Fake

Emma Caan is a copyist, not a forger - there’s a difference. She copies masterpieces for clients and signs the back. She is not trying to fool anyone except herself as she hasn’t created her own work in years. Ever since graduating from Yale Emma’s confidence has faded. To support herself in high-priced New York City she works for a company that copies art for the most reputable museums and collectors in the world. One day a repeat client, billionaire Russian oligarch Leonard Sobetsky would like to meet his copyist. Emma is warmly greeted and instructed to call him Lenny. Quickly invited to Lenny’s mansion and invited to his inner circle, Emma is manipulated by an offer she cannot refuse. She will leave her tedious job and difficult boss to work for the most prestigious gallery in NYC. On the side she will continue to copy paintings for only Lenny and icing on the cake, she will live rent free in his magnificent temperature controlled studio. As Emma is swept away into Lenny’s extravagant lifestyle of private jets, art shows in Hong Kong, drug dealers and glamorous dinner parties, she begins to question the very hand that feeds her. With her pyrophobia nightmares keeping her awake, Emma spends countless nights trying to puzzle out exactly what is going on. Her newly crafted life begins to crumble as the truth is revealed behind the pretty layers. Fast paced suspense sets the art world on fire. Could not put this one down. Thank you author Erica Katz for another best seller! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rules of Arrangement

Struggling to pay college tuition on her own, Adelaide Wright creates a little side gig. It pays more than babysitting or blending smoothies off campus. She writes papers on every subject imaginable for a hefty price. And business is going rather well. Realizing this risky service could jeopardize her college degree, Addie keeps a low profile at all times. When Declan, her childhood next door neighbor approaches her for some writing she has no idea her world is about to be turned upside down. Declan, an artist, is also a TA and seemingly knows way too much about the extra cash she is earning. Threatening to turn her in, he blackmails her to help retrieve art that was stolen from him a few years prior. The gallerist Jack Nolan is her target and with Declan’s background information on hand it takes no time at all to weasel her way into his life. Problem is, once she gets to know this incredibly sexy, handsome powerful man, Adelaide cannot resist her burning desire to be part of his world. Literally sweeping her off her feet in a Fifty Shades-like manner Adelaide must find a way to keep Declan at bay, avoid expulsion and repair her complicated relationship with her siblings. Ten Years after the Fifty Shades series someone has FINALLY published a well written version that I simply devoured in one sitting. Well done Maren MacKenzie - we will be waiting for more! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Good Girl Complex

In the small town of Avalon Bay there are two groups of young people. The preppy privileged Garnet College students and the townies who serve them. Rarely crossing the line unless its to break up a fight, bad boy Cooper Hartley has a run in that cost him his side gig at the local bar. He vows to get even. When his friends challenge him to steal away the troublemaker’s girlfriend, all bets are on. Cooper uses his achingly good looks and charm to get to know the very pretty Mackenzie “Mac” Cabot and the clock starts ticking. But Mac isn’t like the other college girls. With a father in politics and a mother who only focuses on how things look, Mac and Cooper have more in common than one would believe. They both feel alone in the world. They work hard and want to run their own businesses. As Mac and Cooper get closer the sparks ignite and there is no denying the amazing chemistry they share. Unfortunately trust fund kids don’t get to bring tattooed boys like Cooper home for the holidays and Cooper’s friends are secretly aware their relationship was based on an insulting bet. Filled with steamy scenes and beach bon fire vibes this opposites attract romance is a quick delicious read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Rebound

Suddenly single, jobless and homeless Abby Reynolds finds herself on the first  plane back to Ireland. Having spent her childhood doing everything in her power to leave this tiny village where everyone knows your business and nothing exciting ever happens, Abby is on her sister Louise’s doorstep of their once childhood home that she hasn’t seen in years. Instantly at odds with each other, as usual, she wakes the next morning instructed they are having guests for lunch. When the very handsome man who gave her a ride - and she may have flirted with - shows up she is oddly speechless. Standing there is Luke Bailey, the boy next door who most certainly is not a little boy any more. Instantly turning all shades of red and furious why no-one mentioned that Luke grew up into an absolutely gorgeous, sexy man. Needing these next few weeks to find a new job and get over her ex Abby works hard to be civil with her sister and ignore the electrical sparks she feels whenever Luke is around. This town may not be New York City and Abby won’t be wearing any of her fancy corporate clothes but it doesn’t take long to start to feel at home again. Digging deep to find out what this next chapter has in store brings heartwarming surprises and sisterly love. Give me a romcom with an Irish brogue and I am quickly swooning. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Golden Couple

