Stealing kisses from a boy: CATCH AND KEEP.

Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Easily one of my favorite reads of the year.

Third in a series, but works as a standalone; I loved reading Maren's story. After saying no to a wedding proposal, Maren flees to Wisconsin, where she spent her summers growing up, and the tiny bait shop/cabin she inherited. Once there, she finds Joe--previously thought of as just a friend of her older brothers.

Joe is now a sexy single dad, running his parents' inn and raising his two kids. The two feel drawn to each other immediately, but Hahn does a wonderful job of illustrating their chemistry and attraction, not just some sort of insta-love. The two have a history, yes, but also hangups. Maren is getting over her breakup and Joe is a divorced, busy father.

Maren is a great character; it's wonderful for her to have her own book. She's just... Maren. Tougher than she thinks, figuring out life, totally knowledgeable about fishing and willing to do the dirty work of fixing up an old bait shack.

Joe, meanwhile, is a dreamboat, and his kids are adorable. I don't blame Maren for falling for all of them. I did too. Hahn deftly explores the topic of autism through Joe's younger daughter, but never strays into trope or treacly territory.

If you've read the first two books in this series, you'll be excited to see appearances from Maren's BFFs Lorelai and Shelby and their beaus. But this story is truly Maren's, digging into her old days as "Musky Maren," a fishing YouTube Star (a Musky is a fish, don't worry). It makes some wonderful points about how women are treated simply because they dared to put a piece of themselves on the Internet--and how men feel they are owed something in return for that appearance. Her older brother has a big role, making Maren feel bad about herself and generally just being a jerk.

Still, this is a sentimental and lovely book. When it ended, I thought, "that was perfect." It's a wonderful blend of romantic, sexy, and sweet. The lake acts as another character, providing a wonderful summer/camp-like atmosphere, even as winter sets in.

I love a story that is easy to read--that makes you laugh and smile. CATCH AND KEEP is that book. It's just fun to read (even though it has its serious moments) and makes you happy while reading it. The characters are great and easy to root for, and it offers a wonderful wrap-up for Maren, Shelby, and Lorelai. And Maren and Joe are pretty awesome too, illustrating that not everyone takes the same journey to find one another. 4.5+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

There's a road that I remember leading to a special place: I'LL BE GONE FOR CHRISTMAS.

I'll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this was cute!

I'LL BE GONE FOR CHRISTMAS is basically the movie The Holiday, but diverse and gay.

Bee and Clover switch houses via an app. Bee heads to Clover's farmhouse, where she meets Clover's ex, Knox, and gets to know Bee's dad, Jimmy. While there, she works on the issues she has of being in business with her sister and feeling inadequate in her family.

Clover, meanwhile, heads to Bee's city apartment. There, our country mouse meets Bee's twin sister, Beth, with a stop along the way for a high school crush. Clover works through a belated coming out, of sorts, and getting past people's expectations of her.

This is simply a pleasant read. The characters are easy to like and relate to. They're well-drawn, with realistic issues and things to work through. Even though the story digs into serious topics like grief and coming out, it has plenty of light and humorous moments to balance everything out. There's a holiday flavor, but Christmas is not the main focus of the story. Boone captures lesbian friendships and relationships extremely well. Also, Clover's dad Jimmy is adorable and steals many a scene.

GONE has a fun concept. I've discovered that I like holiday reads that feel Christmas-y without going overboard. It's emotional but fun and while a little simplistic at times, this diverse romance is a winner overall. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

And I will tell you again about the first time I saw you: NO ONE WILL KNOW.

No One Will Know by Rose Carlyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those wild fantastical thrillers that you just want to keep reading, even though it's completely preposterous!

Eve finds out she's pregnant after she's lost her wealthy boyfriend in an accident. His family wants nothing to do with her, so she's adrift. She finds herself recruited by a wealthy couple, the Hygates, to be their nanny in a remote island location. She soon realizes, however, that they don't have a child: they want hers. They offer Eve the opportunity to raise her own child in utter luxury in return for adopting it.

Now, is Eve naive for not seeing a million red flags about this situation? Yes. The story is silly and crazy, but shines in its focus on Eve's determination and a mother's love for her child. The characters are dark, the remote setting is fun, and it's just an all-around good page turner/escape, if you can set aside your need for a believable story. 4 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and William Morrow in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Let there be love that lasts through the year: THE MERRIEST MISTERS.

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Ironically, I'm writing this review while watching The Santa Clause, which probably tells you all you need to know.

THE MERRIEST MISTERS is the fanciful story of Quinn and Patrick, who are struggling after their recent marriage. Quinn is the stressed out teacher pretending to be something he's not, while Patrick, a recently fired architect (something he's keeping from his husband) just wants to make everyone happy (major daddy issues) and to "support" Quinn as the breadwinner.

However, those problems get set aside when they clock Santa with a frying pan on Christmas Eve and one of them must put on his golden cloak and take over Santa duties at the North Pole.

This story is cute and a bit cheesy--it certainly would work well as a Hallmark or Netflix movie. It has heavy queer Santa Clause vibes. On the positive side, it has such a wonderful, diverse cast--yay for holiday inclusivity! It explores being yourself and non-traditional gender roles, as well as the importance of being there for queer youth. It's not quite as Christmas-y as more a look into relationships, with plenty of focus on the issues in Quinn and Patrick's marriage. It's fantastical but an enjoyable holiday romance. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

And the hills move like lungs, the river speaks in tongues: WHAT THE WOODS TOOK.

What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will start out by saying that I adore Courtney Gould and will read anything she writes. Her writing is beautiful, original, and a gift for the queer community. Even WOODS, which is not my favorite of hers, is well-done.

Devin has spent just a short time in her latest foster home when she's awakened in the night and taken away. She soon learns that her foster parents have sent her to the Revive Wilderness program, a program for troubled youth where a small group of teens spends 50 days in the woods with two counselors. You know, the teens are there against their will, but whatever, right?

Devin clashes immediately with Sheridan, another strong-willed female in the group, but has better luck with Ollie, a lost and troubled soul; the younger Aiden; and religious Hannah. It doesn't take Devin long to realize that things seem off (beyond the forced kidnapping) and soon counselors disappear, the woods seem extra eerie, and more.

This isn't true horror, I don't think, but it sure is creepy and certainly sinister. Gould does a wonderful job of building up the tension. Unfortunately, it takes a while to get to a lot of the scary parts, and they sometimes fizzle out. A huge part of the novel's beginning is spent on the discord between Devin and Sheridan, to the point of repetition and frustration. There's far more focus on interpersonal relationships and the camper's backgrounds than the horror vibes. What does show up is unique and intriguing and often quite spooky.

I especially loved the focus on these wilderness camps, which really do exist, and how they can affect the psyche of already fragile young teens. Also important is Gould's emphasis on queer relationships and her consistently strong portrayal of teens overall. This is a bit of a slow burn, plot-wise, but there's a lot to love here too. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for WOODS on 12/10/2024!!

View all my reviews

But you came along and finally I see the type of love I know I need: THE SLOWEST BURN.

The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Enjoyable romance with a foodie angle!

THE SLOWEST BURN is a cute romance, though there's nothing hugely original about it. The entire time it nagged me that it reminded me so much of another book I'd read -- believe it was Ashley Poston's Seven Year Slip.

Here we have the usual set-up for a love story: two people with baggage have to get over it if they want to wind up together. Kieran won a reality cooking show and now he's trying to capitalize on that fame by publishing a cookbook. Ellie is the ghostwriter for said cookbook. Kieran is dyslexic with ADHD, but--of course--Ellie is orderly and uptight. The two clash... until they don't.

