It is very well written (wow) but sad and painful to read. It is not too long and I think it is worthwhile for many reasons. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It's A Love Story

Jane Jackson grew up on television. As an adolescent actress she played Janey Jakes on a hit tv show that paid the bills and made her famous. All grown up now Jane works behind the scenes for a Hollywood studio with her eye on the prize - getting a script she discovers the green light. Frustrated at thirty that is hasn’t happened yet, she finally found the one. True Story is a romance she is sure will be a hit! Now Jane must convince her boss Nathan to take a chance. Without the explosions and flash appeal of the action flicks he favors, Jane reaches for her one secret move. Jane is intent on convincing Jack Quinlin, a huge singer/songwriter (she knew back in the day) to write a theme song for the movie. Jane is paired with a cinematographer and her nemesis Dan to make this deal happen. Jane and Dan, who can barely stand each other, head to the east coast for a music festival to beg Jack to help them out. They spend the week nearby at Dan’s family home that is filled with siblings, babies and laughter, revealing a completely different Dan. As the pair search for Jack and finally lower their guards, their chemistry becomes undeniable. Fast paced laugh-out-loud, adorable romance - this beach read is the absolute perfect pick for a day at the beach!  Releases May 27, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Names

Today is the day Cora must fill out the paperwork at the birth registrars office. She goes into town with little Maia by her side and baby boy in his pram. Silently grieving, she cannot imagine naming this beautiful child Gordon after his father and father’s father. The name denotes a history of arrogant, ruthless men who control her life. As a physician, everyone imagines her husband Gordon is a dream, a catch. Handsome, kind to his patients, intelligent and able to provide all the luxuries life has to offer. Little do they realize what her life is behind the closed doors of their home, virtually a prison. Cora imagines what life would be like to name the baby Julian, while 8 year old Maia dreams of Bear. Cora also envisions the terrifying consequences of going against her husband’s wishes. As the reader delves into the parallel worlds the boy’s given name dictates his future self and in turn simultaneously affects completely different lives for both Maia and Cora. Although the description of domestic abuse is extremely difficult to digest, this debut novel is both gorgeously written and heartbreaking. The themes of generational trauma, personal identity and motherhood make this layered story a thought provoking and necessary read. Releases May 6, 2025.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Broken Country

Beth lives in a quaint village in the English countryside. As a teenager in the 1950s, while most of her peers dream of marriage and babies, Beth, a studious girl, dreams of studying literature and poetry at Oxford. The summer before her final year of high school, she wanders through a meadow and meets Gabriel. They fall madly in love. Gabriel, a year older and extremely wealthy, shares her passion for writing. He is beautiful, gentle, and completely captivates Beth’s heart. However, his controlling mother disapproves, believing Beth isn’t good enough for her son. Determined to keep them apart, she does everything in her power to sabotage their relationship. Fast-forward to the late 1960s—Beth is married to Frank. Together, they run a large farm with his brother, Jimmy, while still mourning the loss of their son, Bobby. After a decade of silence, Gabriel suddenly returns. The village erupts in gossip, judging Beth for reconnecting with her first love. Through it all, kind and steadfast Frank remains unwavering in his commitment to their marriage and farm. Shifting between past and present, we are led to a courtroom trial. Someone stands accused of murder. But who is on trial? Who was killed? And why? This novel is a breathtaking rollercoaster of love, heartbreak, and secrets. Suspenseful and beautifully crafted these short, gripping chapters make it utterly unputdownable. The biggest compliment I can ever give a book: I didn’t want it to end. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wild Dark Shore

