And tonight I wish I could just stand still: THREE DAYS IN JUNE.

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

THREE DAYS IN JUNE is a beautifully crafted story that brings its eccentric and endearing characters vividly to life.

Just days before her daughter Debbie's wedding, Gail Baines faces a sudden upheaval—losing her job (or possibly quitting, depending on who’s telling the story). When she arrives home, she's met by her ex-husband, Max, who’s unexpectedly camped out on her doorstep with a suitcase and a cat in tow. Debbie's fiancé's allergies prevent him from staying there, so Gail reluctantly takes him in.

Set during the whirlwind three days leading up to Debbie’s June wedding, the novel captures Gail’s sense of disorientation. Criticized by her former boss for her lack of social skills, she now finds herself sidelined in the wedding preparations, which are being commandeered by Debbie’s future mother-in-law. Observing the chaos, Gail narrates events with a quirky humor that is both intentional and unintentional, adding a delightful charm to the story.

When Debbie confides a startling secret about her fiancé, Gail and Max must band together to help their daughter navigate a tricky situation. In the process, Gail reflects on her own past: her romance with Max, their wedding, and the eventual unraveling of their marriage.

At its heart, this is Gail’s story. Quietly poignant and deeply character-driven, the novel explores her journey of love, heartbreak, and rediscovery. Gail’s vivid anecdotes, wry humor, and nervous energy contrast beautifully with Max’s laid-back, carefree demeanor, making their dynamic utterly captivating.

THREE DAYS IN JUNE is a tender and heartfelt read, perfect for fans of character-driven narratives with a touch of humor and nostalgia. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Knopf in return for an unbiased review. THREE DAYS IN JUNE releases 02/11/2025!

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Maybe I left so many things unspoken: THE RIVALS.

The Rivals: A Novel by Jane Pek
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The second book in this series picks up with Claudia Lin continuing her work at Veracity, a unique organization that investigates the truthfulness of individuals using matchmaking services. This time, the plot thickens as Veracity uncovers a disturbing trend: matchmaking companies are creating “synths” — highly sophisticated fake profiles that behave almost like bots, manipulating real users and influencing opinions.

The premise is undeniably timely and intriguing, but the execution feels overly intricate. The story is weighed down by dense technical explanations, an array of code names, subplots involving other characters, and speculative scenarios. There’s a lot happening here. Claudia, for instance, crosses professional boundaries by meeting a client’s girlfriend, Amalia, and starts to develop feelings for her. At the same time, she grows increasingly concerned about her brother Charles and his suspicious involvement with the matchmaking companies. Adding to the complexity, Veracity recruits an insider from the matchmaking industry to feed them information.

When the story focuses on action and relationships, it shines. Claudia’s personal connections—especially with her siblings, Charles and Coraline—are engaging and ripe for deeper exploration. Her queerness adds another layer of relatability, as she grapples with lingering feelings for her quasi-boss, Becks, while being drawn to Amalia. Unfortunately, the romantic tension is drawn out without much resolution, which can feel unsatisfying.

The book captures the unsettling power of fake online identities and their real-world consequences. While I could follow the plot well enough, the unresolved threads are frustrating. By the end, nothing significant is tied up—not the mystery of the matchmakers or the synths, nor the personal conflicts with Claudia’s siblings. It feels less like a complete story and more like a prelude to the next installment.

Claudia herself remains a standout—a wonderfully queer, quirky protagonist. This series offers a unique premise but caters to readers who enjoy layered, cerebral mysteries and don’t mind a lack of immediate payoff.

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

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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.


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Sometimes we're blinded by the very thing we need to see: LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER.

Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

McCreight delivers another thriller that keeps you reading and guessing. Cleo's mother, Katrina, disappears, leaving behind some broken glass and a bit of blood, but no other immediate clues. Cleo is baffled how her mother, a lawyer, could just vanish and who would want to harm her. She begins to investigate, despite their troubled history as mother/daughter.

Interestingly enough, we discover there are a ton of suspects, thanks to Katrina's job, her troubled past at a group home (and hints that something unsavory happened there), and her separation from her husband and Cleo's father, Aiden, who may be focusing a bit too much on Katrina's inheritance. McCreight does a great job of throwing us off with many subtle red herrings.

The story moves swiftly thanks to the back and forth POV, with present-day Cleo performing her "investigation" and then Katrina leading us through the days before her disappearance. It's an effective technique to build suspense and allow us to learn about both women, including their many issues and ups and downs since Cleo became a teen.

The story certainly kept my interest, even though I would say there are not any crazy twists or shocking reveals, as it often focuses more on mother/daughter bonds and histories. Still, it's an enjoyable thriller. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

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

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Every line on your face tells a story somebody knows: THE CLIFFS.