The serious aspect of the story revolves around a study of grief. Ellie is a young widow who still lives in a cottage behind her late husband's parents, and they depend heavily on her. Kieran has his own family problems, with a family who always had very high expectations for their son.

Kieran and Ellie are frustrating in the beginning, when they lack the ability to communicate. Once they get to know each other, it's an enjoyable book. The two feel they can't have a relationship due to perceptions in the publishing world. And Ellie is hung up on the fact that she can't have anything for herself (the usual) while Kieran is sure he'll destroy anything good he touches. I do feel badly for Ellie, as she has a lot going on, and Kieran seems like a pretty decent guy. Their chemistry is good, and there's a lot of cooking/baking references, if that's something you enjoy.

There are not a ton of major happenings or deep revelations, despite the serious topics covered, but this is still a sweet romance. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Where the love light gleams: SOME LIKE IT COLD.

Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

This one had a fun premise, but lost a few things in execution!

Jasper is the black sheep of her family, thanks to her autism, which her mom has basically had her hide since childhood. Her family aims for perfection and focuses on her older sister, Christine, who is getting married on New Year's Eve. Jasper reluctantly returns home to Lake Pristine for the wedding festivities, with the secret knowledge that she's dropping out of college with dreams of going into interior design.

SOME LIKE IT COLD has a lot of good points to make about neurodivergence and autism, but good grief, it gets repetitive, as if it's beating us over the head with Jasper's diagnosis! It doles out symptoms like we're reading from WebMD, rather than learning about an actual human. Her sister Christine is horrible with no true redeemable qualities, making it difficult to root for the sisters to reconcile.

Jasper's love interest is Arthur, who has remained in Lake Pristine to run his late father's movie house. The two were childhood enemies, but with Jasper's return this childhood hatred turns into a spark. This is quite confusing, as it seems like they truly hated each other, and the story never makes clear how that hate actually manifests as unrequited love.

The story has some cute points, including its picaresque small town holiday setting and Jasper's friendship with Arthur's little sister, but it's bogged down by repetition and a lack of forward momentum. There's also far more telling than showing with the prose, making the book feel very long. Note that this is characterized as YA, but both Jasper and Arthur come across as older.

Overall, this has some fun Christmas aspects, but I couldn't quite get past all the flaws. 2.5 stars.

View all my reviews

The years go by like days: THE BLACKWOODS

The Blackwoods by Brandy Colbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a captivating ode to black Hollywood.

The BLACKWOODS explores the legacy left by a strong black woman, Blossom Blackwood, so that her great granddaughters can have agency and choice in their own lives. Blossom dreams of being an actor, but choices are limited when she's growing up. Despite her struggles, she prevails, raising her son, Abe, with the help of her mother and sister, and becoming a well-known actress. Abe eventually becomes a famous actor as well, and now Blossom's granddaughter Ardith is in the acting business too. Spread out among the family are others in Hollywood via lawyers, producers, etc.

This is a story about women told by women--Blossom, Ardith, and the other granddaughter, Hollis. Hollis prefers a more private life--hard when you're a Blackwood--and even more difficult when photos of her are leaked by the press.

I loved the stories about Blossom's past, even though they highlighted so well the racism she experienced on her quest to become an actress. She's a tough and spirited woman, and her character shone through the pages.

Present-day is a bit more lackluster. It takes some time for Ardith and Hollis to become as fully-realized as Blossom. The story is fascinating, though, and draws you into the creative Blackwood clan, their trials, tribulations, and successes. It's a very good look at motherhood and family and the legacy one leaves behind.

View all my reviews

Stars will shine and what is broke will mend: A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

A Home for the Holidays by Taylor Hahn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was not the fun and fluffy Christmas rom-com I expected, but that's totally okay--it was surprisingly good!

Wedding singer Mel Hart has always loved Christmas thanks to the fact that her mom, Connie, made it magical. That's extra special because, as an adult, Mel realizes her mom was (is) an alcoholic and the two spent a lot of their life with little money and no real place to put down their roots. Still, Mel is devastated when Connie dies a few weeks before Christmas, leaving much unresolved between the pair. Then she meets Barb, who claims she was Connie's best friend before Mel was born--back in a crazy world when Connie almost became a famous singer. Mel goes to stay with Barb for the holidays, learning more and more about Connie's past, and also meets Barb's son, a handsome and witty doctor.

If you don't like treacly and overly romantic Christmas stories, this book is for you. It's actually dark at times, delving into Connie's alcoholism, problems between Connie and Barb, and Mel's sadness and grief. There is hope, however, when Mel meets Barb's son Henry, who is absolutely glorious and such a sweet leading guy. Mel has her own issues (a dying alcoholic mom will do that to you) but she's spunky and enjoyable too. Even with its difficult topics, HOME is a sparkling story about grief, forgiveness, and yes-love.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Knopf in return for an unbiased review.


View all my reviews

Still fighting the good fight: THE PRESIDENT IS MISSING.

The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A group of terrorists decide to mess with the United States' cyber grid for their own wealth and enjoyment.

It's the plot for the wild and crazy THE PRESIDENT IS MISSING, but it's also a horrifying and rather plausible possibility, which is always in the back of your mind while reading. Said President is ex-military, anti-establishment, and suspects a leak in his inner circle. At the same time, he knows he has just days to stop a virus from shutting down the entire U.S. cyber infrastructure and sending America back to the dark ages--and into utter chaos.

This story starts out a little slow, veers into wild and fun moments, and then lags again at times. It's very uneven and makes it hard to get fully into the story, even if it is exciting. The President receives warning from some defectors from the terrorist cell, and he goes rogue (aka missing) to try to save his country. There are appearances from members of said inner circle plus leaders of other countries and then various parts of the terrorist organizations. It's up to us to puzzle it out along with the President.

This is a fun story (albeit rather sobering because it feels a little too real) but sometimes an up and down tale.

View all my reviews

Trouble knows where I stay and I’m living: I WILL FIND YOU.

I Will Find You by Harlan Coben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was wild and insane, and I could NOT put it down! At all. I had to find out what happened!

David is in prison for the murder of his three-year-old son Matthew. The child suffered a brutal death, and David--while maintaining his innocence--has basically given up. Matthew was his life. His (ex-)wife has moved on, his son is dead, he has nothing left. Five years into his sentence, David's ex-sister-in-law shows up. She brings him a photo of a child at an amusement park. A recent photo. She think it's Matthew. And now, so does David.

So (of course) David escapes maximum security prison and he and Rachel go on the hunt for Matthew, believing that David was framed for his disappearance. Murder? Do we know?

Coben has an amazingly compelling and captivating way of writing, even if the story sometimes feels fantastical or improbable. Man is breaking out of maximum security prison-sure! Man is eluding multiple captures-sure! The book has the feel of The Fugitive, which David even references at one point. And, truly, it's impossible not to root for David, which just shows the power of the writing, as you find yourself urging on a convicted murderer. Is his child truly alive? Did he truly do something wrong?

There's a pair of FBI agents on David's trail who have a special sort of banter all their own and provide an almost comic relief necessary to the story.

Overall, while this is a wild tale, it's a 4+ star read for me because of pure enjoyment. Sometimes you need a good page turner in your life!

View all my reviews

And regret on my mind: A VERY BAD THING.

A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always look forward to a J.T. Ellison book because she's so good at suspenseful, wild stories!

A VERY BAD THING is just that. Does it get a little crazy sometimes? Sure. But it's a complete page-turner that draws you into the world of famous author Columbia Jones, adored by her fans and both revered and slightly feared by her daughter/publicist, Darian. On the final night of Columbia's most recent book tour, she collapses on stage, and Darian is sure it's because her mother spotted someone in the audience. Then, that night, after Columbia and Darian have a fight, Columbia is found dead. The local police Detective Sutcliffe suspects murder. Darian is sure it was Riley, a reporter her mother hired to follow her on tour and report on her life story.

