The wind blows where it will: ANATOMY OF AN ALIBI.

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an excellent page-turner that keeps you guessing!

We have Camille, a wealthy woman married to a well-known lawyer, Ben. And we have Aubrey, a waitress whose life was drastically changed by an accident over ten years ago. Camille and Aubrey's lives are about to intersect--and Ben's is about to end. My favorite character was easily Hank, Ben's law partner. We get narrations from Hank, Aubrey, and Camille.

It's good to go into this book blind and just enjoy it. Sure it's wild with a slightly preposterous plot, but it's twisty and dark and a really good read, too.

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

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It's all in the walk and the thoughts: PRETTY GIRL COUNTY.

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a perfect fit for its YA audience, and if you're from Maryland, it will undoubtedly resonate. Even as a Virginian, I thoroughly enjoyed the references to Prince George’s "PG" County—affectionately nicknamed "Pretty Girl County" in the novel.

While the writing can be a bit simplistic and the story leans into some cheesy moments, it remains an enjoyable read that tackles serious topics with both responsibility and charm. The novel follows Sommer and Reya, childhood best friends from Seat Pleasant, MD. Their friendship fractures when Reya and her mother move to the wealthier Bowie, thanks to her mom’s rising success as a lawyer—eventually landing her a spot on Potomac Housewives.

Reya, eager to secure her spot at the Fashion Institute of Technology, enlists Sommer’s help with a high school fashion show, offering her former best friend cold, hard cash in exchange for assistance. Reluctantly, Sommer agrees. As they spend more time together, old bonds begin to rekindle. Sommer starts hanging out with Reya’s wealthy friend group, especially a guy named Sean, while Reya finds herself drawn to a girl who works at Sommer’s dad’s bookstore. When the store faces the threat of demolition, it becomes the catalyst for a larger story about community, class, and standing up for what matters.

COUNTY does a great job exploring themes of friendship, wealth disparity, and the deep-rooted divisions between different neighborhoods. The novel thoughtfully showcases the stark contrasts within PG County and how they shape the people who grow up there. The importance of neighborhood and community is a central theme, with the bookstore serving as a powerful symbol of these ideas. I especially loved the literary elements and Sommer’s parents, who were wonderfully written. However, the subplot involving Reya’s mom and her Potomac Housewives fame felt a little over the top.

While the story lacks major plot twists and sometimes relies on "telling" rather than "showing," it’s still an engaging read that highlights important issues. YA readers, especially those interested in stories about friendship and social dynamics, will find plenty to enjoy.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Viking Books in exchange for an honest review. Look for PRETTY GIRL COUNTY on July 1, 2025!

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Waiting on the wind to take you home: RE JANE.

Re Jane by Patricia Park
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book would be stronger if it stood on its own as a coming-of-age and cultural identity story, rather than inviting constant comparison to Jane Eyre. The parallel only sets expectations it can’t meet.

The story follows Jane Re, a half-Korean, half-American young woman raised by her stern aunt and uncle in the U.S. after losing her parents. She later becomes a live-in tutor for the Farley-Mazur family in Brooklyn, caring for their adopted Chinese daughter, Devon. The household is a world apart from Jane’s upbringing, and she soon becomes romantically involved with Ed, the child’s adoptive father. Disturbed by the relationship, Jane abruptly leaves for Korea in search of her roots and her long-lost family.

Unfortunately, the connection between Jane and Ed lacks any real spark. Ed is flat and charisma-free, and the ethics of their affair are troubling—not only for the reader, but also for any emotional investment in their dynamic. Unlike the brooding magnetism between Jane Eyre and Rochester, there’s little here to root for.

Pacing is another challenge. The book feels long and meandering, with most character development jammed into the final chapters. Jane Re, our protagonist, struggles to garner sympathy. She betrays those who trust her, walks away from a child who depends on her, and rarely shows genuine warmth or insight toward those around her—including Sang, her American uncle, whose story hints at untapped emotional depth. There are moments where a more nuanced relationship between Jane and Sang tries to break through, but they never quite land.

