Single Girls

It is 1965, and Helen Gurley Brown has convinced the head of a major publishing conglomerate to give her a chance. She has three issues to revive one of the company’s failing magazines. Having recently published Sex and the Single Girl, Helen knows exactly what modern women want: freedom, independence, sexual satisfaction, and control over their own futures. She hits the ground running at Cosmopolitan and never looks back. The novel introduces the talented women working alongside her, moving between their present-day ambitions, and their past. Unfortunately, this one did not quite hit the mark for me. I was hoping for a more intimate look at the iconic HGB, a woman who transformed what women read and how generations of women viewed themselves. Instead, much of the story focused on the backstories of the women around her, and I found myself less invested in those chapters.  I did not dislike the book, but I did not love it either. Readers who enjoy stories about ambitious women and the changing social landscape of the 1960s may connect with it more than I did. ⭐⭐⭐

Love You More

Billie and Dean have just gotten engaged. They seem like the perfect couple - both brilliant, successful physicians on the cusp of major careers. Their biggest contrast is their upbringing: Billie is a small-town Wisconsin girl, while Dean grew up in New York City with a golden spoon. After years of trying to move on from Mick, her high school sweetheart, Billie finally feels ready to embrace big-city life, and leave the past behind. One day she receives a phone call about her best friend, Erin—a call that turns her world and all her plans upside down. Suddenly, everything Billie has worked for is at stake as her heart pulls her back to Wisconsin. A story about friendship, love, and the ways our past continues to shape us. Emily Giffin is spot-on in her depiction of medical school and residency—a long, demanding road that many people do not fully understand. I loved this summer read. It is a quick, enjoyable beach read with plenty of heart and great characters. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Wonderland

Fourteen-year-old Frances is spending the summer in Maine as a mother’s helper at Wonderland, the Emerson family’s exquisite lakefront home. Forrest Emerson is a charming old friend of her father’s who grew up hard-scrabble but now lives a life of luxury with his wife, Regina, and their two children, supported by Regina’s family money. Frances's job is to look after twelve-year-old Hayward and six-year-old Jilly. At first, Frances is so intimidated by the wealthy country-club set that she can barely breathe. But within days, she creates a routine that brings her enormous happiness: writing in her journal, learning to play tennis, and reading every Stephen King novel she can find at the library. On the verge of getting her first period, Frances quietly imagines what her future might be like when she grows up—and what it might feel like to have a man like Forrest in her life. While her own parents fight and ignore her, she begins to feel as though she is finally part of a family, even if it is only temporary. What initially appears idyllic begins to unravel as secrets from the past emerge, leaving Frances unsure of whom she can trust. I loved every minute of this page-turning coming-of-age novel. Maynard perfectly captures the summer of 1986 and the intense vulnerability of a young girl standing on the cusp of adulthood.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 1, 2 and 3

Having never heard of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, I am absolutely positively madly in love with them. There are eight novella-length journals, and I just flew through the first three volumes. They are short, smart, funny, and incredibly easy to read. Set in 1883 London, Emma returns to St. Crispian’s and records the odd, charming, and often ridiculous happenings around her, including her eccentric cousin, formidable aunt, and the wonderfully strange people in her neighborhood. It is hard to describe exactly, but imagine binging Bridgerton if it were even more clever, and written with a sideways wit. I read the first three so quickly that I’m making myself take a little break before continuing. These books feel a little off the beaten path, which makes them even more delightful. Dear reader friends, I highly recommend checking them out. You will not be sorry! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hunger & Thirst

After spending years in and out of foster homes, Ursula finds herself in a halfway house. She is only sixteen, but her counselor has found her a job in the post room of an art school and taught her a few very basic living skills. They agree this is better than sending her to yet another home where she is unwanted and mistreated. Alone in the world, Ursula trusts no one and moves through her daily routine with a kind of hesitant fearfulness. She has one talent, and almost by accident, while snooping around the art school, she begins to focus more seriously on her own artistic endeavors. When she finally makes a friend in her coworker Sue, Ursula is invited to live in a squatters’ house with Sue’s boyfriend, Vince. For me, this is where the story took a very different turn. Without giving anything away, I will say I was not expecting the gruesome horror story it became. The book is well written, and Ursula’s life and art are unique and interesting, but I found myself wishing the novel had gone in a different direction. In the end, I couldn’t wait to be done with it. It’s not a bad book; it just wasn’t for me at all. ⭐⭐