What follows is a bit far-fetched at times and often dark and brutal. We hear from the perspective of Darian, Sutcliffe, Columbia (in the past), Riley, and others. The book is long, but it's exciting and everything flies by, as Ellison keeps you guessing the entire time. There are even some ties to some of her other works, thanks to the case taking Sutcliffe to Nashville (side note: I would totally read another book about Detective Sutcliffe--I loved him).

This is an enjoyable, dramatic thriller with lots of twists and turns! 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

I pick up the broken pieces I put them back into the sky: WHENEVER YOU'RE READY.

Whenever You're Ready by Rachel Runya Katz


This was an informative and interesting read, but wow, the characters drove me crazy sometimes!

Our lead characters were so juvenile and immature at times that I wanted to just shake them. Jade and Nia meet when their best friend Michal introduces them at age ten. The three girls become fast friends. However, Michal died three years ago, throwing the friend group into chaos. Michal wanted Jade and Nia to go on a Southern Jewish history road trip--one they all had planned to go on before Michal got sick. Jade, Nia, and Jade's twin brother (and Michal's boyfriend, confused yet) set out on the trip in Michal's honor.

We learn quickly that Jade and Nia have been somewhat estranged for the past three years, but, of course, we can't be told why. I am not a fan of books where there's a big past event/blowup that is alluded to but not revealed for most of the book. However, it seems par for the course for this group, who cannot communicate to save their lives.

The history part of the road trip is fascinating, as it delves into the history and intersection of anti-black racism and antisemitism in the American South. I learned a lot, honestly, and there are parts that can make you cry. It's wonderful to see queer Jewish characters of color in literature.

There's a lot of intertwined romance and drama in READY and it's difficult to keep track of, sometimes. There's Michal and Jonah's relationship; something that happened with Nia and Jade; and the background of Michal's illness and death. All the drama and sadness is overwhelming sometimes. Nia and Jade are a cute couple, but wow, it's a slooooow burn romance. Those two know how to drag things out!

This one is rather long and you have to warm up to the characters. There is, however, a delightful dog named Luna and wonderful, diverse representation.

I received a copy of this book from Negalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Is there something or someone I should be: THE SUMMER PACT.

The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one was fine but not my favorite of Giffin's. Its plot centers on four best friends from college and revolves around the suicide of one of the foursome. Suicide is a tough and personal subject for me, and I had a difficult time reading some of the pieces.

Our four friends--free spirit, Lainey; uptight Tyson; group cheerleader Hannah; and their athletic leader Summer--become fast acquaintances after a shared evening at the University of Virginia as first years. But their world is rocked when the driven Summer dies by suicide when they are fourth years (right before graduation). The remaining friends make a pact that, in the future, they'll always be there for each other. Hannah invokes it when her fiance cheats on her.

Lainey, now an actress, and Tyson, a lawyer, rush to Hannah's side and they decide to take a trip together (in lieu of Hannah's honeymoon). They'll hit sites that mean something to each of them, including visiting Lainey's half sisters, hitting up Capri, which was Summer's dream, and more. Unfortunately for us, all three characters are rather insufferable and often annoying. I felt bad for Hannah, but she was often a bit of a doormat (she still had my favorite storyline). Lainey makes terrible decisions thanks to her impulsive nature and alcoholic tendencies. Tyson can't seem to let go or let his friends make their own decisions. Everything becomes quite dramatic for this trio; for Pete's sake, you're grown adults! Act like it! Most of the book is them making poor choices while not much happens.

This book tries to make some good points about friendship, especially in the wake of grief and loss. There are some emotional moments, but they are often marred by theatrics and immature characters.

View all my reviews

But you are like a gale wind, mad and unaware: WHAT TIME THE SEXTON'S SPADE DOTH RUST.

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It's certainly nice to see young Flavia de Luce again, especially after thinking the series had ended with book #10. Flavia is dealing with the death of her father and having her younger cousin, Undine, living with her and her sister, Daffy, at Buckshaw. When a local civil servant passes away, Flavia becomes involved because, well, she's Flavia, but also because the family's beloved housekeeper, Mrs. Mullet, the man's cook, is suspected, as she was the one who served him the supposedly poisoned mushrooms with his breakfast.

For me, the best parts of the Flavia series are now her interactions with beloved butler, Dogger, and Mrs. Mullet (Mrs. M). Flavia's wisdom and sweetness shine through as she talks to these grown-ups in her life, revealing how, at age 12, she is both old beyond her years, and yet, just a kid.

Alas, Undine, while growing on me, is still a tough character to like, and the series fairly recent addition of a secret society (the Nide) that involves the entire de Luce family is tedious. I truly prefer Flavia when she's just young Flavia, solving mysteries, riding her bike Gladys across the countryside, puttering about in her chemistry lab, and chattering with Dogger and Mrs. M.

So, while this is a fun read, there are plenty of distractions that take away from its true Flavia essence. Perhaps, sometimes, series are meant to end, though I'm sure I won't give up on Flavia anytime soon.

View all my reviews

Seems like to me there's nothing going right since you went away: CATCH YOU LATER.

Catch You Later by Jessica Strawser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, this one was rather captivating! Mikki and Lark are stuck in their small town, working nights at the local truck stop. They've long had plans of getting out, but those have been set aside as the years slide by. Now Lark is pregnant, and Mikki sees a claustrophobic future unfolding before her. Then a charismatic stranger in a BMW rolls up to the truck stop and invites Mikki to be his guest at a wedding in Florida. Mikki has never even seen the beach. Despite Lark's reluctance, she goes with the man, Chris. But she never comes back. Seven years later, Chris shows back up in town, and he too is looking for Mikki.

Told in a back and forth fashion that builds suspense, CATCH YOU LATER flashes back to 2014, the year Mikki disappeared with Chris and then present day, as Lark deals with Chris' return and the ramifications on her relationship with her daughter, Dove; her fiance; and Mikki's grandmother, Nini, with whom she and Dove live.

So, first off, there are a few annoying factors. Nini, while she does have the beginnings of dementia, is rather irritating and seems to exist to plague Lark and those around her. Mikki doesn't take her phone to work the day she disappears, which, c'mon! We're given a "reason," but this just seems so improbable, even in 2014. Then Lark makes a big deal of a bunch of "lies" she told the police that turn out to be incredibly silly; I hate those sort of lead ons.

But otherwise, even if some of this story seems crazy, it's quite a page-turner! I, personally, would not follow a rich man to Florida and try to wow over his wealthy and uppity family, but Mikki seemed the type (and up to the job). The book ramps up the tension, keeping you wondering what happened to Mikki. Was Chris to blame? Why on earth would she leave her beloved (and pregnant) best friend behind. Strawser does an excellent job of showing the strong bond between Mikki and Lark, even though they aren't together in present time in the story. She also explores the themes of motherhood (giving us insight of both bad and good examples).

There are lots of great twists in this story, even if it's a bit wild. The ideas of friendship, motherhood, finding yourself, and seeking happiness with what you truly have--those are universal, no matter how crazy life gets.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Treat each day as though it's borrowed: HERE FOR THE MOMENT.

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this was a captivating read. After a lengthy delay, a flight finally takes off. It seems like it will be a typical journey, until a woman starts going up and down the aisles, telling everyone when and how they will die. "Old age. 99." "Drowning. Age 7." Some people laugh it off, while others are a bit freaked out, especially those whose deaths are predicted for the near future.

