9.21.2026 - Love You More

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest romance by Emily Giffin.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Billy and Mick were high school sweethearts in Wisconsin until their paths took them different places after graduation.  Ten years later, Billy is a doctor in NYC, engaged to another doctor, when a call from Billy changes everything.  Billy heads back to Wisconsin and is faced with all she left behind, and a decision about where she wants to go in the future.

I always enjoy Emily Giffin's books and this was an easy read.  Without giving away any spoilers, some of the characters' emotions did seem a bit flat and unrealistic in their reactions.  But I still happily sat with this story until I was finished, anxious to know just what Billy would do.  I liked how the story went back in time to learn of Billy and Mack's relationship story.  Plus, Giffin incorporated characters with Down Syndrome and dementia very compassionately and realistically.  Always looking forward to her next book!

9.21.2026 - Call Off the Dark

Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow and HarperAudio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the debut novel by Hallie Shepherd, with the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Brittany Pressley.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Helen marries Wade just months after meeting him, when she was still in the throes of grief for her husband, Tyler, who was killed in a home invasion.  Wade takes her to his farmhouse in rural Washington where he lives off-grid.  She tries to do the trad-wife life that Wade expects, but she can't sleep and is obsessed with poems about death.  Then a stranger shows up at their door, Isaac, who claims to be Wade's brother.  But Wade insists that Isaac is dead.  Helen isn't sure who or what to believe.

This was a slow-burn psychological thriller, with the tension ramping up throughout.  From the creepy setting, to Wade's controlling nature, to the strange animal behavior, just like Helen, I wasn't sure what was real.  I liked the way the story spooled out, going back in time to learn about Helen's past with Tyler.  A story centered on grief and longing, all wrapped up in a horror-like thriller, this was such a strong debut that left me thinking after I finished.  I listened to the audiobook and would highly recommend that format because of the fabulous narration work by Pressley.  Looking forward to more from this author!

9.20.2026 - It's Not What You Think

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Clare Mackintosh.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Nadeeka is certain Jamie is having an affair. She knows the tell-tale signs. She's been here before.  When Jamie claims to be at work late, she knows he's lying. He's with another woman, and she's determined to catch him in the act.  But when Nadeeka arrives home to confront him, Jamie can't explain himself. The house has become a crime scene…Jamie is dead.

This book just happens to be dedicated to me...For everyone who tells me that I Let You Go is your favorite book.  Mackintosh's debut book is always the book I recommend for a jaw-dropping twist.  Now I have this one to recommend as well!  Go into this one as blind as possible, knowing that nothing will be what you think.  What you will find is a timely, twisty crime/police procedural  with two strong women characters, told from different POV.  I sailed through this one, with my mouth gaping half the time.  Mackintosh always delivers but this one could be my new favorite!  Highly recommended - don't miss it!

9.19.2026 - The Little Monk and the Significance of Silence

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Morehouse Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this quiet, meditative book by Zacharias Heyes.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

I have sat with this book for a long time, reading it slowly, trying to absorb and integrate some of these thoughts into my life.  It's a beautifully illustrated story of a curious monk who sets out on a journey to understand the silence within the Benedictine tradition.  Along the way, there is much for all of us to learn and think about.  There are quotes, questions, and exercises for us to begin to value silence in a world that is anything but.  I'll be continuing to learn from this.

9.19.2026 - Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of this dark comedy book by Jennifer Holdich.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Daisy spends her days trying to figure out how to escape her abusive marriage to her controlling husband, James.  On the night before she plans to leave, they attend a local fundraiser and on the way home, Daisy accidentally strikes a pedestrian.  James insists they take the man home and hide the body.  Things get even worse from there.

I love a good dark comedy book, and this one had that in spades.  Daisy is such a fun character, even when she makes crazy decisions.  I love how she fights back with James in small but powerful ways.  Their housekeeper, Mrs. Billings, is a hoot too.  She's a kleptomaniac and Daisy leaves things out for her to steal.  This is very much a cat-and-mouse game as both Daisy and James grapple with the police and press.  A very entertaining read!

9.18.2026 - Falling for Peachtree Bluff

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest in the Peachtree Bluff series by Kristy Woodson Harvey.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Sisters Caroline, Sloane and Emerson seem settled in their lives, but nothing is quite as simple as it seems.  Caroline's almost ex-husband wants a second chance; meanwhile, she's besotted with Emerson's handsome younger costar.  Matriarch Ansley and her husband, Jack, are so happy, but is Jack keeping secrets?