Avery Chambers is an unorthodox therapist who lost her license. And she has no regrets. Now she has the ability to create a ten session plan that may be out of the box but is guaranteed to work. Practicing near D.C. she found a way to twist the media into a positive and now has more clients than she ever expected. Keeping busy is a priority since her husband passed away and with her latest set of clients there is no room to ponder the paths not taken. Marissa and Matthew Bishop light up a room when they arrive. Beautiful, stylish, unquestionably successful. Marissa made the appointment under the guise to help their 8 year old son with a school bully. Unbeknownst to her controlling husband she is there to confess she had a one night fling. Initially, Avery is unsure whether Marissa wanted to soften the blow or truly repair their declining marriage. When she begins their therapy sessions Matthew’s controlling demeanor slowly begins to fade. Almost too easily he concedes and tries to give his wife the attention she has quietly been craving the last few years. As Avery becomes a pseudo detective to get to know the couple better, it is clear the characters involved in their every day activities are far from innocent. Mind-boggling twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat with this latest thriller from one of my favorite writing duo’s. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Part of Your World

Swerving to avoid a raccoon, Alexis Montgomery finds herself in a ditch on a country road, in the middle of nowhere. When her knight in shining armor arrives in a beat up truck it is game over. Daniel Grant, her tattooed, bearded savior is the hottest guy she has ever laid eyes on. The meet cute quickly turns into more than a grilled cheese sandwich and up all night kind of sleepover. Completely out of character for this conservative ER doctor from Minneapolis, Alexis cannot stop thinking about this sweet, kind, sexy guy. Her über wealthy successful parents would be appalled, her shallow friends and chief of surgery ex-boyfriend would laugh out loud. But Alexis has been unhappy for a long time. After months in therapy since ending an emotionally abusive relationship she tortures herself while negotiating with her mind and heart. Finding herself making the long trek back and forth to this tiny quiet town Alexis gets to know Daniel, his friends, relatives and neighbors never revealing much about herself. It’s undeniably another world, one where she can finally breathe. There is no resisting the explosive chemistry between Daniel and herself. Forced to accept this is more than a a one night stand, Alexis must choose between her career, familial expectations and true happiness. Put on lots of lotion for this steamy hot beach read because once you start it, you will not be getting out of your seat any time soon. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Summer Place

When Ruby and Gabe announce that they have set a date for their wedding, Sarah is thoroughly surprised but smiles as a good stepmother should. It will be held at her childhood summer home on Cape Cod. Eli apparently has little to say. The dependable, handsome endodontist - who would normally have an opinion regarding his only daughter getting married at 22 - can barely pay attention to the conversation. Gabe is lovely and has spent a year during the pandemic living with the Danhausers in Brooklyn while he and Ruby finished college online. But Gabe resembles a sweet overenthusiastic puppy with little direction and zero skills unlike Ruby who has always been a determined, focused student. Sarah cannot understand how Eli has changed over the past year. It’s clear they were all getting on each others nerves during quarantine but she and their two young boys have forged ahead while everything Eli does grates on her very last nerve. Wondering whether her husband is having a midlife crisis, an affair or both - Sarah is at her wits end to save their marriage as she plans Ruby’s. Out at the beach Sarah is constantly reminded of the power of first love, the loss of her father and conflicting childhood memories of her own mother. The Cape Cod home, with its big beating heart is at the very center of the Danhausers lives. Three generations face many of life’s difficult decisions and reveal the untold secrets that challenge the true meaning of family. Drama with a dash of humor at its best, another winner by Jennifer Weiner. Available May 10, 2022. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Magnolia Palace