Things become even more interesting when the first passenger dies... exactly as predicted. Two more deaths follow, just as they were foretold. A Facebook group filled with the passengers is fraught with panic.

I had a tough time putting this story down. It alternates between the stories of the passengers, including the mom who was told her baby will drown at the age of 7; the flight attendant celebrating her birthday on the fateful flight; a new bride who is told her husband will kill her via intimate violence; a young man already grieving the loss of his friend; and an overworked dad who is told he will die in a workplace accident after his next birthday.

Then we hear from Cherry, the woman who made these startling predictions. Moriarty captures Cherry perfectly, allowing her to tell her life story between the tales of our plane passengers. When the first passenger dies, it's truly shocking, and Moriarty does an amazing job of making you truly care about this group of people you meet on a plane--so you're worried about their welfare and fates.

This would have been a 5-star read for me, but I found the ending a little lacking--in a way I'm not even sure I can articulate. I was looking for something just a bit "more." Still, the way Moriarty weaves the various stories and connections together is masterful. This is a fascinating and thoughtful read about appreciating life--just as it is--and realizing the true impact we have on others. It makes interesting and poignant points about the ways our lives are woven together more than we may ever realize. 4+ stars.

View all my reviews

All the noises in my head stop to listen to my heart: FALL FOR HIM.

Fall for Him by Andie Burke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Andie Burke's first book FLY WITH ME was such a fun and witty read, so I was so excited to read FALL FOR HIM! FALL even has some ties to FLY, as one of the main characters, Derek, is the best friend of the book's star Olive.

FALL FOR HIM starts off with a literal bang, when IT guru and construction genius Dylan literally falls through the ceiling and lands on his neighbor Derek's bed, thanks to a leaky floor and some shoddy building issues. Derek is horrified, not only because he was almost crushed, but because he hates Dylan, believing Dylan treated his old friend/flame, Jake (Olive's brother) badly. There's a lot of angst related to Jake, as he has since passed away. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of everything related to Jake, as he has ties to Dylan's older brothers, as well.

Dylan agrees to help fix the ceiling and Derek's water damaged place in return for Derek keeping the damage a secret from Dylan's uncle, who owns where Dylan is staying. This means the two enemies are stuck living together. But the more time they spend together, they realize they may not actually hate each other as much as they thought.

Dylan is such a cute and relatable guy. He has ADHD, which the book explores quite thoughtfully. Derek, a nurse, has a need to save everyone, thanks to having to care for his family after his father's death, which can sometimes be a bit much. But his willingness to stand up for Dylan is adorable. Our duo has some strong chemistry and enjoyable banter.

This story gets a little long thanks to a bit too much miscommunication and a few too many obstacles thrown in, but overall, it's a fun read.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review.



View all my reviews

And I need you when the dark gets true: NECESSARY LIES.

Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in North Carolina in the 1960s, Chamberlain deftly explores rural poverty and racial discrimination through her characters Ivy and Jane. Ivy is a white teenager living in a shack with her grandmother, her teenage sister, and her young nephew. They work on a tobacco farm alongside a black family that has also tended the land for the same family for generations. Ivy's sister, Mary Ella, gave birth to William when she was 15, and their family is struggling.

Jane, young, naive, and newly married, is new to social work and the welfare system and assigned to Ivy's family's case. She’s shocked to learn that Ivy is scheduled to be sterilized as part of a eugenics project through her agency. Jane soon grows attached to Ivy and her family to the detriment of her marriage and professional life.

NECESSARY LIES highlights the horrible situation poor people or black people faced in the 1950s and 1960s (Chamberlain points out that NC sterilized people until 1975!). Many were given no choice, or not even told what was done to them. Decisions were made in the name of mental incompetence, being feeble minded, epilepsy, and more. Families like Ivy's were at the whim of the state and also those who owned the land they worked.

This story was moving and quite well-done, especially as it delved into Ivy's dreams of a better life than the tobacco farm. As with many of Chamberlain's books, sometimes complex topics are presented a bit simplistically at times and can wrap up easily, but I do enjoy how her books explore and give light to complicated issues.

View all my reviews

The kind of man it feels good to be around: WHAT WE FIND.

What We Find by Robyn Carr
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

I picked this up off my shelves as part of a "read my shelves" project, but didn't find it too enthralling. Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan flees to Colorado and her father's camp/general store after a series of traumatic events and lawsuits upend her personal and professional life. Once there, there's more upheaval, and she finds herself caring for her older father, Sully, who's been running the campsite for years. She meets Cal, who is staying at the camp, and waiting until the weather warms to hike the trails. The two grow close as they help Sully take care of things.

There's nothing wrong with WHAT WE FIND, it's just that nothing really happens. Maggie cares for her father and meets Cal. Repeat. There's no real depth to either Maggie or Cal, making it hard to get attached to either one. Maggie is supposedly facing bankruptcy thanks to issues with malpractice lawsuits and trouble with her medical partners, yet she can escape for months and continue to keep her home in Denver. The middle of the story is bogged down by a tangent related to Maggie's lawsuit.

The scenic descriptions in this one are good, and I enjoyed Maggie's gruff but kind father, but overall, this bland story wasn't a real winner for me.

View all my reviews

She might be priceless but they're blind to it: BY ANY OTHER NAME.

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

As an English major, I found myself totally enthralled by BY ANY OTHER NAME, a fascinating story about two women--centuries apart--who are storytellers, yet can only get their voices heard behind a male counterpart.

In the 1580s, we meet Emilia Bassano, a young woman who serves as a courtesan to a Lord many years her elder and later finds herself sold into a loveless and violent marriage. Throughout it all, Emilia perseveres, finding solace in her writing, and eventually selling many of her plays to a man named William Shakespeare.

In the 2020s, we hear from Melina, Emilia's ancestor, also a playwright. She writes a play about Emilia's life, but can only sell it to a festival when she changes her name to "Mel Green" and uses her male friend as a stand-in.

Between Melina and Emilia's stories, we see the power of the written word to effect change. But we also see how much the world prioritizes the male story and voice above all others, instead of recognizing that others in society may want to hear and see their own story reflected in art--or tell their own story. NAME explores who controls the narrative, and how those who control it have the power to be heard.

By telling Emilia's story, Picoult posits a theory of Shakespeare as a collective of writers, including women. Honestly, it's pretty easy to leave the book at the end going "I buy this," but even just reading it as a work of fiction (she explains her sources and the liberties she's taken in some places in comprehensive notes at the end), it's intriguing. Emilia's sections are fascinating, highlighting just how much women endured in the time period, but also how strong they were.

Yes, the book is long, but honestly, once it got going, it flew by for me, especially as I found myself caught up in Emilia's life. The writing is wonderful, the story is tragic but inspiring, and the message about the power of the written word to last after we are gone is stunning. 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Ballantine Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Wake up one day, you find that everything had turned to dust: ONE PERFECT COUPLE.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Agatha Christie's book AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is one of my all-time favorites, so I was fascinated to see this modern take on it. I wasn't expecting a lot, but this was actually an enjoyable read!

Lyla is upset when her post-doctoral research doesn't pan out, leaving her potentially jobless. That's about the only reason she would consider her actor boyfriend Nico's ridiculous desire to go on a reality show, THE PERFECT COUPLE, where couples compete in various challenges on a far-off island.

To Lyla, the show seems questionable at best, with five couples being sent to a half-constructed island and filmed and watched over by a skeleton crew. They only make it through the first challenge, eliminating one contestant and leaving the remaining members upset, when a storm decimates the island. Suddenly, they've lost contact with the crew, some contestants are dead, others injured, and for the rest: it's a new challenge--survive, for real, or they're all dead.