How have I missed this series?  I'm sure it is even better if you started at the beginning, but I'm proof that you can read and enjoy this one as a standalone.  I loved the southern atmosphere, with family always at the forefront.  Plus, these are strong women characters and they certainly have their sisters' backs no matter what drama ensues.  I was thoroughly invested in these characters and their relationships - I'll definitely be reading the rest in this series and hoping for more!

9.17.2026 - Queenie is Working on It

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press for gifting me the sequel to Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

Queenie is now 33, the editorial director for a media network promoting the voices of Black women.  A research appointment goes wrong and shows that her fertility may be compromised, even while she's not sure she even wants kids.  Everyone around her seems to have found their person and can start a family with ease, and Queenie feels out of sorts and that time is running out on all parts of her life.

It was fun reconnecting with Queenie, although in some ways she hasn't changed too much - like the title says, she's working on it.  I loved the family connection here because even when they can drive us crazy, they will want the best for us.  And sometimes, we just need to get out of the way.  

9.17.2026 - Hollow Bones

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by one of my all-time favorites, Jodi Picoult.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

I anxiously await a new book from Jodi Picoult and this one is amazing.  As always, she completely researches her topics and gives the reader multiple viewpoints to make you think about both sides of an issue.  This one is best gone into blind, without any risk of spoilers, but know that it is ripped from the headlines in more ways than one.  I loved seeing Jesse from My Sister's Keeper all grown up (and there are spoilers embedded in this book in case you haven't read that one).  Be sure and read the author's note at the end for more insight into how this book was born.  This is an emotional, important read and I highly recommend it!

9.16.2026 - Never Say Die

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this moving memoir by Ke Huy Quan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Ke Huy Quan was a Vietnamese refugee who found himself a child actor in iconic 1980s movies - The Temple of Doom and The Goonies.  This is his story and it's so well-written and honest that it was hard to put down.  You would think that life would be smooth sailing, but roles dried up and it was decades later before he stepped back on camera to star in a film that would win him multiple awards, including an Oscar.  It's a story of believing in your dreams and doing whatever it takes, of resilience, and having people around you that will always be on your side.

9.15.2026 - Our Noble Selves

Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Kate Atkinson.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

It's post-war 1951 in Britain, and the government decides to put on The Festival of Britain to celebrate the country.  War reporter Harry Flynn needs a job and he joins a team of misfits getting the festival ready.  When one of Flynn's dates goes missing and he is determined to be the lat person to have seen her alive, he wonders if he could have somehow been responsible, since he can't quite remember the night.  In the midst of all the chaos, his ex-wife drops off Veronica, his 13-year-old stepdaughter and her dog, Mrs. Betty.  Let the fun begin.

I loved the humor amidst everything going on in this book, and it was a twisty tale filled with such intriguing characters.  It's a fascinating look at a piece of history I certainly knew nothing about, as well as the characters' recollections of their war experiences.  It's also a nod to class differences, and "boy" is a prime example of that theme.  Veronica was such a good character - strong, feisty, determined.  A great read!

9.15.2026 - I Am the Monster Under the Bed

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this debut thriller by Emily Zinnikas with the audio narration by Jenn Lee.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Willa always had a monster under the bed, one that taught her to read and was there for her.  Until the one night that a group of teens went into the woods behind her house, and Willa was the only survivor.  Years later, Willa comes back to town to attend the funeral of her mentor and teacher.  Staying in her old home, she hears noises from the basement and feels called back into the woods.  

What a strong debut - I loved the creepy feel to it with monsters under the bed and noises from the basement.  Willa is a strong character whose life has been changed by the tragedy when she was a teen, and the townspeople's opinions of her.  This book has the perfect combination of mystery, tension, supernatural vibes, and small town gossips and it kept me glued to the pages.  The audiobook production and narration was wonderful too, just amping up the creep factor.  Can't wait to read more from this author! 

9.15.2026 - One Split Second

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Thomas and Mercer, and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book in the Tracy Crosswhite series by Robert Dugoni, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Emily Sutton-Smith.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Detective Tracy Crosswhite is determined to help an old friend, Sheriff Jenny Almond, who has been charged with murder for shooting an unarmed veteran.  Tracy's husband, Dan, has stepped up to defend Jenny in court.  Meanwhile, Tracy's investigation draws her back to a cold case of a missing teenager that still haunts the community.  Could these two crimes be connected?

One of my absolute favorite series by a favorite writer, it's so nice to just slide back into this world with its familiar characters and see what's happening.  This book is the perfect combination of legal thriller, police procedural, and mystery.  It shows how a crime can have such long-reaching effects on a community and its residents.   It will work well as a stand alone, but getting to follow along with these characters has been a privilege, so I would highly recommend starting at the beginning!  I mostly listened to this one and the narration and production were top notch as well.  I'm here anxiously awaiting for more.