Whistler

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

Boring Asian Female

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

 

Dolly All the Time

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

The Burning Side

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

The One Day You Were My Husband

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

The Foursome

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

The Storm

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

Under Water

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

Murder Takes A Vacation

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

The Paris Match

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

This Story May Save Your Life

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

American Fantasy

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

Yesteryear

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

The Someday Garden

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

 

Sylvia's Second Act

Let’s start with this: I finished this book this morning, and I am still smiling! This is that kind of book, and Sylvia is that kind of character. Sixty-three years old and living in Boca Raton, Sylvia is a former stay-at-home mom who dabbled in hobbies she started but never finished. Now she is a grandmother to darling twins and wife of forty years to Louis. As her husband dashes around the tennis courts in their retirement community, Sylvia finds herself bored to death. Her constant companion, Evie, is a lovable, feisty character and just about Boca’s only saving grace. When Sylvia thinks things cannot get any worse, she walks in on her husband and neighbor Belinda in flagrante. Admittedly, Sylvia has not been happy for a while, and she is more upset with Louis about the lying — and the missing money story — than she is about the woman. So she packs a bag and heads to New York City to start a new life. Maybe she has watched one too many episodes of Sex and the City, but she does not feel old and has always been an optimist. Evie joins her, and together they take Manhattan. This laugh-out-loud, adorable, heartwarming story is over the top in every good way. I could not have had more fun reading this book. Doubly funny: this book was recommended to me by a fictional character in another book — Once and Again by Rebecca Serle! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Once and Again

Lauren grew up in Malibu. She surfed with her dad, lived on the beach, and was in love with Stone for over a decade. Now she is in her thirties, and that life is behind her. Lauren is married to Leo, and they are happily living in West Hollywood. But lately, things have been hard. Lauren is struggling to get pregnant, and it is taking a real toll on both of them. Instead of an easy, carefree summer, the young couple are facing months of IUI, medications, and procedures. At the same time, Leo is offered an incredible work opportunity in New York. But money is tight, and so is time — especially with Lauren’s dwindling number of viable eggs. In a bit of a sliding doors scenario, Lauren can stay with her parents in Malibu, surrounded by surf, sand, and Stone, or she can follow Leo to New York and try to rebuild the romance in their marriage. And here is where the magic comes in. Since she was a teenager, Lauren has known that the women in her family possess a kind of superpower: a special one-time ticket that offers a do-over. Lauren has never used hers. But now, with so much at stake, the ticket — and her future — suddenly feels more important than ever. I read mixed reviews on this one — thank G-d I did not listen! This is classic Rebecca Serle romance, which for me means a little magic, a little humor, and a whole lot of heart. The perfect beach read for summer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Down with the Ship

Growing up, Stella and her sister Jules only had each other. There is nothing in the world Stella wouldn’t do for her. But now Jules is engaged to Harry, and his family belongs to another world entirely — one filled with private jets, mega-yachts, and none of the warmth their father showered on them as children. When Stella is invited to join them on a family cruise, she really has no excuse not to go. With her PhD on the line and her teaching job on an involuntary hiatus, the timing is as good as it’s going to get. From the moment she meets Captain Caleb, Stella knows she’s in trouble. He is the hottest, most arrogant man she has ever met, with a New Zealand accent to die for. Determined to keep her distance from Captain Cool, Stella focuses on helping Jules make a good impression on Harry’s intimidating family. But whether he’s saving her from sharks or plucking barnacles out of her foot, Caleb always seems to come to the rescue. Their chemistry is electric, and really, when was the last time Stella had a real vacation? The problem is, dating a crew member is completely off-limits — and although the yacht is ridiculously large, Stella somehow ends up falling into his arms, literally, at every turn. An adorable, laugh-out-loud, below-deck romance! Consider me fully on board with this swoony sea-com. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Available May 7.