The novel explores themes of identity, family, and cultural pressure, but these threads don’t feel fully realized. Jane’s journey to Korea seems more like an escape than growth, culminating in her deferring yet again—this time to the expectations of her Korean relatives and a new romantic interest. It’s unclear what kind of personal transformation the story is aiming for.

Even without the shadow of Jane Eyre, this novel lacks the emotional weight and character complexity needed to carry its plot. There are glimpses of something more meaningful—particularly in the themes of belonging and heritage—but they’re lost in a story that ultimately feels unresolved and emotionally distant.

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If you want the girl next door: SAY A LITTLE PRAYER

Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

SAY A LITTLE PRAYER easily cements Jenna Voris as a must-read author for me. If you haven't read one of her earlier books, EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THAT SONG, you should.

In PRAYER, Voris delves into the world of religion and queer teens, introducing us to Riley, a teenager reckoning with her sexuality. Once a member of the Pleasant Hills Baptist church, she and her family left after its powerful leader, Pastor Young, publicly humiliated and kicked out her older sister, Hannah in front of the entire congregation. And then, shortly after Riley came out, Pastor Young's entire sermon focused on the sins of homosexuality.

Unfortunately for Riley, many of her friends are church members, including her best friends Ben and Julia, who just happen to be Pastor Young's children. The Hannah incident has caused some distance from her friends. But she finds herself reunited with both of them when she's forced to attend Pleasant Hills youth camp after an altercation at school with another student, who has been insulting her sister. (Because, of course, just punishment involves attending a religious camp.)

Once at camp, when Riley realizes Pastor Young will be preaching about the seven deadly sins, she decides to write an essay about each one and expose Pastor Young and his church for how hypocritical it truly is. While at camp, even though she can't talk to Julia about her father, she feels very close to her best friend. As in, you know, gay close! Scandal!

PRAYER is very YA, with our dear Riley making some terrible decisions, but it's perfect for its intended audience. It's also smart and witty and does a wonderful job of exploring religion (while still holding teen interest). What happens when religion doesn't bring joy or peace, the story asks, but instead comes from a place of fear, dictating lives and forcing children and families to act a certain way out of a forced sense of terror or humiliation.

Through Riley and Julia's characters, we see how life can be for queer teens--and how difficult it can be for religious ones. Voris illustrates the pressures both Riley and Julia feel from the church and shows how different it is when Riley receives familial support but Julia only hears of fire and brimstone. Their stories are inspiring and truthful and will ring incredibly truthful to kids going through the same thing.

As the book asks why and how pastors decide who is worthy, we see Riley's growth, as she struggles with why no one is questioning Pastor Young's culture of fear. She begins to understand how people--including those whom she's been very angry with--in religious situations maybe do not realize how things could be different, or that there are other options.

There are some moments in this book that made me cheer out loud. Others made me sad, as I felt so deeply for these teens. This is such a well-written, emotional book. There's not a ton of resolution with the ending, but it's certainly realistic. This is a story with a lot of religious talk, but it's not preachy, and you shouldn't let the religious angle scare you off--it's a wonderfully written and well-done story.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review. Look for SAY A LITTLE PRAYER in March 2025!!

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You got a way of letting me down: THE HUNTER.

The Hunter by Tana French
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Because I buy all Tana French books sight unseen, I didn't realize that THE HUNTER is a follow-on to French's THE SEARCHER, which is one my all-time favorite books. What a wonderful surprise! You do not need to read the first book to enjoy the second, but it's such a lovely read that I highly recommend doing so.

THE HUNTER picks back up with Cal Hooper, a former Chicago policeman now living in the Irish countryside; his girlfriend, Lena; and teenager Trey Reddy, a fifteen-year-old local girl who befriended Cal in the last book. The two have a friendship based on their love of woodworking and the fact that Cal is a safe place in Trey's chaotic home life. When Trey's no-good father shows up after several years away, he upends the town with his appearance and the strange Englishman he brings with him who claims he knows where to find gold on their lands. Stirred up by a relentless heat, Johnny's schemes take over the village, bringing Trey right along with him.

French perfectly captures a restless village on edge due to a heat wave and lack of rain, the wild uneasiness pulsing across the farmers and local townspeople: their boredom, their wariness, and their fear lurking just below the surface. Johnny and his friend play upon these fears--and this boredom--while spinning tales of wealth and riches.

