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!