Good People

The Sharaf family live in a small Afghan community in northern Virginia. When they fled their home during the Russian invasion and came to America all they wanted was a better life for their children. The father, Rahmat, felt he had missed the boat but would do anything to ensure his four children went to the best schools and had prestigious futures. Their home is filled with love and laughter while Rahmat works multiple jobs to make ends meet. He eventually stumbles upon some luck with his cleaning business. As he begins to surpass his wildest dreams and become financially stable, he moves his family to the biggest, fanciest house he can afford. The eldest son, Omer, only gets by in school, so Rahmat pins his hopes and dreams and identity on Zorah. She is an excellent student, well-liked and beautiful. As Zorah struggles with her father’s strict expectations, she begins to spiral. Zorah is surrounded by American teenagers who sneak around, do as they please and have little regard for rules. Unexpectedly, when tragedy befalls the Sharaf family, the world is watching. A culture clash between traditions, money, and vile gossip — everyone has something to say. Narrated in a series of very short chapters structured as interviews after the fact, this story shares voices from every possible angle. I felt this unique structure and empathized with the underlying push and pull of starting over in a new country where everyone loves to criticize anything that is different. At the same time, I felt like the novel dragged and was very repetitive. Like, not love for me. But I must say the consensus and reviews are favorable and I may be an outlier on this one. ⭐⭐⭐

In the Great Quiet

Minnie Hoopes and her trusty horse, Cricket are among the homesteaders racing from Kansas toward Oklahoma in the 1893 land rush. After losing her childhood sweetheart, this capable schoolteacher wants nothing more than to have a plot of land she can call her very own. It is unusual for a woman to be traveling alone; these hills are full of gunslingers, bandits, and renegades. Riding far ahead of her two brothers, no sooner does Minnie stake her claim than she is attacked by two outlaws. So begins life in the Wild West. Her neighbor, “The Lawman,” is probably the most handsome man she has ever known, and the two form a unique bond as they endure the harsh, isolated winter. Minnie and The Lawman assist each other with the physical challenges including building a home, a barn, and digging a well. As Minnie finally opens up to friendship with a nearby family and a Native American neighbor, she continues to be tormented by her past and the crushing disappointment she thought she left behind. Loosely based on the author’s great-great-grandmother, this beautifully written pioneer story is filled with ingenuity, determination, and even a little romance. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Good Animal

In a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Everett Lindt works on his father’s sheep farm. A senior in high school, Everett is unlike most of his classmates, who are counting the days until they can leave Sault Ste. Marie. He is devoted to his animals and life on the farm. There is a new girl in town named Mary. When Everett meets Mary, it is love at first sight. He has never felt this way before, but he is sure this is the real thing. They are inseparable for the next nine months, but there is one problem: Mary wants to go to art school in California. It has been her dream and Everett is desperate to change her mind. Young love and family obligation give this quiet, beautifully rendered novel a category all its own. The reader can see the land, feel the chill of winter, and the heartbeat of young love. There are detailed, sometimes graphic depictions of farm life, but they are handled sensitively, even in the harshest moments. What does it mean when a week after finishing this novel, I am still thinking about Everett and Mary? This well-written, debut, coming-of-age novel is simply outstanding! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Enormous Wings

It was just a little fender bender. Father Frank had no need to destroy Pepper’s driver’s license, and no one forced her daughter to move her into Vista View Retirement Community in Austin. Pepper, a retired teacher and only seventy-seven years young, had no desire to lose her independence and start over in a strange place. Ever the optimist, she decides to make the best of it and settle in without fighting her three grown children, who worry far too much. Pepper makes friends and even meets a special someone. She is doing just dandy until a strange exhaustion washes over her. Could it be the flu, dementia, a stroke? Considering the average age of her new community is eighty, no one considers that Pepper could be pregnant. It seems ridiculous, especially after having sex for the first time in decades. But the tests are repeated, and they are positive. Overnight, Pepper becomes a miracle. Move over, Virgin Mary — Austin has a pregnant seventy-seven-year-old. Between the paparazzi, Pepper’s very new relationship, and her three determined adult children, her world will never be the same. Add in recent changes in Texas abortion laws and restrictions on women’s rights, and you have what the talking heads call breaking news. Exploring motherhood, friendship, later-in-life love, and the right to choose, Laurie Frankel tells this story with heart, humor, and a glimmer of hope. Releases in May and absolutely worth reading!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Founding Mother