Locked island mystery doesn't do this book justice; it's incredibly captivating in the way it explores group dynamics and the psyches of people faced with imminent death. This is a quick read that draws you in, both through the exciting narrative; diary snippets that make you question said narrative's validity; and descriptions of radio calls from the island.

COUPLE delves into the power of social media and reality TV and the effects of "car crash TV" on society. It's quite a thriller, with some great twists, but an excellent examination of character as well.

View all my reviews

She starts to dream and then she stops herself: SHAE.

Shae by Mesha Maren
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This story is horrifyingly brutal yet wonderfully written, taking you directly to small town West Virginia. Sixteen-year-old Shae thinks she's found a new friend in Cam, who is a year her senior, when they meet at school. Soon she and Cam are hanging out, listening to music, and parking by the town lake. Suddenly Shae is pregnant, and everything she planned for her life changes. At the same time, Cam starts changing, wearing Shae's clothes and makeup. Shae's birth story goes terribly wrong, requiring an emergency C-section, and the doctors cut her bladder during the procedure. She's given opiates for the pain, and her whole world tilts.

The oxy blurs Shae's frayed edges, helping her cope with being a teenage mother and with the fact that Cam is transitioning. Shae can't confront reality or change, including Cam's transition. She's unable to talk to Cam, her mom, or anyone, really. As Cam transitions, she pulls away from Shae's small life: going to college, making friends, moving away. But Shae, she's stuck in her rural little life, running with the wrong crowd and increasingly hooked on drugs.

Maren illustrates how drug use and addiction can unravel a person's life. She does so starkly and in terrifying detail, introducing us to the cast of small town lowlifes who help keep Shae hooked on drugs and displaying how easy it is for them to find opiates--and eventually what lengths they'll go to keep their supply up. It's horrible that Shae's addiction stems from her teen pregnancy and subsequent botched C-section. She loves her daughter dearly, but she's not enough to get Shae away from the drugs. Neither is Cam.

Cam does not always come across as sympathetic, but she's the foil to Shae: she comes from a background of even greater poverty, with a harder road due to her transition. But Cam works hard to better herself, be authentic, and to give Eva the best care possible. Watching her grow and flourish while Shae regresses only makes the situation more depressing.

This book is difficult to read sometimes because it's so real and so sad. This is a powerful read about young motherhood and the hold addiction carries. 4.5 stars.

View all my reviews

But safe only gets you so far: NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT.

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very, very rarely will I read a book by an author right after reading one of their previous works, but I loved Annabel Monaghan's SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER so much that I read NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT shortly after. It was just as enjoyable, and now I'm addicted!

After her worthless husband leaves, Nora writes a script about their failed marriage. Her script is picked up by Hollywood and famous (and handsome) actor Leo Vance plays her ex-husband, Ben, in the movie version, part of which is being filmed at Nora's house. After filming, Leo asks to stay in town a few extra days (at Nora's house no less) and he and Nora fall in love.

This is such a cute, fun fluffy romance. I love how Monaghan can take a romantic comedy formula (famous actor falls for regular mom, then there's a misunderstanding) and make it engaging and charming. Nora's such a realistic mom of two, beleaguered after years of putting up with her ex, but she's engaging and tough, too. Leo is certainly a spoiled celebrity, but has an endearing side, and he excels at charming the small town, especially when he helps with Nora's son's school play. The jerk, in fact, is Nora's ex, who makes you want to murder him with your bare hands.

This is a fast read, totally breezy and enjoyable, which just makes you smile.

View all my reviews

And I have scars that you can't read: ENOUGH ALREADY.

Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today by Valerie Bertinelli
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I know very little about Valerie Bertinelli, with the most of my exposure coming from the Kid's Baking Championship. I can't remember why I grabbed this book, honestly, but I read it as part of my own "read your shelves" challenge.

In ENOUGH ALREADY, Bertinelli says "enough already" to dieting, putting her past hawking Jenny Craig behind her, apologizing for pushing weight loss on her public. She's focusing on inner happiness now, working with a mind coach to discover self-joy and sharing her tips with her readers.

It still feels like Bertinelli's weight thoughts are the focal point of her book, though, and while I understand that she's attempting to right past wrongs and love herself as is, the "I need to lose those last 10 lbs" desire gets to be too much after a while. It's suffocating when everything is brought back to the need to lose weight and makes Bertinelli's pivot to happiness at any weight ring a bit hollow.

Where the book shines is anywhere else. Bertinelli's memories of her ex-husband, Eddie Van Halen; interactions with their son, Wolfie; sharing recollections and recipes. She ties many of her recipes to memories and discusses food that she remembers from her childhood to cooking for Eddie to recipes made on her Food Network show. The talk of how food has brought together her various families over the years is fun.

Bertinelli touches on grief, with the recent loss of her parents and her ex-husband. I don't think we get full honesty, but she definitely shares a lot of herself. She seems like an over-protective mom and regular, relatable person many times. Other times, she tries to be "just like us," but--like many celebrity memoirs--it's hard to take advice from someone with a happiness coach who is renovating two homes, etc.

This is a quick read but the focus on weight bogged it down for me. The personal stories and recipes made for worthwhile reading, though.

View all my reviews

We're already lit, so who needs a match: THE MOST WONDERFUL CRIME OF THE YEAR.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So this is a fun one, truly! I'm not always a Christmas book fan, but when it's a holiday romantic comedy combined with a locked room mystery (and written by Ally Carter)... THE MOST WONDERFUL CRIME OF THE YEAR does an amazing job of just running with the cheesy over-the-top romance and mystery tropes, acknowledging them straight out (there's only one bed!) and laughing along with them.

We're introduced to our rival mystery writers, Maggie Chase, known for her cozy mysteries and recent divorce, where her entitled husband left her for her best friend, and Ethan Wyatt, a handsome and popular thriller writer. The two have a history together, with Ethan consistently calling her Marcie and Maggie consistently hating Ethan. But now they've been mysteriously invited to the English home of Eleanor Ashley, the most popular crime writer ever, and Maggie's writing idol.

But before you know it: Eleanor's disappeared from a locked room, someone's been poisoned, gunshots have been fired, and what looked like an amazing opportunity to meet Eleanor has turned into a desperate attempt to just stay alive. Or, is it a test concocted by crafty Eleanor herself? Carter gives us a wickedly fun locked room mystery with a twist: it's being solved by rival mystery writers who just might be going from rivals to lovers.

Because it seems like Ethan's been crushing on Maggie for a while. (We had to wait a while to figure out why he loved her from first sight. His obsession seems a little over the top for a bit.) Maggie, meanwhile, is reeling from her divorce and has little reason to believe in Ethan, or anything, especially herself. But she knows Eleanor Ashley. She grew up on her books. As Maggie grows in confidence, the two run through a series of wild and outlandish scenarios (gunshots! fires! secret chambers!) while exchanging quips, witty banter, and smoldering glances.

At times, it felt like my rhythm with CRIME was a little off. I wanted it to move a bit faster than it did. Ethan and Maggie's memories of their various earlier meetings provided justification for their characters' current actions, but as those trickled in slowly, sometimes the two seemed a bit frustrating. But, overall, this was really a fun read, leaning into both the romance and mystery angles, working the English manor in a snowstorm atmosphere, and giving us an enjoyable read while still highlighting the importance of believing in women--and yourself. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

You got me falling in love again: SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER.

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this story to be delightful!

In a total romance mood, I followed the crowds and picked up a book by Annabel Monaghan. I'm so glad I did! Sam and Wyatt met at the beach as children, fell in love in their teens, and were then pulled apart by family circumstances. Sam's heart broke, and she's barely been back to the beach since. Now, they find themselves together again, when Sam returns to her family's beach house to plan her wedding to her fiance, Jack.