The Salt family has spent the last nine years living in a lighthouse on the remote island of Shearwater, near Antarctica. As caretakers of a once-thriving seed bank, they have watched the world’s climate deteriorate into chaos. With the weather growing increasingly hostile, they are tasked with organizing the final seed crates while awaiting naval rescue. Dominic Salt, a tireless problem-solver who can fix anything, has raised three children who have become brilliant autodidactic scientists, each specializing in their own field. Their love for nature, animals, and one another is unwavering. After losing their mother, the family sought refuge on this isolated island, finding solace among seals, birds, and whales, far from human interference. Everything changes when seventeen-year-old Fen discovers an unconscious woman washed up on the shore—an impossible event in this remote place. As they nurse her back to health, they learn her name is Rowan. But the truth of how she arrived unfolds slowly, revealing secrets that threaten to upend everything. This suspenseful, atmospheric novel is filled with beauty, loss, and moral dilemmas. Loosely inspired by Macquarie Island and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, it will haunt you long after the final page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Let's Call Her Barbie

In 1956 little girls played with baby dolls. They were practicing to be good mothers and little helpers. Ruth Handler thought otherwise. As she and her husband Elliot led Mattel Toy Company to become one of the largest in the world, Ruth was determined to single handedly change the way the people viewed women and to teach girls to reach for the stars. Ruth’s vision was the Barbie doll and it took three hardworking years to produce the very first 11 inch rubber doll. Barbie would be beautiful, fashionable, successful and independent. As the Mattel creative teams got to work Ruth faced many obstacles in the boardroom and with the public. The fan mail was not always positive and it would take many years for mothers to see the value in purchasing this doll for their children to dream. In an era when men were in charge, this tiny outspoken woman would not accept no for an answer. She created and fought for Barbie, a cultural icon which over the decades has evolved reflecting societal changes and embracing diversity as well as empowerment. To date more than 1 billion Barbies have been sold. Barbie has introduced over 100 dolls representing various ethnicities and has held more than 200 jobs, including roles as an astronaut and a president. This novel is a glimpse into the history of Barbie, alongside the fascinating life of Ruth Handler, a woman way ahead of her time. As Ruth famously quotes “Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices." ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Every Tom Dick & Harry

Emma Lewis feels like a kid coming home again. After achieving multiple degrees in college she is back in Harrow, Massachusetts and needs a job. As her parents ready to retire she reluctantly moves into their home and is handed Finders Keepers, their successful estate sales business. As Emma takes on quirky customers with a modern twist she stumbles upon the sale of the century signing up the largest mansion in their town that was just put up for sale. Upon her appraisal inspection Emma discovers that this monstrous home was not the quaint bed and breakfast everyone thought it was. It was secretly or not so secretly a brothel servicing some of the most prominent members in the community. With hidden filing cabinets and a trove of valuable items to sell, Emma puts her personal feelings aside and is ready to make a windfall. At the same time she is falling for the new police chief who she went to high school with. This lanky, shy boy has grown into a confident hunk and the most legible bachelor in town. This light romantic comedy is an adorable breezy read and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Funnily, I find myself itching to do a yard sale or at the very least some spring cleaning! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Olive Days

Rina Kirsch, a 31-year-old mother of two from Los Angeles, grapples with the expectations of her tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community, including her husband and parents. Though she has always adhered to Jewish tradition unquestioningly, life feels increasingly challenging. At her husband's urging, they delve into a night of sexual seduction to revive their marriage, an experience that leaves Rina questioning everything. Feeling unhinged, she later embarks on a risky affair with Will, her non-Jewish painting teacher, which brings both joy and deep anxiety about her identity as a Jewish mother and wife. The novel delves passionately into these themes, prompting profound reflections on women's roles in religious homes. While the book adeptly explains Jewish customs, its characters, though complex, remain somewhat distant and hard to connect with. Despite this, if the theme intrigues you, it's worth exploring for its poetic exploration of these complicated dilemmas. ⭐⭐⭐