In October 1764 Abigail Smith married country lawyer John Adams. Both born and bred in Massachusetts, John was a little older, but Abigail descended from a well known political family in the colony and they were an excellent match. Both hardworking and practical, the Adams family built a life on their small farm in Quincy (originally called Braintree). Abigail gave birth to six children with only four surviving past childhood. The couple struggled through many years of separation when John was sent to Philadelphia to serve on the Continental Congress and later as a diplomat to Europe. John Adams’s belief and loyalty to the Revolution were unwavering in his search to find balance in a new democracy. Abigail found herself in the center of it all. Close allies with Washington, Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, John Adams was a major figure in the creation of our nation. With Abigail as his trusted keeper of ideas, philosophies, and strategy, she was without a doubt the woman behind the man before the phrase existed. Abigail argued her strong opinions about ending slavery and rights for women until her last breath. The sacrifices she made as a wife, mother daughter, and neighbor were endless. Similar to the fabulous HBO series John Adams (2008), this novel brings to life the fascinating details of their marriage and unyielding dedication to our nation. A gifted and eloquent letter writer, Abigail left us a remarkable record: more than 1,100 of their letters survive, capturing both the social and political issues of the time. For Women’s History Month, Abigail Adams feels like exactly what she was: a founding mother, in every sense of the word. Releases May 5, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Mountains We Call Home

Cussy and Jackson Lovett have violated the miscegenation laws in 1953 Kentucky. Jackson is white and Cussy is a Blue Fugate, commonly known as the Blue People of Kentucky due to a rare genetic blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. They are both sentenced to prison and their daughter, Honey, who is now 16, is left on her own. Heartbroken, there is only one thing that brings any joy to Cussy’s life. Books. When she becomes the prison library woman Cussy shares her love of books and teaches illiterate prisoners how to read which is helpful when being considered for parole and to communicate with family they dearly miss. Besides desperately missing Jackson and Honey, Cussy knows that she is making a difference for these women who have lost all hope. Cussy’s story spotlights how women—often overlooked, underpaid, and underestimated—became front-line builders of opportunity in their communities. As a Pack Horse librarian, she doesn’t just deliver books. Cussy delivers education, connection, and dignity, using literacy as a practical tool that helps families navigate poverty and systems designed to keep them small. Richardson grounds this trilogy in real history and a deep love of reading to show how women’s everyday labor—teaching, caregiving, and community work—can be quietly revolutionary. This wonderful author returns to the Book Woman world one last time, completing a trilogy that celebrates the life-changing power of literacy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Releases April 21, 2026.

Let Me Go Mad In My Own Way

When Claire O’Connor’s mother dies, she finally returns to Ireland. In London Claire was a writer and university professor. She had a boyfriend named Tom Morton and a future planned away from the small rural town of her youth. London seemed far enough away from her abusive father and poor sweet mother. At the funeral, Claire receives a mixed welcome. Her brothers and childhood friends are happy to see her, but there is an underlying blame that she abandoned her own mother in her time of need. Afterwards, she returns to London, but things are not the same. Claire falls into a depression and can’t seem to lift herself up as her relationship with Tom falters. Shortly after her father becomes very sick, and most likely out of guilt, Claire returns to arrange his care. With the arrival of the pandemic, Claire finds herself unexpectedly living in Western Ireland again. As family secrets are slowly revealed alongside a brutal Irish history, Claire struggles to get her life back on track. Tom, also a writer, shows up in town searching for her forgiveness while he works on his never-ending novel. Feeney writes with a distinctly Irish cadence that is lyrical, sharp, and full of emotions. This quiet exploration keeps the pages turning. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Anatomy of An Alibi

Benjamin Bayliss is very handsome. He is a successful and well connected attorney in their small Louisiana town. His wife is beautiful and from a prominent family. Everything about their life looks shiny and new until the day his wife, Camille, finds a napkin in his pocket with the name of a bar and the phone number of a woman. Camille has been searching for a way out of their loveless marriage and out of the clutches of Ben and his manipulations. She tracks down this bar and the woman who works there, believing Ben is having an affair. But what Camille learns is much much worse. As their lives unravel decade old secrets of favors and coverups come to light and Ben can no longer hide in the shadows. Everyone involved knows something. Everyone has an alibi. This fast paced mystery is a suspense thriller you do not want to miss. As one clue leads to the next the truth slowly comes out. Recommend this quick book that reads like a Netflix series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

