All the ugly things will come back around: WHERE THERE'S SMOKE.

Where There's Smoke by Rachel Louise Adams


Newly divorced, Dolores Hawthorne has returned to Wisconsin from California, becoming a local medical examiner. She's living closer to what's left of her family and adjusting to her new life. She's called to the scene of the local slaughterhouse, Marcy's Meats, when a worker finds a body (yuck). Soon, the case has gotten big and FBI Agent Paul Turner is back, along with newly recruited Kate Butcher.

This is an excellent follow-up to what was an excellent first book in the Coldren County series. Dolores is a wonderful, complex, and nuanced character, still struggling with getting to know her brother and teenage sister. Once a forensic pathologist, she's pretty bored as a medical examiner in a small town--until someone's dropped in with the pigs.

Sound gruesome? These books aren't for the faint of heart. They are grim and gross and full of plenty of details about the slaughterhouse, autopsies, death, and so much more.

But they are so worth it. Adams weaves a dark and horrifying story, linking together the slaughterhouse and the local prison along with local secrets and a whole lotta small town lies. As she does, she delves into the ties that bind siblings and family, along with the power of men--and exactly how much they can get away with.

I highly recommend this series!

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


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Like a whisper inside me each and every day: THE ME I USED TO BE.

The Me I Used to Be by Kristan Higgins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a lovely story of friendship and loss.

Audrey, Micah, Jasmine, and Beck were known as the Core Four; they grew up incredibly close. They spent their high school years together, with much of their time at Audrey's farm, where they were deeply loved and mothered by her mom, Dr. Kate. But right after graduation, a horrible accident tears the Core Four apart. Now it's their 25-year high school reunion and Audrey has asked her friends to come back together at the farm one last time. She has something to tell them--she has early onset dementia and intends to end her life before it worsens.

The story flashes between the group's adventures and times in high school and their present-day lives. We see how none of them are as happy as they felt in their Core Four days. It's easy to get lost in their lives and Higgins depicts their emotions and worries incredibly well. Each woman has a lot to deal with, honestly! There's a wonderful side plot with Audrey and her stepdaughter that especially tugged at my heartstrings.

This isn't always an easy story to read, but it's a great exploration of friendship, forgiveness, and grief.

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



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Should have seen the warnings signs: THE DYING LIGHT.

The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves


I adore the Matthew Venn / Two Rivers series for many reasons. One is the fact that Ann Cleeves excels at writing characters, writing people. She delves into the why: what makes people tick and work. Her books may not always be driven by constant action, but you keep reading as each page reveals more about our characters and what and why led them to be killed (or to kill).

And, Matthew Venn is one of my favorite detectives. I love his steady nature that also comes with a quiet, lingering insecurity, making him relatable and human. I love that he's not all ego and brash anger, like so many crime solvers, but intelligence and thoughtfulness. And I love the relationship between him and his husband Jonathan, which is portrayed honestly and lovingly.

This is an excellent mystery, which kept me guessing the entire time. We get a multi-POV story, including Matthew, his colleague Jen, and Catherine, a wealthy woman who has just lost her teenage daughter, Hannah, to an apparent murder. Both Hannah and her friend Lottie are found dead at the family's country home, and it's up to Matthew and team to determine why--with added pressure as Hannah's father is high up in politics.

There's a small cast of characters, and each is well-drawn, often with a potential motive. Cleeves does a good job of playing up the small-town versus big city rift and how it's affected locals in Devon. As with every Venn tale, there's so much more going on than "just the mystery," making it a complex, nuanced tale that will keep you flipping the pages. 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for the U.S. version in September 2026!


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Deep in my heart you’d been hiding out: TRUST FALL.

Trust Fall by Lynn Painter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book gives off Gossip Girl vibes, if GG had a bit more heart.

Julia lives a content life in Nebraska with her twin brother and parents. Then a mysterious benefactor leaves their fortune to her family, with a few strings attached: including the fact that they must move to NYC, live in his brownstone, and Julia and her brother must attend a posh private school there.