And this is a village where the people have their own code, their own rules--some spoken, some not--they make their own decisions and can easily take matters into their own hands. Is Trey at risk, Cal worries, just by being associated with Johnny?

It's as if we are there, in the Irish countryside, with our characters, as French's beautiful, precise writing drops us right next to the sheep grazing outside Cal's window or on the winding mountain trail leading to Trey's dilapidated, crowded home. The remote atmosphere is its own character, with the role of a small town and its code playing a strong role in the story.

French weaves her story slowly. This is a character-driven novel, not one built on twists and wild action. Luckily, the characters are beautifully drawn and wonderfully complex. The give and take between Cal and Trey is masterful, as the teen struggles with trusting her mentor, feelings for her absent father, and emotions toward a town that could care less for the Reddy family. French explores how much we sacrifice for those we love, especially as Cal and Lena are caught up in things they'd normally ignore due to their affection for Trey.

This is a gorgeous mystery with complex characters and writing that drops you right into the atmospheric setting. 4.5+ stars.


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I'd rather ride around with you: EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THAT SONG.

Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A gorgeous, authentic story of country music and finding yourself

I really enjoyed this one. I am a sucker for stories involving country music, but when you add the lesbian romance angle, it's even better. Darren Purchase is seventeen and has loved country music singer Decklee Cassel her entire life. She's crushed when Decklee dies. Decklee's long-awaited time capsule should be revealed at her televised funeral, but instead, it's empty. Soon, she's putting her fans through a series of scavenger-hunt-style clues to track down the capsule and its associated $3M prize. Darren, an aspiring journalist, knows she has a shot at finding the capsule, so she teams up with her co-worker, Kendall, to track it down.

The story alternates between Darren and Kendall searching and following time capsule clues and Decklee Cassel and her journey to fame. Both timelines are captivating, though it's really hard not to be completely pulled in by our enigmatic country star, Decklee. Tracing her path to fame, Decklee's portions cover her friendship and eventual relationship with her songwriter, Mickenlee Hooper. Decklee is a deeply flawed character, mowing over anyone who gets in the way of her path to stardom. This includes a relationship with a woman in the 1970s and 1980s as a country star, and the book does a strong job of exploring the difficulty of two women being together in such a time.

Darren's story parallels Decklee, as she follows time capsule clues that align with Decklee's career. Both Darren and Decklee are from the small town of Mayberry, Arkansas, and Darren clings to the idea that if Decklee got out, so can she. Darren's so focused on getting out of Mayberry that she hasn't taken the time to see what it offers, including a friendship (or more) with Kendall, or the bonuses that small town life offers. She wants to win the money to go to journalism school and help her mom, who has battled cancer.

There's nothing conventional about this book, including its ending, and that's a huge compliment. Decklee and Darren are strongly characterized and individualistic, and Mickenlee is just as nuanced too. Decklee and Mickenlee's story is entrancing, and Kendall and Darren's burgeoning romance is adorable. This is a wonderful story for anyone who loves coming-of-age tales, queer romance, or country music. 4.5 stars.

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


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Playing your story in fits and starts: THE WITCH ELM.

The Witch Elm by Tana French

My rating: 3,5 of 5 stars


Life has always been pretty easy for Toby--school, girls, job, etc. All that changes in an instant, however, after a night out with his two best friends. Upon arriving home, Toby surprises two burglars in his home. They beat him horribly, leaving him with terrible injuries that may impact his life forever. Unable to go back to work, Toby reluctantly heads to the Ivy House, his family home, where he spent many happy summers with his cousins. His Uncle Hugo is ill--with irreparable brain cancer--and Toby agrees to help care for him in his last few months. Then Toby's nephew discovers a skull in the backyard of Ivy House and everything changes again. Toby begins questioning everything he remembered about his happy childhood--and his own guilt and innocence.

This is the first "stand-alone" for Tana French, versus her group of loosely connected police procedural novels. For some reason, it wasn't quite what I was expecting, and I found myself sort of missing the detective side of things. As this is a typical Tana French novel, there are a lot of thoughts and feelings, with Toby explaining (a lot) about how he feels, how things affect him, etc. It's always something you just have to be prepared for and used to with her books. She's a wonderful writer, and the novel's setting unfolds so easily around you.