One & Only

One & Only Matchmaking has been run by the Park women for generations. Not only are they an honest hardworking company — these women can see flashes of their client’s past life. No one knows their magical secret but the Park women can find your fated love, your soul mate. Once they have a face and name they try and arrange a way to bring them into the client’s life. Cassia Park is almost forty. She is successful, beautiful and excellent at her job. But Cassia was shown her fated love a decade ago and she still has not been able to meet him. Waiting patiently has become tortuous as her big birthday approaches. Dreams of building a family and passing on this magical talent are at stake. Then, in a movie worthy meet cute, Cassia meets Ellis. He is handsome, smart and they have instant chemistry. Unfortunately, Ellis is only 28 years old and Cassia sees this romance as a fling while her beloved is still out there, just waiting to be found. Set in Los Angeles, this traditional Korean family is determined to help Cassia make her match no matter what. This was an absolutely adorable romance with just enough comedy and the right amount of steamy. Based on the description I wasn’t convinced I would enjoy as much as I did. With all the negative in the world, this little bit of sunshine was a welcome reprieve. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nesting

One afternoon Ciara Fay grabs some things, holds the small hands of her young daughters and leaves her Dublin home. Her husband Ryan will be furious. When his anger subsides, he will profess his love, beg her to come home and simultaneously belittle her fears and convince Ciara that she is off balance and needs help. This is Ryan’s pattern. This is how he controls Ciara and their little family. After nearly a decade living away from her mother and sister in London and giving up teaching, Ciara has few friends, no money of her own and not a soul she can turn to. But Ciara knows she is not imagining this, and as her girls grow, she cannot bear to let them witness this kind of twisted love and manipulation. As Ciara navigates how to survive on her own, she finds shelter and free legal counsel. None of this is easy. Every step forward is ten steps back, but she is certain of only one thing — it must be done. This story is fast-paced and heartbreaking. To imagine this is reality for so many is simply terrifying. No one wants to live in a home where they do not feel safe. Ciara feels shame, fear and guilt as she asks for help, but it is less important how she got there than figuring out how to escape. Crazy that this is a debut novel. Highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Far-Flung Life

In 1958 WA (Western Australia) the MacBride family runs a substantial sheep station. Over a million acres in a very remote location, the MacBride’s are one of the top wool producers in the area. It is a hard and isolated life. When tragedy strikes, Lorna MacBride is left with her distraught daughter Rose and Mattie, who may or may not survive the accident. She must snap back quickly and continue to manage the many hands who run and work the station or their family will be ruined. Set in this vast, baron land there are a few quirky characters Lorna can rely on. One is Pete Peachy, their roo shooter, a former war hero who keeps to himself but lives on the outskirts of the property protecting the family at all times. Pete feels a particular responsibility to help Matt recuperate and Rosie remain hopeful. As the author describes what it takes to survive this harsh wilderness and way of life we are brought deep into a family drama filled with layers of buried secrets, guilt and decades of regret. Oh, how I have been waiting since 2012 for this book! The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman was one of my favorites (and movie of same name 2016). Unfortunately even though the writing is exquisite, this novel that releases March 3, felt painfully slow I found myself waiting for it to be over. It wasn’t bad, I was just waiting to be drawn in emotionally and it it never happened. ⭐⭐⭐

 

Saoirse

When Sarah Roy was a teenager, she knew she had to escape. Years of abuse by her addict mother’s boyfriend and protecting her younger sister, Lea, left her with no other choice. Now her mother is dead and Sarah must get out. After arranging Lea’s safety with relatives, she disappears. From the moment the plane takes off, Sarah can hardly breathe. Changing Roy to Walsh was easy when she swiped an unsuspecting nanny’s passport. She will start a new life and leave these very bad people behind. On the plane, her seat mate, Paul, is a little annoying—but Sarah doesn’t have a lot of options. She accepts his offer of a place to stay, and even though his mother and sister are extremely hesitant, his father, Dr. Joe, welcomes Sarah with open arms. As she reinvents herself—as Saoirse—Paul becomes controlling and manipulative. Once again, she is trapped. Years later Saoirse falls in love with a beautiful man named Daithi (pronounced Dah-Hee) who finally takes her away to live by the sea in Donegal. She expresses herself through art and begins to feels a tinge of the happy life she has always dreamed of. Unfortunately, Saoirse’s happiness is short lived as the unbreakable ties with Paul’s family keep her secrets dangling above, the dangerous truth always lurking. Family, freedom, art, and love fill this beautiful story with heartbreaking hope and fast-paced suspense—you won’t be able to turn the pages quickly enough. Pour a cup of tea, wear something green, and lose yourself in an Irish story that hits the heart. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Strangers