The Queens of Crime

In 1930s London, mystery novels were widely enjoyed but not taken very seriously in literary circles. Determined to change this perception, a group of authors formed a club to support one another and prove their genre’s worth. Among them were Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie, the only two female members at the time. To bring more women into their ranks, they embark on an ambitious challenge—not just writing mysteries but solving one. When the body of an English nurse, May Daniels, is found months after her disappearance, the police seem more interested in closing the case than seeking justice, painting May as a problem rather than a victim. Unwilling to accept this, the "Queens of Crime" launch their own investigation, using the same locked-room theories and deductive skills that made their novels famous. Inspired by the real-life Dorothy Sayers, this gripping work of historical fiction weaves together a tale of mystery, friendship, and the relentless fight for women’s independence. A true page-turner, it brings to life the ingenuity and determination of the pioneering women who reshaped the crime fiction genre. I have loved every single book by Marie Benedict, always entertaining and educational, and this latest release is a must!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Counting Backwards

Working tirelessly as a young attorney at a prestigious New York law firm, Jessa has one goal: to make partner. But as it becomes increasingly clear that this dream is slipping away, she is drawn into an unexpected case—one that won’t bring the billable hours her firm so highly values. Instead, it’s a pro bono case for Isobel, a woman detained at a nearby ICE facility. As Jessa delves deeper, Isobel confides in her about troubling medical issues she and other detainees have experienced at the women’s clinic. As the pieces of a disturbing puzzle fall into place, Jessa’s world is further shaken by a long-held family secret revealed by her beloved grandmother. Suddenly, turning her back on these women is no longer an option. For the first time, Jessa also finds herself at odds with her husband, Vance—once her steadfast supporter—who now prioritizes money and reputation over doing what’s right. Caught between career, family, and conscience, Jessa is determined to help these vulnerable women expose the shocking eugenics practices being forced upon them under the guise of medical care. With everything at stake, Jessa must summon the courage to stand up and speak out for those who have been silenced. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Happened to the McCrays?

Kyle McCray is back in Potsdam, NY. After two and a half lonely years wandering Kyle is notified that his dad had a stroke. Despite barely making it through their chilly past, he dutifully returns home to help him recuperate. When Kyle left town at the behest of his ex-wife Casey he disappointed a lot of people. After experiencing an unimaginable tragedy there was no choice but to disappear, the pain between he and Casey - his high school sweetheart and love of his life - was simply too much. Kyle is surprised to find open arms welcoming him back; from his hockey coach and former employees to old time neighbors that watched him leave. Everyone, except Casey. Always the diplomat, she is polite to a fault but an unflinching wall remains in place, blocking any emotions they shared over the years. When Kyle has an opportunity to save the beloved middle school hockey team, he extends his stay and falls comfortably back into old routines and the spirit of teamwork that once made him a local superstar. With its raw emotion, compelling characters, and an underdog spirit that shines both on and off the ice, this novel isn’t just about hockey—it’s about love, loss, and the ties that pull us home. A truly unforgettable read that will leave your heart both aching and full. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Isola

Marguerite de la Rocque  is orphaned at a young age. In the sixteenth century as a child of nobility she is placed under the guardianship of a distant cousin named Jean-Francoise Roberval. He is an explorer with favor from the King. Roberval has an explosive manipulative personality and for many years Marguerite remains in her parents estate under the care of Damienne, her nurse and mother figure since birth. Roberval mostly ignores Marguerite’s existence but as he eventually spends her entire inheritance she is no longer marriageable and under complete isolation Marguerite is left with no alternative options other than to accompany him and his crew on a ship searching for New France (later Canada). In this male dominated world Marguerite discovers her own extraordinary strength and faith, never giving up hope for independence. Falling in love, marooned on an island, I never expected an historical novel set in 1546 to be such a page turner! Incredible story of a real-life heroine who fought for her own survival, reminding us that strong women have always broken down barriers in the face of inequality. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Strange Case of Jane O.