Of course, it also means that things can happen fairly slowly. The discovery of the skull, for instance, while heralded in the novel's description, doesn't happen until around 200 pages in. Those first 200 pages can be a bit slow. Things do pick up when they find the skull, but there is definitely a lot of character-driven angst that accompanied the mystery of what happened in the backyard of the Ivy House, and sometimes it was a bit much for me.

Toby has to grow on you, and the book is Toby central, with everything coming in from him and all his many ramblings. The other characters are a bit hard to like (with the exception, perhaps, of poor Hugo), which doesn't make things any easier. A lot of bickering unlikable relatives can only take you so far.

Still, I was intrigued as to what had gone down in the backyard to lead to a skull landing in a tree, and I cannot argue that French is just a lovely writer, who can weave a beautiful scene. This was an interesting novel and compelling at times, but it was a bit long, and it took me a over a week to finish, which is certainly longer than usual in my typical reading span. I never really felt excited to read it, though I often enjoyed it once I picked it up, if that makes any sense. It's probably a 4-star read in terms of writing prowess, but because I rate based on my enjoyment of the book, it gets 3.5 stars from me. I'll still be back to read whatever Tana French writes, of course.

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Smile when I call your name: ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


Eleanor Oliphant leads a simple, albeit lonely, life. Up in the morning, head to work, and heads down at the office (with a solo break for lunch and the crossword). She spends her evenings and weekends alone--typically with a book, the TV, and a lot vodka. Every Wednesday evening, she speaks on the phone with her mother (Mummy)-- always a painful conversation as her mother is judgemental and exacting. Then one day, Eleanor and Raymond, the slightly oafish IT guy from her office, save the elderly Sammy, who has fallen on the sidewalk. The act turns out to change Eleanor's life--bringing her into Sammy's life and that of his boisterous family--and involving her more with Raymond, as well. Suddenly, it's almost as if Eleanor and Raymond are friends and Eleanor isn't completely lonely anymore. But can her friendship with Raymond erase the sadness in her life?

This book, oh this book. Wow, what a journey. I'm so very glad I finally picked it up. Where do I even begin? First of all, Honeyman captures the voice of Eleanor perfectly. I was honestly a bit surprised when I started this one. I'd been expecting a slightly quirky character (a la the lead in THE ROSIE PROJECT), but there's far more depth and darkness to Eleanor (and her tale) than I imagined. It took me a little longer to get into the story, but once I was: wow. You can visualize Eleanor and her supporting cast so clearly. Raymond comes across effortlessly too. The plot is striking-- an amazing combination of heartbreaking and tender. My heart truly broke for dear Eleanor at times.

I was intrigued by the fact that there's no real huge story, per se, to this novel--it's just Eleanor finding her way in the world. As mentioned, Eleanor and Raymond assist Sammy, and this jolts Eleanor out of her life built around routine and sameness. Forced to come out of her shell, she suddenly sees some things in a new light--her appearance, her job, her friendships (or lack thereof), her apartment, and more. The way Honeyman presents the world--through Eleanor's eyes--is uncanny. I cannot describe how well she captures her diction and how aghast Eleanor is sometimes by the world around her (dirty books from the library, people who waste her time with conversation, the food people eat and how they eat, etc.).

At the same time, you realize how much Eleanor is formed by her childhood, or lack thereof, and it's just... striking. How Honeyman gets this all across in words is amazing. The unexpected darkness and sadness that comes across in the novel and the added layer of suspense she casts as we ponder Eleanor's tragic childhood: it's chilling. The entire book is mesmerizing and beautiful.

That's not to say the book isn't funny or enjoyable, too. Eleanor is her own person, and she's witty and true to her self, for sure. You will find yourself rooting for her personality quirks (of which there are many) and all. If Eleanor's attempts to understand the world don't tug at your heartstrings, I'm not sure anything will (and I'm pretty tough nut to crack when reading, mind you). I was worried that perhaps the moral would be that Eleanor would have to change herself to find happiness, but no, I don't think that was Honeyman's ultimate intent, even if Eleanor does make some "improvements" along the way. (I won't say more for risk of spoilers.) Also, I loved Raymond, as well; his mother; Glen (!!!!); and so many other parts of the story that made me smile. Seriously, even with its sad parts, this book just makes you happy.