Alone and devastated months following her mother’s death, Lillian Carter finds herself destitute. After escaping her apartment building when her smarmy landlord tries to involve her in his wife’s murder, Lillian has no money, no home and no plan. Walking past the front gate of the infamous Frick mansion, Lillian is accidentally brought in for an interview as personal secretary for Helen Frick. Initially trying to explain the misunderstanding, this beautiful former artist’s model is mesmerized by walls full of magnificent art. Having spent the majority of the last few years in studios, Lillian is exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about these paintings and sculptures and quickly impresses her potential employer. Then and there she puzzles out the perfect plan. She will fudge her way through the job and save enough money to escape to California and become a film star. Helen Frick is a demanding overbearing employer but clever Miss Lilly finds ways to appease her and realizes she is very good at this job. The longer she works at the Frick mansion the more she is involved in the daily lives of this temperamental wealthy family. In the mid 1960’s Veronica, an English model is at the Frick Museum, part of a photo shoot, when she is left behind on the eve of a blizzard. Trapped for the weekend with a handsome young intern, the two uncover a thread of hidden messages that they cannot resist following, uncovering truths of the past and secrets never meant to see the light of day. Narrated by the voices of the past, talented author Fiona Davis easily transports the reader to another time with characters both real and fictional. This book is unputdownable and I cannot wait to get back to New York and visit the Frick in person! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Black Buck

Twenty two year old Darren is the best Starbucks manager in Midtown Manhattan. After 4 years this handsome young man can juggle every job in the store and is loved by his loyal employees and customers as he never forgets a face or a drink. Content living at home with his mother in Bed-Stuy and down the street from his sweetheart Soraya, this valedictorian from Bronx Science is in no rush to figure out what he really wants to do with his life. One day an opportunity stands in line at the coffee shop. On a whim Darren convinces a self absorbed demanding executive to try a different drink and Rhett Daniels, CEO of Sumwun, one of the hottest startups in NY is simply mesmerized. Like a dog with a bone, Rhett will stop at nothing until Darren accepts his invitation to join his team. Unable to resist, Rhett introduces his new protege to the team 36 floors above. Renamed “Buck” he looks around to find he is the only black person in the company and enters into sales training hell week scared out of his mind. As he quickly outsells beyond their wildest dreams Buck must learn to navigate this new world without losing every single person and ethical value he has ever had. A fast moving satire of the bizarre startup technology craze, racism in corporate America and one young man’s longing to change the world. Witty, clever, controversial comedy sometimes leaving me unsure if I was allowed to laugh. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reminders of Him

Kenna Rowan is back in town. She has spent five long years dreaming of the day she can finally meet her daughter Diem for the very first time. While everyone in town despises her very name for what she has done, the only local that is kind to her turns out to be Ledger Ward, ex pro-football player and as life long devoted friend of Scotty, the father of her child. Complicated doesn’t begin to explain it as Kenna scrapes by trying to survive in town long enough to beg forgiveness from Scotty’s parents. Her immediate chemistry with Ledger is both predictable and delicious. He is a gem of a friend and fierce protector of Diem who is a gorgeous and precocious child. As Ledger allows Kenna to slowly unravel her story, his heart softens when he learns that the truth often has two sides, maybe three. Trying hard not to disappoint Scotty’s parents and help Kenna do the right thing Ledger is confronted with the most difficult choices he has ever faced. If you are a Colleen Hoover fan, and even of you’re not! - this steamy hot, fast moving romance is another great read to add to your TBR this month! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Weather Girl

Since Ari Abrams was a little girl, she has been obsessed with the science of weather. Rain, her favorite forecast. Snow day, a dream come true. After college and landing her dream job at Seattle news station KSEA, Ari is working for her longtime idol, Torrance Hale. But Torrance and her ex, who runs the station fight incessantly and the tension in the office has reached all time record lows. Everyone in the office tiptoes around this stormy couple. When Ari befriends the very cute blue eyed sportscaster named Russell, the two come up with a plan to get Torrance and Seth back together hence, bring peace back to the newsroom. The more successful their scheme’s become, the harder it gets to ignore their own electricity with every innocent encounter. Always sunshine and smiles on TV Ari finds that with Russ she can really be herself. When their well intended manipulations start to rain on her parade, Ari’s lifelong emotional battles with depression show up front and center. If the adorable couple truly want a chance at sunny skies they must find a way to tell the whole truth to their bosses and each other. With Valentine’s Day approaching and dreary winter weather still in the forecast, there is no doubt this sweet, funny romcom will brighten any day. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just Haven't Met You Yet