Jane is a young, single mother. She works at the New York Public Library, lives in Brooklyn and mostly keeps to herself. One day she is found in the park, lying in the grass and has no memory of the 25 hours that have just passed. Frantic with worry about her one year old son, she quickly learns that his daycare attendant kept him overnight and he is fine. The police investigate to assure Jane there was no outside involvement and she quickly contacts the only psychiatrist she knows, one she saw very briefly at 17 years old. When Jane begins to meet with Dr. Byrd she also reveals a recent hallucination that she experienced, that, along with this lapse in memory is simply terrifying. Especially for someone like Jane, who has a life long condition known as hyperthymesia. She can recall an abnormally large number of life experiences in vivid detail. Narrated by both Dr. Byrd and Jane we learn first hand how this patient, kind psychiatrist desperately wants to help this woman who may or may not be telling the whole truth. Dr. Byrd diagnoses Jane with another rare disorder called dissociative fugue, a sort of reversible amnesia.  Although the novel moves slowly, this incredibly original storyline is interesting and extremely well written. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jeddah Bride

In the mid 1970’s Patricia was about to start college. She was counting the minutes to freedom and independence away from her parent’s Long Island home. Attending Wellesley Patricia jumped right into the Boston disco scene, wearing outrageous outfits, drinking and dancing the night away. One evening she meets Rahman Abbar. He is a few years older and a student at BU. Born into a wealthy Saudi family, Rahman dazzled all the girls with his good looks and endless charm. He was the life of the party and comfortably picked up the check at the end of each night. A whirlwind romance ensues, and the young couple eventually introduce each other to their families. Even though they are quickly forced to overcome rather large obstacles, Patricia refuses to give up. Once she commits to marrying Rahman, there was no turning back. Converting to Muslim and experiencing life in Jeddah was her first introduction to the reality of being Rahman’s wife. Patricia realizes she will never escape suspicion as a foreigner and cannot even leave the home unescorted. All her studying and degrees mean nothing in Saudi. The couple continue to live around the world, no expense too great for their entertainment and comfort. But eventually Rahman becomes increasingly indifferent and with two young children in tow, Patricia finds herself trapped. This memoir may sound like fiction and read like a novel but this is Patricia’s story - and it is both shocking and fascinating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bluebird Day

Wylie hasn’t spoken to the GOAT in two years. Her mother, Claudine Potts is a world champion Olympic alpine skier. Claudine’s father Kipper, was also a champion Olympic skier and from the time she learned to walk Wylie was expected to be one as well. When Wylie finally succumbed to debilitating panic attacks she disappeared from the skiing world. Studying art and working in a quiet museum in the Berkshires is a peaceful, safe existence for a girl that could not breathe in the spotlight. Her boyfriend Dan, who is also her personal trainer, controls every meal, workout and sleep pattern of her daily life. It has become so easy to be told what to do rather than make her own difficult decisions. Dan has entered them into a duo fitness competition in Berlin. What began as a quest for prize money becomes a mission to prove to her overambitious mom that she too can be a winner. When Dan unexpectedly cannot compete Wylie shockingly turns to her mom to be her partner. They set off on an adventure that becomes a trip down memory lane and an opportunity to reconnect with and examine how her downhill skiing career crashed much more than just Olympic dreams. This quirky cast of characters stranded in the snowy mountains is filled with friendship, romance and a mother and daughter that are more alike than they think. ⭐⭐⭐

Where the Heart Should Be

 

The Great Famine, The Great Hunger, The Irish Potato Famine. In 1845, Ireland experienced mass starvation and disease that lasted for seven years. Nell is sixteen and begins working as a scullery maid in the kitchen of The Big House owned by English Lord Wicken. She has strict instructions to never leave the kitchen, to be seen and not heard. Nell is smart, was the top of her class, but as a daughter of a poor farming family there was never an option to be more than a servant. When her father’s crops fail, her paltry earnings are all the family has to live on. Nell meets Johnny and she cannot take her eyes off of him. He is Wickens nephew and future heir. Narrated by this kind and beautiful girl, we witness families losing their homes, losing their children and all hope for the future. While Nell works in the landlord’s home she witnesses how the English respond to this catastrophe, how even their beloved church was helpless to offer assistance. In the most unconventional and original prose I have ever read, this YA historical novel is told in verse. A lyrical journey describing one of the darkest times in history through the eyes of a young girl who is heartbreakingly losing everything at the same time she is also falling in love. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It is hard to describe

reading narrative verse

     If you have never tried

You will be mesmerized

  by words

   by poetry

and will not stop reading

Until the very last page.