Sam's changed since her summers at the beach. She's shaping herself into what Jack needs and wants: a predictable, buttoned-up person who works in human resources. But being back--and seeing Wyatt-reminds her of carefree summer days, racing in the ocean, searching for shells, painting in her room, and falling in love for the first time.

We learn about Sam and Wyatt's romance through flashbacks that perfectly capture the intensity of their young love and how it shaped them into the people they are today. We see how and why Sam changed, and why Wyatt is the perfect specimen he is now. Wait, did I say that out loud?

The beach setting is gorgeous, Sam and Wyatt have wonderful chemistry, and there's a freaking treehouse where Wyatt plays guitar. Sure, there's nothing wild here, it's mostly predictable, but that's what we need in a romance sometimes--something comforting, fun, and sweet that leaves you feeling happy and content at the end. 4+ stars.


View all my reviews

We could go back, rewind and play it again: SIDELINED.

Sidelined by Suzanne Baltsar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a simplistic but fun sports romance about a female high school football coach and the (male) Offensive Coordinator who resents her. Charlie, the daughter of a well-known college coach, wants to be known for her coaching skills on her own terms, so she seeks a job as a high school football coach. This angers the town and the team, and their OC, Connor McGuire, who was sure the head coach spot was his.

There's a lot of "oh my gosh she's a woman, look at her curves and body but really I'm not mad she got the job because she's a woman, just because I deserved it more" whining in the beginning, but we eventually push past this for a fairly charming and quick read.

Charlie is a fun protagonist--she knows her stuff as a football coach; it's the rest of life (female friendships, dating) where she struggles. Once Connor gets his head out of his rear, he's likable enough; he's dealing with recovering from an old ex and needing to open up. The story gets progressively better as we get to know our couple, along with their shared group of friends.

The writing isn't always the crispest, but the story illustrates the inequality women face when battling men in the same fields and the struggles women like Charlie face in a male-dominated field: even when they are better than the men around them. I always love a book with a good sports backdrop, and high school football is fun, especially as Charlie's team tries to win states.

There's some witty banter between Charlie and Connor and a bit of sexual tension, but this is a very PG romance. We see both Charlie and Connor grow a bit as people, root for the local team, and get to enjoy our feisty couple.

View all my reviews

No one wants to see the cracks the make-up doesn’t hide: THE WEDDING PEOPLE.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Phoebe arrives at the fancy Cornwall Inn with plans to kill herself. She quickly realizes she's the only guest there not attending the wedding of Lila, "the bride," and her husband-to-be, Gary. When Lila finds out Phoebe's plans, she freaks out and tells her she cannot ruin her wedding plans. As the two talk, Phoebe finds herself caught up in Lila's intricate seven-day wedding extravaganza, including Lila's family.

What follows is a thoughtful story about grief, admitting to one's faults, and learning to love yourself. The characters are nuanced and flawed, filled with sadness and calamities. Phoebe is broken after a divorce, while Lila is grieving the loss of her father. The setting is atmospheric and oozes a wealthy seaside vibe. Lila's various family members are engaging, charming, and interesting.

The only reason this is not a 5-star read for me is that while, overall, it deals with sadness and depression fairly well, it feels like Phoebe's suicidal desires are pushed to the side rather easily. Getting over a deep depression and suicide attempt is not as easy as meeting a chatty bride and falling for her family, even if they are pretty cool.

Still, this is a unique and lovely novel. I fell for the characters and was immediately caught up in Phoebe and Lila's stories.

View all my reviews

I never mean to do bad things to you: DEAR HANNA.

Dear Hanna by Zoje Stage
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Much like BABY TEETH, I left DEAR HANNA wishing for more. There's nothing wrong with this book, per se, but it also seems like nothing really happens, though our protagonist (antagonist?) Hanna tries. All grown up, with the childhood attempts at murdering her Mommy in the past, Hanna is now married to Jacob, a man 20-ish years her senior with a pre-teen daughter. Jacob does not know much about Hanna's past, just that her brother, Gustav "Goose" is now in a boarding school, just like Hanna was as a child. Hanna feels safe with Jacob and Joelle, his daughter, until Joelle grows into a teenager and her decisions threaten the small life Hanna's made for herself. Hanna returns to her old habits, attempting to control the behavior and outcomes of the people around her--no matter the cost.

The problem is, so much of what Hanna does is predictable, or rather lame, not scary. Yes, she's a sociopath, but not an effective one. We get a look into grown up Hanna's psyche and that's about it--lots of thoughts and ponderings. The chapters where Hanna exchanges letters with her brother are actually more interesting, as she often says what she really thinks to her own sibling.

HANNA looks into the dynamics of motherhood and marriage, exploring both Hanna's past and her present, and, of course, highlights the perils of untreated mental illness. We see how far someone can go to convince others that they are fine (and how easily we may want to believe it). Some of the book is creepy, and there's a twist or two, but mostly it's rather simple and predictable. 2.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

And my words shoot to kill when I'm mad: HOUSE OF GLASS.

House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Whoa, creepy central! Sarah Pekkanen is a master of ratcheting up the ominous creepy tension. Stella Hudson reluctantly agrees to be the guardian ad litem/lawyer for Rose Barclay, a nine-year-old who witnessed the death of her nanny, who fell through a window of the family's third story home. The Barclays live in a spacious mansion, but they are divorcing, and Stella must decide what is best for Rose. Rose is suffering from traumatic mutism and hasn't spoken since her nanny's death. The police could not arrest anyone, but Rose's parents, grandmother, and even Rose herself are under suspicion.

As Stella digs into Rose's life, she finds the Barclay home unnerving. There's no glass anywhere, not even in a picture frame, and she soon realizes her young charge is hoarding sharp weapons. Rose's parents appear to be hiding something about their daughter, as does her grandmother, who is Rose's alibi for the incident. The Barclays empty (and glass-free) home makes for a wonderful and eerie setting.

The small cast of characters keeps you guessing; I love a thriller where you have an inkling but can never be sure. There's nothing quite like a rich, slightly off family, and a spooky kid. Now Stella seemed more like a PI rather than a lawyer, but I guess we have to let that one go. She's drawn to Rose due to her own childhood trauma, and the book explores Stella's own past, as well as her relationship with a cop who is both investigating the nanny's death and helping Stella look into her mother's long ago death. I could totally see these two characters reappear in another book!

This is a quick page-turner that looks at childhood trauma, divorce, and family secrets coupled with an atmospheric and tense story. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Between the lines of fear and blame: WHAT LIES IN DARKNESS.

What Lies in Darkness by Christina McDonald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the first book in this series and really wanted to read the second right after! It was just as twisty and dark as the first! Heading home on Christmas Eve, the Harper family's car crashes. Only sixteen-year-old Allison survives, found hurt by the road. The rest of her family, though? Gone--disappeared from the site without a trace, including her little sister, Ella. A year later, Ella's backup turns up and Detective Jess Lambert investigates.

Jess' investigation unravels a lot of dark secrets about the town, the Harpers, and even Jess' own life. With the second entry in the Jess series, I found myself liking Jess more and more. In the first book, she's a severe alcoholic, hanging on by a thread. She's still dealing with ghosts here (literally), but she's starting to get things together, and we see more of her personality shine through. The result is an excellent mystery with a human side, as Jess relates to Allison through their shared history of loss and trauma. I just love McDonald's books--they are dark and heavy, yet so well-written with nuanced characters and plots that keep you guessing until the end. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Waiting as my heart drops: THESE STILL BLACK WATERS.