Laura tells the best love stories. Her online interviews of “how did you meet?”are one of the most popular columns for Love Life magazine. Laura’s upcoming story will feature her parents historic and most romantic meeting on Jersey in the Channel Islands. After a bit of a rocky morning Laura arrives at her hotel only to realize she has grabbed the wrong suitcase off the carousel. Calling back Ted, the grumpy taxi driver with the unkempt beard - they head to the airport to straighten out the mix-up. Unfortunately, the airline does not have the case, nor will they divulge passenger information. Searching the bag for clues Laura realizes fate has intervened as this man has her most favorite novel, sheet music for none other than her most favorite Phil Collins and clothes that she instantly imagines only the most handsome, sexy man would wear. With a number found on the tag Laura has left messages for her new soulmate and awaits their eventual meet-cute. Grumpy Ted becomes Laura’s personal tour guide as she attempts to retrace the steps her parents took on this quaint island years ago. As she hunts for lost luggage lover this adorable character finds trouble at every turn. Together with the now shaved and shockingly handsome Ted, Laura slowly discovers the painful truth about her family and herself. Perfect, fast moving and sweet, this romcom is the perfect Valentine’s treat. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Becoming

Growing up in the South Side of Chicago, Michelle Obama may not have had many luxuries but she was rich with enormous love and support from her strong parents, older brother and memorable extended family. Always fastidious in her work, Michelle strove from a young age to excel in school and reach for the stars. Achieving student accolades and entrance to the prestigious Princeton University followed by Harvard Law School, she ultimately returned to Chicago to work in a prominent corporate law firm high in the sky. Michelle realized quickly that although her bank account was enjoying this newfound freedom, her heart was not fulfilled. On the day she was asked to mentor a young associate for the summer he was late. When Barack finally arrived he was as charming and handsome as the rumors claimed. Friends at first, it didn’t take long for the young couple to begin their journey and beautiful romance. Through tumultuous political campaigns and growing their family Barack remained the steady anchor while Michelle reinvented her career more than once. Between his eternal optimism and her fastidiousness there was nothing this dynamic duo could not accomplish. Thoroughly engaging and emotional ride through the Obama presidency with an honesty I have sorely missed. These pages are well written and graciously filled with love, family and hope. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Honor

Journalist Smita is summoned away from her vacation in the Maldives to assist her coworker and friend Shannon in India. She has had an accident that requires surgery. Shannon needs Smita’s assistance finishing a chilling series that is approaching its dramatic finale. Meena, a poor Hindu girl from a small village married her true love Abdul, a Muslim. Furious at this forbidden match, Meena is never to enter the village or contact her family again. When she becomes pregnant the young couple naively believe that Meena’s brothers will find forgiveness. They proceed to destroy her. The judge is days away from his final verdict and Smita, accompanied by Shannon’s good friend Mohan, set out to uncover the truth. Smita struggles as she faces the heartless and medieval ways that still exists in these small villages. While she has covered wrongdoing all over the world, the depth of unnecessary hatred and lawless violence is astounding. As she and Mohan get to know each other, Smita slowly reveals why her family left India many years ago. While India’s familiarity deeply touches her emotions, the painful memories of her family’s departure can never be forgotten. Author Thrity Unmrigar simply mesmerizes the reader with the sights, sounds and tastes of this colorful nation, slowly building a story that is equally captivating and heartbreaking and cannot be put down.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One Night on the Island

Cleo writes a dating column for one of the top women’s online publications in London. She cleverly calls the man she is searching for her “flamingo” as they mate for a lifetime. While most matches amount to nothing, Cleo has not given up on the idea of true love. As her 30th birthday approaches the editor in chief suggests a publicity stunt that sends Cleo’s world upside down. Cleo is to marry herself to signify independence and self love. She is sent to an idyllic island off the Irish coast where she intends to write a series and search for life’s hidden meanings. Unfortunately, when Cleo arrives on the island the weather is brutal and her simply adorable cottage is not empty. Cleo is greeted by Mack, an American whose distant cousin owns the property. Accompanying Mack is a mountain of baggage that rivals her own and the two find themselves in a stubborn standoff deciding who gets to stay. Due to the inclement weather and no alternative lodgings - a line is visibly drawn and Cleo and Mack have to figure out how to coexist in this small space. Naturally a meet cute ensues. Always a fan of everything Irish, this romcom dragged just a wee bit but was saved by the quirky adorable cast of characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finding Freedom