Pictures of You

Waking up in a hospital hooked up to monitors would be terrifying to anyone. But when Evie Hudson opens her eyes she does not recognize her almost 30 year old face. In her mind, the memories of her life stop at 16. She has survived a horrific car crash that killed her husband Oliver, whom she does not recall. Evie finds herself with a traumatic form of amnesia that the doctors say will “most likely” return in time. How long it will take, they do not know. Evie has no choice but to attend Oliver’s funeral with her cold overbearing in-laws. Where are her Mom and Dad? Where is her best friend Bree? As Evie puzzles her life back together she meets up with Drew, a handsome photographer who knew Evie in the past and has never let go of the hope she would return to his life one day. The scariest part is as memories begin to trickle in Evie becomes more confused about who she really is. She cannot begin to imagine how she pushed everyone she loved away and tolerated Oliver’s manipulative abuse. Always a fan of second chance romance this fast paced story is filled with family, friendship and the one who got away. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

We Are Made of Stars

In the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina is the charming resort Vis Ta Vie. This inn is run by Jean-Paul and Renee, a loving couple who are currently struggling financially and emotionally as to whether they must close for good after the summer season. As they welcome their guests for the week, we meet old college friends who have been coming for years and are hiding explosive secrets that will change their lives forever; a single mom self medicating while she struggles to make her gloomy teenager happy and a handsome famous movie star who desperately wants to reconcile with his lifelong love after a very public fallout. Each day brings adventures on the trails and in the kitchen, but within the beauty we slowly piece together the compelling puzzle. The question is whether their relationships can survive when the truth comes out. Totally reminded me of White Lotus vibes with an array of complex characters who come together at a resort! ⭐⭐⭐

Confessions

In New York City, September 11, 2001, the world changed. When the planes crashed Cora Brady became an orphan. After days of wandering the city, she finally posts a flyer for her missing father Michael who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, high up in the towers. Cora knows he will never be found, she doesn’t post contact information. It is just her way of saying goodbye. Her Aunt Roisin is waiting for her in the small village of Burtonport, Ireland. Roisin and Cora’s mother Maire were as close as two sisters could ever be growing up, but love and art and life tore them apart. In a silent standoff for years, Michael predicted Cora would someday need her aunt in her life, and he was right. Cora arrives in Ireland sixteen years old, terrified and alone in the world. The house she enters looks haunted. It is also identical to a house in the video game she loved as a child. A game where two sisters must save the students in a creepy boarding school where they often disappear. The narrator alternates confessions between three generations of women who love each other deeply but are all hiding from their truth. Although one of the narrated portions is in second person, which is both off putting and interesting - I simply loved this group of eclectic characters and the poetic Irish voice of debut author Catherine Airey. Highly recommend this deeply emotional family saga which is creative and beautifully written. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Diana in Love

After years of feeling like a stranger in her own marriage, Diana and Oliver have officially separated. The problem is, she has no clue what the future looks like. Diana feels trapped working for Oliver’s wealthy family, every other the weekend her house feels empty and minutes feel like hours. Diana is asked to take a work trip to Paris and thinks maybe a change of scenery is just what she needs. Accompanied by her two closest friends, she journeys to the City of Lights where, amidst the bustling world, she reunites with Jasper, her boyfriend from 15 years ago—the one who had slipped away. Jasper remains unchanged, still capable of leaving her breathless. When Diana returns to Dallas she and Oliver continue to struggle through therapy. While she imagined they were there to learn the most effective parenting methods, Oliver is traveling down memory lane of their intimacy issues, ones she doesn’t care to face. Diana realizes she can no longer hide her passion or her art - a website she created combining women’s fantasies with illustrative paintings. This fabulous read is the second book in a passionate, raw and steamy trilogy (originally a podcast starring Demi Moore). One page in and I was hooked! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fallen Grace