In the beginning of 2020 the Burden family, like most others in New York were isolating. They retreated from the city to their summer home in Martha’s Vineyard. It was cold in March and Belle how no idea how long they would stay. The pandemic was terrifying on its own, she never dreamed her life would be unrecognizable in just a few months time. One day her husband of twenty years, James, told her he was leaving. He was done, and there was no convincing him otherwise. He packed a small bag and left her with their teenage children. Belle, an educated, independent and sophisticated woman was no stranger to divorce, it had after all consumed her childhood. But this was crazy. She loved James and he loved her, she was sure of it. What had changed? While Belle figured out how to move forward and protect her children she also realized she had slowly over the years lost control of her finances and all decision making had become too easy to leave to James. Belle had to learn how to take control. This memoir is a very intimate detailed telling of a relationship that was destroyed. Surrounded by a close knit group of friends and a few family members, Belle puts on foot in front of the other. All the money in the world cannot buy happiness and it certainly cannot buy trust and honesty. Both beautifully written and heartbreaking, I am glad Belle found her long lost writing voice and look forward to reading more of her work. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Novel Love Story

Elsy finds herself on a solo roadtrip to Hudson Valley, New York. The long drive has been depressing while she anticipates a week alone in the cabin. All the members of her romance bookclub, which has been her lifeline the last few years, were too busy to attend their annual getaway. After making a wrong turn in the rain, her dear old sweet pea (Elsy’s green jalopy) decides it has finally had enough. Well so has Elsy. Now she finds herself stranded without a mechanic or hotel in sight. Elsy is saved by the offer of a grumpy man shop owner who has a spare loft above the bookshop. As an English Literature professor she cannot imagine a better night. The smell of old books and sound of wind chimes calms her nerves as Elsy realizes her savior is actually quite handsome and this little town could not be more charming. It actually feels strangely familiar. Elsy has landed in Eloraton, which would be fine if it actually existed. As she explores the quaint coffee shop and diner Elsy realizes the reason she knows her way around and each face looks like an old friend. Eloraton is a fictional town in Elsy’s favorite romance series. These books have carried her grief the last few years after Liam left her at the altar. These books have brought her hope and comfort and a guaranteed happy ending. Elsy’s wrong turn might be exactly what she needed. Normally I would characterize this as an adorable romance, book within a book but its even better than that. As an avid reader I find myself so immersed in my books that I sometimes can’t remember if something happened or I read it. The books and stories are so entrenched in my mind that the characters feel real. A little bit of magic is everything I adore about books and reading and I absolutely could not put this one down.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tiny Little Earthquakes

Growing up in the 1980s on a remote horse farm in North Carolina was not always easy for nine year old Elliot Hase. After her parents’ divorce, she rarely saw her father, and was forever chasing her mother’s love and attention. Smart and shy, Elliot craved her sister’s approval even when Poppy messed up over and over again. Navigating her mother’s alcoholism was a team effort until Poppy also succumbed to this destructive disease. Often, Elliot felt alone in the world, her only company was the television, a constant backdrop to her childhood. It was through books and TV that Elliot could focus on anything other than her own misfit family, when all she ever wanted was to feel normal. As she grew up we travel along through Connecticut and Martha’s Vineyard on her mother’s many whims and attempts to run away from her troubles. Elliot reinvents herself at boarding school and later, at Tufts University as she searches for a way to help her sister and mother, whom she loved with all her heart. This coming-of-age story is both heartbreaking and mesmerizing. It’s impossible not to love Elliot and root for her every step of the way. The writing is truly magnificent as it perfectly captures the perspective of a child through an adult voice in a way that’s devastating, yet somehow humorous and quietly nostalgic for a time gone by. I was honored to receive an early read of Tiny Little Earthquakes by Hays Blinckmann, releasing February 17, 2026. A must-read for 2026 and perfect book club pick with so much to discuss! You’ll be thinking about Elliot long after the last page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Keeper of Lost Children

 