Ultimately, this is lovely book, with beautiful, well-written characters. The tale of Eleanor Oliphant will stay with me for a long time, and I'm so glad I finally decided to read this book. Honeyman is an excellent writer, her depiction of Eleanor is gorgeous and heart-rendering and the few flaws I found with this were so minor, as I was left just awed by the end. One of my favorites so far this year. 4.5 stars.

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There's a gem waiting in the junkyard: ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Once and for All by Sarah Dessen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Louna is the daughter of a single mother, Natalie Barrett. Natalie runs a famous wedding planning business with her friend William. Together--often with Louna's help--they help frantic brides have the perfect day. But Louna, Natalie, and William are a cynical trio: so much that they even take bets on the success of each wedding after every affair is over and they're cleaning up. Louna has another reason to be cynical: she met her true love the previous summer, but it ended tragically. After graduating high school, she's just trying to get through her last summer and head off to college. Standing in her way: charming Ambrose, the brother of one of her mother's clients. Natalie takes on Ambrose as an employee to appease her client, so Louna is stuck with cheery, serial-dater Ambrose. But the more time she spends with him, the less he starts to bother her...

I was surprisingly charmed by this novel. It's predictable, but in a good way. You know what you get with a Dessen novel, and this book came along at a good time for me. It's more serious than expected (I won't spoil that plot twist for you) but also breezy and sweet at times. Louna is a likeable heroine--flawed, complicated, real. The supporting cast of characters is humorous and realistic: Louna's best friend Jilly, whose parents have a food truck business and saddle Jilly with her many younger siblings; William, with his bride-whisperer tendencies; Natalie, and her rigid obsession with her business; and girl-crazy Ambrose, who verges on stereotype, but manages not to. The book also gives you a fun look into the wedding business, which is sort of enjoyable and lets you see how most of our characters deal with stress.

Overall, this is an engaging novel, with serious undertones. It's a quick read, powered by an enjoyable cast of characters. While there are some dark moments that may surprise you, the romance probably won't. But there's nothing necessarily wrong with that sometimes. :)

My review of Dessen's novel SAINT ANYTHING can be found here.



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God forbid if word got out about your house of cards.

The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Lee's latest novel intricately details the lives of three American women living in the expatriate community in Hong Kong. Margaret, who moved to Hong Kong with her husband and three children, is dealing with a horrible loss and how it has affected her entire being. Hilary, wealthy and married, is adrift in life - struggling to have a baby and floundering in her marriage. And Mercy, the youngest, is a Korean American trying to recover from her own recent horrors and figure out where she belongs. Their lives and stories are linked in small and large ways, as they each traverse the difficulties of life and the consequences of their actions.

It sounds trite - the linked stories of three women, but the book is nearly magical. The chapters are compelling and amazing: you truly feel as if you are there, with the characters, getting completely caught up in their lives and stories. It's one of those books where not a lot happens, yet in some ways, everything happens, and it's mesmerizing somehow. Lee has a unique voice for each character and they each become clearer and defined as the book goes on; they are so themselves that you can't ever imagine not knowing them, or how they would react to a given situation. Much of what happens is sad- in fact, there were times where I felt like my heart was physically hurting reading - but there is much redemption in the book as well. I truly found parts of it to be beautiful.

The ending, which I felt like could have been too easy, or conversely, easily ruined, felt perfect somehow. My only complaint with this book? That it ended. After I finished it, I found myself standing at the sink later that evening, washing some dishes, and thinking, "oh at least I get to read my book later tonight" and then feeling nothing but profound disappointment that the book was over, and I was done being a part of these characters' lives. Lovely, poignant book - highly recommend.

I must note that I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley (thanks!), though I wasn't approved until after it was published. The good news for you is that this novel is available now (as of 1/12/16) in all the various publication forms.



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