Bubbles Jones could not imagine handing over her baby. These last few months, sequestered in the jail they call a home for unmarried girls -  Bubbles refuses to give up or give in to her Southern Baptist minister father who does not practice what he preaches. She finds a way to escape with a little help from a friend. These girls, one white and one black, are frowned upon by a hypocritical society who has hidden them away in a shameful attempt to put their babies up for adoption. In 1950’s segregated Virginia the entire community has turned it’s back on girls in “trouble.” Forcing them to believe they have no options except to let the adults in charge take advantage of their naivete and put them to work. The girls don’t have many options but they are strong and determined to build a life they can be proud of. This short story from Amazon Original Blaze series is FREE for Prime Members and easy to download. Similar to this author’s last two novels The Yellow Wife and The House of Eve, it is expertly crafted and filled with characters you will be thinking of long after the final page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Love Intervention

Laila has no time for a social life. The last decade of her life has been dedicated to her job at a London hospital as a clinical scientist. Her two best girlfriends are ready to intervene. They know Laila needs a break from work and caring for her mother, in addition to sunshine and sex! Sneakily digging into the past the girls force Laila to admit she has not had an actual relationship or even a crush since her graduate school days at NYU. After doing some of their own love research they decide to arrange a three week vacation bringing Austin, Edoardo and Mateo back into Laila’s life. Categorizing these handsome hunks as second chance romance, friends to lovers and the one that got away, she begrudgingly sets off on this life changing adventure. From magnificent wine vineyards in California to the nature trails of Puerto Rico and Costa Rican beaches Laila wakes up from her work coma and begins to realize she can write the script for her own future. Through one steamy mishap after another Laila must come to terms with painful memories that have been holding her back for a decade. What better Valentines read than to learn it’s never too late for love! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Good Dirt

At ten years old, Ebby Freeman’s life was shattered when she witnessed the brutal murder of her brother—a tragedy her family has never fully healed from, even after years of therapy. Now approaching thirty, Ebby faces another devastating blow: being left at the altar by Henry, the man she thought would help her start anew. The weight of her pain, privilege, and family’s expectations sends her spiraling, and she flees the comfort of her parents’ New England home for the charm and solace of a picturesque French village. In this journey across oceans and centuries, Ebby begins to chronicle the remarkable story of her family’s rise from slavery to prominence in Massachusetts. From the backbreaking toil of plantation life to daring escapes on whaling ships, her ancestors—artists, inventors, and carpenters—built a legacy of resilience and excellence. Through a vibrant cast of characters, both past and present, Ebby’s story becomes a powerful tale of survival, heartbreak, and triumph. In her third stunning novel, Charmaine Wilkerson weaves together threads of Black history, familial bonds, and the complexities of contemporary relationships into an unforgettable saga of freedom and forgiveness. A thoughtful, captivating read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

The Endeavour of Elsie Mackay

When Elsie Mackay was a flashy actress, her family wanted nothing to with her. But since Elsie left that life behind, she rejoined her aristocrat father and brothers at one of the largest British shipping companies in the world. Dedicated to making rather bland ships into luxurious transatlantic liners, Elsie quickly became a successful interior designer. This dynamic woman didn’t stop there. She acquired her pilot’s license, unheard of for a woman at that time, and sat on a multitude of prestigious boards. In Post WW1 a woman could either have a career or have a family. One or the other, never both. Elsie rekindled her friendship with Stella Campbell, whom she had met during the war. Instead of sitting in on Paris Peace Conference, Stella found herself pregnant with baby number 3, resenting her husband and yearning to feel seen as a person with purpose. Her sister Corran chose books over people, an authoress that also lectured at university to women who may not be able to receive an actual degree. These three women, determined to find their place in the world support one another at a time when feminists were just beginning to seek birth control and working rights. In 1928, Elsie secretly purchases a Stinson Detroit airplane, partners with a well known ace pilot and was resolved to make history by becoming the first woman to complete a transatlantic flight. Based on a true story, this novel is a fast paced, fascinating peek of a brave, adventurous woman making history. ⭐⭐⭐⭐