In 1965 Sophia Clark is a young girl living on a farm in Maryland. She and her siblings work their fingers to the bone. They are dirt poor, and when Sophia is selected to attend a prestigious private boarding school on scholarship, she knows her life is about to change. As one of only a few Black students, Sophia begins questioning her life and her genealogy. Why does she have recurring nightmares of escaping a fire? Why do German words slip off her tongue when she doesn’t speak the language? In 1948, Ozzie Philips is a handsome young Black man in the Army. He is stationed in Germany as reparations are well underway. Ozzie is determined to prove himself capable, even as the Army suppresses its Black soldiers. He becomes involved with a desperate German woman, and finds himself caught between two worlds - to do the right right thing while also meeting the demands of military life. Narrated through two timelines that unexpectedly collide, this novel reveals the heartbreaking story of the “Brown Babies” orphaned in postwar Germany, alongside the ongoing struggles for civil rights in America. Releases February 10, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

On Being Jewish Now

I finally began reading these wonderful essays and reflections by Jewish authors. They range from childhood memories and lived experiences to how the writers felt and reacted to October 7, 2023. Stirring up my own recollections—and echoing the many stories I’ve heard and books I’ve read—I deeply appreciated the way these authors captured what being Jewish means to them. This collection doesn’t pretend to solve the world’s ongoing issues, but it does offer something powerful: the comfort of knowing you’re not alone, and that you’re supported by a dynamic array of voices and perspectives. I began reading a few essays each morning and found the experience almost therapeutic. Highly recommended—and my heartfelt thanks to each and every author for sharing their story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Heir Apparent

Lexi and her friends are out camping in the outback of Tasmania. Taking a break from her grueling medical residency, they are sleeping under the stars. When a helicopter lands dragging Lexi back to her old life, everything from the last decade is pushed aside while she is transported to the palace. Estranged from her family Lexi, aka Princess Alexandrina, left her twin brother to live up to their royal responsibilities while she ran away to the other side of the world to live her own way. Now, a terrible accident has left Lexi as the Heir Apparent and she must decide if she is willing to give up her career, freedom and the people she loves to choose the Crown. She is granted a year to decide and during this time Lexi jumps back in to everything she ran away from, chased by tabloids, revered by crowds of adoring fans and trusting no-one. Told through dual timelines there is romance, friendship and the dramatic intricacies of family. This one dragged a tiny bit but overall I really enjoyed this read and love modern day monarch stories.  ⭐⭐⭐

Everywhere You Look

When Jade lost her father a decade ago she didn’t think her heart would ever recover. Feeling alone and adrift in the world she spends each of her birthdays since his tragic accident at the restaurant where they once celebrated her special day. One year, the worst yet, Jade cannot shake her incessant guilt and returns to sit for what she hopes is the last time. When she glances at the busy New York City street Jade shockingly catches a glimpse of her beloved father in the window. She may be sad and hopeless but she is not imagining this. As Jade begins investigating what everyone thought was put to rest, the clues and secrets uncovered send her down a mysterious path of no return. Interestingly, Liv Constantine isn’t one writer but the shared pen name of sisters Lynne and Valerie! It’s hard to imagine how they do it! A true divide-and-conquer partnership the authors swap scenes, trade edits, and sharpen twists and turns until the voice feels seamless. The result is a suspenseful, unputdownable short story that is FREE on Amazon Prime! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Invisible Woman

Elinor Gilbert is an average middle aged woman who teaches music class to children. Waiters ignore her requests, coffee shops she frequents daily forget her name, Elinor feels invisible. But it wasn’t always this way. Elinor was an attractive rising star in the FBI, until it all fell apart and it has been years since she has felt valued. When her nemesis from the agency calls, Elinor cannot resist the chance to get her old life back. Ironically, it will take Elinor to become even more invisible to get the job done. They arrange a costume so she looks older and even more frumpy. She is sent undercover to nanny at the home of a distinguished art dealer where they believe money from the cartel is being laundered. Elinor must fly under the radar while snooping, eavesdropping and observing this family and their business all while caring for an infant. Having never had children Elinor cannot decide if she is more afraid of the baby or the undercover role. James Patterson is famous for teaming up with other writers, and Susan DiLallo is an accomplished lyricist and columnist. Together they bring this sharp, humorous mystery to life. ⭐⭐⭐⭐