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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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.



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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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Used to daydream in that small town: MIDDLETIDE.

Middletide by Sarah Crouch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a quiet and character-driven debut that certainly pulls you into the story. Elijah leaves his small hometown of Point Orchards to make it as a writer. This means abandoning his beloved girlfriend, Nakita, from the nearby reservation. He returns years later as a "failure," having only published one book that barely sold any copies. When a woman is killed on his property--local doctor Erin Landry--in the same fashion as his book, Elijah's attempt at a simple life quickly becomes anything but, as he is the prime suspect in the Sheriff's eyes.

MIDDLETIDE is quite an interesting read. I didn't particularly connect to the characters, but it's such a well-written story, and it kept me reading; I finished the book in one day. It wasn't exactly what I expected: it's part mystery, part character study, part romance. Once back home, Elijah throws himself into restoring his father's ramshackle cabin and trying to make things right with Nakita. But when Erin's suicide is found to be a murder, we see him a different light, especially through Erin's journals and his and Nakita's memories.

The story is told in a back and forth style that sometimes makes it hard to keep track of timelines. It builds up to what happens to Erin, plus the current timeline of the Sheriff investigating the case. We hear from a variety of points of view, which does help build suspense and interest. The small town atmosphere is strong, with the focus on Elijah restoring the cabin, life at the reservation, and how the townspeople's public opinion affects what happens to Elijah.

This isn't an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it's a solid, well-done mystery.

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And in a blink of a crinkling eye: THE ROM-COMMERS.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
My rating: 4+ of 5 stars

This book was a delight--a very enjoyable romance that also centered on grief, moving on, and finding your way after loss. Emma has put her life on hold after her father's illness, focusing on taking care of her sister in the wake of losing their mother. She has dreams of becoming a screenwriter, but family always comes first. But when she gets a chance to work with her idol, screenwriter Charlie Yates, even Emma has to admit she needs to leave her comfort zone and put herself out there.

The universe laughs at this, because when Emma gets to L.A., it's clear that Charlie has no idea she was coming nor does he have any desire to work with Emma on a romantic comedy script that he's basically being forced to write. But, shockingly, Emma wins him somewhat over and the two forge a bond over writing and other things. Emma quickly learns that Charlie has his own issues and isn't the perfect person she always idealized.

The best thing about this story is easily Emma and Charlie's chemistry. It positively sizzles and crackles. Emma might be meek and mild in real life, but she shines with Charlie. And while Charlie has no desire to commit to anything, you can easily tell how much he cares for Emma. There are plenty of sad backstories here (and Emma's dad is a delight), but the overall story is just freaking funny. These two are witty and lovable and you want them to work. It's incredibly easy to root for Emma and Charlie, as people and as a couple.

Overall, I found this romance about discovering love and believing in yourself to be a breath of fresh air. 4+ stars.

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

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Oh it's a hard time trusting fate: FUNNY STORY.

Funny Story by Emily Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Emily Henry stories go, this one captured my attention with its small but enjoyable cast and surprising romance. Daphne's life is rocked when her finance, Peter, breaks up with her right before the wedding. Even worse, he leaves her for his longtime best friend (and his best "man"), Petra. With no place to live, Daphne winds up rooming with Miles, Petra's own jilted ex.

As couples go, Daphne and Miles are just cute. She's dealing with a difficult absent father situation along with the breakup. Miles has his own family baggage, but he hides it better, behind a charming, happy go lucky exterior. Daphne is the quintessential librarian--a homebody who loves her books and her job, especially reading to kids and finding ways to connect them to books. Miles appears to be a wayward guy, but Daphne quickly realizes he has a vast network of connections and friends across their small Michigan town. Daphne just wants to get out of said town--it reminds her of nothing but Peter--but Miles asks to show her around for the summer. This works out well, since Daphne accidentally blurts out that she and Miles are dating to get everyone off their back.

The two aren't exactly fake dating, but they aren't exactly not, either. What follows is a delightful and engaging story that explores the Michigan setting, introduces us to our cast of fun and quirky characters, and sees the chemistry between Miles and Daphne quickly ratchet up. The two seem well-suited for one another and the librarian/books angle is fun.

This is a cute story--nothing crazy--but I enjoyed the cast and Miles and Daphne's relationship and journey of self-growth.

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