These Still Black Waters by Christina McDonald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a brutal story that interweaves secrets and anguish into a gripping thriller. I quite enjoyed my introduction to Jess Lambert, a troubled detective who has returned to work after a horrific family tragedy. She must investigate the murder of a woman by Black Lake. This leads her to the woman's neighbor, Neve, who has just moved to town after a brutal home invasion. The murder sends Neve into a tailspin, wondering if she made a mistake bringing her daughter to Black Lake to recover from their own trauma.

This dark story alternates between Jess' point of view and Neve's, plus mysterious italics from someone who could be our killer. It's full of eerie tension and also introduces a paranormal aspect. At times, the story is hard to read, as Jess is a heavy drinker thanks to her family hardship, and sadness and grief surround her like a dark cloud. Some horrific events take place throughout the story.

McDonald does an excellent job of linking Neve and Jess through their roles as mothers, showing what mothers will do for their children. The book keeps you guessing with some amazing twists and turns--it's a great, eerie, and heartrending thriller. 4+ stars.


View all my reviews

And I would have stayed up with you all night: LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER.

Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Oh, this sweet book stole my heart! Lenny Marks lives a safe and predictable life as a primary school teacher. To relieve anxiety, she makes anagrams out words and plays both sets of Scrabble letters, one as herself and one as Monica, from her favorite TV show Friends (she never cheats, even though she knows both sets of letters). One day, a letter arrives for Lenny from the Parole Board. This unleashes a series of repressed memories from a childhood incident involving her mother and stepfather, Fergus. All Lenny recalls is that it was "all her fault."

Lenny's story is a touching one of recovering from trauma. Her neurodivergent character is powerful and beautifully written. Mayne captures a damaged yet resilient woman who has been through more than one individual ever should. Encouraged by her foster mother, Lenny tries to push the boundaries of her predictable life. She steals an abused dog, who is an absolutely amazing canine character. She starts making friends, including Ned from the grocery. We meet some absolute villains: "cool girl" type primary school co-workers who make Lenny's life miserable.

As Lenny tries to remember and learn more about her past, while becoming a stronger woman in the present, the urge to protect her is intense. (I listened to part of this story on audio, and it's so well-done!) But she does a great job of standing up for herself, and Mayne is wonderful at illustrating how Lenny's mind works.

This is an oft sad and traumatic story with a bit of a mystery. It is very serious in content but laced with humor and a realness to Lenny that's hard to find. The plot veers toward outlandish at times, but this is a touching and beautiful read. 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Most of the summer feels like fall: THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT.

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Lucy's roommate and closest friend, Bridget, has talked up Prince Edward Island for years. She invites Lucy to visit; when she arrives, she meets a handsome local, Felix, and they spend a magical evening together. Until Bridget gets there and Lucy realizes that Felix is actually Bridget's brother, "Wolf,"--the one person she promised Bridget she'd never get involved with.

Lucy visits the island with Bridget every year, but no matter how much she studiously avoids Felix, they are always drawn together. When Bridget summons Lucy to the island a week before her wedding--an uncharacteristic move for Bridget--Lucy goes, despite how busy she is with work. But Bridget won't reveal why she's dragged Lucy out there, and Felix has no idea either.

The romance part of this book: excellent! Lucy and Felix's forbidden romance was tantalizing, with a smoldering chemistry between the two. Bridget and Lucy's friendship: frustrating! Bridget's unwillingness to say why she brought out Lucy, who is stressed beyond belief with work, was not cute or funny but incredibly irritating!

Communication was the name of the game, here. Bridget, just tell your friend the truth. Lucy, just tell Bridget that you love her brother. So much time spent worrying about what each other would think. In many ways, SUMMER is a story of friendship just as much as it is of romance, but these friendships are not always healthy, as much as Bridget and Lucy care for one another.

The story is told in a back and forth format, with present-day Lucy dealing with Bridget's crisis and her own work stresses, and then the past, recalling all her times on the island, especially with Felix. We see how their relationship has grown, even in secret, and Lucy's own personal development. Prince Edward Island sits as a beautiful backdrop, providing a gorgeous setting for Lucy and Felix.

Overall, I found the island setting charming and really enjoyed Lucy and Felix; some of the other plotlines were frustrating, but this was still a fun read. 3.5 stars.

View all my reviews

Maybe together we can get somewhere: CASH DELGADO SHAKES THINGS UP.

Cash Delgado Shakes Things up by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's never too late to discover who you are--that's the message behind Tehlor Kay Mejia's latest. Cash Delgado has made a predictable life for herself in Ridley Falls, running Joyce's Bar, devoting herself to her six-year-old daughter, Parker, and hanging out with her best friend, Inez. Her busy schedule leaves her little time for herself, including dating or thinking about her dreams of expanding Joyce's.

When Joyce's Bar is threatened by a chain, Cash has to consider what she really wants. Especially when she starts having romantic dreams about Inez. Tehlor Kay Mejia creates a lovely and moving story about learning who you are and growing to be okay with that realization. As they do, they introduce us to Cash, who starts to question her sexuality after some racy dreams. Not only does Cash start to wonder about whom she loves, but she has to grapple with the idea that she's living life solely for Parker, instead of herself--and is that, in fact, the message she wants to send to her daughter?

Cash can be a bit frustrating at times, but I'll grant that she's going through a lot--single parenthood, identity issues, job stress. I did wish she would communicate more, especially with Iris. So many of the problems could have been worked through with a little more honesty. The story stutters a bit when Cash goes too much into self-actualization mode; it's far better when it focuses on action and the supporting cast. Inez, an out lesbian, is an excellent character, along with a cast of friends and family who live with her on her farm. It makes for a wonderful and diverse story.

Tehlor Kay Mejia does a strong job of building up longing and tension through Cash and Inez's friendship, using dreams and fantasies to create tension before any sort of romance ever happens. Inez and Cash's budding relationship takes place against the backdrop of Joyce's Bar, where they both work--a local institution the two must join together to save. This gives the story more depth and allows for the entrance of a variety of small town characters.

Overall this is a really cute romance with a diverse cast and an engaging plot.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House/Dell in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

A mother wraps up her baby and walks away: STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG.

Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's been years since I read a Kate Atkinson book, but picking back up with the Jackson Brodie series was easy. I had forgotten how Atkinson writes--beautifully and full of description, but in a meandering manner, with no real sense of urgency. As a result, you desperately want to know what happened, but also get caught up in her well-drawn characters.

Here we have Tracy Waterhouse, a retired police detective, used to a life of routine, until she steals a small child off a notorious offender from her police days. We also hear from Tilly, a famous actress who is losing her memory, and, of course, Jackson, who is traveling while investigating the parentage of a woman named Hope who is looking for her adoptive parents.

The story flips between present-day and a strange intersection of Tracy, Jackson, and Tilly, and the 1970s, when a young Tracy, newly on the force, investigates the death of a prostitute, Carol, left for dead in her apartment for weeks, along with her young child.

All the characters sort of ramble--Tracy, as she recalls her past and as she grapples with caring for a child; Jackson, as he remembers the loss of his sister and thinks about his life while he wanders about and investigates; and dear Tilly, whose passages heartrendingly capture her memory loss. At the same time, their merging stories form a clear picture about what happened to Carol in the past and then, in the present day, answer Hope's questions about her true parentage.

This is a lovely story to read, with a good mystery tucked inside well-developed characters. It requires a bit of patience to read, but it's worth it.

View all my reviews

I just wanna spend every second with you: THE CALCULATION OF YOU AND ME.

The Calculation of You and Me: A Novel by Serena Kaylor
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I have complicated feelings about this book, but that's appropriate, as our main character, Marlowe, is a complicated person. One of the best things about Serena Kaylor's books is that she writes nuanced characters with various dimensions, and she doesn't shy away from depicting neurodivergent personalities.