9.14.2026 - Dead Happy

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book by Nick Spalding, with a cast narration of Maxim Reston, Eilidh Beaton, and Simon Mattacks.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Alex believes that taking risks adds to life, even though his daughter, Hannah, is concerned about him.  He's also determined to show Hannah that she needs to take risks too.  But then Alex takes things too far and the past comes to the surface.

The first part of this book was funny, but it did get a bit repetitive, with Alex taking more and more crazy risks.  But a shift in the story gives it a whole different feel.  It's a moving story about family, guilt, and trying to move forward.  Always look forward to this author's next book!

9.14.2026 - Something of a Calling

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book by Zoje Stage, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Jenn Lee.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Detective Andy Cooper is days away from retirement, not quite sure what her plans are after that.  After losing her daughter and getting divorced, her job is all she has.  Then bodies begin to turn up.  Murdered, but not by any obvious means.  A chance encounter with a stranger in town leads to an unexpected friendship, even though the two women are very different.  But Fiona has a secret too.

I listened to the audiobook for this one, and the narrator's voice was perfect for this story.  This one will make you think about our world in a very different way.  It's horror light, more quiet and thoughtful.  Always anxious to read anything from this author!

9.14.2026 - The Me I Used to Be

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing | Lake Union Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a favorite, Kristan Higgins.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

In high school, Audrey, Micah, Jasmine and Beck were known as the Core Four, and they promised to be best friends forever. But the night after graduation, they’re in a devastating accident, and the friendship that seemed unbreakable is shattered.  Twenty-five years later, the four women agree to reunite for their high school reunion. None of them is where they hoped to be way back when, and all have scars and secrets. 

I'm not a crier, so when a book has me in ugly sobs, it's an automatic 5 star for me.  But because it's a Kristan Higgins book, there is plenty of humor and lightness to counteract the hard parts.  Told from the POV of the four friends in different timelines, we learn what happened to break up their friendship and what life was like for them afterwards.  This would be a great book club pick as well, with themes of friendship, parenthood, forgiveness, and making peace with the past.  Fabulous - highly recommended!

9.13.2026 - The Wonder of One

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Lake Union Publishing, and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by Suzanne Redfearn, with the audio wonderfully narrated by Natalie Naudus and JD Jackson.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Vivien Kendall was born with a birthmark covering much of her face, and has been the target of much bullying and mistreatment, even by her own mother.  Thankfully, she was shown love from her Somalian nanny and her early teacher.  A chance encounter with an ice skating coach sets her dreams to skate in the Olympics.  Along the way, she'll discover the wonder of one - the power within each of us to change things.

This was another inspirational book by Redfearn, and a glorious coming-of-age story.  It's filled with themes of childhood trauma, parental neglect, prejudice, bullying, but also strength and determination, and a found family that will always have your back.  Told in varying timelines and from the POV of both Vivien and the local sheriff, there's also a murder to be solved..  The narration was beautiful although I always startled a bit when the deep voice of Jackson appeared!  A great read.  

9.12.2026 - The Witches of Cambridge

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Alice Hoffman, the first in a new series, and this month's Read with Jenna book club pick.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In 1950's Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ava and Lauren meet at Radcliffe College.  Both are recruited to join the Lilith Society, a secret organization of witches dating back to colonial times.  As they learn more about their legacy, they form a close bond that will be put to the test.  They also realize that the witch trials of the past may not be as deeply buried as they once believed.

Alice Hoffman is the master of creating magical worlds where witches move among us, and I always look forward to immersing myself in her latest work.   This book certainly explores witches, but also the dark side of academia, friendship, love, and those outside the societal norms.  It's also a strong nod to strong female friendships, even as they ebb and flow.  Plus there are crows that just add to the atmospheric feel of this novel.  I'm excited that this is the start of a new series, and will be anxiously awaiting the next chapter.

9.11.2026 - Lump

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Allison Sweet Grant.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

It would be a rare person today who hasn't been touched by cancer, either personally or through someone they love.  Allison Sweet Grant was not even 40, married with 3 children, when diagnosed with breast cancer.  Writing was her means of processing, and she has done a huge service to all the rest of us.  I'm not typically one who seeks out poems but Sweet Grant is now added to my list of poets that I won't miss whatever they write, like Josie Balka and  Maggie Smith.  Just like with their books, I will be buying Lump for myself and to give to others.  It's beautiful, heartbreaking, full of strength and compassion.  Absolutely a must read for all of us.