She meets Damion, a wealthy kid with a bit of an attitude. In part because Julia's benefactor was his beloved uncle, who did not leave Damion or his entitled parents anything. Damion vows to find out what happened and becomes Julia's math tutor.

This one took a bit to get its footing; for a bit, it swung a little too far with the whole "Damion is a misogynistic jerk" bit, making it a little hard to root for him, while keeping Julia as a complete doormat who is too scared to trust/love again after a breakup. When the story pushes out of those tropes and lets us get to know our main characters a bit better, it picks up.

Damion and Julia definitely have chemistry, helped along by some excellent slow burn banter. Meanwhile, I'm reading and feeling terrified of how mature these wealthy high school kids are, out partying, drinking, and attending fabulous balls (no regular prom here!). There is also a lot of intense, intense feelings, though I suppose that's par for the course for teens!

The story explores grief and loss in a thoughtful manner, as we watch Damion working through the passing of his uncle. His growth arc was much needed to turn him into a love interest worthy of sweet, kind Jules.

This is a great book for a YA audience, filled with passion and intensity and lots of NYC (and Nebraska!) vibes.

I received a copy of this book from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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We got the life that we wanted: SO IT GROWS.

So It Grows by Andie Burke


This is a cute story, but with a slightly weird premise that I shall not reveal as I believe it's a bit of a spoiler. Felicity has inherited a plant shop in Kansas from her aunt. She's still trying to figure things out, but all is complicated by the popularity of the mac and cheese restaurant next door, run by chef Nicholas Holm-Bozic. Nic's restaurant threatens the sanctity of Felicity's shop--and he gets under her skin like no one else. Unfortunately the two will have to work together to try to save both their shops against some machinations from city hall.

This story has a sloooow burn start. If you've read any of Andie Burke's other books, you'll see some interconnected characters, including references to Aunt Jeannie, Marshall, Courtney, Thea, and more. That's kind of fun!

As Felicity and Nic spend more time together, we learn how Felicity has always felt too much, while Nic is recovering from a difficult childhood and the pressures of his father. The two share some good banter, and we get a lot of references to plants and food!

The writing felt a bit choppy, without fully developed characters, and I was a bit thrown by the overall premise, but the book really picks up in the second half and had me quite invested. It also makes some excellent points about mental health and sexual assault. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review. Look for SO IT GROWS in September 2026!

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And bid her world goodbye: IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK.

It's Not What You Think: A Novel by Clare Mackintosh


An excellent, twisty thriller from Mackintosh!

Nadeeka is convinced her new boyfriend, Jamie, is cheating on her. He's been acting shifty and secretive lately. She overhears a woman's voice on the phone when she calls home, so rushes back to confront him. But she's too late: Jamie is already dead, brutally murdered.

What follows is a very thrilling story, with lots of plot turns to keep you guessing! There are a few truly shocking ones and a few that I had suspicions about. No matter what, it's best to go into this one blind so you can enjoy all the surprises. It's well-written and captivating.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark in return for an unbiased review. The U.S. version releases in September 2026!

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Even though this freedom feels a lot like treason: THE BURNING LIBRARY.

The Burning Library by Gilly Macmillan
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Well, this is a very cloak and dagger story, focused on bookish puzzles, manuscripts, and secret societies that trace their origins back for generations. I love Macmillan's writing, but this book is a bit different from some of her more traditional thrillers. Honestly, it was rather "too smart" for me at times with its clever puzzles and ancient texts. We follow Dr. Anya Brown, who has been recruited to translate manuscripts at a very selective university. Little does she know that the Fellowship of the Larks, a secret society run by women, is behind her hiring. The Larks and their rival society, the Kats, have differing ideas on how women should obtain power--and both societies will do just about anything to obtain the manuscripts and texts they believe establish their power and supremacy, as well as those who can translate these texts.

This story is a bit complicated and hard to keep track of at times, with so many characters, references to ancient times, and puzzles to solve. Still, it certainly kept me reading. Anya is easy to root for and she has a strong relationship with her husband, Sid, who is truly pulled into all of this without any warning! Macmillan gives us an intelligent, informative, and well-researched story and it highlights how far people will go for what they believe and to have power. It provides some excellent insight in how society looks at women and bestows them power. It's all a little scary honestly.

If you love puzzles and deciphering ancient texts, you'll love this story. 3.5 stars.

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

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We've come full circle, all the way 'round: THE THOROUGHBREDS.

The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series is so ridiculous yet incredibly bingeable. Centered around wealthy high school students at boarding school, it reads like a soap opera. Add in the constant name dropping of pop culture items and hot places and it can sometimes be a bit much.

But the Hilderbrand and Cunningham excel at pulling you into the story--and while there's fluff and intrigue, there's also heart. Rich kids are still people, and some of these kids are dealing with serious issues and topics. Many from book #1 are back, and I was particularly glad to see Charley and Davi again. We also have a new girl, Pippa, who is riling up the sixth-formers. Most of the teachers still seem a bit inept (looking at you, Rhode!) and poor Head of School Audre is making some bad decisions...

Still, I can't lie, I devoured this one like the guilty pleasure that it is, even if I rolled my eyes from time-to-time. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company in return for an unbiased review.

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Stumble in the void to find there's no one there: HOLLOW BONES.

Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a quintessential Jodi Picoult book. It's filled with complex familial relationships and ties into tense subject matters. And, it's completely spellbinding, featuring her trademark twists.

Molly is the Chief of the Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Rhode Island Department of Health. It's a mouthful of a title, especially for a young woman under 30. But thanks to COVID, she's been fast-tracked to her role. Molly loves being prepared and weighing the risks of basically everything. Her husband, Jesse, is older; an experienced detective and polygraphy expert. Molly lost her mom, Eloise, in the 9/11 attacks, and Jesse lost his sister when they were both teens. As a result, both Molly and Jesse are fearful of losing those they love. Their entire lives have been shaped by their loss and grief.

The story alternates between the past and present, allowing us to learn more about how Jesse and Molly met and then flashing back even further, to the events leading up to Eloise's death. The format is incredibly effective, especially with multiple POV changes, so you slowly learn more details about all our characters. It's good to go into this book with few details and just let the story happen.

As always, Picoult gives us a well-researched story, rife with facts and statistics about 9/11. She delves into tough topics, such as the post-COVID friction between the government and public health officials and the limited resources given to such organizations. She also gives us a strong portrayal of mental illness, particularly post partum psychosis--such an important and under-discussed diagnosis.

At its heart, this is a story about motherhood, family, and friendship. It illustrates how easy it is to fear losing those we love--and how tenuous life really can be. And it forces the reader to explore whether living in fear or living life fully is the best reaction to this fragility. 4+ stars.

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

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To see my sister laid into the ground: BETH IS DEAD.

Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Beth March is dead, and there is no shortage of suspects, including her beloved sisters.

The four March sisters are famous thanks to their father's book, Little Women, which exploited their lives for literary fame. The book also killed off Beth, devastating her and making her both a fan favorite and a joke.

Beth is Dead excels at weaving in the original themes of Alcott's tale with a refreshed, rather graphic story. It plays on the tropes and stereotypes, accentuating certain traits of each sister. Meg is at Harvard, Jo is trying to hang on to a publishing deal, Beth is exploring boarding school for musical study, and Amy is reeling from a fight with Beth the night she died.

The problem is that the book goes too far, taking these character traits off the rails and eventually turning everyone into caricatures. The plot gives off whiplash, veering from one suspect to the next every chapter, without taking the time to fully the develop the characters, or allowing us time to care about any of them.

The book depicts what happened to Beth via flashbacks as the sisters conduct their (wild, uninformed, emotional) investigations. There are definitely moments that I loved, but overall this wasn't my favorite. 2.75 stars.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review.

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The windows of my soul are made of one way glass: LOVE ME LIKE A ROCK SONG.

Love Me Like a Rock Song: A Novel by Shelly Jay Shore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Shelly Jay Shore's writing and how they always come up with original stories that expertly portray queer Jewish identity.


Singer-songwriter Delilah has just had her wedding called off by her fiancée, Sam. Complicating things is the fact that she and Sam work together as a well-known musical duo. About to record her own solo album (filled with love songs about Sam), Delilah decides to take their planned honeymoon solo and use the time to write a whole new record. As she begins, she picks up a hitchhiker: Emmett. But Emmett just happens to be a golem, a creature from Jewish folklore made out of clay and designed to serve their master. Emmett's master is now dead and they have been ordered to return to their origins (aka disappear).


It sounds wild but Shelly Jay Shore has the ability to make the mystical both believable and fun. The more time Delilah and Emmett spend together, the closer they become. The story explores Delilah's history of mania, deftly looking into how mental illness can affect relationships (and life).


This is such a wonderfully queer story--with many of their road trip stops, the duo explore queer landmarks, meet other queer people, and immerse themselves in queer stories. As they do, Emmett comes to learn more about themself, unearthing an identity hidden by years of serving a harsh master.


Shelly Jay Shore gives us a captivating and complex queer story that explores Jewish identify and folklore, the concept of places as memory, and the importance of self-acceptance. Delilah and Emmett are not your typical couple, but this book benefits from its original storytelling that still captures humanity at its heart.


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

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Love is the rhythm of two hearts beating: LOST AND FOUND.

Lost and Found by Tarah DeWitt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Spunes, OR series; the novels are interconnected but can be read on their own. You'll apparently know a bit more about Silas if you read them all but I survived (I have read book #1, but don't remember it well).

Honestly, the subject matter of this book is a little weird. Bea's best friend, Merritt, passes away and wills her eggs to Bea. (Truly.) A horribly grieving Bea decides to use IVF to get pregnant using Merritt's eggs. Her own family disapproves and Bea has to rent her place out to save money for the IVF. She winds up living with Silas, a longtime friend. A handsome firefighter who has survived a terrible accident, Silas is going through his own "stuff." The two agree to be friends only, but while living together... it's hard to keep to that pact.

This story has a ton of emotional depth and sooo much focus on grief. It is not a lighthearted romance in any shape or form. Bea and Silas are certainly cute together, but they are, in many ways, not the focus of the story. Through flashbacks we learn about Merritt and Bea's childhood friendship, which, honestly is quite toxic. Not only does Merritt seem to expect Bea to bear her child, she spent most of her living life keeping Bea and Silas apart, as Merritt had a crush on him and if she couldn't have him, neither could Bea. But in Bea's eyes, Merritt can do no wrong.

All of this makes it hard to connect to Bea and root for her. Silas is sweetheart and you love him pretty quickly, but hate that he's been strung along all this time. This is a very touching romance but not always an easy story to read. 3.5 stars

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

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When this world feels crazy I'll always fight for you: WHERE HE LEFT ME.

Where He Left Me: A Novel by Nicole Baart
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I couldn't put this tense read down!

Sadie, a professor and aspiring writer, and her husband, Felix, an astronomer, move to his childhood home--a dilapidated place in the middle of nowhere, as part of their sabbatical. The house is old, filled with memories of Felix's unhappy childhood, and isolated. When Felix doesn't return home from a business trip, Sadie has no idea what to do, especially as a major storm looms. Then she spots weird images on the security cameras and soon, strangers show up in her greenhouse.

As the storm intensifies, Sadie must try to survive--and find Felix. Doing so unearths some secrets about her husband that she may not want to know.

This is such a well-written story that's part mystery, part character-driven tale. It's incredibly claustrophobic, with the snow sealing Sadie in her home. Both she and the reader feel trapped and slightly terrified. The tension ratchets up at the book goes on, with secrets and surprises piling on. Yet this story is touching at times, with emotion at its core.

I really enjoyed this creepy and suspenseful yet fascinating thriller.

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

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You don't even know who I am: THE PERFECT HOSTS.

The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you want a wild ride of a thriller, THE PERFECT HOSTS fits the bill.

It starts off with an explosion at an over-the-top gender reveal and just keeps going.

Madeline and Wes Drake run Lone Tree Ranch. Their gender reveal party goes terribly wrong, resulting in the death of a close friend.

Agent Jamie Saldano is sent to the tiny town of Nightjar to investigate--but Jamie has his own mysterious ties to Nightjar. Add in a couple of surprise visitors to Lone Tree Ranch, and you have the perfect recipe for a crazy mystery.

Go in blind to this one -- sure, it's a little preposterous at times, but it's also twisty, maniacal, and fun!

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

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I don't mind not really knowing when it's me and you: ALICE RUE EVADES THE TRUTH.

Alice Rue Evades the Truth by Emily Zipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So While You Were Sleeping is perhaps my favorite movie of all time. A sapphic homage to the movie definitely piqued my interest.

The beginning definitely echoes the film. Alice saves the life of a man in her office building whom she's been lusting after from afar. The EMTs then tell his family that she's his girlfriend and Alice finds herself unable to tell the truth. Saving Nolan's life is winning her points with her hateful boss, but more importantly, long orphaned Alice finds herself swept up in the warmth of Nolan's boisterous, loving family.

She's soon spending a lot of time with Nolan's butch sister, Van--and Alice, who identifies as bisexual--is quickly drawn to her. There's forced cuddling on the couch and long chats in the car, but it does seem like the two bond a bit quickly. Alice also has a side plot with the reintroduction of a long lost family member and her children.

This story is cute and even funny, but often dark. Alice's backstory is sad, and there's an emotional depth to her feelings for Van. There's nothing wrong with this--just be prepared that it's not always a chipper romcom. It's surprising that this is a debut--it's nuanced and complex, with much depth of feeling.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Dial Press Trade Paperback in return for an unbiased review.

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And maybe she'll be your karma: DESTINATION FUNERAL.

Destination Funeral by Paige Harbison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Didion and Sammie's mother, Babe, passes away on Mercy Island, at the family's beloved home, Birdsong. Didion has been mostly estranged from her mother and sister for some time, but she returns home for the funeral. There she also finds her childhood friends, Austin and Matt.

It is soon revealed that Babe's will stipulates that the foursome will have to spend the funeral weekend together at Birdsong -- no phones allowed -- if they want to inherit the house. Didion can't think of anything worse, but she reluctantly agrees. They spend a painful, resentful Saturday together, only to wake up and discover... it's still Saturday! Again and again.

The Groundhog Day aspect is cute and whimsical; much of the story itself is not. Didion is such an unlikable character that you find yourself having very little desire to spend one Saturday with her, let alone infinite ones. She carries a grudge against everyone--some of her anger against her late mother, who was rather tough on her, was justified, but still. This girl is angry and mean. Said anger extends to her sister, her friend Matt, and her once boyfriend, Austin.

Since most of the plot involves these characters stuck at Birdsong, rehashing old gripes, it gets a bit stale. We do get flashbacks to beachy summers past--some happier, some not--giving us a chance to learn a bit more about our characters. And yes, again, there's a reason for some of the bitterness. But while the story can have its light and funny moments, I often found this more of a rant rather than an enjoyable, magical tale.

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

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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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My heart turned a flip as I stood next to you: PLAY YOU FOR IT.

Play You For It by Samantha Saldivar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This sapphic romance has a basketball-themed plot. 🏀 Need I say more?

Jordan gets promoted to head coach of a D1 men’s (!) basketball team and along the way falls for the amazing sports reporter covering the team, named Beck. It's a tad cheesy at times, but had me rooting for Jordan's team, and of course, Jordan and Beck.

I'm pretty much a sucker for a sports romance with lesbians. If that sport is basketball--even better. This story drew me in because it features "grown-up" gays, not students playing basketball. (Although there's a very compelling storyline with Jordan winning the trust of her new team.) Jordan and Beck fall for each other immediately, but can't act--Jordan is worried about trusting a reporter, while Beck fears what dating Jordan will mean for her burgeoning career.

Much of the story focuses on the fact that Jordan is the first female D1 coach--a very timely plot piece--and it makes excellent points about the unfairness in basketball: how women are treated, how lesbians are treated, etc. There are some major misogynistic moments for both Jordan and Beck, and the book does a great job of realistically portraying how difficult it can be to be a woman in the sport of basketball. It also captures the drama of basketball so well--the excitement of advancing in a tournament, per se, or the pain of losing.

Overall, this was an enjoyable romance -- with honest characters who reflected the real-world around them. I loved the sports angle and was definitely swept up in the story! 3.5 stars, rounded up.

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

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Got a strange sense of deja vu: THE MISSED CONNECTION.

The Missed Connection by Tia Williams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sasha has had a rough go of it, but she's getting back in the game at work. That same adage doesn't apply to her romantic life: she's not interested in dating. But on flight to Paris, she has a magical connection with "Seat F," a charming man who makes Sasha feel as if there could be something between them. Unfortunately, they part ways before exchanging names and contact information.

Sasha turns to Wes, a private detective who helped her in the past. Wes is no longer a PI, but he agrees to help. Sasha and Wes once had their own fleeting connection--a sizzling chemistry that they now try to squash, but it just keeps rising to the surface.

In fact, Sasha and Wes' chemistry just keeps popping up--over and over. I enjoyed this book, but it feels as if pieces of the plot are rehashed a few times too many. We cover how Wes rescued Sasha in the past, but she's searching for the new guy; Wes can't commit to anything and is a bit of a hot mess (he's running a food truck now, you see), but oh their chemistry--rinse and repeat.

One of the best aspects of this story is the coverage of Sasha's anxiety disorder, which is done thoughtfully and fairly. It affects many of her decisions, and the author treats anxiety honestly and respectfully, as well as using it to flesh out Sasha's backstory.

MISSING CONNECTION is a bit mystery, bit romance. At times, I wanted to shake Sasha--why was she so obsessed with this plane guy? Some of the avenues taken to find him seemed ridiculous, making the whole tale a bit far fetched. I did enjoy Sasha and Wes' chemistry and the character development is pretty well-done. There's also a cameo from Ricki Wilde's husband that made me grin. 3.5 stars.

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

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I'm waiting for an answer, listening for hope: IT COULD HAVE BEEN HER.

It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell


Out walking her property one day, Jane Trevally comes across a small white dog. She tracks down the dog's owner after she realizes that the girl who was with the dog has disappeared. The owner lives in London, nowhere near Jane, but when she arrives at their home, she discovers she's had an eerie encounter there before. Jane doesn't believe the owner that Hugo, the dog, ran away, and starts her own investigation.

Her amateur sleuthing leads her into the twisted depths of a deeply messed up family. Jane slowly learns more about the spooky house, its history, and the family that lived there. The house--and therefore the story--gives off a creepy, horrifying atmosphere, especially as Jane slowly uncovers each layer.

Jane is an interesting character (she appears in a previous Jewell book, briefly). She's a nosy, somewhat lonely, woman, who finds joy in trying to solve mysteries. The crime is interspersed with Jane's own personal issues, as she struggles to maintain her family's home and interacts with her gaggle of former stepchildren. It seems ridiculous that she'd try to track down Hugo's owner... but somehow it works. We get the POV of multiple other characters, as well.

Overall, this is a really dark tale, with some deeply disturbing plot turns. It keeps you guessing as you attempt to put together all the complicated plot pieces. I am in awe of how Jewell comes up with all these books!

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


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