The Cliffs: A novel by J. Courtney Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very interesting read, albeit quite long and meandering at times

In the world of thrillers and viral hits, THE CLIFFS is not that book. It's a slow burner that takes its time to delve into its characters and their history, looking deep into the people associated with one particular home and the nearby area. You will not fly through its pages (though it's compelling) or have any big shocking twists (though there are certainly surprises), but if you keep with the story, you will be rewarded with a complex and rich narrative that spans centuries, connecting our characters in fascinating ways and exploring the complicated facets of how the past influences the present.

There are parts of THE CLIFFS that feel too long, as if a history lesson has lasted into another class period, and it can be hard to warm up to Jane, the main protagonist. The story is told from the point of view of various female characters, jumping around in time, but Jane gets the most screen time. They are all tied together by the house and land, but at times, I found myself wishing for more time with our characters older (in time period, not age) than Jane or other modern narratives. Jane's treatment of those around her--even with her alcoholism--was tough to stomach. A female-centric story that still focused so much on Jane pining for her estranged husband was difficult, as well.

There are so many interconnected stories here and the exploration of indigenous people and history is excellent. Sullivan does a great job of exploring motherhood and the idea if one can feel whole without being a mother. The themes of loss and grief run deeply in this story. While I wished there were a few more ghosts in this book (we get one early appearance!) and it felt long at times, it's beautifully written and a wonderful examination of legacies and the passing down of histories and secrets.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Knopf in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE CLIFFS on 07/16/2024!

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Because love's a one way street, and you will always have my heart: SIGNAL FIRES.

Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

SIGNAL FIRES is a lovely, haunting book that explores how small and big decisions affect families. The night before he's set to leave his family's beloved home on Division Street, Dr. Ben Wilf encounters his young ten-year-old neighbor, Waldo Shenkman, a sweet, intelligent kid who loves constellations. Although Waldo does not remember, the pair has met before, and the two will meet again, over and over. SIGNAL is the sweeping story of Division Street and the secrets it holds, of the Wilf family, of Waldo, of love and loss, and all that comes in between. It's beautifully written, with a touch of magic and a pinch of hope. I loved this book. 4.5 stars.

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Why do you see right through me: TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I know I cannot add anything that hasn't already been said about this book, which seemed to blow up on release. I was so intrigued to see what the fuss was all about. It's an amazingly well-written story about some often very unlikable characters. When Sam Mazur, a Harvard student, gets off a Subway car, he sees a long lost acquaintance, Sadie Green, and feels compelled to call her name. Sadie, who goes to nearby MIT, almost ignores him, but then she turns, and the rest is history. The two, with the help of Sam's roommate Mazur, soon create a legendary video game that catapults them into fame, a lifelong business association, and a very tight personal connection.

TOMORROW is told through series of chapters grouped in titled sections and while it moves chronologically through Sam and Sadie's life, with each of them contributing their thoughts via third person point of view, it often veers back into the past, so we learn their history together. It's a complicated tale, spanning a large swath of their lives and relationship (strictly platonic, they are quick to point out). With the two making video games, the book makes sweeping and intelligent points about the similarities of video games and real life (and the differences), what creating a virtual world can mean--and how it can affect those who live in the real world, and how video games may be the same or different from other forms of art.

I won't lie, it's a "smarter" book than I often read, and I'm sure many of the points sailed right over my head. The writing is beautiful, and the characters are often unlikable because they are freaking real people with flaws and tics and issues, standing out brilliantly on the page in full dimension, versus cookie character people half created to fill out the story. A few things that happen feel violent and raw because I came to care for everyone so deeply--always my sign of a truly good book. And while there is romance in this story, I love the theme and idea that the main characters aren't in love and are tied together by forces almost bigger than romantic love.

Overall, this is a different book. I can see how it wouldn't be for everyone. I don't really play video or computer games, and there is truly a lot of gaming talk in this story. But it's a really fascinating character exploration, too, and I'm really grateful for my #backlistbooks23 challenge for getting me to pick it up. 4.5 stars.

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There's still a lot of life left in this town: EARLY MORNING RISER.

Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Jane falls immediately for Duncan, she doesn't realize that he's slept with a good swath of women in their small town of Boyne City (and surrounding areas). Dating Duncan means encountering his exes everywhere, along with his beautiful ex-wife Aggie and her new husband Gary. After all, Duncan still mows their lawn. It also means that his coworker Jimmy could burst into his apartment at any moment. Then a terrible tragedy occurs and Jane's life becomes permanently entwined with Duncan's and Jimmy's and therefore Aggie's and even eccentric Gary's too. Who knew love involved quite so many people?

RISER is quite a quirky novel and a different sort of read for me, but I'm glad a reading challenge inspired me to pick it up, because it was really quite delightful. It's filled with a cast of memorable small town characters, such as Jane's mandolin-playing best friend, Freida, and Gary, who has a list of things that offend him a mile long, such as linoleum in a kitchen. In a less skilled author's hands, these folks would come across as trite and irritating, but I was laughing out loud in places. Each of these characters jumped off the page as their own unique person.