I was slow to warm to THE CALCULATION OF YOU AND ME and even considered not finishing it, due to Marlowe's singular focus on her ex, Josh, who breaks up with her at the end of the summer, but leaves enough glimmer of hope (in Marlowe's eyes) so that she pines for him all summer. When he truly ends it (in the chemistry lab, no less) on the first day back at school, she's devastated. Around Josh, Marlowe could feel "normal"--she had friends, she went out on dates and to parties, and she was part of the typical high school experience, much to her parents' relief. Without Josh, she's just weird Marlowe, autistic teen. Even worse, when Josh breaks up with her, he tells her she's not romantic enough, only solidifying her internal monologue that she's not like other girls.

Marlowe turns to fellow student Ash, a loner with whom she's been recently paired on an English project, to teach her about romance. Ash works at a romance bookstore (this town has a bookstore dedicated solely to romance books, which sounds so, so amazing) and while he's reluctant to help, citing pure hatred of Josh, Marlowe wins him over, especially when she helps publicize his band.

What follows is a very touching neurodiverse love story with an exploration of teen autism. It's an ode to romance, as Ash teaches Marlowe about the genre via various novels and then romance experiences (aka dates). One of the best things about the book is the focus on Marlowe's relationship with her friends, who are cute, quirky, and not afraid to be different. There's a diverse cast with queer characters--always appreciated.

While focusing on one thing (or person) is, in fact, a part of Marlowe's autism, her focus on Josh went on too long and the book would have been far more engaging with more Ash. It took 20% of the story to even get to her pact with Ash to learn about romance; with that early 20% focused almost solely on opining about Josh. (And I think it's fair to say that Josh is not worth opining over.) It would have been nice to see Marlowe reach her revelation about Josh's true character a bit earlier, so we could have more Marlowe/Ash time. Any part of the story that looked into Marlowe's relationship with her friends, her family, or her banter with Ash was far more interesting.

The story doesn't always feel deep or substantial, but its exploration of neurodivergence is excellent. This tale would be very appropriate and a good fit for its YA audience. 3.5 stars for me.

I received a copy of this book from Wednesday Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Even the best of dreams must end: SWAN SONG.

Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elin Hilderbrand is such a guilty pleasure of mine, and SWAN SONG is no different. Supposedly Hilderbrand's last Nantucket novel, just like all her others, you can't help but get caught up in the story of the wealthy and entitled island people misbehaving.

Ironically, now that Hilderbrand is retiring, she seems to be finally getting more with the times, mocking the elitism of Nantucket, featuring LGBTQIA+ and POC characters, and mentioning the roles of foreign nationals and poverty/food hunger on Nantucket.

No matter what, you just feel like you're on the island with these characters. Police Chief Ed Kapenash, a familiar face from other books, is finally ready to retire. His daughter, Kacy, is back in Nantucket for the summer, nursing a broken heart. On her way home, she meets a woman named Coco on the ferry who is going to be the "personal concierge" for Leslee and Bull Richardson, a wealthy couple who have just bought a very expensive Nantucket home.

But three days before Ed's long-awaited retirement, the Richardson's new home catches fire--while they happen to be out partying on their giant yacht. Coco, with whom Kacy has made friends, is missing. The story alternates between present-day, after the fire at the Richardson mansion and Coco's disappearance and then dipping back to the beginning of the summer, leading us up to the big event. As with any Hilderbrand book, it first feels like there's too many characters to keep track of and then suddenly, you're a part of all their lives, and completely caught up in the suspense and tension.

The Richardsons make a huge splash on the island, and we hear from reoccurring characters, like Blond Sharon and Fast Eddie, about their desire to befriend the couple. But the couple's desire to fit in may be too much; they may be pushing too hard to get into the local club and make friends with the islanders.

This story is very easy-to-read and flies by, keeping your interest the entire time, and making you feel like you're right there with Nantucket's "rich and famous." It's a fitting end to Hilderbrand's Nantucket tales. 4.25 stars.

View all my reviews

And it takes all the strength I've got: SLEEP LIKE DEATH.

Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Even when doing a retelling, you can always count on Kalynn Bayron's books to be unique and different. Honestly, I either don't know the Snow White story well or Bayron made a ton of changes, because SLEEP LIKE DEATH was always surprising!

Princess Eve was raised to hate the Knight, a traveling creature who has tormented her Kingdom by granting wishes with a catch; no matter what, they only work out favorably for the Knight in the end. She knows this firsthand; one of her moms, wishing for a beautiful voice, was turned into a bird. Now Eve is catching her other mom, Queen Regina, acting strange, and talking into a looking glass/stone.

I won't lie; some of this book is really weird. I'm okay with that part; pieces of it were rather frustrating, though, and that was more difficult. I certainly wish the LGBTQIA+ angle was stronger beyond Eve's two moms (I mean one is a bird) and some pining. Based on Bayron's other books, there was so much more she could have done here. Instead, Eve has a romance with Nova, a messenger of the Knight, that often feels completely unfounded. They see each other, talk once or twice, and then boom, they are suddenly in love. The lack of connections or reasoning in the story made little sense.

DEATH is stronger when it comes to its allusions to myths and stories. There's a very neat parallel to the Seven Dwarfs and some decent attempts at reversing gender stereotypes from Snow White (some fail, though). The book explores dark magic, often veering deeply into sad and tragic territory--this is certainly not a Disney retelling. It looks at the relationships of mothers and daughters and women in general. Eve's relationship with Queen Regina is complicated; sometimes, you wish everyone in the story would simply communicate more. (Or stop making doomed wishes?)

I enjoyed the story the most when Eve was off exploring and attempting to save her kingdom. This was an interesting retelling, but it seemed like a lot of the connections were missing--not a lot of backstory to the Knight's vengeance, Eve's romance, and more. It's a quick read, but lacking some depth.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Bloomsbury YA in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Spend half your life trying to make a change: RULES FOR GHOSTING.

Rules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay Shore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not, perhaps, the fun, fluffy ghost story it's billed as, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. The fact that it's a debut is even more impressive. Ezra has the weight of the world on his shoulders, with a host of familial expectations and history of caring for his siblings, along with being transgender. When his parents unexpectedly split, Ezra finds himself back at his family's funeral home, a place he's avoided for years--ever since he realized he could see the dead.

He soon meets Jonathan, who is grieving the loss of his late husband--only to realize that one of the dead people he's been spying around just happens to be Ben, Jonathan's late husband. Even weirder, Ben can talk to Ezra, something none of the other ghosts have ever done. Jonathan and Ezra grow closer, but Ben remains a barrier between the two (for a myriad reasons).

This story is a little long-it takes on a lot-and while it manages most of it well, it feels a bit unwieldy. It takes some time to get to the ghosts, especially the talking one! Still, it provides excellent insight into Jewish funeral customs and traditions. The book wonderfully explores the idea of family, digging into the concept of being what your family wants versus what you need for yourself. How does a person shape themselves for, and because of, their family? I empathized very much with Ezra and all the guilt he felt about his family and the duties and responsibilities he had toward them.

Ezra is a charming character and he comes across as very real and likable. His story is often funny, even with the funeral home setting and all the dead people hanging around. Ezra has a wonderful cast of friends--many of them POC and/or queer--and the story does a great job of exploring queer friendships and how important found family is, especially with Ezra's bizarre family situation.

There's certainly a lot of discussion of grief and death in GHOSTING, so avoid if that's a trigger for you. But know that this is also a really poignant and lovely story--part almost coming of age and also a sweet romance. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Dell in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews