Remembеr me happy when you remember what was: ALL THE LIES WE SEE.

All The Lies We See by Christina McDonald
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Another excellent entry in the Jess Lambert series.

Jess is a grieving mom and dedicated cop--she's trying to continue living since the death of her young daughter, Isla, which occurred while Jess was driving. She's a recovering alcoholic and slowly rekindling her marriage to her husband, Mac. Jess hopes the trial of a local woman, Melanie, will help provide her closure--she partially holds Melanie responsible for the accident with Isla.

But, overnight everything changes on Jess again. After learning that Melanie has cut a plea deal, she wakes up in a strange hotel room. She feels as if she was drugged--and soon she realizes that there's a viral video circulating of her murdering Melanie. Jess, who depends on her instincts and investigation abilities, feels helpless--she has no memory of the night and no idea how to prove her innocence.

As with most of this series, this is a raw and emotional book about grief. This story adds in the theme of revenge and what it takes to move on, or to seek forgiveness. This is a particularly personal investigation for Jess--she has to exonerate herself while confronting more demons about Isla's death. Melanie is truly a horrible woman, and be prepared for a dark and gruesome read.

Jess quickly realizes that current events may be tied to her last case before Isla died--the disappearance of a young woman, Cece, who has since passed away. Because Jess has the special ability to sometimes see the dead, including Isla, and now Cece, the young woman tries to help her find the truth.

As always, McDonalds gives us a well-written story with flawed, nuanced characters and intricate storylines. We delve more into Jess' relationship with her ex-husband Mac, her feelings about Isla's death, and her attempts to be a better person and reconcile her grief.

In addition, the book makes excellent and timely points about how AI can make it impossible to tell the difference between reality and alternate, faked perspectives. How can anyone--included trained professionals--trust their instincts in the world of AI, the story asks? It's a great question, and a scary one.

An excellent mystery--definitely recommended.

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

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You know when you’re by my side, darling, nothing can bring us down: DOLLY ALL THE TIME.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan


Easily one of my favorite reads of 2025 -- keep this one on your radar for its May 2026 release!

Dolly Brick is back in her hometown of Whitfield, Rhode Island to take care of her dad and brother after a (small) fire in her childhood home. That's typical for Dolly--always helping, always giving. She and her teenage son are assisting her dad at the family fish shop and generally making themselves useful. While delivering for the shop, she comes across Stewart Whitfield--one of those wealthy Whitfields whom the town is named after--floundering while trying to change a tire. Dolly does it for him, leading to him asking her to pose as his girlfriend to convince his family that he's serious both about taking over the family business and settling down.

What's so great about this book is that it allows you to completely embrace a fantasy come to life: a weary mom wined and dined by the handsome, rich guy. You know it's fake, but Monaghan writes so convincingly that you find yourself wishing it was real. The characters just pop off the page--written as vibrant, realistic, flawed, and funny humans. I truly wanted what was best for Dolly and Stewart.

Nothing about this story feels forced or silly, as so many fake dating tropes can. Their reasons to pull away aren't contrived, but based on actual motivations. We meet Stewart's family, including his sister, Busy, and his doctor Mom and learn about his need to be the absolute best for his family. And then there's the charming Dolly, attempting to do it all after her mom left when she was a child. Her sweet son, Gus, is a wonderful character as well.

This is a romance, but also a story of growth and the strength of family. It's a vulnerable story but also funny. I found it hard to put down and highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this story from Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons in return for an unbiased review. Look for this one 5/26/2026!

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Hope you find yourself somewhere between the first pew and the back row: THE GOLDEN BOY'S GUIDE TO BIPOLAR.

The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar by Sonora Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an achingly honest look at mental illness, as teenager Cesar Flores struggles with both his sexuality and his bipolar disorder.

Cesar broke up with his boyfriend, Jamal, fearing that their relationship was going to send him straight to hell. But he keeps coming back to Jamal and the strong feelings the two have for another. Cesar also struggles with intrusive thoughts and deep highs and lows. The pressure he feels from his family to be the "perfect teen" is just too much sometimes.

This is such a well-written story: so beautiful, and so real. You can truly feel Cesar's emotions and problems coming through the pages. It captures how difficult it can be for teens to come out, as well as how hard mental illness can be. We see how tough it is for Cesar to grasp that he has an illness. Even better, the story is happy but realistic.

This is a great book for teens, but my adult self loved it too.

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

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My stride is slowed by memory but not innocent: MAD MABEL.

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, MAD MABEL is just excellent--an utterly captivating read.

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is in her 80s and lives a quiet life on her street, where her main duty is keeping an eye on the business of her neighbors. But when a turn of events reveals to said neighbors that Elsie is the infamous Mad Mabel, well known as Australia's youngest murderer, things take a turn.

This is such a compelling read, part-thriller and part-character-driven tale. Elsie is an intriguing, complicated, and wonderfully written character, who draws you into her story immediately. A close second is young Persephone, a child who lives near Elsie.

The story is nearly impossible to put down, especially with its then-and-now format, alternating between the present-day and Elsie's memories of her life.

This is one of the best thrillers I've read in some time, featuring a fascinating protagonist and a narrative style like no other.

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

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If we'd known ten years ago today would be ten years from now: GONE IN THE NIGHT.

Gone in the Night by Joanna Schaffhausen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another excellent mystery from Schaffhausen, as always.

In book #5 featuring Detective (now PI) Annalisa Vega, we have incredibly well-developed characters and an excellent plot that ties disparate threads together so well while still keeping you guessing until the end. By now, Annalisa and Nick are married (again) and expecting their first child. Annalisa takes on a new case, a client recommended by her brother (who is in jail, as is her new client). But the new case drudges up an old one Nick worked as a cop. Joe claims he's in jail for something he did not do; Annalisa agrees, but soon realizes the situation is far more complicated than it seems.

While investigating on Joe's behalf, Annalisa meets the crew at Ruby's Place, a shelter for abused women. Did Joe abuse his wife? How about his first wife, Jessica? Schaffhausen does an excellent job tying together intricate plot pieces about Joe's life, Nick's past investigation, and Annalisa's current case, giving us an intense and moving story of spousal abuse and family ties (and, of course, murder). We also get to see Nick and Annalisa emotions, as they feel forced to compete against one another, with Annalisa's investigation into Nick's old cases not exactly helping the couple's relationship.

This is a great mystery, and it gives us more insight into Annalisa and Nick as well. Such a good series.

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

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Never seen anything wild as you: THE STORM.

The Storm by Rachel Hawkins


Ok, THE STORM is just pure, delicious fun!

St. Medard’s Bay, Alabama is well-known for its hurricanes—and the many deaths that have accompanied them. During it all has stood the Rosalie Inn, a beach hotel that has made it through every storm. And during Hurricane Marie in the 1980s, it’s where the infamous Gloria “Lo” Bailey was accused of murdering her lover, Landon Fitzroy, the far older son of Alabama’s governor. Lo got off on a hung jury, but the scandal has stuck with Medard’s Bay all these years.

Geneva now owns the Rosalie, passed on from her parents, and is thrilled when she hears a writer, August, is coming to stay at the Inn. He wants to research Lo and Landon’s murder; Geneva hopes a mention of the Inn could help drum up some much-needed business. But when August shows up, he isn’t alone—he’s brought Lo Bailey with him—and soon it looks like things will never be the same in St. Medard’s or at the Rosalie.  It takes a minute to get into this one – so many names and dates to place! But once you do, it reads like an amazing soap opera.

At its heart, is this: did nineteen-year-old Lo Bailey, St. Medard’s “most beautiful girl” bash in the head of Landon Fitzroy and leave him to drown the night of Hurricane Marie? Lo claims no, and August’s book is going to tell her story in her own words. As it does, we get clippings from that time period, excerpts from Lo’s old journals, and flashbacks to other various major storms in St. Medard’s history.

What results is an incredibly dark and twisty tale that keeps you reading (and often guessing) until the very end. This is a stormy book (ha!) filled with anger and betrayal and centered around big events that occurred at various hurricanes. It covers the power of friendship (and the power of wealth and class). Overall, though, I found this to be a fun page-turner with a dark side that does an excellent job of playing up its ominous beach setting. 4+ stars.  

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in return for an unbiased review. Look for it on 1/6/2026! 

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You best walk her way and watch it shine: PLAYING FOR KEEPS.

Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this one - a fun, escapist love story (x2)!

We have Poppy, publicist to football player Cash. Cash sends a tweet to mega popstar Poppy, asking for a date. Said date is managed by Lyric's well-known, longtime publicist, Rosaline. Poppy has a history of making bad decisions, causing her to second guess her career choices, and often feels tossed aside by her family--her friendship with Cash is paramount in her life. Rosaline, meanwhile, feels incredibly protective of Lyric, who has a history of tumultuous relationships.

Lyric and Cash give off a smoldering Taylor/Travis vibe, but the true stars are Rosaline and Poppy, who start off as friends with benefits, but slowly build up trust as they work through their clients' own very public relationship.

There's not always a ton of in-depth character development, but we get plenty of laughs and lots of sexual tension. The story is LGBTQIA positive and makes it easy to root for all the characters. Poppy and Rosaline's story (and Cash and Lyric's) is interspersed with social media snippets to move the tale along and keep everything light. This is a fun, sexy romance with a celebrity twist!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in return for an unbiased review. Look for PLAYING FOR KEEPS on 01/06/2026!


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As defiant as well as defender: PERSEPHONE'S CURSE.

Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was not at all what I expected, but it was excellent!

Not that I'm surprised, because anything Katrina Leno writes is amazing.

The four Farthing sisters--Winnie, Bernie, Evelyn, and Clara--have always been told they are descended from Persephone. And who knows, it could be true, because there's a ghost that lives in their house, a young man named Henry, that only they can see.

It all works out until Evelyn and Henry fall in love and Winnie attempts to solve the problem. It seems each sister has a bit of magical powers, and Winnie sets off a series of catastrophic events involving closed portals and the Underworld.

It might sound over the top, but it all works really well. So much of this beautiful, magical ghost story is simply four sisters attempting to navigate growing up in the world. Bernadette, the eldest, is trying to figure out if she belongs at college. Evelyn is grappling with her love for Henry. Winnie, our main narrator, has big feelings and an ability to see the ghosts of Farthings past (and perhaps a crush on the cute girl at the magic store), and feisty Clara is the artistic wise youngest sister who despite her wisdom, still requires the love and guidance of her older sisters.

This well-written, lyrical story is an ode to New York City and sisterhood. It's utterly fascinating, with equal dashes of magic and Little Women mixed together, along with some lesbians! What more could we ask for, really? I loved it.


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It just reminds us of the cost of everything we've lost: THE HITCHHIKERS.

The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I've been eagerly anticipating a new Chevy Stevens novel, and THE HITCHHIKERS absolutely delivered.

Fair warning: this is a dark and violent story—very much in the vein of a Karin Slaughter stand-alone. There’s blood, brutality, and death, so if that’s not your thing, this might not be the book for you. But if you’re up for it, what you’ll find is a masterfully crafted thriller with deeply layered characters and relentless suspense.

The story kicks off with Tom and Alice, a couple traveling through Canada in their new RV, who decide to give a ride to two hitchhikers: a visibly pregnant young woman named Ocean and her boyfriend, Blue. What begins as an act of kindness quickly spirals into a nightmare. Blue and Ocean aren’t who they claim to be—they’re actually Simon and Jenny, fleeing the aftermath of a gruesome crime. Soon, Tom and Alice are taken hostage, forced into a horrifying journey where Alice becomes the unwilling driver of their getaway RV.

Despite the graphic violence, this is ultimately a character-driven novel. Stevens does a remarkable job exploring the emotional complexities of her cast. Alice’s struggles with infertility add a painful layer to her interactions with the pregnant Jenny, while Jenny and Simon’s traumatic pasts slowly come to light. The dynamics between the four become increasingly intricate, especially as Jenny begins to question Simon’s escalating violence—and what it means for her future as a mother.

Though I found a few elements of the ending slightly predictable, it didn’t take away from the overall impact. THE HITCHHIKERS is a taut, emotionally resonant thriller that hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go. It’s a gripping blend of psychological depth and high-stakes terror that will leave you breathless—and thinking, “What would I do in their shoes?” 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE HITCHHIKERS on 10/07/2025!


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Say, I could sleep here, forget all the fear: OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES.

Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's wonderful to be back with DC Ffion Morgan again; this is such a great series.

This time we're hearing from Fi, her boyfriend DS Leo Brady, and--a new twist--Leo's ex-wife, Allie. Leo is investigating a series of burglaries at houses on The Hill, a place for the wealthy and exclusive. And guess what, The Hill just happens to be the place where Allie wants to live (she claims her house nearby is, in fact, The Hill) and where she's trying--way too hard--to fit in.

Meanwhile, Fi is looking into the murder of an estate agent, found dead in a canoe after a weekend away with her colleagues. And Fi finds herself captivated by a podcast detailing a cold case about the murder of a wealthy couple, the Carmichaels.

Because she's Clare Mackintosh, Mackintosh flawlessly weaves all of these intersecting cases together while simultaneously keeping us guessing at every turn. We also get a peek into the houses and lives of the rich. And wow, do we get to see their problems, as well as the secrets they are keeping!

I love the tone in these books; Fi is just the best character, with her sarcasm, humor, flaws, and real nature. It makes the books so easy-to-read, especially because the mystery aspect is full of suspense and tension. It's wonderful seeing Fi growing into her relationship with Leo, even if it's slowly and in Ffion style; it's especially notable with Allie lurking around every corner, ready to tear them apart. At first I was so irritated with the inclusion of Allie in the story, but honestly, she adds a nuance that provides emotional depth to the story.

Overall, this is a wonderful and suspenseful story with excellent characters.

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Cause it's all in the desire: EVERY STEP SHE TAKES.

Every Step She Takes by Alison Cochrun
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I couldn't go wrong with Alison Cochrun's newest as my third read for Pride Month!

Sadie's adventurous travel blogger baby sister gets injured and Sadie impetuously offers to go on her trip--walking Portugal’s Camino de Santiago--for her. This is unlike anything Sadie, an anxious and quiet person, has ever done. She's spent her life devoted to her sister and her Nana's antique store, which she's run since her Nana's death. Sadie has gone on many dates (set up by her sister) but has never clicked with a single man.

So imagine her surprise when, during some very bad airplane turbulence, she dramatically comes out as lesbian to her seat-mate, Mal.

It perhaps rivals Sadie's surprise when she realizes that Mal--attractive, queer Mal--is also on Sadie's tour to Camino. We soon learn that Mal is dealing with her own issues, grappling with her father's death: the same dad who disowned her when she was 18. Mel's a serial monogamist who seeks comfort in women--until they get too close. She promises her friend, Inez, who is leading the tour, that she will not get involved with Sadie.

But Sadie is just so hard to resist. These two are drawn to each other from the beginning, as Mal works to help our sweet little baby gay who is coming out in her 30s. As always, Cochrun gives us a tender story featuring realistic characters with trauma, flaws, normal body types, and relatable problems. Randomly assigned as roommates, they get to know each other in just a few weeks. Mal offers to help Sadie learn to be gay, but of course, the two can't help but grow deeper feelings for one another.

Cochrun never makes these feelings feel trite or contrived, though. She treats Sadie's later in life coming out with the deep respect it deserves and takes the same honest and direct approach to sex and sexuality. Sadie and Mal's sexual encounters are frank and funny but also honest and straightforward.

This is such a lovely story, equal parts funny, sensual, and vulnerable. It lags a teeny bit in the middle as it harps a bit too much on Mal's inability to commit, but overall it's such an emotional and well-written look at a woman coming into their identity late in life and another person struggling with grief and growing up later in life. It masterfully highlights the power of the queer family and the quirky cast of characters walking the Camino is wonderful. Also the lesbian inside jokes are laugh out funny. (Please note that Mal is described as a mix of Kristen's Stewart's face, first season's Shane's hair, and Tig Notatro's body.) I am still laughing. I love Alison Cochrun's writing! 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for EVERY STEP SHE TAKES on 09/02/2025!

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With a pain that ever grows: WE ARE ALL GUILTY HERE.

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great start to a new Karin Slaughter series!

On the night of the town's 4th of July celebration, Emmy Clifton turns away her friend's teenage daughter, Madison, when she asks for help. That decision haunts her forever, as Madison and her best friend, Cheyenne disappear that night, destroying Emmy's friendship and leaving a lasting legacy on the town.

Now another girl is missing and Emmy and her father, the local Sheriff to Emmy's deputy Sheriff, must try not to repeat past mistakes.

This is a typical Karin Slaughter mystery--gritty, dark, and not afraid to delve into uncomfortable topics. Emmy is a nuanced and flawed character, making her fascinating to read about, especially when the story explores her relationship with her father and her son, both in the force.

GUILTY is both an excellent thriller, slowly spooling together disparate threads and unraveling secrets about a town, while also being a character-driven tale, delving into Emmy's family, friendships, and feelings. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

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A heart that burns so true: UNCOMMON FAVOR.

Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three by Dawn Staley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dawn Staley is a legend in my house. I’m a University of Virginia girl since birth, and I remember being in awe of Dawn since I was a kid.

Reading her autobiography only enforced that tenfold. This is such a great book. Dawn writes in such an engaging, conversational style—I flew through this. Each chapter in UNCOMMON FAVOR centers around a lesson she’s learned in her life. She's led such a remarkable life, coming from the Philly projects to high school stardom to UVA and the Final Four to the pros to Olympics championships and then to her famous coaching gigs. I also had no idea about some of the twists and turns her life took; her story is incredibly motivational. Yet she remains true to her roots and a steadfast supporter of the women she coaches and what she believes in.

While you’ll love this if you like basketball or sports, the book is applicable to all areas of life, and I highlighted so many quotes. I think this one should be mandatory reading for leaders, or those aspiring to leadership positions.

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So go on and go and unroll every map: TASTE THE LOVE.

Taste the Love by Karelia Stetz-Waters
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This is a cute romance, but don't read it when you're hungry!

Sullivan and Kia are former culinary school rivals who meet again when Kia is planning to buy "the bois," a forest that borders Sullivan's house and restaurant; this beloved land has ties all the way back to her grandfather. Kia wants to turn it into a food truck community, much to the eco-friendly Sullivan's horror. But then the evil Mega Eats corporation swoops in and steals the land from both of them. Kia determines that marriage is the only way to save the forest.

Of course, Sullivan and Kia have always sort of loved each other and had chemistry since their culinary school days, and--of course--Mega Eats will soon demand that they prove their marriage is real, forcing the two into closer and closer confines.

Obstacles abound, too. Kia is a food truck girl with a massive social media following while Sullivan's ex burned her by loving social media attention more than her. Sullivan is cautious and environmentally conscious.

The two both have groups of good friends, giving us a wonderful, diverse set of side characters. The banter is lively, there's plenty of sexual tension, and oh the food references. So delicious! I wanted every delicacy Kia came up with via her truck!

This story is easy to read. It's funny while still covering serious moments. As always, Karelia and Fay give us a well-written and sweet tale. There's not too much miscommunication even though there's a variety of bad decisions made at times!

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


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And we both know our hands ain't clean: DON'T LET HIM IN.

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Oh, this was excellent -- classic Lisa Jewell!

Ash is reeling after the sudden death of her father, Paddy, who was pushed off a train platform. She's not thrilled when her mom, Nina, starts dating again: the charming, Nick, who knew Paddy when they worked at the same restaurant together and comes into Nina's life after sending her a note and a few of Paddy's things.

Meanwhile, Martha is a tired mom of three and a busy owner of a local flower shop. She loves second husband, Al, desperately, but wishes his job kept him home more, or that there was extra money to go around. She'd love to expand her shop, or go on one of the holidays Al is always promising her.

Soon, though, the lives of these two families will collide in unexpected ways, as Jewell weaves an amazing, tangled web! The beauty of this story is that, in some ways, it's quite simple: there's a terrible man doing horrible things to some good people. Rarely have I hated a villain so much, or found myself screaming at the characters to figure things out, to stop, to realize something!

Go into this thriller blind and lose yourself in the tale of a demented individual and so many secrets and lies. I read the second half of this book straight through--I was totally hooked! A really enjoyable, twisty read and total page-turner! 4.5 stars.

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

Look for the U.S. version of DON'T LET HIM IN on June 24, 2025!!

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Someone is finding the place where they belong: THE ART OF RUNNING AWAY.

The Art of Running Away by Sabrina Kleckner
My rating: 4/5 of 5 stars

This middle grade YA story is a lovely read that praises allyship -- making it the perfect sixth book to read for Pride Month.

This is definitely a middle grade story, filled with plenty of tween dramatics and a lot of lying, but if you remember the intended audience when it all feels a bit over the top, it makes total sense. After all, the world feels pretty crazy and out of control sometimes at this age.

Maisie, age 12, has spent her life devoted to art and her parents' art shop, Glenna's. So when her parents tell her to focus on outside interests and send her away to her aunt's in Edinburgh for the summer, she's not thrilled. She's even less pleased when her brother, Calum, now 22, tracks her down there; Calum disappeared when Maisie was six.

Maisie learns that Glenna's is in financial trouble and hopes that Calum is the key to saving it, so she reluctantly spends the summer with him. But she soon learns that Calum's reason for leaving her behind without a second glance isn't as clear cut as her parents made it out to be.

Overall, this is a lovely story about identity and finding your way. It makes excellent points about accepting your children, especially when they come out, but even just accepting them as they are. There's a wonderful and serious discussion about being an ally that is excellent for this age group. Maisie is a sweet character who is muddling her way through life, as any 12-year-old is, finding her way as an artist, sister, daughter, and friend.

The journey of watching Maisie and Calum reunite is tender, and while this is a serious story in many ways, it's also sweet and funny. The two have their humorous moments as siblings, and Calum has a great group of friends in London. Highly recommend this touching read. 4.5 stars.

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I hope I live on a road in the town in your heart: A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY.

A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh this was such a lovely book (and my second read of Pride Month)!

It combined two things I love dearly: country music and adorable gay boys.

Aspiring musician Emmett travels to Jackson Hollow, TN from Chicago to perform at the amusement park Wanda World. There he meets local boy Luke who is working in a restaurant at the park while trying to help his family. Luke has always hated country music while Emmett wants to be the first gay country music star. Luke's disdain for country music is due to his grandmother, Verna Rose, who was the best friend of Wanda Jean of "Wanda World"; the two had a huge fight that led to Verna basically being banned from the industry.

Kennedy's book deftly explores the lack of diversity in country music and the homophobia that can run rampant. It also discusses the idea of coming out on your own terms, as while Emmett is out, Luke struggles to reveal to his religious family and conservative friends that he's gay. The two fall fast for each other, but have to navigate the fact that Luke is still closeted. It's a wonderful story about self-acceptance while also still highlighting how hard it can be when teens do not have the acceptance or openness that they crave and need about their sexuality.

The book also has a strong side plot involving Wanda Jean and Verna Rose, explored through Emmett's love of music and Luke's family history. The story includes song lyrics--both Emmett's and Verna's--and has such excellent Dolly Parton vibes. However, even if you don't like country music, you'll still enjoy this book, as it's full of angsty teen romance, fun theme park moments, and a serious exploration of sexuality and identity.

COUNTRY covers so many important issues with grace and sweetness, while still providing humor and romance. This is a well written and heart warming read, filled with cute boys and tender moments. Loved this important read!

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And summer faded into fall: FAR AND AWAY.

Far and Away: A Novel by Amy Poeppel
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A house swap between two families on opposite sides of the world—what could go wrong?

When Lucy’s teenage son, Jack, makes a monumental mistake, she sees only one way out: escape. Enter Greta, a German woman whose husband has just accepted a job in Dallas—right where Lucy and her family live. The solution seems perfect: Greta and her family will move into Lucy’s house, while Lucy, Jack, and her twin daughters, Alice and Zoe, take up residence in Greta’s Berlin flat. A fresh start for everyone.

But swapping houses doesn’t mean escaping problems. As Lucy navigates motherhood, a demanding job, and the fallout from Jack’s actions, Greta struggles with leaving behind her beloved flat, sister, and mother. What unfolds is a lively, heartfelt, and often hilarious tale about family—the ones we’re born into and the ones we find along the way.