The story belongs to Jane, giving us glimpses of her life through the years. There are amazing moments of wit, heartbreak, love, and deep insight into her small town life. Heiny captures the suffocating nature of living in a small town perfectly (Aggie knows Jane and Duncan are dating again before Jane is even sure) and the beautiful (the town rallies around its own). It's sad at times, but often hopeful and beautiful too. I loved sweet Jimmy and how well the book showed the world through his lens.

There's no big plot twists in RISER, unless you count the sweeping ups and downs of life. It touches on the big and small moments we encounter in our world. It's relatable in so many ways, covering love, loss, and motherhood, among others. A lovely read. 4+ stars.


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I can't hide what I am, guess it's plain to see: THE VERIFIERS.

The Verifiers by Jane Pek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claudia Lin secretly works for Veracity, a dating detective agency for those who use matchmaking sites. Claudia is the youngest of three siblings, and her brother and sister resent her for receiving the majority of her mother's attention. Her mom, meanwhile, just wishes Claudia would settle down with a nice Chinese boy (this may be difficult, since Claudia is gay). Claudia loves mysteries and books (she wrote her thesis on Jane Austen), so when a Veracity client goes missing, she starts to investigate. Before she knows it, Claudia is swept up in a web of lies and trouble.

"Sometimes I fear I may be out of joint with my time."

This is an interesting and complex novel, part mystery and part character driven family tale. I don't know if it will be for everyone, but I enjoyed it. At times, it offers a nearly textbook-like exploration of the matchmaking industry and data exploitation, going very in-depth into these topics. If you don't like your books to be on the cerebral side, it may feel like a bit much. But this is also a really enjoyable, witty, and sarcastic read with an awesome protagonist--a lesbian, Chinese character who loves mysteries and reading and is smart, spunky, and yet reserved. She made me laugh and I found myself totally rooting for her. My only complaint is that I wanted a bit more happening for Claudia in the romance department!

THE VERIFIERS is packed with New York descriptions, setting you right smack down in the middle of the city as Claudia rides her bike all about. We also watch her navigate her difficult family. This family thread is often a sad undercurrent, as I found them to be difficult to like at times. She makes frequent references to various mysteries, usually classics, and to her beloved Inspector Yuan, a favorite series she grew up with. There's also lots of nods toward literature, many of those classics as well. These meta nods will be a big hit with many readers.

The mystery here is a bit hard to follow at times, as it threads itself into the world of matchmaking and data analytics. But it's interesting and intriguing, and Claudia is a great character to follow. Overall, I enjoyed this detailed, diverse, and witty mystery. 4 stars.

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The map of my heart is torn at the corners: SAINTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS.

Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


Nora and Theresa Flynn are only twenty-one and seventeen when they leave their native Ireland and immigrate to the U.S. For her entire life, Nora has been the quintessential older sister, raising Theresa and their younger brother after the death of their mother. Now she's headed to Boston to be married to their former Irish neighbor, Charlie, whom Nora doesn't really even love. Theresa, meanwhile, is outgoing, beautiful, and intelligent. She loves the dances and social atmosphere in Boston, but that all changes when she winds up pregnant. Both Nora and Theresa are forced to make some drastic life decisions that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Fifty years later, in 2009, Nora and Charlie have four children: John, Bridget, Brian, and Patrick. But Theresa and Nora are no longer speaking, and Theresa lives as a cloistered nun in an abbey in Vermont. What happened between the two sisters? And how will a sudden tragedy affect their current, separate lives?

This was an amazing book - just beautiful, heartbreaking, and lovely. Sullivan captured the essence of each of her characters so perfectly. I could picture every one, and each was so realistic, with their own background, mannerisms, and details.

The novel switches between the past, starting with Nora and Theresa's journey to Boston, and 2009, with a shocking event that rocks the entire family. We hear from each character--Nora, Theresa, John, Bridget, Brian, and Patrick. As I said, they are each an individual and embellished with Sullivan's wonderful writing and details. For instance, I loved the tidbit that Nora and her daughter-in-law communicated for years mainly through Nora's daughter's dog at family gatherings. It said so much with just one story. (And I've so been there.)

I became attached to each character in their own way thanks to the strong writing and characterization. I don't always enjoy books with shifts between time periods, but all flowed seamlessly here. There's an underlying thread that ties everything together, just adding to the brilliance of the novel. While it's really a story of a family, there's still a bit of suspense, as you try to fit some pieces together. Everything works so well.

Overall, I just loved this beautiful story of parenthood, immigration, siblings, religion, and so much more. It's achingly well-written, and while it ended just right, I was still sad to see the characters go. I'll certainly be recommending it to everyone I know. 4.5 stars.

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