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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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.

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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.

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