9.10.2026 - We Already Dug the Grave

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Emma C. Wells.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

The Robinson women have a reputation - those of them that have the sight at least.  Milly did, but since an incident in a Tennessee meadow a decade ago, she stays away from reading tea leaves.  That incident also left her estranged from the rest of her family - her aunts and her sister, Francis.  But then Francis shows up on her doorstep, begging for Milly's help escaping her husband.  They'll both have to go back home, where all their secrets are buried.

This had such a good, southern Gothic feel to it and you can't help but get pulled into the story.  The relationships between the Robinson women is fascinating - they will go to the ends of the earth to protect each other, even if that means leaving each other alone.  There are supernatural elements passed down in the family, adding even another creepy feel to this story.  Told from the two timelines of Then and Now, I was quite surprised at the way things turned out.  This book is a perfect start to the spooky reading season.

9.10.2026 - I've Got a New Complaint

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Little A for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this collection of essays by Laurie Notaro, with the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Hillary Huber. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Anyone over the age of 50 will be able to relate to these essays and won't be able to not see themselves in its stories. As I'm well beyond 50, I found myself relating both to Laurie and even to her parents! I think the best way to approach aging is to laugh, because otherwise old age is going to be awfully depressing. I actually listened to this one on audiobook in one sitting. A new to me author and one that I'll be checking out her backlist! Narration by Hillary Huber fabulous as always!

9.10.2026 - Until She Dies

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing | Montlake for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a favorite, Kendra Elliot.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

A search dog locates a mass burial ground deep in the Oregon forest.  Detective Noelle Marshall is tasked with the hunt for a serial killer and FBI Agent Max Rhodes is also brought onto the case.  The two are partners in life as well, and this case is getting personal quickly.

I'm a huge fan of Elliot's books and this series, and love how so many characters are intertwined between series.  Plus, they are all such good police procedurals, really giving you a peek into the hard work that detectives do to solve crimes.  This one shows how much time is put into tips received from the public, most of which are bogus but none can be discounted.  Until She Dies is a gripping thriller, with multiple victims, and I had no clue where it was all going.  Could you read it as a stand alone?  Absolutely, but I love watching these characters' relationships grow.   Best news?  There are going to be 3 more books in this series - bring 'em on!

9.9.2026 - Switzy

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Emma Cline.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

A private plane flies through the night.  David, a retired executive, is accompanied by his assistant, Cody, as they make their way to Zurich, with a few planned stops along the way.  David's world, once so powerful and knowable, is anything but now, although he can't always remember that.  What's left when the remembering is gone?

Emma Cline is a genius.  How did she inhabit David so perfectly?  Written in third person, the reader is privy to all his thoughts and wanderings.  Just like real life where you just gotta laugh lest you cry, this book will make you do both.  The writing is perfection, the story heartbreaking, and it will all make you think.  This book hit me on such a visceral level.  First, as an older person who knows that things don’t matter but who still hangs on to all this stuff, both physically and mentally.  Then, as a daughter who held her mom’s hand for years through her battle with Alzheimer’s.  Bravo.  Don't miss this one.

9.8.2026 - Ash and Honor

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this fascinating book by Jeffrey Robinson.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

We all know the story of 9/11, and as we reach the 25th anniversary of that horrible day, this book is a must read because, trust me, you don't know these stories about that day.  I don't think I've ever read a book written in this style - without affixing time stamps, we get an almost minute-by-minute peek into the behind-the-scenes events of that day from a multitude of sources in an almost stream of consciousness style.  This book is not about survivor or victim stories (although there is one of those stories) and it doesn't go into excruciating detail about the terrorist act itself.  It delves into the people behind making those crucial tactical decisions in so many areas when they have little to no information or time to plan, think, or coordinate.  You'll learn details about how the government and other countries responded in the first 6 hours of this crisis.  It's always easy to play Monday morning quarterback and second guess decisions and actions, but this book puts you in the mindset of the chaos.  Fascinating read to mark this anniversary.

9.8.2026 - Saving Noah

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this re-released book by Lucinda Berry.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Noah is the teenager everyone admires - an honor student, champion swimmer, just a nice boy.  Until he confesses to sexually abusing young girls during swim practice.  Everything changes in an instant and his family implodes.  His mother shoulders the pain of trying to save her son but losing everything else in the process.

I read this book years ago and I'm so glad it is being re-released.  It touches on such an important and relevant topic, and brings it up close and personal.  Where is the line between what you will do for your child?  Do you try and save your child or your marriage?  I am a huge fan of Lucinda Berry and she handles this difficult and sensitive subject in such a way that you really do feel completely invested in the characters.  It's emotionally draining but you won't be able to put it down.  