At an age where she could barely reach the stove, Erin French was helping her dad at the family’s local diner. The small town of Freedom, Maine had but one eating establishment and people liked what they liked just fine. Change was not welcome. At first she was an annoying kid in her dad’s way but very quickly he began to enjoy the tiny bit of assistance Erin offered. She gave him break to drink on the back porch with his buddies and made a few bucks to put in her pocket. All Erin wanted to was earn her way off the farm and out of Freedom to the real world. She succeeded in getting to college only to make a u-turn back to her parents house pregnant and ashamed at 21. Searching for a better way to raise her son Erin only knew and loved one thing - food. She got jobs in restaurants and with catering companies in nearby towns and started to make a name for herself as a hard worker and an excellent cook. After a horrible marriage and stint in rehab Erin is pulled back to Freedom, where she ironically cannot seem to get away. Reinventing herself once again Erin searches for the life she deeply desires. With her loving mother by her side Erin pulls on her apron strings and finds The Lost Kitchen. This creative, hardworking, inventive, honest cook shares her story and passion for food in this magnificent memoir. You will laugh, you will cry and most likely get very hungry! If you love reading and eating, this one is absolutely delicious. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Raised near Homer, Alaska Jewel Kilcher grew up singing and yodeling with her parents. Always a writer and natural performer Jewel was happiest when she was creating music, art and poetry. Her parents divorced when she was young and her father struggled to raise the children alone while facing difficult family relationships. After leaving home to attend an arts school in Michigan, Jewel then found herself on the road alone, at a young age, performing in bars and clubs, living out of a car and falling in love for the first time. Her folksy, poetic lyrics and soft clear voice instantly connected with the audience and Jewel was signed by Atlantic Records. In this memoir Grammy Award winning Jewel draws on memories from life on the road during her Spirit World Tour. She beautifully shares the vivid details of her experiences through words and song. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How to Love Your Neighbor

Grace Travis has her priorities in order. Finish college, quit her many part time jobs as coffee barista, dog walker and Morty’s house helper and begin a brand new career as an interior designer. Having been on her own for as long as she can remember Grace is shocked to learn she has inherited the small beach home of her grandparents - whom she never met. Having broken ties with her conniving, manipulative mother long ago, Grace considers grumpy old Morty and his girlfriend Tillie her family now. Bumping into new next door neighbor Noah Jansen changes everything. Breathtakingly handsome, wealthy and completely full of himself, Grace refuses to fall for his tricks. She will not sell him her property so he can build a pool. She will not fall for those sexy biceps and beach wavy hair. She is an independent woman who refuses to fall in love on a whim. When the hottest home magazine wants to feature Grace redesigning Noah’s property it is 100% renovation romance and her heart doesn’t stand a chance. Adorable hate-to-love romcom to start off the new year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

With Love from London

At thirty five, Valentina Baker never dreamed she would be completely reinventing herself. Finding out that Nick is having an affair sent their marriage into an irreparable spiral. As the divorce and separation proceedings move forward Valentina receives the unexpected news that her long lost mother has passed away and she is the heir to her estate. This quiet Seattle librarian never expected to find herself alone, on a plane to London. She is equally surprised to find her mothers quaint apartment is located above The Book Garden, the most perfect bookstore she has ever encountered. And now, when it seems she has lost everything, a new beginning appears on the horizon. Primrose Hill is a lovely storybook neighborhood and Valentina quickly falls in love with the various shopkeepers and her mother’s best friend Millie who may hold the answers to her past. With the small notes she finds scribbled in her favorite novel Valentina begins to unravel this literary mystery which is the story of her life. Absolutely dreamy read for any book lover. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Divorce Party

Gwyn Huntington is beautiful, wealthy and about to celebrate her 35th wedding anniversary. But the day that should have been one of love takes a turn for the worse. Gwyn is planning her divorce party. The new thing among the wealthy set, Gwyn and Thomas have decided that what is best for their family and to end their marriage in a positive way instead of tragic would be to memorialize the happy years they had surrounded by their loved ones. Thomas does not know that Gwyn has secretly hired his mistress to cater the event. Nate and Georgia, their grown children will be attending. Georgia, nine months pregnant, unmarried and desperately trying to hang onto her unpredictable boyfriend. Nate brings Maggie, his fiancé and business partner to meet his parents for the very first time. They all gather at the Huntington estate in Montauk. This multigenerational story about love and family was a little off for me. While the character portrayal was excellent the theme got lost somewhere in the shuffle. I really like Laura Dave’s more recent novels and reached back to check out this one from 2008. ⭐️⭐️⭐️