Poeppel’s characters leap off the page, brimming with personality, quirks, and dreams. Lucy and Greta, despite being separated by an ocean, become quickly entangled in each other’s lives. Greta envies Lucy’s spontaneity, while Lucy admires Greta’s discipline—though only sometimes. Meanwhile, Greta and her husband, Otto, are drawn into Lucy’s world thanks to her well-meaning parents, who live in her backyard. Clueless but endearing Otto embraces Texas life with gusto, donning cowboy boots, diving into barbecue culture, and developing a love for Costco, while Greta struggles to find her footing, focusing instead on her complicated relationship with her teenage daughter, Emmi.

Poeppel masterfully weaves these storylines together, blending humor with heartfelt moments. Lucy’s absent husband, Mason, is at a NASA training facility in New Mexico—or, as Greta thinks, possibly in jail. "Mason is on Mars." Regardless, Lucy is left to handle everything on her own. Despite a colorful supporting cast, the novel never feels overcrowded; every character serves a purpose.

Equal parts funny and poignant, FAR AND AWAY will have you laughing one moment and tearing up the next. From hilarious moments (you’ll never hear The Chicks' "Goodbye Earl" the same way again) to the deeply personal struggles of marriage and parenting, Poeppel delivers a rich, emotionally resonant story.

As a longtime fan of Poeppel’s novels, I can confidently say this one continues her tradition of witty, character-driven storytelling. When I reached the final page, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. And the epilogue? Absolutely perfect.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for FAR AND AWAY on 06/10/2025!!

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Didn't know enough to be scared: WHAT KIND OF PARADISE.

What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh wow, this was utterly captivating.

Jane lives in Montana with her father Saul. They've lived in a remote cabin since the death of Jane's mother when Jane was four. Their house is a hour away from the nearest town, powered mainly by solar energy, and Jane is taught solely by her father, who rages against technology and preaches over and over that his daughter must fear "the feds" and other people. Now 17, Jane slowly begins questioning her father and his teachings. When she realizes he's unwittingly drawn her into committing a crime, she runs away and heads to San Francisco, looking for answers about the mother she never knew. It's the mid-90s, the Internet is just starting to come into power, and Jane--sheltered from so much--must decide what choices she'll make for her own survival.

This story was so mesmerizing, weaving a tale of isolation and fear. It was easy to feel how trapped Jane felt and see the power of only one voice in her life. She had so few choices, no other way of life to even dream about, with no access to education (except for the philosophy and anti-technology rants of her father). Still, through Saul, Brown makes excellent points about the control technology has over everyone's lives, including the Internet--it's all very timely for a novel set in the 1990s.

This is a powerful and emotional story, powered by its teenage protagonist. While often naive about the world, Jane is a tough kid and a fascinating person to follow. Her story highlights the importance of education and the stark contrast between parental love and parental control. It's also a relevant story for our technology-focused times.

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

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I'm here again, but I'm all alone: MORE OR LESS MADDY.

More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Oh this book is so well-done, but so hard to read. College student Maddy has always felt different from her posh Connecticut family. The college clinic puts Maddy on an anti-depressant, which unknowingly triggers her, spinning her into mania. Maddy soon learns that she has bipolar disorder, which will require strict management for the rest of her life.

This book is incredibly stressful, but very accurate, making you feel as if you're a part of Maddy's brain. It's an outstanding portrait of bipolar disorder and the depression associated with it. You can feel Maddy's moods as she cycles through the highs and lows and how difficult her bipolar makes her life. Genova captures Maddy's despair and how it affects both her and her family, as well as the stigma, embarrassment, and illness that comes with the illness.

We follow Maddy through several manic and depressive episodes and hospitalizations. It is of note that while they place high expectations on her, her monied family also means Maddy has access to care and treatment that others might not. Maddy's story is painful and sad, but also hopeful. This is an insightful and realistic look into mental illness. Please note a major trigger warning for multiple things such as cutting, depression, mania, and suicidal thoughts. It can also be very hard to read if you, or someone you love, has suffered from mental illness.


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