9.6.2026 - The Three Graces of Pearl Street

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Elizabeth Wellington Rollins.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Named after a famous Italian statue, three generations of Graziella's are once again living under the same roof.  Graziella, the 96-year-old former nun and matriarch of the family, spends her days running the church food kitchen.  Her daughter, Grace, is a psychology professor whose personal life seems to be falling apart.  Granddaughter Ella, is floundering after her time at MIT.  The three women have to learn how to repair their relationships and be able to move forward.

What an amazing debut - I was always so anxious to get back to reading this book.  Told from the POVs of each of the three Graces, this book is filled with love, food, and lots of secrets.  The elder Graziella is such an amazing, inspirational character, but all three women are strong in their own ways.  They just have to figure themselves out.  I loved the faith aspects, the respect these women had for their roots, and the deep sense of family and community woven between them.  I laughed, I cried, I didn't want it to end.  An absolute must read!

9.5.2026 - Fallow

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the debut novel by Sarah Anderson, narrated wonderfully by Natalie Naudus.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Natalie is sick of her job at a workplace harassment call center.  She really doesn't want to work at all, but the pain in her jaw tells her she needs dental insurance.  While selling plasma for money, a flyer leads her to The Company and the offer to become their pilot in-house surrogate, very generously compensated.  Everything goes along smoothly, until it doesn't.

What an intriguing concept and one that doesn't feel too far off in the future.  Natalie is a fascinating character - in the beginning, you see how she's lazy, motivated by money and security.  As time goes on, we see her change a bit, which of course causes issues for the powers that be.  It's hard to review this one without saying too much, but I think this book will incite the same feelings that Yesteryear did, as they both explore motherhood, feminism, and the choices women have to make.  Fallow is humorous, touching, and would make an excellent book club pick. Bravo for such a wonderful debut - can't wait for more from this author!  The audiobook narration was wonderful and made the book that much better.

 

9.3.2026 - Under Story

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by Chloe Benjamin.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Laurel Salter, a biologist working as a dishwasher at an isolated research base in Antarctica. When a mysterious light called the Arc appears, it draws a team of physicists—including her estranged ex-husband, Eli—prompting them to explore whether they can turn back time and restart their lives.

This is an ambitious novel centering around love, guilt, loss and just what we would do to have a chance to turn back time to prevent loss.  I thought the first part of the book, taking place in Antarctica was especially fascinating.  Once the book progresses to the time portal and discovery of an anti-verse, I'll admit that sometimes I found my brain spinning because I'm not always great with stories of time travel.  This one bounces around time a bit, but I loved the beautiful writing, the themes behind the travel, the mourning of the persons we were or could have been.  I'm still thinking about this one, which marks the sign of a good book in my mind.

9.2.2026 - Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You are So Old and Wise

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this short essay book by Katerine Rundell.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

How could you not love a book that celebrates how important children's books are no matter how old you are?  Plus, it celebrates libraries, which can't get enough love.  I adored the history of some of the popular fairy tales - I hadn't heard of many of the versions.  Just lovely to spend a little time with an important subject.

9.2.2026 - The Truth About Ruby Cooper

 

Many thanks to NetGallery and Simon & Schuster | Gallery Books | Scout Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Liz Nugent.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Ruby and her older sister, Erin, live a comfortable life in their Boston home with their pastor father and Irish mother, until "the incident."  Afterwards, the family is never the same.  

Go into this one as blind as possible, knowing that you are going to be reading an uncomfortable book, but one that will grip you until that last line.  The story alternates between Erin and Ruby's perspectives over two decades, highlighting how their lives diverged.  I'm a big fan of Liz Nugent but do I dare say that this is my favorite of her books?  I would gush more but I don't want to give even a hint of a spoiler.  Just know that this is a must read book and very highly recommended!

9.1.2026 - Paper Ghosts

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book by Sarah Addison Allen, with the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Marin Ireland.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

For decades, the women of Wester House have been the source of talk in their small North Carolina town.  Told in two timelines, we first meet Willamena in 1976, when she's desperate to escape the Wester legacy and have some freedom.  In the present day, her granddaughter, Bailey, returns to Wester House.  As she reconnects with Wills, she begins to understand the choices that shaped the women in her family.

I love generational books and was equally fascinated with both timelines.  It's both a coming-of-age story and one of generational trauma, as Wills repeats the pattern of isolation impressed on her.  I really liked the magical realism part of this story, and the those that haunt us for various reasons. Between that and the small-town isolation, you could feel the past settling over the characters.   Marin Ireland's narration just added to that gothic atmospheric tone.  Wonderful!